A Lesson from Slugs? Well, read on...

"So Close," Oil on Canvas, 24x24 inches, © Lynn Goldstein $1800

Every child is an artist.
​The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. 
—Pablo Picasso

This quote by Picasso has always charmed me. Here's a little story that illustrates the quote beautifully.

​We have a fort in our backyard that was built for our son when he was young. The fort and swing set remain, while our son does not. New children are engaged in play in our yard inside the fort and on the swings. These boys taught me something the other day that I want to share with you. Hopefully, you will get a chuckle, and maybe learn something too. 

After returning from my walk in the woods, I noticed the boys playing in our backyard. We are happy to have them there, but they were moving landscaping stones from where they belonged, so I needed to go and ask them to refrain from doing that. Here's how the conversation went.  Trust me, you're gonna smile:

Me: Hi guys, do me a favor, please don't move the stones, and try not to trample on the flowers.
Boy #1: Do you live here? ( stated with some indignation)
Me: Why yes I do.
Boy #1: We have permission to be here. (I knew this. Boy #1 had spoken to my husband (aka Terrific Tax Attorney) awhile back and secured permission.)
Me: Why, yes you do, but please don't trample on the flowers, and don't move the stones.
​
That problem solved, a redirection in the conversation took place with--
Boy #2: (Excitedly) Did you know that you have SLUGS in your yard? 
Me: EWWW! No, I didn't.
Boy #2: They are so cute!
Me: You think?
Boy #2: Yes, we are going to take them home with us as pets.
Me: Okay (I didn't say, take as many as you want!)
Boy #2: I named my slug Allie, he's so cute.
Me: Really, you think so?
Boy #2: Yes! He may not seem cute on the outside, but I am sure that he is cute on the inside!

You may be thinking, what in the world could you learn from the perception of the cuteness of slugs? Well, it's all subjective isn't it?

​ If we can find some beauty in all that surrounds us, we may take better care of our environment, the people we encounter, and whatever comes our way during each day. Seeing the world this way is certainly seeing with the eyes of a child.

What I really know is that the encounter with these boys brightened my life, and for that I am grateful. Hope this story brightened your day. Oh, and by the way, I still don't care for slugs.