I have a motley collection of Christmas tree decorations. Bedraggled or bedazzling, I love them equally, because they symbolize the experiences and relationships I hold dear.
This sweet ornament is the newest addition to my collection, hand-crafted by my friend, Stace Dumoski (aka my creative journaling instructor and member of my critique group). It’s a beautiful talisman of a favorite childhood memory–inspired, perhaps, by this passage:
“Every little girl needs a doll,” my grandmother had said, so she’d made Miss No Name especially for me. She pulled a clothespin from her laundry basket and twisted one of Grandpa Fred’s pipe cleaners under its knobby top. “See, those are the arms,” Nana said, bending both ends toward me in a pretend hug. Then she stitched the embroidered edges of an old handkerchief into a poufy dress. Using a stubby pencil she kept on her telephone stand, she drew dark, round eyes and a donut-shaped nose, and then added a heart-shaped smear of lipstick for her mouth. “You draw the shoes,” she said, handing me the pencil. I scribbled dark lines on the ends of each wooden leg.
My clothespin doll didn’t have a name, but she knew all my secrets and heard all my prayers.
Comfort and joy–that’s the message this clothespin angel speaks to me. As with Miss No Name, I’ll always hold a special place in my heart for her. And she’ll forever find a home on my tree.
Merry Christmas, everybody!
That is a beautiful ornament and the story behind it makes it that much more so. 🙂
Happiest of Holidays to you and yours, my friend. Santa couldn’t have brought me a better present than that of your friendship! A genuine treasure I am truly thankful for.
Happy Ho Ho to you and yours, Melodye!!!!
((KEVIN))
Our Christmas was magical. Surrounded by family…how could it be anything but merry & bright? I ho ho hope you had a wonderful Christmas, as well.
Shall we plan for a get-together in January? I think that’d be a great start to the new year!
Christmas here was wonderful as well. I really enjoyed this holiday… because you’re right, when you’re surrounded by family, how can it be anything but merry and bright?!!? 🙂
A January get-together sounds good to me!
That is a beautiful ornament and the story behind it makes it that much more so. 🙂
Happiest of Holidays to you and yours, my friend. Santa couldn’t have brought me a better present than that of your friendship! A genuine treasure I am truly thankful for.
Happy Ho Ho to you and yours, Melodye!!!!
That is a very special ornament. You must be thrilled. Merry Christmas, Melodye!
I was touched to my core by Stace’s thoughtfulness (and talents).
I hope your Christmas was merry and bright!
Oh, that’s pretty. Merry Christmas!
She’s lovely, isn’t she? I feel so lucky to have her.
I hope you’re enjoying a very happy holiday season. I think we should arrange a get-together in the new year…you, too?
Yes–it’s funny how I’ve just missed seeing some local people (Kim Baccellia is another one).
What a lovely angel, and a lovely gift. I hope your holiday was filled with love and laughter.