Reveling in simple pleasures
Mark Pavilons

I listen more intently to my children playing these days.

The sounds they emit while staging mock battles or going on make-believe shopping excursions, is like Vivaldi's Spring - soothing and fresh.

These tiny tots are unfettered and untethered by the ties that bind. They're unaware of the perils, trials and tribulations this world contains.

And that's a good thing. Childhood is meant to be soaked up and then rung out like a sopping bath towel and enjoyed over and over again.

I'm starting to "get it," but I'm still a novice at parenting, human relations and finding all the answers. I'm too hard on them, but when I pause to watch them, I get a glimpse into what it's all about. It's simple, basic human exploration. When did we grown-ups leave it all behind?

We take far too much for granted and yet many of us are still thirsty. We want more.

Life isn't any more complicated than it was in previous generations. Our forefathers worked hard for a living; lived in cramped quarters; were lucky to own a car; fixed things that were broken and enjoyed good times with friends and family. Sure, they had mortgages and bills, but somehow life was simpler, more manageable.

Today, it seems there's this twister-like vortex spinning uncontrollably around us. It's like watching the TV news on fast-forward.

People are rushing from point A to point B. They seem less concerned about their fellow citizens. Once they achieve the sought-after status and relative wealth, they want bigger. What's behind those large-rimmed designer sunglasses - peace and tranquility? Happiness? Marital bliss?

Caledon is seen as an affluent community. My wife and I have been househunting for a couple of months now. It's eye-opening and a bit depressing at the same time. It's almost sickening that $500,000 doesn't buy you what it used to. I'm happy if all my ducks are in line, my mortgage is bearable and we have a few dollars left over for a few new faucets and switchplates. And still, that "dream home" under half a million is elusive.

When entering people's homes, you get a glimpse into their lives. It's somewhat intrusive, but that's the nature of real estate. I wonder how today's 30-somethings have amassed so much in so short a time. I know that $100,000-a-year salaries are more commonplace, but come on! To afford some of the homes and contents we've seen, both spouses would need that, and then some. Doesn't anyone pay taxes? Does everyone work for Donald Trump?

Aside from the financial realities, house buying is very emotional.

Parents want the kids to be happy in their new surroundings. They want a yard to run and play, perhaps throw a Frisbee to a new dog or kick a soccer ball with the old man. We want them to enjoy their new, large bedrooms and their own bathrooms.

Kim wants a spacious kitchen where the whole family (plus some) can sit and dine together. She wants an open livingroom, hardwood floors and a quiet street.

I can't give my Piscean queen an ocean view, but maybe I can help secure a scenic vista from the deck.

I read a quote recently that offers some guidance - "Not being able to do everything is no excuse for not doing everything we can."

Most of us do what we can. But all of us do what we must when it comes to our families.

When my little ones become greedy, I tell them in no uncertain terms that my idea of fun is not getting up and going to work every day. It's a necessity - to put food on the table and clothes on their backs. Yes, I know I sound like my father, but some sentiments stand the test of time and are worth repeating.

Most everything I do these days centres around my family. Despite our modest digs and financial status, our kids are doing okay for themselves. My mom is constantly amazed at the amount of things my children possess.

She's been through difficult times and lived through the war years and post-war rebuilding. She left everything behind to begin a new life in Canada at a young age, armed with only a suitcase and a few words of English. She knows the value of things.

While the world around her has changed dramatically in those decades, her values have not. And it's just such a thing that becomes an invaluable lesson for today's young people.

They need to hear the bare facts from grandparents and if they're lucky, greatgrandparents. They need to feel the truth and not-so-subtle realities of "making do."

I think that's lost on this generation, and likely subsequent ones. The modern age has produced the iPod-listening, gadget-loving, credit embracing, living-for-themoment ideology. With more emphasis on leather seats than feeding the world's hungry, where does that leave us?

I guess I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but again, some ideas need to be repeated.

The world won't slow down for the sake of a few of us who prefer a simpler lifestyle. Bank rates, income taxes and the cost of living won't wane because we're fed up.

What will never change is a child's innate curiosity and zest for the simplicity of "play." The onus is on us to not only encourage such an environment, but to watch, intently. Reading with our kids; getting down on our bellies for some impromptu battles, and even donning earrings and lipstick may be necessary.

Heck, you might even enjoy it! The dream home may be out there. The dream team - my family - is right here!