Letting Her Creative Spirit Live

L: Mom, I need some white paper
M: Ok, sure go get some.  It's with the art supplies.
L: Mom, can I get the crayons and scissors out.
M: Ok, but please make sure you put it back when you are finished
L: Mom, can I cut this little foam letter in half.  I need it because I'm making something

Next thing I know, I walk into the kitchen and Lan is sprawled out on the floor with art supplies and little pieces of paper everywhere.  I think about making a fuss about the mess, but then I bite my tongue.  Her little tongue sticking out of the side of her mouth proves she is concentrating awfully hard on this project, and I wouldn't dare ruin it for her.  I just have to remember: Creativity is MESSY.  I should know.  It's the reason I can never seem to have a perfectly tidy house.  Projects, Projects, Projects.  But how boring would life be without them?

She pops up off the floor and says, "Mommy, I'm finished!  Look what I made!!"  She holds out her hand and shows me the tiniest little book I've ever seen, with a "fun foam" shaped "B" as the cover. She has even made a little paper "L" to go inside of it.  She was beyond satisfied with her work.  She prances around the house, showing it off.  Then she tucks it inside her little change purse for safe keeping.

Cory then calls out to her that it is time for them to go.  She had been eager to spend her allowance money, and he was taking her to the place where a dollar would stretch the furthest, Dollar Tree.  She runs into her room, then proudly reappears wearing her outfit of choice.  Cory and I could not help chuckling at the awkward mismatched attire, we quickly glance in the opposite direction so she could not see us laughing. Then Cory bends down and sweetly said, "You're so cute."  Upon hearing her daddy's words, she clasps her hands, tilts her head and flutters her eyelashes.  She whispers to him, "You know why I'm wearing black socks?  Because it's dark outside," a statement only logical to a 5-year-old.

Another thing I have to remember about creativity: It can be a little HUMBLING

But who would want to stifle that little spirit of hers?  She's only a little girl once, right?  I want to let her live, no matter how messy and embarrassing, or inconvenient it may be.  Soon enough, she'll have to deal with the stresses of this world and be the one who is way too concerned with what others think about her.  Why burden her with that now?

I want that sweet, creative spirit to stick around as long as possible....