Trash Versus Treasure

By: Sharon Moore

Throughout various stages of our lives, we often find ourselves needing to reassess and categorize what items we consider most important. This often happens as we transition through different phases of life. From childhood to adolescence, we might give up our favorite toy for items more popular for that age group. As adults, we fill our homes with a favorite decor, but even that can change due to circumstances that cause us to downsize.

A little over ten years ago, I found myself in such a position. It was a special time, as the past few years had been filled with one disaster after another: the death of my dear mother, the heartache of divorce, and feeling lonely for the first time in my life. This became especially apparent when my daughter married a man I truly adore, but they moved to Singapore for a fantastic job opportunity. Fortunately, things turned around when I met and married my dear sweet husband, Greg. The only problem was we had to combine two houses into one. Since his house was bigger, it made more sense to rent mine out and live together in his. So, I had to make some really big decisions about what items could stay and what had to go.

Categorizing my items was a complicated process. I had to figure out what was necessary and what had to go. I ended up renting my house to a friend from work. She liked most of my furniture, but there were still many items that went to resale stores, Goodwill, or got pitched. From kitchen utensils to large furniture items, they all had to be evaluated.

However, what I found to be the most meaningful, my most treasured possessions that I made sure made the move, had to do with the creative arts and the legacy behind them. They were my violin and a couple of cherished pieces of art that I proudly displayed on my walls. 

What made these items so special were the people who influenced me to develop my craft as a musician and an artist. My mother was a middle school music teacher, but she wisely chose not to teach me herself. She and my dad invested in me with lessons throughout my childhood and even into college. My talent wasn’t enough to pursue professionally, but the joy it brought me Is something I will always cherish. It opened up so many wonderful experiences that went beyond anything I could have done on my own. It allowed me the opportunity to play and travel locally and internationally. Learning the violin and perfecting the skill is a legacy that I treasure and continue to enjoy. I play hymns as seniors sing along for their weekly Chapel service. Soon after Halloween ends I start practicing Christmas music to share at local senior care facilities. Plus I always enjoy playing in the pit orchestra, during an annual church Christmas Cantata. I have even learned how to play fiddle style and have joined a local country band.

The artwork that I own has a special meaning as well. My uncle was Artist and Illustrator Mac Heaton. He was named in the Who’s Who of Indiana for his outstanding artwork. Some of his renowned works include a portrait of Chief Simon Pokagon, which hangs in the lobby of Pokagon State Park. He specialized in wildlife art, which was used in postage stamp designs, but what I enjoyed the most were his hidden pictures featured in the Highlights Magazine for Kids. He passed away in 2002, but his legacy lives on forever. Not only do I enjoy his artwork, but he also gave me some lessons that I incorporated into my own art.

Uncle Mac’s gift of teaching me how to paint came in an unexpected manner. We were at a family reunion, and I mentioned to Uncle Mac that our new house had a large “Great Room.” With such a large wall, I was unsure how to go about decorating it. I asked him if he knew of a place where I could buy inexpensive artwork. Living near Indianapolis, I thought he might know of a starving artist’s location. Uncle Mac said he did not know of a place, but he said that I could paint my own picture. I, of course, gave him one of those “Oh yeah, right!” looks. However, he continued to explain that it was not that hard. He knew some tricks of the trade, which he continued to share with me. I had never painted a single picture before. I had taken a few art classes and enjoyed doing crafts, but nothing like this! However, he made it sound so easy, so I took him up on it. I decided to paint a picture of a little fawn sitting on the grass. Uncle Mac suggested that to learn how to paint the grass, I should go and lay down in my yard and look at how the shadows interact among the foliage. My uncle was really into details. The hair on the fawn was another special trick. He suggested using a small stroke method to ensure a more genuine effect. The whole project was off and on for almost a year, with special times when I would go visit him to show him my progress and get extra tips. It made it to my “Great Room” and has been on display in every home since then.

I miss my mom and Uncle Mac, but I am so grateful for the gifts they gave me by sharing their talents and love for their craft. The word “treasure” is often described in a monetary way. However, if precious memories are connected with an item, they become valuable in a more personal way. I am grateful that I still have these cherished items as they remind me of their journey. Plus, who knows, someday an item of mine might be passed on as a treasure due to my own personal story behind it.