#31: lil' ms sunshine

To those searching for a movie to watch, I strongly recommend Little Miss Sunshine. It's been a while since I watched a movie that tugged an emotional chord in such a thoughtful yet funny way. Thanks Paula, for your suggestion.Over the last 10 days I have watched three movies .... Rocky (the original), Seabiscuit, and now this. This isn't the usual Hollywood feel-good "everyone deserves a second chance" storyline. Nor is it a David and Goliath duel where the good but small fellow conquers against all odds in a fairytale plot. Maybe that's why it resonates with the audience. If I say anymore, I'd be spoiling it for those who haven't watched it yet – but ought to.

I was reminded of a lil' Ms. and a lil' Mr. sunshine. My nephew was 4 months old when I last saw him (that's him in the photo). I am told he's growing up to be quite a handful, in the positive sense. He's this sweet bundle of joy. Then there's Sophie, my friend's daughter – a full 4 years old as she'll remind you. She's the life of any gathering she is in – when awake.

Kids have this incredible magnetism that just lights up the place .... be it on a silver screen or anywhere else. Their spontaneity, trust, and openness is so transparent and touching; their boundless energy is so envigorating and contagious. They have an insatiable (non-excludable and non-rival) capacity to give and receive affection. Their emotions are pure, innocent, and uncorrupt in the truest sense. They'll tell you just exactly how they feel; no polite pretensions there. They are also incredibly forgiving; offering second-chances where adults would loathe to.

As we grow up we pick up our baggage of hangups, complications, reservations, fears, risk-aversion, mistrust .... And we carry this needless weight for the rest of our lives. I know I sound like a commercial for "The Little Prince". I wish we grown-ups would learn from Sophie and my nephew, rather than try to teach them. And I hope these kids aren't in a hurry to grow up into our habits.