1913world keeps turning with rescued map

I spotted it from all the way across the store.

The big relief map of North America, Canada and Mexico was leaning against the wall surrounded by golf clubs and tennis rackets. When I pulled it out, I saw that it was framed in carved oak molding and had a small brass tag tacked to the side.

I picked the heavy thing up and carried it to the front of the store for safekeeping while I shopped. The problem was that the map was so large, I couldn’t see around it, so I had to keep sticking my head around the side to make sure I didn’t mow anyone down on my way. It was so heavy the only way to carry it was to keep bumping it forward with my leg.

As luck would have it, one of the people I passed on my way to the front of the store was my daughter.

She was standing in front of me, arms crossed, shaking her head.

“What do you do?” she asked. “Deliberately pick out the most awkward thing in the store and then buy it?”

Sticking my head back behind the frame, I laughed as I continued bumping toward the cashier.

She might have a point. I do usually end up with things that are different from what one might find at more traditional shopping spots. But that’s half the fun, isn’t it?

Now, thanks to that little adventure, I have a wonderful old map, dated 1913, hanging on the wall in my living room. To add to the drama, the framed map fits perfectly inside a large carved oak mirror frame I rescued years ago. Two old relics put to good use.

I don’t know anything about the map I found. Lewis and Clark High School was undergoing renovation at the time, so it’s possible that the map used to hang in one of the school’s classrooms. Or it may have come from another place.

I do know that it is one of the first things I see when I come downstairs each morning. And when you’re sitting on the sofa below, it’s impossible not to look up at the map and run a finger over it, tracing the mountains and valleys.