Bubbles

Some of the things that kids find entertaining truly astonish me. When the three-year-old girl went mental at the suggestion that we bring bubbles to the park, I admit I found it a bit of a head-scratcher. What is so exciting about soapy orbs floating along the air unless they contain Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz? However, the bubble-blowing session that lasted easily an hour ended up not only provoking giggle fit upon giggle fit from the little girl, but I actually found myself entertained as well. The simplicity with which children find amusement and happiness is such an enviable trait. I wish I could be a carefree little kid chasing bubbles barefoot in the grass trying to pop them.

She also insisted on sharing "facts" about bubbles with me. For example, according to her, a group of bubbles can either be referred to as a "crop of bubbles" or a "flutter of bubbles." So, every time bubble after bubble streamed from my bubble wand, she would jump up and down and squeal shouting "a flutter! A flutter!" Fine, I admit, it was quite precious. Maybe in depth bubble studies are in her future.

Then of course came the most comical moment of the bubble-blowing at the park. After I had pretty much mastered my bubble-blowing skills, the little girl turns to me and said "you know, you're really good at blowing." Wow. Even if I were a professional porn star I would have been offended by that comment. Then, of course, all of the teasing and innuendos cascaded forth from the mouth of the other babysitter at the park who fell into a crippling fit of laughter after the little girl's remark. For instance, "yeah Marisa, your mouth must get tired from all that blowing," or "try blowing a bit more gentle." Blah blah, we are all so mature.