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A Sheeny at Heart; or, the Story of How I Came to Be Me
My grandfather was from “the old country”. He was a sheeny. He died before I was born, but when I was growing up, a “sheeny man” would travel up and down the alleys of Scranton picking up discarded junk. Sometimes he was called “the rag man”. Sheeny is a derogatory term, but I was proud of this grandpa I never knew. I became a sheeny when I was two. Mom would throw things in the garbage; I would pick them out. I’m still a garbage picker and our home is full of things both my husband and I have “rescued”.
The horn my Grandfather used when he was a sheeny.
Both of my grandmothers were gardeners, so I imagine that my love of gardening has also been inherited. My interest began when I was around 8, but I started my first real garden when I was 16. I read Postage Stamp Gardening and began in earnest. I dug my family’s entire (small) back yard and planted every inch of it. I’m still gardening and still learning.
Sunflower Seedlings
And from my Heavenly Father, I have inherited, among other things, my love of Creation. I never tire of a glorious sunset, a gorgeous view I’ve seen a hundred times, or the breathtaking beauty of foxglove growing in my yard. They point me to God who is the Maker of all things. “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Romans 1:20.
Foxglove – From “The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady”
Suzie… I adore your photos’ and comments also… so pleased to have met you… lets’ keep in touch.
I feel we have much in common…
Catherine Hynes
Mistress of Brigadoon
Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania
Thank you, Catherine! I look forward to getting to know you!
Dear Susan,
Thanks for sharing about yourself. I just “met” you today and I’m excited about making a penpal, 21st -century style. I,too, am amazed regularly at God’s creation, particularly as related to butterflies (specifically Monarchs) and gardening.
I look forward to chatting with you in the future.
Deb Rudd
Deb, I hope you visit often. Near our summer cottage is a place called “The Butterfly Barn”. A gentleman who is passionate about Monarchs teaches anyone who will listen all about them. What a Creator we have!!!
Just meeting you today, my first article to read is about Cuba’s return to earth… and I can’t WAIT to read more. What a beautiful introduction. Have never heard the term sheeny, but you and I have some cool things in common. Hugs from Oklahoma!!
I really like your blog! Sounds like we share a lot of the same ideas about food and healthy eating. Looking forward to reading more!
How sweet of you to say that!!! Thanks so much for visiting.
Susan, as your fellow gardener and Mother-in -law , I am so proud of you. I love your writing. I envy your ability to use words so well!
Oh my! A gardener I am; a writer I am not!! But thank you for the sweet encouragement. You’re the best MIL and fellow gardener a girl could ever want!
I’ve been poking around your blog and really enjoy it! I’ll be back.
I had never heard the term sheeny, but my dad was just telling us about the ragman that would come around the neighborhood during the depression.
Hi Kristel! Thanks for visiting. Yep, the term ragman was also used. That confused me, though, since I never saw anyone put out rags for him. I wish I could remember more about those days. We had a milk man, farmers, bakers, and other “hucksters” come to the house. Mom didn’t drive and this sure helped with the grocery shopping.
Lovely blog! I have a copy of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady that I found at a thrift store. It is a beautiful book.
Isn’t it wonderful? Thanks for stopping by and for the sweet compliment!
Lovely foxglove picture. Yellow foxglove will grow here in northern Canada. I share the love of flowers with the bumblebees & hummingbirds.
I’m also a “sheeny”. Found things become part of my hand made cards (eg rose tissue wrapping paper or coffee cup wrappers as background papers etc etc.).
So much can be recycled. Enjoyed your blog.
I’d love to see some of the things you make. So glad you took the time to comment!!
Hi Susan, you have a wonderful blog. I like it very much, I am guessing your still in NEPA , I used to live down that way both in the Scranton area (hill section) and near Carbondale , since we live in the same Neck o the woods I will be visiting here often to glean a few things on gardening , Hope you don’t mind ,, Peace and God Bless , Regards Rich G.
Hi Rich! Thank you for the compliment! I grew up in Scranton and now live in Clarks Summit. I see that you are in the Catskills now. What area? We have property in Damascus, PA and go into Sullivan County frequently. Nice area!
I LOVE your blog, but somehow missed your ‘About’ page! Love the story about your grandpa!
I consider that quite the compliment coming from you!!!
I just read your blog and I really enjoyed it. I love to garden as I love fresh food, but I think most of all because it brings me closer to God the Creator. I am in my late 60′s and never cease to marvel at the works of His hands. I live in Montoursville, PA. and due to renting cannot homestead normally, but every inch that I can plant is and I’m still dreaming of chickens! I look forward to getting to know you thru your FB page and blog!
Hi Genny, thanks for stopping by and introducing yourself! Are there any community gardens in your area where you can rent a plot? I just visited one in Luzerne County last week that had chickens, although I don’t think that that is a common occurrence.