I have cherished memories of my parent’s kitchen.  It was not a modern, state-of-the-art kitchen.  On the contrary, it was an old, poorly maintained kitchen.  The kind where the drawers are hard to open and when close crooked.

Every year my parents had sincere intentions of fixing it up, but the most we ever did was paint it in a different color and change the paper on the shelves and drawers.  I can even remember the smell of rust in the drawers as I struggled with the old spoons, knives and can opener.  Back then, I wished my parents would buy new stuff.  But their answer was always the same.  “Soon.”

Still we cooked many meals in that kitchen, and shared great moments doing so.

When my parents passed away, I realized how much of them were reflected in those old utensils.  They held so many memories.  I know we all have a spoon we really like, a knife we can’t cook without, or a favorite cutting board.  Somehow all those shiny, new utensils start to lose their appeal.  Instead we begin to treasure those old, burned, never-fail utensils that keep so many stories.

To buy a printed portfolio of these images go to   http://www.redbirdshouse.com/collections/portfolios/products/portfolio-same-old-kitchen

You can buy archival fine art prints of these and other pictures @

2 comments on “Same old Kitchen”

1. Chez Denise et Laudalino

   January 29, 2012

   

   This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

   Reply
2. Pauline Stevens

   January 30, 2012

   

   Hmmm..I mistakenly erase Denise's beautiful comment. But here it is for others to share.

   I have the same flour sifter – it was my grandmothers and I use it every time I bake. I love it. We started using my great-grandmothers silver for everyday as well; figured it was too pretty to keep locked away for that “special meal”. Now I think of her at every meal!.
   Denise.

   Denise: Isn't is crazy how we keep the best for those few moments? We should make a celebration of every meal!

   Reply