My Grandfather Bert was a collector. He had a thing for the works of man. No matter what it was if someone had bothered to create it and construct it Bert felt obliged to not only recognise it but also honour it in the way he saw fit.
This was usually in the form of mounting whatever it was and placing it in his front yard to show his neighbours.
We called his place the home for lost things. So much of the stuff he had standing around looking important was beyond description in terms of understanding what it actually was.
But Bert never let use stand in the way of his tribute. When asked what it might be used for he’d say: ‘It’s a wigwam for a goose’s bridle.’ And that would be it, no other explanation required. Everyone would nod and go about their business wondering what craziness they’d see the next week.
Written for: https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com/2015/12/29/fffaw-week-of-12-29-2015/
Grandfather Bert sounds like a very interesting character. I can only imagine what his yard must look like and I imagine there are some art out there that’s worth money! Great story!
Thank you Joy, there are people like Bert out there you know…
Yes, there certainly is! I have seen a few of those yard. 🙂
Grandmother Bert must have been very tolerant.
Oh yes despite everything he was very loveable…..
Hmm… He is a bit of a hoarder and a collector of old treasures. Treasures to him but garbage to everyone else. I wonder what he sees in the pieces he finds? Great writing!
I think Mandi it is a case of one man’s rubbish is another’s treasure.
Yes, I think you are right Michael.
“‘It’s a wigwam for a goose’s bridle:” as a Canadian, I know what that means, lol.
Wonderful fun.
Glad you could relate….thanks for stopping by.
It’s a colonial thing, I think.
My uncle bob and brother-in-law would get along well with Bert. And only one is a Canadian, lol.
At least his not harming anyone and his happy.
Win-win situation if you ask me.
I agree, best wishes for the new year…
I wish you the same Michael … onwards and upwards.
XD
Nice story! 🙂 Bert is having fun inventing all kinds of things out of lost items for his delight as well as others! He seems to have a way of making the old seem new again.
Thank you Jessie.
Luckily Granddad Bert didn’t live in the day of Home Owner’s Associations–he got to collect his treasures and live happily ever after. Nowadays “collectors,” where I live, have to keep their treasures indoors, thus creating the need for the reality show: “Hoarders”. 😀
Well thankfully we don’t have rigid home owners associations round here so the eccentrics can floursh….thanks for stopping by Mandy…
That’s good! It’s nice to have a happy medium. 🙂
Bert’s garden sounds like an interesting place! Great story, Michael. 🙂
Thanks Louise, have a good day…
I like Bert and his appreciation for other people’s work. Lovely take on the prompt 🙂
Thank you Sonya. Happy New Years to you
Thanks, Happy New Year to you, too!
Now that’s one yard I’d love to visit! 🙂
It would be an interesting place wouldn’t it….
How wonderful. He paid tribute to unknown artists and had fun, a hobby, and gave people something to think about, all at the same time. 🙂 Fabulous.
Thank you Gigi I appreciate you stopping by…..