For as long as I can remember I have been curious.
My parents and grandparents did a fabulous job of facilitating this – I have vivid memories of both my grandfathers spending many afternoons with me sharing their own wisdom, answering my questions, showing me how things worked, sharing their history. It is amazing to look back and see how much of our early life experiences and interests shape us.
I was a very lucky and indulged child having all the educational playthings that I never knew I wanted – but greatly benefited from. I enjoyed tinkering and my parents were only too happy to oblige – providing me with many construction type toys. BILO toy, Stickle Bricks, Constructo Straws, a wooden Cuisenaire Rod set, Tinker Toys, Pin a Shape, Fisher Technik (I can still remember the TV jingle….yes destined for a role in marketing to spite my early construction experience), I also had my very own miniature tool kit – complete with a saw, hammer, pliers, clamp & screwdrivers – Philips head and regular. I remember making rickety tables and doll house furniture from wood offcuts and sticks. I loved the possibilities of constructing with my play sets and would often proudly display my creations for weeks on end before carefully deconstructing them.
My early play experiences that exercised my imagination, creativity and curiosity all fed into my current passions of imagination, creativity and curiosity.
It fascinates me to look back over my early childhood play memories, times when I was in flow, when I could while away the hours not worrying about homework, cooking, cleaning, next week’s big presentation. A simple time when my work involved the passions that interested me – reading, writing, exploring, tinkering and creating.
Endless curiosity.