Hobbies Anew

New hobbies are always fun. Its something to escape too when we have a little time to devote too something special to us. I can not fathom how someone can say, "I have not hobbies." What a goofy answer. Of course you have a hobby, it may be you saying, "I don't have a hobby" to everyone, but we all have one. And the wonderful concept about hobbies is we can always change if you grow tired of one or wish to start something new.
This world is filled with some many possibilities. Learn a new language. Try to paint. Try a new recipe. Start reading again. Don't feel discouraged because someone could be better or you might fail at it. If one doesn't work attempt another. Also don't say, "I am talented enough." It is not about being talented it is about enjoying experience of something you enjoy, whether it be the feel of wet clay in your hands or feeling the sweat after a long hike. Go out in the world and do something!

Until another day toodles :)


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http://t-annphotos.blogspot.com/

The Parental Walk of Shame

I am sure every parent has done it. The Walk of Shame, fleeing the store as fast as possible with a screaming child refusing to behave.

Well the other day, I had my turn at the walk of shame. I was at Costco. Knowing full well my daughter had missed her nap, I thought if I indulged her with the abundance of samples, smiles and promise of pizza at the end, it would all work out to be a pleasant trip. She was doing good. A little feisty, but quiet enough to not be noticed by many, all the while her brother is smiling and waving to everyone possible.

Now I think when spoiling your child, now and then is fine, but lines need to be drawn. Like for our family, you can't run around the store without shoes on. Which sadly for me was the last straw for my little "angel" the Grouch.  Sitting at the table with her pizza, she wanted to take off without shoes on. My answer of "No" sent a loud scream from her lips. Not just one, but many blood-curdling screams. And of course came all the stares of everyone around us. Every single person who has nothing better to do, but continue to stare and watch the show.

I jumped up ready for my grab everything and run motion, when I was stopped. A Sweet lady about the age of my own mama came up to me and said, " Oh I remember that. My youngest is in high school but I remember doing that with all three of my daughters." I slowed a little feeling much better, but still quick as my daughter let out another shriek.  Then I turned to see a man dressed like he was made of money, holding his 2 year old son. He smiled as well and pointed to his child in a gesture of "He does it too. I understand."

When I finally made it too the door ready to leave, a sweet elderly couple answered, "You don't rush dear. All parents go through this."

I was almost in tears when I made it back to the car. Not one, but three times, someone was sweet and reached out in my moment of panic and frustration. I want to say to those three, THANK YOU!!!! Thank you for the encouragement. Thank for not standing there and staring like was spectacle, even when I looked like one.

Why don't we do this more often when parents are in public dealing with unruly child? Especially for the mother juggling groceries and children? Why do we stare and not offer encouragement, even if it is just a smile.Next time this happens offer a kind grin. If you can give the struggling parents a few words of encouragement.

Bless someoneday

Toodles

Take Bac the Spirit of Giving - Happy Valentine's Day

Not much happens in February, just a strange man-made holiday that forces people to buy cheap cards for their kids to exchange and even pricier gifts for your significant other. At least this is what I hear from a lot the people around me. Honestly I think some of them are the same people who complain about Christmas coming early, but that is beside the point.

So what if it is a man-made holiday "forcing" people to buy gifts? (No one is threatening life, but somehow it is forcing.)  Who cares that people have to say something sweet to a loved one? What is so wrong with being loving? 

The problem is not the holiday, it is the commercialism, and that is something we deal with everyday. Every where we go, some big company has something to advertise in our faces trying to get us to buy things. And somehow we have let commercialism win. Not just purchasing, but letting them take our holidays.  We have let them grey our happy moments of giving. They have dulled our words, lowered out spirits, taken our joy and we let them do it.The fact is, yes big companies play their part, but we are mostly to blame. Instead of making Valentine's day our own, we become lazy, follow some predetermined route and then complain about...

Wake up!!! Be happy! Chocolates, flowers, dates, and gifts make no one happy. It is the heart behind it that does. It is the smile and joy one person has and it being freely given to another that make things awesome!

Now, I am not saying stop buying Hallmark cards. Some people don't have that special touch with words. I am not even saying stop buying the cheesy stuffed animals, or the overpriced chocolates. But stop and make your own choice. Maybe buy her favorite chocolates and then write her love in your own words. Or maybe make up his dream date night, or buy him the chocolates this round. (Its not midnight yet so there is still time. )

But stop wallowing in complaints and not wants, and do something you do want and enjoy giving something to someone you love. 

Put thought and heart behind your actions....

God bless

Toodles