The Big Red Bowl

Once upon a time there was a wonderful Mom who often made popcorn that she put in The Big Red Bowl. She would wait for her 4 kids to go upstairs and when they finally stayed in bed she would start her preparations. She'd get out the metal measuring cup and would melt butter in it on the gas stove. She'd then take out the pan and pop the popcorn -- she was careful not to scorch the pot.

It was an art. Heat the oil first -- just enough to cover the bottom, put in one popcorn kernel, wait for it to pop. The oil wasn't hot enough until that first kernel popped. She would put in more kernels, swish around in oil so all are covered slightly -- not too much oil, not too little. Shake the pan across burner. Shake! Shake! Shake! Halfway through, pour some popcorn into bowl. Pop the rest, dump in The Big Red Bowl before burning. As a little girl I'd listen to the entire process. I'd sniff the air and the wondrous scent of fresh popcorn. When the popping stopped I'd be at the top of the stairs -- waiting. I could hear her pour the butter, shake on the salt, and then stir the popcorn with the knife she'd used for the butter. A fresh batch of goodness in The Big Red Bowl. Waiting.... and she would settle in to the couch.

If you waited for her to have a few bites, you could creep up with a timid smile. "Can I please?" I'd plead. "One handful and then off to bed!" Oh the bliss! I'd reach my hand in to The Big Red Bowl and grab as much as my little hand could clutch. Mom would roll her eyes and sigh. I'd giggle and grab at the kernels falling from my clutches as I scampered off to bed.

Years later my little brother moved out of the house. I visited his apartment and discovered he was now the proud owner of The Big Red Bowl. How did he rank? Why did he get THE BIG RED BOWL? (Picture it, 50's Pyrex, red on the outside, white on the inside. She'd make chicken & rice casserole in it and bake it in the oven -- it was the best!). I could not believe it. How could it be that the bowl was just handed to him? How did he rank? Didn't I get a vote? He could not love that bowl like I did!! Oh the sorrow, why him? Why not me??? I'm not such a bad person....

Being a college student I knew one thing. Everyone has a price. My brother had his. I remember asking what he wanted for it and giving him whatever he asked for -- it was a petty price for The Big Red Bowl! I have no idea what I gave him, it has been many years. All that mattered was that I GOT to have The Big Red Bowl.

Later I married Hubby. He knew of my prized Big Red Bowl. (He had laughed at my negotiations to attain the prize, he loved it that I attained the prize). He knew not to use it -- The Big Red Bowl was too special. The love of my Mom was tied up in that crazy bowl. All that was good about her and my childhood was in that Big Red Bowl. Hubby was afraid to break it -- he knew it was treasured and NEVER used it. A wise man never risks the happiness of his wife. I used it for popcorn and considered it my most valuable possession besides my wedding ring. Silly? Yes. True? Yes.

Years pass, I have 2 kids. My sister (the teacher) started watching them during the summer while I worked. She knew of my love of The Big Red Bowl and avoided using it. She knew it meant so much to me, it was all that was good and pure in childhood. I was teased mercilessly as a kid (I wore glasses and needed braces, need I say more?). My comfort and hero was my Mom. My special time was sneaking out of bed for a quick feast from The Big Red Bowl. One summer day my sister called me in tears. She was practically sobbing. I feared the worst, one of the kids was hurt! No, they were both fine she told me. I was relieved, what else mattered? She went on to tell me that The Big Red Bowl had fallen from the cupboard and smashed to pieces. She was unloading the dishwasher and could not believe it. She was so sorry! I was relieved the kids were okay! I was crushed over that stupid Big Red Bowl.

Mom had often laughed at my love for the Big Red Bowl. My sister was so sorry. I told her immediately that it was okay, accidents happen. But she needed to get rid of it -- because if I saw it, I'd cry. I told her I had to go; I cried when I got off the phone. What the heck was wrong with me? It is just a BOWL for goodness sake! When I got home we agreed not to talk about it. I was embarrassed about my crazy attachment to the Big Red Bowl.

A year passed. Christmas came. My brother's wife got my name in the gift name pick. I open my gift. There are some wonderful long handled spoons and kitchen towels -- I immediately Oooh and Ahhhh. She is laughing at me, everyone is watching. I pull aside the towels and what do I find? A Big Red Bowl! I am in tears! My Mom, Dad, sister, brothers, their wives, and my children are all looking at me and laughing and smiling. They all know the story. They all crack up at my silly joy. My brother's wife got it on ebay from an estate sale. It was the old style Pyrex Big Red Bowl.

My brother's wife had searched and searched garage sales and estate sales after learning about the breakage. She bid crazy money over our agreed upon budget for the Christmas present name pick. She made friends with the seller and told her the story of the Big Red Bowl. As with the first one, this Big Red Bowl symbolized love. Sweet, caring, pure, hopeful, love. To search out a silly thing (that nobody would understand) is simply an act of love. Besides my husband and children, this was the best gift I EVER got. I felt loved. Really loved. My whole family just grinned and giggled as I hugged the Big Red Bowl and my sister inlaw. I hate calling her an inlaw, she is sister! They all knew this gift would thrill me. They all stopped what they were doing to watch me open it. They all shared my joy and smiled with me and my tears.

Every time I use, wash, put away, and see the Big Red Bowl I feel loved. I will never stop using it -- it makes me feel loved. I would be sad if it broken, but I will not rob myself of the utter joy of using it. To remember this joy so very often is a blessing in my life -- if the object of that blessing is broken it doesn't mean the love will be. The memories will still be with me.

A friend of mine asked me if there was an item I owned that was too special to use. It made me thing of The Big Red Bowl. Losing my mom taught me that the item isn't the key -- the feeling you get using it is. I love the feeling I get when I see the NEW Big Red Bowl (it is likely to be at least 40-50 years old). I sure would be sad if I didn't use it and get the almost constant reminder that I am loved. I was loved by my mom, I was loved by my sister, I was loved by my sister inlaw. I was loved by my whole family who knew the gift I was opening and who could not wait to see my face. How cool is it when part of everyone's Christmas joy is sharing your joy?

I keep the bowl close and use it often. To treasure something and NOT use it is too sad for me. I say, wear the expensive perfume that sits on the dresser. Wear the nice outfit even if it isn't a special occasion. Use it, whatever IT is -- trust me, it will work out to make you happy. It does not matter what might happen to that thing that you fear you will break (because it is too precious to use). Live in the now. Enjoy today. Use the treasure. Wear the perfume, jewelry, or outfit. USE the Big Red Bowl. Living in the now will bring you joy.

Life is short, live big.

If you love pyrex.... see here. A site called Pyrex Love -- sweet!!!