I don’t know what is going on with my family this year, but every attempt at our usual holiday tradition has been thwarted. For Halloween, we NEVER got to carve our pumpkins! Every time we would make plans and set a date, something would happen and we never did it. Oh yes, we did the trip to the pumpkin patch and each picked out a great one! I had big plans for my pumpkin and was very excited to get carving. Alas, all three still grace our front porch unscathed and unadorned.
Then came Thanksgiving. Ooooo turkey and gravy! Nope, everyone had plans this year so we were just going to stay home. I did watch the parade in the morning (alone!) but nary a turkey to be seen. We tried out Costco meatloaf instead. I don’t recommend it.
Now it’s time to get a tree. We usually wait till later in the month, but as we’re leaving town (and super busy) we wanted to get one nice and early. The first try to our usual tree farm found it closed. Try two? My son was super sick and home in bed. He told us to go without him. As much as I hated to, we went ahead and did. It wasn’t the same at all.
Now I’m feeling pessimistic while looking at the empty, blank tree while I cram homework in, take care of my sick man-cub and wait for my husband to come back from errands. Will we ever actually DECORATE this sucker!? What is going on with all our holiday traditions this year! Is it just a sign that we’re over-busy? All I know is I don’t like it.
One of my favorite gifts that I ever thought to do for my son was a shockingly simple one. He was feeling blue (thanks to hormones) and not snapping out of it very well. I decided to make him a “You Are Loved” book. What is that?
I made him a photo album, but not just any album. First I started with a picture of each family member and a little saying like… “Mommy loves you! Daddy loves you!” Till I had every member of our family.
From there I moved on to action shots of him doing amazing things (or things I was proud of.) Like: A picture of him doing art with “You are such an amazing artist!” Him and his friends “You are such a good friend and kind to others!” You get the idea. Little ego boosts.
This book has become a treasured keep-sake for my son. Even though its been years, he still flips through it now and then. For Christmas this year I plan on making him a new one. This time I’m just going to do it all digitally and order it on Kodak (I LOVE that website!)
Here’s to gifting “outside the box!” AND building our children’s self-esteem.
When people find out that I’m a “blogger” I usually get the same reaction. “I COULD NEVER DO THAT!” Actually, you can... Here are a few simple tips to get you started, or to make your current blog an even better read!
1) Always include a graphic of some kind. Visual appeal is helpful and fun.
2) Cut and paste. Write your blog in Word (or a similar WP program). Spell check it. Then re-read it from an “audience” point of view.
3) Edit. Don’t forget the re-read part of re-reading. Edit, make changes, keep it short and simple.
4) Write from the heart. What are you thinking of? What’s going on in your life right now? What are some experiences you’d like to share that would make a good read? Go for it!
5) Paragraphs are your friend. It’s hard to read run-on-sentence after run-on-sentence, especially if your font is small. The bigger the better and don’t be afraid of it looking too long when you break up your paragraphs. It makes it easier for the reader to enjoy.
6) Lists are fun (I personally use them a lot.)
7) Don’t take things personally. Get a comment you disagree with? Let it go.
8) Interact with your comments. No one enjoys taking the time to read and comment on a blog only to feel like the person who wrote it posted and never looked back. The best blogs should be interactive and encourage comments that spur further insight and discussion.
9) Keep perspective. Know why you blog and what you get out of it.
10) Have fun! Blogging (or any writing for that matter) should be enjoyable. If you have a panic attack each time you write one, maybe you should take up painting instead?
There’s a nip in the air and my bank account is strangely empty. All signs that the holidays are already upon us. Where did this year go?!
I remember quite well being young and hearing the adults moan about how fast time was going and how it can’t be time for the holidays yet! I would always think:
1) You should sit in my math class with me. Time stands still there. Time flying!? I WISH!
2) Why is that a bad thing that the holidays are here? No school! Gifts! Cool weather! Good food! The holidays ROCK!!
As an adult, my viewpoint has changed a little. Time seems to be hurling faster every year. I’m not one to feel blue about getting older or have any fears of dying. I’m simply convinced that I slipped into some other dimension after 30 where 1 year is actually 1 week in my old world. I am at a loss to explain this feeling of life whizzing by me like a bullet train any other way.
I also don’t revel in the holidays like I used to. As an adult (and wife, and mother…) they now mean: Time, money, cleaning, errands, stress, lists, shopping, travel… need I go on? Santa is earning those cookies this year. That’s the other thing! ALL THE FOOD! It used to be a good thing. Now I’m dreading it. Not enough to really exercise mind you. Just not really desiring the weight gain (so I think I’ll skip it.)
How about you? Are the years whizzing by? Do you still have your child-like zeal for the holidays like you once had? Maybe I just need to drink some loaded nog and pop in a Christmas Story?
Topics: holidays, aging, time, Flying, age, getting older, stress, shopping, creatress
posted by creatress on
Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 04:45 PM
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Back when I was younger if you saw someone talking to themselves in a store, they were crazy. You wouldn’t check to see if they had a Bluetooth sticking out of their ear, you just swayed your cart the other way and became fascinated by the canned beans instead. Now days I just assume they’re talking on their phone. Even when they’re talking to me, I assume they’re on the phone. This has caused some issues and lead me to hate cell phones.
When was the last time you went to a movie without someone’s phone ringing, or them flipping it open to text, thus shining the light in your face (since they’re in front of you.)? I can’t remember when. Really, can NOT recall the last time I wasn’t distracted by someone’s cell phone in a movie. When was the last time you went out to eat and no one in the restaurant talked on their phone, or answered a call? How about the last class you took (if you’re in school) where someone’s phone didn’t go off mid-lecture?
I hate cell phones. I think they interrupt real-life constantly and were made just to annoy people trying to live in the moment. If your phone rings in the middle of a movie, you’d better have it on in case the sitter needs to reach you. You can wait till after the movie to text your friends about how good it was or read about your friends new dress. Really people! It CAN wait!
However, I also love cell phones. Without my teenager having one, he would have about half the independence he has now. There’s no way I’d let him walk around downtown Davis to meet up with friends, or window shop alone. No way would I let him make plans on the fly. No WAY could he ditch us in a big mall and look around on his own. He would miss out on a lot of wonderful independence and growth without his cell phone, and I would be losing my mind with worry.
I just wish people would use them more like they were intended. Private communication. Bluetooth away in your car (just drive safe.) Chat away and text before the movie starts (then turn it off and put it away.) Surf the web to your hearts delight while in a long line (then return it to your purse when it’s your turn, or if you are talking to me.) If we’re out for dinner or a drink together, let it go to voicemail if it’s your sister calling to say “hi!” I took time out of my busy life to see you, trust me, you can call her back later. Know what I mean? There just should be some set manners and social laws that come with buying a cell phone. What do you think?
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been noticing a lot of little obligatory time suckers in my life lately and I think it’s time to prune.
Every once in a while I like to take a look at how I spend my time and energy and ask myself
a few questions...
1) What am I getting out of this arrangement (obligation, relationship, etc)
2) Is it worth the amount of time (money, or effort) that I’m investing
3) Would my life be better without it (more time, money or energy)
4) In what ways (or at all) would I miss this
This is a great way to get to the root of why you are maintaining certain activities, relationships and obligations. If you can honestly answer these questions positively, then GREAT! No need to prune. If however, you find yourself yearning for a life free of these things, then it is time to prune.
Now emotional pruning is easier said than done. It requires clear communication and a well thought-out plan of action (most of the time.) The longer you’ve been engaged in what you want to prune, the more difficult it will be (just like real tree pruning.)
There are many things I wish to prune out right now. Some I’m simply choosing to put on the back burner (tie off and let it die out on its own.) Others I know I need to address and I’m developing a plan.
When you actually take the time to do these things, you’ll feel much happier and healthier in the end, as well as have the extra resources to engage in new activities, friendships and adventures.
So ask yourself… Is it time to prune?
A friend of mine has a wedding coming up in a few weeks and I decided to make them some gifts rather than buy. They're the kind of people who put right on the invitation not to get them ANYTHING, but being who I am, I can't do that. So I figure a hand-made little something might fly under the radar.
The first thing I made was this little bath bag. It has organic rose petals from my own garden, organic rose oil and bath salts. You just drop the whole little sack in your tub like a tea bag. I wish you could smell it on my blog. Simply divine!
The next gift I made for them is this leather art pencil case. They are both fun and creative people, so I thought they might enjoy it. The faces are gold polimer clay that I made.
Here's the inside with colored pencils on one side and a drawing pencil on the other. Also leather. These "pockets" were just glued with fabric glue (worked great by the way.) I tried to add some simple imbellishments with silver and black ink on celtic stamps. It's ok, not great though.
This is the front. I hand sewed up the sides with a coated nylon thread and used fine copper wire at the top. I used the fabric glue for the red leather patch, copper wire for the center face and glue (for extra security.) Red suede ties are on the sides.
I hope they like their gifts!
As I may have mentioned, my in-laws are BIG into the hand-made holiday idea. We did it last year and had a lot of fun. Since this is our second annual handmade holiday, we (of course) want to 1up ourselves (and maybe each other!) Even my husband is really involved.
Last year we made a lot of edible treats. My husband canned his homemade BBQ sauce for everyone and it was a hit. This year however, he’s going all out. (Ok, if you’re related to us…stop here! Spoiler ALERT!)
Ok, non relative? Good, keep reading…
This year he’s making handmade books for everyone. I know. WOW! I was impressed too. I think when he’s all finished, each book will be $50. Yup, I never knew my man could shop like that in Michales. It was hilarious to see my man ooing and awwing down the Martha Stewart Collection isle, filling our cart with beautiful paper and findings. Our son rolled his eyes at every chance and glared at me for turning his dad into a paper fiend.
He can glare all he wants, I’m forcing him to make bath salt bags for everyone. Me? I’m making lip balm (yes, homemade) and art pouches for everyone. I think we’ll be the hit of the holiday!
I leave you this weekend with a little food for thought. When was the last time you put your emotional needs first? Not treated yourself with your favorite dinner, or splurged and bought that new bag… but communicated with your family something that was important to you. Or told your partner just what to do to please you? Something emotional. If you’re like most busy mothers, I’m sure you either can’t remember, or the whole question just makes you squirm a little.
Taking care of others is what we do best, right? If you’re really great at your job, then you even anticipate the needs of the ones you love before they even know they need it. Oh yeah, been there… done that. But what about your needs? Do you even know what they are anymore?
Take a bubble bath and think on it. This is something I’m going to work on to. Make a list! Write down some needs that you would like to have filled for a change.
As tempted as I was this morning to write (errr, vent) about the election and what pleased and displeased me this morning, I’m saving it for my personal blog.
When my son started Junior High School in Davis (two years ago now) I was pretty shocked to learn that they had a GSA club on campus. GSA stands for Gay-Straight Alliance. I thought “HOW YOUNG! I can see High School, but Junior High!” So, you can imagine how even more shocked I was to learn my little 7th grade boy had joined. “WHAT! WHY? You’re straight! Hetro! Not liking the boys! Why would you join that club!” “Mom (he said in his all knowing voice) it’s the Gay STRAIGHT ALLIANCE club, not the Gay Club. I want to support my friends at school.” That knocked the wind out of my sail fast.
All I could imagine was everyone at school thinking my son was gay and picking on him for being a member of this club. All he saw however was supporting a large group of his friends in a cause they both believed in (equal rights for all.)
This is his third year of being a member. He’s been the only male member AND the only straight member for all three years. He’s sat at their table in the quad during “Club Day” and told people why it’s important to support all classmates at the school. He’s sympathized with his friends when they’re bullied and have issues. He’s been the butt of some jokes, but this being Davis, they’re few and far between.
It’s for sure not a popular club, full of popular kids, but I’m proud to know there’s some things my son already knows are more important in life. Like… helping each other, looking out for one another, being there for your friends and neighbors, working to make the world a better place. I couldn’t be more proud if he were the first straight president of the GSA.
Topics: clubs, groups, junior high, man-cub, creatress, gay, straight, alliance, leadership, friends
posted by creatress on
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 09:10 AM
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 I saw this on Post Secret this morning and couldn't agree more. It is a very exciting time in history. As if you need even more incentive to vote, Starbucks is giving away a free cup of fresh brewed coffee tomorrow if you go in and say you voted.
Do your part, be an example, take the whole family and vote tomorrow!
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