Tiny Furniture, Tiny Hands, Big Dreams

Dear Hazelita, 
In Bahboo and Grandma P cleaning out their attics, corners and spaces Mama's old dollhouse furniture is coming out of storage and into your hot little hands.  You have loved going through the boxes and yesterday we laid them all out; putting the bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and beds together.  I got my first big girl dollhouse for Christmas in 1977.  

 I WAS REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS.  I played with this more than toys ever.  I have the coolest, well now you have (I GUESS) the coolest, modern and durable dollhouse furniture ever.  Grandma P has found duplicate kitchens and such over the years at garage sales so we worked on putting together sets.  I was still a bit possessive of it all, I'll be honest...I got nervous if you knocked it over or  a little grabby if you didn't put the pieces together, which go together, duh.  But, the more we played the more I regressed, the more I could let go and the more I could see how all the happy hours I played with it were oozing out and flowing into you...I couldn't ignore the joy.  

You were happy to tell me who was napping, who needed to eat and who needed a shower.  I am hopeful that you, too will have dreams where you have a house with the furniture and wonder why the sinks don't work, or the TV won't turn on or that your friends are those plastic people.  

I slowly turned it over to you, but don't expect that Mommy won't remind you to not stomp on it, throw it, take it apart or chew on it.  

I just can't help myself, they did last 35 years in perfect shape.  Now, to get the houses ready and to find more of a variety of people!
Love, Mama.

To the Theater

Dear Peep and Zell, 
When Grandma LaJean asked us to attend a puppet performance with her in Indianapolis Clowes Hall at Butler I was excited!  I've gone with many student groups to see performances there and they have always been high quality and entertaining.  We arrived just in time at noon and found our seats in pitch black with the usher using about a light with a quarter sized beam.  We sat down and the lights faded in on the stage.  The music was very sweet.  You had lots of questions about the puppets and sets, but the first half of the performance had a quiet pace and your attention was drawn away by the snacks we brought. 
You made it through your bag of gummies, granola bar, fish and a piece of Laughy Taffy you sneaked from the cupboard at home.  Hazel on the other hand was engaged and flapping her arms soooo fast from Grandma LaJean's lap.   

The second story was one you knew well of the Little Nutbrown Hare, based on Anita Jerams story Guess How Much I Love You.  
You were more excited about this one and we both loved how the bunnies hopped on the stage.  The scenery and puppetry was quite beautifully executed. After we walked around the theater a bit to look around and got a couple of pictures.  I was really excited to go with you for a new experience and to meet up with Grandma LaJean playin' hooky from work. 

Ah, should have used my flash

I hope to go again to see a play!  I think you would love one that is fast paced with a clear story but with enough lights and pretty music like this one for Hazel. Here's to new experiences! 

Love, Mama