My favourite two: Tash in Hong Kong

Image by Ames

Well now I ask you, what is there not to like about two tone bread slices wrapped around an inch of salmon sashimi and chased down by a gallon of fizz free lolly water?

Image by Tash

Could Victor Appleton ever have imagined the day his book Tom Swift and his Photo Telephone (published in 1914 and very popular at the time with kids in the good ole US of A), would be front and centre in a fake camera shop window in a fake Main Street USA in Hong Kong Disneyland nearly one hundred years later being photographed with mobile phones by kids from all over this great Earth?

My favourite two: Tash

I bought these cigarette machines from an antiques dealer over a decade ago. I have found a place for them in 7 different homes since then. After a while, I came to see them not just as quirky collectibles but as symbols for persistence, trust, partnership and change.

What I like most about them is that they are a pair. Time and mistreatment have marked each one in different ways, and we often display them separately, but I cannot imagine one without the other. Like twins or long time companions, it is duality that makes them unique.

I could not afford to pay upfront for the machines and paid them off over about 6 months - often making down payments of as little as a few dollars. So long and so slowly did I pay off my layby that the antiques dealer hid the cigarette machines inside a wardrobe at the back of his shop to prevent his wife from selling them! His patience and trust helped me learn a big life lesson about making good on my word and not giving up - as more often than not, people will meet you halfway.

The cigarette machines also make me think about how much things change. The place - and price - of cigarettes in our society is certainly very different now to what it must have been when these machines were heavily used. I love these machines because they remind that I too have changed...

My favourite two: Ames

I have been slowly spring cleaning the house and it has involved a lot of dusting as we have a large collection of odds and ends. I often think about the things I love and the people/moments associated with them when I am doing a task like this.

This week my favourite two things remind me of two wonderful women. My two Grandmothers, who have passed away in the last couple of years, were talented and hard working. They were interesting and went out of their way to help people. I am proud to be continuing their love of craft and to be a caretaker of their beautiful things.

My Nanny was the family photographer for awhile. This was one of her cameras: the Six-20 Kodak Junior. I can imagine her now, lining up the family who were all well presented, for their portrait. She was also a dedicated knitter and always enjoyed the presence of fresh flowers.

My Grandma was an important figure in her local community. She often helped organise and catered events. Her tea cup collection came in handy. Grannie loved her embroidery/tapestry and words do not do justice to the flowers produced from her garden.

Take a moment to remember those that came before you, those that loved/love you. They make us who we are today.