The Cookie jar

Recently, a friend and I spent a couple of hours at an antique mall. What a fun time. Not only did we find old treasures that neither of us had ever seen before, but I also saw things I grew up with. I guess that sort of makes me an antique also. 

But I especially enjoyed the glassware. Some were identical to glasses that I was gifted years ago as a new bride. And some pieces, that don’t seem ancient to me, still find a place in my kitchen cabinets along with special dishes from older generations. 

Many of the “antique” dishes in my home were passed down from my mother, mother-in-law, and even grandmothers and great aunts. I have several Jewel Tea pieces that belonged to my late husband’s grandmother. Since Carl was an “only child,” those exquisite old dishes were passed down to us, and we used them. 

When our children were young and already in bed, I would often brew hot tea in the Aladdin teapot, then serve it in vintage cups and saucers given to me from my great aunt. It was a relaxing time for Carl and me. 

But my favorite Jewel Tea piece was the cookie jar, which I filled with homemade cookies. I always enjoyed baking and loved having that cookie jar full of goodies when the kids got home from school. 

Of course, I knew the cookie jar was old, but I wasn’t antique savvy until a friend noticed it and mentioned its significance. She was appalled that I let the kids use it. Hmm. Isn’t that what a cookie jar is for? Well, we eventually learned that the Jewel Tea pieces had a small value, but it made no difference to us. 

Carl and I continued to have hot tea at night with the Aladdin teapot along with Aunt Maggie’s cups and saucers, and the kids continued to grab cookies from that old, familiar cookie jar. 

For me, “family” far outweighed any monetary value. And yes, I still have those lovely Jewel Tea pieces, but the best part — I also have beautiful memories from actually using them.