Sometimes it’s imperative to stop and smell (wait, maybe the better word is “touch” or “look” for this one!) the earthworms.  Liliana’s fascinated with them and holds them up to watch them wriggle.  If they’re stiff and gravelly, she says, “Dead,” and lays them back down.  Dan says, “Why don’t you eat it?” and Liliana rolls her eyes and says, “No, Papa!”

The other day at her class picnic, unbeknownst to me, she was picking up dead worms and fuzzy dandelions and offering them to every mother sitting on a blanket.  They were her sweet gifts.  Why wouldn’t anyone appreciate such things?

This is how I want to be.  Hands dirty, face smudged with life.  Not caring what my neighbor is thinking.

Do you think that might be a good goal this weekend?

Do one thing that you might not otherwise do.  Be brave, little one.  Life is too short to be afraid or timid.  Gulp life down.