#1. Preschool Years and Below

There isn't much that I remember from preschool years and below, but there are a couple that stand out.  Some are solid life-long learnings, others true but not exactly wise...


  • When you want to join the Puddle Splashing preschool class, but you choose the other class because they go on a field trip to pick berries and you love berries, but the class itself is not that fun...you will survive.  The berries will be delicious and you can go puddle splashing any day.  After all you live in Portland, the land of rain. Choose to enjoy!

  • Always ask 'why?'  Ask yourself, and if you don't know the answer, ask others. Asking is how you learn.  Ask, reflect and grow!

  • Be confident as you encounter challenges.  When you embrace fear instead, you will fall. (But, maybe don't ride your bike down the basement stairs)

  • Ask the neighbor for fruit when your parents say, "no."  He will be impressed that you are asking for a healthy treat, feel bad for you, and bless you by giving in to you.  Don't be afraid to ask for good things.

  • Get dirty.  It's super fun!

  • You can train your body to do many strange things...like wiggle one nostril at a time.   Just a little focus, a lot of practice, and wah-lah!  You can prove that Sunday School teacher wrong who said that only rabbits could wiggle their nose one nostril at a time.  

  • Magic exists.  I still don't understand how the magician in Sunday School turned milk into candy...   Know that wonder is beautiful.

  • When you are a kid, and you have a solo, you sound like a kid, and although you might be surprised, everyone else expected you to sound like a kid because you are.  (I understand NOW that that is perfectly okay.)  Let yourself be you.

  • If you jump, your dad will catch you.  Those who love you want you to enjoy life, and will always aim to protect you in the process.


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