Be Creative!

Everyone agrees that being creative is good, right?  Thinking outside of the box is a desire to have and, even better, with the mind of a child so that it's really original.  So, let me share a few tidbits that might get your creative mind thinking a little differently!

 

Have you ever wondered what was in your food?  Most of us ask the usual stuff like, "Is there red food dye in this?" or "Please tell me there are no GMOs right?" Well, have you ever considered something really out of the ordinary?  Maybe we should broaden our thinking a little bit about our food intake.  For example, Sophia recently asked what salmon was made of.  We responded that it was just salmon.  She replied, "Hamsters?"  Now, that REALLY had us thinking...COULD there be hamsters in salmon? Sure does make you think, right?  Very creative.

 

What about your toilet paper rolls or just any old piece of paper rolled up into a cylinder?  Most of us might think to recycle it to create new paper products.  Sophia's answer was to create a food feeder for her invisible bird friend, Merck.  I mean, why not?  Makes sense to me!

 

 

Or perhaps you're really into someone with whom you work or hang out.  Many of you might ask that person to go on a date or befriend them in a way that allows you to spend more time.  Sophia was very clever in learning the word "captivate" within her recent princess books.  She's decided that she'll captivate from afar and declare boyfriends, but NEVER tell them, because that would be "embarrassing."  I must say I prefer this idea as a mama.

 

Lastly, what about those of you who like to make crafts and get all creative in those craft rooms and work spaces?  I'm sure you've given some art a try, maybe some creative juices have been flowing with you and you've come up with some real originals.  However, I'm sure this one has never popped in your mind...a rhinoceros headband, for the person who wants to be a rhinoceros when they don't want to be a person. This one blows my mind with creativity.  I hate to say it, but I'm sure your ideas are no where near this one. 

 

 

That's just it.  In all of these little life segments with her, I've come to realize that she is just sooooo creative.  Her mind thinks of really great and unusual ways to live life to the fullest.  In this world of rules and regulations, school and schedules, I'd like to think that she'll walk away 20 years from now with these same great ideas.  I hope so at least.  I hope she won't be stifled.  I hope she'll feel supported and admired for her creativity. 

 

So, if she offers you a great idea, one that is beyond your wildest imagination, take it and run with it.  You might just realize that she's pretty amazing, because I know I do.  

Getting My Blinders On!

What do people say of me and my family when we're not around?

 

For example, what did the lady say that sat and watched my children flip open birthday cards full of crazy sounds and songs as they laughed hysterically in the middle of Rite Aid?  Does she say, "Wow, those kids can appreciate a great card when they see one, especially the one with the dancing tango cat!" OR does she say, "Can't she keep those kids quiet?! This is a pharmacy store for gosh sake!"  I'm not sure.  I couldn't quite tell, but it sure did look like she had a snotty look.

 

Or, what about the nurse who was at the doctor's office, trying to get Sophia to listen to the beep in the machine to pass her hearing test?  Where Sophia was crying, because really...it wasn't about the hearing test, but the upcoming vaccination she knew she'd be getting.  Might she say, "That lady should have taken her in the car and given her a spank." OR does she mutter, "I wouldn't want to do this either, poor kid."  I'm not sure, again.  She gave us a disapproving glare and told us we might have to reschedule.

 

Maybe the time when I was sobbing in my car, in the shopping mall parking lot, as I took in information about, yet another, issue to deal with as a mama.  When I looked over in the car next to me I noticed a man looking over.  What might he be thinking?  "Geez, another sappy woman crying in her car, what a mess."  Or perhaps it might have been, "That mama might have a lot to deal with today.  Maybe I should buy her a mocha-caramel latte from the nearest Starbucks to help her feel better."  ...I'm pretty sure it wasn't the last one, but a girl likes to dream. 

 

So many situations like this arise where I wonder what others are thinking and what kind of an impact we're making in our community and in our little part of the world.  But, I do know that we take each day at a time.  We're judged by God and He enlightens us everyday with our new section of our life path.  Sometimes we stumble a little or don't follow a road sign, but we're always trying to do our best.  I guess that's when I realize that I don't always have to worry about what others think. We are going to just enjoy life with our blinders on and love the ride! I may even purchase a set of these...

 

My focus is on God and He will give me the strength I need to stay focused on Him and His path. The rest of it is just in my peripheral and I'm okay with that.