adoptedwriter

Week 14: Unconventional

I have never for a minute regretted making the decision back in 1987 to search for and reunite with my birth relatives. Although much more mainstream today, 35 years ago the idea of adoption research was avant-garde and even regarded as “threatening” because it went against the traditions of society. Admitting to people that I found my birth relatives was almost like “coming out” because not everyone was comfortable with this notion. Many people (mostly older or very conservative) believed that adopted people should just be grateful and move on in life. If you tried to find birth family, something must be wrong with you.

Had I not pursued my curiosity and hopes there are many blessed things today that my children and I would not have in our lives: travel experiences, a greater appreciation for the world of special education, more reasons to celebrate, and most importantly all the friend and familial relationships I have amassed over the years. (BTW, this includes being introduced to the worlds of LJ and DW.)

Last week my cousin came for a visit. I had only met her one time before (last summer at our birth-sister-cousins reunion in Portland, Oregon), but I knew Cousin Patti was a lot of fun and up for anything. She is artsy, wears colorful flowey tops and big earrings. She cracks jokes, keeps up on current events, loves kids and going out to eat. In short, my cousin is like that whacky, crazy-in-a-good-way older cousin or auntie every kid wants who, if asked to babysit, would let the youngsters eat all the candy and cookies they desire, help make a huge mess while they design and sculpt with glitter, markers, feathers, paint and glue, dance around to loud, high-energy music in the living room, watch scary movies till late at night and never judge your friends. Cousin Patti has a vivacious, larger than life personality and a funny anecdote to share about everything because she has worked several careers, traveled, had two dads, three husbands, and three kids.

Like all good Hippies, Cousin Patti is into recycling and repurposing items. When Patti came to visit, she hadn’t been back to her/our home town in over 30 years, but she came bearing gifts for everyone. She even had a special present for my mother. It was a tea light candle holder, made from the bottom half of a plastic Coke bottle. She’d found a little artsy-crafty, bohemian store that sold reimagined plastic “trash” that would be loved and appreciated as a new innovation.

This link shows photos of finished products: https://www.anunlikelystory.com/product/klikety-klik-recycled-gift-boxes

This is a YouTube link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y_ZDycgA7c

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if nifty little items like this were not so unconventional and more the norm?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if being able to freely think and experience life outside the box could be more available and accepted by all?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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banana_galaxy

Patti sounds like a fun relative to have around. How nice to have her introduce you to such interesting and unique artistic items!

adoptedwriter

Thanks! Yes. She’s cool.

gunwithoutmusic

Those things are really cool! And actually it seems like it'd be pretty easy to DIY something like that. :) My husband and I have a tradition (that originally came from being too broke to afford to buy gifts for everyone) that we do handmade Christmas gifts for all of the extended family, and I think you just gave me my idea for this year. :D

Awesome!

drippedonpaper

Your cousin would love a place in my town called Lowe Mill: https://lowemill.art/

It's a place that with 200 artist studios.

I agree that unconventional people are the most fun :)