Trash to Treasure Tuesday: The Glory of the Imperfect

It's Trash to Treasure Tuesday over at my friend Diane's blog, A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words, and I've got my items ready to share and can't wait to see what other fun things await us! :-)



My dear FIL had a favorite expression when someone he knew would see something they loved, but would then be distressed if said item had some sort of blemish. Hearing the first note of a moan, he would smile and say, "Ah, it's the glory of the imperfect!" That statement is one of the most liberating expressions ever, and even though that sweetest of men is now a resident of Heaven, I still thank him for gently reminding me of it. So today, I have some "treasures" to share with you that are imperfect, but "Ah, it's the glory of the imperfect!" ;-)

Meet my little friend, Blakely, here who was actually a rescue, found in the trash of a rummage sale...



Just look at that face. It might only have one eye and part of a mouth...




But this little bear (who was named for the friend who actually discovered him with me) still has a lot of love left to give. Just because he's a bit worn doesn't negate that. When you look at the worn nap on his fur, you can tell he's been loved nearly to death. He was likely some child's best friend...



And because of that, he has a seat of honor under our Christmas tree each year! But wait, he has a good friend, this little blue-eyed, pig-tailed blond, who loves to hang out with him. She's a rescue from the same dumpster...



Her eyes and facial features have been carefully painted with ink, and she has legs and arms that go on forever...



Sally (that's her name because her face bears a striking resemblance to a friend of mine) is stuffed with straw so she has some age to her. I had a similar "rag doll" when I was little, but I'm not sure of this one's age. Her only crime? She had a tear in her leg and was a little worn, faded, and rough around the ages. Clearly a case of too much love...



They've been friends for many years now and happily coexist at the Magpie Nest. I thought of getting Blakely an eye patch, to give him sort of a swashbuckling appearance since we live in Florida where pirates once roamed the coasts, but I think he has enough character without the addition of one more thing...



Can't you just see them hopping onto this...



And riding off on an adventure across the country? Just please don't tell Annie as she'll commandeer the train, and who knows what will happen!

The caboose was a find from the Jr. League Thrift Sale many years ago, and I got it for the great price of $10. Looking back on it, that probably seemed like a hefty some for a thrift item, but it's a handmade birdhouse. Plus I have never seen another one like it. And the good news is... the money I spent went directly to charity! Now, that's my kind of treasure!

Thanks for visiting me today. I was slow getting started (it's going to be one of those weeks!), but I can't wait to visit all of the folks at A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words and see their treasures. And if you're not at treasure hunter, I still can't wait to visit you and see what's up in your corner of the world! You always make my day complete! :-)

Warmly,

Mrs. Magpie (Sheila)