a day in the life of a latvian mom

This weekend was supposed to be about unwrapping memories. And it was—but not quite the way I expected.

Among the many boxes we brought back from storage, there was one I was especially excited to open: my vintage German porcelain from Seltmann Weiden. I bought that set during my mom’s 60th birthday party—the one we hosted in our flat in Riga. I still remember how I wrapped the invitations around little bars of chocolate. The whole day was beautiful, full of laughter, good food (cooked by me and my mom), and love. That porcelain service became part of that memory. A beautiful one, for 12 people—tea/coffee cups, saucers, plates, and even a vase.

So imagine my confusion—and quiet panic—when I opened the box and found just a coffee pot, a tea pot, a mokka pot, and one cake plate. That’s it. No cups, no saucers, no plates. No vase. Nothing else.

I stood there, surrounded by wrapping paper and half-unpacked boxes, trying to remember. Had I mispacked it? Could it be in a different box? I checked the garage. I went through the storage. I looked again and again, my hands dusty and my mood sinking with each empty box.

That porcelain meant so much to me! Not just because of what it is—but because of when it is. A memory, a moment, wrapped in fragile white and gold with flowers and butterflies! I checked online – I can’t find any set anymore! Just separate plates and cups and it would cost me fortune to buy them like this…again!?

And then—out of nowhere—I thought: What if it’s in Jānis’s parents’ barn? It sounded ridiculous. That’s no place for delicate vintage porcelain! I was sure it should’ve been stored safely in the studio. But I went to check anyway.

And there it was. Covered in dust and hay and random stuff only barns can collect over time. But it was there. My service. All of it. I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry. Actually, I kissed the dusty box.. yeah I know I’m crazy.

Ilze