This year, as I have for the past several years, I indulged a pet cause of mine; hitting up everyone that I know to contribute toward a school supply drive for area foster children. I am even willing to take one for the team and shop for those who lack the time or inclination.
Thus, I found myself standing in the Back to School aisle at my favorite discount retailer (you know, the one sporting the bull’s eye). I realized that this department must have been hit hard, as there was only one brand remaining of 24-pack crayons and (gasp!) it was NOT Crayola! A dilemma to be sure!
My sister, who has children and is probably much more familiar with the current state of the crayon market, assured me that they are the same. Coming from her, this is saying a lot. Her children are more than a little picky (Hello! Their aunt is a Snob Blogger and we do share DNA!)
As I considered the conflicting pieces of information swirling in my brain, I reflected back on my childhood. Once upon a time, I had set out to create a color-in-the-lines masterpiece, only to discover that I had been betrayed with those icky, waxy imposters that did not produce the same results. Looking down, I noticed that they lacked that all important logo; Crayola. I can still taste the disappointment. At that moment in my young life, I realized, not all crayons were created equal. (You’re feeling me now, aren’t you?)And the colors, oh the colors? How could another brand possibly capture the rich depth of classics such as forest green, brick red, and the favorite of my youth; midnight blue (now renamed Prussian blue)? Could another brand possibly capture the vibrancy of the newer colors; macaroni and cheese, mango tango, or inchworm?
A sense of calm washed over me, my decision had been made. I walked out of the Back to School aisle with my head held high. If the only thing that I could do for a foster child was to ensure that they had a superior crayon experience, well then so be it. Crayola it shall be!
