My friend and I inherited the estate of an elderly neighbor that we had taken care of for two years but had been friends with for over 20 years. She was 89 when she passed just over two years ago now. She never married or had children. Her brother, mother and grandmother had all passed long ago. She was such a neat woman. She had an interesting work and play life. Her favorite thing to do for fun was working in local theater, mostly in stage and costumes but sometimes acting. Anyway about this picture. She was Irish. Her great grandmother came to this country with her fiance aboard a ship for passage. There's a long story but they got married by the captain and came here and started their new life. One of the things great grandmother brought with her was a broach that had belonged to her mother so this goes back into the 1800's. It's a little painting. The frame is just brass, I think. We had it appraised and although it's very old, it really wasn't worth anything so it's just sentimental. I don't care for broaches but I did love my friend very much so I will happily keep this with my treasures.

Her great (and of course great great) grandmother were from County Cork in Ireland. I tried getting in touch with a museum to see if they would like it but I never heard back. I know my friend would have loved that very much.

murraysmom, what a great backstory! Definitely a treasure!

Love that story Murraysmom!

Annie and Michele, thanks. She was such a lovely woman. In her youth she looked very much like Annette Benning. Of course I didn't know her then but we have some amazing stories, both her and I about our paths crossing before we came to live on the same street.

Beautiful story, Murraysmom.

corned beef and cabbage

My painted Metate that hangs in our dining room. Metates were originally used, and still are I’m sure, to grind grain and corn into flour for cooking. Held in their hand was a special type of rock that worked well grinding, and it was called a Mano.

I know I've shared this one before, but it does fit...

I like the presentation but snakes are creepy- even if it appears a non poisonous black snake.