Imagine the Possibilities

What do you do when the baby things aren’t needed anymore, when the toddler toys are outgrown, when the sports equipment is no longer being used? Like us, you probably have a garage sale or pass them on to family members. But there are those special items that stay in the attic, waiting for grandchildren…maybe.

What we have been learning in the past few months with our grandson is that many of the treasures we saved and hoped to pass along are not up to today’s safety standards. First up was the wooden cradle handmade by my father-in-law. Both of my newborns spent many happy sleeping hours snuggled in that cradle. A few months before my grandson, Alex, was born I brought it down from the attic and purchased a new mattress. My son suggested that we keep it at our house because, well, who has room for a wooden cradle in a NYC apartment? But it was more than that – it just wasn’t up to code anymore, so it was doubtful that the baby would ever use it for sleeping.  It now sits in our living room and has become more of a decorative item – used to store books and toys.

This past weekend we got down the large plastic Duplo blocks we had been saving. I washed them in warm soapy water and spread them out on Alex’s blanket. But they didn’t go back to New York with Alex when he left. I learned (from Alex’s parents) that the plastic used to make toys in the 70’s and 80’s can be toxic to children. Better to buy new than risk a serious problem. Guess we will have to dispose of the action figures and transformer cars taking up space in the attic, too.

But the old wooden high chair is OK and the wooden blocks are fine. Apparently wood is an acceptable material for heirloom items.

Progress, especially in the area of safety, is important. I remember my parents marveling at disposable diapers and infant car seats and now I understand. We can say our kids did fine with or without those things, but think of how much better and safer things are today. And there are always books that never seem to go out of style (we have lots of old and new favorites). Maybe we’ll just stick with those.

Over the years I’ve had many battles with squirrels getting into the birdfeeders. No matter what I try, they always figure out a way in, or up, or over. It’s always just a matter of time.

Once, I had one of those feeders marketed as a squirrel buster. The bottom was motorized so that when the heavier-than-a-bird squirrel grabbed the perch, it would start to spin. Supposedly the squirrels would be knocked off. That might have happened a few times – until they learned to grab on tight and just enjoy the ride. Of course, all the while they were spinning, the birdseed was flying. When the fun ended, there was a party on the ground.

I know placement is important. Our feeders are now freestanding instead of hanging from a tree branch where I originally placed them. The addition of a baffle kept the feeders squirrel-free…for a time. Eventually they learned to leap from the farthest outstretched limb they could find. I was amazed watching them practically flying through the air to land on the top of the feeder and shimmy down to grab a meal.

Last spring Allan built a beautiful large feeder for my side garden. The pole was too slippery and fat for the squirrels, and for several months I thought they were finally busted. That is, until a few weeks ago when I started seeing those furry rodents sitting on the platform of the feeder. I also noticed that the short garden flag next to the feeder was getting all bunched up. It didn’t take a lot of detective work to figure out that jumping from the flag frame to the platform was doable for my “friends.”

I truly think the squirrels enjoy the challenge! I imagine them practicing their leaps, communicating new ideas to each other, drawing up plans, and celebrating each victory.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Before I turned onto the gravelly driveway and spotted The Barn, before I wound my way down those back country roads for the last few miles, before I packed my books and manuscripts and pens and notebooks, I was filled with anticipation. I couldn’t wait to make my way to the Highlights Foundation for another outstanding workshop.

I’ve been to Highlights for workshops, unworkshops, and EPA SCBWI Conferences. Nine times, to be exact. Each experience is a little different, yet has commonalities. There is always wonderful food, comfortable accommodations and surroundings, and the opportunity to meet new colleagues. Perhaps most importantly, there is an energy that is almost tangible – a creative spirit that swirls and twirls and magically abounds. (You can read about a couple of my experiences here and here).

Last week I attended “The Ins and Outs of a Picture Book and Its Many Forms” with Bethany Hegedus, Carmen Oliver, and Salina Yoon. I learned about creating compelling characters and scenes, new structures, picture book biographies, the important work of revision, and much, much more. These three outstanding workshop leaders delivered fresh, new ideas to my ever-expanding knowledge of writing for children. I came away with a wealth of resources and new-found friends, and most importantly, a little bit more confidence in my work as a writer.

I feel so fortunate that I am able to take advantage of what the Highlights Foundation has to offer writers in all stages of their journey. And while I understand that not everyone has this opportunity, I do believe writers can create their own energy and magic. I’ve found it in the critique groups I work with and the authors I read who serve as mentors. It’s in the sharing of our creative spirit as writers, teachers, and students that confidence grows and success is born.