forty things

Yesterday an ancient wooden trunk turned up at my house. This was what I found inside.

Now, you may (or may not) remember that I turned forty a wee while ago. At the time I told my family and friends not to get me anything: I am not one for birthdays, plus at that time we were in the middle of renovating and selling our old flat and buying our new house. There was lots to be getting on with. But my mum ignored my request and, over the past few months, prepared me a trunk full of forty things to celebrate my birthday. Inside the trunk, each thing was wrapped and numbered separately.

How exciting! I cleared my desk and spent an exceptionally jolly afternoon unwrapping all the packages. I found many lovely treasures. . .

A beautiful Meryl Watts print.

A blank book, bound in navy embossed leather, from Liberty’s.

. . . and things precious for other reasons

Castleton Library was one of my Grandad’s favourite hangouts, and was also where I first learnt that singular thrill of choosing a book.

Opening the packages reminded me that there are few people who know you better than your mum. Who else is aware that I am equally fond of jelly molds . . .

. . . chickens

. . . and Spongebob Squarepants?

My mum loves hunting things down on eBay, and I’m sure she really enjoyed herself bagging me some lovely vintage threads. . .

. . . buttons

. . . and this amazing antique tape measure, which is still in perfect nick.

All of these beautiful and useful items have already taken up residence in my new work-pod, along with this:

Now, I have looked at these old Patons & Baldwins bakelite yarn beehives many times myself on Ebay over the past couple of years, but have been unable to justify bidding on one. Now I don’t need to!

I love the old needle gauge on the bottom.

Finally, whoever invented Mint-Aero fudge is a genius.

What a completely amazing gift. Thanks so much, Mum.