Mama's Attic

My mother was a recycler before there was a word for it. There was almost nothing that went to waste in her house and clothing was forever. Unless it was threadbare, then it became a rag. Most clothes retired to the attic. The attic was a treasure chest where anything you might need was waiting.

Mother was a seamstress and she could turn a 1950s dress into a 1970s vest and mini skirt with ease. Fabric from clothes was also transformed into pieces of quilts made for grandchildren. If you needed apparel for a play or a costume it was there. There were coats and dress-up clothes, complete with purses and shoes to match. There was a chest of wedding dresses and prom gowns, luggage, and a plethora of grandmother's elegant hats decorated in lace and netting, ribbons and beads.  I miss that attic.

It was a gold mine for playing - lots of old books to play school with. There were old band and 4-H uniforms, toys, instruments, boxes of school papers, photographs and memorabilia. It let your imagination run wild and mama's creativity bloom. There were cubbies to play house in and so much to make it seem almost real. The attic was a great place to play hide and seek. Each peak of the roof made a great hiding place.

Mama's recycling went beyond the attic to her kitchen as well. We kids laughed about her bread bags and cereal boxes but watched in amazement as she always had whatever you needed. It's no wonder she was a saver; she lived through the depression and experienced many lean years on the farm when there was no buying new. Mama knew the value of her items and treasured them for their usability.

"The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions" (Proverbs 12:27 NIV).