We talk about fashion. Clothes we love, designers that intrigue us. Items we must have. But sometimes we come across an article of clothing that becomes more. It becomes a memory.
A moment in time.
A laugh. A smile. A secret shared with your daughter.
It becomes a keeper of time.
This dress is a hand me down from Jessica’s aunt. Years ago memories were created when this little dress was worn. I’m sure it made its way through Ohio. It certainly saw the Maine coast. And it probably was worn a few times in the restaurant my husbands owns.
The other day my Jessica wore this same exact dress, a linen summer halter. Simple and classy. She wore it while we enjoyed the summer sun. She danced and pranced over the green grass singing as loud as she could to the swallows circling above our heads. I held back in the distance and snapped a photo or two and then joined in on the dancing. There is something about twirling under a summer sky. Something carefree and reminiscent of youth.
When I look at this little dress I see summer.
A mother and daughter dancing with the wind.
Smiles across their faces.
I see myself. I see my Jessica. And I see happiness.
As Jess outgrows her cloths, as I slowly pack away the treasures from each season, I take a moment to absorb the memories. And sometimes, they just happen to make their way to the “keep forever” box.
Do you have any treasured items? Clothing, books or toys that you just can’t seem to part with? Any special pieces that tell a story or hold memories in time? I would love to hear your stories!
xo
Liz // Yellow Finch
Artwork by Nichol Duenes
The feeling of warm beach days seems to always transport me to my childhood.
The scent of the salty sea air that stuck in my unbrushed curls,
sandy feet that slapped against cool tile floors as I ran inside.
The days spilled over into nights and we would lazily lay in our swimsuits,
knowing the morning sun handed over an empty beach.
These unforgettable summers are tucked away in my mind.
Memories of mild ocean waves rolling over our sunburnt bodies,
midnight walks along a balmy beach,
and the endless hours spent searching for tiny treasures.
Every year my family traveled to the beach.
These days are a part of my childhood, a part of my story.
As a mother of three I strive to create these memories for my children.
I want to wrap up each moment, each experience, and pass them along.
I want my children to understand those significant summers.
I want them to see the meaning behind these memories.
I want them to feel.
To experience.
To live.
…….
Do warm beach days bring back memories for you? What do you remember from your childhood summers. And if you have little ones, what do they love about summer? I would love to hear your thoughts and writings. Submit stories or poems to yellowfinchdesigns@yahoo.com
Happy Writing!
Liz // Yellow Finch
Artwork by Pandraa
Elephant Dance
Elephant clouds
stomp and tromp
across blue skies.
Dirt paths shake
grounds quake
under giant gray toes.
In a line they walk
drumming, humming
soft talk.
Music makers
swishing
swaying
As they sail away.
…..
Now that spring is finally in the air we can feel a bit more inspired to write! Today my children and I walked to the park, with our notebooks and pencils in hand. We drew the scenery around us and talked about how to describe what we saw. I would love to share what we came up with next week, but I would really love to hear from you!
Grab your little one, take a hike, find a park, sit in a field. What do you see. Can you write a poem and draw a picture to go with your writing? Be as creative as you want!
Submissions can be sent to yellowfinchdesigns@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured here on Babiekins Magazine Blog.
Happy Writing!
Liz // Yellow Finch
Artwork by Hello Small World
STREET SPLASHING
I tucked myself away
from wet rain drops,
buzzing cars
street puddles.
They always like to splash.
I tucked myself away
from busy intersections,
spinning wheels
and walking feet.
They splash too.
I hid underneath my umbrella,
shiny yellow plastic,
and walked along my way.
…….
Now it’s your turn. What do you hide from? Think of spring, open air, wild winds. Can this stir your imagination? Can this create a poem?
I would love to read your creations! Submissions can be sent to yellowfinchdesigns@yahoo.com. All genre and ages are welcome.
Happy Writing!
Liz // Yellow Finch
Artwork by Ella Goodwin
Finding Easter
On Easter morning I wake early
to singing birds chirping into my window
to green grass spread over our yard
and the childish voices of my sister and brother.
The scent of buttermilk pancakes, chocolate candy
and strong coffee fill the air.
I know my parents are stirring in the kitchen,
I can hear the clinks and clanks of dishes being set for brunch.
As a softly tip toe down the wooden stairs,
so quiet I can hear the old floor creaking with each step,
I know that I am the last to rise.
I peak around the banister,
my hair gently falling in front of my face,
and as I tuck it behind my ear
I can see my family.
Even at this young age I know the meaning of Easter,
but I now know that Easter is about so much more.
It’s about family, friendships and love.
It’s about sharing, opening our hearts.
It’s about living each day.
It’s about being thankful.
………
Do you have a story or poem to share?
Please submit your writings to yellowfinchdesigns@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured here on Babiekins Magazine Blog.
Happy Writing!
Liz // Yellow Finch
Artwork by Fritha Strickland
While They Wait
Little owls sit tall
under the midnight blue sky
looking and lurking.
Waiting for springtime
for yellow blossoms, green fields
to spread across day.
…..
The following Haiku poem is from Lizzie, Owner and Co-founder of Peá Roo Kid’s Fashion:
(Daddy)
Pale he sits and stares
Through blazing acqua blue eyes
While his baby dreams
Now it’s your turn to write a Haiku poem. Remember, your poem should be divided into three lines of five, seven, and five syllables. Think of your words as a camera. You want to try and capture a “snapsot” of the small details on the subject you are writing on. Open your eyes. Look around you. Look out your window. What do you see? Write down the details and turn that into a haiku poem.
Submissions can be sent to yellowfinchdesigns@yahoo.com
Happy Writing!
Liz // Yellow Finch
Artwork by Sarah Dyer
G is for go, go on an adventure. Go on a journey. To a far away land with mystical trees and open seas. Where the grass grows tall and strange animals linger. They sing and they dance and talk to each other.
G is for go, go far away pesky little brother. Please leave my room. I have a picnic to attend with my soft bear friend. He sits in his chair, not moving at all, still as a mouse just a bit tall.
G is for go, to the cars on the street. They loom and they buzz by everyone they meet. And once in awhile I see a girl wave, quietly from the back seat she’s tucked in her cave. She smiles and whispers something I cannot hear, it must not be important since she is no longer near.
G is for go, “GO TO BED,” my mother says. She shouts it upstairs, like a ball in the house. Bouncing here and there and everywhere. It misses my ears, sails right past my face. Until the next thing I know she’s entered my space.
And so I go, I go with a G, off to my bed for little old me.
……
verb (vûrb)
n.
1. The part of speech that expresses existence, action, or occurrence in most languages.
2. any of a large class of words in a language that serve to indicate the occurrence or performance of an action, the existence of a state or condition, etc. In English, such words as run, make, do, and the like are verbs
Now it’s your turn! Pick a verb, any old verb, and base a poem or short story around this action word. Don’t forget you can send your submissions to yellowfinchdesigns@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured here on Babiekins Magazine Blog.
Happy Writing!
Liz // Yellow Finch
Art work by The Love Shop
Silly Kids
by Joshua Jacob, age 5
Silly kids go crazy everywhere
playing basketball in the house
playing soccer on the roof
dancing on messy beds.
They race outside
pick some flowers
go crazy everywhere.
Oh, those silly kids.
Jump up and down
and all around
as high as they can.
I don’t know why these silly kids
are running around
jumping up and down.
…….
As I sat at my desk last night writing away in my notebook, I felt a sudden tap upon my leg. I looked down to see my five year old son staring at me with an inquisitive look spread across his face. “What are you doing mama?” he said to me in a soft curious voice. “Well, I’m working on some poetry little man,” was my response. “What’s poetry?” he inquired.
And so began our adventure down the path of poetry. We talked about inspirational words, silly words and descriptive words. Then we put those words together and started to create. We came up with several works, but Joshua built the poem above all on his own.
This week I encourage you to read a poem, or two or three, with your children. Then, sit down and write your own works. Let your children fabricate their own personal poem. Let them be carried away to a far away land of whimsical beasts and colored clouds that linger above open fields of candy. Don’t forget to submit your writings to yellowfinchdesigns@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured here on Babiekins Magazine Blog.
Happy Writing!
Liz // Yellow Finch
Don’t forget to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2nd!
Art work by Teva Gallery
Red Wolf
In the open coldness of the air
lurks a wild beast
who stomps through forest ground
shaking his coat from freshly fallen snow.
Under the round glowing moon
he leaves a trail of broken paw prints
that quickly become untraceable.
In the navy night of darkness
you can see him softly touching soil
his red fur, distinguished
as if he swallowed a sun beam
and shared it with the world.
………………
Now it’s your turn! Pick an animal, any animal, and write a poem or short story about that animal. Submissions can be sent to yellowfinchdesigns@yahoo.com for a chance to be featured here on Babiekins Magazine Blog.
Happy Writing!
Liz // Yellow Finch
Artwork by Susana Parada
On Valentine ’s Day
let me take you for a ride
let me show you the world.
Come with me, sweet friend
we have nothing to hide.
…………
When I was a child I eagerly awaited for Valentine’s Day to arrive. Growing up in Ohio usually meant a chilly wintery holiday that was instantly warmed with x’s and o’s that were passed around. The excitement in the air hung above our heads and, at times, I felt I could pluck it with my fingers and tuck it away in my pocket. There was something about handcrafting each valentine, writing each card with such precision and choosing the colors and stickers to pass out to classmates and friends.
After school, I would rush in the door, toss my shoes in the air and throw my body on the carpet. My cards and treats became a mountain of endless words and messages that I always dove into head first. I cherished those moments. Those notes.
If I look hard enough I may be able to even find one today. But if I can’t, I know that a feeling of excitement still lingers around Valentine’s Day. I always know that I can reach up and grab something to hold onto.
xoxo
Liz // Yellow Finch
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