About Bea Present
Hi, I’m Jody
Where I grew up it was all about family. Sunday dinners, birthday parties, graduations… every milestone celebrated with your entire family. Old Forge was and is a close knit community and was the best place to grow up. It instilled in me the importance of family and to never take for granted the time we have together. I learned to always cherish the memories you made with childhood friends. I’ve been blessed to have great memories with great friends. They are truly treasures.
After marrying my high school sweetheart we moved from Old Forge to Thompson. It was only 50 miles to the north but felt like worlds away. We moved “up the country” as our families have said. Now I can't even imagine living anywhere else. Country living has truly become part of me.
I have always loved antique things…
furniture, houses, china… really anything. The more delapitated the better. Falling apart?… I’ll take it! Really rusty?… perfect! Those things that need just a little TLC to be transformed into something spectacular. I can see their potential when everyone else passes it by.
But most of all… I love the thrill of the hunt!! Searching for that perfect piece and finding that hidden treasure is my adrenaline rush!!
I’ve combed every flea market, estate sale, rummage sale, thrift shop that I could find collecting and building my inventory. This has been the most fun!
These are all of my most favorite things and I would love to share them with you and make your special day a day no one will soon forget.
I have been fortunate to have known and loved my 2 grandmothers for a good part of my life. Not many are so lucky. Both lived well into their 90’s…I hope its in our genes. They were both a big part of my life and while collecting pieces for my new adventure, I was reminded of them time and time again .
Beatrice (Bea), my mom’s mom, had beautiful depression glass and we used it as everyday dishes. I’ll always remember her soft chenille bedspreads and all her handmade handkerchiefs …. they were just beautiful! She was never without a handkerchief in hand or tucked up her sleeve.
My dad’s mom, or as I knew her “Gram”, lived right next door. I didn’t realize then how lucky I was being able to see her on a daily basis. Always there for whatever we needed. She would many times have dinner at her house and always set a beautiful table. And always…. I mean always… said grace before eating.
Her grace was
“Be present at our table Lord,
Be here and everywhere adored.
Thy creatures blessed and grant that we may feast
In paradise with Thee.”
Amen.
Saying this grace is our family’s way to honor her and keep her spirit alive.
I miss them both dearly but this experience has brought them back to me. And I am forever thankful for that. “Bea present” is my way to honor both my grams and keep them close to me.
So when you gather together around your tables, both family and friends ….
..be present.
..be present with your family.
..be present in your marriage.
..be present in your child’s life.
..be present in your life.