Last Tuesday my daughter and I set out on a shopping trip to Kalispell, Montana. It takes a little over two hours to get to Kalispell from our home. We always stop at a coffee shop in Whitefish on our way. It’s an interesting little place. You can get a snack there and browse the artsy unique gifts and items they have for sale. And they give out free little hard candies at the till.
There are always lots of interesting looking people there. I have to say that I am an avid people watcher. I see it as a kind of study in humanity. My dear friend Mary says I’m just plain nosy.
On this particular Tuesday, a family of five catches my attention. The mom and dad are kind of hippie noveau chic. Clearly the image they are presenting is that of non-conformists. They have three little girls.
Muriel, who looks about three, is dressed perfectly bohemian. The chubby toddler who mom carries on her hip has great curls. But it is the oldest girl, Esther, who catches my attention. She is about five.
Her hair is half up and half down, and there is a bit of a tangle at the back. It’s a perfect example of a five year old’s attempt at an updo. Her pink polka dot sweater doesn’t match her green striped pants and, on closer observation, she is only wearing one sock.
Her mother bustles about, encouraging the choice of healthy drinks and finding everyone seats, when Esther comes along and, looking directly at Muriel, announces, “I just ate three candies.”
Muriel looks a bit aghast. Clearly candy is not on the healthy eating agenda. Her Mom doesn’t say anything, but I’m pretty sure her eyebrow twitches a little.
Esther announces louder this time, “I had three candies and I ate them in the bathroom.”
Little Muriel’s lip tremble a bit and she looks up at her Mom just as Esther starts to say even louder, “I had..” when Mom, in that voice all Moms can whisper under their breath, says, “Don’t say it again.”
Esther wiggles a bit in her chair and seems pleased as punch. Her mom divides a cheese quesadilla between her and Muriel. Esther looks directly at Muriel and announces, “I have a bigger piece.”
Mom intervenes swiftly. “Not everything has to be a competition; we share things and get along,” she says. Muriel nods her head, agreeing with Mom.
In a couple of minutes Esther announces, “I’ve eaten mine faster,” and she hops off her chair and goes over to join Dad at the coffee bar. After several warnings from Dad not to climb on the stools right next to the lovely hand painted coffee mugs there is a crash.
We watch Esther being carted under Dad’s arm, screaming, out of the shop. Muriel sighs deeply. And I chuckle a bit, thinking that even in families of non-comformists there are rebels.
Photo Credits
“Free Child Holding A Bunch of Yummy Colorful Candy Lollipops” Pink Sherbert Photography @ flickr.com. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved.
“Free Love and Stars” Pink Sherbert Photography @ flickr.com. Creative Commons. Some Rights Reserved.
I really enjoyed your story.
Hey,
Rebels are the ones who have all the fun. Good story. I hope you had a good Kalispell venture with your own “rebel??”
YFU
You make me giggle! Good job looking forward to more articles!
No matter what the upbringing is, kids are kids. Great story, Donna, hope to hear more.