“I love mugs, and I’m not gonna lie!” š Not just ANY mug, however. I’ve amassed quite a collection, but many have been weeded out over the years. For a mug to have a guaranteed spot in my cupboard, it must have special meaning to me. There are a few that have taken up residence because they are practical and because I currently have plenty of room. But if another “special meaning mug” shows it’s face, move on over plain ol’ practical mugs, and get ready for the Goodwill!
Let’s start with the story behind my UO Fighting Duck mug!
This 3-D dandy was given to me over 20 years ago by my good buddy Bill, who holds a spot in my heart almost like a “little brother” (except he is about 6’3″)! I worked with him for 14 years at Harvest House Publishers and then for 7 years at the Eugene Mission, and we still stay in touch! Heās a guy who always makes me smileā¦and so does this mug! Go Ducks, Go Bill!
The next group of mugs are my “Tony mugs”! You can figure out why by reading the captions! Even though the pink “D” mug isn’t used a lot (the handle gets hot in the microwave) and the “t” and “d” mugs decorate a cute little kitchen shelf, they remain a permanent part of my collection!
This “video” mug has a bittersweet history. I took the pic in 2019, and it is of my beloved “kids!” That’s part 1 of the sweet. The photo was taken just after the memorial service of our dear friend Len, who had died suddenly and unexpectedly of a cardiac event. š„ŗ We were celebrating his life, and I snapped this pic because the three kids were together (which doesn’t happen that often). The next sweet part of this mugās history is that my daughter Jaydi had it made for her dad (my former husband, Jay) as a Christmas present. He had been critically ill in the hospital for over a week in December 2019. Even though we had been divorced 5 years, Jay remained a special friend to me and I had visited him often at the hospital. He was declared ready to be released on December 27th to a rehab facility to gain back his strength and to continue recovering from his prolonged hospital stay.
Jaydi was taking her dad to the facility in the late afternoon, so I stopped by the hospital to say “Hi” and “Congrats” for finally being released! I offered to take some of his personal belongings over to the rehab facility so they would be waiting for him when he arrived with Jaydi later. There was a little Christmas tree in the room, and I set up his mug for him. It turns out that he never used the mug, as he died around 6:30 a.m. the next morning on December 28th. We still aren’t sure what happened exactly, but he had two types of blood cancer, and was so weak, we imagine his heart just stopped.
So, the mug is chocked FULL of memories: of my friend Len, my kids, my daughter’s love for her dad, and of course, Jay.
Some mugs are ākeepersā because they are BEAUTIFUL and they make me happy when I sip from them. Tony and I both love Dean Crouser’s watercolor wildlife art. I gave Tony the trout mug as a birthday gift, and I’ve purchased the other ones when I’ve found good deals on them! If there are more deals to be had in the future, more Dean Crouser mugs will land on my cupboard shelf!
I’m not the ONLY one in the house who has a collection of mugs! Tony has his own special cups to use for his drink of the moment. Notice he prefers the small, old “diner” style for the most part. The turquoise one belonged to his grandfather! His mugs also reflect his interests…golf, bird watching and fishing, (and donuts??)!!
Then there’s my group of āfriends and family” mugs! Each one is captioned with it’s little story:
This colorful mug has been with me since my days of working at McKenzie School District (some 30 years ago!) and became my workplace mug over my career. It finally landed in my house when I retired. When sipping from this (or just seeing it on my desk back in the day) I am reminded that God is with me and that His words are always there to encourage and inspire me!
I love to sip coffee first thing in the morning. I smile and think of the memories each mug brings as I awaken to start my day. But, I would have to say that ANY mug can become a favorite when I’m sharing a hot beverage over good conversation with some one who is dear!
And finally, there’s a mug for YOU if you ever decide to visit me in my Sunshine Shed! Coffee, tea, a sip of wine (yes, in a mug!)…whatever you choose will be awaiting you! Thank you for reading my Blog, my Sunshiny friends! You are AWESOME indeed!
Fill the cup of happiness for others, and there will be enough overflowing to fill yours to the brim.
Rose Pastor Stokes
Love these blogs !
Awww! Thanks Linda!!
I love you š
Back atcha, Sister!
Youāre a bug in a mug thatās for sure š Thanks for including my mug. Canāt wait to use your sheshed mugs.
Your mug is one of my VERY favorites!!! Love ya Cindy-Cindy!!
I agree! A mug with a story is the best kind of mug!
I know you have a fondness for mugs, too, Peggy! Pretty/sparkly mugs and cups!!