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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Friday, September 7, 2012

Time to a child at the Cottage

Ode to Emily, Assemblage by Rosemary Whyte

I awake to the cry of the loon at the cottage.  It is shortly after 7:00 a.m. and my plan is to pad downstairs and sketch before the household is awake.  I exit my room silently and hear a child's whisper from the adjoining room and I recognize it is E speaking in his hushed tone  "Hey Helen, I am in here, upper bunk, can you see me?" His dark mop of hair is visible above the either-down.  He tells me his parents have strict orders that he does not get up until 7.30.  I ask what time is it now and he looks at his little electric clock and says 7:11. He is impatient and restless and tells me of all his plans for the day and how he wishes his parents would allow him to just get up when he wants and how rules are stupid.  I tell him the minutes will go quickly and I will stay with him.  He asks if his sister in the lower bunk is awake, which by now she is.

He then asks me if I would like to see him jump from the upper bunk and before I could answer, the game is on



Before we know it, it is almost 7.30 and we head downstaiirs, teddy bears and dolls included and repair to the couch in the den.   "O" effortlessly puts her toe in her mouth and  becomes self conscious when I remark on how great this is and how I wish I could do it.  She replied  "Stop It, Helen; just Stop-It"


I don't remember who said this, but there really are places in the heart you don't even know exist until you love a child.

73 comments:

  1. what a perfect quote! I love your assemblage. When I saw the photo pop up, I could not wait to look at it! Have a wonderful weekend Helen.

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    1. Many thanks or your visit and kind words. The artist Rosemay Whyte is a long time friend. I own one of her oil paintings of Lavender Fields in France. She painted it en plein aire in Provence some fifteen years ago.

      Hope your weekend is special.

      Helenxx

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  2. That a lovely arrangement of religious Bits. Very nice. I remember not being able to get up until a certain time...the minutes seemed so LONG.

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    1. Hello Chania
      I love and collect Rosemary's work. She is a very accomplished artist. She paints in oil, watercolour and encaustic. She is also an incredible jewellery designer and I have one of her pieces.

      You are right, time to a child is very drawn out

      Hope your weekend is very special
      Helenxx

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  3. Hello Helen:
    How well we remember as children being 'confined to quarters' whether one was tired or not. This was so trying, especially on summer nights when bedtime seemed as if it was in the middle of the afternoon with the sun still shining. Then time stood still, whereas these days it passes in a flash!

    The 'Ode to Emily' is a beautiful creation. Rich with symbolism, colour and artefacts, it nevertheless is not oppressive and is wonderfully uplifting. Surely a piece to inspire and reflect on the gift of children.

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    1. Hello Jane and Lance

      You perfectly describe the long days of summer time in the British Isles. How well I remember those too. What punishment to go to bed in daylight.

      Rosemary Whyte is an artist I admire tremendously. She is a dear friend and works in many mediums. This particular piece is "Ode to Emily" Emily,her mother, died when Rosemary was 2 yrs old. The silver piece of jewellery at the bottom of the assemblage was my hair clip- it has angels on it. The assemblage includes items collected during a lifetime of travel - several medals are from Italy, where Rosemary lived for some time.

      Hope your weekend is precious

      Helen xx

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  4. Dear Helen - if only we could retain that inner child forever - a magical world which fades as we grow older. You have captured it all so beautifully.
    I can hear the haunting sound of the Loon, heard so often when I have stayed at my sister-in-law's Canadian lakeside cottage.

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    1. Hello Rosemary

      What a beautiful wish you make for us to retain the inner child. We loved being with these children, they are so honest. "O" did like using with frequency her new favourite command "stoppppp it"

      It is special to hear the cry of the loon and I associate with Canada. Why even the dollar coin has a loon on it and is called "A loonie"

      Hope you have a wonderful weekend

      Helen xx

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    2. I should have mentioned Rosemary Whyte's Ode to Emily. What I particularly noticed about it was the little piece of blue replica Andrea della Robbia in the middle. I am particularly interested in the Renaissance della Robbia family and their terracotta works around Italy. It is lovely.

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    3. Hello Rosemary,

      Your keen eye has spotted this piece by Andrea della Robbia. Rosemary lived and studied in Italy during the summer months for several years and like you has a strong knowledge of the Renaissance period.

      Helen xx

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  5. Oh what fun, and such memories this brings back of those small, unique moments.
    Love the assemblage. Would like to see more of this artists work!

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    1. Hello Jen

      It was indeed a fun time at the cottage and we are missing the children, who were so much fun.

      Rosemary Whyte is a very accomplished artist. She returned to art school when her children were in school and has studied art and art history in several European cities.
      I will pass on your good wishes

      Helen xx

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  6. Great quote and spectacular pictures that really catch the spirit of jumping off bunk beds.

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    1. Thank you for commenting and visiting.

      The children have so much energy and of course their energy seems to increase more with the attention from an adult.

      Hope your weekend is very special

      Helen

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  7. I love children when they are still at that innocent stage. These two sound like adorable little scamps!

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    1. Yes that describes the children perfectly "adorable scamps"
      You always find the perfect description, thank you and have a glorious weekend
      Helen xx

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  8. The early morning whispers of the children while the household are still sleeping. How often that has happened to me.
    Only last weekend, dear Audrey slept over at my place. As we went to bed, she said"grandma, tell me the tales of the fairies again and we can sleep together".. precious times.
    Ode to Emily is beautiful. I have never seen anything quiet like it, how wonderful Rosemary in coperated your hair clip.
    You brought back memories with this post Helen, relating your time at the cottage.
    so lovely
    thank you.
    happy weekend
    val

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    1. Hello Valerie

      It was all my pleasure hanging out with the two little ones as they waited for the clock to move forward to 7.30 a.m.
      They are so honest.

      How great you have your grandchildren stay over and telling stories to them.

      Rosemary is a very accomplished artist and I have always loved this piece, which she put so much love and thought into. Each item or milagro was collected over time and has meaning and significance.

      Thanks for visiting and have a beautiful weekend in Portugal

      Helen xx

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  9. My dear Helen, This is a beautiful and charming post. Recently, I read in the papers when a journalist asked an elderly person what was the secret of her longevity. She replied spending time with young children, one feels always young. I think sometimes it takes a child to remind us how to be happy and live in the present. A little boy the other day on the bus pointed out to his mother from the bus window...a silver of rainbow peeking through the clouds and he exclaimed, "Look mummy, look"...They live in the moment and they look at the world as if they see it for the first time. That's amazing gift to have...if only we, adult could manage to see it that way....from their innocent eyes...this world will never be short of wonder. Have a good weekend.

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    1. Dearest ASD

      Thank you for visiting and for your supportive words.

      Children are full of surprises and their honesty I find highly amusing. Like the young boy on the bus observing the rainbow while other passengers are likely oblivious due to being wrapped up in their own world.

      Wishing you a weekend of joy and wonder

      Helenxx

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  10. What a fun post! I enjoy my grandson so much.

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    1. Thank you for stopping and for your supportive comment.
      I am sure you have great fund with your grandchild and have many stories to relay

      Helen xx

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  11. Adorable...you reminded me of when I was little...jumping from a sill onto a bed was a game for a good hour until my mom intervened... xx

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    1. Hello Mona

      Thanks for visiting.
      I can just see you jumping from the sill to the bed and then the cats doing likewise. :)

      Helen xxx

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  12. Sounds and looks like great fun! Once again you made me smile! I am sure those beautiful children will never forget how gentle you were, Helen! Have a wonderful day! Christa

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    1. Hello Christa

      Thanks for your kind words. I had so much fun hanging out with the children and one can learn so much from them. Most important lesson I learned was you can never have too much fun.

      Hope your day is special

      Helen xx

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  13. OH HOW TRUE. I am not a parent, but I taught for nine years. I discovered chambers of my heart that I did not know where there until these little people wiggled their way in!!!!!!!!!

    Oh Helen, thank you for coming to visit yesterday! Contrasts and colors are surely in your repertoire of expertise! I am barely discovering them on the artist level....have a fun day! Anita

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    1. Hello Anita

      Of course you would have a special knowledge and love for children and no doubt the feeling is mutual with them.

      Wishing you a day full of colour

      Helenxx

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  14. The Assemblage is awesome! I can see lovely icons along with other symbols. "there really are places in the heart you don't even know exist until you love a child." How true!!

    Reading this post, I remember Tagore's quote too: "Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man." They are beautiful kids, indeed!

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    1. Hello Sapphire

      I am delighted to hear you like "Ode to Emily" There is much passion, love and history put into this piece, which took years and possibly a lifetime of planning, which I feel is evident in the masterpiece.

      I love Tagore's quote and will be searching for more of his beautiful widsom.

      Have a wonderful Sunday

      Helen xx

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  15. Kids are such fabulous, pure little people.

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    1. Hello Becky

      You speak such truth in this statement.

      Have a glorious Sunday

      Helen xx

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  16. Helen, The simple joys of being a child and having the privilege of being with a child is absolutely the best. It sounds like a lovely way to wake. Enjoy your trip. How wonderful it would have been for our paths to cross. I look forward to hearing the details. Bonnie

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    1. Hello Bonnie

      We had a marvelous time in Muskoka with our friends and their children. They are a perfect package. Fun loving parents who have two great children. There are lots of rules in the household and very little tv is watched.
      It would have been fabulous to have met with you in Ireland, maybe another time. Looking forward to hearing all your stories.

      Helen xx

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  17. Developing human beings are such interesting people! I can get tired of the energy, but never of observing the workings of children. We are lucky to have regular interaction with kids. You had a particularly nice setting in which to do so. Glad you enjoyed it. And so nice that you came by to visit me!

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    1. Hello Jacqueline

      So true what you say about developing human beings. One certainly needs energy around children but they are such great company and joy. Yes, house on the lake is most comfortable and peaceful.
      It is always a joy to visit you blog and see what you are doing.

      Helen xx

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  18. Helen,

    Happy end of Summer...kids are the best advisors of stuff.

    Yesterday I saw my niece (4) and she is convinced that I have magical powers because I have naturally curly hair..she asks me " why is it everytime I see you your hair is curly?" I said "Because that's what my hair does...it curls" and she says "That means your hair is magical because it can twist in a curl like that" I said "we all have magical abilities with something" she said "I know you can make magic happen because I can't make my hair do that all the time unless I use a curling wand"...too cute.

    Kids they are the best.

    Bette

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    1. Hello Bette
      That is a touching story from you niece. There is such innocence in this.

      Wishing you a wonderful weekend full of joy and magic

      Helen xx

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  19. Being around little children is exhausting but SO much fun. We have a little granddaughter and I feel like I get to experience childhood all over again through her antics. Looking at life through the eyes of a child is a marvelous thing.

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    1. Hello Lorrie

      You sound like you are also having much fun with your granddaughter. Such joy
      Wishing you a weekend of fun

      Helen xx

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  20. What an absolutely precious post. What an absolutely sterling moment!!!! Must I say anything clever or may I just enjoy your quiet moment? =]

    Hm. I haven't heard a loon in over a decade. Such a beautiful sound! =]

    xxoo

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    1. Hello Katy
      Thank you for your comment and approval. It is much appreciated. No clever words are required Katy - just the magic of childhood. I had much more fun with the children and was glad they caught me as I left my room. Such fun.
      You know that sound of the loon, once heard never forgotten.

      Wishing you a weekend of joy.

      Helen xx

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  21. I can imagine it all.A lovely vignette and good photos. I wasn't allowed to get up till 6 am on Christmas day but I think my parents allowed me to play quietly if I got up before everyone else.

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    1. Hello Jenny
      Your parents were kind to allow you to arise early on condition you remained quiet. I think these two little ones would forget to be quiet, hence the curfew.

      Hope your weekend is special

      Helenxx

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  22. Hello Helen, such a sweet post! I find I have to be careful around little children as I can get a little giddy which makes them even more so, I think you may suffer this condition also! It's fun to let your inner child out sometimes though. Hoping you are having a lovely time, thank you for your good wishes, love Linda x

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    1. Hello Linda

      How lovely to hear from you. Long time, no speak. You have made me laugh, as they say in Ireland you have my number!!!
      I am glad to hear we suffer the same giddiness. Maybe there is a cure, should we seek a prescription?
      Wishing you a glorious weekend

      Helenxx

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  23. Helen, I adore the 'Ode to Emily,' very reminiscent of the artwork I see much of when we visit Santa Fe.

    Now, that first image of the leap from the top bunk to the bottom had me wincing a bit! But I have always been a bit of a 'helicopter' parent, always forcing myself not to hover (smother?) with too much concern. :)

    Another elegant post, this one rendered with affectionate purity. The final thought adding even more dimension.

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    1. Hello Suze

      I am pleased to hear you adore "Ode to Emily". The artist Rosemary has travelled and studied extensively and I believe she did spend time in New Mexico.

      I love your term helicopter mother. That is a new one for me and I love the visuals of it.

      Many thanks again for stopping by

      Helen xx

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  24. You just described a little bit of heaven! To "play" with a child brings back sweet memories from out own youth while the child is making memories of their own. I love the little whispers early in the morning and last thing at bedtime. I'm sharing them with my four year old grandson! Thanks for sharing your sweet story.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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    1. Hello Emily

      Oh it is pure joy to hear a child whisper, it seems like the biggest secret on the planet. You are blessed to have a four year old grandson, what a joyful age.
      Thank you for commenting and have a glorious weekend

      Helen xx

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  25. Truer words were never spoken, and these little ones are just adorable, Helen!
    xo.

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    1. Hello Lisa

      They are two beautiful children and I love them dearly. They have a great sense of humour and I had the best time

      Wishing you a weekend of joy

      Helen xx

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  26. Hello Helen,
    What a beautiful post! There have been so many times when I have heard my children whispering and giggling when they ought to be in bed, and although I will usually use my 'stern' voice to calm or quieten them down, inside my heart is ALWAYS smiling and giggling along with them! The youthful energy and gentle mischief captured in your photographs is absolutely stunning - I am smiling along right now!
    Best wishes,
    Paula x

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    1. Hello Paula

      I think it is wonderful that you are smiling inside when giving the stern orders. I must say I am a push over when around children and I fail badly in the discipline department. My mother was fun loving and turned a blind eye to some of my nonsense, which I appreciated.

      Continued joy with your little ones.

      Helen xx

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  27. Wonderful! I can just picture this little obedient boy, full of life and wanting to get up and get on with it!
    Thanks for sharing, they sounded precious moments to treasure!

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    1. Hello Gilly. Yes he is a good little boy and tries to be responsible and like all boys his age has boundless energy. He is great company and has a wonderful singing voice too and know the lyrics to many songs.

      It was a treasured weekend for us.

      Helen xx

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  28. I just can't believe you can't put your toe in your mouth!
    (kidding, of course...well, maybe I can, but I haven't checked LOL!)
    They look so precious with those beds. I can't wait to be a grandmother.

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    1. They are amusing little souls and so much joy
      Hope your week is very special and full of childlike fun

      Helen

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  29. ...not calling you a grandmother but it will be my next opportunity for children here...

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    1. I would treasure being a grandmother and love all children.
      Absolutely no offense taken. Thanks for stopping in

      Helenxx

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  30. What a delightfully fun little, unexpected experience...and so early in the morning too! Our little nephews have the same rule and are always ready like rockets to burst out of there rooms the second the clock strikes 7:30...smart parents!
    That jump looked exciting...did you give it a go Helen? ;)
    Thanks for sharing such a sweet moment with us...
    xo J~

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    1. Hello Jessica

      How delightful that you get to share in such fun with your nephews. So 7.30 is the magic time for bedroom doors to burst open in North America! A delightful thought and visual.
      I never even thought of jumping and probably for the best.

      Have a fun filled week

      Helen xx

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  31. Oh Helen..you write so beautifully from the heart. Nothing is sweeter than life as a child, toes in the mouth and all!! How I miss my children being that age. I agree with Jessica, thank you for sharing that sweet moment.
    Happy weekend to you all xx

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    1. Hello Deborah
      Lovely to have your visit and you would of course understand the joy these little ones brought. Thank you for complimenting my writing. One must keep up to such masters as yourself and your penmanship.
      Hope your week is special an that the sand storm in Aberdeen has abated.

      Helen xx

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    1. Thank you for visiting. I can tell you have experienced such joy.

      Helen xx

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  33. Oh I just love this post...you have captured a wonderful moment with children so perfectly! Aren't they wonderful... :)
    Happy Autumn to you,
    Nathalie

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    1. Hello Nathalie

      Thanks for your good wishes. We are presently in Ireland, enjoying the Autumn here, where the colours are soften and more muted than North America's blaze of colour.

      The children were a joy to be with and we have many fond memories and sayings which they used frequently. "O" had learned "stop it" and used it at every opportunity. Her emphasis on the letters always brought a smile and now we are imitating her. A wonderful souvenir of our visit.

      Have a week of joy

      Helen xx

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  34. DARLING HELEN!!!!

    You are in Ireland and you came to visit MOI???? THANK YOU! Oh, is your time there incredible or WHAT? I would love to go there! Enjoy all the beauty that is there....I love to hear the people speak so much.....ENJOY and many thans again for visiting! Anita

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    1. Dearest Anita

      I travel with my computer and it is always a joy to catch up briefly with some of my blogging friends.

      You would love Ireland and the folklore, stories and magical world of fairies and ghosts. I can see what magic you would weave in your posts. Some day!

      I love being in the land of my youth and hearing the language and seeing so many people who look like my late parents and long lost relations.

      Hope your week is joyful

      Helen xx

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  35. Dear helen, I have come late to visit this lovely piece, you completely capture the feeling of 'now' that children have. The thought of effortless bendyness also made me smile, and sigh... Jane xxx

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    1. Hello Jane

      It is never too late to visit. The agility of children and their being in the moment is so precious. How did we lose that?
      I was thinking of you in Youghal, when I saw the historic library founded by Quakers and a historic graveyard,which was locked and the wall too high for me to trespass!

      Fond wishes for a week of joy

      Helen xx

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  36. What a wonderful post. Just lovely. They grow so quickly and moments like that that you described are precious. M x

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