How in the galaxy…

…did this happen?  Anjali has transformed herself into a Jedi and everything Star Wars.  We have to sit though long monologues (in the car, at restaurants, at bath time) about everything Star Wars related from Galactic politics, clone lineage to entire lines from the movies.  Recently she finished reading George Lucas’ entire screen play of the prequel trilogy.  At night she goes to bed announcing that she is off to the Jedi Temple (for her training, of course).  I enjoyed Star Wars as a kid and return of the Jedi was the first movie I saw with my beloved uncle at the Liberty cinema in Colombo.  I had a picture book on Star Wars, of which the center fold of Han Solo hung on the inside of my closet door.

It’s mostly boys who are into Star Wars, but the original story (as opposed to the clone wars story line) has kindled interest among girls her age, who are much more versed on the trivia than the boys.  It’s also a reminder that in our current age of ‘got it all right now’ kids are turning to a cultural phenomenon that is 20 years old, adding to the claim that lately, we are not so original in our creativity.   The family has been watching the prequel trilogy on DVD and Ranjeewa and I turn our heads and smile at each other often over Anjali’s head.  It is amusing to see a child being transfixed (albeit probably temporary like other passing phenomena such as the nutcracker, wizard of oz, and, little house on the prairie).  Shhhh... This awesome personalized find will be making a surprise on her birthday!

A child's imagination

Imagination is another wonder of childhood. As adults we know there is never enough time to indulge in this amazing gift we all have. But children inherently have plenty of this, and are gratified by their own make-believe activities than by the adult-made fantasies they are offered on the ever increasing list of 'plug-in' culprits.

The mini city that has taken over our living room is an example of this creativity. It all started with a child's-best-toy, a box. Then, three characters made a staggered appearance. First came 'bunny-bun' (a small plastic bunny we found buried in the mulch at the park), then came 'ducky-duck' (a tiny rubber ducky I got on a Virgin Atlantic flight) and 'horsy-horse' (a reward for walking to school). The city grew with the help of man's waste mostly cardboard and paper to include a mall with a pencil shavings pool, an emergency shelter (also with a pool), many toilets, and a park. I have been amazed by the amount of creativity and playtime it has generated.

So once again I sit back and marvel at her inner resource. And hope that it will always be her rock. Needless to say, I want to reclaim the living room, so we have had conversations about moving the city out-doors for the spring and summer.

Future President?

I hope she never loses her confidence. I was surprised to see that she put herself in a pantsuit. Even she thinks a woman can't govern in a dress!