Life is fun — work can be too! (let’s not risk losing that)

So often when we think of “imagination,” we err by attributing it to kids only, says C. J. Ellis of KidsReadUs.com, and maybe it takes some really “big kids” to remind us that’s simply not always the case!

While recently checking out http://slate.com/, Ellis browsed through Gretchen Rubin’s “The Happiness Project.” Although not exactly filled with Ellis’ definition of imagination, it was linked to Eepy Bird’s Sticky Note Experiment.

Now that’s using your imagination and letting it fly! Coined as “Entertainment by the Curious Mind,” this is a heads-up reminder that “play” isn’t just for kids (the video is definitely an awesome example of creativity!).

Which can be a real cause for concern, Ellis says. Real play — play that is initiated and carried out by kids — bubbles up from within rather than being imposed by a stuffy adult. Joan Almon, author of “The Fear of Play,” expands:

Real play has largely disappeared from the landscape of childhood in the United States. There are many reasons for this, such as the long hours spent in front of screens each day or being involved in activities organized by adults. In addition, preschools and kindergartens that used to foster meaningful play and exploration often spend long hours on adult-led instruction instead.

Are adults not doing enough "sticky note experiments" in their everyday lives? Are we unconsciously curtailing the growth of imagination in children, and, by doing so, are we risking the danger of producing a future generation of stiff-minded adults?

What do you think?

Meet Angels are Everywhere

Being creative and using your imagination sometimes means taking a step backward and reflecting on the lives of children who are less fortunate.

It also means recognizing that children see the world differently than adults do, says C. J. Ellis, publisher of Angels are Everywhere, a unique book available from KidsReadUs.com.

When children look through a window, they see the wonders of a rainbow, want to pick dandelions lying in the yard, or daydream about waddling through recently formed mud puddles. What child doesn’t like to stomp in the puddles, oblivious to the objections of Mom and Dad?

When adults look out that window, do they see the same things? Or do they see the dog that is “blessing” their yard, the rain that is ruining their golf game, or laundry woes because their children went stomping in the mud?

The book Angels are Everywhere is a testimonial from a child’s perspective — that the world is filled with hope, courage, and creativity.

“This book reflects the creative expressions of life as seen through the eyes of young patients who were undergoing cancer treatments, bone marrow transplants, heart and kidney transplants, general surgery and rehabilitation, as well as treatment for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses,” says Adrienne Rudolph, creator of the book and former Artist in Residence at the C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan.

Rudolph asked each patient to create an angel that represented his or her interests. “Thus we have angels ranging from The Angel of Hope to the Angel of Science, even Cartoon angel,” she explains.

In all, the book includes 75 creative expressions of life and love weaved together by storyteller Maureen McKinney. “What was conceived as a holiday project blossomed into a book that will inspire children of all ages. You’ll delight in the handiwork of young artists who rose above their physical limitations to create angels — of all shapes and size — that reflect each child’s endless spirit.”

The materials used were diverse, adds Rudolph, ranging from wooden balls, fabric, felt, yarn, paint, markers, jewels and sequins, feathers and bows, flowers, and an odd assortment of medical supplies from the kids’ room.

What is remarkable is the perseverance of these children, some of whom worked on their projects for six months, Ellis says. “Sadly, not all of the children survived to see this book published, but their imaginations — and their spirits — live on.”

What is your child’s favorite interest? Encourage him or her to create an angel with material you have hanging around the house.

Mom and Dad, you can make some angels too! There’s Angel of Golf, Angel of Gardening, Angel of Basketball, Angel of Summer — what’s your favorite Angel like?

It’s time to Let Your Imagination Fly!

(Artwork by patients of C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, and their families. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Angels are Everywhere will be donated to the hospital.)