A Golden Childhood

My fabulous friend and neighbor Karen took me to see Disney's Beauty and the Beast last night and I fell in love.  The whole movie was sumptuous and perfect.  Once I got home I stayed up late to find out everything I could about the movie, as one does when one falls in love.

Favorite moment: when Beast lifts Belle while they're dancing, Yum!

Today I was bound and determined to have more Disney magic, more of that sumptuousness; more of those incredible visuals and sweeping scores; more to die for production details, more, more, more.  So I blew off almost my entire to do list and rented Disney's Cinderella.  And I wasn't disappointed.  The details of the house, and the costumes, and the castle were superb!  I envy that so many talented and creative people got to work on such beautiful projects.  Can you imagine the energy?!

Mighty big heel for a slipper, but isn't it pretty?

This is a long winded backstory to get to my point.  At the end of Cinderella, while she was locked in the attic, she was twirling around and the narrator was describing how happy she was because she had these incredible memories of her parents, the prince and her golden childhood.

I love the expression "golden childhood".  That rang like a clarion bell for me.  My deepest admiration to whomever coined the term.

I had a golden childhood and I strive everyday to give my kids one too. Marnie had a golden childhood.  it's one of the things that bond us.  And she was able to foster this idea for every child she cared for in her 20 years as a nanny.   I believe a golden childhood is one where you get to be a child, where you are safe, where you are loved, where you have your own space, where you get to experience pleasurable things that inspire your adult likes and passions. Where people show you how to be kind, and silly, and enthusiastic.  Where people take the time to inquire about your interests and foster them.  It doesn't mean life was perfect as a kid, or that loss, sadness, betrayal or cruelty didn't enter the picture but rather as a child you had places and people and experiences that taught you joy.

So a giant thank you to all those who helped me create my golden childhood.  Thank you! Thank you!  The inspiration for my present is fueled by the fantastic memories created in my past. I am so lucky - so lucky - to have had all these golden moments and I look forward to creating many more.