Observations

One would assume that by the time a child is ten, the observations on childhood development would come to an end. Both my DDIL's blog, and their blogs consist primarily of observations of their dear babies, my DGC.
The child in our home is ten. She is technically our GD, but, having had full custody for six years, we consider her mostly ours. She is our pleasure and delight. For anonymity purposes here, I believe I have always referred to her as "Little One."
I had to notice today how willingly she takes on the playtime persona of whatever play guest she has in the house on a given day. Today we hosted our home-schooled friend, who has a lively imagination and is not at all into the diva thing. She has not yet discovered hair or makeup and could care less about the girlie thing. While having her over, Little One happily took turns playing pieces on the piano, and proudly praised her friend for excellent play. Then they held jousting tournaments with the Papo knights and Lincoln Log forts. Finally, one hid little toys around the house and drew a map to locate them. The other followed the map to find them. Then they reversed and the other child hid the toys and drew the map. What creative, wonderful play.
Yesterday she went to visit her friend who is a member of the outdoorsy family. She came home battered, bruised and bleeding from an encounter with a scooter with a loose handlebar -- but happy. Her new wounds are Red Badges of Courage. She limped all day, hence the indoor play with today's guest.
Last week, her friend came over who is probably the brightest child of all. (Although I have to say, they are ALL very, very bright.) This girl reads voraciously, as does Little One, and they recently shared a passion for anything dragon. On this visit the girls played on the computer, Harry Potter games, one after the other.
Little One is all these things -- athletic, imaginative, and intelligent. She, alas, like her dear Nana, is an Eclectic Mix. Yet, friend by solitary friend, she is able, and glad to, pull out that part of herself that pleases the guest of the day. What a wonderful child. Thanks, God, once again...