This post is my tribute to mothers and grandmothers who are old enough to recall these ancient artifacts of days gone by. A girlfriend recently sent me one of those emails that you are supposed to pass on to all your friends. I didn't do that. Instead, I thought I'd share it in this Aging Disgracefully blog space, because that's where many of my "cyber oldies" congregate. I knew that they would appreciate the nostalgia relating to these items.
Recently my grandson celebrated his thirteenth birthday, his Bar Mitzvah. In the Jewish Religion that birthday is considered a coming of age celebration. It’s when a young boy takes his initial symbolic steps into manhood. It is both a religious occasion and a joyous birthday party rolled into one great big milestone. And, whichever way you look at it, it is a very, very big deal.
I grew up in the 40s without television to distract me or CNN to scare me. News didn’t travel as fast back then, so my parents and I were not traumatized by horrendous tales of kids being murdered or kidnapped when allowed outside unattended.
If you are a parent, you are probably familiar with one of Albert Einstein’s lesser-known theories: The smaller the kid, the larger the pile of art they will produce.
From early crayon scribbles and reams of sticker-covered computer paper, to colourful splats of paint and remarkably strong renditions of dogs… kids make art. Lots and lots of art.
The question is, what to do with all the creative output?
One answer involves using state-of-the-art technology to archive all the fabulous handiworks your children make at home, at school and at camp.
Those who know me know that I am a "less is more" kind of gal. I wear little make-up and not a lot of bling. At 75, I believe in aging gracefully. However, sometimes the universe aligns and you just know that you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. That’s where my "aging disgracefully" side kicks in.
It’s winter in Canada. It’s snowing outside. You’re cold. The kids are restless. And at this moment, the only thing carrying you through the day is the thought of Valentine’s Day candy.
Just me?
Excluding chocolate chews and cinnamon sweets, nothing says Valentine’s Day like windows plastered with paper hearts. I still remember loving the bright red and pink shapes that decorated the glass in my elementary school classroom.
