I try to encourage my children to find a dream, set some goals and go after it.
I do the same when it comes to collections. I loved collecting; scratch ‘n sniff stickers, bracelets made from threaded plastic, plush toy monkeys. I even went door-to-door one summer asking for various paper dinner napkins. I had quite the assortment in my basket, my favourite read, “Happy 90th Great Aunt Eva” belonging to a stranger who lived on my street with an elderly Aunt named Eva (may she rest in peace….probably).
That’s why when Ellie asked me after school yesterday, “Hey Mommy, do you want to see my new ball skin collection?” My response was, “I sure do honey. I sure do.”
Without getting too excited, I tried to tip the rear view mirror towards the back row seating so I could quickly observe whatever she was reaching for in her backpack should I need to shout, “Dear God, drop that! Drop it like it’s hot Ellie!”
Ellie: Here’s my ball skin!
She explained that the skins from her balls were from watching the bigger kids at recess playing basketball and not every time, but on a few select, lucky bounces, a small portion of the outer layer of the basketball would peel off and Ellie, along with some ball skin collecting aficionado friends would quickly sneak in and retrieve the skin.
Ellie: It’s like the big kids didn’t even notice we were taking their ball skin!
Me: Boys can be funny that way Ellie.
Ellie: I only got four skins (yep, I went there) because I had to share them with everyone.
Just when I thought I had heard everything.
Ellie: We’re going to play with them every recess.
Me: Uh huh.
Ellie: Feel them, they’re kind of soft inside.
Me: I’ll pass, but thanks.
Ellie: My friend Maddy found the best piece. There’s this pipe at the front of the school and there was a huge piece of ball skin just hanging off of it. She’s so lucky.
Indeed.
The big question now is where does one store a collection of ball skins?
I’m leaning towards the freezer.
