I love my cheap, turquoise handled, 40's style, cornhusk broom. I remember how my mom's broom was worn into an angle. Mine, after nearly two decades of use, still doesn't angle like that. Mom was a cleaning maniac, our house looked like a showhome it was so clean. I, on the other hand, cannot find it in me to clean so diligently. I have a house full of boys and when they fly the coupe I'll think about a tidy house.
Maybe her broom wore into an angle because my mother put more anger into her sweeping. The broom she used carried the legacy of being her birthday present from her new husband, my dad, the first year they were married. She would tell her 3 daughters how she cried and he would swear that she asked for a broom for her birthday. A good example of why the saying “Be careful what you ask for, you might get it,” is so wise.
This story could be the reason why I would always get angry as a young mother when would I sweep the floor. At that time I couldn't figure out why, but now I think it was one of those karmic issues that get passed on to us from our parents. Luckily, I was able to break the pattern. One day, when I was just about ready to tear out my hair from frustration, I realized I hated the modern, metal handled, plastic bristled, angle broom I was using. Sure it was efficient, but it wasn't me. Its character didn't fit with my personality or even my values. It wasn't witchy at all. I asked myself, “What kind of broom would you be happy using?” Right away I knew I wanted a 40's style corn husk broom. I went to the department store and found a three dollar gem with a turquoise handle, that has lasted me almost 20 years. It made me HAPPY. It still makes me happy after all this time. I LOVE my broom, it is one of those simple things that make our lives enjoyable, yet are hard for us to give ourselves.
I loved my Mom's broom too, but I don't believe she did. On the other hand, she would have loved the ever so efficient angle broom. Funny thing is, my broom is a perfect representaion of everything I want my life to be. Forties style, witchey, natural and, of course, retro kitschy. A friend of mine lives in a cute little house, surrounded by weavings she creates, art she makes and the antiques she collects. Her broom is a handmade brush broom with a stick for a handle and leather strings to hang it up. It would be perfect next to a hearth in New England and it is perfectly suited to her personality and lifestyle. I love the idea that even the simplest object in our lives can reflect our personalities and bring us joy in daily tasks.
I have decided I will begin my mornings with a new ritual. While the birds are singing first thing in the morning, I will sweep my floor with this loved tool. A beautiful ritual to greet the day and remind me how much the simple things in life mean. And maybe my house will get tidy sooner than I expected.
Maybe her broom wore into an angle because my mother put more anger into her sweeping. The broom she used carried the legacy of being her birthday present from her new husband, my dad, the first year they were married. She would tell her 3 daughters how she cried and he would swear that she asked for a broom for her birthday. A good example of why the saying “Be careful what you ask for, you might get it,” is so wise.
This story could be the reason why I would always get angry as a young mother when would I sweep the floor. At that time I couldn't figure out why, but now I think it was one of those karmic issues that get passed on to us from our parents. Luckily, I was able to break the pattern. One day, when I was just about ready to tear out my hair from frustration, I realized I hated the modern, metal handled, plastic bristled, angle broom I was using. Sure it was efficient, but it wasn't me. Its character didn't fit with my personality or even my values. It wasn't witchy at all. I asked myself, “What kind of broom would you be happy using?” Right away I knew I wanted a 40's style corn husk broom. I went to the department store and found a three dollar gem with a turquoise handle, that has lasted me almost 20 years. It made me HAPPY. It still makes me happy after all this time. I LOVE my broom, it is one of those simple things that make our lives enjoyable, yet are hard for us to give ourselves.
I loved my Mom's broom too, but I don't believe she did. On the other hand, she would have loved the ever so efficient angle broom. Funny thing is, my broom is a perfect representaion of everything I want my life to be. Forties style, witchey, natural and, of course, retro kitschy. A friend of mine lives in a cute little house, surrounded by weavings she creates, art she makes and the antiques she collects. Her broom is a handmade brush broom with a stick for a handle and leather strings to hang it up. It would be perfect next to a hearth in New England and it is perfectly suited to her personality and lifestyle. I love the idea that even the simplest object in our lives can reflect our personalities and bring us joy in daily tasks.
I have decided I will begin my mornings with a new ritual. While the birds are singing first thing in the morning, I will sweep my floor with this loved tool. A beautiful ritual to greet the day and remind me how much the simple things in life mean. And maybe my house will get tidy sooner than I expected.
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