Everyday Beautiful

       I have a new favorite activity: finding children's books with meaningful messages.  The simplicity authors use and bright illustrations spread across the page draw me in in a way no scholarly article, witty opinion or popular movement could.  Why is this so, I've asked myself.  What magic does children's books possess?  I come back again and again to a single idea: simplicity.  In the world of children, few things are over-thought; instead, reality comes in a kindly blunt way.  I've experienced similar emotional responses when I take pictures of nature.  While trying to find an astounding angle to capture a leaf or ripple on the water, I'm calmed, excited, amazed and challenged by the beauty of things we often consider "every-day", dull objects or ideas.       OK, now I'm rambling :)  Let me get to the point.     My sister and I visited our local library last week, and I took the opportunity...

 I recently read a children's book titled "A Place Inside of Me" by Zetta Elliot.  Inspired by this deep work, I took up my own pen and created a series of emotions inside myself.  When done, I sat back feeling a single thing: relief.  So, here I have matched my poem with picture to give you an idea of Elliot's book.  I encourage you to try writing a similar piece yourself! There is a place inside of me A lively city inside of me Where feelings wrestle for prominent place I'm learning to listen to their voices There is fear inside of me A shaking terror deep in me Shadowing my entire view Chasing me into a shell There is confusion inside of me Puzzling bewilderment I see Choices tangled in a knot I know not which is right There is doubt inside of me A looming presence I long to flee Former beliefs crash to the ground I look at the rubble in agony There is jealousy inside of me Longing in another body to be Threatened by others' success Angerly feeling inadequa...