Sharing History With Strangers
- Details
- Written by Cheryl Richardson

It had been nearly an hour of combing through racks of vintage and upcycled clothes when I finally struck gold.
Stashed behind a well-worn, olive-green army coat, I spied a sliver of robin’s egg blue that seemed to vibrate with light. I reached for the item only to have my fingers land on fabric that felt worthy of a warm fire and a cozy cup of tea. I gently pulled the garment out of the mix and discovered an intricately knitted cardigan with a lacework collar, fancy front panels, and matching yarn-covered buttons. I put it on over my T-shirt and went to find a mirror.
As a young woman, I loved vintage stores and second-hand shopping. Whether I was furnishing an apartment or my body, it felt like hunting for treasure. The idea of wearing history, recycled materials, and saving money was appealing, and unique pieces often stood the test of time. The items I purchased stayed with me for years.
Standing in the mirror looking at the blue sweater, I knew it was a keeper. When I asked the gal selling it about the origin, I learned that the cardigan had been knitted by her 97-year-old grandmother. “My Nana Aline made all kinds of clothing,” said the proud young woman standing next to two carefully curated racks of garments. “She designed pants and dresses, and she knitted beautiful sweaters. It makes me happy to know you love it.” And I do.
Just yesterday, I struck gold again. After three years of searching for a writing chair for my bedroom, I purchased a vintage, scalloped-back, velvet gem that my friend Susan found on Facebook Marketplace. When we went to pick it up, we learned that it belonged to Claudia, the owner’s mother, who purchased it in the forties. It’s been in their family ever since. After learning about her mom and the history behind the chair, I left feeling like the lucky recipient of a beloved gift.
This morning, wrapped in the blue sweater and sitting in the chair working on this blog, I’m inspired to let my own beloved items find a new home with those who will appreciate their usefulness and/or beauty. Not only does it make letting go of things we no longer love or need easier, it gives us a chance to make new friends. Now, each time I wear the sweater or sit in the chair, I’ll think of Aline and Claudia and smile. Turns out, it’s a lovely thing to share history with strangers.
Love,
Cheryl
© 2023 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved. We track all IP addresses. Using a VPN will now also get tracked to original source IP.
Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!
Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below!
Latest Articles

Imagine a world of inspiration and healing, free for all—made possible by YOU!
Donate Now—Ignite the Magic at CrystalWind.ca!
Epilepsy - Finding A Cure
Your donation can make a difference!
Help us find a cure – donate now!
Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!
Follow Us!
Who is Online Now
We have 34172 guests and no members online
Featured This Month
The Crystal Wind Oracle Card Deck
The Crystal Wind Oracle™ The Crystal Wind Oracle Myth & Magic Card D... Read more
Litha - The Midsummer Solstice
The Litha festival is one of the lesser Sabbats of the Witches annual calend... Read more
Taurus Mythology
The Taurus Myth The story of Taurus is most vividly tied to the tale of Zeu... Read more
Cartomancy - Fortune Telling Using Playing C…
Cartomancy is the act of divining using cards. Divining means to find out by... Read more
The Seven Chakras and their Meanings
If you could imagine chakras as circles of energy, flowing all the way throu... Read more
Frogs Return Moon
Beaver – Chrysocolla - Blue Camas – Blue April 20 – May 20 The Frogs Retur... Read more
Litha Sabbat - The Summer Solstice
Gardens are blooming, and summer is in full swing. Fire up the barbeque, turn ... Read more
Sun in Taurus
Sun in Taurus April 21 through May 21 An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristi... Read more
Litha (Midsummer)
The season of Midsummer (also called "Litha") begins on or about June 21st i... Read more