What do you do with an idea?

This week, Eloise and I caught Story Time at Barnes and Noble. We had a really fun morning in the cheerful children’s department, listening to a few fun stories and perusing a ton of other books. I’m admittedly obsessed with books, for adults and for children, and it’s fun to see that same love growing in Ellie. We had finally whittled our selection to take home with us down to just a few books when another one caught my eye. What do you do with an idea? might be a little bit over Ellie’s head…but it sure strikes a chord with me.

Reading it takes me back 7 years. To the time when the idea of running my own photography business suddenly, spontaneously popped into my head. It reminds me of the nervous excitement that the idea brought with it. The idea was almost too good to be true.  I hugged it tight and didn’t let it go. It always felt right. I had found my nook in the world. A missing part of me that I never knew existed. And after all of these years (how are there suddenly so many years in between that moment and now?), I still feel so grateful for that nugget of an idea that has blossomed into one of the most surprising and fulfilling parts of my life.

* “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” said Confucious…and Mike’s Grandpa King. Two very wise men.

*Bookstores. Yes, there is an argument for e-readers. (I’m quickly running out of space as I hold out for my floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in a future home library). And, yes, also an argument for ordering books on Amazon. (So much cheaper?). But there is also something so incredibly pleasant and calming about book stores. Don’t believe me? Check out Powells the next time you’re in Portland, Oregon or The Book Loft in Columbus, Ohio, and then try to tell me your life isn’t a little bit happier. Those places are MAGIC.

* “No, YOU’RE the best!” Ellie and I have a new little game. She says, “Mommy, you’re the BEST!” and gives me a huge hug. You can imagine what line comes next. Can I just bottle these moments and save them for a rainy day? Nothing compares.