“Sometimes you’ve just got to grab an apple – or grapes, or strawberries. Something that’s healthy but maybe a little bit more adventurous, if you can see fruit as adventurous.” —- LL Cool J
It may be easier for a child to see an apple as adventurous. I found this out as I helped NMEP hand out treats at the “Halloween on the BOOlevard” event on Halloween in Minne Lusa Miller Park Neighborhood. At our table were three boxes of apples, bags of popcorn, and small coloring books. The weather was cold, cloudy and a solitary snowflake or two could be seen wafting down from a cloudy sky. Children and parents alike were out for adventure and candy as they flooded the Minne Lusa Boulevard island, circulating from stand to stand.
Dressed in an array of costumes, they would approach our table curiously and their interest would pique as they noticed the varied colors and shapes of the Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious apples. You see, these were not your uniform store bought produce, they were hand picked and donated to NMEP by Nebraska’s own Kimmel Orchard. Each piece of fruit was unique in shape and color, therefore a potential adventure. Since children most often live in the present, are not overly concerned with being “cool”, and have limitless imaginations, letting themselves be excited about the prospect of biting into a golden globe of sweet and juicy could feel like a genuine adventure. Also, children are more apt to heed the natural cravings of their bodies.
These apples were fresh, wholesome and were easy to access with their edible packaging. And so, a good time was had by all, and some ghouls, goblins and superheroes went home with at least a little something nutritious. As I walked to my car, I felt a reaffirmation of the natural wisdom of children, and a fresh resolve to pay closer attention to their views. I can also refocus on staying present, not be so concerned with self-image, utilize my imagination to a greater degree, play and create more, stay curious, and of course, eat more apples!
A Halloween Poem
batman saves
his golden delicious
halloween hero
About the Author: Mike Stinson volunteers with No More Empty Pots and WhyArts?. He loves writing, art and helping people. You can find him sharing his talents in and around Omaha.
