Penelope Puddle Goes To The Local Fair

I LOVE VISITING fairs this time of year to soak in the abundance of creative projects by local crafters.

This Saturday was the rare occasion when I set up a table of my own.

Framed artwork and handmade greeting cards depicting the Penelope character were on display.

As luck would have it, it rained heavily all day long keeping many people away. I brought crayons in hopes that kids would enjoy working on the coloring pages I created of Penelope. The idea was to allow children to use their imaginations to draw, in freehand, whatever weather they envisioned surrounding the character.

With their mom's permission I took a picture of these adorable sisters who did a fantastic job giving Penelope twins some pastel hues. Below are drawings by more children. I can see something wonderfully unique in each, can't you?

I put a star and tinsel on the model sidekick umbrella at my table. It somewhat resembles a drawing (see bottom of picture above) my daughter did of Penelope with a decorated umbrella over her head.

We were fortunate to have a very talented and animated barber shop quartet entertaining us with favorite Christmas tunes. They really knew how to liven up a room as rain-drenched visitors trickled in.

Friendly crafters were easy to chat with and helped pass the time. I loved the flowers created by Melisse Kelly from Pretty Little Things.

Her soft petal creations on headbands for babies were tender to the touch and a delight to see.

Nearby Karin Brown from Eden Inspirations had something so delicious on her table I was tempted to take a bite. Although they looked like mouthwatering fudge or candy the artfully created chunks of soap were not a bit edible.

There was much to admire in the jewelry, knit wear and more at the fair. This teddy bear tree (above) utilizing a cylindrical tomato cage and lazy Susan turntable got my attention. A careful look shows no two bears are alike. Each one was hand assembled and decorated by avid crafter Deb Odgren.

The event was at Alexandra Neighbourhood House in Crescent Beach where I often go for walks. There are several structures on the grounds. Although not certain about the age of the building (above) I was assigned, I did learn that the multi functional camp was founded in 1916 when it served as a holiday destination for orphaned children from Vancouver. You can get all the interesting details about its history HERE.

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Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

Signs Of Love Along The Way

A WAVE does not ask to be remembered when it recedes into the ocean and melts back into the sea … neither does a grainy bit of beach sand.

Made of similar matter we humans, however, want to leave our mark and it can seem disrespectful when the memory of someone is neglected. It is the magic of our remembering that keeps people from the past alive.

We were here and we want that acknowledged. So we name everything from bridges to airports to roads and buildings after larger than life figures who had monumental impact in our world and perhaps great wealth.

In recent years we found different ways to commemorate the less known that touched our hearts more personally. Most of the parks I visit nowadays have benches and many have plaques.

Currently I believe a basic bench, along with a plaque, requires a donation of three thousand dollars to the City of Surrey. This ensures the bench will be maintained for ten years after which there is a renewal fee.

The plaque to the left reads, "Tis a simple seashell, one out of which the pearl has gone. The shell was nothing, leave it there; the pearl - the soul - was all, is here."

In another visit to Crescent Beach I rested my back on a plaque that says,
"Warm summer sun shine kindly here. Warm summer wind blow softly here."

In words as few as a modern day Tweet, what would you say about yourself or a loved one and where would you etch such a special note?

I wonder if I could craft a message that is as poignant and concise as the one above that says, "The magic of our love will forever dance."

The wording on most benches strives to be uplifting and imaginative. Plaques are gifts placed where all are welcome to sit and contemplate, enhanced by a desire to inspire while keeping the memory of a loved one alive.

Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle to view more BC scenes.

To see more sights from around the globe visit Our World at the sidebar.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms