I’M JUST CURIOUS: The inner child in all of us

by Debbie Walker

(This is a ‘memory’ column with a few notes added at the end.)

The other day my mom stopped in with one of my aunts, a cousin and two great-cousins. Poor Ken, we are a rather loud family when together. Even poor Benji, our grumpy old Shit-zu, reacted by barking at us because he doesn’t like loud.

Some of you know that I have written some fairy stories, 21 at last count. I know it will sound strange, but I find my writing is assisted by what I happen across for critters (toys). Recently, I was given a little rabbit (toy) with such a look on his face, his name is now Hiram. His story is running through my mind just waiting for me to write it.

These critters usually sit on my kitchen table until I introduce them by giving each its own story, and add it to my collection of stories. We live together in a way.

When the girls were here, Christy Ray (great cousin) asked me if I was still writing fairy stories. So… we were off in our own little fairy world! Mom certainly came to life on that note! She explained that she has had three adult children and one who is a forever child. Guess who she meant, with me sitting here showing Christy Ray (16) my latest critters and thoughts of my next stories.

I will admit I enjoy being “a child.” My grandmother, mom’s mother, told me that we have to grow older chronologically, however, we don’t have to grow up. She was 81 when she told me that! And my grammy wouldn’t lie!

Keep in mind, I work with first graders at school and I love it. I have this past year’s five, six and seven year-olds convinced (?) that I am only five years old. I turned six on my birthday in January, they insisted. However on the last day of school I became five again for the fall’s children!

I said all that to tell you we all have a little child inside us. Don’t be intimidated into keeping him/her inside and hidden. You will so enjoy the time spent with him/her. Even when your “child” is not front and center, people will be impressed with your child-like enthusiasm for life. I can’t say for sure that we will live longer, however, you will so enjoy your time here!

Of course, I am just curious if you are enjoying your inner child. For any questions or comments I am reachable at dwdaffy@yahoo.com sub: inner child. Thanks for reading!! Don’t forget to check us out online!

JUST A LITTLE FUN:

Play, laugh, sing and dance: Look at things with child-like wonder and you’ll never be old!

The cure for boredom is curiosity; there is no cure for curiosity. (I’m counting on this one!)

“Intelligence is knowing that tomato is fruit. Wisdom is not putting a tomato in a fruit salad. Philosophy is wondering if ketchup is a smoothie.” (by Miles Kington)

There is no such thing as too much sparkle! Just ask some first graders (and me of course!)

Thanks for reading.