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May 16, 2006
Being a Kid = Therapy
As I was gearing up to watch a TiVo'd 90210, I saw a commercial for a line of Crayola Outdoor products.
Quite sophisticated looking stuff, I'd say.
I remember being quite happy with a big hunk of sidewalk chalk and a patch of asphalt on which I could doodle, draw, create a hopscotch grid, or make MY star on the local Walk of Fame.
But I also remember being in my mid-20s and getting my hands on some sidewalk chalk, heading down to the parking area behind my apartment, and spending hours just being a kid, avoiding some thesis outline deadline or the heartbreak that the bouncer to whom I'd given my number hadn't called.
I also recall being 18 and coming out of the Drama Department after Honors Drama 101 (I never read so many Greek plays before or since) with my classmate Melissa. It was October and an enormous pile of leaves had been raked up while we'd been inside. Without saying a word, we both stopped in our tracks, looked at each other mischievously, dropped our backpacks right there, clasped hands, and took a running-flying leap into the leaves. We didn't even notice the bus stop area packed full of other students--some looking at us with disapproval, some aching to join in our fun--until after we'd frolicked for a good three minutes.
One of my favorite things to do when Quinn comes to town each year is PLAY. I just wish I didn't have to wait to do it. WAIT... I don't. While I don't have any sidewalk chalk handy and there certainly are no piles of leaves in this part of town, I've decided I'm going to find a way to play today. Where did I put those Shrinky Dinks?
Posted by bonnie at May 16, 2006 3:46 PM
Comments
I love coloring books...Especially the ones that are just geodesic designs. I can spend hours doing those. No thought...just colors.
Posted by: drc at May 16, 2006 5:12 PM
Once a year visits? Must be tough parenting.
Posted by: Tony Mc at May 16, 2006 8:44 PM
It's heartbreaking. But his visits get longer each year and he's welcome to come live with us at any time, something both Quinn's mom and dad know might be important the older Quinn gets.
Oh, I can't wait to see him!!
Posted by: Bon 
at May 16, 2006 9:47 PM
I'm planning a "craft and play" day in my new apartment, once I get settled. I'll make sure to invite you to come over, get your hands dirty, and just play with polymer clay and modge podge!
Posted by: Susan at May 17, 2006 6:47 AM
And what stops the father from going to see the kid? Nothing should. Ever!
Posted by: Tony Mc at May 17, 2006 7:49 AM
Yay! Susan, definitely invite me! Yay!!!!
And Tony, I think you're missing the point. What does your "solution" do for MY desire to have playtime with my stepson? You seem to be attempting to have a conversation with Keith about parenting. That's not what this post was about. (And this isn't Keith's blog.)
I was just saying how much I love PLAYING--and how much fun it's going to be to get to do that with Quinn next month.
Lighten up, dude.
Posted by: Bon at May 17, 2006 12:52 PM
Bringing up nice nice memories...like the "first" time I discovered toys R us as a grown up--in college. I went and bought so many toys and played played played. Sidewalk chalk makes me happy!
Posted by: Anna at May 17, 2006 2:38 PM
Yes I was an ass. But being someone who's father was not around. And then being a father I put nothing before him for myself. That's all. Too many kids don't get enough time with their fathers.
I guess basically that I could not imagine not seeing him every week when I have the control to make that happen. I do what I know is best for him. And that is time with me.
Posted by: Tony Mc at May 17, 2006 9:47 PM
Hi sweetie. I check in on you and you happen to have written about something Tom wants desparately - that chalk n'walk thingamajig. But don't ever stop playing with yourself. Wait, that didn't come out right, or maybe it did...
Posted by: Debbie at May 18, 2006 9:59 AM