I do not consider myself a sentimental person, but I have a few things I consider priceless.

My Top 10 Possessions:

1) My Great Grandmother's treadle sewing machine: Best we can figure, it's a early 1900s model.

2) My hardback copy of LOVE MEDICINE by Louise Erdrich: My friend Mary gave this book to me. She bought it because my paperback copy was held together with packing tape.

3) Fuzzy: He's a stuffed white elephant. I suppose I've had him my entire life.

4) The cheap gold plated bracelet Jason bought me for my 25th birthday: It clasps with 2 little hands hooking together. It took him hours to locate it in the junk shop.

5) A quilt my Great Aunt made for me: Most of the women in my family quilt, so I have dozens of hand sewn quilts, but this one is the most special. My aunt's mental development was stunted after an accident when she was about 11. She was a sweet, kind soul. She spent hours making this quilt for me. Imagine an 11 year old having the patience to piece a Queen sized quilt.

6) My Mother's ring: A beautiful ivory cameo with a tiny diamond. My father gave it to my mother on their first anniversary. Although their marriage was what could only be described as a disaster, it reminds me that once upon a time they loved one another.

7) A potholder: The kind you make with the loom kits you buy at Wal-Mart. Hayley made it for us as a housewarming gift. She was 6 years old, presenting this little rag like it was spun gold.

8) A photograph of me with my Grandfather: Its just one of those pictures that speaks volumes. I'll have to share it with you sometime....

9) The bench my father built: I took a picture from a Pottery Barn catalog and some measurements and viola! My father is a gifted carpenter. He can make anything by just looking at a picture. I did not inherit this ability.

10) I'm reserving #10. I am soon to receive a wonderful gift from a talented artist. And although I have not yet seen it, I know it will be a most prize possession. More on that later.