As I was cleaning up the kitchen after supper tonight, I was thinking about my chipped mug. It’s one of my favorites. Cooter used it, it was in the sink, my cast iron skilled slipped, and there you go.
The story of How My Mug Got Chipped.
But it’s one of my favorites so I am going to make it work for me. Then I started thinking about the one that belonged to my Great Aunt. Nothing fancy just elegant like she was, and so I wanted to have it. Unfortunately someone put it in the microwave and it didn’t like it very much, so there’s a crack in it.
At the time, I was devastated. That was one of those times when I could hear my Mama’s voice. “It’s a thing. Things are replaceable. People aren’t.”
She’s right. But the mug wasn’t going to be easy to replace either so I put it on a shelf near the table where we eat because I can’t let go. Not yet.
I started wondering (I think a lot when I do the dishes…..or I phone a friend, both things help me pass the time without really thinking about how much time I spend cleaning up after meals) if there was something wrong with me that I can get so sentimental OVER A MUG. After coming to the clear conclusion that of course there is nothing wrong with that (ahem), I wondered if there’s something I could DO with these mugs. I mean, the law of averages pretty much states that I will have more chipped mugs in my possession as the years go by.
Might as well be prepared.
After the kitchen was done (okay, mostly) I sat down and decided to click on Pinterest just, you know, to check and see if anyone had given any thought to my predicament.
ALL THE BROKEN MUG PROJECTS, Y’ALL.
I AM NOT CRAZY. I AM NOT ALONE.
So many ideas of things to do with chipped or broken or without a handle mugs. It was a bit overwhelming, a little out there, and very encouraging that I’m not the only one who can’t let go.
Because honestly, our mug collection can tell some stories, people. And some of them are worth telling again.
Tonight I’m giving a shout out to Pinterest. It’s another happy place for me. I have even grown to appreciate that when I arrive, they have a whole new set of ideas for me to look at, based on what I’ve pinned before–“Picked for You.” Well, aren’t you thoughtful? Thank you, Pinterest.
As for the rest of you mug hoarders, much love. I get it. You are in good company. Let’s sit and enjoy our coffee or tea together and share a toast to the mugs and the stories behind them. (But let’s don’t clink them together, no need to go crazy and risk any more cracks and chips, y’all.)
Love to all.
I Might Need A Nap 
Aww, you usually end your blog entry with a photo appropriate to the topic (OK, maybe not usually, but very often). I was looking forward to reaching the end and seeing a photo of the coveted mug. Boohoo, no picture. Perhaps you’ll share one with us when you make the determination as to what you are going to do with it — perhaps just leaving it sitting, as a fond memory, on the shelf will be enough.
Thank you, Jenee! That means so much that you have been paying attention. Thanks for visiting often. I was so tired last night that I didn’t dig for the photo I took a few days ago after it happened. I have edited it and added the photo. As you can see, it’s nothing really fancy, but it’s special to me because I love Thistle Farms. Thanks for asking. And excellent idea about keeping it–no way I’m letting it go. I might even continue using it. I haven’t decided yet. Thanks for sharing a smile with me tonight. (Sorry the mug is still dirty in this photo.) Best wishes.
I’m a mug hoarder, for sure. 🙂