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It all started with a bowl.

After my mother passed away, my brother, sister, and I were helping my father downsize and move into a new home. We donated a lot of “stuff” to thrift stores and organizations, carefully setting aside the items that were valuable or sentimental. The move went smoothly, and we thought we had kept everything that mattered.

Then it hit me. Amid the chaos, a simple bowl had been given away. It wasn’t valuable or even particularly pretty—just a large, utilitarian mixing bowl my mom used for everything: baking, mixing, salads, and sides. It was her go-to bowl. I didn’t realize how much it meant to me until it was gone. I wanted that bowl back in my kitchen as a tangible reminder of my mom. The realization that it was gone forever was heartbreaking.

So, I started looking for it. I scoured thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, and consignment shops. In the process, something unexpected happened. While hunting for that one bowl, I discovered a love for Pyrex, CorningWare, and nostalgic kitchen treasures. I dove into the history of glassware and American pottery, subscribed to thrifting magazines, and found joy in the hunt. My passion grew, leading me to open an Etsy shop and rent space in an antique mall.

All of this—a new passion, a deeper appreciation for vintage and antiques—began because of a lost bowl.

You might ask, “Did you ever find your mother’s bowl?” Sort of. I’ve found a few that are close. But along the way, I’ve gathered countless other pieces that bring me the same joy as the memory of that simple, irreplaceable bowl.