Octopus Adventures

In which I introduce my latest creation and friend, the giant octopus who had a few adventures here with me before beginning her journey to a new home in California...

I wrote in my last letter about my latest practice of crochet. To date, my largest crochet project is pictured below, a giant octopus…

Here she is stretched out on the bed to really show off her full reach and size.

She began a long journey to a new home in California last week but before she left we had some adventures here. She explored the house a bit, climbing around the dining room…

She raided the pantry for some snacks for her trip…

Outside, she climbed a tree…

She spent some time in the sun on the deck….

And even helped me release a new monarch butterfly…

(If the connection between butterflies and sea creatures feels new to your imagination, I recommend the beautiful retelling and illustration of The Little Mermaid, by Jerry Pinkney.)

After her outside adventures she came in for a bath…

She read some books, including my own Sanctuary: Nature as Contemplative Space and favorites by friends, Kathy Swaar and Melynne Rust. From Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery she learned more about ways humans and octopuses are learning about each other.

She met some of the locals…

And especially liked our dog, Java…

who was not so sure about her..

She made some art in the studio…

Admired my color wheel collection…

And tried out the exercise bike…

She explored footwear options…

the roller skates were her favorite…

Finally it was time to go, she insisted on driving to the UPS store.

And was not at all concerned the car was a stick shift, she was even willing to help belt me in with her extra arms.

I’ve had so much fun with her and look forward to hearing what her name is from her new companion and seeing her adventures in her new home.

Sometimes creativity just wants to play and tell a story. That is how it was for me today. I hope maybe this brings a smile to your face too.

And, I’d love to hear…

When was a time your creativity inspired you with play and whimsy?

Have you created something or had a stuffed companion that inspired adventures and story telling?