#40

It came from Arizona, complete with cactus skeletons and an antler.  It was just always there in the kitchen, so I never really considered how ugly it is until I saw it out of context, hanging in dad’s garage. 

#35

The little tree produces every other year.  She’s still around as long as we use her recipe for pear honey. 

#20

I was at least ten before anyone told me her real name was Lillian.  When she had to be moved into the home, we helped her clean out her house.  She gave me this set of tiny carved elephants.  I doubt she ever missed them.

#18

Her bell collection covered her entire coffee table and three wall shelves.  It was all I could do not to touch them, as I had been told.  When I got older, I was allowed to ring one at a time.  Now they live in the two center drawers of Grandpa's old chifferobe.   Even looking at them this way, I can still remember the exact ring of certain ones. 

#11

Grandma's touch-me-nots.  They were my favorite flowers, them and snapdragons.  I guess I just have a thing for interactive plants.  We used to squeeze the pods and see who could send the seeds flying farther.  She usually let me win.  They still grow in her flowerbeds even though she doesn't live there anymore.  When I went back to photograph them, I didn't touch them.  It didn't feel right.