Thursday, April 8, 2010

Des Clips

When I was a single parent, Papa, who was a practical man, showed his concern and love by giving me useful gifts.

Sometimes it was tools, other times groceries, or cleaning supplies.

One time he brought me an old cedar picnic table that we'd had when I was growing up.

"It's funny," I said to him after setting it up in the yard, "I remember the table and seats as much wider."

He tilted his head to one side, his eyes narrowed slightly, "Well, it was. Damned thing wouldn't fit in the car, so I trimmed off the ends."

One of my favorite gifts was a plain, dark beige metal box that he gave me at arms length while smiling mischievously, "Guess what's in the box?"


"Clips?" I suggested.

"Yes! Open it." He never questioned how I knew he'd brought me (binder) clips. We called them by their french name, "Des clips."

Of course I still have them. I was pleasantly surprised to discover, when I started blogging, that I am not the only one out there who likes, uses, or creates with clips.

My favourite use for binder clips will always be the bed sheet forts that the boys and I would build using clips to secure the half dozen or more sheets to tables and chairs - hours of fun.

7 comments:

Wandering Coyote said...

"Des clips" - I love it!

RealGrouchy said...

Guess it's time for me to haul out the "binder" clip post that I've been sitting on...

- RG>

Anonymous said...

Grouchy - You know, I drove by that post last night and thought it was you sitting up there.

Woodsy - This is the 3rd papa-related post I've read today. I wonder why everyone is thinking of their papas?

coyote said...

And this is the fifth binder clip post I've seen today. Damn memes! Anyway, seems that des clips are also good for die duvet...

RealGrouchy said...

I should mention that this afternoon I've registered binderclips.ca, for the imminent creation of a Ottawa Blogger Binder Clip Fansite.

Y'all will be invited to contribute, as soon as I figger out how it's gonna be set up.

XUP - it wasn't very comfy.

- RG>

Anonymous said...

Grouchy - Probably you could design and build something comfortable to put up there. Maybe with a footrest and a clipboard.

Woodsy said...

Hey, I love how you're all hanging out here chatting. I am out of town, so must keep this comment brief... slow internet connection.