Pocket-Sized Elephants
In response to Dancing Elephants Photography January Prompt — Elephants
I did see a real elephant once — I believe I even rode one! But I was quite young and don’t remember it, though I’ve heard stories. It was some sort of Shrine Circus event, I think (but please don’t quote me).
These days, I have only small elephants made of clay, metal, plastic, and wood. I cannot ride them. I keep them on shelves in my home.
My little elephants have stories, too, and I remember most of these well enough to share.
The golden elephant came from a Yankee Swap one Christmas. The adults in my family do this every year, with the caveat that each item must be used and cost less than $5 (it can also be something you already have in your home). In a Yankee Swap, participants have the opportunity to trade gifts with someone who has already opened theirs, and I traded for this golden elephant! It was perfect for my collection.
The three ebony elephants came from Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade shop that helps small artisans bring their work to a broader market. This reminds me that I also have a beautiful hand-painted elephant card from Ten Thousand Villages, which my brother gave me on a birthday one year. I framed it and placed it next to the golden elephant, beneath my…
