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The Treasure Jar
Topics: Family
Posted by hvenoz Mon Apr 28, 2008 11:08:29 PDT
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“Gram, Gram it’s a heart rock,” yelled Ellie.

 

“Put it in the Treasure Jar,” Emily added.

 

            The heart shaped rock is eagerly placed in the red jar and joins a collection of treasures we find on our nature walks.  Almost every weekend the girls and I find time to visit a local park.  Often we are accompanied by Lisa, Emily and Ellie’s friend.  Our only purpose is to relax, enjoy, and of course, hunt for interesting items.  Last fall we collected a “twin” acorn, a butterfly’s wing and a white crystal.  This spring an empty robin’s egg, marble and two feathers were added in a single trip.  On another expedition the three girls scurried from tree to tree finding tiny red, yellow, blue and green paint pellets. 

 

            An important part in the journey of discovery is also learning what cannot be included. The girls now know that flowers and leaves will wither and die.  Insects, no matter how interesting, will not survive in the jar—despite the promise of water and grass.  Even though the flowers are beautiful, not picking them and leaving them for others to enjoy highlights the value of treasures not placed in a jar.

 

               In an age of increasing technological advances, it is refreshing to seek things that are neither plugged in, make noise or require skill. The joy of simple pleasures, interesting conversation and the beauty of the natural world is a wonderful way to spend a few peaceful hours. The girls would remind us, though, to always keep an eye out for special things to add to the treasure jar.

 

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Comment From: Liane

What a sweet story and how wonderful to find the joy in "unplugging"!