I love antique stores and flea markets, the thick smell of dust and age, rust and metal. As soon as my feet walk over the thresh hold, I feel transported into a different time and age. I love the memories that float around, and timeless stories that are attached to each and every object. Antiques are reminiscent still, that nothing goes along with us when we die, "Store up your treasures in heaven, where rust and moth are unable to destroy." Antiques help us appreciate human invention, simpler ways of life, and demonstrate to us how far we have come in lifestyle and manner. One of my favorite films is Dead Poet's Society with Robin Williams. At the beginning of the movie, the students are taken into the foyer of the school to view some old photos of former students and athletes. To quote Mr. Keating, "They're not that different from you, are they? Same haircuts. Full of hormones, just like you. Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believe they're destined for great things, just like many of you, their eyes are full of hope, just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because, you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? - - Carpe - - hear it? - - Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary." The memories that float on dusty air, were created by people like you and me, who had no idea their prized dishes, photographs and hutches would one day offer up the sweet aromas of dust and age, rust and metal, challenging us to simpler ways to live and love.
