Grandma said: “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”
This particular reminder resonated with us grandchildren since Grandma and Grandpa Pickett lived on a farm. As I recall, it was shortly after New Year’s day or perhaps it was the first day of the new year when the pig would donate it’s body – not to science - but to the food pantry. The bladder of the pig would, for a time, become the balloon which we children would play with. I am not sure what became of the ears of the pig but I do not think it was used for food or any other purpose. (I now know some did use it for food.) I suppose because the hair on the ear of the pig seems finer/silky someone reminded a child that appearances were deceiving. At some point the saying because a metaphor for starting a project with inferior materials or without adequate preparation.
Yet, despite the obvious wisdom of this reminder, I can recall thinking at some point in my childhood that Grandma Fannie and other women I knew were constantly proving the opposite. Scraps of material, worn out garments and even cloth feed and flour sacks became exquisite intricately designed and flawlessly executed quilts (some have suggested the design of these quilts preceded the recognized artwork of male artists who had the luxury of being called and promoted as artists), dish towels and other useful and attractive items. Scraps of wool and other material became braided or hooked rugs. As was true for many so-called less sophisticated tribes/groups there was not a distinction between beauty and usefulness. When I lived with the Tlingit Indians I marveled at the carved fishhooks, canes, and written history (Totem Poles). My friend Cheryl has dyed wool strips to create intricate paintings which become rugs which grateful recipients use as wall hangings. The bark which is discarded by palm trees became the canvas of many Florida artists.
Although I do not want to underestimate the value of the artwork which covers the walls, tables and other surfaces in my home, I am especially in awe of those who take something many of us might discard as useless and create art which is also very used for feeding the family or for other purposes.
I especially love the pottery bowls, pitchers and other beautiful pieces which often hold flowers, food or drink while reminding me of the beauty which humans can create. Apparently humans have had this need and ability to create beauty which also serves to nurture in other ways.
If one has had the task of “settling the estate” of an elder in the family one has found spools of saved string and many other objects which were saved because someone in the family might use them some day. Since I am have often moved around the country I find that I often am looking for that used or leftover treasure which I have probably given away or discarded. Just yesterday I purchased something I would never have previously purchased. Of course, I realize that occasionally the “stuff” one saves might morph into hoarding which is no longer about beauty or even usefulness.
Even pigs’ ears are a part of the diet of some humans and are often prepared as a treat for dogs. No one, of course, mistakes them for a silk purse which might be sold in a boutique store, but I would not be surprised to find that they too can used to create a thing of beauty.
Using the right materials, doing adequate training or preparation or otherwise heeding the intended meaning of this wise Grandma’s advice is something I treasure. At the same time, I want to appreciate the creativity, frugality, and the wisdom of surrounding ourselves with beauty with which our elders often gifted us. While it may be easier to purchase items which may temporarily be functional, we may one day find that we are drowning in a sea of “stuff” while ignoring the joy and warmth of a quilt.
A little of this, a dash of that, a stich here or a brush stroke there will feed our bodies, fill our hearts and become a servant.
Written March 6, 2017
This particular reminder resonated with us grandchildren since Grandma and Grandpa Pickett lived on a farm. As I recall, it was shortly after New Year’s day or perhaps it was the first day of the new year when the pig would donate it’s body – not to science - but to the food pantry. The bladder of the pig would, for a time, become the balloon which we children would play with. I am not sure what became of the ears of the pig but I do not think it was used for food or any other purpose. (I now know some did use it for food.) I suppose because the hair on the ear of the pig seems finer/silky someone reminded a child that appearances were deceiving. At some point the saying because a metaphor for starting a project with inferior materials or without adequate preparation.
Yet, despite the obvious wisdom of this reminder, I can recall thinking at some point in my childhood that Grandma Fannie and other women I knew were constantly proving the opposite. Scraps of material, worn out garments and even cloth feed and flour sacks became exquisite intricately designed and flawlessly executed quilts (some have suggested the design of these quilts preceded the recognized artwork of male artists who had the luxury of being called and promoted as artists), dish towels and other useful and attractive items. Scraps of wool and other material became braided or hooked rugs. As was true for many so-called less sophisticated tribes/groups there was not a distinction between beauty and usefulness. When I lived with the Tlingit Indians I marveled at the carved fishhooks, canes, and written history (Totem Poles). My friend Cheryl has dyed wool strips to create intricate paintings which become rugs which grateful recipients use as wall hangings. The bark which is discarded by palm trees became the canvas of many Florida artists.
Although I do not want to underestimate the value of the artwork which covers the walls, tables and other surfaces in my home, I am especially in awe of those who take something many of us might discard as useless and create art which is also very used for feeding the family or for other purposes.
I especially love the pottery bowls, pitchers and other beautiful pieces which often hold flowers, food or drink while reminding me of the beauty which humans can create. Apparently humans have had this need and ability to create beauty which also serves to nurture in other ways.
If one has had the task of “settling the estate” of an elder in the family one has found spools of saved string and many other objects which were saved because someone in the family might use them some day. Since I am have often moved around the country I find that I often am looking for that used or leftover treasure which I have probably given away or discarded. Just yesterday I purchased something I would never have previously purchased. Of course, I realize that occasionally the “stuff” one saves might morph into hoarding which is no longer about beauty or even usefulness.
Even pigs’ ears are a part of the diet of some humans and are often prepared as a treat for dogs. No one, of course, mistakes them for a silk purse which might be sold in a boutique store, but I would not be surprised to find that they too can used to create a thing of beauty.
Using the right materials, doing adequate training or preparation or otherwise heeding the intended meaning of this wise Grandma’s advice is something I treasure. At the same time, I want to appreciate the creativity, frugality, and the wisdom of surrounding ourselves with beauty with which our elders often gifted us. While it may be easier to purchase items which may temporarily be functional, we may one day find that we are drowning in a sea of “stuff” while ignoring the joy and warmth of a quilt.
A little of this, a dash of that, a stich here or a brush stroke there will feed our bodies, fill our hearts and become a servant.
Written March 6, 2017
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