Finding That Little Something

I love our kitchen.  It is perfect for me.   It's where our kids and grandkids tend to gather when we get together - it's where conversations happen and where we enjoy good food.  

Kitchens hold a special place in my heart.  When I was growing up my Mom and I spent a lot of Saturdays in the kitchen together baking.  We made brownies, cinnamon rolls, breads, pies, bars, cookies..... and memories.  

Almost 2 years ago Michael and I did some upgrades to our kitchen with a new countertop, sink, faucet, and roll-out shelves for our pantry.  However, even with the upgrades it still felt as if something was missing.  I have had trouble figuring out what it was.  Was it paint?  Was it something different on the walls?  Was it something different on the countertop?  Figuring out what was missing was stumping me. 

The last few visits my Mom and Dad made to see us at our home my Mom would bring small things with her:  a plate, a creamer, a pot for plants, and over several visits what added up to a handful of her handwritten recipes.  I put the glass items on a plate rack,  tucked the recipes into my recipe book, and didn't think much more about them. 

Then I spotted an idea on Pinterest and it was one of those "aha" moments.  It all came together.

I mounted 3 of my Mom's handwritten recipes on a piece of scrapbook paper that accented our kitchen perfectly, placed them in 5 x 7 frames, and hung them in the kitchen.  

It is just that little something I was looking for!

I hung my Mom's old metal measuring cups by this recipe.

While the recipes are small in size, they bring back such big memories for me and I love seeing Mom's handwriting.

They add color to the kitchen, but more importantly, they are like a big hug.

These recipes are not in pristine shape.  They were used often and show it and they have yellowed a bit with age, but that only makes them even more special.  
I finally found that something the kitchen was missing.  It wasn't paint, different things on the counter, or even "stuff" on the walls. 

In a room that I equate so much with my Mom, she was what was missing. Never underestimate the meaning that small things, like a handwritten recipe card, can hold for someone.  I'm glad Mom had the foresight to bring me those recipes.      

Our kitchen now feels complete.  

Mom is once again back in the kitchen with me.