Wednesday, June 23, 2010

About that gizmo


Several of you asked about the little prized possession I shared on my Where Bloggers Create post -- the eraser gizmo.

  I'm the youngest child and only girl in my family and both of my brothers were already in high school by the time I started kindergarten. The gap in our ages meant they were old enough to be out of the house and on their own before I finished elementary school. 
My brother closest in age to me was a genius, literally. He was intellectually gifted and to a little sister, that meant there wasn't anything he couldn't do or make or explain. 
Growing up, he was fascinated with electronics and was always building something from his collection of tubes, transistors and parts & pieces from the insides of the technology at the time, televisions and radios. 

The smell of burning solder coming from his bedroom meant something was 'under construction' or on fire.

the Ejector Seat in action

He made this gizmo for my mother about 40 years ago, when he was a teenager -- it's a whimsical and funny combination of the things we associated with his interests -- a soldered wire guy driving a car made from an eraser and electronic parts. Complete with sproingy ejector seat! My mother kept this little sculpture safely tucked in a drawer until she passed away and it became mine.

Not long after that, I also lost the brother who created it. And suddenly it went from charming memento to prized possession. Funny how that works but it still serves as a sweet reminder of simpler times.


20 comments:

  1. What a lovely story...funny how the smallest things can hold such treasured memories.

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  2. I've known a few people who were gifted like that! I have no idea how their mind works. This was such a loving tribute to your brother, and to your mother. I truly enjoyed reading it. I can see that that prized possession will be showcased forever, by someone who cherishes the memories along with it.
    Brenda

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  3. It is truly precious to you! I know you treasure it and it brings you joy to have it in your room! ♥

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  4. So sweet. Mama kept in a drawer to keep it safe all those years...awesome...
    this brought tears to mine eyes.
    love this kind of thing, and I'm so sorry for your loss...
    blessings,
    glenda

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  5. Thanks for the great post.
    Hugs,
    Gerry

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  6. No way! A real ejector seat! I wondered about that gizmo but was afraid I was the only nosy one. That is such a wonderful story to go with it, too. I think the creative gene ran in your family.

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  7. What an amazing gizmo. And all the more precious because it was made by your dear brother.

    xo
    Claudia

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  8. Oh! This IS magnificent! I loved the part about "under construction or fire." Isn't this something?! I think he would've LOVED that you shared this with the great wide world through new-fangled technology! Interesting how things go, isn't it. Something so marvelous and simple to be enjoyed by so many. Great. You made my day.

    Hugs to you!! - Kathy

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  9. What a wonderful..memory..gizmo!! I know it is precious to you!!

    Hugs..Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

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  10. That IS a prized possession, so glad you have it.

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  11. I love it! And what a treasure it has become.
    There are special memories attached to this and I know you will relive each one when you look at it. wow...............So sweet!

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  12. Very touching story...I'm so glad you have the gizmo. Funny little objects take on new meaning when we no longer have the people who were associated with them. I hope you can pass it on to someone later who will "get" it.
    Annette

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  13. What a sweet remembrance of your brother and your mom. I'm glad you are able to appreciate it. Thank you for sharing this story with us.

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  14. Great story - thanks for sharing it!

    Warm hugs,
    Pam

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  15. Great story, great sculpture, thank you for sharing it! It brought a smile to me.

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  16. Amy, this is the sweetest creation and the sweetest story to go along with it. I just love the components that your brother added - especially the ejector seat. So George Jetson! What a wonderful and very heartfelt post, dear friend.

    ((hugs))
    Becky

    PS: have a lovely dinner this weekend!!

    xoxoxo

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  17. Wonderful story! Thanks for sharing.

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  18. What a great story about your prized possession. Just getting caught up on blogs after being gone on vacation. Would love to get together for lunch/junking soon!

    Hugs,

    Lisa

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  19. I love the eraser and the story. I love that your mom kept it and now you treasure it. So great!

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  20. What an amazing creation ...and what a moving story! Thank you for sharing it!!!

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