Out of the Ocean ~ Story and Small World

When I came across this lovely book, I couldn't wait to share it with my little one. Out of the Ocean by Debra Frasier tells a story about a mother and child who takes the time to wish, see, and remember.  A thought provoking story, that I hope he will grow to appreciate as time goes on.

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of  getting 

something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing

and appreciating what we do have.”– Frederick Keonig

What do you wish for every morning?  Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of your wishes came true?  In a way, they can.  Imagine if you could ask for beauty beyond compare and treasure that is so magical that without it, you would be lost. I sit here now, after reading this story, and think of some things that I couldn't live without.

Fresh air ~ a warm, glowing sunrise ~ strong, willful trees ~ the wind sweeping across my face ~ the twinkling of stars at night ~ laughter ~ hope ~ second chances ~ third chances ~ freedom ~ love

When the mother and child in this story wake up every morning and journey to the ocean, they make a wish.  The mother wishes for water, ocean shells, and the sun.  Her child doesn't understand why she is wishing for things that are already there.  Throughout this story, the mother reminds us that it's not the asking that's important, it's the remembering to look.  Remembering to look at all that you are given each and every day even when things aren't perfect. 

So, please, don't forget to look at the big things that are present every day..."sometimes the bigger the thing, the easier it is to forget to see it."  When you wake up every morning and wish for a better day, try stopping to look at the big picture - look at the beauty that already surrounds you and your wish will come true.

Since today is World Oceans Day, we decided to create our own small world that contained all of the "big beauties"  in a miniature version. We discussed the different parts of our world and had a wonderful time getting our hands dirty, too! To create this small world I included:

~water colored blue with a bath fizzy

~bubble bath

~water beads

~play sand

~shells

~rocks

~flat marbles

~sea creatures

~a sand tools and cup

As we sat and played (yes, I played too!) I tried take a few moments just to stop and look up at the sky.  It was such a gorgeous day and I realized that we had own little pieces of paradise above us.  I could almost hear the ocean lapping against the sand and smell the salty sea air.  Almost.  This little world in a box was the next best thing and the little guy sitting on my lap truly is my wish come true.

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