French la Vie

Years ago, I began creating my own cabinet of curiosities—one centered on everyday little sweet things. I imagined that by the time I might have grandchildren, many of these ordinary objects would be unfamiliar to them. I imagine the stories I could weave for them.

A cabinet of curiosities traditionally holds objects like skulls, bones, taxidermy, feathers, furs, and various vials of scientific specimens.

A friend gifted me a cabinet, which I felt incredibly fortunate to receive. It is filled with small, seemingly insignificant pieces of a life long ago. I rarely open it, and I have never dusted it. It simply rests there, holding someone’s collection of memories.

I did open it once with Gabriel. He was about four years old at the time. We sat together, carefully looking at each item. After a while, he said, “Maybe we should let Olivia look at it too.” I smiled and replied, “Yes, but she’s still so little—she might throw things around.” He thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement: “Yes… maybe we better not.”

After that day, I started a cabinet of curiosities just for Gabriel. For his, I’ve gathered small treasures he loves: tiny metal animals, bits of feathers, shark teeth, a starfish, and even a bit of snake skin. He adores it.

Olivia, too, interests are a little different. She prefers big things that wouldn’t fit into a tiny cabinet. I believe a closet filled with twirly, ✨glittery dresses.