If but one thing I pass along to my grandkids, let it be PLAY ~

Truest words: It is a happy talent to know how to play. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

I believe that even a fancy day can be a play day. 

I believe that a little (or a lot of) dirt never hurt anyone.

I believe that emotion during play is the most pure of all.

I believe that a child lives in my psyche. No, I KNOW that a child lives in my psyche. Even while fancy. No, especially while fancy.

Last week, my two daughters Audrey & Jane, my two youngest grandchildren (Victoria & Brian) and I visited the most lovely, elegant, opulent historic mansion in my hometown – Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum – decorated for Christmas. It’s a tradition for us, and the magnificence of this home, this season, this day comes to life like a brilliant crystal chandelier lights a room.

It’s a fancy day in a fancy place (I love the word fancy)…

But in a wink of an eye, the discovery of PLAY!

There’s gravel to toss.

Winter gardens to discover.

A winding walkway to run…

And, of course, the fruits of their PLAY — dirt!

May none of my grandkids ever, ever lose the greatest talent and the greatest gift — to Play, especially while fancy!