Oh My Goodness! Doesn't every craft room need a little bit of Florida? The answer is "yes" if you love this peninsula shaped state as much as I do.
I have loved the State of Florida since I was old enough to hang over the backseat of my family's car and play "Name that State" with my father as we drove to and from church each Sunday morning.
"What state has alligators?", "FLORIDA", "Which state grows oranges?", "FLORIDA"! On would go the game until my father could not stand another moment of my brother and I arguing over who had yelled, "I know!" first.
My brother and I were obsessed with eating oranges in our childhood, I know, because of this game and our fascination with such a place where our favorite fruit could possibly grow in your own back yard and be picked anytime you were so moved to do so.
When I was dating my soon to be husband, I was thrilled to pieces that my parents let me vacation with him to the Sunshine State. Although our destination was to the newly opened Disney World, I cared more about glimpsing my first orange tree.
Upon crossing the official state line, we stopped at a Visitor's Welcoming Center. It was love at first sight to be greeted by the most adorable orange bird offering us a taste of Florida's orange juice in tiny little paper cups.
Relatives and friends who know that my husband has traveled the world, will ask me where it is that I would like to visit. I always smile and answer just as enthusiastically as I have all of my life, "FLORIDA"!
Very cute!! I often think about attempting one of your patterns, but I don't do "small" sewing very well:)
ReplyDeletechris
Cute as a bug! I can't wait to see who the rest of the characters at this party will be!
ReplyDeleteTammy
I just love the little glimpses into your life that make you such a wonderful person!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet tale. Miss Josie would gladly love to join you in FL. We've taken her 2 times in the 4 years that she's been home from China. Every trip has been to Disney World and her idea for a flamingo-themed bday party in a few weeks is because of FL. Cheers to the "sunshine state"!!
ReplyDeleteI remember the very same image of an orange welcome sign. Your bird is wonderful. Hmmm...must be the color. I dread the heat and often find myself running inside to find safety in the cooler air to breath. But the idea of picking fresh juice for a cup of breakfast yum...love your beautiful pin cushion...my heart skips a beat...smiles...Renee
ReplyDeleteOH that little orange made me laugh. How stinkin' cute. Love your pin cushion with the blue birds and the alligators. So cute. I can picture you and yur brother in the back seat. It's going to feel like Florida here for awhile. Wish we would get their afternoon showers that come with the heat.
ReplyDeleteHappy Boliday
I am also a lover of Florida. Sanibel Island is my favorite Florida destination. I love the beaches, shells, and the laid back attitude. I remember those little juice cups too. I think I've been to Florida around a dozen times and I never get tired of it.
ReplyDeleteI so love the little orange bird. It makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteHugs Karen
Soo cute!! Makes me want to eat a juicy, sweet orange!! Thanks for sharing the pattern!! You work amazes me!! Have a great night! xo Heather
ReplyDeleteHow precious sweet E! And thanks for sharing the pattern. We retired a few years ago and moved to Florida...we love it!
ReplyDeleteMr. Orange is precious and I so love that pincushion. Did you make the pincushion - love it.
ReplyDeleteOh dearest E!
ReplyDeleteYou make my heart go pitter patter with your tales of glorious Florida! The hubs and I are praying for a vacation there soon. We so love St. Pete beach and the gulfcoast...I remember my first trip to Florida...an orange tree at the airport. I was mesmerized...(I was 35 at the time) and then later saw orange groves and just swooned! I know the little Welcome Stand you speak of...and we stop there every trip! I don't recall the little orange bird, but my how I would have to have a picture of he and I sipping orange juice together! What a delightful party! Count me in! I'll be the one wearing the Flamingo hat and palm tree glasses!
This post made my day! I live in Florida (Born and raised) I love this wonderful state. We have talked of moving and even did once. But Florida is truly my very favorite state! I may try my hand at this little bird...
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Amy Jo
So Cute! I have a Florida Orange Bird Bank from the 80s I absolutely love.
ReplyDeleteHe is adorable!! Disney World? You lucky girl! ;p
ReplyDeleteI live in Florida and understand your feelings entirely! I love your Florida character and hope I can do it justice when I try to make it. Thanks so much for your pattern posting and your kind words for a place I love so much.
ReplyDeleteI lived in Florida until getting married. I used to love traveling because we would get orange juice in a plastic orange at rest stops. Seeing your post made me remember that...hadn't thought of it in years!
ReplyDeleteI am a native Floridian who loves it too. I live in Tn but go home about 5 times a year. I remember the bird well. When I was 5 the mermaids at Weeki Watchee taught me how to swim. I love it there.
ReplyDeleteWell, as a native Floridian I think I'd better try making one of your oh-so-cute little Florida Orange Birds! Thanks for sharing the pattern and instructions!
ReplyDeleteDisney is my favorite place in the whole world! Yes, I am a big kid! I love your little orange bird...very cute
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne
Such a cute orange bird. Thank you for the pattern & instructions.
ReplyDeleteI have a special fondness for oranges, since I grew up in an area that used to be covered in orange groves (alas, they're all gone now).
What an absolutely sweet bird! Thanks for the great tips along with your wonderful recollections.
ReplyDeleteI'll never forget my first glimpse of Florida - I got out of the car and HUGGED a palm tree! To me the most magical word in the world is FLORIDA. How I love that state - and being from Michigan, I would dearly love to be a snowbird!
ReplyDeleteAwh...our little orange bird. Almost made me cry to see his darling face. We've lived in Florida for over 40 years, so I know that cute face all too well. He's all throughout our state, even at Disney stands.
ReplyDeleteLOVE!!!
Marcia (Yes, I'm stalking your page. hee-hee)
It is with pleasure that I look at your site; it is great. Really nice to read your nice sharing .Continuez well and thank you again.
ReplyDeletevoyance en ligne gratuite
I just happened upon this today. I realize I’m several years late however, I just wanted to say thank you for the little post about orange bird! I am from Orlando, born there in fact! My mom worked for a fruit, packing company and orange bird was all over everything because he was a partnership between the state of Florida and Disney. I grew up loving orange bird, and given that I was at Disney on opening day my love just grew and grew! I loved reading your story about loving Florida and it warmed my heart! I hope you have a blessed day. Stay well, and thanks again for the post ! (I think I shall have to make a little felt orange, bird myself!)
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