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