Mittens

When I was a little girl, I did Ukrainian dancing. I performed at school and for seniors. I performed at talent shows and peroghy suppers. And I always wore a white cotton blouse with billowing sleeves. The neckline and sleeves were embroidered with black and red roses, stitched by my Baba. There were different patterns for the embroidery. Some girls wore grapes on their sleeves, some had geometric designs but I loved the roses. When I was little, they were tiny rosebuds. As I grew, the roses grew. By the time I hung up my dancing boots at the ripe old age of 20, the roses were large blooms.

I've been looking for a way to thank my Baba for her hours with the needle. I have settled on a pair of mittens from my needles. I think Baba will love them.

I just hope she wears them.