Friday, February 8, 2013

Tag Day


For me, entry into Jr. High School was something to worry about every day of the summer. Unfamiliar hallways to navigate, teachers more than one, a locker to unlock, a lunchroom seat to find, and boys. Most of all, boys. I worried about boys.


It seemed biology had brought them to my attention, self-examination making them something to fear. I went about my summer days with a knot in my stomach that just would not unravel. My mother asked me to accompany her to a friend's home, a surprise, she promised, would await me there. (Pixie tutorial, here.)


Mrs. Ritchie was a seamstress without a girl to sew for as she only had sons; four teenaged sons. My mother had commissioned Mrs. Ritchie to sew a school wardrobe for me that would account for my natural modesty but let me fit in with other students. To this place filled with boys, my mother would bring me nearly every other day.


Fabrics to choose on tabletops filled with laundry. Socks and underwear and more socks and more underwear.  Every inch of Mrs. Ritchie's home was filled with the belongings of her sons. Interruptions abounded by blue jean clad legs and torsos in white tees. The boys took to lingering and asking me a question or two.


By the end of the summer, my wardrobe complete, I was able to greet the boys by name and be led away to toss a football in the yard.  Tall and lanky, white grins in tanned faces, the boys were always so kind. Shy laughter found a way to escape from me, I wanted my time at Mrs. Ritchie's to never end.


My first days of Jr. High School were a blur of old friends found and new friends made. Compliments filled me with pride, a new dress for every day of the week.  A ticket bought for Tag Day, a special boy chosen to carry books and sit next to at lunch. (Pattern and Tutorial found here.)


Summer days begun with such uncertainty, a mother knowing just what to do. Practice boys all summer long, one to call my own on Tag Day in school. 



Please do not Pin pattern on Pinterest.

24 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

Sweet memories, E. I can see that you have already started to prepare us for St. Patty's and Easter!

Unknown said...

You were very blessed, Elizabeth. That is one of my favorite stories of yours yet.
xoxo
Dorothy

Day before Michelle said...

Such a sweet story! I'm your newest follower :)

Unknown said...

What a thoughtful mom, she knew you well. And I was wondering when St. Patty's characters would show their faces!!

chri

Shirley Hatfield said...

I am so thrilled with the Valentine's treats you sent me. I will thank you better when I post the pics. Thank you so much, sweet friend. I do so hope you are compiling these posts into a memory book...they are wonderful!

Laura said...

What a great memory, I can tell your mother was a wonderful woman!
We didn't have a Tag Day....I missed out on that :(

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I was very scared when I went to junior high. We had just moved and I had no friends...glad those years are behind me!
Always love to see your felt creations! Looks like you have lots of Valentine Loving!
Warmly,
deb

laurie -magpie ethel said...

Practice boys...the perfect way to ease into jr. high!

vivian said...

Your mother was brilliant! I know its hard to believe, but I was very very shy around boys too and was always worried about fitting in. YOu are lucky to have had your mother at that time. for me, that was the exact time that my mother left us and moved away.
I LOVE your stories Elizabeth!
xoxo

vintage grey said...

Sweet memories!! I am in love with your adorable blue bird!! Too cute!! Have a wonderful weekend! xo Heather

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

Miss E,
Yet another wonderful post. I never tire of your stories and projects. Thank you. And, by the way, I'm Irish! Well, my mom is a redhead and I do have green eyes!!!
Hugs,
Julie

janice15 said...

Sweet story..Seems like summer and boys weren't so bad after all..I love that blue chickie..so adorably cute. happy weekend. with love Janice

Julie said...

What a sweet story. What a thoughtful and loving mother you had.

I love the bluebird you made. Sooo cute!

Denise said...

Your so welcome Elizabeth.I do love My Modpodge. I have My hands in the glue it seems often.I'm so impressed by how detailed your memory is.My memory seems to be fading.I love your story of that wonderful Summer,how lovely.Hugs to you-Denise

Anonymous said...

Practice boys. Fun story! ♥

Sally Annie Magundy said...

Oh me oh my! I fear this crafty train may never leave the depot again - I haven't got a thing accomplished for Valentines Day. WAH!

Love your St. Patty's Day stuff Elizabeth, so darling. Thank you, you are so very generous to share your wonderful patterns with us.

Such a precious memory! What a magical life you've lived, not only because of circumstance but because of the way you see things, dear E. Your inner world is so rich with detail and your observations so keen. Thanks for letting us follow along on your adventures. :)

Happy crafty weekend to you! xo

craftyles said...

Such A sweet story. I remember being so scared to go into Junior High too. Your Mom had a great idea with the clothes and the boys that were there. Love your ST. Pat's crafts. I haven't even done my Valentines crafts.

Anonymous said...

My mother sewed all my clothes for me. Those boys in Jr. High...oh yes, I thought they were scary, too. I love all the sweet things you make, and your stories, too!

Tammy's in Love said...

Wow! Dresses instead of jeans in 7th grade! You must have been a girly girl even then, Sweet E!

donna said...

I love to read your stories. What great memories. You are so talented I just love to see all your creations.
Hugs
donna

donna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

What sweet memories! All your little cuties are adorable!! :) xo Holly

GardenOfDaisies said...

How lovely to have a whole wardrobe of clothes made to fit you, as you gradually got used to being around boys. Your Mama was very wise. Speaking of wardrobe, the chick's green jacket complete with tiny seed buttons and white stitching is very handsome. :-) CUTE!!

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