Most of you know that the Shaker's created a complicated, celibate society of religious believers who felt tha perfect work was a tribute to God. They got their name from the estatic dance they performed during worship. Their furniture has become priceless, known for the elegant simplicity of form and line.

Their living was communal and close to the earth. They farmed, sold seed, and were self supporting but for obvious reasons, did not endure.

I found an old Shaker candlestand in pieces in an antique shop. It is not valuable because one leg was missing and a hole was worn in the top. Ted fashioned a matching leg from old wood, mended the top and inlaid leather on it in a five point star. It was just too far gone to be salvaged in an authentic shape. However, I love to look at it and cherish it for the simple lines that it has. Ted is very good at this sort of thing. His mother dealt in antiques and he grew up fixing and re-doing old furniture.

I wish old things could tell stories about where they have been and who owned them. What a mystery story, so many lives that are forever gone.