Through the Eyes of a Child...

I've found the perfect remedy for writer's block! Take your child or grandchild out for the day or for a week-end get-away. (If you don't have one of your own, borrow one from a friend or relative!) Spend your time together focusing on this little person,trying to capture life anew through his or her wonder-filled eyes.

I have been blessed with ten exceptional grandchildren and have started a family tradition of taking each one on an individual "Grandma and Me" week-end trip during their eighth year. It was Audrey's turn last week. We went to Living History Farms in Des Moines, Iowa where we explored a pioneer homestead, a 1900-era farm, and the 1870-era Village of Walnut Hill. Audrey was fascinated with her trip into the past, capturing memories with her camera. She made a hat in the Millinery Shop, watched a blacksmith create tools over the fire, petted the farm animals,and admired the dolls and toys in the Victorian homes.

I watched her closely, absorbing her excitement as she saw and learned new things. My "inner child" was ready to come out and play with her - to see the world in a fresh new way.

It was time for Audrey to pick out a few souvenirs of her trip and little gifts for her mother and brother. Of course, this was a time-consuming process - but worth every moment. She wandered through the gift shops which were full of beautiful things - some relatively expensive. What would she choose?

After much thought and deliberation,she selected a little pig on a keychain. He oinked and his eyes flashed. Then, her big eyes lit up and began to sparkle when she discovered a giant lollipop, a Whirly Pop swirling with brilliant shades of red, yellow, blue and green.

Audrey held and admired her lollipop all the way home. Oh, to be a child again, to find such joy in simple things like a $2 lollipop! Maybe life is like a giant Whirly Pop with concentric circles of colorful experiences swirling through the years. Maybe these are the things that we, as writers, as human beings, need to remember. Maybe we need to take the time to really see life through the eyes of a child...

Stay tuned - and please stay in touch!

Janet Kay
www.watersofthedancingsky.com