Most of our day today was spent outdoors. We let ourselves be inspired by the whistling wind, the scent and sounds of nature, and the bright light and infinite sky we basked under. It was awesome.
Since my daughter is still sick, running a fever that has split her lip a few times already, and feeling miserable, the invitation to head outdoors was too much to pass up, for both of us. She was excited! We took our time setting up, and inspiration struck early.
One of the most important things about spending time with our children is listening. It keeps those channels of communication open. Usually, I get very quiet when I paint, perhaps playing some soft music in the background. Ambiance was provided by nature today, and since my princess is usually very talkative, I decided I would listen. When was the last time you sat down with your kids, shared an activity, opened your heart to what they had to say, and listened, really listened? I like to do it often; I hope you do, too.
I listened with great intent as she put forth several ideas, some making me laugh, others making me think. Did you know she doesn't have a blog? I didn't even know it was an issue. Well, apparently it is. Her brother has one, I have several, and she has none. My faux pas? Stating that she doesn't type yet. She cut in right there, and sternly objected: "But I can write my name! And blogs are also to put my art in! And I want it to be called [...]" So there you have it. Now I must get working.
She spoke about missing her pets, reaching the realization that we had to find another good home for our dog because of her health. That is a big thing to understand at five years old, and I understand her pain -I share it- but it's a sacrifice I hope she can appreciate later in life. She also voiced her concern at what her brother is facing at school, having been punched and teased. (He did blog about it, go read.) It's a very big deal. I didn't think things could possibly go worse this year. They hugged and they cried, and she made him feel better.
Then she tells me how she was looking through my wedding album "and saw all the beautiful pictures, and then the one at the end, you know? With you and dad, and you know... the kiss?" What is it with kissing and little girls? LOL! I honestly have to ask my mom, because I don't ever remember wanting to kiss a boy, or daydreaming with princesses and all that stuff. So anyway, in an effort to hopefully delay any desire or intention my little princess may have of ever kissing a boy (I told her she had my permission when she turns 33), I told her that kisses like that are for Mom and Dad, and that little girls and little boys have to wait and grow up before they can kiss like that. By the calm expression on her face, I'd like to think it made sense to her.
But wait, it gets better! After several minutes of silence...
"Mom, is it OK for a Mom and a Mom to kiss?"
*cough* [drink water, breathe, remember to remain calm...]
"Oh, hmm, you mean kiss like Mom and Dad?"
"Yes."
"Where did you see that?"
"Channel 16. I was looking for cartoons."
[...]
Note to self: check parental controls for channel 16.
Anyhow, here's a shot of our day today. In my books, it was wonderful. In my daughter's own words: "Today is the bestest day of my life ever Mom." All I really did was listen... Obviously I did something right.
I'm furiously clicking to get to channel 16...oh...on MY cable system channel 16 is the family-oriented PAX channel.
Darn!!
i'm torn between laughing and crying at such a beautiful post - and that picture...omg, what a beautiful picture of her, with her art, her mom's place next to her....be still my heart.
Looks like a magickal day...full of wonder and delight...
It certainly looks like the best day ever to me!
Beautiful work, by the way.
Beautiful picture and entry. Those are the days we live for. Thanks for sharing them.
i'd love to have you as my mum!
You did well, Mom. You did VERY well.
-G
What a sweet princess you have. That sounds like a wonderful day! The days I reflect on as being the best ever still continue to be days where my mother and I hang out and just talk while doing whatever.
Oh and Michele sent me.
What a wonderful day - thanks for sharing! Yes, Michele sent me, too. :)
It sounds so easy - to just listen - but is often a hard task! I'll try to remember to just shut up and listen to my girls! Oh yeah, Michele sent me along.
That was really beautiful and the picture says it all. Thank you for sharing. And I went to your son's blog and it is just absolutely wonderful. I am so glad Michele sent me over. Wonderful stuff.
that's such a great photo, and sounds like such a great day...
michele sent me...
Hello, Michele sent me. A Mom and a Mom, yes, or a Dad and a Dad. It's all love, and that's what we all need.
Hi. I came from Michele's. My children surprise me with thoughts I didn't know they had. You're right, it is important just to let them talk. I wouldn't worry too much about the women kissing - children seem to be able to process differences much better than we might think.
What a gorgeous photo. You really captured the moment and yes, it looked like you both had a lovely day.
BTW, Hello, Michele sent me!
Hello, Michele sent me. Lovely post and beautiful picture, as is the one below it.
That was a very beautiful post. It's nice to hear about those kinds of days, especially now that I'm pregnant. Have a wonderful weekend, Zee. =) Michele sent me, too.
Hi, Michele sent me, and I love your beautiful blog.
Michele sent me, and I thank her! That's one of the bestest, bestest-day-ever stories I've read. Thanks for reminding us to not only listen to our kids, but to provide them with an environment that inspires them to share with us.
cool site, nice logo and cute daughter!
seems you've got it all!!!
;-)
Michele sent me to say:
This writing is pretty as a picture. And so is the picture.
Hi, you have some lovely stories.
I'd only like to make this minor mechanical point. The background color and font are too low of contrast for me. Reading is a bit of a strain.
That's a cool photo. There should be a painting of the photo.
Hi, Michele sent me :) And now I'm going to go see what's on channel 16... ;)
Hello, Michele sent me! What a beautiful post. I have a 12 year old son and a 9 year old daughter and I understand the need to listen to your children and just let them express themselves. Not only do kids say the darnedest things. But one on one time truly allows a parent to see a child's soul. I love spending one on one time with each of my children...it is time that I truly teasure.
What a lovely post. Hello, Michele sent me.
That picture is a breath of fresh air! Adorable. Michele sent me, but I've been here before.