Thursday, November 7, 2013

Girl with a black eye

Art does not reproduce the visible; rather, it makes visible. - Paul Klee 18 December 1879 – 29 June 1940

When I was a little girl, I had a fabric puppet with a blue dress and eeeeeeeeeeeeendless legs with red and white striped stockings, brown hair and freckles. I didn't really like this puppet, so long and skinny and far not as lovely as the perfect blonde sweet baby girl doll with the blue eyes which opened and closed and her sweet rose lips, but my dad loved that "Pippi Långstrump" doll. He compared me to her all the time, because I was skinny, tall and had freckles too. I know now that already at that extremely young age I wanted to be another girl...
I didn't realize who or what Pippi was. Only much later did I understand that she was an independent, intelligent, nice, problem solving, always singing, and funny girl, to whom nothing seemed impossible (too strong to be true - but that was a wonderful way to make believe that nothing is impossible). She was a little bit stubborn and sensitive too. My dad certainly put all the chances on my side to become like her. Strangely, without knowing it, and certainly because my dad loved her, I kept this doll in my heart for the rest of my life. I discovered that only recently, when I saw Dee 'Torcherer' Elgie's awesome three-part doll bead..

I had to have her. It felt like me. Like the true me. Fallen apart and put together again, still standing strong, despite the black eye. This black eye is representative of everything one cannot see - Fibro, allergy to light and PTSD. But... that black eye doesn't take away my worth. Standing strong, proud and honest, helping others when I can.


I love myself now. 
It feels good. 
Thank you Dad.
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.
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Now I have to find a way to do justice to this little piece of Art.





6 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for sharing the story about choosing this bead set! I am so happy that she has found a wonderful home with you... Your dad was obviously a very special man! :)

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  2. Thank you Dee! Your bead set makes me feel really happy. and yes, my dad was and still is a very special man. :)

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  3. Wonderful story and such a beautiful bead set. When I find a bead that has special meaning to me I find it almost impossible to find the perfect setting for it. I'd love to see how you use these gorgeous beads. xxxx

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    1. Thank you for your comment Nelly! I have difficulties to find the perfect addition to something like this too, it is so complete on its own. But I have all the time :) and I feel no obligations except really making something that resounds in me.

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    2. I am a huge fan of Pippi Longstocking, and have designed a theatricalized version of the books for Minneapolis Children's Theater. I love your beads too. The idea that you are a Pippi as well is just delightful! Enjoy your beautiful Dee beads! I can't wait to see how you use them.

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    3. thank you Marsha! I feel just happy looking at the beads :) An idea is making its way.

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Your comments are welcome!