Thursday, June 16, 2011

H O M E


The third time I would see fireworks would be as a mother having moved to this place I now call home. Away from the familiar streets of my childhood, away from the familiar patterns of my every day.


I didn't know that this special place would become a most welcome gift to my life and that of my children. A small town atmosphere where forgotten milestones were all there for my children to find.


Tree forts to build in surrounding woods, ponds for summer swimming, sidewalks for roller skates and bicycle rides to the candy store downtown. This place would be our greatest gift to the development of our children into the adults they have become.


Folding chairs filling every available space of college lawn, the strands of Sousa filling the air with patriotic pride. The "Best Fireworks Ever" promised from lip to ear. The town of Delaware had hired the company that had just completed the downtown display in Columbus instead of using the local small company.


Not one hundred yards away, the display began in what can only be described as heart stopping wonderment. The bursts were so large, their falling sparkles nearly touched the ground! You had to turn your head from side to take in the entire display.


Hands over ears our children declared Delaware was the best town ever. The firework display sealed the deal. In the paper the next day we read the company was fined $200,000 for using their spare BIG BANG fireworks over our small town.


My family has now gathered for 17 years on the college lawn my son now calls his Alma Mata. Friends can be spotted to the left and right, and we are filled with the sense this place has always been our home.

23 comments:

Diane Mars said...

OMG I love the way you added the little paper hat, made of newspaper... it is just darling. Another group of sweet creations. You are an amazing woman~ oxox, Diane

Swedie said...

I love all your cute little characters and the finishing touches you create!

susanmarysunshine said...

These are so amazing. The detail you put into each piece takes my breath away. All those perfect little stitches and the fabric cut just so. The hats are the perfect finishing touch. Ohhh I am so glad you're back!

Wendy McDonagh-Valentine said...

These are absolutely adorable!!! Your work is beyond incredible!!! Thanks for the wonderful photos!!

~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Scrap for Joy said...

Your July girls are delightful Elizabeth. The paper sailor hat really makes that little red head's outfit...and all of the embroidery...YIKES! The cutest!!
xoxo
Joyce
PS We are so lucky here in Pittsburgh to be the home of Zambelli Fireworks. Our 4th of July display is one of the best in the country...I never get tired of seeing their display even though I can't hear right for a while afterward :)

My Vintage Mending said...

As I am reading each sentence and scrolling down I am growing even more excited at each line and for each picture. There is magic in your finger tips...smiles...Rene

Musings from Kim K. said...

Your peg dolls are just delightful. I can't get over all the precious little details that you put into your pieces. The stitching is out of this WORLD! You are just the most talented lady and I'm so glad to have you back again.

E said...

So glad to see you. Love, love your girls and that little hat is a wonderful touch ! Your one creative gal ! E in TN

vivian said...

OMG Elizabeth! those are the freaken cutest pieces! everyone of them!!! I'm so glad youre feeling better and back to your old self. makes me sooo happy!!
xoxo
vivian

Suz said...

Dear E,
I cannot wait to see what you write about depression. You always speak with such truth and wisdom and, of course, I love those little felt goodies that you make while you are writing.
I, too, join your many friends who are glad you are back.
XO,
Suz

Nancy said...

These little scrabble girls are better than fireworks! Ohio is a wonderful place to raise kids and my kids have wonderful memories of their years there. We're having a horrible drought here and all fireworks have been canceled so take some pictures for me! xoxo Nancy

Anonymous said...

What a darling little set of characters!!

I miss seeing fireworks.The little town we moved to 3 years ago does not put on a display. It is funny the things you miss when you move to a different place!

Unknown said...

E,
I could close my eyes and think of Parma, Ohio where I grew up and how much your story for your children is my story for me! Especially the candy store downtown and the bicycle ride to get there....right next the the movies! Fourth of July was always a bit scary for me, I was always afraid I would catch on fire from the sparks! Silly girl! And You know that I always support you...no matter what kiddo! It is good to see your crafts back and being enjoyed!

Nan said...

Reading the story while scrolling down on each precious little peg doll and my favorite too was the paper hat, what a cute touch that was.

Happy@Home said...

I so enjoyed your story today and the little JULY dolls are precious. I just love the gal with the newspaper hat. But, more than anything I enjoyed reading that you are yourself once again. That is the best news of all.
Congratulations to your winner.

Anonymous said...

This was just wonderful, Elizabeth- the memories and the dolls! What a blessing to have been able to stay in the same place all these years. ♥

Jenny's Heart said...

You know I cannot remember the first time I saw Fireworks, I have lots of memories of them, but individual time like the 1st time not so much. I love them they always make me happy. I remember as a small child riding in the bed of Grandaddy's blue pick up on a quilt to see them at Military Circle in Norfolk, we did that every year for a long time. Thanks for reminding me of those memories.

Ina said...

I just LOVE reading your memories...I feel like I am inside a wonderful novel just waiting to turn to the next page! Thank you for sharing your memories with us. ;0

annemarie said...

Love the peg dolls - you are amazing!

Suz said...

Oh, dear E. Thank you so much for your lovely words on my blog. You are certainly on my list as one that I want to make something for and the "maker' in me isn't doing too well. It's kind of a bittersweet weekend. I am trying hard to have a special time and let my dearly beloved know just how much I love him. The wedding was so joyful. We got a video in the mail today. What a treat! It was a special time with old friends and with Katie and Ashton and we all just loved it. I am sure we will have more of these times.
I think I already commented here. Just wanted you to know how grateful I was for your note.
XO,
Suz

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

Oh dear Elizabeth, these are so charming - again. I am so happy to hear you are feeling much like yourself again. And - as always - I am so grateful that you share your imaginative creations and your personal story with us.

Jimmer said...

Hi new here - i came across your display items and noticed the Hoosier Cabinet you are using. It is the exact one i have had for 25 years.An older woman was getting her house remodeled and Threw it out in back of her house -- I saw it get rained on at least twice and decided to assk her if i could rescue it. It Did! After hauling it around for years without restoration i can do it now. Same painting on this cabinet. What i could use from you is any info you might have on the maker of the hoosier? Mine did not have any writing or labels anywhere on it . I would love to know who made the cabinet. I am new at this and do not know if you will get my email address. I think you are Elizabeth per the posts I am Jim and my address is jcarney@nycap.rr.com Thanks for your time and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Soso said...

Thank you for these interesting strong advice, it is great to come across articles as interesting as yours! I wish you health, longevity, success, happiness and peace of heart.

voyance mail gratuite