Earth Goes Round The Sun...

...once more since the last Penblwydd.

"How old are you, Mama?", she chimes sweetly.

"Oh, quite old, Ana, quite old", I side-step, defaulting to my state of deep-seated reluctance to acknowledge some facts of life I find inconvenient.

"I know. But, how old are you?" she persists.

"I am not sure, Ana. Ask Appa", I redirect tactfully.

"Papa, How old is Mama? Do you know?" she probes with the bull-dog spirit.

"She acts like she must be ninety-nine, Ana", he declares with nonchalance, adding, "Quick, help me get these candles on the cake we baked for Amma."

Besides the Blueberry Banana Cake and a book (standard "safe" present), I was glad we managed to watch a performance by a wonderful duo I had mentioned earlier: Mark and Melanya of the Play After Play. Since 2005, they have shared many folktales in their unique form of interactive storytelling, with a special feature at the end when children are invited to play.

This time they presented The Blue-Eyed Hare, A Gentle Halloween Tale From Scotland. As they say in their website, "Each story performance has its own sweetness with themes that reflect our values of kindness, interconnectedness and mindfulness." Here's short clip from the performance.



After the storytelling (play), children were invited to tumble and play safely. No compulsion. Parents are gently reminded not to urge the children to participate. So, Ana stayed on the floor with us, while Oggie enthusiastically played the whole time with Mark, Melanya and Kri, the playmates. (Cropped picture to protect privacy of other kids).



The small group and cozy enclosure made the children feel comfortable, connected and cheerful. No pressure. Not many rules except those for safe-play and courtesy. No shushing or reprimanding, which helped the children feel safe and respected.