Musings

There are conversations you have with people that make you stop and sit back and reflect. These conversations happen all the time but they sometimes come when you are least expecting it. The other day I was thinking about how much work I had to do and was feeling very behind. I try to get as much of my work done while my daughter is in kindergarten but since she is only in school a short time – some days this happens and some days not. It is a juggling act being a mom as many of you know.

So all these thoughts are going through my mind as I made a call to speak to Craig Jones, Chuck Jones grandson. You know Chuck Jones work – he created Bugs Bunny, Road Runner,etc., for Warner Brothers. I am working on a post about a new center they opened up in our area called The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. We came across this wonderful center a few months ago and Craig was kind enough to speak to me more about what they are doing over there.

We started talking about his grandfather and the type of man he was. He told me about how Chuck took his work seriously in that he always wanted to create quality work but he didn’t take his life seriously. Meaning he found daily opportunities to really enjoy his life and Craig said he always had a twinkle in his eye. As Craig was describing his grandfather, I literally sat back in my chair and took a big breath. Here was a man who created such wonderful work for so many to enjoy – yet found the time daily to really embrace life. This is what a dandelion dad, mom – parent is about. His life was all about being in the moment and making those around him feel special and heard. So often we are thinking about all that we need to do we miss these moments that can be quite special. I am glad that the noise in my head was not so loud that I could actually listen to Craig’s describtion of his grandfather and the joy he embodied.

One story Craig shared was about when he was about six years old and had been attempting to swim all summer long to no avail. Finally, he decided he could do it and proceeded to doggy paddle across the pool. Chuck was visiting and walked up to the pool in his dockers, button down shirt and nice shoes and saw his grandson trying very hard to swim across the pool. In celebration of this feat, Chuck thought it would be fun to jump off the diving board – fully clothed – cheering for his grandson. This is what really living in the moment is about! Embracing the moments that allow you to fully engage in life. Thanks Craig for sharing some stories about your grandfather with me and for the reminder about what it means to be a dandelion parent.