Random Thoughts

We all have them. When we let our minds wander, we sometimes come up with silly thoughts that can make us laugh out loud. When we're kids or have kids, we think in terms of imagination and creativity. When we get older... well... you know.

Our kids, like many others, have always been masterful at creating games and imaginary worlds. Two of our daughters have named entire civilizations after themselves. One ends with the suffix "lantis" and the other with the suffix "tania". The prefix in each case is the child's name, in whole or part. I'd be more specific and reveal these ingenious names but I haven't fully lost my grip on reality - my intention is to celebrate creativity, not squelch it with embarrassment. They are the leaders in their lands - benevolent leaders - who have been known to build lands for their friends as well.

Creativity in children should most definitely be nurtured and applauded. So should creativity in adults. I think it's important to remind our kids as they get older that it is vital to keep their imagination alive. Creative adults are not just those who create art or music but rather those who see art in the way they view the world and the choices they make. When your perspective is limited to looking at things in a box, your view is limited. By looking or thinking outside of the box, you open your mind and create art, which provides for a more interesting and compelling way of thinking. It also expands the possibilities and potential of your thought process and creativity, making life a far more interesting experience.

I enjoy blogging because it provides me with a forum for expressing some of my own random thoughts. In a million years, though, I don't think you'd have convinced me that someone could turn silly and funny random thoughts into a publishable book. I guess it takes a very talented bestselling writer and a publisher willing to think outside of the box (though not too much because, let's face it, they were banking on a bestselling author) and let's not forget the illustrator who helps bring the quirkiness to life. The result is The Wonder Book, written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Paul Schmid. It's an awesomely entertaining and incredibly clever collection of stories, short poems, lists, palindromes, word games and random observations. And it's a lot of fun to read out loud... together!