Blue Willow – Back to the Beginning

I began collecting blue willow back in 1996. The same year my husband and I got married and were expecting our first child. We were still in college, really had a rough start trying to make ends meet. My parents and my in-laws were such a huge support. The picture above is my first piece of willow, and it holds a very special place in my heart. The salt box is vintage and made in Japan. Unfortunately, it was missing its lid, so my mom used it to hold her bills until they were paid and then filled it back up again!

Ben and I moved into the old house I grew up in. The kitchen counters were yellow Formica and the cabinets a bright white….so we decided blue and white would work and since my mom didn’t have the lid to the salt box it became mine! Soon she was clearing a shelf of blue and white dishes from her antique shop, and we were ready to decorate. That is how it all began. For years, that was my most valuable piece of willow.

Last week, my husband and I got to enjoy some fellowship at the IWC convention in Oklahoma City. It was a wonderful time with about 60 other willow collectors. The auction, flea market, teachings and sale are always favorites. But right before we left, I had made a decision to step back from Recovery ministry. Anyone who has worked with folks in recovery, understand it isn’t an easy task and 10+ years volunteering has taken its toll on us.

Anyhow, I had made my mind up and like so many times before nothing was going to change it. On our way out of town I get a message from a girl who we had worked with through that very recovery program. She was out and about and found a beautiful blue and white gift for me and she promised the next time she saw me, to pass it along.

Yeah, you see where this is going. God connected the two just to remind me, people do appreciate the work we do and while the rewards are few, they do come when we need them the most! So today I had to take my mom to an appointment so we stopped so I could see what my gift was….and here it is!

It is funny how God always sends us a reminder when we need it and oftentimes, we don’t even feel deserving, but he still provides. I almost cried when I saw it. It was in perfect condition and the even better part; it is different than my other one pictured above!

Here is to realizing God always has us, and when we least expect it, blue willow gifts sooth the soul!

Happy Willowing!

Christine