the great pumpkin and doing it yourself…
October 12, 2011
her first, totally, completely self carved pumpkin:
There is this sort of evolution to discovering you can do something yourself. I know it sounds super trivial or simple, but I feel kind of like a little girl every time it happens.
Something presents itself- usually pretty organically.
An idea pops into your mind.
If you’re me, you wonder if you indeed can do it.
You gather your tools and courage. (for some of us or for the biggies, this can take FOREVER!)
You make many, many phone calls to trusted advisers and dear friends that serve as beloved shrinks to be sure this is indeed a good idea.
You sort of fumble around in the beginning.
A tiny misstep here, a major screw up there.
You scratch your head, or wail- depending on how big the required course correction.
You feel like it may not happen or you dig in, deeper than ever.
You look at it from all the angles.
You finally realize, you were meant to do it all along. You had it, deep in your heart you know it.
You hold it up to a light.
You did it. YOU did it.
You worship it…and yourself. (maybe just for a minute or maybe for a really long time)
You bliss out…until the next something presents itself. But every time, you hold a bigger piece of yourself.
Thinking of you today, for whatever something is waiting for you discover- you are doing it.
Kindnessgirl 
October 12, 2011 at 11:09 pm
We do have much to learn just from watching how kids do things with such enthusiasm.
Re the 4th photo: Look at that face! She is just soo pleased and quietly proud of her handiwork. 🙂
October 15, 2011 at 8:29 am
i know…it was so cool to just observe her process.
October 12, 2011 at 11:25 pm
SHE DID IT! 🙂 🙂 🙂
(I love happy pumpkins 😀 )
October 15, 2011 at 8:30 am
kid pumpkin faces are my FAVORITES!!!
October 14, 2011 at 7:05 am
Behind your daughter “doing it herself” was you…a mama who held the space, the lusciousness of being able to TAKE HER TIME without judgment, hurry. THAT’s a mindful mama! So…YOU DID IT TOO!
I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and am touched by your sense of delight, magic, and silliness. I am being drawn more to silliness this “season” in my life, especially w/ my family.
Many dear blessings to you. Lisa
October 15, 2011 at 8:31 am
oh thank you Lisa, I never really thought of it that way…thank you for your kind words. I sometimes forget silly and then every time I remember it, I’m so glad I did!!
so many blessings to you too!!
October 14, 2011 at 10:56 pm
I totally love that pumpkin!! 😀
October 15, 2011 at 8:31 am
meeeee tooo!!! 🙂
October 16, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Beautiful. I recently found your blog and it feels as though I have found a kindred spirit. Thank you for taking the lead in encouraging everyday kindness. Shine on.