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Puddle Jumping

mpreston66


There is a lot to be said for puddle jumping. Refreshes the body, spirit, let’s you put aside your grownup-sized worries for a little bit. The only downside is a lingering chill if it's nippy outside, but that's easily remedied by a good dose of hot chocolate.


Mind you, I’m normally jumping, hopping, and dancing in the company of a kid, so I have an excuse, although I’m not against going solo. It is more fun, though, when you have someone with you that isn’t carrying around the embarrassment baggage many older folks do. I haven’t asked my oldest two children, both now in their thirties, if they still do it. I hope so. I’d hate to think they have truly grown up. And I’m doing my best to make sure my youngest, now a teen, gods help me, doesn’t take life, or himself, too seriously either. But you never know.


For reference, I find that going barefoot is best, although you need to make sure your puddle path is relatively clear of any sharp objects. Wrapping your toes around a bit of squishy mud is quite satisfying on a primal level. I think it’s an evolutionary thing from when we had prehensile toes and could use them to throw poop at jerks and enemies. There are days I would give a lot to be able to do that. On the flip side, if you just can’t wait and go out to splash in shoes and socks, you get the fun of throwing your socks in the dryer afterwards and either sticking them to yourself (static electricity is cool) or, my preference, hanging them from your ears and pretending to be a dog.



Besides a dearth of adult puddle jumping, I’ve also noticed some other things lacking in the grownup world. Tree climbing for one, although I’ve read there are a few tree climbing clubs around. None near me, sadly. There is also a distinct absence of ice butt sliding. There’s nothing like turning yourself into a human bowling ball and hurtling across a frozen pond. Fair warning, though. If you are using people for pins, make sure they are on the small side. The bigger ones tend to get annoyed.



I get that digging for buried treasure in the backyard or skipping from puddle to puddle while doing a (terrible) impression of Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain may not be your thing. But I’m in favor of any type of silliness to keep from taking ourselves too seriously. You have to avoid going full adult. When that happens, the last little pieces of magic and wonder inside you get vacuum sealed and put on a high shelf in a dark closet. Very sad since from what I’ve seen, it’s almost impossible to take them down again and let them out.


Granted, I do get the occasional stink-eye from other large humans, but I just wave and smile and feel bad for them.


So here is to hanging upside down from monkey bars, and keeping the magic alive. Grab some pillows and blankets, take down a favorite book, and break out the crackers.


I’ll meet you there.

 

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2 Comments


Guest
Oct 07, 2024

Perfect reminder to embrace joy and childlike wonder. Grazie. 📚🍂💃😍

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Guest
Oct 07, 2024

Stay forever young, Mike! I would include jumping into piles of leaves, making snow angels, and sledding.

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