A tougher challenge this week ~ at least for me.
Here’s what Kellie Elmore has asked us to write about:
“Write about your most memorable childhood gift. Was it a Christmas gift? A Birthday gift? Was it something you really wanted or was it a surprise that ended up holding a sentimental place in your heart? What do you remember? How did it make you feel?”
~*~
Bear
UpHeaVal,
Instability
Spelled a childhood to be
Survived.
A bear clutched;
My security
Blanket. A gift from
Me to my heart
Though by others made
Manifest.
Secrets kept and
Wept over
In secret ~
Together. No
Judgment. Just
The stable warmth
Of the fuzzy
Inanimate. Safe
In my arms;
Secure in my
Heart.
~*~
The bottom line is my childhood memories are cloudy. The single treasure that comes to mind? A small, well-hugged and dog-eared brown bear named Boo Boo (think Yogi Bear … I had him too). It was a sad day when, at age 10 or so, I finally laid him to rest after a savage mauling at the jaws of the family cocker spaniel (or I think that’s how he met his demise. Another memory blotted … and possibly just as well.)
There have been many bears since. I have a home filled with lovely collectible ones.
And, of course, it’s little wonder I have nicknamed my companionable horse Bear … 😉
Thanks for visiting …
Dorothy
~*~
©Dorothy Chiotti, Aimwell CreativeWorks 2013
Shedding Light on the Family Tree 
Your horse is a beauty.
Thanks … I’ll tell him … 😉
I loved this Dorothy! Sometimes life comes full circle and it seems in this instance yours has. Bear is stunning! My daughter is taking riding lessons right now learning Hunter style.
Thanks, Mark. .. Yes, it rather surprised me as I wrote this post how life had, indeed, come full circle. Fortunately, in a really positive way. I was concerned, after I posted, that the overtones were negative, but it’s really a triumphant moment for me. My childhood dream of a horse to call my own, once locked away in the securest corner of my heart, manifested in this beautiful boy I affectionately call Bear. He is the most memorable gift even though I didn’t receive him until seven years ago ~ a little far down the road from childhood. 😉 But he fulfills the heart’s desire of the child in me. And perhaps, indeed, it is the man, my husband, who gave Bear to me who is the greatest gift. He’s the first person who ever truly listened to my heart. I am blessed. … Enough about me … How thrilling for your daughter! Hunter equitation is a wonderful way to get started. I wish her many wonderful hours in the saddle, and you much joy in watching her grow and learn about herself and the horse through this marvellous experience. … Thanks for stopping by, Dorothy 🙂
Oh my gosh! Your horse is so pretty! I have always wanted one. Though I have never even ridden one lol. The hubby is going to have to take me riding some day then maybe I can convince him 🙂
Thanks, Kellie. Horses suck you in lock, stock and barrel. Be prepared. 😉
Very nice!
Thank you … 🙂
Bear is a beauty! This is lovely, and it’s alright if your memories of childhood are cloudy… that may mean you’ve let a lot of bad go, and that’s a wonderful thing. ❤
Thank you, Carolyn. I believe you’re right. My life is so filled with wonderful blessings I don’t find it necessary to re-visit those difficult times much anymore. They have shaped me, there’s no doubt of that, and there are still a few things with which I am coming to terms, but mostly I’ve moved on. All things considered I like who I’ve become and that in itself is a wonderful gift. … Be well, Dorothy 🙂
When I feel there is more I need to learn from them, I re-visit… but I never stay long. 😉 Much sweetness and light to you Dorothy. 🙂
Your current “Bear” is such a beauty!
Thank you. I would agree with you on that one. 🙂