Photos courtesy of Diana’s Merry Bears

In the classic musical “The King and I,” Anna, newly appointed teacher in the royal court of Siam, sings the bouncy song “Getting to Know You.” One of the lyrics really resonates with me: “It’s a very ancient saying, but a true and honest thought. If you become a teacher, by your pupils you’ll be taught.” That sentiment certainly holds for me, because I am amazed at what my 12-year-old daughter recently taught me, or at least exposed me to. Substitute “parent” for “teacher,” and it really is quite remarkable what we can pick up from our children — provided we keep our eyes and ears open, and our mouths closed long enough to permit them to speak their minds.

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If you’re like me, your Sundays are connected to a sprawling cast of fantasy characters and mythic beasts. No, I’m not talking about the weekend political-pundit shows, where a revolving lineup of spokespeople come out to dodge hard questions, create mythological scenarios, and generally practice voodoo economics and mass-media hypnosis. (And that goes for every side of the aisle! Disappearing truths and conjured lies have no political affiliations.) I’m ballyhooing my Sunday nights (after the kids are asleep, or at least pretending to be) and I watch my DVR’d episode of “Game of Thrones.”

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Photos courtesy of Gaby Juergens/Homefront Girl

Returning from the nation’s capital can turn even a jaded civic cynic into a wide-eyed variation on Jimmy Stewart’s character in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” Leisurely strolling and then practically limping past all the famous monuments — travel tip: don’t do a walking tour of D.C. in 100+ weather — I couldn’t help but be impressed by the faith in mankind and divine providence that influenced America’s founding and preservation.

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