Nelle's Handpainted Plums

It's become a habit of late. Whenever I'm in the shopping village, I simply have to race over and see the latest items to hit the shelf in the Vinnies locked cabinet. I'm gathering quite a collection of all sorts. This latest piece is a real one-off.  I asked the sales lady if I could view it and I almost put it back, but.....I didn't.

I wonder what your life was like Nelle Packer. I wonder if you are alive. My instincts tell me you are not. I can see how lovingly you handpainted this plate - our very own great Auntie Joan handpainted a strawberry plate for me in the mid-eighties. I treasure it to this day.

Why has someone brought your plate to Vinnies? Why aren't they treasuring your plate like I'm treasuring Auntie Joan's. Maybe someone was, and maybe that someone is no longer with us.

Your plate is making me think Nelle Packer. I'm thinking the kids will have the odd item to remind them of me, but what after they're gone. 'My things' really won't have any meaning to anyone else and so what's the point of clogging the cupboard.  In fifty years time my personal stuff will be either chucked out or sitting on the Vinnies shelf. I wonder if someone will come along and ask the same questions I'm asking of you Nelle.

For today at least your plate graces the corner of the window, where almost all of "Thrumykitchenwindow's" photography takes place. You can stay there Nelle - I'm guessing until I come home with the latest piece from Vinnies. As I work away in my kitchen you are here, revived, a new home and in the limelight.