If Albert Camus is right in his theory that the truth is found in going too far, children seem to have innate sense of where to find it. They have no problem with saying what they think or pushing us just a little past our sanity. Maybe they’re all little philosophers in disguise.

No matter where you are in the world, all kids are the same. The desire to play, to laugh, to have fun, is universal. Now if only the grown-ups would figure out how to have this much fun during a flood, imagine what the world would be like…

We are honored to be introducing J.D. King limited-edition tees for our Spring 2010 collection.  Mr. King, a musician and famed illustrator, contributed his talent to our “teach me to play” series in which a percentage of proceeds will go to support keeping music programs alive and well in our public schools.

In our competitive culture we sometimes forget that it’s not about win or loose, it’s about having an opportunity to try. Encouraging and ensuring that all kids have an opportunity to shine is the greatest gift we can give them.

In 1939 a dentist from Alton, Illinois gave his then 13-year-old son a trumpet and suggested he learn to play. Three years later while still attending high school the young trumpet player began working professionally. By 1959 the world would know him as Miles Davis, the man who changed the face of jazz with his groundbreaking album Kind of Blue.

Today in our modern world filled with endless electronic entertainment for kids in the guise of advancement, who will advance the arts?  Who will be our next Miles Davis?

“I’m always thinking about creating. My future starts when I wake up every morning… Everyday I find something creative to do with my life.”

- Miles Davis

In the early 1900’s one man in Richmond, Virginia was inspired to plant over 200 exotic species trees on his hundred acre property. By the size and age of the trees it was discovered that each one was carefully placed to allow for it’s optimum future growth. When he died he left his property to the people of Virginia.  It has been noted by tree experts today that “the magnificent tree collection could not be duplicated in one hundred years.” The true beauty is that when the trees in Maymont Park were planted, the man responsible knew he would never live to see their full beauty, that was the gift he left for future generation to see…

When someone like Albert Cullum comes along, they wake you up and remind you of the endless potential that lives within each of us. As a 5th grade teacher in the 1960’s he bucked convention and pushed back the desks to give his students an education that ignited their hearts and minds. In the documentary about his teachings, A Touch of Greatness, you see why Albert Cullum is regarded by academics as one of the most influential educators of our time. A must see for anyone who dares to touch greatness…

“Children who get early exposure to great art, great music, great literature don’t run away from it ever in their lifetime, it’s like a friend.

“It’s what you feed on as a child that stays with you forever.”

- Albert Cullum

If there is one thing that we do for our children, I hope it is to preserve those places that have the power to profoundly effect us. In the beauty of nature we see our own beauty reflected back. Today go out and find yourself in the wildness…