Witchy woman

Yesterday was a good day. It didn't start out that way, but it certainly turned into a perfectly respectable day. I suspect that people say the same thing about me.

I came home to find a brown package on my doorstep. The brown paper was covered in beautiful handwriting with little messages such as "Surprise", "Handle With Care", "Fragile" and "No Oops! Please". Dear Cate had put me on alert for a special package from her, and I knew by the care in which it had been wrapped and decorated, it had to be from her.

My nephew was with me and he was about as excited as I was to open it up. We carefully removed the twine and paper and neatly tucked inside a shoe box was this gourd in witches' clothing.

I cannot begin to describe how creative this little witch is. As you can see "Cackle, Cackle" is written expertly across her body and she has the cutest googlie eyes. Her hat is adorable and her teeth humorous. She even has a little broom, a feather in her cap and buttons. So much detail, and attention to every aspect of this little creation. According to her tag, she's all ready for the ball. (Even the tag was so very unique and fun.) Oh, Cate, I can't wait until Halloween to display her. She's too cute to keep in a box until them. She's going on the mantle immediately! Also inside was a package of gum that read, "Be Nice or Leave". I know there's a story behind this little goodie and I can't wait to hear it.

I am so touched that Cate thought of me and put so much creativity , patience, time and generosity into such an incredible gift. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

As I mentioned, my nephew is visiting from afar. He's not gotten a lot of time with us, so last night he decided that we'd go out to eat dinner, rent a movie and have quality "family time". I was up for that, so that's just what we did. Before the movie ("Glory Road") started, I was transferring a load of laundry when he came in and said, "Ragged, do you think I could knit tonight?"

Tears came to my eyes as I embraced my favorite of all nephews and I said, "Of course, Prince E, of course. You can even use the new needles I just got."

The new needles, you see, are ones that light up. I couldn't resist them and in the back of my mind, I wondered if that might further his interest in knitting. He had learned some basics in art class. The school had begun experimenting with needles and yarn in order to aid children in learning focus through repetition.

Whenever he asked if I would "cast on" for him, I nearly jumped to my feet in sheer joy. The boy can knit. The boy can knit. I knew there was a reason I liked this kid.