I enjoy writing for each of the characters in my comic strip, but one of the main things I like about Kim is that she seems to best embody the ability of kids to boil down complex concepts into simple, tidy, and logical (at least for them) explanations. This attribute shines forth in vivid detail via interviews conducted by Dave Price of The Early Show on CBS. Dave talked to elementary children for some insight on the working world. Here's my favorite: Dave: Shawn, what does your mom do? Shawn: She works at the post office and sorts mail. Dave: What's the funnest thing about her job? …
Be Honest
Pockets in my Pockets
I was in first grade. It was the first time I would eat dinner at a friend's house. I was excited. Being the youngest I always longed to be 'old enough' to do all of the cool things my three older sisters could do...going to a friend's house for dinner was one of those many things. Julie and I played all afternoon and had a blast. Then supper came. We sat down with her parents and older brother. Julie was excited about what was for supper. I, on the other hand, was in pure panic mode. …
Scrapbook Away Adultitis
Attention scrapbooking aficionados! Michelle Thompson at Scrapability has taken the 8 Secrets from Childhood from my ChangeThis manifesto (free download) and applied them to the art of scrapbooking. She correctly (and wittily) states, "The link into any seri-arse scrapper’s identity -- the ability, just for a bit, to escape adulthood, remember your childhood and simply 'to play'." I think scrapbooking is indeed a great way to tap into that childlike creative spirit in a "grown-up" way. Definitely more productive than sitting in front of the boob tube. Here's Michelle's scrapbooking slant …
The Shopping List
When you are helping a three-year-old in the bathroom, you just never know what will happen. I got a fun story from a friend the other day that I want to share. She has a three year old son, Matt. One recent evening they were in the bathroom together, as he was going 'pee pee.' As he was doing his business he pointed down and said 'Penis, mom.' She replied, 'Yup.' Then he said, 'Daddy has penis too.' She replied, 'Yup. But not Mommy.' Then Matt said, 'Buy one, Mommy?' Makes sense in a three-year-old's mind. How adorable! …
Disney Has Adultitis
No one is safe from Adultitis. Not even the American entertainment company that was built on, and is synonymous with, the carefree and hope-filled spirit of childhood. An essay on SaveDisney.com sheds some light on Walt Disney and his original vision for his movies and his company: "I do not make films primarily for children. I make them for the child in all of us, whether he be six or sixty...In my work I try to reach and speak to that innocence, showing it the fun and joy of living; showing it that laughter is healthy; showing it that the human species, although happily ridiculous at times, …
Runaway Lies
One of the main topics in my book is honesty. That thing that children possess which makes them perfectly comfortable pointing out the shortfalls in the physical appearance of total strangers. That thing politicians and people who send spam seem to be sorely lacking. I have only marginally followed the "runaway bride" story that dominated the headlines the last few weeks. You know, the girl who took a bus to Vegas and pretended to be kidnapped. I can almost understand her trepidation, given that 14 bridesmaids were on the roster and somebody was responsible for arranging all 600 guests on …
The Honesty of Children
The other day, a little girl in Kim's kindergarten class commented to one of the teacher's aides, "You look really pretty today." Then she added, "But I did just get done spinning around and I am pretty dizzy." Although not always tactful, the honesty of children is always a breath of fresh air. …