It seems like my kind were a lot more popular in the 70's and 80's, the time for home grown and from scratch. Lately, I guess I feel like I've been set aside, or taken for granted. I'm not one to brag, and I don't deserve any kind of accolades or anything. But it's just that no one seems to appreciate the work that I put into bringing so much contentment around the world.
I'm still around, you just don't see me as often, or as closely. I'm more of a behind-the-scenes kind of guy nowadays. You'll often read about my finished product, or you might see the results of all my hard work, but you won't hear much about me or what I did to get things where they are. And I guess that's how it goes. But I don't really get it.
I will most likely be around--in some form or another--as long as you are around and plan to stay that way. What I don't get is, how I could become such a thing of the past, when I'm used more often now than I was back then.
Still....some people like to keep me around. Maybe for the nostalgia of it, maybe for the simple pleasure of doing things themselves. Maybe it has to do with the natural, unadulterated approach that seems to be missing these days. Maybe it's all of the above. But one thing I can guarantee, your home will smell wonderful as long as I'm around.
While we're on the subject, I could really use a good cleaning. Look at me. You've gotten some good use out of me. Now let me soak awhile. I don't need a hard scrubbing like you used to do back in the day. Times have changed, and at least in the way of design, time has been my friend. So don't be so abrasive! Give me a break. Let me sluff off on my own for awhile. It'll be fine. I'm easy to take apart and put back together. That's the way they make us these days.
When my grandmother was a kid, phew! Things were different. She was a lot more loved and appreciated than I am. They would fuss over her especially during certain times of the year--especially Autumn. But she did half the job I do, and in twice the time.
I mean, don't get me wrong. I learned everything I know from her. But I am proud of my accomplishments, and no one else seems to be. And that makes me feel a little bit like someday I'll become obsolete as well. Like my grandmother kind of did. Already it is happening. I don't see any friends around anymore. They've all died or been retired. Or replaced. I don't want that to happen to me so soon. Or ever!
But know this, I will always be around, in some form or another, and that makes me feel some consolation. At the very least, I'm a godsend to the old folks.