Sunday, September 13, 2009

Ms. Lorraine




I was a young mother, living in a small farming community, teaching school and trying my best to take care of home and family. Ms. Lorraine was an elderly lady who lived in another small community about eight miles from my home. She owned a small antiques store. From the outside her store was a very humble dwelling but on the inside were many beautiful treasures. Ms. Lorraine's husband was a truck driver, and she had driven with him all over the United States. As they traveled, she began to pick up lovely antique pieces for her store. She and I definitely loved the same things: beautiful rose covered china, sweet porcelain and bisque pieces, vases with lovely lady portraits on them. I fell in love with the vase shown above. Now, Ms. Lorraine knew that I was on a very limited budget, but she also understood my love for beautiful antique pieces that I could treasure for years. And so, we worked out a plan. I would pay her each month what little I could afford until I was paid in full. As a result, I was able to take home many lovely antiques that I have loved in my home for years. Even with the passing of time, the memory of a sweet friend's generosity has never been forgotten. Thank you, Ms. Lorraine!
Thank you sweet friends for dropping by for a visit today. May you enjoy the treasures of home and family every single day.

24 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Hello Vicki... what a touching story... Ms. Lorraine sounds like she was a beautiful lady... how generous of her to let you pay for things as you could afford to... she knew how much you would love and take care of them... I have found for the most part (there have been some exceptions) that antiques dealers are very generous people and want to share their love of old treasures with the special someone who also falls in love with them... I too could not afford many items in my younger years and so treasure the ones I was able to buy back then... your vase with the lovely lady is so exquisite! Thanks for sharing your precious memories of a sweet friend... Bisous... Julie Marie

Carol Anne's Boutique said...

Hi Vicki...what a dear friend you had in Ms. Lorraine...thank you so much for sharing such a lovely & heartfelt story. Your vase is truly special and very, very beautiful!
Hugs, Carol Anne

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful story.... She was a dear lady to do this!! It gave you some wonderful memories too....
Love,
Marilyn

June said...

Vicki, I was touched by your story of this sweet woman. Thank goodness for the Ms. Lorraines in our lives. There have been many times that I wonder how I can help young struggling mother's like I was helped by many when I was young. It makes for such sweet memories.
I saw that you got rain and I am so happy for all my Texas friends.
Hugs,
June

Pauline said...

A lovely story of generosity and love. Very uplifting, Vicki :o)
Hugs

Anonymous said...

Isn't that sweet! Lovely piece too!☺

Julie Marie said...

Hello again Vicki... I was going to send you an email but do not see one for you anywhere on your blog... I wanted to thank you for your sweet comments on my blog each time... somehow I KNEW you would love Halloween too! I enjoy your posts so much, and look forward to each one! Much love, Julie Marie

Char said...

Ooooh Vicki, that is such a lovely story and a great memory too. It just goes to show you that what's important comes from the inside and not the outside, have a great week my blogging buddy, Char

Lisa said...

Very lovely story that makes your treasures so much more special!
Hugs, Lisa

Unknown said...

Vicki, what a lovely post. Friends like that a truly treasures, even more so than the ones we often take home with us.

Thanks so much for sharing!

Blessings,
Teresa

blushing rose said...

TY for popping by Vicki. I think future generations will not be able to hold a candle to our wonderful years ...

Your Ms. Lorraine is a wonderful & kind woman ... that vase is exquisite. Love the story ...

Have a great week ... TTFN ~ Marydon

Martha's Favorites said...

I love that vase. I collect ladies and this one is beautiful. Is it Limoges? How lucky to have such a friend. Thank you so much for sharing her. Blessings, Martha

Blondie's Journal said...

What a touching story, Vicki! If we could all have someone like Ms. Lorraine in our lives! Your antiques are lovely.

I came via Jeanne and her sweet comments about your blog. I'm glad I did. I think we have much of the same taste...at least I aspire to create as well as you have!! ;-)

I love the quote by Mary Ann Radmacher. May I use it on my sidebar??

Enjoy your Sunday, Vicki!!

xoxo
Jane

maría cecilia said...

oh ooohh Vicki, this vase is so lovely... I wish I could have a lady Lorraine around. I went to my favorite flea market today and when I´m finished with the garden I will post my treasures... you´ll love them!!
Cariños
María Cecilia

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

What a wonderful story Vicki. Such a sweet memory. The vase is gorgeous!!
xojanis

Regina said...

Lovely!
Have nice week.

Rebecca Nelson said...

Beautiful story my friend! Love the memory of you and Ms Lorraine.

What a JOY to read!

xoRebecca

koralee said...

Love your story today..and your images. Thank you for your lovely comments you always leave on my blog!

Tara said...

How kind of her to offer you a lay-away plan!
The vase is very pretty, I like that it has different pictures all the way around it. Hope you have a beautiful week!

Nanette said...

Hi Vicki,
The vase is so pretty and the story behind it is wonderful. It is so nice to meet kind people in this world!
Valerie

Ana said...

Good morning Vicki,
What a blessing to have such a sweet and dear friend as Ms. Lorraine. And what beautiful vase. Even more valuable than the item itself is the momories attached to them. Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful Monday.

Hugs,
♥Ana~A Petite Cottage

Judith Tetley said...

A lovely treasure Vicki and a nice memory attached to it too. Have enjoyed my visit....love the way you all do "Pink Saturday".
Kind Regards
Judith from Australia
http://creativestudio10.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Vickie,
Thanks so much for stopping by...you are so sweet...I did enjoy myself in fishing...I am also loving the rain we are having for few days....It's a lot cooler here in South Mississippi...Thanks again for stopping by and have a wonderful week...Smiles and Hugs..Katherinellen

Anonymous said...

Vickie,
Oh...forgot to tell you that the vase is so beautiful and elegant...What a wonderful treasure and memories you cherish for the rest of you life...precious story...love the happy ending story...Ms Loraine was so sweet of helping you out in the past and great memories to keep of her...Smiles and Hugs..Katherinellen