Capture a shadow, dance with the wind, stand in a rainbow, begin at the end.
Mary Anne Radmacher
Leo is learning the difference between his reflection and his shadow. He sees himself in a mirror, says, “Cute Shadow!” I am finding myself fascinated by how his little brain makes connections. How does language develop? What I am learning is that it is not at all linear. We start by repeating things a big person says. Leo parrots often. I was writing a card to a friend and said, “Dear Ellen.” He took the paper using the pen to draw right over my words and said, “Dear Ellen.” But then he kept scribbling hard and said, “Words!” And then some gibberish I didn’t understand. I took a video on my phone and sent it to Ellen.
I don’t have much video from my own children growing up. I’m sure I was as fascinated, but I was also busy being their mom. Being grandmother allows me time to reflect. I am writing things in a notebook for him. I’ve decided not to worry whether or not he will care about this when he gets older. That is not the point. I think that so many times as someone who wants to write, I worry too much about audience.
I read this morning on the Writer’s Almanac that Toni Morrison felt free when she wrote. She didn’t worry about her audience. She just marveled in the way writing consumed her. “But the writing was the real freedom, because nobody told me what to do there. That was my world and my imagination. And all my life it’s been that way.”
I don’t expect to be Toni Morrison, but I can take a bit of freedom from her. Let go and just write what comes. Ruth’s invitation today was to write fast. This was a quick write, about 20 minutes or so. Just enough time to bake a brownie or write a post. Both are sweet in their own way.
Reflections on the Teche 
Thanks for sharing these thoughts, Margaret! Like you, I’m noticing so much in the development of my grandchildren – language, connections, discoveries. It’s such a sweet time…like the time it takes to write a post or bake a brownie.
“Dear Ellen,” what a fun and fascinating phrase to watch Leo imitate. I hear you on being busy being a mom when the kids are little. Now, I’m enjoying my big kids and my spouse misses the “littles.” I do miss moments of the “littles.” But, really it was some pretty intense workdays. I gave them all I had and then some. I love how you have some time to enjoy and capture some of Leo. If he doesn’t care about what you write, I guarantee his partner will someday. And, his own children when you get to be Minga.
I am picturing Leo writing his letter and smiling–hooray for freedom to just write (although now I’m hungry for a brownie.)
What great quotation and photo prompts. Margaret, I love reading about your Leo! I also find toddler’s connections to language development fascinating. Writing a book for Leo is a great idea! I’m going to remember that idea. I remember how busy it was when our girls were little being two years apart so I imagine your daughter will appreciate the book. I like how your fast writing connected you to Toni Morrison’s quotation that you read earlier. Great quote; Her writing is amazing.
I remember my HS creative writing teacher giving us time to free write. She said something like, just write don’t worry about mistakes. If you like it, you can correct and revise later. Therefore, I’ve always felt free to write fast. I remember telling my students something similar as you have probably done, also. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.
Wonderful quote at the beginning of your post. The Leo anecdotes are fun and I especially love the “cute shadow” comment. Grands are the best! I’m loving this time of my life. Love your quick write, but like Buffy, I’m thinking about that brownie!
Your opening quote holds my one word that seems to be getting away from me as the stress of moving makes everything difficult. I am glad to hear about Leo. It makes me feel good that I will be closer to my granddaughters soon. Your quick write holds a good deal of content that I enjoyed but can you share your sweet brownie too?
I love the connection between writing and brownie baking. I smiled as I read about Leo and how he is making sense of the world around him.
Watching toddlers (especially when they are grandchildren) is the best activity in the world. You watch a mind develop and grow. Nothing better. 🙂 What a gift of time gone for your grandson!
I loved that Toni said that writing was “freedom”. I agree. Sometimes I get bogged down in structure, but I feel so free when I’m writing through scripture…my heart definitely needs to be engaged. XO
Mmmm…that quick writing is so important and so freeing! I love your reflection on Toni Morrison and your decision not to worry so much about the audience.
Gorgeous photo and compelling ponderings on the development of language. I have a book, Genie: A Scientific Tragedy along those lines. It’s as haunting and harrowing as it is enlightening about language and linguistics. It totally begins with repetition of sounds and meanings associated with them – which is parlayed into an art form, when we write.
What a spectacular photo! Your words and photo are a sweet treat today.