This week, I’ve decided to delve into the realm of worldly possessions, and write a post every day about the objects that I love.

I began compiling a list of my favorite things, and right off the bat  I found a theme: many of these objects are old. Vintage or retro might be a better (read: cooler) way to put it. The top 5 objects are all things that are much older than me:

1. Garage-Sale Golf Clubs

I got these clubs at a sale down the street from my house for $20. I’m not much of a golfer- and to be honest, I mainly got this set because I liked the bag. The great thing about these is that they are actually wooden clubs- and I get quite a few looks out on the green for lugging around these bad boys. Sure, they’re nearly impossible to hit with and they weigh a ton, but they’re gorgeous and I’ve been told by an incredulous golf pro that they are quite possibly 50 years old.

2. Traveling Typewriter

This old typewriter first belonged to my Great-Great Grandfather, who used it as a traveling journalist. On assignment, he would actually bring this out with him in order to make his deadline. It actually folds up to fit neatly inside this case. I’m still restoring it, but I love the quaint feeling of clacking away at its keys, waiting for the bell to ring and signal the end of a line.

3. Paris Bracelet

When it came time for choosing a language in high school, it was a no-brainer for me. I’ve always been interested in the French language, and years of studying and finally visiting the county has cemented that love. During my first year of French, my Mom tracked down this old bracelet and gave it to me for my birthday. It features famous French monuments including Sacre Coeur, L’Arc de Triomph, Notre Dame, and of course the Tour d’Eiffel. Looking at it now, I realize I have been able to visit each of these sites in person.

4. Pendleton Dress

In high school I was the happy recipient of a lot of hand-me-downs from my Grandmother as she cleaned out her house. This dress is the first dress my grandfather ever bought her, and is well over 50 years old. It is vintage Pendleton brand. I made a few alterations to modernize the garment- shortening the hem line and taking in the waist a bit, but it has retained a lot of the core qualities that originally drew my grandparents in. Whenever I see my Grandma while wearing this dress, she talks about how much fun it must be for a dress that old to go to college and see the world through the eyes of a 20-something. We tend to personify objects in our family.

5. Album Covers and Records

I began collecting these when I moved into my first apartment. I figured they were a fun and inexpensive wall decoration. Over time, I grew to love the design of these paragons of the music industry. Some great color combinations and use of typography can be found on old album covers, not to mention names like “Music for Smoochin’ .” I’ve moved a few times now since I first acquired these, and I don’t quite feel at home until they’re up on the wall.

Why Do I Love These Objects?

Was I just born in the wrong decade? Am I an old lady trapped in the body of a 22 year old? Given my penchant for cardigans and tendency to drive 10 MPH under the speed limit, I thought this could be a real possibility. After further thought, I decided that it’s not just that these things are old. It is that they have a story, a history. They have significance beyond their physical characteristics.

Every object that is important to us has a story to tell, and we are the storytellers.

Either that, or I should be checking into a home soon with my cats and crochet hooks-you can all just call me Adelaide.