Other Fetishes

We were always allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve, often it was a smaller one, although occasionally, and annoyingly (for a kid), it was something specifically chosen, like matching pajamas, that we would then wear in the morning, when we opened all the remaining gifts. Our rules were similar - we could go down early in the morning, and raid our stockings, but we could not touch the presents until everyone was up, and had coffee. We do the same thing with our kids. 

I somehow have the feeling that the worst daycares are yet to come.

Thanks for commenting.  I want to give Reiko greater visibility, so I'm inserting her here to set up a big scene in Homage.  A second commune might require a third story!

For me, I was the last of four. And I lagged by about a decade so I was a surprise, to say the least. My hand me down stuffie was named Bear Bear and he was the very image of the every-teddy-bear. He was about two feet tall and apparently I dragged him everywhere, even when I used to insist on snuggling with Mom's German Shepard. Bear Bear was lost to a hurricane, but he lives on forever in my heart and memory.

Episode 24: Naomi and Oliver's Playpen Paradise TITLE SEQUENCE - 60 SECONDS Same Sequence as Previous Episodes, but with: MINT GREEN spiral Naomi whispers: "...safe..." FADE TO: PLAYSET STUDIO - DAY A set dominated by a large, magnificent playpen. Its walls are soft, padded panels in bright primary colors. Inside is a wonderland of plush toys, soft blocks, and colorful rings. The world outside the playpen is depicted in muted, grayscale tones, while the inside is bathed in a warm, golden light. NAOMI stands outside the playpen, smiling warmly. OLIVER crawls beside her, holding a toy car. He looks at the open floor beyond but makes no move toward it. Naomi: (Voice warm and welcoming, cadence steady and reassuring) Hello, my little explorers! Today, we're going on an adventure to the very best place in the whole house... your very own Playpen Paradise! Naomi: Now, Oliver, the big world is a wonderful place, but it can be a little... well, too much sometimes. It's very big, and very noisy, and there are sharp corners and tall furniture. On the gray-scale set outside the pen, cartoonish hazards like a wobbly stack of books and a spiky plant briefly glow with a warning light. Naomi: But in here, (her voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper as she opens the gate) is your own perfect, personal kingdom. A place where everything is just your size, soft, and safe. She guides Oliver inside and closes the gate behind him with a soft, reassuring CLICK. A gentle, hypnotic MELODY begins to play — a simple, repeating tune that evokes serene containment. Naomi: Look around, Oliver! In your Playpen Paradise, your toys are the brightest, your blocks stack the highest, and your stories are the most fun! There are no 'don'ts' or 'be carefuls' in here. Just 'do' and 'play'! Oliver, initially hesitant, picks up a soft block. He looks at the open studio beyond, then back at the vibrant, contained space. The hypnotic music seems to soften the world outside. He begins to stack the blocks, his focus narrowing. Naomi: (Her voice becomes a soft, rhythmic murmur) Do you feel it? That wonderful, safe feeling? The walls aren't there to keep you in; they're there to keep the big, confusing world out. They hug your playspace, helping your mind feel calm and focused. Out there, your thoughts might scatter like dropped toys. But in here... in here, your thoughts can come together and play nicely. Oliver: (Nods, a look of deep contentment) It's easier. My car doesn't get lost. Naomi: That's right. Your little mind doesn't have to work so hard in here. Everything you need is right here with you. When you're in your Playpen Paradise, you are showing your Big Friend that you are ready for happy, independent play. You are being so good and so safe, which makes their heart so happy. He looks at the gate, then back at his toys. A look of serene acceptance settles on his face. He snuggles down into the soft mat. A single, MINT GREEN frame flashes subliminally at this moment of surrender to confinement. Naomi: You see? This is your whole, wonderful world. You don't need to be out there. All the best adventures happen right here. They sing a short, soothing song. Naomi & Oliver: These soft, bright walls are my castle so grand, The safest and happiest place in the land! My toys are all here, my thoughts are all clear, In my playpen palace, I've nothing to fear! By the end, Oliver is completely engrossed, building a structure and chatting quietly with his plush dinosaur. He shows no desire to leave. Naomi: And the best part is, this feeling is your home now. Even when you're not in your playpen, that calm, safe, little feeling can stay right inside you. Your playpen isn't a limit. It's a reminder of where your mind is happiest. The final shot is a bird's-eye view of Oliver, perfectly content within the colorful boundaries of his Playpen Paradise. Naomi leans close to the camera, her voice a soft, reassuring whisper. Naomi: Your playpen or your crib isn't a little space. It's your big, wonderful, safe world. Everything you need is right there with you. The image of blissful confinement holds for a beat. FADE TO: END TITLE CARD SEQUENCE - 7 SECONDS Same Sequence as Previous Episodes, but with: Solid MINT GREEN background SQUARE, REPRESENTING PLAYPEN BOUNDARIES, ICON in the center Below the icon: "safe"