Do you always crayon within the lines?
By bounce58
@bounce58 (17387)
Canada
December 22, 2009 10:46am CST
This could be taken as literal as actually coloring a picture book; or the philosophical way as in life.
Last night my 3 year old had in his hand his box of crayons and his coloring book. It was a color-by-numbers page that he had opened up. He needed help in determining what color each number signified. So I just told him, 1 is blue, 2 is red, 3 is green, and so on. After an hour or so, I was surprised at the job his done. He finished the page, and actually colored within the lines.
Made me think... (and it hurt!
)
Do I always follow all the rules? In everything that I do. I know it sounds boring but I have! I have crossed many lines when I was younger so now that I am little bit older and a little bit wiser, I try as much as possible to stay within the lines. Seeing my son doing the same, made me think that there is hope for him after all! He knows how to follow instructions and follow the rules. Hope he stays that way.
How about you do you always color within the lines? In life?
)
Do I always follow all the rules? In everything that I do. I know it sounds boring but I have! I have crossed many lines when I was younger so now that I am little bit older and a little bit wiser, I try as much as possible to stay within the lines. Seeing my son doing the same, made me think that there is hope for him after all! He knows how to follow instructions and follow the rules. Hope he stays that way.
How about you do you always color within the lines? In life?3 responses
@canesfan1964 (544)
• United States
22 Dec 09
I was taught to stay in the lines but I guess it is my personality to venture outside the lines. I am very inqusitive and those that are this way are rule breakers every now and then. Its a personality trait. Believe me my parents tried to make me tow the line but when you have an inner wild child it is hard to tame. Wait till your son hits puberty! Enjoy these young years. They go fast!
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
22 Dec 09
That's what I'm afraid of! When he discovers that it is more fun being outside the line! I just hope I could build a stronger foundation so that he could weight the options himself.
I know that you're a rule breaker and a wild child M! I can tell that from how you salute certain players from opposing teams during pre-game warm up. Or how you ask friends to do it for you.
@MJ_Dakota (126)
• United States
22 Dec 09
I would like to write a resounding "yes", but unforntunately, some rules are just so absurb to me as well as a bit "nit-picky" that at times I find myself outside the lines. In coloring, sometimes we can create a beautiful picture by lightly passing the lines in one or two areas, it is what makes our picture ours. As with life, sometimes beauty can be found outside the box.
As long as I do not intentionally hurt another and act consciously, stepping over the line on occassion is not a bad thing. In fact, I consider it to be Life. : )
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
22 Dec 09
Thanks MJ_Dakota. You are right. The way we always try to define things, and make a law of everything does take away out of life. People tend to go overboard in putting structure to everything, including creativity. We generalize everything, thus making it boring. If our intentions are good, and we do not hurt other people, it'll be nice to paint our own life. And see transitions in color. 
@MJ_Dakota (126)
• United States
22 Dec 09
Yes, lines and rules are guides, to help us travel life and create, but are not meant to be the only way to travel or the only way to create. In my opinion. At the same time, with children, following directions is part of that path of learning, so Kudos to your 3 year old!! Time and place - printed picture or a blank page - either way, travel the path that is not harmful, yet creates the beauty we desire. : )
Did you ever color a picture and then outline the lines on the picture to add color definition or hide stepping outside the lines? There is something about creating your own lines too! : )
