Dear Reader:

Thursday while Mandy ran into Old Navy at Town Centre in Mount Pleasant (to look for a skirt) I told her I would take Eva Cate into Barnes and Noble for light refreshments. I let her select her favorite cookie (while I got a lemon/rasberry square…delish!) and we both ordered sweet tea.

She could hardly finish her cookie for pointing to the children’s exhibit center across the room. When Mandy arrived she took her over there because she wanted to look and see if there were any new children’s art books available.

When I arrived (still munching on that delightful dessert) I found Mandy holding this book and I could see an idea was already building as she quickly read through it. “Perfect” she exclaimed….“this book is perfect for introducing the first unit this year….learning to have faith and take ownership in your own creativity.” 

(I, too, fell in love with the subtle hints throughout the story that once created… ideas never leave us….they just grow bigger over time.)

You will notice at the start of the story the illustrator keeps everything and everyone in gray pencil colors….EXCEPT the idea that stands out in gold. Once the little boy “had an idea”  he started to ask himself, ” What do you do with an idea? Where did it come from? Why is it here? 

Since the little boy didn’t know what to do with it…he walked away…but the idea followed him. He tried to pretend  that everything was the same as before the idea appeared but there was something about it that made him feel “better, happier.”

(“But there was something magical about my idea. I had to admit I felt better and happier when it was around.”)

So he gave the idea food and they played together…the idea was growing in leaps and bounds. He was afraid to share his idea with other people but finally got the courage  to do so.

Sure enough, some people said: ‘No good, what a waste of your time! It will never become anything. Sadly the little boy admits “At first I believed them and almost listened to them.”

But then he thought…“What do they know? I will protect it, care for it…and start giving it all my attention.”

(“And then I realized…what do they really know? This is MY idea I thought. No one knows it like I do.And it’s okay to be different.”)

And then one day it happens….he understands why ideas are important and should be carefully nurtured. He has the answer to the question “What do you do with an idea?”

…“and then I realized what you do with an idea…You change the world!”

*Hint: Even with just a few “free” pages available for blog viewing, you might have picked up on a subtle, but important pattern developing throughout the book. (Perfect for Mandy’s class)

Mae Besom’s delicate illustrations in What Do You Do With An Idea? are a perfect accompaniment to Kobi Yamada’s beautiful narrative and message.  As the story begins and the idea is introduced, the pages are expertly illustrated in pencil, with striking depth and light. There is little use of color in the beginning but as the boy begins to warm to the idea, more color is introduced. Still, it’s clear as the narrative suggests, that the boy has not completely embraced his idea. Finally, when the boy accepts the idea, the world changes and color is everywhere and alive on the pages. The color progression is a brilliant way to portray the ascension of the idea’s importance in the boy’s life.

Isn’t this concept so important in life….a life-altering lesson for young students. No matter what curriculum or what grade a teacher has….this book is perfect to introduce the “idea” of the importance of “ideas” in every aspect of life.

So until tomorrow…we, as humans, have been given the freedom to create ideas…it is spiritually inherent within us. Don’t be afraid to share an idea…it could be the start of a new world of thinking for others..

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

Friday’s charm bracelet story invoked more personal memories than any other blog written in a long time.

Let me share some “Ideas” with you.

*Carol Seavy: “Oh my, I, too, have a charm bracelet from high school but never think about adding to it. I just might start adding again.
I also had an Aunt that would come to the farm dressed to the hilt with all her jewelry. Her only chore was to polish the silverware that was rarely used. Funny the things forgotten and remembered from our past. Thanks for the memories.”

Sue Anne Strickland: “Always love your stories. I have a charm bracelet Randy started for me many years ago . My Char’s also represent special events in our life together with our family. It is priceless to me. Love the idea it will keep our memories alive.”

Donna Clark: “I love my “memory” bracelets. When I taught I would bring my charm bracelet to class and share my special memories. Then I would ask the students write stories about what memories they would add to their bracelet. Thanks for reminding me….sweet classroom memories”

Kay Humphries:  “Becky-my mom left me her grandmother and great-grandmother charm bracelets with names-birth dates. She would use it as her prayer “chain”-praying over her younguns! They were her most prized possessions. Now I cherish them😊”

Karyn Smith: “I have two. My mother’s, which includes a $20 gold piece that she won in a baby parade in Atlantic City, and her great-grandfather’s Phi Beta Kappa key. There are other items on it, but those are the two that always stood out for me. I will wear it to church one day so you can see it, however I have to keep my hands motionless when it’s quiet because it is very jingly. I also have one that I started that is all football related items.”

Gin-g Edwards: ” I have two also. ..one with football memories like Karyn and the other one given to me when I retired by friends…will pass them on to my granddaughters one day…”

Wilma Burgreen: “Charm bracelets are very special to the heart and  carry many memories. Mine are now being enjoyed by someone else…stolen!”

*** IF it is any consolation Wilma…the bracelet, without the history of the charms and stories, means nothing…no enjoyment!

What Great Ideas Girls….they will change the way your children and grandchildren remember those who came before them.!!!!!

• Good idea! To make Brookie a grandmother by giving her a little “Boogie Boy” to love and play with….better idea….let’s give her another one!

Bad Idea: Poor Eva Cate is getting eaten by a SHARK!