Imagination Takes Flight

Sometimes I think parenting in the digital age is so tough. Google is not always my friend. It can be fodder for worry and anxiety. But, more often than not, especially when I’m prudent about what I read and search for, I’m so stinkin’ thrilled about the inspiration that awaits me on these here internets.

That is exactly how I felt when I read this post a few weeks ago from Beth over at Red & Honey. The images of her DIY Reusable Play Mat transported me back to my own childhood. My best friend and I destroyed a rather large section of her lawn creating a Little People® village. Between the two of us, we had the school, garage, house, farm and an assortment of vehicles.

We set up our town and then cleared the grass to make roads between each of our destinations. We played with that for hours at a time, for days on end during warmer months. As I look back, I realize that my time spent playing in that make-believe world helped me to process and assimilate what I experienced in the real world.

I wanted the same kind of experience for AE! Beth’s post inspired me to do that, but given my lack of artistic talent, I solicited the help of my husband. With a clear shower curtain on hand, we brainstormed about what places he should draw, and then AE and I went to bed. When we awoke the next morning, this is what awaited us! (How awesome is Derek?!) 

I must admit, mommy and daddy have had as much fun with this as AE has! If she is anything like her mommy, AE will enjoy this for many years to come. (Daddy is already planning additional cityscapes, too!)

I’d love to hear about what has inspired you lately! Tell me all about it or link to your posts in the comments.