Monday, May 4, 2015

Dressing Up

This post was based on Day 16: Ten Years Ago

Sloane , three, in one of my favorite costumes.  (This is the ten years ago photo.)

When I was a kid, I always loved costume parties and dressing up. I wished I had a wonderful granny's attic to explore. It would be full of old clothes and great shoes, and funny things like parasols, opera glasses, and old silver utensils whose use has been lost to time. There would be a beat up old leather trunk.  Inside it would be a clutch of fading airmail enveloped tied with a lavender ribbon and a few pale yellow roses along with an old quilt and a handful of pictures of young and smiling soldiers.  The corner of the attic might house a dusty old telescope and an unbelievably wobbly pile of vintage National Geographics.  Actually
, I still wish for that attic. 

Sloane, seven, at Disney just after our princess lunch.

In the spirit of playing dress up and exploring dusty old things, I always tried to give Sloane many props for her imagination.  When she was little I made sure to have plenty of craft supplies, kid-cooking ingredients, and a high tolerance for mess.  I turned by old toy chest into a cram-packed dress up box, and I refilled it every November 1st during After-Halloween sales.  I stuffed that thing full of costumes, party dresses, sparkly jewels, purses, scarves, wigs, and clompy high heeled shoes. I didn't forget the non-princess adventures and included knights' helmets, swords, a hook, and a few pirate hats.  That treasure box is currently up in our attic, collecting dust and waiting for someday when grand-babies will come exploring. 

Sloane, nine, dressed for Fifties Night and wearing my classring.

I might not have opera glasses and chipped china tea cups.  But I sure do have Mardi Gras beads, ladybug costumes, and cheap jewelry.  Oh, and one pair of really great Christmas socks.  

Sloane, thirteen, on Christmas Sock Day.

8 comments:

Jeanne said...

Happy Monday my sweet friend.
I love all you share.
Love Jeanne

HKatz said...

50s night costume is awesome. So are the stripey socks :)

I never had an attic like that either, but it is a beautiful dream.

Marilyn Miller said...

Love your images of what would be in your attic. Oh I love Christmas Sock Day, what a fun idea. All the photos of Sloane are extra special. Now I must make a box for grandson, what a good idea. He loves wearing different hats and came just the other day in his cowboy hat.

amelia said...

Ha! I was just thinking that I wouldn't mind exploring that attic. It sounds magical . . .

PS--Sloane is so beautiful--even in knee high Christmas socks! :)

PPS--Happy Mother's Day weekend!

gkgirl said...

love this...
you are such an awesome mom!!!
:)
and she is beautiful!

http://www.arlenegiddings.com/

GraceGal said...

delightful Post!

Jeanie said...

I love these photos and seeing that pretty girl grow up -- I'll bet that clown suit had some help from mom -- it's adorable!

I loved my grandmother's bedroom. I had free reign to play in her big walk-in closet, her jewelry box, her noxema (!!!!) I hope someday I can be that gran for Kevin and Molly's kids.

Kirsten Steen said...

Oh my...she's growing up! And so lovely!

Oldies, but Goodies