*~The Bubble Lady in the Park~*
A few days ago, as I'm walking through the park, off a ways in front of me, I see what appear to be bubbles. The classic kind of bubbles which come in those brightly colored solution bottles with wands. Purchased for creating cheap, instantaneous, fun. My interest peeked, I continue walking along as the bubbles get closer and closer. Finally, the source of said bubbles reveals its’ self to be a woman in her late 40's or perhaps middle 50's. Merrily strolling and slightly skipping down the path, while producing the shiny, shimmery, floatie spheres. She smiled a quite cheerful smile followed by, “Good Moring,” both which I returned, as she went on her way and I mine. I can only assume others smiled too. I have seen her again, a few more times. Leaving in her wake the trail of glimmering bubbles: seemingly to spread smiles and laughter to those out for a walk or run on a pretty day. I think this, because in her smile, there seemed to emerge a whimsy; a knowing that she indeed was trying to spread a unique type of joy. Maybe there are different reasons but why think about that? It's good to believe there are people in the world who want to and are willing, to do silly things just to make others crack a smile. For those of us having a great day and those of us having the worst day, everybody can always use a good laugh. So, in my park, on some days, there happily strolls a lady with her bubbles. A lady who just might, bring a grin and chuckle, to those who happen to come upon her and she them: I love it.
R.T. 08'
*~Bunny Rabbits and Popcorn~*
It's amazing all the little things I notice from having worked with my A.Club kids for nearly four years. Like being more than half asleep while being drug out to Wal-Mart at night by my mom. Still, despite being car lagged from two days of driving, (albeit to reach the beach) I saw a couple of kids running our way. Pretty much about to crash full on into the cart. They didn't by the way, but after moving on I had to laugh and say, "well jeez, can you tell I work with kids". Bringing me to the title of this little drabble. As I was walking Gunnar, (my dog) while passing one of the houses on the corner atop a hill, I see a rabbit sitting in the grass behind the fence. Suddenly, I hear a loud cry of, "BBUUNNYY!!!!," followed by a charging little boy in only his shorts. The bunny took off like a jumping jack and the chase was on. The little boy dashed around the play set, not letting up in his whooping. Hot on the trail as the cotton tail about faced the other way. Undeterred, the boy changed course just as fast. In the end, the bunny got away but really does it matter if it did or didn't? I was smiling a wide smile as Gunnar and I continued on our way.
Thinking of the simple joys kids find in things. Like trying to catch tiny fish and put them in a water bottle. Most will successfully evade the net, foiling the plans of the kid. Who, then puts on a look of even more determination when the next unsuspecting fish appear. Not every set of fins will win.
Now, for the charming afternoon popcorn brigade… Driving home from work, as I'm coming to a stop sign at the top of a hill, sits a stand. In a blaze of white shirts and flying hair two little girls’ duck out of sight then reappear. With outstretched arms they enthusiastically hold out a homemade sign. On which Fourth and Third grade writing spells out, “Popcorn!,” in somewhat messy scroll. Now stopped I asked, "Alright, whatcha' selling?" "Popcorn! $.50 for a small bag and $.75 for a big one!," they animatedly sung out. Of course, once I saw the sign, my mind was made up. So, I dug around in my bag and fished out some change- much to the joy of the girls. When I got home I looked on the paper bag which held more messy scroll, "Unbelievable Butter!" it declared. I remembered my days of selling lemonade at our garage sales and other childhood money making schemes. I still have a, “Car Wash,” sign of mine in our garage.
It's the type of moments in life, such as these, which I treasure the most: both to watch and take part in. The simple instances that, if you let them, can bring about the best smiles and laughter. The rush of life slows down even if only briefly. I hope kids never stop chasing bunnies, tinny fish, or popping popcorn. Metaphorically speaking, maybe adults should do this more.
R.T. 08'
