tuxgraphics.org tuxtalk living room

On growing old

Recently, I came across an old journal entry I had written years ago, back when my children were still much smaller:

The other day, I noticed Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren lying on my daughter's desk. Suddenly, the ending of the story came to mind-the scene where they eat magical peas so they never have to grow up. Of course they stay children. They're fictional, preserved forever in the pages of a book. I loved that story as a child, and now my daughter adores it too. Before long, my son will be old enough for it as well. And while I've grown up and had children of my own, Pippi remains just as mischievous and free-spirited as ever-a little girl frozen in time.

As a child, I didn't think much about that ending. I wanted to grow up-or at the very least, I wasn't afraid of it. And truly, I don't regret being an adult. Life has its own joys now. But the world looks so different through grown-up eyes. Back then, every day was an adventure. These days, the sense of wonder feels distant, like something I misplaced without realizing.

What saddens me more is how many adults seem to have not just lost their wonder, but rejected it entirely. They cling to routine and grow unsettled by change. They've stopped asking questions, stopped being curious about how the world works. Some even take pride in their indifference.

One of my favorite children's authors, Erich Kästner, often encouraged his young readers never to forget their childhood. When you read that as a child, it feels a bit like the end of Pippi Longstocking-a gentle reminder that something precious is worth holding on to.

And yet, when I look around-at stern teachers, exhausted lunch monitors, and weary faces in crowds-I wonder: what happened? I know that frustration and fear play their part. Still, many adults seem to have become joyless automatons, completely detached from the curiosity and playfulness they once had. It's hard not to feel disheartened. They were all children once. They knew how to live in the moment, how to play, how to imagine. How could they forget that?

But maybe that's the real reason stories like Pippi Longstocking endure-not just for children, but for the adults reading over their shoulders. Maybe they're not just silly tales, but reminders. Invitations. To stay curious. To be playful. To remember.

And perhaps, just perhaps, to never stop eating those magical peas.

PS: I think I'll stop at a shop and buy some of those magical peas tomorrow. If you are looking for them too, be sure to check the label- "Guaranteed to preserve childlike wonder and spontaneous dancing."

PPS: On second thought. Maybe it's better to make them myself. You can too. Here is the recipe:

Magical Peas

For Eternal Childhood and Playful Wonder

ingredients

1 Cup of Pure Imagination
2 Tablespoons of Laughter (freshly harvested)
A Pinch of Daydreams (the fluffier, the better)
3 Sprigs of Curiosity (wild and untamed)
4 Drops of Innocent Mischief (only the good kind)
A Dash of Spontaneous Adventure
5 Sprinkles of Unexpected Joy (randomly collected from your last spontaneous dance)
7 Seeds of Childlike Wonder (grown in the garden of possibility)
1 Whisper of Magic (best when it's just a little bit mysterious)

preparation

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl under the light of the full moon.

Let the mixture marinate in the warmth of laughter and surprise.

Sprinkle with just a touch of silliness.

Serve immediately and enjoy endless curiosity, a side of endless play, and a never-ending thirst for discovery.

Bonus: Don't forget to share with friends-magical peas are better enjoyed together!

There you go-now you're all set for eternal childhood and spontaneous adventures! 🌟💚 Let's make sure you always have plenty available!

Let me know if you need a secret ingredient or some help with your first batch! 😉 Have fun preparing, Chef of Curiosity!