Marci Green responds to The Pictionary by Nola Silberman (2024).
El Séptimo Año![]()
Seven years ago, the year you were born, I was on the precipice of a new me. I’ve heard it said that our body chemistry shifts every seven years, and although this statement only has some medical truth to it, I’m still enamored with the idea as a meaningful metaphor, if nothing more. New beginnings every seven years give me feelings of rejuvination and hope.
At the beginning of your seventh year, we designed new clothes together in a familiar cozy classroom at Fleisher Art Memorial. (So honored and overjoyed I was and am to celebrate your birthday together making art!) We sorted through fabric scraps, selected colors, textures, and cut out shapes to piece together patterns for clothes we hope to learn to make. We chatted about purple polka-dots and PJs, shimmering dresses, and billowing pants. Favorite teachers, sisterly love, and anticipated birthday celebrations also filled the room. We shared creative inspiration, cut-outs, and many smiles.
When I look at the zine of clothing designs you made and photos taken that evening, I see:
Texture, texture, texture!
Delightful combinations
Glitter, shimmers, sparkles
Globs of glue
Fancy numbered pages
Supplies old and new
Mermaids
Ball gowns
PJs to dance all night in
Pure admiration
Fluid creative choices
Fuzzy pink
Changing sequins
A shared love for tye dye
Stars
Hot pink tulle neither of us used
Handmade fancy fonts
So FANCY! Fahn - say! ¡Elegante!
I borrow inspiration from this memory made together, carrying forward acts of mutual care and delight. I also look backward, reminded of my own girlhood of dressing up fancy with my sister and having fashion shows in the living room with Gram. Hair ties to spare stood in line on my wrist for friends in need, knowing the act was reciprocated, subtle but significant signs of community support.
With leftover scraps from our zine-making evening, I sewed scrunchies for you in gratitude, and embued them with encouragement, enthusiasm, and endless love.
