As I pondered the theme for November-traditions, I wondered what I could contribute. My mind was a blank. The thoughts I had for a tradition were things like families that always have Mammaw's stuffing at Thanksgiving or families that always hold their family reunions at the same place, or certain young people that may or not be "Aggies" that can't wear their class ring till after that "ring dunking" thing.
But as I kept the thought of tradition in the back of my pea brain and the month unfolded, I began to realize that I do have traditions. I just never thought of them as that before. I started asking myself why I did certain things and the answer was
Huh, what'dya know!
I live in the state capitol of Texas, about 10 years ago I discovered there was a "Capitol Ornament" made every year. It was different every year and always a replica of some part of the State Capitol building. They came in a box with a card explaining what it was and what the significance of it was. I found this very interesting. I enjoy discovering the history and trivia about this area and the State Capitol has a rich history. I began buying one every year for myself and one for my daughter.
The ornament series began in 1996, I began collecting in 2005. I knew I wanted to complete my collection and started to buy one of the previous years ornaments each year. But only 1 previous year at a time. I thought I had plenty of time to complete my collection.
Wrong again!
They stopped making the earlier ornaments before I had completed my collection! I only needed the 1996 and 1997 ornaments! Suddenly, since they were no longer in production, the price skyrocketed! There was no way I was going to be able to afford that if I could even find one!
My daughter was also trying to fill in her collection. We had numerous conversations about the needed ornaments. She expressed the same concerns I did about availability and price. (sigh) My collection would never be complete.
Imagine my surprise when 2 small boxes were under the tree on Christmas day 2 years ago. My daughter found and purchased the 2 ornaments I needed. How did she do it, I wondered! (she won't reveal her sources! lol!)
The ornament for 2012 is a finial like the one pictured at the top of this post. Early in November I participated in a flickr meetup. We were going to meet in downtown Austin and walk to the capitol building. I knew I had to go. By then I knew what the 2012 ornament was and I wanted to take a picture of an actual finial at the Capitol building.
I want to go to the Capitol and take pictures of the parts of the Capitol that match my ornament collection. It's going to take more than 1 visit! A new tradition!
November is winding down so be sure to add your tradition pictures to the flickr pool! I have enjoyed seeing different traditions! I have gotten a few new ideas that I want to try!
Don't forget to email me (lindagotx@yahoo.com) your information if you want to participate in our Holiday Card exchange! Read more about it here.
"We never give up wanting things for ourselves, but there comes a day when what we want for ourselves is someone else's happiness." ~~ Robert Brault
xo,
8 comments:
What a cool story! I actually like the ornament finial better. It's beautiful!! So happy that you got your complete collection.
What a wonderful tradition! I love the idea that you're going to take photos to match your ornaments!! Sounds like a State Capitol scavenger hunt to me!! I love your top photo! Beautiful POV! I would love to see more of your ornament photo!
How fun! Love the story of completing your collection and the fact that you are going to try to take a photo to match each one. Just LOVE your top photo and how you included the Capitol building in the background! I agree with Cathy -- I'd love to see more photos of your ornaments and the places they match. Such a fun project!
What a sweet daughter to find those missing ornaments for you. :) I love the top photo - so well done. What a fun project - photographing the "real" thing at the capital building to match your ornaments. Fun, fun!
That's a great tradition. And, sweeter because you share it with your daughter.
I live in Austin, too. Well...really Wimberley. I didn't know they did a Capitol ornament. I give ornaments to the kids and grands every year. That might be a good one to start.
Your scavenger hunt for the places these match should be fun.
YOu and I have had so many things similiar its kinda funny! I loved collecting ornaments too and what a lovely daughter you have that you can do this together.
Love your shots!
What a fun tradition to have, especially with your daughter involved too. And how wonderful that she was able to locate your missing ornaments. Great tradition!!
My grandmother started us off on an ornament tradition, making them each year, with felt and sequins. And I have to say I was so good about buying the kids ornaments when they were younger, I've kind of flopped on that tradition!
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