The TJ MAXX Plate

Who remembers shopping at TJ Maxx as a kid? My mother and I began our shopping experience at this retail establishment when I was 15 years old. That was 45 years ago. When this new store came to town we found good quality clothes at a fraction of the cost. When I 20 years old, I recall them introducing a new overstock housewares section in the back of the store. At that time, I was young, deep in school debt, and working full time. I eye-spyed THE MOST AMAZING hand-painted plate from Italy. I quickly grabbed it, held onto it, drooled and debated whether I could or could not afford such beautiful art.

I pondered and labored over my decision for 20 minutes. I remember this vividly as shoppers past by, also eye-spying my unusual find, occasionally making remarks on it’s fineness.

I talked myself out of it, placed it back on the shelf, and went about my shopping. Within 15 minutes, I changed my mind, and returned to the aisle to make it my keeper. The plate was gone. Snatched.

I have regretted that decision for 45 years. How many of us have had similar experiences? As time passed, I decided that any hand-made works of art that truly thrilled my heart, I would enjoy. I’m not talking about impulse buying. I’m expressing about something that genuinely makes your heart sing. At the point I outgrew a treasure, or I had over-filled my happy jar, I received equal pleasure by gifting it to others to enjoy. A few of my family’s antiques have been loved and cherished through many generations, passed down for each of us to love as the original aficionado’s had done before us. There are great blessings in giving and receiving. Hand-made and hand-crafted original designs are born from a labor of love that no mass production could ever match.