Ah...the simple things

        Why is it, in life, we take the most pleasure in the simple things? If you deny this, you need only watch a young child open a gift. The love, time, and money you put into choosing that perfect toy get thrown out with the toy as the child only wants to jump into the big, recently emptied box and play. A lesson (or show, depending on how you look at it) my four year old niece was kind enough to teach me eight years ago.
        Since then, my own children have reinforced it… in case I’d forgotten. A few days ago, when it was a friendly 94 degrees, I stripped my kiddos down, put a little water in the bottom of a laundry basket, and let them go to town. For those of you who are friends on Facebook, you’ve seen the pics. For those of you who aren’t: friend me! 
        They had a blast!! They didn’t care it wasn’t an actual pool – yet alone a fancy one with a slide and water fountain. We have a pool at our apartment complex but I’m not stupid enough to take two toddlers by myself when I can barely walk. They splashed and laughed for a solid hour until we poured the water out onto the porch and they started dancing in that. 
        Watching your children delight in such simple things is the perfect opportunity to catch up on some much needed soul searching. There I was, neck deep in giggles and sunshine, when I realized – dancing is the same way! It’s dancing with someone who has mastered the basics and executes them to the rhythm that is the most fun!
        I doubt I’m shocking anyone here, because if you know me, you’ve heard me say this in a variety of ways probably more times than you’d like to recount. But I’m going to keep saying it until men around the world believe me. And if I’m using my husband as a gauge – it’s going to take a while. No matter how blue in the face I get touting this truth, men still think women need flashy moves to have fun. We don’t! 
        The people I look for in a crowd, the guys I really want to dance with, are the old, Latin guys who have rhythm for breakfast and rotation in their bones. They don’t do flashy, crazy combos! They keep it smooth, simple, and fun. And usually smile the whole time…which helps. We dance Salsa to the song that’s playing – not show off for a crowd we hope gathers. It’s effortless... and I love it!
        Sure, there’s a time and place for showing off and doing your best. No shame in that game. You can buy your kids extravagant toys. There’s nothing wrong with that. But don’t get frustrated if they throw the toy across the room and jump in that perfect plaything – the box. See you on the hardwood:)