Reflections on 10 Years: Part 2

Oct 16

“Milton and Prescott. I hear a children’s book in that name.” — Joy Parker, dear friend and co-worker, upon the announcement of my blog name.

I laughed off her observation, but deep down, I knew she was very much right. Milton and Prescott sounded exactly like a pair of names you'd find on the cover of a children's book. As teachers, we'd read a few hundred children's books, so we should know what one sounds like!

I laughed it off because I wasn't going to write a children's book. It just wasn't on my radar.

See, I'd already written a novel and sent it off to literary agents with no success. Now remember, I could use a little more stickier, stick with it. In my mind, I'd already been told I wasn't a good enough writer for the public marketplace, so I wasn't too keen on trying again. I mean, seriously, who likes hearing no and the sound of crickets?

You know what else children's books need that I have absolutely no skill in?

That's right. Drawing, painting, creating images with some sort of artistic ability. I don't have it. I mean, I can draw a mean stick figure, a tree with a poof on top, and one of those figure-eight fish. On a good day.

But to replicate the scenery and create the cute animals and village I see in my head? It ain't happenin'!

Now, I do have a lovely aunt who is uber-talented in the drawing department. I mean, she drew our logo! No guide, just me blurting out some ideas, and BAM! Milton and Prescott came alive.

I think she got most, if not all, of the drawing, painting, and even photography genes. That would leave me with zip, zero, zilch. Not a single ounce.

Fast-forward about seven years.

It's the weekend of my mom and dad's 50th anniversary party. My sister, my Aunt Lisa, and I are sitting around my sister's kitchen table, working on the finishing touches for the party decor.

We're discussing life, changes, things going well, and things that could use a little boost. I mention how my life as an educator is changing and how education, in general, isn't quite the positive place it used to be.

Which leads to a conversation about what does bring us joy.

For me, it's creating. It doesn't really matter what I'm creating. Creating is where I find some of my biggest joys, aside from the three young ladies my sister added to our family, of course!

There's a sign hanging here in my office that sums me up pretty stinkin' well. It says, “I love to dream of what might be...”

I love it!

I truly love to dream and think, What would happen if...? How would that change if...? What if...?

That's really why Milton & Prescott and our sister website, The Peddler's Cart, even exist.

Milton & Prescott caters to my love, experience, and knowledge of early childhood. The Peddler's Cart caters to my love of making things with my hands. Pot simmers, comfort packs, floral arrangements... the list is lengthy and sometimes seems a little random!

But back to the conversation at the kitchen table.

Somehow, and I'm not really sure how it happened, we got on the topic of my writing. It's not necessarily a secret. My family knows I write pretty much all the time.

Eventually, the conversation turns to children's books and how that might be the area where I should start writing and publishing.

“That's a nice thought,” I say, “but I don't have the ability to illustrate a book. You kind of need a writer and an illustrator.”

And that's when my aunt says something I wasn't expecting.

“I would be willing to help you. You should write the book.”

That single offer was so genuine, so kind, and such a heart-filler for me.

And it got me thinking...