My friend Grace is now 8 years old. I’ve known her since she was born.
When her family would come over for dinner (back when folks still did that), we’d often talk about “craft”. Only we’d pronounce it “cwaft”.
“Why do we say cwaft?” Grace asked the last time she was here.
“Well…” I said, slightly hesitantly..”when you were very little, you couldn’t pronounce ‘craft’ and also you never let anyone throw anything out. You insisted on saving everything for ‘cwaft’”. (The pink wig I bought for her when she was three is a good example. As strands of pink fibre fell off, Grace would carefully save each one and set it aside. For cwaft.)
My young friend looked me straight in the eye and said nothing. Then she went home and made this box.
Her mother Bethany sent me a photo and informed me that we’d been spelling it incorrectly all this time.
We can’t decide if Grace genuinely believes that’s how it’s spelt, or if she’s displaying incredibly sophisticated and subtle sarcasm well beyond her years. Knowing her, the latter is a definite possibility.
I adore her and am terrified of her in equal measures. What’s she going to be like at 16? ♥
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Howling laughing….out loud! I love it so I guess you will have to hang onto your hat as she goes foreward! Thank you.
The spelling definitely makes sense! So sweet. Sounds like she keeps you on your toes!
She’ll be even more fabulous
I’m not sure that’s possible! :)
No question, she has spelled quaft quectly…
Hold on to your hat! Sounds like you are embarking on the ride of a lifetime! The pink wig was just the right colour. Just wait till she starts putting her own dye in!
This is absolutely delightful.
Oh, how delightful – let’s hope she keeps ‘little Grace thinking’ in her quaft box for ever
Sensible girl, Gracie ! Say the word aloud – this is how it usually does sound !! *laugh* Well, at least to a once-European post WW!! child who could write a book about marrying spelling and pronunciation in that new language called ‘English’ !!
Hilarious. I remember being asked to make a cuppa for my dad and an inappropriate lady guest when I was about ten, and being frustrated that my icy contemptuous politeness totally went over their head. Grace will appreciate that you get her joke. I would joke right back to let her know you get it. Children are too often underestimated.
Hi Celia, I love your blog, thank you. If Grace is learning the THRASS method of reading, writing & spelling…then “quaft” is a legitimate spelling choice! 😉
Possibly. But you didn’t see the look she gave me. :D
Totes adorbs. Kids are an education!
She definitely makes the team 😍
I bought her and her brother Tom a crossword book (and erasable pen!) last year and they do it over Skype with their granny in Cornwall. She’d certainly make ours interesting if she was on our team. 🤣🤣🤣