Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Yard Sale Treasure

When I was but a young bride with a new baby, my husband received orders to Guam. At the time I had no idea where or what Guam was but we entered into the adventure with wide eyes and open minds. While there I did a ton of growing up, had my first civilian job that started a trend in advertising, and had a second baby.
One of the things we learned about the South Pacific culture was one of their vices is called a Betel nut. It is a rather ordinary looking green nut found on certain palm trees that the locals wrap in a leaf with lime powder and chew as a stimulant. It does terrible things to their teeth and was deemed off limits to the military personnel.
I had forgotten all about them until recently at a local yard sale when I found this wonderful little box that just screamed out to have notions displayed in it. As I paid my $3, the owner proceeded to tell me what it was and I knew exactly what she was talking about. This is a Betel Nut Box to store the various components needed to chew Betel Nut.
I never tried it and never wanted to but I will most definately enjoy using this fantastic little box to put my own wonderful treasures (vices: thread, etc.) into.



7 comments:

Unknown said...

Good job! For those of us who haven't lived in the South Pacific, but like musicals, we'll remember that "Bloody Mary chews be-tel nut!"

Congratulations on your great find!

kathy said...

What a great find! And since you knew what it was...yes, I believe it was meant to be too. Great story.

Margaret Cooter said...

Definitely a treasure - lucky you!

Karen B said...

I too was a young wife on Guam. Your talk about betel nuts brings back many fond memories of the two years we spent there. It certainly was an interesting culture. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

Unknown said...

That is such a great find...and so cosmic! Enjoy it--it's really neat.

Winter Wanderings said...

Wow! I know nothing of Guam but remember South Pacific musical fondly. Your new treasure is perfect for storing notions, or anything!
Twas great meeting you in Houston too!

Jean Baardsen said...

Love this! What a cool find!