Dec 29, 2008
I am reading a book to my daughter, she received it from her Grandma for Christmas. She asked me to read it to her, not because she can’t read but because I believe she feels it will ensure that we can spend more time together. I am more then happy to do it. Although I find myself sometimes putting her off… I guess it’s because I think there is something else I should be doing. In reality though what could be more important then spending time with my children? I learned the value of not being a “commercial dad” a long time ago. Putting your children to bed during the commercial break is not a very good way to end your child’s day and fill them with great thoughts before they fall asleep.
Which brings me back to the book, the story is about a little girl who can see a colour in everything. She sees the number two as pink and the number four as pale blue. She also sees people in a unique colour, her mean older sister she’s sees as a murky swamp water brown, her best friend as the warm orange glow of ambers in a campfire. Very descriptive and beautiful. When we finished the first chapter she turned to me and said, “What colour do you see me as dad?”, hard question. “Rose pink, because you are loving and caring and roses are given by loving and caring people and they are pretty just like you!”
I felt pretty good about my answer, “What colour am I Emily?” I returned the question.
“Thick Green Grass!” She said confidently.
“Why Green?”, “Simple, it’s because grass is strong and holds the world together and that’s what you do for us.”
Wow, how do you beat that? I smiled and hugged her a little longer then usual. I am truly blessed to have the three children I have.
So here’s a question for you… What colour do you see yourself as and why? Are you happy with the colour you see and what could you do to be a little brighter and more bold?
Posted by Stu Saunders in Leadership Family Life Learning and Growing on Dec 29, 2008 at 12:31 am | Permanent Link | Comments (5)
Comment posted on Dec 29, 2008 at 12:41 pm by Pamlamb (YLCC Member)
I love this story…everytime I hear it!
I would have to say that I am yellow. Some days I am dull yellow and need a little recharging, other days I am a bright and happy yellow. I also believe that yellow is a colour of growth, and I am continuously learning and growing. Yellow is also a happy colour and I find that I try to bring a lot of joy into people’s lives.
I am happy with being yellow, although I wish that I could have a few less dull days and more bright and sunny yellow days, but sometimes I need the dull yellow days to learn from, it’s all about balance….not everything and everyone can be bright yellow all the time.
Comment posted on Dec 31, 2008 at 4:12 am by Hillary Newkirk (YLCC Member)
What a beautiful story!
I feel like I would be purple. It’s a strong and feminine colour. It makes a statement, but is able to keep a low profile at the same time I think.
It also has many different shades, vibes and moods to it. It is versatile.
I am happy with my colour for sure! I interestingly find myself acquiring more and more purple things in my life… I think it’s my new favourite!
Great blog Stu.
-Hillary
Comment posted on Jan 3, 2009 at 5:27 pm by Angela (YLCC Member)
Emily….so precious….soft pink….gentle and calm.
Matthew….blue….bold…out there to the world like the blue sky
K…...Khaki….earthy….not afraid to get dirty
Me…....hummmm…...red….rammy…..energy….I think! Not sure
Great post
A
Comment posted on Jan 4, 2009 at 1:54 am by kaila (YLCC Member)
I love this blog, Stu! My mom read it before I did and loved it so much that she made me go read it right away! Similar to the girl in the story, I also see numbers(and letters) in colour. (2 is dark blue and 4 is pale pink for the record!). I’ve associated names with colours but have never thought as deeply as the story suggests to see people’s characters as colours. I think that’s a brilliant and beautiful concept.
I am trying to think of what colour I am, but I can’t decide. I like to think that maybe I’m a chamelion, and that my character has a dynamic rainbow of colours and attributes to share!
Thanks again for this one Stu, I’d like to borrow the book sometime
Kaila
Comment posted on Jan 4, 2009 at 1:00 pm by shane (YLCC Member)
Great blog Stu
I think I would be green as well.
Green is a very passionate and strong colour. It is a Christmas color, implying celebration, belief, and gathering. I see green as being calm and soothing, or bright, beautiful and unique.
I see it as a green traffic light. It inspires people to go. It is a signal leading them forward. It motivates and gives direction. Green is something people await. Seeing the bright glow of the green illumination.
Green reminds me of a tropical sea. It is directly affected by its surroundings. The sea can be flat and content on sunny days, or upset and choppy in a storm. It is the home to many colorful fish, accompanied by clever predators. Between the moderately rough waves, and the tide, the sea beautifully smoothes the roughness left in the sand. People are often seen riding on the water, the sea is busy holding that rider up, not allowing the person to fall and sink.
I also see green as a tree. Trees are elegant and strong. Trees are a large resource supply to many industries. They provide a stable and healthy environment. Trees are also very dynamic. They are commonly moving with the wind, or responding to the weather. From season to season trees loose their leaves. With this loss, the trees do not stop. Tree’s are a significant figure for growth. They bounce back up, they grow limbs and leaves back, and they keep growing stronger.
Green can appear collected and graceful, but it does have a crazy side to it as well.