What if kids picked our jobs? What would you be?

Mommy, I don't want you to work at that job anymore. You should do something else.

Even though I know we can chalk this conversation up to day before Pre-K jitters, I was kind of crushed. Reason #2 that I got into teaching kids to cook was so that Maggie would think I had a really cool job. Maybe she doesn't dig the uniform? The hat IS silly. So I asked her what SHE thinks I should do ...

Like what? What job should I do? What am I good at?
Reading books.
So maybe I should be a librarian?
No. Somebody already does that job. Remember?
Oh, right. I'll have to think of something else.
You could be Todd Parr. And read books to kids and draw pictures.
But somebody already is Todd Parr, remember?
We could have more of him.

Smile. I love when a memory of a great day out comes back to visit. How wonderful that authors take the time to visit local libraries. Mr. Parr, you left a sizeable impression on Maggie when you came to Tampa. And me.

Wouldn't it be cool if kids decided what all of our real jobs would be? I'm sure there'd be plenty of books and things that get built and space and sea exploration. Farmers. Scientists. Art and automobiles. Vroom!

I'll keep cooking, but maybe someday I'll write a book, too.

Amy

Be a Part of the Museum

I read in USA Today last week that there's a "compassion boom" going on. More Americans are getting involved in their communities, especially by volunteering. Here's something I didn't know before I got involved (as a volunteer) with the Glazer Museum: funding for the museum comes completely from donations and grants. There's a list of the generous individuals and businesses already involved at glazermuseum.org. I especially like reading the Naming Gifts page, because it also gives a glimpse at the neat activities that kids will get to do at the museum, thanks to the generosity of the museum's donors.

You can and should get involved. Share your treasure, share your time. Tell everyone you know about the museum. More donations are needed, both time and dollars, to complete this fabulous educational resource for Tampa's kids. Visit the museum's website to learn how you can be a part

Amy