Mother Love

Once upon a time, when I was a very little girl, I collected bone china animal families. I can't even remember when or where I received the first one. Maybe it was a gift from my older sister, Sandra. She was 12 years older than I and always knew the coolest stuff.

After that, whenever we went on vacation or had a special occasion where I could pick out a souvenir I would choose one of these sets. They were very popular in the 1960s. Stores offered every animal you could imagine. I had horses, dogs, cats, you name it. Even a family of dolphins I purchased on my first trip to Florida.

Here's a photo I found online that will give you some idea of the size of these pieces. They were tiny even in my little hands. I was always so careful when I handled them.

By the time I was 20 I had dozens of these families. I kept them arranged just so on a wall of shelves in my first apartment. It was beautiful and, as it turns out, fragile. Literally, out of the blue, a storm blew up and straight through my window. The bully wind pushed the draperies across the shelves, taking with them all of my little friends. There was not one piece left unscathed. Every little animal had a nick or chip or broken leg. I was devastated. Right then and there, I vowed to never collect anything ever again.

It was ten years later, while at a home show in Miami, that I discovered a display of pewter fantasy pieces. Now, there's a collectable that could stand up to a little wind. I bought my first piece that day. She is called "Mother Love". She has survived several moves and several decades.

I collected for many years. There are dozens of dragons, wizards, castles and fairies in my hallway. Each piece has a story and a memory attached. A few years back, though, I lost interest in continuing the collection. I think it has to do with the quality, or lack there of, in the workmanship in my price range. No need to fret about it though.

Today, I have found a dragon that can even take more rough weather than pewter. Fiber Magick to the rescue!

I enjoy the names of yarns as much as I enjoy the colors. More so I would say. When I crochet a critter like these dragons I name them the name of the yarn. So meet Lagoon (up top), Twilight (in the center) and Sunset. As Birch said when she saw them, "Oooo... a flight of dragons!" These little guys will be taking flight to my vending table at Beltane. Then off to their forever homes.

Stay Crafty,

Opal Luna