Buried Treasure

 As I dove into a small upholstery job earlier today – eager to get a jump start on the project, the most amazing thing unraveled right before my eyes.   It’s one of those things that hit you, and have your thoughts going all over in comparison.  A “whoa, how cool is this” moment.

My friend is doing some facelifts around her home, jazzing it up room to room, adding a pillow or two, some new colors, a faucet, a picture, paint and so forth.  The fun stuff!  So, last year we went around to a few consignment shops, flea markets, and boutiques looking for new treasures.  She purchased a really cool ottoman.  It is round with wooden legs and antique brass leg tips – circa 1970’s all the way.  It was poorly covered with some so-so fabric which she him-hawed about.   She finally decided to take it home, knowing down the road we would re-cover it.

Today was the day.  I dug out the tools and began pulling all the staples.  I removed the first layer of fabric only to find the second layer a yucky blue.  Moving on to the next layer, as I peeled off the blue, was the buried treasure.  This piece shone in all its glory!  I was awe struck as I stood there.  I went to my cleaning supplies to wipe her down and just stood there looking it over on all sides, top, and bottom.  This was the very thing we were looking for, only better.  In its original state, the color and tailoring of the upholstery was so perfect  – I now saw it as the focal point of the newly decorated room.  A couple scuffs gave it character – and I would confidently say, this is the kind of piece designer’s want to include in their ‘make-over’ jobs.  So for over a year, this piece was already in place – just covered up with stuff we didn’t like.

What else is in our daily life is covered up with stuff we don’t like?  I believe we are surrounded by treasure, and just not seeing it.  Treasure and valuable goods are not only hidden in material things, how about the people we meet, or folks we’ve known forever.  Are we missing out by overlooking what is hidden before our eyes?  Do we need to turn things over, or take a deeper look?  Do we need to peel back a few layers?  Let’s take a naval orange for example – peeling off the thick skin to reach the juicy treasure inside?  Many times the good stuff is covered up for protection.  We must peel the outer layer to get to the real treasure underneath.  

Today I discovered the meaning of treasure hunting.  Never to look at anyone or anything the same, I will get out my spyglass to take a deeper look.  I feel alive with anticipation. I am on a mission to find the buried treasure in my life – with eyes, and heart wide open.  

Aargh, let no coffer go unturned.