Transformation

            For over 75 years it served its purpose well.  It saw its share of spills and heard its share of mealtime laughter.  Its scarred and scratched surface endured many changes, including an application of windmill-studded contact paper thirty years ago.  The orange paint job dates back to 1970.

            We could invest in its restoration, and perhaps someday we will.  Underneath the contact paper and layers of different-colored paint is pine, not particle board.  It would be wonderful to see the grain of the wood that Grandpa saw as he assembled the kitchen table kit from Sears.

            However, despite its convenient drawers, the piece is definitely an eyesore in its current state.  My brother had the best idea:  put it—both sides folded down--at the end of the counter and cover it with something. 

            I found that something in the china cabinet yesterday—actually, two somethings.  A dark cinnamon-brown linen tablecloth provides the bottom layer.  A white starched square with finely crocheted concentric borders, likely crafted by my great-grandmother, provides the top layer.  Topping the center is a lovely ceramic tile with a leaf imprint.  The end result is a breathtaking bit of beauty at the entrance to the kitchen.

            What I did not know until I was finished was that our battered old kitchen table would now present itself as an altar.