Then God told Noah, “Come out of the ark. And bring the animals with you so they can be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” So Noah and his family came out with all the animals (Genesis 8:13–19).
When my children were little, my parents had wooden arks and every kind of animal you could imagine to go on the ark. They didn’t limit ark tickets to animals, either; they weren’t concerned about the Biblical accuracy of the species. We were an inclusive family who had the entire set of the California Raisins and Disney characters (and I think we really did have 101 Dalmatians) from Happy Meal toys, Calico Critters, Where’s Waldo figures, and even Pac Man pairs – in addition to the standard elephants, giraffes, monkeys and so forth on our arks.
The only things my oldest daughter wanted from the house when we were cleaning were the California Raisins. I managed to find several and send them to her, and today they sit in her home in Henderson, Nevada. These memories of ark days still bring joy to her, and in the photos I can see the grandmother/granddaughter bond of love as they chat and spend time – something my mother always did well. Mom could have taught a Masterclass on embracing all kinds, even those who may not appear to belong on the ark. She made room, just like I’m sure Noah did back in the day.
Calling All Animals: A Noah’s Ark Golden Hinge Poem
so Noah and his family came out with all the animals
Noah brought animals of all kinds ~ California Raisins, 101 Dalmatians,
and even PacMan and Waldo – – all kinds, not just
his own ideas of what was ordinary…..he surely looked at all his own
family and knew all their ways of belonging, then
came to decide that all creatures, even those
out of left field or from off the beaten path, and all those
with their own quirks and all their issues, yes,
all ….all….all….should be welcomed onto
the ark, for all of God’s children are, truly,
animals, after all……
Common Threads 
SO glad you captured this family memory in words, photos and a poem. Well done! I guess because of my age, but more and more, I am remembering sweet stories, like this one you tell today, and wanting to write it down for the grands to enjoy. This slice of yours shows such care and kindness of your mom/Mimi. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks, Sally! I am digitizing the family photos and using the task to tell some of the stories in the pictures.
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Oh my gosh, what a delight this is! I love the list of all the additions to the ark that take us back to popular culture of our younger years, and I love how you make this into a message of inclusivity!!!
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Thank you, Fran! Those were the best days!
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I would have LOVED this as a child! I couldn’t stop smiling as I read about all the ark’s guests…right down to those California raisins. I loved how you wove together your memories of these family heirlooms with your mom’s ability to engage and make others feel welcome. Your hinge poem captured all the good feels.
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Thanks, Lori! Mom had a way!
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Oh my goodness! Look at that ark and all the creatures that are welcome. I love this.
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Thanks so much, Margaret!
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Thanks for sharing another awesome way to create poetry. The golden hinge is wonderful, and your sweet tale, giving the California raisins a place in the ark and in your family’s hearts, as well as the classic—in the best way—photos as accompaniment light up this post. Thanks!
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Thank you, Trish!
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Kim, Mallory putting Calico character onto the ark is an absolutely powerful image of inclusivity! WHY NOT? My own kids had an ark from Little Tykes, I think, plastic and bright yellow! I am pretty sure there were Ferraris onboard! Your pictures and words capture the wonderful intersection of Bible stories and real life today. Love this
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Thank you, Anita! These were by far the most played-with toys of all the ones the kids remember.
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Kim, I saw an ark in the church area near the children’s center. It was fun to see all the animals that were ready to mount the ark. It was the first one I ever saw and yours is the second. Ican imagine how much fun it must be for the next generation. This is a delightful slice. My slice is not finished and I hope I can add it to my blog.
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Carol, thank you for reading and I love your Spiritual Journey Thursday post this month. It’s great to look at our One Little Words and reflect on how they are walking with us through the year.
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Kim,
What fun memories. I like the focus on inclusivity—California raisins and all. Love the way your Mom is looking at your daughter.
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Thank you, Sharon! It’s funny you say that – – in most all photos where there is someone else, Mom is giving folks her undivided attention, looking and listening. Dad is always trying to be the star of the show. Pictures really tell the story in all truth.
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What a great message: a ticket for the Ark was open to all! The story, the pictures and the poem are critical to your message! So glad that you are digitizing and sharing!
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It’s a task for sure, but I’ve found the fun in walking back down memory lane. Thanks for reading, Fran!
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You captured the innocence and joy of childhood with kids at play. There is always room for all kinds of toys. This seemingly simple act of including any toy on the ark speaks volumes, such a beautiful lesson. My favorite part is how your mom could teach a Master class on embracing all kinds. The photos are a bonus.
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Thank you, Alice! I sure miss her.
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Kim, this is the sweetest memory. I love that your daughter has hung on to a part of her childhood that I’m sure fills her with great joy and memories when she looks at her California Raisins! 🙂
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