I'm getting ahead of myself.
Recently I was asked by a wide-eyed six year old, to draw a duck. Ladies and Gentlemen, that is harder than it sounds. I've been asked to draw a lot of things, to carry a lot of things, to "watch me" do a lot of things, and to explain a lot of things. Ladies and Gentlemen, it's harder than it sounds.
All jobs are hard in their own way, even a job you really do like. And I have found nannying to be no exception. It's the first job I've had where it is possible to have a very crappy day and it not be metaphorical. I've watched everyone from 11 months to 13 years and folks, it is a crazy duck filled world.
You take a broad sample, of just two year olds, and I can guarantee you, they are as different as night, day, and perriwinkle meltdown. But of course you already know this, all people are different. But, there is an honesty in children, the little ones, something that hasn't been stamped out yet. There is some ancient spark of understanding that you see in their eyes that transcends the Dora the Explorer mind mush being shoveled down their throats. Children Understand. When a child asks you a question, they're storing and shaping their mind around your answer. It may be as trivial as "Why do fish have gills?" or "How do I know my prince is a good prince?" I've been asked both, and a lot more. Believe you me, the hot seat is a few shades warmer than the center of the sun.
Now, I'm not going crazy, not yet. I've just been struck over the summer by the honesty and receptiveness of our tiny counterparts. When did we start teaching them that they are dumber then they are? That they need only rise to Backyardigans and Wiggle Time?
I'm not bashing children's programming, I mean, I am, but I'm not. It's all fun and games on the surface... but why, why would you give your children a leg up into the world over the back of a middle aged actor doomed to blue face paint and falsetto for the rest of his life? It confuses me.
On the same note, when did we start telling ourselves we need only rise to the American formula? When did that become okay to check off your checklist and not care that you were doing motions? Your job means nothing, the small talk, the movies you go to see, the endless vanilla parade. How can you live your life knowing that only playing at it?
This doens't categorize everyone, but for the people it does, I ask you... Why?
Okay, I think I've used up my question marks.
Anyway, today's post isn't really funny. There aren't even pictures. But, if you get anything, get this.
You need to live life with the wisdom of an adult and the passion of a child.
Anything else is just motions.
P.S. If you want to follow my ever spiraling scripting, please, treat yourself to my insanity over the next 31 days.
http://www.scribd.com/my_document_collections/3734898
