TIF March - The Joyful Moments and Small Things

Walking by a window this morning on my way to the kitchen, I was stunned for a moment by the beauty - a fleeting thing - of the sun shining on the new leaves popping out on the oak trees outside. The sky is an absolutely brilliant cobalt, and, as it rained last night, at this instant, the little wet drops on the new leaves sparkled. I ran for the camera, and as quickly as I got outside, the light had slightly changed, and there were fewer "diamonds" on the leaves already. The ability to notice these fleeting moments and small details is a gift I'm very grateful to have! The picture will be saved, and hopefully used in some way in the future to preserve the image in a tangible manner. I wasn't going to do the children's art again just yet, but I burst out laughing when I finally got to the kitchen at Jake's latest artwork posted on the frig. A child's attention to small details is amazing - things one wouldn't think they would notice at all. The drawing of the backhoe is what elicited the giggles, as he correctly colored his hair red. (or orange). I have no idea what he is holding, but will ask him later to "tell me about it." I'm not familiar with heavy machinery and construction equipment, but his dad assured me when he was home for a few minutes, that the details are correct. I like the fact that the sun has a smilng face! The second work of art to elicit a giggle is the self portrait with his friend Natalie. There is no doubt as to which is Jake and which is Nat. She is a bit older, bigger, and has braids. Also, notice that Jake has a larger sword, and a dagger at his belt. It's good to see that both are smiling. As for the "little details" in life, I recall Jake's "Uncle Joe" running to me about 40+ years ago with his latest drawing, a large ugly beast that was probably Godzilla. It was holding what was obviously a car with little people in it screaming and waving their arms. (stick figures, of course) He asked me if this car might taste better without the people, or should he leave them in there. I nearly swallowed my tongue to keep from shouting with laughter - and told him that by all means, the people would taste better. It is the small details in life that are important - never doubt it.