Memories from a cardboard house

Day 9.
Memories from a cardboard house

There are a few toys from my childhood that were so special to me that I still have crystal clear memories about them today. Creative play was always encouraged in my household and some of my favorite toys allowed me to express myself in ways that helped me to develop a rich world of imagination, which I believe played a significant role in the activities I pursued later in life (such as writing and directing children's theater productions). Some of my most memorable childhood toys include my very first Jem doll (as well as my second, third and twenty-fourth...I had quite a collection), my Smurfs art center (which seemed particularly magical as it showed up under my bed shortly after I made a wish on my first Thanksgiving wishbone...I really thought that my wish had come true) and of course, my playhouse. I had such a wonderful cardboard playhouse, large enough for me to climb inside and hide while I spent the hours enthralled in my world of imagination.

What I knew about my playhouse at the time was that it was a place of wonder and happiness. Occasionally I would even crawl out of bed late at night to sleep in the playhouse! What I didn't know until just recently is where that cardboard playhouse came from. While searching for photos of the house (which unfortunately I could not find) I had a talk with my mother and learned that she actually made the house herself. She used a refrigerator box as the base and covered it with brick patterned contact paper for the walls and cut a window hole for me to peek out. I always loved this gift, but had no idea it was made especially for me...no wonder it inspired such creativity! I definitely think this was one of those small, but significant paving stones that helped me develop into a person with an appreciation for arts, crafts, music, theater and other creative pursuits. It also goes to show that a child really can be amused for hours on end with nothing more than a cardboard box! Since I could not find a photo of the playhouse itself, I thought I’d share some images from my childhood that show what an impact the nurturing of creativity can have on a young life…
 

 

 

 

 

In remembering how I felt about my own experience, I wanted to express how a cardboard playhouse can be such a world of wonder for a child. That's why I was so excited to share this find with you...

http://madeinusaforever.com/mynowshcaplu.html

How much fun would a child have with that? It's similar to the playhouse that I have such fond memories of to this day. And while I love that even a cardboard box can transform into a castle in the mind of a child, I sure wouldn't have had any problem whiling away the hours in one of these beautiful wooden playhouses that are made by Amish woodcrafters...

http://www.pinecraft.com/amish-made-kids-products/amish-made-kids-playtime-products/amish-made-playhouses.html#.UHS5Jmt5mSM

I hope every child can experience the hours of joy and imaginative play that I was fortunate enough to have as part of my youth.