This is certainly an apt topic for someone who calls herself a whimsical realist. The side of me that speaks whimsically had been put on mute more and more in recent years of my life. As a mom of 3 young children, the tyranny of the urgent absorbs almost all of my “spare” time. And potty-training the twins (just turned 3) and teaching reading to Firstborn (almost 7) has made this semester the busiest of my parenting to date.
So when do I find a moment for whimsy?
1. Taking out the garbage. That’s right – I am alone outside, usually at night, and I can drink in the outside air and appreciate the twinkling stars!
2. When my children say “Catch me” or “Neener-neener.” I can’t always do it, but when I can, I put down what I’m doing, turn into the tickle monster, and chase my giggling victims.
3. The victory when all offspring are settled in bed. This is the golden hour of the day. The deep-sigh moment when I get to take off my Mommy-Hat (at least until I hear the cries drifting up the hallway).
4. Getting to play kid games (a perk to having kids!). Candy Land is bright and colorful, and Chutes and Ladders has that exciting risk factor. Now, I’m not saying that game #20 is as interesting as game #1. And I’m thrilled that my 1st grader is moving on to more advanced games like Mancala or Rummy. But there is just something about that little plastic spinner.
5. Writing a blog. I love getting to share on here. This school year, I have despaired of my lack of time and energy to be creative. Perhaps with a new year (or new resolve), I can find a new wellspring of whimsy to share.
(Oh, and did I mention that I love reading comic strips?)
So when do I find a moment for whimsy?
1. Taking out the garbage. That’s right – I am alone outside, usually at night, and I can drink in the outside air and appreciate the twinkling stars!
2. When my children say “Catch me” or “Neener-neener.” I can’t always do it, but when I can, I put down what I’m doing, turn into the tickle monster, and chase my giggling victims.
3. The victory when all offspring are settled in bed. This is the golden hour of the day. The deep-sigh moment when I get to take off my Mommy-Hat (at least until I hear the cries drifting up the hallway).
4. Getting to play kid games (a perk to having kids!). Candy Land is bright and colorful, and Chutes and Ladders has that exciting risk factor. Now, I’m not saying that game #20 is as interesting as game #1. And I’m thrilled that my 1st grader is moving on to more advanced games like Mancala or Rummy. But there is just something about that little plastic spinner.
5. Writing a blog. I love getting to share on here. This school year, I have despaired of my lack of time and energy to be creative. Perhaps with a new year (or new resolve), I can find a new wellspring of whimsy to share.
(Oh, and did I mention that I love reading comic strips?)
Yeah, that plastic spinner is the stuff!
ReplyDelete