The wall

The wall in my family room is covered in various tools and implements.

I like the old school look and the fact that if all electricity fails forever, I can go to the wall and pick out the right tool to build a shelter, turn the soil and even defend my territory with something spikey.

 The wall is a reminder of a simpler time. Each piece on it was handed down from father to son or daughter for 3-4 generations. Some of the pieces have been restored and polished and others left with the rusted bits to enhance their ruggedness. I can remember my father and grandfather using the saws to make the porch steps and cut the stump end off of the Christmas tree.

It might sound strange to have this kind of wall display in an urban setting, especially when most of the house has a contemporary décor; but the wall is a physical reminder that I come from generations of the common hard working laborer, farmer, craftsman who worked with their hands and made do with materials available and for the most part were a humble people.

I'm proud to be a product of hard work and grit. It helped me to work harder to provide for my own family and instill in the children a  work ethic that they carry on .

My father-in-law recently passed away. He liked my wall and brought me his favorite "oldie but goodie" tool each time he came for a visit. He enjoyed looking at his old tools being displayed like fine art- even though it baffled him why I would allow it in the house when it obviously belonged in the barn. Even better, he would give a brief history about  the tool and a project he remembered it was used for or who it belonged to.

Dad had the mother lode of all tools and rusty farm equipment. The family went through his workshop and garage, finding a plethora of old tools and I was brought many "treasures" to put on my wall. I can say with assurance that the wall is full. I'm not sure about the 8 foot scythe. It looks  sinister but I'm pretty sure if I was armed with it against an assailant they might back off and rethink their strategy; or, if I need to mow the lawn, and the mower is out of gas, I could resort to using it for that!

I hope you have something in your home displayed to honor your past and what was instrumental in making you the person you are today.  The old saw with engraved leaves on the handle and etched initials of my great-grandfather is my favorite. It's tough, gritty and gets the job done with the right amount of effort and motivation. It's still functional , a little rusted with age, has a sturdy handle on its large frame and a couple of crooked teeth.. . . just like me.