Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Elephant Ankles

What a sweetie pie! Knitting a scarf for his monkey. Giraffey already has one. :)
* * * * *
I have an idea that has been percolating in my mind for a few weeks. Last night, while watching the news, it all came together. Here are the stories:
  • St. Thomas made headline news in both the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star. Apparently, we made the top of the list ...of cities hit hardest by the recent economic downturn.
  • Nelson Mandela celebrated his 93rd birthday on July 18. In honour of the 67 years that Mandela worked for equality, people of South Africa are donating 67 minutes of kindness.
  • Local yarn shop owner notices endless numbers of tourists visiting Jumbo Monument. "Every time I look out the window, there are happy people taking photos of the big guy," said Joan Janes. "This tourism is a much needed boost for our local economy." (Okay, this didn't actually make it into the news.)

So, what if everyone in St. Thomas spent 67 minutes doing something for their town? It could boost morale! It could be the start of our great recovery!!

But what can we do?

Some might choose to improve their front garden, pick up litter, smile at a stranger, donate time or money to a worthy cause, or promote local heritage. I'd like to make an ankle bracelet for Jumbo. Okay. It's not exactly an earth shattering plan, but I think that stitching up pretty flowers to adorn the chubby ankle(s) of the world's favourite elephant would make people smile. Tourists would remember the cheerfulness and happy spirit of our city. Colour, flowers, elephant ankles. I can see it all now. Can't you? Are you in?

* * * * *

...and regarding the comments for my previous post about the "dumbing down" of patterns, I wish someone would dumb down "blogspot." After spending a half hour crafting a response to all 3 comments, do you think I could post to my own blog???? It just disappeared into the cosmos. Rather than face more failure and frustration, I picked up my knitting and chilled.
By the way, the comments are well worth a read.