Did you have fun? Pearl, Paris, and Achilles sure did- they all loved the wrapping paper.
I don’t remember Fang or Mali having this much fun with the wrapping paper. Paris hid at first (he was scared of the fire), but Achilles had lots of fun. Mom bought them a weasel ball, but they didn’t take much interest in it. Later, Achilles fell asleep on the wrapping paper. He’s very cute.
How much stuff did you get? What was your favorite present? If only you were here. Here’s my gift. Technically, it’s half yours, half mom’s, because I can’t paint very quickly.
Do you still like coffee? I know I haven’t gotten past the acquired taste yet.
I hope you like it. I’m not the best at painting (the wood isn’t even mine, it’s just a Procreate texture) but I hope it’s still nice. If you don’t like coffee that much anymore, then it can be hot chocolate, or maybe tea.
Grandma gave me some books that were our Great-Great-Grandma’s when she was 11. I thought you’d like to see them:
Little Women is from 1896 and Pollyanna Grows Up is from 1915! They were both well-loved, since they’re both falling apart compared to my 1916 copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray, which is almost normal in terms of wear.
Mary Elizabeth wrote her name and pressed a leaf into Little Women. That leaf is over 100 years old!
Here’s one more thing that I got that was pretty: a pocket watch with an opal in it. I can’t show you the pictures because I’m having a hard time uploading this. Next time, perhaps?
I have more to say, but no matter how much I write it won’t make up for the fact that you weren’t here. I also got two coins from Ancient Greece and Rome, and a pair of Doc Martens. I might talk about them if I remember next time. What did you get, and what was your favorite? I think mine was the coins or the books. I love you so much. I hope you’ve had a merry Christmas. Until next time.
With love,
Alice
P.S. I’ll leave you with this pou I drew in my diary when I was about 8:
From a mini-book titled ‘Pous and Their Names’. Love this guy.