Early this year, we watched the movie A Wrinkle In Time as a family. River sat on my lap, and Oak laid his head on my shoulder, unable to look away. After a particularly tough week for me, the movie left me empowered, inspired, and completely moved. Have you seen it? I loved that we all understood it, with simple and powerful quotes and basic lessons wrapped up in every clip. This one is a favorite.. “There will no longer be so many pleasant things to look at if responsible people do not do something about the unpleasant ones.” Mrs. Which
A few weeks ago, their school had a book fair and River used the money I sent her with to buy the chapter book. She was so excited to see it on shelves, and surprised me with it when she came home that evening. Since then, she and I cuddle up under her blankets after I put Oak to sleep and read a few pages together. Sometimes she reads one page, and sometimes I read four. We are on chapter three, and tomorrow, we’ll get to a good part. While the characters in the book are white, River loved that the movie’s main character resembled her. When we watched it again recently, I saw her eyes light up as Meg (the main character) bends over into a little lake and puts her curls in a top knot. She wiggles her glasses (River wears glasses) and smirks a bit when complimented on her hair. To see yourself so clearly in a film at nearly 8 is something special, I suppose.
When it was time to decide on our family costume and I mentioned A Wrinkle In Time, the kids were all in. River carried her book in her basket, and proudly said she was Meg from A Wrinkle In Time, and Oak could barely pronounce Charles Wallace, but it made sense. We had so much fun hanging around our neighborhood. When the streets got a bit crowded, we retired home for pizza, wine, and a Michael Jackson playlist with friends. Our night was perfect.
I hope you had a wonderful Halloween!
P.S We use these baskets every single year for every holiday (small things for Christmas, Easter baskets, birthday gifts etc..) for the last few years. They’re amazing!
Love your idea of multi purpuse baskets for halloween. I am gonna keep a lookout for similar at local charity shops.
Historically the accounts I follow on instagram are predominantly white. I am in the process of changing this. Many accounts I have been recommended of WOC are American, but I think I should listen to British Black women too as that’s where I live… any recommendations?
I look forward to following you. X
Hi Gem,
Yes, keep a look out. They’re really popular these days and I am sure you can support a local shop while also doing something that makes sense for your family.
I unfortunately do not have British black women recommendations. I do follow Freddie Harrell, who is mostly fashion, but on occasion she does open up about being a WOC/ African women in London. I think she is French though. With that said, I think its always a good idea to just follow and be inspired. We learn things even in the quiet inspiration accounts. by simply supporting and following along.
I love, love, love that you and your kids re-use the baskets for every. single. Thing! I have done the same with my kids (who are now adults and on their own.) But I still have and use the same baskets (they nest in a set of three) and we now use them every year to pick mangoes from the trees in our back yard.
I love the idea of having all purpose holiday baskets! Brilliant.