Dr. Seuss explores the maze of life in his famous book Oh, the Places You’ll Go! On the first page he assures readers:
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
And that’s just what Jenna and Ian did when they visited Conner’s A-Maizing Acres this past October near Hilliard, Florida guiding their grand-parents from one station to the next. (Yes, they did learn “maize” is a type of corn.)
During the one-hour trip in the car, Ian read poems from The Random House Book of Poetry for Children to his cousin Jenna. He didn’t read from Dr. Seuss’ book, though whose wise words weave a web throughout this travelogue.
Then, a snapshot at the entrance . . .
The Conner Barn offers much to keep little hands busy . . .
After a hayride to the field, we tackle the maze . . .
There were Rules and a Life-Guard at the entrance to make sure we didn’t get hopelessly lost or ejected!
Jenna and Ian steered us away from blind alleys, saving us false steps and loss of sanity. No danger of losing our way with these two at the lead!
Like Dr. Seuss explains, it’s easy to take missteps and get lost.
You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.
But we had such good guides, not a chance this would happen to us fortunately!
Next, while Jenna and I shopped for pumpkins, Ian bounced around on the spider web . . .
We also visited the Micro Farm with an aquaponic system:
Aquaponics: Growing plants in water and gravel, clay pebbles or lava rock.
We learned King Nebuchadnezzar built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon with an aquaponic system as a tribute to his wife.
One of their favorite pauses: The horse farm . . .
Dr. Seuss continues . . . I’m sorry to say so / but, sadly, it’s true / that Bang-ups and Hang-ups / happen to you.
No, the Hang-up didn’t happen to either Jenna or Ian. It happened to their NaNa. The Cylinder-on-Rollers looked exciting and easy . . . until I got into one and right from the start, felt disoriented and dizzy and not very smart. Still, Jenna and I persisted through to the end – with less than wonderful results.
I’m physically fit and strong for my age (so I’m told),
but when I exited the roller I felt much less bold!
I had to wonder the truth of the Seuss line “You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Yet, I suppose these closing lines below from Dr. Seuss still would apply to us. We made it to the end of the course, more or less . . .
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
Seuss’ shouts optimism and assurance on his last page:
Today is your day!
So . . . get on your way!
Have you done something lately to get out of your comfort zone, maybe even made a fool of yourself? Any memories of antics in times past?
Coming next: Quiet Lives Matter, My Brother Mark
Plain and Fancy 