Take Me To Your Leader

My childhood life in Apartment 2A, Embassy Row, was filled with fantastical daily adventures as a card carrying member of the Spy Club. We were an international organization, our fathers and mothers in the employee of various government agencies from various countries. Language was never a barrier when mischievous pranks were the order of the day, gullibility in a young girl all that was necessary.

Carolyn Johnson was my very best friend from Apartment 4B whose bedroom was tucked underneath the space created by the building's central staircase. Older by several years, I hung on Carolyn's every word and mannerism. She was a Correspondent Student, her books and supplies arriving in boxes wrapped in brown paper cool to the touch. Everything about Carolyn was interesting, especially her three older brothers, the founding members of the Spy Club. I hung on their every words as well. When they told me they were Martians from Outer Space, I already nearly believed them. Disappearing before my very eyes, sealed the deal.

Ushered into the realm that was their orderly bedroom, we were situated bedspread edge facing the large balcony that was exactly like my very own. "Close your eyes, and count to ten. We will dematerialize into thin air." Eyes wide open, the space before them completely empty. Did Carolyn's parents know their sons were from Outer Space?

The characters that inhabit my craft room tell the stories of my life. Eyes Wide Open and a very cute Space Cadet recall brothers much too clever for a little girl who to this day is known for being gullible and who always sends her crafts in boxes wrapped in brown paper.