Just before Christmas the teacher of our class said she was getting mini stockings for each RSP student that comes through our class, which is about 25. She said we were welcome to add anything to the stocking. Rather than put in a couple of pieces of candy I had the idea to make scenic, Pacifica bookmarks for each student. Each year I make a couple of photo calendars which always include pictures I’ve taken of the beautiful walking trails, beaches, sunsets, paragliders, ice plant and other scenery in Pacifica. I realized that if I cut them up, the photos would be the perfect size for bookmarks. I thought that since these kids all go to school in Pacifica, and probably live in Pacifica, they might especially enjoy pictures of these familiar places, and a reminder of the beautiful place they get to be.
As I was making the bookmarks they were turning out great, but I had to step out of the classroom for a few minutes to hide my unexpected tears. Cutting into these pictures and giving them away made me feel like I was giving away a part of myself. I guess that is one of the definitions of a true Christmas gift. On the other hand, I started feeling better when I remembered that all the pictures were in a Snapfish file, and I can access them and print them again anytime I want. Hopefully that doesn’t take away from the sincerity of the gift!
Each bookmark fit into the stockings very well. I’ve had a chance to discuss some of them with some of the kids. It is fun that they recognize the places. One girl, however, didn’t and guessed that they were pictures of Hawaii. How flattering for this little town!
I was also happy that my co-workers wanted some too, and I am making some for my kids as well.
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This is my favorite - the view from our front window, down the street |
