Mr and Mrs

This latest collage is my attempt at a relaxed wedding portrait. The bear and his lady owl have returned home from their wedding to crack open a bottle of champers and toast their nuptials. I hope you like it, more collages to come... x

When Henry met Harry

Henry’s circle of friends is small but well-loved.  He shares his toys with them (sometimes), he shows them his dance moves, he lets them eat his abandoned floor food, and he’s generally pretty tolerant of the innocent violence and smothering affection which comes with toddler love.  But apart from those chums he sees regularly, Henry has always been a tad shy when it comes to meeting other kids so I was genuinely surprised when he developed his first playground bromance last week. 

I spotted Harry before Henry did; he looked about 4.5 years of age, small in stature but huge in presence. He was wearing a helmet with the word ‘Nutcase’ emblazoned ominously across the front, and whoever bought him that helmet wasn’t joking. Harry was like a mini Bear Grylls meets Evil Kneiveil. He ran up the slides, he knocked kids off the bridge; he ate bark, and frightened every parent standing within a 50-metre radius.

Harry soon turned his attention to Henry and introduced himself by pushing him on the swing with the force of a small pack of angry dogs.  From the swings ensued a vigorous game of chase in which Harry knocked Henry down accidentally-on-purpose a few times. Despite Harry’s somewhat aggressive approach, Henry seemed love-struck. Harry was hilarious, Harry was fun, Harry had his own scooter and helmet (to a toddler that’s like having a Hummer and your own back-up singers).

Eventually Harry headed home for dinner and Henry reluctantly parted ways with his new friend. As we were walking towards home with Henry looking mournful, we heard a small but booming voice shouting from way across the park,  "BYE HENRY!!”” After a few more waves and shouts goodbye, Harry had cemented himself in Henry’s heart. We haven’t seen Harry again, I think I’m relieved, but Henry still talks about him and relives their encounter, “Harry push swing, Harry chase, Harry say 'Goodbye Henry'". It’s pretty cute.

I realise one day I won’t be able to choose his friends. There'll be more Harrys in his future, and maybe in his teenage years they’ll be the ones that smoke and drive too fast. I can only hope he chooses his friendly wisely, but I also hope he’s a good friend and realises how much true friendship enriches your life. So, Harry, if you happen to be reading this one day, thanks for making my little boy feel like your best buddy for one afternoon. And to my own buddies, thanks for all you bring to my life, I love you xxx

Mel x