July 28, 2009
Beauty and the Boyz
I’ve been unusually inspired by some web sites lately that are all about creating and cultivating beauty and the art of “gracious living”. Whether that’s in your home, your garden, in the parties you throw or the food you eat.
But with two grunge-laden boys bouncing around my house this summer, Miss Gracious Living has conceded (graciously) to Mr. Good-Enough Living and the race is over. Beauty in my home is currently defined by an empty laundry basket, no dog poop on anyone’s shoes, and a sink clear of dishes.
But two days ago as I was dashing down my front porch steps on my way to pick up some kid from something, I noticed that the miniature pink roses we had put in last spring had bloomed. There amidst the rusty scooters, broken butterfly nets, and sticky popsicle wrappers were these lovely little pops of pink. I sprinted down to get a closer look and realized they had clearly been in bloom for some time and were sort of on their way out.
So I did what any pink-starved girl would do. I ran back inside, grabbed a pair of kitchen scissors and clipped a bunch for my windowsill.
Since then I’ve been thinking a lot about how to teach my kids, two boys mind you, how to appreciate the beautiful things in life. Beautiful art, beautiful music, and the simply beautiful things that lay right at the bottom of our own front steps. I tell myself it’s easier when you have girls. They’re more open to beauty. No with boys, this beauty thing is gonna have to be subtle. It’s just going to have to BE where they are. Shouldn’t boys have good taste too? Or do we just leave that up to the girls and call it a day? How do we cultivate the appreciation of beauty in our boys?
I’m on a quest to find out.
Love of beauty is taste, the creation of beauty is art.
-Emerson
Here are some beautiful sites to inspire you too.
Manner of the Month
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I think that our kids are greatly influenced by their parents’ attitude toward things. As always, much more than what we say, they pick up on what we do. And what we make a big deal about. As an example, when my family moved to a rural area when I was 8 years old, my city-born-and-raised mother bought every identification book out there and found herself passionate about learning about trees, insects, wildflowers, birds, etc. Of course I tagged along on all of her ventures into the great outdoors, and to this day I go nuts when I see a colorful butterfly or spider with an amazing design on his body. The same holds true with whatever YOU are passionate about. Introduce it to your children (both boys and girls!) by letting them see how it affects you!
SO well said Paula!
Thinking about your comment, I realize that when my boys see how certain music or art , or even a beautiful batch of flowers or a well set table makes me feel….they are sucking it in too.
You’ve inspired me even more to embrace that stuff in the everyday!
thanks!!
Hi, Meredith, Thank you for the kind words. I’m always inspired by Hoo-dee-hoo too. I too have been on this quest for teaching taste. So much that two weeks ago we featured a teaching taste series on our blog where I asked a few questions of professionals in the area of art, food, music and fashion. What was clear from these interviews is exactly what Paula said, it is about exposure. Taking time and forethought to give exposure can feel like one more item on a long list of to dos. However, I think as parents we benefit from the exposure process as well. Here is the link. http://www.mannerofthemonth.com/blog/?cat=52
“Taste” like manners inspire confidence, I’ve seen it with my clients. Confidence and gracious living go hand-in-hand. Please keep us posted on your quest. I know other moms (even those from the land o’ pink) want to be inspired to inspire!
Love it!