One of My Favorite Toys

One of the most prized toys in my Playbox is my cousin Don, who’s old enough to be my father, yet in all the time I’ve known him he’s never grown up, even now, at 90. He’s the quintessential example of a person who has lived a life of play – well, he also worked, but that’s beside the point. Or maybe that IS the point. Despite working, he always made time for fun, and so we grew together, along that same path.

Truly, Don’s among the most creative people I know, as can be seen by stepping foot into his house full of toys, handmade jokes, and of course, art.

His style is whatever happens, happens – unpolished, imperfect and incredibly inventive.

He’s fabulous at capturing gestures…so graceful.

He nimbly morphs wire, clay, glass, paper, wood, useless whatnots, into utterly clever, comical, and unique statements.

I mentioned I’d like to make marionettes – he beat me to it.

Inspired by my bookworm, Don made one too. He even finished his.

Clearly I’m not the only one who loves his work.

We’ve played together a great deal over the years at his house on the beach, in his magical garage, where we’re forever kids having fun.

I periodically take immensely embarrassing pictures of myself for laughs and for family’s eyes only. Although everyone’s amused by them, Don has the audacity to display them proudly and prominently in his home. We’re sincerely each other’s biggest fans. The Playbox wouldn’t be complete without him. Here’s a little something I wrote about us.

Our Story

There once was a boy with a creative bean up his ass,
who never much cared whether the thing would pass,
yet when he moved to the beach and squatted in the sand,
the bean was squeezed out, and burrowed deep in the land,
providing a perfect place for the boy to play.

Along came a girl with a creative bean in her ear,
which made her lean in so she could better hear,
until one day she bent totally in half,
hence the bean fell out and rolled down her calf,
planting itself at her feet so every day she’d remember to play.

When boy met girl, a few years in,
damn if they weren’t introduced as kin.
From the onset they’d been sharing genes,
now they looked at each other and screamed,
“Hey! Matching beans!”

And so it went from that day on,
the girl named Soozer and the boy named Don,
were forever connected by their creative whims
his often comical, hers sporting odd limbs.

To each other they were a huge inspiration
always in awe of each other’s imagination.

If there was one thing they’d repeatedly say
it’s, “Damn we’re glad we were made this way.”

18 thoughts on “One of My Favorite Toys

  1. Diana Ditmanson

    Oh the joy, one girl and one boy! Please do carry on with your best mate Don. Forever in the light, for it helps us keep right! xo

  2. Terry Campasano

    Beloved Susan, WOW..
    I am in love with Don too as I am in love with you, he is way cool. I hope to meet him some day when ever I jump off my wheel and I am blessed with a Susan visit. You always are able to take me far away from all the earthly matters and chaos that weigh me down. You make me feel like every little thing is going to be alright. I highly recommend a daily dose of Susan Mrosek to all the world. It’ll make you smile!
    Sweet Peace,
    Terry

  3. Jenny Somers

    The talent between the two of you would fill all the rooms in my house, my garage, my backyard and into infinity and beyond! But most importantly, it fills my heart. Much love to you two Cool Beans!

  4. Debbie

    I’ve been fortunate to have joined Sue at Don’s in his magical garage and playhouse several times throughout the years. We’ve sketched, painted and twisted wire, gone treasure hunting at estate sales, walked endlessly up and down the strand and taken silly photos in blonde wigs. Playing is harder for some than others. I think I’m finally getting the hang of it thanks to them<3<3

  5. Mary Eaton

    Your posts are uplifting and you are right this reader, for sure, wasn’t expecting another post so soon. Thank you for sharing bits and pieces of your life.
    Sincerely,
    Mary E.

Leave a Reply to Susan Burns Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *