22 - BARN DRAPES

BARN DRAPES

21 ¼ x 13 ¾ inches

(Farm necessities stored for later use)

Gunnysacks, twine, and ropes were always draped, ready for use on the farm. These barn drapes are just a few of many farm necessities, used over and over—simple, basic recycling farm principles. Dad hung ropes and farming gear on huge spikes in our barn. Whoever used the rope last was responsible for coiling it and returning it to its rightful place; a missing rope was a useless rope.

Organization was absolutely necessary in a large family; it was respectful and responsible to put things back in their proper place. I was always using the scissors to make my latest creation—I knew I was in trouble when I heard someone say, “Who used the scissors last?” Even though I knew the scissors belonged in the scissors drawer, I would get so lost in my creations that I would forget to put them back. I quickly scrambled to get them back to their proper place. In order to make things run smoothly and peacefully, we were taught to think of others.

Our farm mantras still hold true:

Use only what you need!

Use things over and over!

Put things back where they belong!

Single-minded thinking is not in alignment with the spirit of Barn Drapes.