Hi!
Let me just start off this week's ramblings with this............Anyone who shakes their collective heads at me and the fact that I love to hang out with kids so much, should come along on a school visit. It will be obvious immediately.......kids are the most fantastic people on the planet! That's why!
Not only are they incredibly cute, they are insightful, bright, honest, and will ask you the exact question that is on their mind. No filtre. They have not developed their self-editing ability, and, I for one, love it.
When I look out over the sea of little faces, looking back at me, their big eyes shining with excitement and anticipation, hearing the sweet giggles ripple over the room, the participation, at first shy and hesitant, becoming down right rowdy, it fills me with something I can only describe as complete and utter joy.
The questions that follow a reading can be, and usually are, anything that comes to mind.....no filtre. The teachers usually start to look a bit nervous as the kids begin their inquiries. Maybe a little afraid the wee ones might ask something that may be construed as rude or inappropriate. The teachers fail to understand that after running a dayhome for 20 years, the list of questions I haven't had from kids is probably waaaaay shorter than the list of ones I have.
This time around, a lot of the questions from the youngest of the children seemed to revolve around my sleeping habits, and what the name of my street might be. They asked how many kids I have, how old they are, do I have a pet, and the one that the teachers seem to think should offend me, how old am I, and when is my birthday. Too funny! I try to assure them that I am not insulted by the widest definition of the word. I've earned every one of my 46 years, and it couldn't matter less to me who knows.
No filtre. Love it. They want to know, so they ask. If only adults did the same thing.............
It's when the tiny hands pop straight up, their owners waiting patiently for their turn to speak, and when they get their chance, they say something like "When I grow up, I'm going to be an author, just like you!" And then, as the kids are filing out of the room, going back to class, and the teacher pulls you aside to tell you that she has never seen this group of kids this fired up about reading or writing before. This is why I do this...
It's when, as you enter the school hallway from the library and are surrounded by messy pigtails, floppy boots, and spontaneous hugs.This is why I do this......
When a shy, bespectacled tiny ten year old hesitantly walks up to you as you are readying to leave the school and asks in a voice so quiet it's almost inaudible....."if I would send you some of my stories would you read them?" This is why I do this.......
When a bright-eyed girl, in ill-fitting clothes, couldn't care less hair, and mis-matched socks looks you square in the eye and asks pointed questions as to how to get a book from being simply an idea to reading to kids in schools. This is why I do this.....
The most fantastic people on the planet....This is why I do this.
To top off the week, we went to Eatonia today to participate in their trade show. It was so well run, with lots of variety. The organizers also did a great job in providing an environment that encouraged patrons to hang around. They had live music, a face painting clown who sang and told stories, and a LOT of food. Well done Eatonia!!!
So, after 1608kms, 6 schools, 850 kids, 500 questions and 1 trade show, that, my friends, brings me to the end of the past week.
Now for the upcoming 7 days.........
The week will be spent getting the book stuff reorganized for the next trade show......
Rehearsing for our Halloween gig in Denzil on Sat......
A trip to the city to do girlie things and drop off a vacuum cleaner......
Putting finishing touches on our costumes for said gig......
Getting a flu shot..............
Voting in our civic election..........
Try to talk my house cleaning/laundry fairies out of their strike........
Take a nap.
Soooo, that about does it. Until next time, I will leave you with a thank you for your continued support and this wish..............
May the young ones in your life feel ever encouraged in the pursuit of their true passion.
May we, as adults, set aside, what we'd like for them, like pushing accounting over fashion.
May they grow up learning that without commitment, passion becomes a hobby, not a career.
May they come of age learning to make decisions from a place of fortitude and courage, not fear.
May they know that with the pursuit of every dream comes both risk and reward.
May they learn to be wise in weighing both, decide, moving ever forward.
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