Remember Heelies? A few years back, the cool kids were scooting around in these sneakers with a roller wheel in the heel. My niece had a pair, and I had Heelies envy.
Then one day, I was walking past the Salvation Army store on Cuba Street, and there they were – adult size 8 Heelies. Of course I bought them immediately. Then I spent a few happy Saturdays with my niece scooting down the driveway. Actually, my niece scooted – I mainly slid down on my ass.
But the point is, that these shoes are a bit of harmless joy (notwithstanding the bruises on my ass). They serve no real purpose other than fun. Nikes are better running shoes. Roller skates are a faster, smoother ride. Minx makes better looking sneakers. These shoes are just for joy.
I am a fan of harmless joy. I occasionally take my Heelies for a spin down the drive or the hallway. I like roller coasters, blowing bubbles, the Transporter movies and candyfloss. All things that serve no purpose other than a bit of joy.
My niece has long since outgrown her Heelies, and for now, her capacity for harmless joy. I hope she rediscovers it sometime soon.
Fess up. What do you do for the harmless joy of it?