The Long-Awaited Funky Tree Man, Part 2

On the day of the big interview, Miss M was a little nervous.

Miss M: "I don't remember all of the questions I wanted to ask."

Mom: "That's okay, honey.  I can print them out from the blog."

Miss M: "But I can't read."

Mom: "Don't worry, I can read them to you."

Miss M: (With a trace of whine creeping in) "But I'm supposed to be asking the questions!"

Mom: "I'll whisper them in your ear."

At Funky's house, his owner/creator greeted us at the door and introduced herself as Miss Nancy (with no prompting from me on the cutesy courtesy title).  I think she had intended to walk us around the side of the house to visit the tree man, but Miss M sort of pushed her way in (she's one of those reporters). 

Miss M noticed right away that there were two–possibly antique–teddy bears sitting on a bench in the foyer.  "Do children live here?" she asked eagerly.

"No," said Miss Nancy.  "But my niece and nephew come to visit sometimes."

We made our way out to the backyard, where Miss M spotted more evidence pointing to the presence of children: two plastic balls on the lawn.  "Who plays with these?" she asked, hoping to find out that there were actually some children living there that Miss Nancy had forgotten about before.  Again, Miss Nancy said her neice and nephew often play in the yard when they visit. 

But Miss M didn't seem satisfied that she had fully explored this angle.  She asked if she could look around inside the house some more.  I gently reminded her of the reason we were there: to find out more about Funky Tree Man.  It took Miss M a few seconds to realize that, from where we stood on the deck, we were looking not at the tree man but the tree woman.

"Mommy, look!  It's the girl!" she shouted.

Tickled by Miss M's enthusiasm, Miss Nancy started a discussion about what was female about this side of the tree: fuller lips, longer eyelashes, the flower boa she was wearing that day.  Miss M remembered to ask about the nail polish.  Miss Nancy thought that would be a good idea. 

Miss M was thrilled to learn that Miss Nancy's family had started referring to their tree man as "Funky Tree Man" after they found out she was calling him that.  It is now his official name!! 

And then Miss Nancy asked Miss M to name the girl. 

Without hestitation, she said "Marissa." 

 "Marissa or Melissa?" asked Miss Nancy. 

"Melissa," said Miss M.  I was just so proud that she didn't say something like "Mrs. Funky Tree Man." 

I am, however, ashamed to admit that this interview took place on the day before Easter (and I'm not going to bore you with excuses for not posting it sooner).  So, there was a lot of discussion about the Easter Bunny and his baby and why they might want to hide inside of Funky/Marissa/Melissa. 

You will also notice (once I post a picure) that Funky was holding an Easter basket filled with eggs.  Miss Nancy says she plans to dress him up for holidays as often as possible.  The red turban and white gloves he currently sports are left over from Christmas.  Seems it is more difficult to undress him.

There will be periodic updates on Funky–and what he is wearing–in the future.  And, coming soon: The True Story of Funky Tree Man and his Friend Marissa/Melissa.