Flashback: My 8th Christmas.

Two wrapped boxes of the exact same size were strategically placed under our holiday tree. Most children would already be planning the desired item to purchase upon the replicated gift return; but oh no, not Little Miss Allie. I knew -- and was doubly happy about -- what was inside those weighty rectangular boxes. Lite Brite...times two.

Perhaps it was a portent of future double blessings; but in those school-free days of my 8th year winter break, our family's home was a miniature Las Vegas. Designs of all varieties kept our family TV off, and my creativity and passion for illuminated images ignited.

Imagine my glee when I received news of Mercy Hospital in Arkansas' new "Imagination Light Canvas." Sure, we've seen the Children's Museum body motion activated marble path and butterfly pattern walls, but this Tetris-esque limited geometric paintbrush format re-awakens that welcome design challenge created by Hasbro's beloved has-been. The power draw is minimal (that of a toaster? I'm betting my Lite Brite team pulled more!), and the larger-than-life scale, supremely statisfying.

Here's hoping Philips ponders private playroom installations!


Light up my life, Philips!
-Allie

PS - Tech has come a long way since Lite Brite. Have you taken the addicted-to-tech quiz on this week's PoshCravings home page? Put down your BlackBerry and do it!