If you’re hopping with me down the bunny trail of my thoughts that started here,then, before I commence with Part Two…

Remember the list of the three things that I learned before the first grade? Well, I’m particularly pleased about the reading and the writing but; I’m really appreciative of all of it. Even though it’s not an exhaustive list, and setting a table, correctly, probably wasn’t one of the top three things my family believed was critical to know at that age; I did learn, and the skill has served me well.

The point was this…everything that was prioritized by my family became part of my value system, too. I didn’t realize the significance of that, at the time.

Part Two

Even before the craze of bold prints and bright flowers during the 60′s; a similar style was well branded, and eventually, the artist’s work was recognized by her trademark drawing; an abstract ladybug accompanied by her signature.

She was Vera.

Vera Neumann.

Vera’s signature and ladybug appeared, side-by-side on women’s clothing and scarves, on tableware and table linens, on draperies and bedding, and I don’t even know what else.

Every Vera product was printed with designs from her original art. Her creations were known for color, composition, and a style that was unique, happy, and felt free.  

 

Maybe that’s why, during the 1952 restoration of

The White House,

Bess Truman chose Vera’s Jack-in-the-pulpit fabric to

decorate the third floor solarium? 

Who knows?

I do know that, quite likely, my grandmother

purchased the Vera stoneware, that now is mine;

because she read that Bess Truman had.

Quite likely. Really.

The set of stoneware is from the Vera for Mikasa collection and the pattern is Field Flowers.

 I remember Grandmother’s table; perfectly set, with these plates, and the linen napkins to match;

as she prepared to serve her infamous Eggs Benedict for Sunday brunch.

(By the way, it’s a bitter-sweet memory.

I love these plates but I despise Eggs Benedict!)

This is the other set;  the set that my  mom gave to me.

The pattern is called: Fancy Free. It’s by Lenox China and

I know, for sure, why my mom chose this pattern.

It has personal meaning that is connected to the butterfly and 2 Corinthians 5:17

I know, because she told me.

Which brings me back to my story…

As I sorted through my collection of vintage dishes, I found myself with wondering questions about their original owners…

Why did she choose this pattern over all the others? 

Who helped her to choose?

Like my mom, did she choose this pattern because it held personal meaning?

Did she follow someone’s rules of style or did she choose a pattern that  made her feel happy and free?

I wonder if she knew

or,

if it mattered; that her china would be part of a lifetime of memories that

her children or her grandchildren would hold dear?

I wonder if, she made her choice,

with thoughts of  who would inherit them,

in her mind?

Did you?

Do you think that’s silly?