Marigolds and Dinosaurs

When I was a child I had no interest in dinosaurs. My interest was digging in the soil around my house planting things. I would even plant sticks with great hope. My mother eventually bought me Marigolds. She would let me plant flowers outside the screened in porch, strategically placed around the birdbath in the middle of our circular driveway. I was about 10. Looking back, I realize she was letting me explore in my own way and develop my own interests. I remember the smell of the Marigolds when they would grow into big clumps over perfectly positioned rocks and the scarlet Sage that would line the flower box at the front of the house. It always excited me to see plants grow and find their way. That's what I was into. But dinosaurs? No way.

Maybe it is a generational thing, because today's children are all about dinosaurs! I have children come into the store, all of 4 years old, and they can already pick out not just the T-Rex but can also correctly name the Triceratops and the Brachiosaurus. I am amazed! Maybe it was the advent of the Jurassic Park films that got them interested. But when you think about it, parents are always letting their children find out what interests them and what will set off the spark for learning. Some try out musical instruments, Little League or camping.  Parents will see what sparks their interest and then give them the tools to learn more about it. My mother stocked me up with the tools of flowers and I keep the tools of dino related items in our stores. You never know what will cause that spark. I hope you check out the collection under "Dinosaurs" (https://chmuseums.myshopify.com/collections/dinosaurs) to see what items we have that may spark your child's interest or develop an interest. Sixty years later, I am still digging and planting and creating. I always think about my childhood when I smell the fragrance of Marigolds.