This post is dedicated to our oldest son, Kyle, our daughter-in-law, Jamie and our other daughter-in-law, Sarah…Happy Birthday all!  It’s like Christmas in September for our family {September 1, 2, and 4}. ♥

What is it about old things for some of us?

Is it the history and/or story we conjure up in our imaginations?  As far back as I can remember I have always liked vintage items.  Sometimes the piece is something not made any more and that extra bit of rust feels like well-earned signs of survival to me.

I don’t have one of these (above) anymore, but I hear there is a resurgence of their use and as a result there are shops that service them.  The older ones are popular when used as display, the lovely black keys and upright design is classic.

I confess, I love the ease of using a computer to compose letters or documents, but the appeal of an old typewriter stays with me.

We were given some old binoculars when my father-in-law passed away.  He always maintained all of his essentials.  The black leather binocular case is in excellent shape and the glasses themselves still work well.  Yes, there are cool, high powered, compact and slick versions on the market, but there is something so dear to me about reusing something a family member treasured.

The small opera glasses, a gift from a friend of my mother’s, next to my father-in-laws case, are also treasured for their vintage look and the aging brass and black detailing.

Cameras, don’t get me started, digital is way better.  That said, the 8mm movie camera used to document my childhood vacations and birthdays still conjures up lovely memories. Our oldest son keeps that camera on display in his office.  *At this point, I’d like to point out how fortunate I feel by the fact that both of our sons and both daughters-in-law, have an abiding appreciation for antiques and family treasures.

You have to admit, while way too bulky for today’s streamlined style, some of the old cameras are so fascinating, with their extra dials, cranks and lenses.

So, to wrap up my wanderings down memory lane, I come to music.  An essential to me.  Does anyone remember this?

I loved my Sony Walkman.  Now I use this, in fact this is an all-in-one essential for many of us.

I try to look forward, after all, that is the direction I’m headed, but I confess, sometimes it’s fun to stop and remember some of the past essentials, don’t you agree?

Do you have an essential you wish they still manufactured?

Perfect timing for my topic…Leslie over at Around the Table is offering a giveaway of a special candle made by a company called Glassybaby.  (Candles are so classic and even though I wouldn’t give up electricity, there is a special light given off by candles)  Drop by Around the Table and enter to win.  You’ll love Leslie’s site, it always inspires me and she takes us on some of the best tours of Washington state.

I’m joining RJ over at Art@Home for her Happy Party and Savvy Southern Style for her Wow us Wednesdays with this post.  Stop by for a visit.

Image sources: 1. tumblr 2/9,10. tumblr 3-5; 11, 12. tumblr 6. Bethany House/foyer 7. Beach Chic via Design Chic 8. tumblr 13. tumblr 14. tumblr 15. Patrick Ahearn Architect

As most of you know, summer isn’t my favorite season, it’s not even my second favorite.  I’ve been fortunate this summer to experience cooler than usual summer weather for the most part and for that I am thankful.  Typically, by the end of August I’m over sleeveless blouses and capri pants, and ready for a light weight sweater, jeans and even boots!  So to avoid whining through most of September, when a hot, windy Santa Ana is blowing through, I’m taking a vacation.  I’ll see you September 25 with my focus on AUTUMN…one of my favorite seasons. Back-to-school, the occasional crisp day, a casserole in the oven and maybe a fire in the fireplace, if I’m lucky.

Karen