Glass Animals for Sally

I now understand why grandmas have so much stuff in their house. As I age, the compulsion to collect and display tchotchkes grows stronger and stronger.

A penchant for thrifting supports (and exacerbates) this compulsion, but I try to be measured in what I bring into my home.

I do identify as a maximalist, but I must resist hoarderdom.

I’ve shared that I collect shells, but I don’t count that against my collecting limit – there’s always room for more shells! All you need is more baskets for them (reference my previous post here).

Last year, I decided to start collecting miniature glass animals.

I don’t particularly like animals, but I was in a Jupiter thrift store one day and found a little chicken, swan, and pig in a display case.

I was instantly reminded of Sally, a family friend who was like a grandmother to me and my sister growing up. Sally had saved all her children’s toys and would let us go wild with them when we visited.

She was the type of woman who always had her house smelling of warm cookies (quintessential grandma behavior), and though she collected beautiful things, she cultivated a space relaxed enough for little children to run and play without fear of breaking things.

On a table in her dining room, Sally displayed miniature glass animals on a little cake stand with a mirrored bottom.

I remember being mesmerized by how delicate and beautiful this display was.

It was whimsical, no doubt why I was drawn to it as a child, and beautiful, and for some reason left an impression on me that has stuck all these years.

I loved Sally, and when I saw that glass chicken, swan, and pig I just had to have them.

My mom very sweetly bought them for me — in remembrance of Sally — and now I keep my eyes peeled for glass minis when I travel and thrift.

I suppose it makes sense that we collect more as we age. Collections are tied to memories, and memories tether us to the people we love.

Last week’s thrifted ‘fits & treasures round-up: