Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Restoring and Reusing

Reuse is often easier (and more fun!) than recycle, I think. A challenge and physical labor to sand down the old, find the inner core beauty, and refinish for a desired new look. Kind of like reworking the best in ourselves, I guess. You know, we've all got strengths and weaknesses. But if we scrape off all those unsightly layers and find the beauty buried under it all, we can utilize the Atonement of Christ to shine it up, fix it up, and be better than before. No reason to throw it out completely (or feel we have to give up on changing something because it is "just the way I am"). and isn't it interesting how something with a story behind, that has been through a lot, seems to be more esteemed and valuable to us than something brand new and trendy? Hmmm, it would seem that we don't need to be so hard on ourselves for being "imperfect" because that actually gives us an opportunity to testify of the hand of the Lord working in our lives. If we were all spit-shined and plastic without any scratches, then where would be the evidence of experience that can help others? Where would the faint marks of the Master's hand be to indicate that He has been working on us?
Those have been some of my thoughts as I've been fixing up this old highchair I got from my folks. I sat in this high chair as a baby. If I ever get around to scanning my parent's pics of me, I'll prove it. But for now, just enjoy the new look! Sanded it all, reinforced the joints with wood glue, reworked the metal mechanisms on the tray so it slides on and off better, stained it all, sealed it all (3 coats!), and now I'm just trying to find a good cushion/backrest thingie to put in it. But then again, it would only get beans and bananas on it... maybe I should leave it? Would that be too uncomfortable? I'll try to find something plastic-ey, but I haven't the slightest idea where to look. Anyway, there ya have it! A restoration!

P.S. Also bought a used jogging stroller on Craigslist for cheap and cleaned it up so Gwen and I can get some exercise! (I actually ran 2 miles yesterday, btw!) And how bout the bookshelf that Heather and I stumbled upon abandoned by dumpsters on one of our walks? Reglued the laminate that was peeling off. Good to go as soon as I finish painting it! I love fixing things up!

6 comments:

  1. I love the wooden high chair! So pretty. Insightful thoughts too. I love reusing things. Sometimes I have to force myself to get rid of things, but I would rather give them away than throw them in the trash. Lately I have been scouring the classifieds for things that I want to buy to see if I can find better deals. You definitely can. Love the used jogging stroller. When you are done with it, then you can sell it to someone else who needs one!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey, just found your blog (fun!) I love old stuff, fixed up. My mom is thinking of giving me some old, old chairs. I hope she does 'cause I've got lots of plans. I'm just not sure how to get them to Ohio. . .

    ReplyDelete
  3. If it had been ambiguous before it is now no longer . . . you are the most awesome Renaissance woman I have ever met.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dang, I'm impressed! That highchair looks awesome and you even fixed up the metal mechanisms? Good job! I like finding old things for cheap and painting/recovering them too. It lets your creativity out. Nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love all the "projects" you are working on. I especially love the high chair. Bart's parents' have the same one! Whitney will get to use it while she's visiting.

    ReplyDelete