On Sunday, Annabelle said she wanted to take her camera outside for garden observations. I asked her whether she might like to draw a picture or two of our garden and she said, “Yeah! Let’s go!” So, I grabbed our “art on the go” bag, and we headed outside to our front steps to sit down beside the flowers.
Once there though, she spotted her kick ball, and all of the sudden, taking photos and making drawings of the garden didn’t sound so appealing. Maria Montessori has said of education, the role of teachers, and the value of the child: “The first duty of the educator, whether he is involved with the newborn infant or the older child, is to recognize the human personality of the young being and respect it.”
Annabelle wanted to kick her ball around, so we rolled the ball out into the parking lot and let the kicking begin.
It wasn’t hard to get the game going. Mostly, it was a one girl game, which was fine by me since my speed and agility are somewhat lacking these days.
Kick,
Dash!
Get the ball!
(and keep it out from under the parked cars . . . mamma’s tummy doesn’t make her much helpful for crawling under bumpers)
One last kick and then . . .
“Ok, let’s draw!” So for a few minutes, Annabelle watched me draw, and then she asked if she could add in the color.
Pink lines, back and forth,
See how the color moves upon the page,
and then add a bit of orange, before turning to me to proclaim, “Ta-dah!”
A few minutes later, it was time for more kick ball. Up and down the sidewalk she ran while I sat quietly, going back to a place and time where I could remember loving to draw.
I made a few simple sketches of the zinnia, not focusing or caring too much about detail or precision, but just, like my daughter, enjoying the materials. If anything, Annabelle was teaching me to love being creative, all over again.
When at last my drawings were complete and kick ball was finished, it was time to pack up, head inside for dinner and bath, and to say goodbye to another day of “you and me.” I wonder what we’ll do tomorrow . . .
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Love that first picture of Annabelle. Its perfect.
I love how kids can re-introduce us to the love of creativity. I often wonder what it is about the world that sucks that out of us…and I’m thankful the kids can bring it back.
MamaTea, with as many photos that are taken (by me and her dad) of Annabelle, I can’t believe how hard it is to capture her true expressions, :-)
And yeah, I do wonder where the creativity and love for life went (in so many parents) prior to their children joining their lives (and waking something dormant up). All I know is that for some reason that is what has happened for me, and everday, I feel a big lump of gratitude in my heart for it.
It’s inspiring to see how you are following your daughters passions and creating a magical environment for her :)
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