Saturday, April 30, 2011

My Mom and the Mashed Potato Bowl

This is my mom, Sallie, in 1966. She was 38, had already had 4 kids and looked amazing! She reminds me a little of Joan but with slightly smaller curves. Here she is, happily painting shelves in our backyard in Garden Grove, California. A few days ago, I jumped a little when I found this at a local thrift.

This was our china pattern when I was growing up. I hardly ever see it. To find this piece was especially sweet. My mom used to serve mashed potatoes in one just like it. When I saw it, I suddenly missed her so much that my heart ached. My mom is 83 now and has dementia, but she's still as cheerful and delightful as she looks in this photograph. I think she'll remember the dishes and will be tickled to hear I found "her" bowl.
I can't wait to fill it up with mashed potatoes for my family.

16 comments:

Wanda @ Just Vintage said...

Your mom was so pretty! It's hard to look at that picture and imagine an 83 year old with dementia. It's heartbreaking. And I know you miss her.
How neat is it that you'll be able to carry on the mashed potato tradition now? I've got a bowl that I gave my grandmother for Christmas one year. When she "broke up housekeeping" she gave it back to me. I don't know what she served in it, don't remember, but it's always seemed fitting to be my potato salad bowl. I just love traditions like that.

Princess of Everything (and then some) said...

What a wonderful find! How cool is it that something like that can transport us back in time.

Emily said...

so sweet. I want to hear & see pictures if/when you take mashed potatoes in the bowl to Mama. <3 love

The Thriftaholic (Leilani) said...

What a lucky find, it's great that you can now carry on the tradition with this thrifted bowl. I like the idea of having a special bow just for serving mashed potatoes!

Lovely photo of your mom too, you should share more family snapshots. :)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I hope this brings a good memory for you Mom. I know it has for you. Nice dish and sounds like a good one to serve mashed potatos in!

Andy's Attic said...

Such a sweet story, Pam. She was a looker!! I don't think I've seen that pattern before. I'm happy you found it :>)
Annette

Nelly said...

Your mum is gorgoues and looks way younger than 38 isnt aging a sad thing.Thats a wonderful bowl let us know what she thought

DearHelenHartman said...

What a precious and wonderful story and find. That's the magic of thrifting and junking, sometimes it's just fun sometimes it's a connection to the past. Enjoy your potatoes.

Sue (Vintage Rescue) said...

Show her the picture, and bring her the bowl! What a wonderful story....

Kim G. said...

Love the picture of your mom! I think that the junk Gods were smiling when they sent that bowl to you.

Rebecca said...

What a wonderful find! And a great picture of your Mom!!

Signs and Salvage said...

Oh so sweet!! Love your story!!! I was at a garage sale one time (the best one I have ever been to) and I spotted a bowl I just had to have. When I asked how much...the lady said...my mom used to serve her famous mashed potatoes in that bowl. I think of that lady every time I use that bowl:)

Happy Monday to you!!

Kristin

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

Such a sweet sentiment. I'm sorry about your Mom; I know what it's like to lose someone to dementia. What a gorgeous young Mom she was.

Lisa said...

Hugs to your mom and you. What a sweet little story.

So glad you found the bowl!! I would have loved to have seen your face when you found it!

Here's to the bowl and mashed potatoes!! Love them both :)

Anonymous said...

~*Awe*~... now that is absolutely sweet!

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, I identify with you on so many levels. Just last night I was trying to explain to my daughter that my mom had THE BEST brown bean pot, with a lid and handle, that she must've given away, and have never seen one like it. It's ironic we comb thrifts/fleas to capture our childhoods. My mom passed in 03, and she, too, was savvy, shapely, and painted, cooked and did the housewife gig...why did they make it seem effortless, and looked so good? And, she NEVER thrifted, but we weren't rich. And, don't get me started about vintage Christmas items, and where are they now? No matter, you still have the prize, your mom. Go hug her extra big today!