Last year for Christmas, I got my Mom a uniquely made bowl, smooth and hollowed out of a pine log, in which she mixes her home made bread and rolls. She loves it. It was made by the Tarahumara Indians of Northern Mexico.
This year, for birthday presents, I am giving each of my sisters and brothers a very unique gift. I am giving them the same type of dough bowl, only this time, it is used as a canvas for a painted scene. So my gift to them is a painted wooden dough bowl with a painted picture that matches their interests and personalities.
My brother, Mitch, loves anything western and has even ridden the pro rodeo circuit for a while. His painted bowl will have a picture of a cowboy riding a bronc. My sister, Allison, is an outdoor enthusiast so she will receive a bowl with a painting of a forest with a log cabin and colorful flowers. My sister, Audra, is a total animal freak. She is studying to be a veterinarian so of course, her bowl will have animals in the wilds. And last but not least, my youngest brother, Ian, loves to fish. I got him a bowl with a scene of a country stream and cabin with a mild mannered fisherman testing his patience.
I think my family will cherish their gifts and be proud to hang these very unique works of art knowing that we have also helped an Indian family survive the harsh winter.
