Bellybuttons

“A fool-proof method for sculpting an elephant: first, get a huge block of marble; then you chip away everything that doesn't look like an elephant.”
~Anonymous

We had made a fresh hot batch to play dough and after it cooled the children began working, pinching and poking it with their fingers. There is nothing like warm play dough, I tell you. We never even bothered with the play dough toys, we were just enjoying the warm soft texture.
I noticed Bell had gotten out a small sheet of paper and systematically began placing mini dough balls gingerly in rows on the crisp white sheet. She would stand back every now and then and seemed so be inspecting her work from every angle.
When she finished she began yelling across the table.
“Get it while it’s hot! Get it while it’s hot!”
Of course a small group gathered and I moved in.
“So Bell, what have you got that’s so hot?”
“They’re hot and fresh.” She said.
Preschoolers were reaching for them, little hands were waving in all directions across the table. I couldn't really hear what they were saying with all the high pitched chatter but Bell's items were clearly a hot ticket.
“I think I might need one or two, Bell.” I said holding out my hand.
“You sure you need two?” She laughed.
“I’m sure.” I said.
“Okay, two bellybuttons coming up!”