All Things Are Possible

Recently, we found ourselves at a modern commercial mall in the city.

We don't shop there often as most of the stores price us out of their business. 

But their air conditioning is not the only thing that offers a moment of escape. 

On this particular day, Catalina escaped farther than we did. 

There was a pretty awesome play area set in a pool of plastic balls. 

And we were glad to let her enjoy some time with dozens of other children.

But a moment of escape doesn't mean letting our guard down. 

So, I intently followed Catalina's escapades in this donut-themed play area. 

At some point, she scaled a pair of slides backward. 

Then she threw her arms in the air, declaring herself Queen of Donut Mountain! 

She was in her own little world... living out a dream. 

As were many of the other kids. 

One boy adeptly climbed atop a wall repetitively and peered out for the enemy. 

His invisible nemesis obliged every time with a martial arts battle. 

And each confrontation ended with our hero falling gleefully into the deepest pit.

One girl danced along the shorter ledges like a ballerina in a movie,

While another assured only pink plastic made its way into her little circle. 

Oh! To know what was on their minds! 

But simply watching them act out their imaginations was delightful. 

And it seemed wrong to return them to the real world. 

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Reality has a way of taking over life as we experience it.

But I suspect we harbor alternate, appealing, and mystical worlds in our cluttered minds. 

Sadly, only the most daring of my acquaintances seek out those imaginary realms. 

It is a pity because I think life defines reality rather narrowly. 

And "imagination" is too quickly translated as "challenge"

Faraway travel, culinary treats, unleashed artistry, brand new acquaintances, and ideas...

So many grown-ups assured a youthful me that I can do anything I can imagine

If I just set my mind to it. 

I suspect they told you, too. 

And they never hinted at an age limit on getting started.