&nbsp;

<span style="font-size: large; color: #008000;"><strong>Chapter Two:  The Year of Play</strong></span>

&nbsp;

All good things must come to an end, and <strong><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/" target="_blank">Chapter One: The Year of Living Curiously </a></strong>is finished.  365 curiosities lived, and 365 blog posts (+ extra credit bonus features) are completed.

&nbsp;

The good thing going forward is that I can now like a normal person.  1 - 2 posts <em>a week</em> (compared to last year's 1 post <em>a day</em>) feels like Blogger Heaven.

&nbsp;

Here's "The Plan" for The Year of Play:

&nbsp;

1 playdate a week.  That's 52 playdates a year.  And because I'm one of those over-achiever types, expect bonus play throughout the year.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<strong>Why "Play"?  Isn't play for kids?  </strong>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Heck, no.  Play is the fountain of youth, my friends.

&nbsp;

I used to play for a living.  For 16 years, I was an early childhood educator sharing the wonder of the performing and visual arts with young children.

&nbsp;

And I wasn't one of those sit-on-the-sidelines types of teachers.  I threw myself into the middle of the kiddie mosh pit and sang, danced, and acted my heart out right along with them.  For art projects, I donned a smock, rolled up my sleeves, and got gooey.

&nbsp;

My students' parents used to marvel at my energy level.

&nbsp;

"How do you do it?" they would ask.

&nbsp;

"Daily double shots of espresso," I would joke.

&nbsp;

The real reason?  I was very in touch with my inner child.  Play keeps your body, mind, and spirit supple and energized.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<strong>I used to play for a living.  Now I play for a blog.  </strong>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

I "retired" from teaching in 2008.  As a result, my inner child doesn't get as much exercise as she used to.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Remember origin:  monad beyond.  Learn through play -- kim c. Play-knowledge quote from digiart

&nbsp;

i used to play for a living.  now i play for my blog.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

New chapters.  42 in numerology.