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My mom rents an apartment in Chicago that used to be a retail shop. It still has a street-level picture window and, since they could crawl, my nephews have loved spending their days with grandma watching the hustle and bustle of the neighboring streets and sidewalks.
When Covid lockdowns began, Mom stopped watching the boys to be safe and, like lots of neighbors, put a little bear in her window and some St. Paddy’s shamrocks for passing children to see. The stuffed bear is a sentimental family favorite that we’ve always known as “Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth, Mom noticed, is a baking bear with a bowl and spoon and thus, she felt, should be displayed with treats like pies and cookies and crowned by felt daffodil ornaments I made and sent for spring.
But Elizabeth looked so lonely baking alone, so some of my nephews’ plush friends migrated to join her and Mom noticed the window was beginning to draw a steady stream of little visitors outside throughout the day.
...including some very familiar little boys.
Another sister decided the window was a perfect place to display a train set that arrived to visit Elizabeth just in time for Easter. I sent a handful of felt birds, more daffodils and carrots for bunnies to contribute to the collection.
By summer, Mom was enjoying squeals of delight from little voices outside each day. With the grandkids now safely integrated into her bubble, she and her collaborators (mostly my niece) dreamed up a “Vacation at the Beach” display (special appearance by the littlest designer).
Elizabeth even got a custom mask.
With Halloween on the horizon, Mom couldn’t resist combing through the storage closet to search for something spooky (too bad big brother can’t stay on display all season).
But, once my box of tricks arrived this afternoon with panels of felt, strands of lights, bits and bobs for here and there, she outdid herself, crafting a miniature message of love for all the ghouls and goblins who haunt her sidewalk every day, reflecting joy in her window.
I see you hiding behind that cape, Elizabeth!
