Grocery store fairy
We are the people. Even the little people. Especially the little people. I have been dwelling in a parallel universe this week–the Past. It is for good reason I have gone so far afield from my usual space. I have been assembling an album for our daughter, of photos, poems, mementos from as far back as four generations before her. A nearly overwhelming task.
In between assembling pages I have done the usual domestic chores of washing, ironing, cleaning, cooking and grocery shopping. One of the highlights of my week was this tiny person skipping up the isle at the grocery store… in her fairy costume. Not wanting to seem like a stalker, I held some distance between us as the little fairy gazed at some strategically placed items on the shelves, would you believe it— at just her height!! (Thank you Walt Disney.)
She reminded me of the fairy and princess costumes our own daughter wore out in public at that age; the age before we stop believing we might actually be a fairy. I love that it is still winter here, and, to keep warm, she had the appropriate leggings and tights on underneath the fairy dress. Her mother’s influence no doubt, because fairies do not feel the cold. I love that with all the troubles going on in the world, somewhere a little fairy has gotten her wings and is learning to fly.
Have a great weekend.
–Ardys
ardysez 
lovely post Ardy. I have a few fairies who visit me in costume. They are such a delight. and the elves too.
LikeLike
Thank you Francesca. Oh, I would love to see an elf!
LikeLike
What a magical post! I don’t see many fairies… but it seems we have a lot of Spiderman fellas around!
LikeLike
Thank you! You must feel very safe with so many Spidermen around!
LikeLike
Adorable! I started a memory book for my son when he finished junior school. We found it the other day and really enjoyed the memories it brought back. I can’t imagine doing one that goes back 4 generations!! Hats off to you!
LikeLike
I know I won’t regret the time end effort put into this project, though it is considerable. Our daughter was born and lives in a country half a world away from ALL of her relatives, save her father and I, so I think the connection is important. My grandfather was from Italy and there is only a thread of connection there, which is regrettable. Thank you Selma, perhaps you might feel inspired to do a further project for your son in a few years as the memories accumulate.
LikeLike
I am blessed with a well documented family history on both sides. One of my paternal cousins wrote a book called Challenge to Colonialism which explores the history of and role that my ancestors played in Kenya. We also have a huge family tree going on at Genie…I grew up in close daily contact with both sides of our huge families and even remember both my great grandmothers…a complete contrast to life now, I must say!
LikeLike
I have no recollection of dressing up in fairy costumes when I was a child (except for ballet recitals), but I see lots of fairies in Portland on any given day. Even some in their teens! I love that parents are encouraging the magic on a day to day basis.
Great post, Ardy. So glad I found your blog!
LikeLike
I played dress up in my mother’s old high school formals from the 40’s! Wish I had photos of that! No, fairy costumes for me either, but I love seeing the children in their dress ups that stretch their young imaginations. Thank you for the lovely compliment Dale!
LikeLike
Sounds like a wonderful and emotional week…love the litte fairy
LikeLike
Thank you Laila!
LikeLike
Every supermarket needs a fairy!
LikeLike
Isn’t that the truth, Anne!
LikeLike
I ran into a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle at the checkout at Coles the other day. I declare the supermarkets must be a haven for the imagination of children. 🙂
LikeLike
From memory, it is a better strategy to let children dress up for the grocery than to argue with them. Pick your battles. Thanks for reading Suz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an edible sprite! And such heart-tugging memories for you, Ardys.
I’d say I have the same–those of my daughter all decked out in poofy dresses and waving her wand, but it was actually my son who held that adorkable position. He can deny it now all he wants, but I’ve got pics for proof.
Good luck with the album–knowing you, it will be a spectacular gift that will last a lifetime.
xx
LikeLike
Thanks Shelley. Would love to see the photos of your son in costume! Those proof positive pics are deadly! x
LikeLike
I wish when your supermarket fairy grows up that she retains her sense of fun and flair. I love encounters on the streets and in shops with tiny fairies, Elvis look-a-likes and those wonderful people who unlike me aren’t afraid to express their characters sartorially 🙂
LikeLike
I know what you mean EllaDee. I have been pouring over stacks of photos the last few weeks, many of which are of our daughter, dressed as a gum nut baby, painted cat face, the Nanny from TV, Queen of Hearts where she paraded through a Las Vega casino (age of 3, she was the star), but eventually she outgrew it. She still loves to dress up, just not in costume!!
LikeLike