Kid at Heart

By Nicole Trask | Aug 16, 2012

I was bound and determined to attend the first Fuller Terrace outdoor lecture this week entitled “How To Be An Adult.” I don’t always feel that I have this accurately nailed down. Does anyone, really? So, I thought I could use a few helpful tips. My friend Scott and I hustled over to the lovely North End backyard venue right on time but this wasn’t quite good enough. The enthusiastic crowd spilled onto the street behind and those of us in the back were simply too far away. We trudged off somewhat disappointedly without picking up any hints on achieving full-fledged maturity.

Ironically enough, the very next day I found myself delighting in a toy store. Have I regressed? Some may say yes, but I beg to differ. Finding myself at a bit of a loss this week on what to write about, I decided to follow up on one of my reader’s ideas. Back in February, Pamela Callow suggested I check out some of the shops opening in our new developments downtown. So, I found myself sauntering along the latest Halifax shopping stretch on the ground floor of the Trillium building on South Park Street on a sunny August afternoon.

Hali Kids beckoned me inside with tigers, lions (oh my!) and train tracks perched in the window. Open for about one month now, the spacious shop is owned by Nicole Smith of Duly Noted. I popped by unexpectedly and the staff happily answered my questions. With a penchant for offering toys from smaller, independent companies, Hali Kids sets itself apart from big box stores. Ultimately, I was intrigued to find some items that drew me back into my own childhood such as the Chatter Telephone with a big smiley face. I am gob-smacked to find out they still make this! Other vintage inspired toys include train sets, tin drums, harmonicas and Fraggle Rock puppets. Is it wrong for me to be thrilled that my childhood memorabilia is making a comeback? I love that Hali Kids is making simple toys and clothing (many with an eco-friendly bent) coveted once more. A favourite for me was the kooky Knitwits hat with a toothy, furry monster face that immediately transported me to Where the Wild Things Are. This would look perfect on my nephew while he stands on the corner and pumps his arms to passing cars blaring bad music.

So, was I successful in grasping any truthful nuggets this week on how to be a fulfilled adult? I’m not exactly sure…. But I do know that hanging on to a bit of childlike appreciation for the little things seems to work wonders for my optimism. And ordering a few scoops of homemade pistachio gelato from the Humani-T Café next to Hali Kids didn’t hurt either…