A few weeks ago I decided to take the ever growing pile of original Anni Joys and make a little gallery on the side of our pantry. I taped them all up one by one and she gasped in excitement to see her work so proudly displayed. It was as if she felt her tedious efforts being celebrated for the masterpieces they are. At least once a day she will pass by her “gallery” of art work and make an “awe” sound or gasp and point to various creations. I usually then comment on the “form” or “use of violet” or the “amazing aesthetic her use of ovals and feathers foster”. Good for me she buys all my pretend artsy babble that I vaguely remember from Art History 101 (Beck– I need a real artists help on my art appreciation lingo!!). Annikah just smiles and beams with pride as I describe with great animation how amazing her work is. It it so precious and a reminder to me as a Mama how important it is to celebrate what your child revels in and be excited about what they love.
