Oct 23 2009
It’s Alive!
The other day I introduced my daughter to finger painting. I placed the tray of paint down in front of her and said, “Ok, let’s play. Go ahead, put your fingers in.” She looked at me like I was nuts. I’m fairly certain she was thinking, “Who are you and what have you done with my Mom?”
A wild giggle escaped her lips as she put her hands in sparkly finger paint and then she gently touched the paper with yellow finger tips. Immediately, she screamed with delight and plunged her hands into the big pot of soapy water I had put out for her. She repeated this process more times then I can count before she started to try to lift the bubbles out of the pot and onto the paper. Would they stay bubbles on top of the paint on top of the paper? It was an idea that needed to be tested thoroughly. Once she was satisfied that she’d found the answer, her confidence increased and she asked to put her toes in. Well, that was the highlight of this first experience.
As I watched her, I was aware of the blood coursing through my veins, my breathing, even my own mortality. I thought to myself, ‘I don’t want this to end,’ and then later, ‘I want to see her experience everything in life.’ I want to watch her face as her senses are stimulated and she discovers some new bit of magic in the world.
When I am with my daughter or using a new material to create or discovering a new way of telling a tale or grabbing a surfboard and going for it, I feel alive. I am filled with the same wild, giggling delight as my daughter. It’s so easy to get complacent; to think we know all. It’s hard to hold onto the childlike wonder and excitement we all have within but it’s necessary. It’s necessary for staying young at heart, adding joy to our lives and living the fullest life we possibly can. So I ask, when do you feel fully alive?
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I feel fully alive when I’m dancing!! It could be in the dance floor, or watching a Bruce Springsteen concert – or just at home dancing around the house!
My boys would be playing the piano or guitar or I’ll just have the record player playing one of those songs that just makes you want to dance…
I’m not a totally great dancer but I just love to dance! I actually look funny at times but I just don’t care
In another note, you are such a great mom to let your little princess experience the joy of finger painting – inside the house! I’m sure she will remember it forever!
Enjoy the weekend and keep smiling
First of all..this is so sweet and brings back so many wonderful memories of playing and making art with my kids when they were young.
Now, I feel fully alive when I indulge in spontaneity, when I ask my self what’s next? without making any plans. It’s freeing and I love the rhythm of the day.
Being with the people I love and meeting new people makes me feel fully alive too and has become even more important to me as I get older, with two of my kids grown and gone and one with his foot out the door, I am finding a deeper connection to friends and extended family.
Jenjen – you are soo adorable! I love that you dance all over the place..that makes me happy just knowing it and that you dance to all music including the music your kids make…love it! Thanks for the Mommy kudos too…I love fingerpainting with her hehehehe Have a great weekend and keep dancing
Janet – you inspire me!!! I love the spontaneity idea….I want to do that more often and the connection with friends and family brings such peace and such happiness doesn’t it….I want to reach out to everyone now….big hugs to you!!
Aww–this post is too sweet! What a gift you’ve given your little Doodle–the freedom to explore her creativity with no fear and no criticism. She’s starting on a lifelong journey with you as her guide…I can’t think of anyone better equipped for the job.
When I most feel alive….hmmm, I immediately thought of two things. One, when I’m out in nature, preferably where I can see for miles out into the ocean or far off into the prairie horizon. Two, when I’m marbling. There is absolute magic in the way the paint dances, and the ever-surprising reveal once I lift the paper off the liquid surface. Love it!
Ok so Amanda that was the kindest thing ever…thank you so much. You made me cry you sweet soul. How are you? How are you feeling?? Sending BIG healing wishes your way! Nature is a huge gift isn’t it? And it sounds like you have the best of both worlds – water and land and pure beauty on both. And marbling? Amanda, no one can do what you do. I love your work because your passion and enthusiasm for it is a part of every piece…don’t stop…ever! HUGS to you
ALWAYS most alive when photographing.
Great as always Tash! It’s been awhile since I visited Nacho land