Lately, my 12 year old and I have been taking after-dinner walks together. The excuse, not that we need one, is that our sweet dog prefers walking in a little pack. She clips along faster and sniffs with greater joy when my son is along. Maybe that’s because he, too, loves exploring. Whereas, I skirt fallen trees or babbling creeks, my son and dog see those as opportunities to investigate.
It was on one of these back-woods adventures that my son spotted his latest “must-have” treasure. I don’t even know how it caught his eye, for it was almost completely buried beneath spring grass and old decaying leaves at the base of a tall oak. “Yuck, don’t touch it!” I started to say, but it was too late. He was already holding the cruddy old bowling ball snug against his shirt with two hands. It was so worn, it didn’t even have paint on it. In fact, it looked rather prehistoric, a stony rain-pitted sphere with three finger holes.
Of course, he wanted to keep it. But, you have to understand our basement and back yard are already full of found-treasures. There’s the old shutter my son turned into a ramp and the old lawnmower wheels that, with an old discarded crate, became a wagon. Then up in his room, we have more “upcycled” creations including a space vehicle made from straws, clay, and old juice cartons.
So, in a selfish attempt to preserve some aura of serenity and beauty at home, I said, “No, honey, it’s just more clutter.”
Then, bless his freckles, he sighed, “Come on, Mom. Please? I’m a creative kid. I’ll invent a new lawn game or something.”
And, you guessed it, I caved (pun intended). But I’m actually glad we took that ball home. Not only has it inspired lots of fun outdoor play, it has also reminded me that inspiration can be found everywhere, even in the seeming grit and crud of daily life. Arguably, the best ideas are the ones that seem a little messy at first. They’re the ones that end up gripping the reader with their unexpected freshness.
This week, don’t overlook that messy bit of inspiration that comes your way. Instead, lug it home. Roll it around, wrestle with it, let it sit in the living room, grit and all, and maybe, just maybe it’ll inspire your creative side in new and unexpected ways.
Happy Writing!
That’s wonderful! It’s making me want to go treasure hunting.
Love your phrase, “Bless his freckles!” You son does sound like a creative, inventive kid! Well, my daughter’s tadpole-turned-almost-frog with 4 legs and tiny tail just died this morning. I’ve been pondering if there’s a story w/those tadpoles!
Well, that is a cruddy thing to wake up to! Are your children upset? I bet there is a story there. Our fish passed while we were on vacation and the fish-sitter swapped the fish for a live substitute without telling us. Upon our return, the first clue that something fishy was going on was when my son marveled that after five years Nemo suddenly had a new fin and spots! That sparked a story that later was published by CLUBHOUSE JR. Go for it! =)
Thankfully, the kids aren’t upset. Now if it was our hamster, that would be a different story! BTW, we still have 1 tadpole left. I hope he makes it through!
So true! Inspiration comes from the oddest places. I’d probably scrub that ball with Brillo and pour some bleach over it before it gets too much more attention, though. But that’s just me….. 🙂
Too late, but good idea!
What a lovely post! Such a nice thing to do together, and such good advice! So, can we expect a story that features a bowling ball from you anytime soon? 🙂
Hmmmm… I ‘ll have to think about that.
I just LOVE this because it happens weekly, nay daily, at our house. I finally had to rule that for each new large piece of ‘treasure’ that is lugged home, one old one has to go to the big recycle pile in the sky.
Guess the same rule could be applied to my half-started PB ideas!
Love a child who says, “I’m a creative kid…”
Dogs provide excuses for the best things in life. I should probably get one.
Dogs do add an extra layer of fun to life, that’s for sure!
I agree with Cathy, it’s best to institute some sort of in-out rule. Because you can’t say “no” to treasure like that. 🙂
It’s certainly right up there as one of the oddest treasures he’s ever lugged home. And I’m totally on board with the in-out rule, though I’m not sure he’ll buy it. =)
My kid is grown. I say keep the treasures and treasure the moments…they are keepers! You will look back and love every memory!
Penny, that is good to remember, especially as the pile of “treasures” grows higher. =)
What a great analogy. I fear I’ve lost some of my youthful wonder over the years. This post reminds me of how valuable it can be. Thank you, Laura!
Oh, I love this post! My daughters are forever finding “treasures” outside. In fact, my oldest (8) considers it her special gift. OK, I might have mentioned that I had a talent for finding treasures myself. 🙂 A good reminder to capture that wonder of youth.
Laura, your son sounds like such an awesome kid. Great post! 🙂