What I've Learned

Happy Tuesday! As usual, I'm linked into the What I've Learned carnival at Musings of a Housewife. Check it out!
I had a fantastic learning experience this week. For once it's a really fun one. I learned:

1. When a creative moment strikes, take advantage of it. Even if it strikes in the middle of the night.
A few months back, I woke up at 2 a.m. with a story running around in my head. I hesitated for a moment, then grabbed my journal and a pen and headed to the bathroom to write so as not to wake my husband. Why did I not go downstairs to write in the comfort of the living room? Who knows! I don't function well in the middle of the night, and at the moment, the bathroom seemed the most logical choice. So...I sat on the edge of the tub and wrote for 20 minutes, and then went back to bed. The next morning I read my wee-hours chicken scratch, and was pleased to find a decent little story. It is the true account of my 2-year-old Pepper's mischief one fine day in July.

2. When the opportunity presents itself to get the fruits of your creativity out into the world, jump on it! Even if it means sticking out your neck a bit...maybe risking failure or rejection.
Last month...it might have even been 2 months ago...I was made aware of a story contest being put on by the organization we work for. Before I could talk myself out of it, I emailed my little midnight inspiration as an entry in the fiction contest. I didn't expect to win. I just figured the $2 entry fee was no skin off my nose, and what the heck...why not give it a try? After I sent that email, I completely forgot about the contest. Fast forward 2 months. Today I spent a great day out exploring Arkansas with our friends who are in town from California. When I got home, there was an email in my inbox from the lady I sent my story contest entry to. The email was to inform me that my story won 3rd prize in the contest!!! Oh. My. Gosh! I'll receive my prize money tomorrow! Cool beans!

Apparently, everyone at the awards ceremony thought my story was hilarious, especially when they found out the story is true. I'm really starting to consider the possibility of making this a children's book someday. Anybody have any "ins" with a publisher? Hee hee! Without further ado, here is my story!

Pepper's Great Idea©Emily B

Hi! My name is Pepper!
Guess what? I just turned two
I stay at home with Mom each day
Always looking for things to do

My mommy’s doing dishes
She’ll be focused ‘til she’s done
So I’ll sneak up to my bedroom
To play and have some fun

My room is nice and tidy
Mommy cleaned it yesterday
She folded all my laundry
And put my toys away

Hmm, let’s look around now
What is there to do?
I’ll open up my closet
And peek in my dresser, too!

Clean socks are fun to play with
So squishy, soft, and small
I stack them up like building blocks
And throw them down the hall

But wait…I have an idea!
It’s exciting, great, and new
I’ll put my socks in the toilet
Just to see what they will do!

One pair of socks in the water
I don’t mean to be naughty
Oh no! The socks are sinking
To the bottom of the potty!

I can’t reach in to get them
My hand will get all wet
So I think I’d better flush now—
My best idea yet!

See my socks go round and round
I’m laughing—this is fun!
I run to my room to get more socks
This game has just begun

Quickly to my room and back
One pair of socks with me
Drop it in and flush it down
Until the drawer is empty

Then, on the stairs, I hear a step
Mommy’s calling my name
I poke my head around the door
“Mommy, come see my game!”

Mommy smiles as she comes in
On the water floats one sock
I feel unsure as I look at her—
Her eyes are glazed with shock.

“What did you do?” she says to me
Her voice is deep and stern
“Mommy, I flush!” is my reply
“Do you want a turn?”

With features grim she leaves the room
And walks across the hall
She very quickly counts my socks…
They’re gone! I flushed them all!

Mommy learned a lesson
Of great import today:
Never trust a two-year-old
Alone in his room at play!

As for me, my time was grand!
But it was short-lived, you see
‘Cause now when I want to play upstairs
My mom keeps an eye on me!