I even looked it up.
The word "familiar" has its root in "family."
And that's why when I visited my cousin's house--for the first time--on
our recent trip to Michigan, it all felt familiar.
I knew it would.
Because her parents and my parents lived their last days in the same retirement
place, we saw a lot of each other after years apart since childhood.
She's been to my house quite a bit and
I knew we had similar tastes and interests.
But I don't ever get up to where she lives.
Except for this month.
And stepping into her house felt so familiar.
Such a good feeling on several levels.
A delightful lunch like our moms would have served.
A craft corner far better organized than mine.
A sampling of our grandmother's china.
A little token from her recent trip to Europe …
jumped me right back to childhood memories and
collecting sugar cubes from restaurants …
So much that looked familiar. That looked like family.
Her sister happened to be in town too, so we had a
grand cousin reunion together.
Our parents' generation now gone, we are
thankful to be keeping connected!
What a lovely post. I never thought of familiar in that way although I've had such experiences. I have found familiar in the homes of my sons.
ReplyDeleteThat brings me joy.
Best,
Bonnie
I know the feeling Dotsie. I have only one cousin on my father's side and we are closer the past 5 years than ever now that we are the 'oldest' generation. I don't know my cousins on my mother's side at all which is really sad. But, when I visit my cousin's cottage I see many things that came from our grandmother's house, historical artifacts, collectibles etc. It's always nice to visit her. Your cousin set a lovely table and the cup and saucer is very pretty. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely, Dotsie. It's interesting how connected we are to cousins. I have lots of them, and so many of us share the same appreciation for the things our mothers appreciate, or appreciated.
ReplyDeleteYour cousin's home is filled with lovely things. The lace place mats are so pretty.
Dotsie, this is exactly how I feel when I visit my girl cousins! Everything looks lovely at your cousin's home. You know I love the blue and white transferware, especially the York Minster piece! How nice for you to visit your far away cousin. When I visit my cousins it feels like a visit with my parents who are no longer here. ♥
ReplyDeleteI love the shades of blue and the familiar feeling we get when we are comfortable in another home...or even our own. Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteThat is so nice that you were able to visit her home and have the experience that you did of reconnecting as family. I love her and your taste in dishes!
ReplyDeleteI teared up when I read this. Thank you for putting it all into such beautiful words. I love that we are connected by shared memories and experiences, and that what seems so usual in our own homes, is recognizable to a cousin because it is "familiar." And as you said, our mothers were both influenced greatly by their mother-in-law, so it is natural that we would share similarities. I just wish I came a little closer to our grandmother's housekeeping abilities! I hope you will return to Michigan soon.
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful post Dotsie in how you found familiar surroundings at your cousin's home. I only keep in touch (through FB) with one cousin and she lives on an island off the coast of Vancouver. We last saw each other at our aunt's home in Florida several years ago but I wouldn't say there would be anything familiar to us both.
ReplyDeleteI hope you do get back to visit this lovely lady who has obviously commented above.
What a great post, Dotsie. You expressed so beautifully this sweet reunion with your cousins. Familiar is definitley a warm and comfortable place to be. Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteCousins are special and the time you spent together looks so special. That family connection is so strong. Sweet photos.
ReplyDeleteLove your grandmother's china. You can put that aside for me along with the pink plates of yours I covet. ;)
ReplyDeleteDidn't know that familiar and family were related words...love that. And your reuniting with family in Michigan is heartwarming. The blue pieces and that pretty table made me smile. Good times.
ReplyDeleteJane x
I think that is so special that you can see the family influences in your cousins home and that makes it feel like home! I don't have close cousins, we didn't grow up together either. I have fostered cousin relationships for my kids while they are young and am delighted to see them keep up with their cousins as they all grow!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
What a wonderful, warm and 'FAMILIAR' visit you had with your dear cousin. Her family heirlooms brought you pleasant memories that I'm sure warmed your heart. That's why I love my heirlooms, they're so special. The family gone before us are alive in the pretty things. I love the table setting, it's lovely.
ReplyDeleteNo, hubby didn't help me with the moving, I did it all alone with help of things I invent, like hauling things in an old blanket. Hubby would say, later, tonight, tomorrow afternoon, I can't now and me, I got no patience!
Happy Halloween my friend. Love to the cuties.
FABBY
Podso,
ReplyDeleteSo~o~o glad you were able to visit and re~connect with family and the familiar!!!
Oh, my goodness!!! I had forgotten about the sugar cubes until this post!!!
Thanks for a precious memory!!!
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!!!
Fondly,
Pat