Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The Magic of Play

Magic exists. Who can doubt it, when there are rainbows and wildflowers, the music of the wind and the silence of the stars? Anyone who has loved has been touched by magic. It is such a simple and such an extraordinary part of the lives we live.

Nora Roberts


Magic exists in the beauty of sunrise or in the sunset, as day turns into night, and then back again to day.  We hear it in the laughter of the children or in the enchanting tune of our favorite song. There is the magic of the changing seasons and the magic that is found in all the world around us.  The magic of the stones, the stars, plants, trees.  Magic is all around us.  It is everywhere. 

And then, there is the magic of play.  This is the kind of magic that we tend to forget as we grow older. We become so enmeshed in the world of reality that we forget what it is to play. But play is important to adults, too. It helps us to clear our minds and relax. Imagination is good for the soul.  For those who have known me for awhile, I always keep a coloring book and crayons on hand for those overly stressful days.  It helps me to unwind to become a child again, even if only for an hour. I also love cutouts, always have.  Only, I've not been able to find them in the stores lately. It seems little girls today, in this technological world, don't have the opportunity to experience what once gave us great joy.

I have to wonder...how many children today have the opportunity to or even want to romp about the yard on a broom, pretending it is their faithful horse?  My grandmother's groom was Sowdy. Why, I even remember my horse's name almost 60 years later, but don't ask me where I got it from.  That's how magical life was back then...before the days of video games and 500 channel t.v.  

I still love the magic of play.  It's what keeps me going.  And, although I don't indulge as often as I once did, I'm finding my way back again.  My office space is so much out of the norm.  At the old place, I had so many little guys who used to sing and dance.  Everyone, clients as well as staff, used to remark that it was like stepping into a magical world.  Alas, most have been given away now because I just don't have the room where we are now, but, the following guys made the trip with me.

  
Mr. Frog plays and sings "I'm a Gambling Man" while Mr. Gorilla just sits there and rolls his eyes.  Mr. Rat has been with me almost 15 years now. He is just too soft, cuddly, and cute to let go.


White Boy moves his arms and sings "Play That Funky Music, White Boy." Officer Ron twirls his nightstick and sings "Bad Boys". Sometimes I like to play tricks on clients as well as co-workers, so one night I advised my parole group that we had a special guest.  When I said Officer Ron would be speaking at the group, the youngest group member got highly upset, "We don't want him here." Then, I took out little Officer Ron and allowed him to do his thing, and the group burst out in laughter. Along the same lines, I once had a parrot that repeated everything  you said.  I thought my guys would enjoy it, but when I sat  him in the middle of floor, everyone refused to speak.  They thought he was taping everything they said.  For that one, I humbly apologized.


This little pirate parrot, on the other hand, sings "I Want Candy" while flapping his wings.  Miss Flower sings "Hello, Hello, Hello", all based on nearby movement.  I used to keep her sitting next to the candy dish in my office. Every time someone snuck into my office take a candy, she'd go off in song and scare the cahoots out of them. I got such a kick out of it. Tinker Bell  was a recent gift from one of my clients.

Not exactly the kind of behaviors one would expect from a woman my age, right?  But, hey, we have to laugh.  We have to find joy in our lives.  We can't go through life so serious we have no time to play.  

So, what how do you play?

7 comments:

  1. Oh, but how many people, remember the joy of play? Or of make-believe?

    Would that everyone had some way, to bring them back into their grown-up lives...

    Perhaps my enjoyment of YA Lit, is my way? Lots of them are magical. And certainly not the reading, which a 75 year old woman would be expected to enjoy. -grin-

    Keep your happy little pals around you Mary! And keep reading your Faerie Tales! And I'll keep right on reading my YA Lit. And good for us!!!

    Gentle hugs,
    "Auntie"

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  2. Your Officer Ron story made me LOL! Plus I love the "Bad Boys" theme from Cops.

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  3. I sometimes colour with my grandaughter, Tia. I
    keep a chest full of toys here at my house for whenever she comes to visit.

    We colour, we bowl, play coyte toss, and of course there is a baby doll and lots of clothes to change her into.

    Paper dolls can still be found at some dollar stores believe it or not.

    I love hearing about your toys and the new phone with the camera is a wonderful addition to your writing. We actually get to see what you are talking about.

    This is such an amazing blog, filled with the magic of laughter and positive energy. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this post.

    I am absolutely smiling ear to ear. You are never too old to embrace your inner child.

    I still swing of swings and eat ice cream cones, and popsicles and wade into the water
    with my socks off fully dressed.

    Just a kid at heart...
    so what is wrong with that ?

    love and hugs
    Sharon

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  4. I still color too Mary, and watercolor. I have my own favorite coloring books and keep them away from my Grands, lol, along with my crayons. They have their own when they come here.
    We keep a toy box full of toys and books, lots of magical books, and then there is my button box which they love to go through. I also still have all of my sons matchbox cars and trucks they still play with. We make our own roads etc.
    I love your Play Your Funky Music White Boy!!! :) Ha Ha Ha! I'll keep my eyes peeled for Paper Doll Cutouts for you! I have seen them from time to time at grocery stores and dollar stores.
    Keep on making magic Mary and I'm right behind you!
    Love You Sister! :)
    xoxoxo

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  5. when I want to let my inner little girl play, I bring out all my fave. books from when I was young. It sets me in another mind set. It's not exactly "play" but it's so therapeutic and helps me to remember the magick and wonder that used to exist for me.

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  6. THX for inviting me in to play with you. :0)(((hugs)))Pat

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  7. Oh dear friend.....You are definitely NOT too old for a "second childhood."

    xo,

    Jo

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