Sunday, August 23, 2009

Week Thirty-Four: Prairie Schooler Snowman and Bunny








A snowman and his bunny--what could be cuter? This ornament, from the Prairie Schooler's "Santas & Snowmen" leaflet, was stitched on 32-ct. sage Jobelan using DMC threads. I had a tough time tracking down this pattern. Many of the shops seem to be out of it, but I finally got my hands on a used copy online and it was worth the search. There are so many charming ornaments in it, but this one is my favorite. Who knows? Maybe I'll stitch all eight...

Well, it's that time of year again for many--the annual trek back to college. For some of us, it is the oldest child who is leaving for four years of studying (and partying) and experiencing new things that don't include mom and dad. For others, like us, it is our youngest child returning for his next to the last year of college. Years ago, way before any of my sons was even thinking about college, a library friend shared with me a copy of an essay that I've never forgotten. Written by Bill Bryson in his book, I'm a Stranger Here Myself, this essay touches the heart with its reflections on the author's eldest son leaving for college. I found the essay, called On Losing a Son, posted online and thought you might like to read it yourself. Whether you have a child still in elementary school or one about to leave for college, I think you'll be glad you did.

After my youngest son left for college this week, the phrase from all of those old fairy tales kept running through my head, "And peace returned to the kingdom." There are no more stray socks peaking out from under the couch, no loud guitar chords wailing up from the basement, no damp towels left drying on the floor, no lights left burning all night. Since he left, the dishes seem to be mysteriously making their way into the dishwasher and the toilet paper holder remains curiously filled. The house has taken on a comfortable and peaceful hum. Yet, I already miss him...and I hope he has an amazing junior year.

8 comments:

Myra said...

Thank you for sharing that essay Carol, I enjoyed and could relate to every word of it. One of my twins is a junior in college and we just spent the afternoon running around the mall to get new shoes and clothes and then to the college bookstore to buy (gasp!) textbooks. They sure don't stay small long, do they?
Love the snowman, you are really churning these out. I want to see a picture of your tree this year - it is going to be beautiful.

Barb said...

Darling snowman. Love PS.

Thanks for your thoughts on the kids leaving home. I appreciated Bryson's comments on the cost of college...so true!

Our son will be a junior also, but didn't live at home this summer. That is when you really know they have left, which is, after all, what we have hopefully been teaching them how to do all these years.

Shari said...

the ornament is simply adorable!!!!! I MUST find that pattern!!!!
Like you, my house is soon going to be quiet. Our youngest goes back for his junior year labor day weekend.
I am going to look up the essay as soon as I finish this! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Oh my!!!! I just read the 2 comments above mine!!! We ALL have kids returning for their junior year

Viooltje (Violet) said...

Your PS snowman is SUPER♥CUTE.
Lovely, lovely, everything!
:o)

I've read the essay, sending virtual (((HUGS))) to everyone with an empty nest.
:o)

Siobhán said...

Thanks for the link to that article! I enjoyed reading it. I love Bill Bryson.

Your PS finish is adorable! I love that booklet and have dreams (hallucinations) of stitching all of the designs in it.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I'm trying to catch up...I LOVE that Nature's Beauty all framed up...and setting among nature's beauty for the photograph :)
DARLING!
And your PS ornie...I have dreams to stitch every PS ever released...HA HA HARDY HAR HAR...but its a dream :)
The hustle and bustle of school has begun and once again I find myself volunteering for every thing out there to volunteer for, but it is hopeful that one day in the future, I hope my children will know that I loved them so much I wanted to put my best foot forward for them to be represented :)
Have a good week!

Leah said...

Carol, thanks for sharing the link to that essay. I loved it, and it really put some things into perspective for me.

Your PS ornie is super cute!!

Tracey said...

I LOVE this one! I love snowmen and cozy houses. I will keep the book and the link in mind. My kids will not be leaving home for a long time but I am sure that will help me either prepare or cope(after they are gone.) (((HUGS)))