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Indigene Art Forms

Exploring Life Through Art

Shop / Illustration Friday / Packed – IF

Packed – IF

September 27, 2008

Bear with me…this is a long one…

After arguing with my daughter this morning about the benefits of cleaning her room (i.e., “you can stop asking me where everything is”); she stomped to her room!

Later, I looked in her room and became misty-eyed.

Lo and behold, she cleaned her room…but inside of boxes and on the outside of boxes were all the things I love! Her “bear-bear”, her dolls and numerous other toy treasures!
Packed up memories…

For any parent, well some of us at least, seeing your little one grow up and storm into adolescence is challenging at best! I captured this moment in my journal along with this sketch; (I don’t generally go into her messy room, because I have fit every time I do)…sketching always calms me down!

So, long story, short…here is my rendition of “packed“. Packed memories, packed feelings, packed toys, packed childhood, packed teenager, and packed Mom!

I’m sitting in my bedroom, on my bed, now “un-packing” the memories of her babyhood…smiling with some tears…

Today, love all the little ones in your life and pack every moment full of memories…Peace.

Previous: Giving Out The Love!
Next: Sugary – IF

Category: Illustration Friday Tags: Illustration Friday, Mixed Media

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. in with the misfits said

    September 27, 2008 at 10:13 am

    Aw, so cute. I'm a real sucker for bears! What a touching story to accompany it too.:)

  2. Ginger*:)* said

    September 27, 2008 at 10:58 am

    How touching! I can relate even though my children are now having children of their own. How nicely you created this illustration with such a loving memory.

  3. goooooood girl said

    September 27, 2008 at 11:21 am

    Very good……

  4. Ces said

    September 27, 2008 at 11:40 am

    It is always sad to see the little ones grow up and then they let go of their toys. I salvaged my children’s toys. They are in my office. The dollhouse is in the living room. Keep some of her toys Indegene.

  5. Cathy said

    September 27, 2008 at 12:12 pm

    That’s actually really moving, as well as fun!

  6. Kris-Tea said

    September 27, 2008 at 12:20 pm

    Nice story 🙂 The little bear’s adorable

  7. Vanessa Brantley Newton said

    September 27, 2008 at 12:22 pm

    So you made me misty eyed reading this article. My, but they do grow up so fast and I think you’re illustration will touch even more people. This is so sweet and very well thought out. I really love when a piece moves me. This does. This is so sweet!

  8. Teri C said

    September 27, 2008 at 12:32 pm

    Oh gosh, I know exactly what you mean including the tears. Such sweet memories.

    Perfect for IF this week.

  9. Cookie Sunshine said

    September 27, 2008 at 12:59 pm

    I think this one was just wonderful. It’s so personal. I love it.

  10. PotatoMamma said

    September 27, 2008 at 3:48 pm

    Hey Indigene, sweet story! My mum kept all our kid toys, she still clings to them – they’re in our attic. Before you’re sure about really not needing them, I’d keep them.

    Cute illustration!

    PS don’t be too worried if she protests cleaning – teenagers do change into adults, haha

  11. carga said

    September 27, 2008 at 3:55 pm

    very nice, tender story and illo.

  12. Kat Hannah said

    September 27, 2008 at 6:15 pm

    transitions can be hard on the heart…wonderful sentiment and sweet illustration

  13. Rowena said

    September 27, 2008 at 10:23 pm

    Wow, that’s so amazing. I’m still in the place of potty training. I can hardly imagine being in your place, but I know it will come.

    And thanks for stopping by my blog. You know I used to blame this paternalistic society for why there were not more women artists, and I think that’s historically part of it, but I never factored in this bump motherhood puts into our creativity.

    I guess life is not simple.

  14. Eric Wieringa said

    September 27, 2008 at 10:34 pm

    I love art that is personal. Great job.

  15. Shiva said

    September 28, 2008 at 2:59 am

    It touches my heart ….so sweet..so nice 🙂

  16. Sylvia Jenstad said

    September 28, 2008 at 8:34 am

    Very cute and the bear…and your story… what more can I say…

  17. Parrman said

    September 28, 2008 at 9:12 am

    Great story and what an emotional day!

    Love the little face poking out of the box. My little one is only 5 weeks but I can’t already feel the tears welling up inside me about having to let go…Still I think I have a good way to go yet!

  18. Elise's Art Garden said

    September 28, 2008 at 9:17 am

    Lovely thoughts! I remember rocking my second son one morning when he was a wee baby, and a thought coming to me as I held him there, that one day I would wish I could have this time again…….and for the rest of the day I treasured all the little things. Of course it wasn’t long before I was caught up in the world and life…but for that short time I was able to appreciate what was mine right then! I love that you “illustrated” that memory.

  19. studio lolo said

    September 28, 2008 at 10:21 am

    I can’t bear to see discarded toys by the side of the road, or at yard sales and thrift stores. It’s like giving your children away. I know it’s a right of passage for some people though. Save the bear!
    beautiful post Indigene 🙂

  20. artsymommachic said

    September 28, 2008 at 10:33 am

    awwwww not packed Mom! I know it feels like it right now but it’s not!

    Great drawing!

    Thanks for the comment on mine too!

  21. Bee said

    September 28, 2008 at 11:12 am

    A touching post (and cute bear!)

  22. Sarah Ackerley said

    September 28, 2008 at 11:35 am

    Hey, thanks for all the encouragement on my blog! That made my day 🙂 I’m glad you like my work.

    This is a cute one. I like how you pair colors and greyscale in your work. Cool style!

  23. soulbrush said

    September 28, 2008 at 12:12 pm

    this wrenched at my heart strings….what it is to be a mother?

  24. ValGalArt said

    September 28, 2008 at 2:27 pm

    oh, this is such an endearing and moving post and illustration. I got a little tear 🙁 Sweet and gentle my friend 🙂

  25. Diana Evans said

    September 28, 2008 at 4:31 pm

    what a lovely story…thanks for sharing it …being a Mom is the greatest gift in the world!!!

    Memories to last a lifetime…

    Hugs
    Diana

  26. Gai said

    September 28, 2008 at 4:55 pm

    amazing what comes up with a word isn’t it? I love this illo, very poignant to our memories. I am thinking now about the boxes of packed with drawings from my children’s early years. mmmm

  27. Fourborne said

    September 28, 2008 at 4:55 pm

    I am there with you (4 daughters). Nice thought.

  28. Honor Bowden said

    September 28, 2008 at 6:09 pm

    Wonderful post once again.

  29. Nicola said

    September 28, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    Beautiful illo and deeply touching story!

  30. Alina Chau said

    September 28, 2008 at 9:10 pm

    Nice drawing!

  31. isay said

    September 29, 2008 at 1:00 am

    what a beautiful post.

  32. kathy hare said

    September 29, 2008 at 3:51 am

    beautiful Indigene, as always..

  33. Toby Dixon said

    September 29, 2008 at 4:45 am

    Thanks for looking at my picture. You have a really interesting blog here!

  34. NANCY LEFKO said

    September 29, 2008 at 8:48 am

    lovely memories and illustration !!! sometimes I want to squeeze my youngest and keep him from growing up 🙂

  35. Amy C said

    September 29, 2008 at 11:51 am

    so sweet and such a touching story.
    Thanks for visiting me!

  36. Ian Caulkett said

    September 30, 2008 at 3:39 am

    A lovely sentiment! 🙂

    Made me think of my mum holding on to all of my old drawings.

  37. atomicvelvetsigh said

    September 30, 2008 at 5:25 am

    aww.. this is a lovely post and illo for your daughter! time flies indeed and how kids grow up so fast.. my baby is also turning 7 next month and gee it was just like yesterday when i held him in my arms so fragile and so small.. now naughtiness aside, i still grab each chance i get to hug him and smother him with kisses.. coz only time can tell when he will start to “not like” that anymore. 8) thanks for sharing this lovely memory which made us also remember our “packed past”..

  38. Bella Sinclair said

    September 30, 2008 at 6:32 am

    Awww, that’s a truly tender drawing. How sad. My oldest is still a tween, but I can smell teenage angst right around the corner.

    I hope your daughter only packed her treasured childhood belongings to spite you (wait, that didn’t come out right). I remember that I still hung onto a few childhood favorites until I graduated college.

  39. Random York said

    September 30, 2008 at 7:20 am

    Hi Indigene! That is a sweet message and illustration. My daughter just started college and I miss her- even more when I see all of those stuffed animals and little childhood toys that are still hanging around. Thank you for the birthday wishes- it’s tomorrow and I have planned out a day of chocolate cupcakes, coffee, and barbeque! I’ll feel like Bella Sinclair’s illustration by nighttime!- John

  40. Shannon Melville said

    September 30, 2008 at 10:15 am

    That is a cute picture, it is a shame people pack up their toys! maybe i am just unsual but I am 29 and still have some teddy bears in my room! i don’t think i ever wanted to grow up!

  41. Flying Colors said

    September 30, 2008 at 10:57 am

    This is one of the more beautiful packed illos out there, both in content and execution…

    The drawing, sketch, painting is fabulous, just love the feelings here.

    Thanks Indigene 🙂

  42. aimee said

    September 30, 2008 at 2:19 pm

    this drawing touched me so much. my oldest daughter is six and my youngest is two. some days i so desperately want them to grow up, such as this very moment when i have just finished cleaning a tube of diaper rash cream off the sofa. but when i start packing up their old things to give away, it hits me like a rock: they’re growing up, and before i know it their childhoods will be gone. what a beautiful, emotional piece 🙂

  43. Michael O'Connell said

    October 1, 2008 at 8:29 am

    my goodness… how touching… and how it hits home… my daughter is almost 12… she has been hyper-organized all her life… until now… she is still way more tidy than most adults I know… myself included… i have a box of things that she has put in the donate pile since the age of 4… i just couldn’t part with them…

    thanks for the visit… and the kind words… and for making me think…

  44. Jampickles said

    October 1, 2008 at 10:52 pm

    thanks for the comment!:)
    saw your “packed” entry, i can also relate to your illo. i love toys myself. i weeped when i lost most of my toys in a grage sale my parents put up when we moved to another country…i long to find those lost toys again..luckily, i saved some of my favorite toys. the little ones that i really loved playing with! i gave some of it to my 3 yr old daughter n she loves them just the same! i love buying toys up to now. i believe they’re a big part of a person’s happy childhood. 🙂

  45. Rrramone said

    October 2, 2008 at 9:24 am

    Good advice. 🙂

  46. Paola said

    October 6, 2008 at 9:24 am

    Ohhh! I understand you very well. Watching them grow is a blessing but sometimes it would be nice to to stop time, rewind and be able to live memories again.
    When my elder son was beginning to say good bye to his toys the younger begun playing with them, so it was easy…
    Now I have to recognize that his new stuff is asking for more room, but neither him, nor I have the heart to pack old toys still, we are procrastinating the moment.
    Nevertheless I think I will try to rescue as much as I can. May be one day I will be a granny and new tiny hands will find joy with these old toys.
    I hope there are lots of wonderful memories in the future ready for us to unpack them 🙂

  47. Godheval said

    October 6, 2008 at 9:45 am

    It’s weird reading this blog. Like it’s written by someone I don’t actually know – a second story.

  48. Sarah said

    October 8, 2008 at 2:41 pm

    Thanks for your lovely comment Indigene. Your fruit looks delicious!

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