Santa Claus

I don't remember when I found out that Santa Claus was not real. I wonder how many people do. Maybe I've blocked it out and remain in utter denial. One of my most memorable dreams was on Christmas eve, when I was around 5 years old. In this dream, I woke up hearing jingling bells and what sounded like hooves on the roof top above my room. I jumped out of bed and ran to the window. There in the middle of my parents yard was Rudolf the red nose reindeer. He was great, and nice enough to teach me how to fly, something I've always wished I could do. It's actually very simple, you just flap your arms and they act as wings. I was able to lift off the ground and hover at the top of the tall trees in the front yard. Rudolf told me that I could use this new skill to stay out of danger. To this very day when I have a nightmare, am in trouble or someone is chasing me, I'll flap my arms and fly just out of reach of the bad guys. He must have known of all the terrifying dreams I'd have for years to come.

I think it's important that kids believe in Santa Claus and I also think it's important that they find out it's a make believe story. Because when they do finally get over the fact that their cookies and milk were consumed by their parents, they realize what it is to dream. They see the difference between reality and fantasy, and that it's perfectly fine to enjoy both. Probably a pivotal moment for some, choosing which world they like the most. I prefer the imaginary much of the time. If only Santa Claus were real and if only we could fly outside of our dreams.

Night Light

I have always believed that if you go to sleep with a leg, an arm, or even a finger hanging over the side of your bed, bad things will happen. For some reason I got it in my head at a young age that the devil will get you this way. He'll get you when your just falling asleep, snuggled into bed and have your defenses down. The one time I consciously said to myself "I can do this" and let my leg dangle, a big black beetle crawled up my leg. I was falling fast asleep in a dark room, let the leg hang and felt this creature crawling, it felt like cold little fingers ready to take me to the underworld. I quickly shot out of bed, turned the light on only to find this shiny black bug looming, as if to say "we're gonna get'ya". It was then I knew that it was true. Don't hang any part of your body over the side of the bed when the light's are off....he'll send his beetles.
I think children are smart to be cautious when going to sleep. Some think there are monsters hiding under the bed. I think they're right. I'm a big fan of the night light. This is why I'm thinking of painting a whole series dedicated to the night light, and to the monsters hiding under the bed that always remain looming, ready to snatch you up. I'm determined to find out who they are and reveal them.