Whimsical Optimism.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

Greetings, Sunny Optimist Buddies,

I have been playing with the word whimsical this week. I love words that open me to new thinking and ideas. It is an intriguing concept, and the definition I like best is 'playful or fanciful, especially in a humorous way.'  This exploration led me to appreciate how our optimism is often rooted in our childlike innocence and delight. Not childish, more the lovely state of awe and wonder, where we can touch into that unencumbered pleasure of the new, the fanciful, the intriguing. 

I love this quote by G. K. Chesterton. 'The object of the artistic and spiritual life is to dig for the submerged sunrise of wonder." I see that such a 'sunrise of wonder' nurtures our optimism. After darkness, the daylight always returns vis the returning of the light. Times have been so challenging for us over the last year, and there is still much that could limit our hopefulness. I am called to look for what is playful and fanciful to help me be at ease with all that is unfolding.  

My simple pleasure today, and my sunrise, is that David and I are free to meet up with all our family at the same time. So happy in this small and yet huge step for all of our wellbeing. Yey!

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I wonder, what 'sunrise of wonder' is calling your optimism forward today?

As always, I would love to hear from you.

The Boy, The Mole, the Fox and the Horse

At the beginning of April, I listened to the Afternoon Show with Grant Stott on BBC Radio. He was interviewing the cartoonist and author Charlie Mackesy about the book mentioned above. There was a youthfulness to Charlie, and from his voice, I thought he was in his 20's. To my surprise, when I looked him up, he was in his 50's. 

The interviewer, Grant, was clearly very taken with the book's content, and it was a joy to listen to them both. There is something so refreshing to be with people who are in accord and are genuinely relating to each other. The questions were not loaded, there was no point-scoring, and you could feel the genuine exchange of views. I was heartened as I was driving along by the sense of marveling in the space between them.

The book is a delightful collection of inspirational drawings and conversations between four 'imaginary' friends. It has a whimsical quality to it that touched me so much. I know that it is a book I will return to often for inspiration. Having a grandson, I feel called to the wisdom of the Boy. Mmmmmm.

Click here or on the photograph to enjoy.

Each one of the drawings is a stand-alone offering. Then there is the lovely flow of a story that runs through the book. It is a remarkable piece of work that takes whimsy to higher levels of meaning and playfulness. I am so pleased I have found this book. It is a treasure trove of insight that reframes the ordinary into the extraordinary. Here are three of my favourite pages from the book.

What is the bravest thing you've ever said?' asked the Boy. 'Help,' said the Horse.

Is your glass half empty or half full?' asked the Mole.' I think I am grateful to have a glass', said the Boy.

The Mole asks the Boy,' What do you want to be when you grow up?' "Kind' said the Boy.

Question for this Week

There is so much to enjoy in the book. It is a wealth of goodness, truth, and beauty.

How has this book touched your optimism, and which drawings were most impactful for you?

So much appreciation for this time with you today.

Ann