Child's Play

I had a bright idea at the last minute before we headed out to meet the family for Thanksgiving. I grabbed some supplies and after we ate I gathered the kids and announced we were making turkeys. In a whirlwind of activity, they created turkeys in less than 15 minutes. Have you ever watched kids create? They don't sit there in front of a blank piece of paper wondering what to do with it, will it be any good, what colors should they use, how many feathers... They just do it. They grab and stick and if they need help they don't hesitate to ask. "Cut this for me please" or "pass the glue dots please".

Turkey parade

 Then came the adults. I pulled out the Make Your Mark journal and explained that I wanted them to write or draw something. Why did their faces look like I had just asked them to give me their first born? Actually I think they would rather give me the first born. "What should I draw?" "WHAT? I can't draw!" As they literally recoiled in horror as if the book I extended was a venomous rattle snake instead of a blank page.

It was finally one of the littlest ones who shouted as she ran that she wanted to draw in my book (she made the hand tracing). After that the others doodled or signed. Later I filled in the blank spaces with writing and small embellishments. And it was then that I noticed just how much you can tell from a drawing. The largest doodles were created by the kids. The larger the doodle, the younger the kid. The position of where the older kids or young adults chose to write their name is so indicative of their personalities. My very shy niece wrote her name practically hidden in the spline (near the A in Thanksgiving). My nephew who likes being the center of attention is centered at the top. The script just like he; artistic and unreadable. My son created the mouse towards the bottom with the big eyes; without a signature. He likes to express himself but doesn't want to be noticed. Later he added the signature. Hesitant as always.

And the adults....well lets not talk about the adults. Just look for the tiniest signatures. Although my sister the teacher made the turtle. No signature. And I won't even start on how much that represents her.

So when exactly do we lose that child-like zest for life? When do we start to second guess ourselves and hold back? The funny thing is that after they made their mark, they were actually smiling. In a relieved sort of way.
So can you tell who the crazy aunt in the family is? Maybe they'll stop inviting me?