The Things We Leave Behind

 

Our foundation is getting an uplift. This is a polite way of saying that our two hundred year old house is in danger of falling down. Okay, it's not falling down. In fact, the work that is being done now by the brilliant contractor (who is also a member of the zoning board, a drummer in the Ghent marching band and the time keeper for the 1872 Chatham town clock on Main Street.) And yes, Steve Piazza also rebuilds historic homes, such as our humble farm house (Although, I must interject that he recently found bricks from our fireplace that date back to the Dutch settlers of the 1600's. So, there's that.)

So, yes, Steve is not only a builder, an historian, but he's also an archivist. In fact, he researched and tracked down the origins of our 19th century doorbell, located the missing piece and brought the bell back to resounding life. And I mean, resounding because I've never heard such a loud doorbell--but then maybe everyone was a little deaf when the house was built back in the 1820's.

In the meantime, Steve continues uncovering ancient artifacts. The above photograph gives you an idea of the kind of things he's unearthed around La Belle Farm. Pretty, no?

Creative Friends--everyday when you make things--whether you realize it or not, you are making artifacts. You may not know the true value of what you've created in your own lifetime. You may not be around to explain them to someone else. But, know this--what you make with your own hands and mind is of value. Find joy in the making and let time do the work of adding meaning and value. Your job is to focus on the work.

Finally, your creative prompt for this week is to make an artifact and then relax.

Love,

Jamie