Farewell my beloved…..

My very favourite bone china robin mug leaked when I poured the boiling water in it, that meant it had a crack so I had to investigate and yes it was cracked down one side. I was devastated, Ive had it for years, just the right size for my first tea of the morning. I always treated it with respect washing it carefully as I dont have a dishwasher. This is one of the perils of having carers who don’t treat my things the same way I do. It is now sitting on my kitchen window sill as no way can I put it in the bin. I suppose I could put an artificial plant or flowers in it but that is just a thought. I sympathise with Merlotgran and others as I know just how they feel 😥

The power of Gransnet

I saved up and treated myself to a special mug, it was £9.99 a small fortune just for a mug, but it was beautiful and mine,
Then the next Christmas OH presented me with another 5 the same and MY mug just isn't special anymore and I just can't explain why I was actually a bit disappointed to receive my gift

They have it on eBay if you’re interested, if you google search the image

My very favourite mug, bone china and bought from a charity shop many years ago
Still going strong 🫖

I laughed at the news that Cracked China Mug has been saved from the bin!
What is it about us and mugs? I have a bone china strawberry patterned one which I used at work years ago. It's bounced on the floor a couple of times and survived to my relief.
But my pottery mugs are allocated to different regular visitors and they always have the same one, never one of mine if I can help it!

Only yesterday i resigned a much loved mug to the dustbin. I bought it when we adopted our Poppy from the Cat Sanctuary well over 20 years ago. I used it for my overnight drink of squash but the glaze on the inside had worn off. Luckily I bought two of them and recently found the second one in a box in the attic- so here’s to another 20 years! The Cat Sanctuary closed years ago and dear PoppyCat is long passed away. 😿

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202410/medium-200243-img-6236.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202410/medium-678227-img-6237.jpeg

I love my large Christmas china mug bought several years reduced and in the presence of my eldest son who sneered at it . It’s my go to mug always whatever the season as elegant and good China . May it never crack or break !

Mine has got pens/pencils in it in my desk. Don’t throw it away keep it somewhere where you can look at it

The idea is that the "scars" make them even more beautiful.

I'm not sure they would if I had a go.

Yes, I just googled it as well, the repaired items look beautiful.

The mosaic mirror and Lahlah's mosaics look lovely too.

I used to collect shells when we lived by the coast and cover plant pots with them, but the broken pottery looks even better.

Is that where they are fixed with gold?

Bookfan I had to Google kintsugi and also read that it can be seen as a metaphor for life! Nice pots as well😊

Has anyone tried kintsugi on broken mugs/ china?

Those mosaics are gorgeous. Such clever fingers at work.
I have a mug that I treasure but it has rather a Christmassy design. It comes out the weekend the clocks go back. I'm already looking forward to having my early morning coffee in it. It really cheers me up. I also have a special summer mug which comes out in March. Set in my ways? Moi?!

@mabon1 I am so sorry for your loss, your post made me sad. It is not unusual when grieving to be angry and lash out at people. I hope in real life you have people to support you.

Your post may have helped you to vent your feelings. In the coming days and months you will be faced with others who will make what you think are inappropriate remarks and will need resilience to deal with them

Wow! First LauraNorderr’s gorgeous mirror frame and now Lahla’s wonderful mosaics. Such talent!

My sympathies ! I felt the same recently - I was hugging my gorgeous favourite, but unfortunately I had soapy hands and it slipped out of my grasp onto a hard tiled floor. Heartbreaking! Still, I'm pleased to say I have learned to love again, but nothing will quite replace my old "bluey". RIP 😔

I had an ordinary steel watch for nearly 40 years, which I wore every day during my years as a teacher and still wore every day even though I've been retired for nearly 20 years
But in August I was in hospital for a major operation and my watch went missing when my bed was changed. I t wasn't in any way valuable, but it had been a faithful friend and I miss it

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202410/medium-696870-img-5895.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202410/medium-303961-5c103501-6e6d-40d2-abb9-ac7c9a28a12e.jpeg

I watched some Marie Kondo videos on YouTube - I liked her approach to ‘blessing’ a house before she started work with the occupants on a big clear out. But also her technique of saying goodbye and thank you to something that has served you well, but you no longer need/use. For people who find it difficult to discard things, this is a useful tip. I put a brolly in the bin this morning, that I’ve had for ages and matches a favourite coat. But it’s broken now, so I thanked it for years of useful service and popped it in the bin!
On a different note, I have been making mosaics for about 15 years, and have made a number of ‘memorial’ mosaics for people, incorporating precious pieces of china and crockery. It always feels like a big responsibility, but also really rewarding. This one incorporated a Klimt style cup and saucer.

merlotgran....Loved your poem. Thank you!!

Ode to a Mug

A mug’s not just for Christmas,
Or winning at the fair,
They serve you every single day,
In words beyond compare.

They hold the means to comfort
With every soothing brew,
You pick them up, you put them down,
They’re always there for you.

Their duties are relentless,
In sunshine, wind or rain,
You’ve had your drink, they’re in the sink,
To do it all again.

And when their work is over,
It surely is a sin
To cast aside all former pride
And chuck them in the bin!

“You’ve got ‘ands like muck shovels” …always so complementary my mum.

It has become a “tradition” whenever a new baby arrives now, to say “let’s have a look at your muck shovels”
Fortunately all of my grandchildren have concert pianist hands naturally😌

Hellsbelles

Farewell one of my earrings!
I've had them 30+ years but reached up to my ear this morning to find one gone.
Been around the house but no sign.

You might find it unexpectedly Hellsbelles. I was in the garden one day and realised I was missing an earring. I accepted I’d lost it but was glad it was at home. Later in the shower as I was washing my hair something fell into the bath. It was my earring and I was double lucky to have found it and retrieve it before it went down the plug hole.

I don't have a favourite mug, but like you, I loathe thick mugs, especially if they have 'witty' sayings on them. The only piece of sentimental pottery I have is an egg chicken which my late Mother bought for me when I moved into my very first house purchase