I'm generally of the opinion that Black Friday is simply a capitalist propaganda nightmare and try not to buy anything on that day. But as hungry retail chains have started expanding Black Friday from a single day to a week or more it's become harder to avoid any shopping for the duration. So, instead, this year I went to my local ReUse on Friday and scored a perfect, medium-sized, well-seasoned cast iron skillet for just $10. It was the size I was missing in my collection and it made me SO HAPPY.
I'm all about old things that have function, lovely form, and are quality made. I especially love old kitchen tools from my family. I have one old soup spoon of my father's, one old plate from my grandmother, a coffee grinder made from a shell casing by my grandfather and the tool I use most, I think is called a sprudel. I got it from my mother who was Austrian. It's a very unique round whisk. Imagine a slinky toy connected at the ends with a long tapered handle in the center. You roll the stick between your palms for a quick frothing and thickening of whipping cream. I bring it to the table whenever I make dessert that needs some whipped cream. Everyone at the table takes a turn. It's fun, it's cooperative, builds a little muscle, it's become a ritual and it is quiet. Don't ever underrate quite. In a world of plenty I think repurpose and reuse is essential. I am also a sentimental sort so using these old tools often has me wondering what living in the past was like?
I looked up your tool and i'll have to get one to add to my collection of kitchen tools. One of my dreams is to have a family night at our local school and explore kitchen tools. There are so many tools! I think tools are a good way to get young kids interested in helping int he kitchen. My tool reminds me most of a Mexican molinillo, but not so fancy. Thank you!
This will go down as one of my favorite posts ever by anyone. It says so much of everything I feel about life, old things, which I have loved since I was a child of the Bicentennial and grew up in a former pharmacist’s house with a barn full of old medicine bottles and equipment. I would read a whole book by you on this subject, especially the elegant explanation of your beliefs on quantum physics. And that tool box is absolute heaven.
This is perhaps the loveliest comment I've ever received, on anything I've written here. I'm so glad that you share my love of old things. Happy Holidays to you -
love this post... i am also fascinated by quantum physics and parallel lives and bits and pieces of leftovers from gone ones. Love all of your old things and the idea of skipping the shiny new stuff in favor of things that are well-loved and well-worn.
I remember your posting about the RAF recording, and wondered whether you have heard this: Anne Louise Avery, whose tales I adore, posted on Armistice Day a recording her grandfather made just before World War II, returning to the fields of the Western Front where he fought as a lad in World War I. https://www.patreon.com/posts/115715540
Two of the treasures I brought from my mother’s house were her two comals and her wooden spoons, ladles and rolling pins. They feel different than something new. They bring the memories, and feelings of all the cooks before me. Thank you for the reminder.
So poignant: "We all carry trace fossils within us – the marks that the dead and the missed leave behind. Handwriting on an envelope; the wear on a wooden step left by footfall; the memory of a familiar gesture by someone gone, repeated so often it has worn its own groove in both air and mind: these are trace fossils too. Sometimes, in fact, all that is left behind by loss is trace – and sometimes empty volume can be easier to hold in the heart than presence itself."
I'm generally of the opinion that Black Friday is simply a capitalist propaganda nightmare and try not to buy anything on that day. But as hungry retail chains have started expanding Black Friday from a single day to a week or more it's become harder to avoid any shopping for the duration. So, instead, this year I went to my local ReUse on Friday and scored a perfect, medium-sized, well-seasoned cast iron skillet for just $10. It was the size I was missing in my collection and it made me SO HAPPY.
I'm all about old things that have function, lovely form, and are quality made. I especially love old kitchen tools from my family. I have one old soup spoon of my father's, one old plate from my grandmother, a coffee grinder made from a shell casing by my grandfather and the tool I use most, I think is called a sprudel. I got it from my mother who was Austrian. It's a very unique round whisk. Imagine a slinky toy connected at the ends with a long tapered handle in the center. You roll the stick between your palms for a quick frothing and thickening of whipping cream. I bring it to the table whenever I make dessert that needs some whipped cream. Everyone at the table takes a turn. It's fun, it's cooperative, builds a little muscle, it's become a ritual and it is quiet. Don't ever underrate quite. In a world of plenty I think repurpose and reuse is essential. I am also a sentimental sort so using these old tools often has me wondering what living in the past was like?
So fascinating! We have a Scottish spurtle, for making porridge and oatmeal!
I looked up your tool and i'll have to get one to add to my collection of kitchen tools. One of my dreams is to have a family night at our local school and explore kitchen tools. There are so many tools! I think tools are a good way to get young kids interested in helping int he kitchen. My tool reminds me most of a Mexican molinillo, but not so fancy. Thank you!
This will go down as one of my favorite posts ever by anyone. It says so much of everything I feel about life, old things, which I have loved since I was a child of the Bicentennial and grew up in a former pharmacist’s house with a barn full of old medicine bottles and equipment. I would read a whole book by you on this subject, especially the elegant explanation of your beliefs on quantum physics. And that tool box is absolute heaven.
This is perhaps the loveliest comment I've ever received, on anything I've written here. I'm so glad that you share my love of old things. Happy Holidays to you -
Love it...mahalo .....I absolutely LOVE antique kitchen items! (Just wish my family felt the same)
This is, as all your writing is, beautiful and thoughtful. Thank you - xoxo Dorie
love this post... i am also fascinated by quantum physics and parallel lives and bits and pieces of leftovers from gone ones. Love all of your old things and the idea of skipping the shiny new stuff in favor of things that are well-loved and well-worn.
love Jackie Morris's work as well as old things :)
I remember your posting about the RAF recording, and wondered whether you have heard this: Anne Louise Avery, whose tales I adore, posted on Armistice Day a recording her grandfather made just before World War II, returning to the fields of the Western Front where he fought as a lad in World War I. https://www.patreon.com/posts/115715540
What a fabulous read! Thank you
Two of the treasures I brought from my mother’s house were her two comals and her wooden spoons, ladles and rolling pins. They feel different than something new. They bring the memories, and feelings of all the cooks before me. Thank you for the reminder.
I love anchovies
So poignant: "We all carry trace fossils within us – the marks that the dead and the missed leave behind. Handwriting on an envelope; the wear on a wooden step left by footfall; the memory of a familiar gesture by someone gone, repeated so often it has worn its own groove in both air and mind: these are trace fossils too. Sometimes, in fact, all that is left behind by loss is trace – and sometimes empty volume can be easier to hold in the heart than presence itself."