I was behind the counter of our book and toy store The Blue Bunny a few weeks ago on a Saturday, helping out Janet and Margie. A mother was paying for her items and her daughter ran up - very excited- and interrupted her.
"Mom! Can I please get this?"
I noticed that it was one of my signed prints called "Dream Big" featuring a girl with a paintbrush admiring her creative affirmation.
Her mom was determined to pay for her gathered items and get on with the day. With a quick glance at her daughter, she said firmly,
"No. Now put it back."
My heart lurched. This girl's wide eyes - imploring her mom for this print - were not noticed by her mother.
"Pleeeeeease, Mom! PLEASE!"
"No, put it back."
I thought how profound that moment was - this young girl, who resonated with the message: "DREAM BIG," was being told to "put the it back." This wasn't a can of soda or candy - this was a reminder to a young woman to make the most of her journey. I hoped that, given the opportunity, her mother would applaud and encourage this vision for her child, but here on this busy day, the moment was going unnoticed.
The clues - as to who her daughter was becoming- were about to be missed. It wasn't that I wanted her to buy the print, rather just notice what sparked her daughter.
I took the plunge and spoke up.
"Keep it. That's a gift from me to you."
The girl's eyes grew wider. "REALLY?"
"Yes. That image spoke to you and I think it's very important for you to have it."
"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!"
Her mom paused, trying to catch up with what was happening. She took a look at what her daughter was holding and smiled. "Thank you!"
Hey, I dream big!
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29 comments:
Thanks for sharing this story! I'm glad you were there at the mo. :)
Keep up the good work!
"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." ~J.M.Barrie
Sounds to me like a sunny day for all involved :)
When I was first a mother, I'm sure I was too busy trying to get everything right to notice the clues. But by the time my second came along, I was a bit more relaxed and I hope that by the time my third was born, I was tuned in to the clues - at least, some of them!
I am a middle-aged "little girl" who is dreaming big these days because of the inspiration of your books, The Dot and Ish. I humbly thank you, for "giving" me (and countless others)those books!
Loved this post. From the bottom of my heart, sincerely loved it.
Thanks for being that person. Both the one who created the art that moved someone and the one who was generous enough to share it with a special child.
It's so easy as a parent to get caught in the busyness and logistics of getting through the day, that we do sometimes miss the moments, the sparks that our children share so readily. A good reminder.
(btw, I love the print and need to share it with my niece. Thanks for representing children of color in your work.)
What is that saying about "a gift given freely grants the giver the sweetest rewards..."?
So true...and a lovely anecdote that brightened my day!
Peter, that was so kind of you. Sometimes as parents we are just trying to survive and miss things. ... important things. I think it was your job that day! Bravo!!
now, where can I buy my poster?
LEslie
this story is so very you :) Such a big heart.
I'm glad there's someone out there looking out for the little dreamers of the world.
Dream Big - I do
See the clues - I will
Use Patti's favourite question - What would LOVE do?
You did it and I mean to on my GracynJoy WOW Network - my name for my summer travels. Be seeing you all soon!
You are great! Simply you tell a "little-big" story!!
Thank you very much!!
I am sure you made her day!! Thank you for inspiring others.With your kindness and generosity. luv a Day dream believer
You must have made her day!! Thank you for being so kind , thoughtful ,and generous.You are such an inspiration to us all!!
Simply wonderful Peter!! I shared via my Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter :).
Looking for clues to help others Dream Big today!! Thanks for the inspiration <3.
Elaine
Thank you for your kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity.Bringing hope to others and inspiration to others.I am sure you made her day! U Rock!
Pete ,You are so kind and thoughtful ! I am sure you made that little girls day ! Thank you for inspiring and encouraging us all . you are a class act !
I love this story. And now I have to go find my very own print!
Thank you Pete for listening to children. Teaching them to be creative and inspiring us all in the process
This was a true story of what it means to "crystallize, and not paralyze." Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for looking out for the wee folk! I am sure u made her day!!
Oh that story warmed my heart. You threw a pebble that day and it will resonate for ever such a long time.
It even reached me!
Have a beautiful day,
Vickixx
Good for you! That is a lovely, lovely thing to do.
Peter, you're blog is an inspiration. The fact that pippin reps you was one of the reasons why I chose to become a pip myself. Your work is amazing!
You're making me cry! So glad you did that. I'm sure she will treasure it always!
Thank you for being there, and for making a difference.
Who can tell where such actions will lead young minds?
what a beautiful story....i am very sure that the little girl will hold that print close to her heart. you are so tuned into the cues of children....
Impressed and kudos to you for encouraging a child to dream big! I'm an adult but refuse to lose my inner child as well as dreaming big!
A very inspirational story in more ways than one! Glad I came across it~
VERY inspirational! Where can this print and others be purchased?
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