Artifacts

As we get older, I think many of us accumulate artifacts.  Now outside of those poor, unfortunate hoarders you see of television, for most of us the artifacts we have aren't all that many.  For me, I have a fair number of things, but I'd only consider a small number to be actual artifacts.  And here they are.


Well worm statue of the Virgin Mary
The Story:  I found this in the attic a few years (and places) ago, as I was going through an exceptionally painful period in my life.  She was kind of beat up, but still beautiful.  It looked like she needed a home, and I figured that since I do ask for an intercession from time to time, it might make sense to keep her with me.  She's now on her third home with me, and this time no further moves are contemplated.  As long as I am here working in my office she will be about 2 feet away, watching over things.

Idolatry?  Nahh, more like a simple reminder.

Penn State Brick
The Story:  This brick was part of a fundraising effort that the Penn State Harrisburg Alumni Society undertook back in the 90's.  The idea of sell the bricks...which came from a student housing development that was being demolished...was mine.  I loved my experience at Penn State Harrisburg, and the brick is the perfect reminder of that time.


Notebooks
The Story:  I have kept a few notebooks I've written in over the years.  Even in those pre-Internet years I was always writing about something, mostly in pen.  I also have one or two saved school notebooks.  The one below is actually from my senior year of high school, back when I actually knew how to write in cursive script.

Framed "art" from my daughters
The Story:  I've had this for a long time and every time I look at it I smile.  I know I haven't been a perfect dad, but I think I've been a good dad.  And I've certainly tried.  If success at parenting is measured in part by the success of children, then I must be doing okay, for my daughters all make me so very proud.


Piglet figure
The Story:  I have this at my work office.  It is a reminder of my daughters were younger and just like piglet...namely small and pink.


Dr Hunter S. Thompson Quote
The Story:  Framed, hanging on my home office wall, reading as follows:  "Every now and then when your life gets complicated and the weasels start closing in, the only cure is to load op on heinous chemicals and then drive like a bastard from Hollywood to Las Vegas...with the music at top volume and at least a pint of ether.".  I made this myself, complete with lamination.  Again, this goes back to a very difficult time in my life, and while I've never tried any illicit drugs (although I did have ether once, when I was 5 and had my burst appendix removed), I really like this quote because it is a reminder that when things get tough, the worst thing you can do is to just sit on your butt and feel bad for yourself or your situation.