My daughter Danielle, who you met in a previous blog, got my husband and I involved in a worldwide scavenger hunt or what was installed on my cell phone–GISH. She was our group leader and worked on many things including earning money for charity. I was given tasks to do during this week-long event.
The first task was to write a poem that rhymed and included world history. I got that done in less than a half hour and sent it off to her to submit.
Another task I was given was to learn a new skill. I puzzled over that one and then decided to write the Haiku above. That 5-7-5 poem was a lot harder to write than I would have imagined. It was more time consuming for me, but I got it done.
Then, one night we got together with my daughter and a friend to finish up our tasks. I helped out with a picture. My part was to hold up a blanket, so it was under the sun while Danielle “read” the setting sun the book “Goodnight Moon”.
Next, I got to judge a belly flop contest at a neighbor’s swimming pool. The flops sounded painful to me, but everyone got a 10! I personally placed the gold medal around the winner’s neck. The following event I was required in the pool to do water ballet to heavy metal music. I think we looked pretty good as my husband filmed us going in a circle bringing our arms in and out of the circle and then jumping together.
Out of the pool and wrapped in our towels Danielle placed large goggle-eyes on the neighbor’s tractor. Moving the bucket up and down got the eyes moving or that task. Finally, the “Goodnight Moon” book was presented to the neighbor’s son.
Back home again on our side of the street again, Danielle’s friend tried to fling chocolate pudding into my daughter’s mouth from three feet back while I filmed that. All you can hear is my laughter.
Later that night I helped my husband on his task to learn a new skill. I showed him how to do some night photography…or make me look like a ghost. Boo!
Joining my daughter’s team became about: spending time with loved ones, learning and trying something new, and laughter. Things we need in our lives, especially the laughter.
Here is the the poem I wrote during this event.
MIND
Since the beginning of humankind
We have pushed forward with our mind
With the useful first stone wheel
To the current luxurious automobile
From revolutions that tore down a wall
To gruesome wars that produced bombs to fall
This mind has been used for bad: including pure greed
Or for generosity, charity, altruism and to lead
Now in this time in history humankind has a choice
To decide which side, we are on and raise our voice
We can stand by our fellow human being
And lift our world up to a place our minds are seeing.
Embrace your inner child with laughter! D.L. Finn
