“To feel the love of people whom we love is a fire that feeds our life. But to feel the affection that comes from those whom we do not know, from those unknown to us, who are watching over our sleep and solitude, over our dangers and our weaknesses—that is something still greater and more beautiful because it widens out the boundaries of our being, and unites all living things.”
Pablo Neruda, “Childhood and Poetry”

Kevin Carnes from Lakeshore Learning Materials was in town and spent a few hours with us, sitting in the Seattle sunshine (yes, that’s sunshine!), brainstorming ideas for World Forum 2011 in Honolulu. Kevin could write a book on the art of brainstorming. He brings his full attention to the topic at hand, listens–really listens–and then stirs the storm. Ideas are never sorted along the way: that’s too expensive, too challenging, too disruptive, too crazy, too boring–all ideas are collected and enjoyed. There is much laughter and excitement. It doesn’t seem to matter whose project we are thinking about. The ideas are the goal. There is such joy in a real storm among brains. Of course, heart is important, when we begin sorting the ideas; but Kevin has a great one of those, too.

One of the directors I met in Detroit was Shirley Wright-Haley of Little Scholars. We arrived too late to see children in action, but I did have the opportunity to ask one of the teachers what she was proud of. Wow, this should have been recorded! If each of us could be as passionate and eloquent about our work, we’d be able to get anyone and everyone’s attention anytime we wanted it. Shirley is involved in business mentoring through First Children’s Finance and here is roughly what she has to say about her new skill set:
“I have big dreams and goals. I’m not in a hurry now to reach them. I know that first I have to make this solid. Now I know I can make it. I’m the expert on Little Scholars. I want to be on the top, not just high quality, but the very best.”

Meetings in Detroit with First Children’s Finance provided opportunities to meet and learn from the early childhood community there–dedicated people with big dreams, eager to learn new skills in order to create strong platforms for these dreams, making a difference in the lives of children and families. A great experience for me, personally and professionally. We got a great cover shot for Exchange, ate together and played! Thank you Monica, Heidi, Cam and all!