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I'm Special Enough!
By
Suzette Martinez
Standring |
 Milton
- May is memory- making time – Mother’s Day, spring
recitals, weddings and graduations. Hosts say, “This is a
special occasion,” and the good china comes out of deep
storage. But why wait for the rare celebration? Repeat after
me, “I’m special enough for every day.”
And serve the meatloaf on your best Limoges tonight.
“I’m special enough” is my daily credo, which was inspired
by Bill Cosby. Years ago, he bought expensive silver
flatware from an estate auction house.
At what special occasions did he plan to use his new
sterling? His quote to the reporter is inexact here, but I
recall it as, “Every day. I’m special enough.”
Yet the common objection is “But it might break” or “It’s
irreplaceable.” Honey, you’re irreplaceable. The rest of it
is just stuff.
The days of clumsy little kids at meal times are over. It’s
one of the serious perks to older adulthood. Transform the
mundane. It’s time to eat spaghetti off the Minton (an
incomparable experience, I might add).
Still, others may protest, “But doesn’t it look like I’m
showing off?”
No, it’s not showing off, it’s a show of love.
My mother owned a Japanese tea set, a wedding gift in 1951.
The dragon teapot was cobalt blue, with gold trim and hand
painted beading. The cups were paper-fine porcelain and when
held up to the light, a previously invisible Geisha’s face
appeared on the cup’s bottom. It was never used nor were we
allowed to touch its seemingly priceless beauty.
I inherited the set and secreted it away in a dark, safe
place.
But upon embracing the mindset, “I’m special enough,” out it
came for no special reason, a casual lunch or a sudden cup
of tea with friends. Inevitably, someone would ask “Are you
sure you want to use those?”
And I’d remember Bill Cosby and say, “I’m special enough and
so are you.”
And on a nothing day, we were queens sipping Earl Gray from
fancy cups and eating cookies on exotic dragon plates. We
felt uplifted and correspondingly, so were our
conversations. Basically, festive teacups replaced everyday
mugs but my friends felt as if something “special” had been
created just for them.
So imagine my shock to discover that my heirloom set was
worth less than $75.00. I had taken it to an appraiser to
sate my curiosity, convinced it would be the next star of
the “Antiques Road Show.” But Kutani tea sets are common –
too common.
What we find precious is only precious to us. So reap the
full pleasure from such treasures, especially during these
times of belt-tightening and cost cuts.
If one is not forced to sell them, then regular use conjures
up feelings of luxury and warm nostalgia. Bring out that
crystal Pilsner glass at the back of the cupboard and quaff
a beer in style. If movie tickets and dinner out are too
dear, then savor a burger at home on your Wedgwood.
Besides, what are you saving it for anyway? A younger
generation lives a time-constrained, disposable,
convenience-oriented lifestyle. Most likely, treasured Spode
will be transferred to some other dark attic in the future –
and like turkeys of Thanksgivings past, may never again see
the light of day.
Bring out the best and the finest now. You’re more than
special. |
About The Author
Contact Suzette Standring at suzmar@comcast. net. She
is the author of the awardwinning The Art of Column Writing.
Visit http://wwwreadsuzette.com.
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