Imagination, Creativity, What If and Beowulf

People say that Migo and I look alike. Maybe we really do. Yet there's another trait we share - we talk while we sleep. There was one instance around last year that Itin caught Migo and I saying a word each. As per Itin, the word I said was simple compared to Migo's word - "imagination!"



Yesterday, I attended a talk by Neil Gaiman (he co-produced "Beowulf") in the Philippine Ad Congress. He talked about letting our kids get away with their imagination. Do no limit their mind with "what is," rather let them explore "what if?" He said that world we owe the world we live in today to those who imagined a "different order." So my mind wondered... What if no one imagined the concept of money - then we will still be stucked with barter. What if no one challenged the idea that plumbing should be outside the home - no indoor shower / bath tubs for us. Many everyday things we enjoy that wasn't even available 50 years ago if not for persons who asked "what if?" Everyday things which Migo always asks "why?"

I would like to think I do have some level of creativity. I have also received my share of "nice blog" comments. With Migo's creativity, my writing "skill," and our "what ifs," let's see if we can do our own "Beowulf."

Diggers and Dumpers

Migo is currently fascinated with heavy equipment – bulldozers, backhoes, forklift trucks, cement mixer trucks, etc. When we go out, we count how many flat bed trucks, container vans, trailer trucks, pick-ups, etc. we see on the road. He can go on and on with questions regarding the last heavy equipment he saw until he sees the next truck / equipment that interests him…

What do you call that truck? Why is it color red? Why not yellow? Where is the number (plate number) of the truck? Why does it have a number on the side? Where is the engine? Why is the cement mixer’s back rounding (turning)? Where is that truck going? Why is the door of the container van open? Where are the boxes and parcels? Why is the water tank not wet? Why is there a cover in the dump truck? Why is there no rubble in the back of the dump truck? Why is the truck dirty? Can the dump truck go to the car wash? Why didn’t it go to the car wash? Why does the truck have a funnel? Is it a train? Is that the stabilizer foot of the motorcycle?...

If I list down all the questions Migo asked the past month regarding diggers, dumpers, and trucks, then this blog will be as long as 16-wheeler truck, as high as the 30-storey building crane, with letters as many as the rubble in a dump truck, etc.

Face the Audience

Following instructions to a fault. Migo had his first public dance number during his school’s costume party last October 26. Our hopes were given a boost as Migo entered the dance floor all smiles. As the dance started, Migo again looked disinterested (like he did during his first quiz bee) but followed most of the dance steps taught by teacher. He was the only nursery student who sat down and stood up on the cue of the teacher during the dance routine. Unfortunately, he was also the only student who didn’t face the audience! Migo followed teacher Clarisse who was facing their class to lead them. Itin thought that Migo might have been distracted by the Christmas lights that was in the background.

All in all, what’s important is Migo can dance like his Mom, a talent that I can never claim. But I can always claim that I influenced Migo in bobbing his head when I play the car radio out loud when it’s just the two of us (Itin doesn’t like the car radio to be too loud). If only we can coax Migo into learning a musical instrument…