The Velvetine Rabbit

It is a timeless and enchanting childhood tale—a true fairy tale and quite endearing. Just about anyone can relate to this tale. We can all recall a favorite toy that comforted us as a child. (Perhaps you are a child and receive great comfort from that doll or bear that you have hugged 'till the seems begin to pop!) There are those very special toys that we have grown attached to (and perhaps they have grown attached to us as well). The theme of love, friendship, and holding on to them when adversity comes, rings throughout this tale. Nevertheless, we all need to learn to let go as well. Sometimes it is deeply hard; yet, “to everything there is a season.” The boy in this tale had to let go of that dear Christmas gift he had received—that doll that had comforted him through a long illness. But letting go is at times necessary for the benefit of our own good and the good of others. The boy in this story needed to let go for the saving of his life. This theme appears in a number of other stories. I cannot help but think of other animal stories where a boy or girl needed to “let go” by releasing an animal back into the wild. Our earthly goods and treasures need from us a “letting go” as well. They will all pass from us eventually. By letting the velveteen rabbit go, magic was able to be performed for the transformation and release of that precious bunny.

Later, the fairy comes and the rabbit becomes “real”; but that rabbit and boy never forgot each other. Just because we must let go doesn't mean we will forget that object of affection. This is true when we face the death of a loved one. We must let them go, but we must never forget them.

The stitch horse is an interesting character in this tale. I had a child once say to me, “The stitch horse seemed to be so wise and know how a toy becomes real as if he had experienced it; yet, he still looked just looked like an old tattered toy (at least he did in the illustrations). I have pondered this much since then. I have come to the conclusion that not all toys become real. Only special ones are transformed and become real. It is real love that does this. It happens to a toy that is used a lot and enters the deeper affections of the toy's owner. Perhaps the horse, who had obviously been in the possession of the boy a long time, never entered that level of affection that a child sometimes places upon a particular toy. Perhaps the stitch horse had had more than one owner, and perhaps he had been passed along to several owners. Perhaps he had seen a number of older toys who did indeed enter into that place of endearment between a child and a toy. Yes, perhaps he did see these transformations of others and was a witness of the fact, though he wasn't ever chosen to receive that magical moment himself.

It might make us sad to contemplate these thoughts regarding the stitch horse, but alas, be not saddened. The stitch horse has a very special job in helping other toys along the way. Each of us have a purpose in this life too. We are not all chosen to do those seemingly noble and venerable deeds; but we all have a job to do in this life, doing our best in whatever our job in life happens to be. We can be a blessing to others whether we be a royal monarch or simply cleaning someone's boots. We are all special to someone. We all have value, not because we be esteemed of others, but rather, because we are loved.

A Word from Ollie

Whooo! Whooo! I really like that story, don't you? Very dear, heart-warming, and good for us to hear. How hard it is for us to let things go! But that is when miracles can happing. Christmas is upon us,and many will soon receive gifts—just as the boy received that rabbit in his stocking. Do not grow too attached to things though. They are temporary, fleeting, evanescent. Evanescent is a nice word for fleeting or transient. The life we possess can be described that way. Give of yourself while you can, and remember the greatest gift ever given: that sacrificial gift of love.

A Christmas to Remember

Years ago as a child I remember some precious Christmas gifts. I received a bear and a Smurf train that moved around and around the Christmas tree. My sister received a velvetine rabbit—so much like the one in the story. For years now, that old velveteen rabbit has been up in the attic. I recently brought it down and displayed this cute and festive hugable in the rocker in our living room. I think he looks rather nice there. The rabbit is still as cute as it ever was, but sad to say, he still has yet to become “real.” Perhaps it will happen this Christmas.

The Crafty Corner

This Christmas and holiday time, perhaps you will consider making a simple Christmas craft that is very functional. A Christmas mini stocking! I have made several of these. Use various fabrics to give variety to the stockings. Sew two different fabrics together. That gives a whole new look to it. I got some metallic gold fabric. That really sparks it up. Sew on buttons, jingle bells, or embroider a design or pattern. These stockings I have made are available on Etsy.com. See them at https://www.etsy.com/listing/542550846/small-christmas-stockings-felt-plaid?ref=shop_home_active_6

https://www.etsy.com/shop/StorybookCraftsShop