Not alone

Quote of the day:

As for the Dadaists- they were a fascinating bunch- some cynical pessimists while others light hearted and playful- a great mix that made for intelligent, fascinating, charming, alarming art!  LeAnn Erickson.

Well, they are all here. Packed into two bags and ready to go. I checked out our new digs and found it worthy of my friends. Even my staff is going with us, and I do not usually take it along unless I am sure the environment is safe and respectful. Some years ago a student gave me his staff that he received from his fraternity. He said he wanted to give it to a wise person and so he came to me. When he left my office, I cried with gratitude and from the honor. And I have taken it with me wherever I go, always trying to learn some wisdom so that, in my heart, I might do that student justice. Can you see my staff? It is standing on the right of the bags of dolls.

Yes, those dolls have been with me everywhere too. Early childhood teachers learn with me how to experience children's awe of doll-life. Mind you, I played with dolls until I was a teenager. So I know how important those doll-lives are! They will live with me in my office, ready to accompany me to class whenever I need to explain how to interact with children, or how to use dolls in concrete ways to help children understand abstract concepts. A long educational story, here, which I do not want to bore you with.

Dolls are my rod and my staff ... they comfort me. Once I dashed out to give a presentation in a far off town. I jumped into my car for the long drive early in the morning when suddenly I had the urge to take one of my dolls with me. I ran inside, picked up Keisha and placed her gently in the car seat next to mine, up front. As we set out, Keisha and I, I turned on the radio and the news announcer reported that it was "take your daughters to work day." I looked over at the little doll, sitting quietly next to me, and laughed out loud.

That raucous little group, all stuffed into two bags will accompany me to my new office. A place is prepared for them and from what I can see of my colleagues there, my dolls will be greatly appreciated and welcomed ... as I have been these past two weeks.

I sigh with relief. I am not alone.

Comments

[tamarika]

Lisa,
Thanks so much for the article. How interesting that is. I have printed it out and will keep it as a source for me about the power of dolls for all kinds of people.

[lisa]

Can I share with you this doll story?
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/05/health/psychology/05case.html?ex=1315108800&en=51fec8bd44682c81&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

Thank you for your blog. I check-in daily.