Imagine the Possibilities

My friend and I sat in the almost-empty restaurant catching up on personal news over a late dinner. We talked about our grown children (conversations about kids happens at all ages), upcoming special events, and the little details that make up a life. We met in part to celebrate my birthday which we mentioned a few times during the course of the evening. When it was time to order dessert, we declined. That is, until the waiter mentioned that he overheard us talking about a birthday and explained to us that a free dessert was offered to anyone celebrating a birthday. Of course we quickly changed our minds and decided to indulge.

Last week Kate Messner posted tips from seven authors for the National Day of Writing. Kate’s tip was about finding the small details in a scene – something that brings the writing back to the personal. That’s what happened that night in the restaurant. The waiter found the small detail, a birthday celebration, in the bits of conversation he overheard. His attention to detail turned what might have been an ordinary dinner between friends into a true celebration.

The baked salted caramel cookie topped with a dollop of vanilla ice cream was delicious. It even came with a candle – another small detail that shouldn’t be missed when celebrating a birthday.

As writers and teachers and citizens, it is important to attend to the stories held in the small details of life.

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!