The Oldest Thing I Own And Still Use Daily… (No, It’s Not My Sanity)

Daily writing prompt

What’s the oldest thing you own that you still use daily?

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I want so badly to say it’s my brain. I really do. But considering it sometimes can’t remember why I walked into a room—or where I put my latte thirty seconds ago—I’m not sure it qualifies as a “high-functioning daily tool” anymore.

So instead, I’m going with the one thing that never fails me: my grandfather’s picnic shelter.

It sits quietly in our backyard, weathered and worn like your favorite leather journal, and yet—it’s everything. Every morning starts there: latte in hand, heart in pieces or whole depending on the day, mind somewhere between blogging brilliance and existential crisis. It’s the kind of place that holds space for you without asking questions, which, frankly, is more than I can say for most people.

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That shelter has seen five generations of my family—laughing, grieving, arguing over potato salad, holding hands through cancer, catching lightning bugs, and watching sunsets that felt like full-circle moments. It’s been a quiet witness to my unraveling and rebuilding.

It’s also where I wrote “Letting Go of Kid-Mom: The Bittersweet Shift to Adult-Mom”, a post that still sits close to my chest. Because that transition? That shedding of your former self while still trying to be strong for everyone else? It happens in places like this—under old rafters, in stillness.

It’s also the same place I escaped to while creating “Built from Scars, Laced with Magic”, because sometimes we need to remember that we’re made of more than just pain—we’re made of survival and a little sparkle too.

And on the hard days—the days where loss weighs too heavy—I’ve sat there rereading ‘Through Pain: How Love Shapes Us’, reminding myself that some heartbreaks hold lessons we never wanted—but needed. That shelter is my sanctuary, my therapy chair, my command center.

So no, I didn’t pick a phone, a gadget, or even my trusty Louboutins. I picked the thing that sees me in all my phases, just like the moon overhead—and never judges if I’m still in my Voguegenics Queen pajama pants at noon.

And let’s be real: even on the days when my brain feels like it’s buffering, the picnic shelter always shows up.

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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