Thursday, August 13, 2009

Meet my friend......"Mildred"

Her name is......."Mildred."

The name Mildred comes from the Old English name Mildpryð, which means “gentle strength.” As an Anglo-Saxon name, it has the slightly different meaning of “gentle advisior.” Mildred was the name of a Catholic saint.

It's an old name for an old friend.
Because that's how I think of her.....as an "friend" who I have known for many years.
When I was a little girl......I used to gobble up crispy fried chicken, with backyard grown green beans on her.
And she was kind to me, beautifully looking up at me with her flowers and gold painted rim.

OR many times...she patiently held me and my sister Jenny's favorite meal which we loved.
"Freshly caught catfish that my Grandfather had just fished out of the Mississippi river."
She would be smeared with ketchup and fish bones on those days and yet, never complain.
Many times my Grandmother would serve us on these dishes as a "special treat."

But now that treat is mine.
It's "my turn" to serve others on these dishes, just as I was "served" in years past.

It's good to pass on things that we hold dearly in our hearts and minds. Our "traditions, special memories, thoughts, beliefs, etc."
To not only our children, but to our children's children and to friends and neighbors.

I will give you more information on "Mildred" next time we visit. There's more to say you know.
Always is.

4 comments:

Ms.Daisy said...

Joyce,
Your beautiful china looks so familiar. I think it is similar to the china my Mother in Law served her wonderful New Year's Day dinners! I love that we can use and pass on to our children those things that our parents and grandparents passed on to us. I will be waiting to hear more!

Hugs,
Jean

Valentine Hearts said...

loving the china, fab xx

Teresa's New Life said...

Joyce is Mildred the real name for this china? No offense to Mildreds out there, but that's just a horrible name for such lovely china!! Sorry Mildreds.

The Urban Chic said...

Hello Joyce, just want you to know that I am doing as well as can be expected--I have God on my side.
Love the dishes and I no longer save things for special days. The only china I have is some my mom bought us when we were teens for our hope chest and I am going to use them as soon as I settle in. I also found some Franciscan stoneware, but no cups.
I am getting dial up internet service, so better than nothing to keep in touch. Love and hugs, Pat