It's Friday - time for our weekly trip down blog memory lane!
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my little elf
{Originally posted December 17, 2006}
My little elf, staying up later than usual, plopped under the
holiday tree working, working, working away on his gift projects (in
this case - pipe cleaner ornament pins, something he learned to make in
a class, and not from his crafty mama). It isn't always that
he wants to craft with me, which I think makes it all the sweeter when
he does. Tonight, he's peaceful, content, and reflective. The house is
cozy, quiet and softly lit, and it's just the two of us crafting and
chatting. I watch him as he gathers his materials, sets them all up
rather methodically, and begins to work with such intent. Counting,
lining up, and listing off the people he wants to give them to. His
silent focus is interrupted from time to time with meaningful questions
about the people in our lives - it tells me he's thinking hard about
the person he's creating for. He chooses carefully which color he
thinks they'd like best, or whether a ribbon or bow is just right for
them. Little things. Important things. I can see the
excitement in his eye, the flurry with which he works, and can hear it
in his voice when he anticipates what it will feel like to hand his
special treasure to it's lucky recipient. And my own heart swells a
little at his spirit of true kindness that comes from nowhere but his
own heart. I look down at my own handwork to be gifted, which was
beginning to feel tiresome and like a chore, and I am reminded and
inspired. My little elf. My little teacher.
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A Note Today:
Oh, there is so very much of this going on right now...only with two more makers than this time in 2006! Little ones rushing around with "packages" tucked under their shirts, whispered plans, and hidden away crafting. In the last days to go do - when I still find myself with so many things left I had wanted to make - I am once again, as always, inspired and fueled by their spirit to enjoy and savor right now.
Wishing you - and your little elves - all the joy to be found in the merry-making this season!