I’m trying to make up for taking down the squid people (they may return yet), so here is an article you might find interesting: Leave No Child Inside. (Via BoingBoing)
The general notion is that children thrive on outdoor adventure, something that I’m sure is dear to your heart.
Similarly, the back page of an October issue of San Francisco magazine displays a vivid photograph of a small boy, eyes wide with excitement and joy, leaping and running on a great expanse of California beach, storm clouds and towering waves behind him. A short article explains that the boy was hyperactive, he had been kicked out of his school, and his parents had not known what to do with him—but they had observed how nature engaged and soothed him. So for years they took their son to beaches, forests, dunes, and rivers to let nature do its work.
The photograph was taken in 1907. The boy was Ansel Adams.
I like living in Jenkintown. It is good for us: close to work, good schools, decent places to eat and, even, a movie theater.
It does lack wild places. Even in Flourtown, we had abandoned train lines, dry creek beds and the Wissahickon. I did things that would scare me to death if Julia did them but, perhaps, I worry more that she can’t do them.
indeed, I do rage against the lost of our squiddy friends, but so be it; I can be bribed. and I agree, I was outside all the time as a child – I swear that my mother hardly saw me. somehow I never broke my neck falling out a huge tree or cut my thumb off with a pocket knife… I even managed to avoid an animal trap, but probably only because my dog found it first (oh my poor puppy and his sore foot). still, I think kids today need the wild just as much as we ever did. I suspect you have lots and lots of outings in your future, Gregling, so that Julia can become the next Ansel Adams. *sigh* wanna go hiking soon?
Spring is around the corner. When it gets warm, we should all head up to Jim Thorpe or something. It’s easy hiking.
heck, I have a big, beautiful gorge just a five-minute walk from my house. we can go as often, for as long, or as short, as we want. probably a good break-in option for the kiddo, but yes, a trip up to Jim Thorpe should definitely be put on our calendars. mm, Spring, I love Spring…