Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice, Vietnam and Cambodia
"...ducks and geese are foolish things, and must be looked after, but girls can take care of themselves."
Washington Irving
This year our granddaughter graduates from High School - how the heck did THAT happen?! You know what they say - "it seems like only yesterday...". - and then you blink and somehow they've grown up. Thinking about it reminds me of the many children who have drawn my lens through the years, especially through our travels. So this week, we're asking you to create a post that features children. They can be your own family, neighbors or friends, or simply children that have drawn your attention wherever you've encountered them. If none of that suits you, feel free to include baby animals as an alternative option.
My opening image as well as the one that follows feature some adorable little girls we encountered during our visits to Vietnam and Cambodia. They offer a look at the many moods of children.
Pensive Little Ones, Cambodia
"The question isn't who's going to let me; it's who is going to stop me."
Ayn Rand
Of course we also encountered little boys, and below I've included two of the many we saw during our travels across China. One of our guides explained their "one-child rule" which has since been changed. During its years in effect, she explained that boys were more treasured than girls, as only males could carry forward the family name.
Snips of Snails and Puppy Dog Tails - Little Boys, China
"Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first."
Matthew Jacobson
During our stay in South Africa we were fortunate to have spent time in some local communities. One of our favorite visits was to a school for children. The image below shows some of the young boys awaiting their teacher's instructions.
Little Scholars, South Africa
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
Nelson Mandela
And what happens AFTER school?..............
Time for Fun, South Africa
"Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace."
Confucius
Of course, before we ever get to school there are the pre-school years, being enjoyed be these two little ones for example.
Playtime - Israel (L) and Dubrovnik (R)
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning."
Diane Ackerman
I'm also including two favorite family images - my great-niece on the left and my brother with his grandson (my great-nephew) on the right. I'm a true believer in what the song so eloquently says..."I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way."
We Are Family, USA
"I don't know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be."
Abraham Lincoln
Finally, as I mentioned in my opening, please feel free to respond with baby animals instead of (or in addition to) children. My collage below offers an alternative approach.
Four-legged Babies
"Every living creature on the earth is special"
Sue Monk Kidd
Thanks to all of those who have stayed with me for my stroll down memory lane. I look forward to seeing your as-always creative responses. Please remember to link them to my post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you. Thanks also to those who responded to Egidio's "Music to my Ears" challenge. I found myself singing along with many of the entries as well as listening to some of the music with which I was unfamiliar. As always your originality and artistry were wonderful. Finally, I hope you'll join us next week when Patti leads us once again on her wonderful Pilotfish blog. Until then please stay safe, be kind and enjoy the journey.
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