By the sea, by the beautiful sea

The summer of my eighth year of childhood is indelibly transcribed in my memory file folders, the one labeled PARENTS. It was the summer both my father and mother volunteered to participate in the Girl Scout Jamboree.

My father was given the responsibilities of swimming instructor and life guard. My mother was assigned  director of the Arts and Crafts tent. My young brother and I spent our days tagging behind senior scouts who didn't shoo us away.

Our days could not have been more idyllic. Sun browned arms and legs, the Aegean Sea blue under cloudless skies. Evening campfires, my mother's voice in song. Army cots with criss-crossed wooden legs, wooly green blankets against a starry night's chill.

I acquired my love of crafts this special summer alongside my mother who could fashion the most amazing things from nearly anything found. I was continually puffed with pride from overheard compliments about my mother from the girls in green.

I know it is because of my mother that my blog has been filled with crafts that can be easily made and shared with children. Flower Fairies, a perfectly perfect spring craft!

Hair is made from thin strips of felt about 2 1/2" long. Use a thin beading needle to gather the strip accordion style, go back through pleats several times to secure. A knot is not needed. I have punched from an old greeting card to a daughter the inside signatures, "Mommy and Daddy" to make bases for the faeries to stand.

For so many years I kept tucked away in my jewelry chest, Plaster of Paris pins that my mother had painted scenes on to remind us of the Jamboree. Red and blue bathing tents with the blue sea beyond, colorful flags flying at their peaked tops. Sailboat sails caught by the wind, figures swimming in the sea, beach towels drying on a makeshift line.

I don't know what became of the little pins; so this is why I am so glad to have my Memory Files.  My mother and father were so happy together at this Jamboree, and I felt so lucky to have them as my parents. I hold this summer very close to my heart.