The life of a crayon
What is it about crayons? For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved them–their distinctive smell, their waxy feel, the amazing variety of colors together in one place. And when I recently brought the subject up to a group of my coworkers, I got an equally strong reaction.
Brand-new crayons in the 64-count box are the best. Each point untouched, each color untried, and in variations you never knew existed. I mean, come on, nine shades of green! And don’t get me started on the sparkly gold and silver.
A new box of crayons represents endless possibilities. Nothing is broken; nothing is dulled; each one has its own spot. And they fit perfectly–just snug enough so they hold each other up, but not so snug that the box bulges or, heaven-forbid, you break one trying to force it in.
Even the paper around the crayon is pristine. It hasn’t been torn or lifted at the seams. Of course, there is something delicious about peeling the paper back, revealing more crayon and discarding colorful little paper curls.
In fact, crayons are pretty great at the end of their lives too, when they reach that point where some are missing the paper altogether, and so many are broken, they no longer fit in the box. And the box itself, well it’s worn almost beyond holding together, so you dump the crayons in a shoe box or a Ziploc bag.
When you use those crayons, you pull a handful out and see what you get–find a way to make one of those colors work for your project. And if someone else is using the color you really want, well the other half is probably in that bag somewhere, just go digging. It’s a treasure hunt.
You might even take some of those crayon pieces and melt them with an iron between two sheets of wax paper. That is if you can still find wax paper and an iron–but that’s what we did when I was a kid.
So crayons start and end life magically. It’s the middle part that’s challenging, when the crayons are no longer shiny and new, but you still want them to be. You try to put them back just where you found them, but the other crayons have shifted, and you can’t locate the spot. The tops are rounded, and the colors have rubbed on each other, so the spring green is marred by smudges of violet red.
You use that little sharpener on the back of the box, but try as you may the crayon will never look brand new again. Better to give in to the cycle–peel the paper with abandon, color as hard as you like, mix the indigo with the goldenrod–and look forward to the shoe box phase of life, where you can revel in the beauty of the broken pieces.
“If you want an interesting party sometime, combine cocktails and a fresh box of crayons for everyone.” ~Robert Fulghum
I still have the box of crayons you gave me! Great story and oh so true.
I love that Marilyn! Now we just need a coloring book and some cocktails, and we’ll have a party!
This post made me want to go out and buy a box of crayons! It’s been quite a while since I’ve had any.
I highly recommend it. Coloring is a form of meditation for me — cheaper than therapy and probably a lot more fun!
First, great write! Reminds me of how life’s goes as we get older? We are new, young, fresh. Then as we get older, our face gets more wrinkles, as the paper gets torn. Not as “sharp” as a new colored crayon, and you don’t always “fit in” because you aren’t as young as you once were. Yep, my life is a crayon, and I think I’m a ” radiant ” bronze.
A beautiful radiant bronze – and a little striped right now, if we’re being honest! Gotta love the interesting tan lines.
Oh how I hate having to tear the paper to sharpen! Speaking of crayons and coloring, do you have one of the new fads? – Coloring books for adults. I do and it is so relaxing, of course coloring with a grandbaby is the best coloring of all 🙂 Thanks from Grammy Dee, #WednesdayAIM #LinkUp #BlogParty, social media shared.
I couldn’t agree more. I do have an adult coloring book, which I definitely enjoy, but I love coloring in the children’s favorite books with them even more–cartoon animals, princesses, and superheros!
My mom used to color sometimes when I was a kid and as a child I thought it was funny but cool. When I got older, I realized it was a great stress reliever!
Welcome Helen. Thanks for stopping by. I like to color too. I’ve tried the adult color books and enjoy them, but the truth is I love the good old-fashioned children’s coloring books the best. 🙂
My this post brings back so many memories…what is it about crayons? I wonder if it is the strong smell? They say smell is our strongest trigger to memories. Great post!
The color definitely plays into my love for crayons. Pencils or markers just don’t have the same effect. Wishing you a lovely day, Amy!
Wonderful story! True about crayons and true about life. I enjoy your writing so much Christie! I shared on all of my social media.
Thank you for the kind words, Teresa, and for sharing!
I remember in first grade wishing I had the 64 box. So well said Christie.
🙂 gwingal
It’s funny how some memories stick with us, isn’t it?
As soon as I started reading your post I could smell the box of crayons. lol Nothing like a brand new box of 64.
Such a great memory, isn’t it? I still love new crayons.
I confess, after home schooling ended, I just can’t stop buying crayons during back-to-school shopping…just for me. I got a big 93 box and won’t share it with my grandkids! Crayons are so fun…enjoyed your post and now need to spend part of my afternoon coloring!
I love it! A 93-count box. Wow! Happy coloring!
I remember the thrill of a new box of crayons at the beginning of the school year when I was a child, and my sorrow when a crayon broke or got lost.
My grandchildren now prefer magic markers when they color freehand. and none of them were fans of coloring books. I still keep all the crayons I’ve bought for them in a big bin. Perhaps they will come back to them one day!
Thanks for sharing that memory, Pat. And everyone should have a big bin of crayons–just in case. Happy coloring!
What a great analogy! Beautifully written and engaging post! Thanks Christie!
#BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty Hill
Thank you for the kind words, Lori. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Always a pleasure hosting #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty with you.
Congrats Christie! So happy to FEATURE one of our very own hostesses for the MOST CLICKS at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 30 ♥
Thank you Dee! It’s an honor to be recognized among so many great posts. Thanks for doing the heavy lifting for our link party group. #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.