Life is what you think each day. And very often what I think is generated by what I see. While the most notable visual frequency is Mother Nature, it is a close second to inspect (and to be prompted by) what treasures I own. After all, what we have is the fruit of deliberation. This is especially so at an end-of-life juncture after having downsized and purged in order to permit habitation of diminished space. The corollary is a distillation, a purification and a fluidity of assembly. Nothing is hidden or otherwise unwanted; instead the distilled choices are the best of the best.

Accompany me, if you will, upon a brief voyage to investigate these trifling possessions which nonetheless reflect a lifetime of meaning and significance. I haven’t any especial agenda except to attempt a moderate acquaintance of the items of each particular study. Shall we therefore start with the subject of glass.

Allow me first to introduce the millefiori. We have two, one is a Murano (Italy) ashtray; the other is a Perthshire (Scotland) paperweight. Both naturally are exceptional for their floral ornamentation. The Murano piece I bought from a small exotic novelty store in the Rideau Centre not long after the mall first opened. I rather suspect the store is no longer there because undoubtedly it was operated by a proprietor of retail distinction who was making an attempt at business success. But its appeal was not what would in my opinion traditionally survive in such a vernacular. It barely piqued even my esoteric interest. If I recall correctly I had gone into the store looking for something entirely different. But when I saw it, the dark blue colour mixed with the gold leaf flowers captured me. Plus those were probably the days when I smoked cigarettes and I fashioned the device would somehow disguise the peril. In any event I ended using it not as an ashtray but instead as a small bowl for house keys and car keys.

The Perthshire piece I bought on Madison Avenue in New York City about 30 years ago. We were staying at the Waldorf Astoria not far from the store which we passed on a bright autumn morning en route to breakfast at a nearby restaurant. It was so early in the morning that the store door was locked. The proprietor noticed us and let us in. He recognised my genuine interest and showed me about 30 different pieces before I settled on one. It is unique in that it is the usual globe but pended upon a column.

The Lalique vase was purchased from Wallack Gallery (before they moved to Bank Street) when they were located on Laurier Ave W directly across the street from the Lord Elgin Hotel. The vase has been a staple for floral ornaments for many years. I was prompted to buy it after having invited Jo Anne Trudeau to visit me at my new first little house.  She brought me one long stem rose as a housewarming gift.  I hadn’t anything in which to exhibit it so the next day I ventured into the city for the sole purpose of buying  a vase. I now put only fake flowers in the vase; and, the best ones are from Walmart costing about $1 each (typically I buy 2-dozen to create a bountiful look).

Complementing the collection of vases are smaller ones from Waterford and the like.  One would hold no more than a floating daisy. There is also a crystal ball on a supporting circular base.

We have three crystal decanters. My favourite is one which I bought for my sister for Christmas not long after she and her husband bought their new home on Colonel By Drive in Ottawa. When I mentioned the proposed gift to my father he said my sister needed money more than an Orrefors decanter. So I gave her money and kept the decanter for myself. The three decanters house Porto, sherry and Cognac.  We haven’t had a drop of alcohol for over a decade but we keep the decanters full for guests and for the sheer beauty of the colours when the sunlight hits them at the right angle. The other two decanters are from Birks, one of which is the bulbous model characteristic of sherry decanters.

Finally we  have a collection of the usual wine, sherry and drinking glasses. Singular among that collection are 4 heavy cut crystal beer steins which I bought at a MacIntosh & Watts in Kanata.  Most of this stuff (except the small glass mugs with handle that we use in the bathrooms) is stored in a wooden cabinet with glass doors so it is visible even if infrequently used.

Though I adore the glassware I confess my greater attraction is bronze (or other metal products such as silver or brass). I’ll defer that discussion for Chapter 2.