One of my favorite little shops in Knoxville is closing.
The best way I know to describe it is that it's somewhere in-between a thrift store and an antique shop. It's in an old rickety white house with a front porch, and inside the rooms filled with goodies. It's got a little of everything, including things I absolutely love and things I wouldn't dream of buying. You can always find a candy bowl with cinnamon or butterscotch candies--of which I always partake. If you see something you like, it's probably best to go ahead and buy it; it probably won't be there when you come back. You can imagine my sadness when I learned they were closing. Mrs. Pat, the owner, told me, "you know, honey, I've been at this 18 years. It's just about time to take a break."
I don't blame her.
She was getting ready to mark everything to 50% off, so my eyes were peeled as I roamed the store. I immediately spotted two rolling pins. Mostly because I love old things, but also because I love baking....these were calling out to me. When she saw that I was interested in them, she started to tell me about how she loves rolling pins, too and has her grandmother's rolling pin at home; that it is one of the most significant things she owns. She told me about her grandmother as we walked and soon there were tears coming out of her eyes. I stopped and listened and thought about how "things" can be so fleeting, but they can also be so meaningful when they are attached to someone or something meaningful.
A few days later we stopped in to say hello and see what goodies were left and Mrs. Pat pulled me aside and said "I've been thinking about our conversation the other day and I want you to have something. I don't care what you do with them....you can use them, or start a collection, or just hang them on your wall. But I want you to have them."
My heart was bursting with gratefulness. Not so much because of the rolling pins, but because of the story that comes with them.
You've never seen a pair of rolling pins so loved as these.
What a sweet sweet story, Briana:) I know you'll hang onto those rolling pins for all your days and then pass them onto just the right person!
ReplyDeleteAs I am catching up on your blog, almost nine months later, I am so blessed by this story!!! What a treasure she gave you!! Please take me to meet her if she is still there. This was one of those "valentines from God" tailor made for you.
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