As much as I love blogging . . . I did get side-tracked with the Downton Abbey series.
I can hear you say, “I watched that ages ago!”
I hear you. I’ve never claimed to be on top of the latest and greatest trend. I guess I was in the mood for something different. Maybe an escape from reality for awhile . . . going back in time . . . where there was tradition and a proper way of doing things and behaving. It does seem quite outdated and a bit peculiar . . . but I believe it has its place.
By no means would I give up my computer and the other modern conveniences I can’t live without, but, there could be something to be said about politeness and kindness. Yet, this series does go a bit overboard with the rich and those in service to them.
I did like seeing the changes that were taking place in the 1920’s Great Britain and how difficult it was for people to embrace those changes and to think about their future. One thing was consistent — needing to work and to make one’s money work for them when it was time to retire.
It was quite refreshing to see how those who were in service to the wealthy were thinking of bettering themselves . . . through education and investments.
It’s important for one to have the confidence in themselves to move forward and taking responsibility for their future. They could see how the grand mansions with their lavish parties was becoming a thing of the past . . . with many wealthy and titled families no longer being able to afford their lifestyle.
Well, most of us aren’t wealthy and don’t live in mansions, but we do work and want to provide the best for our families. I just thought this series was a welcome break from the August heat and the news of the day . . . just an escape to another time . . . and seeing how a family, no matter the amount of privilege they seemed to have been born into, were really no better off than the rest of us. They made wrong choices and experienced heartache and sorrow . . . as well as joy . . .
I think there is a lesson to be learned from this series . . . or maybe it was the particular mood I was in . . . Regardless of the setting and the social classes involved, there was truly a sense of “family” that was consistent throughout this series.
If you haven’t seen it, you can get the DVD complete set or sign up for Amazon Prime and watch it . . . if this interests you at all.
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I do love being a Prime member. I have watch movies, listen to music, get free shipping . . . it’s worth checking out. And, of course, I’m going from Downton Abbey to Harry Potter . . . but you may have other interests. Just click one of the images above and you’ll be able to shop for whatever you find interesting.
Being an election year for those of us in the United States of America, both parties selected their candidate for President along with their Vice President.
The campaigns may be heating up for the final outcome in November.
But before then . . . we’ll be getting the kids off for another school year and Halloween!!!
There are still some days of summer to enjoy, though. Maybe a last trip someplace. Getting more swimming in and enjoying the warm temperature.
I don’t know if that dreaded essay of “What I Did Over Summer Vacation” is still asked. If so, now is an excellent time to get thinking about that. Helping the kids by hitting the highlights of those who had a very active summer . . . and for those who didn’t . . . thinking of ways of making at least one thing you did with your family sound interesting.
When I think back on summer vacations, I think of all the time in the car. Yes, we saw lots of things and had fun at a cabin on the lake or going to National Parks . . . and even visiting relatives . . . The task of sitting down to write about it took all the fun out of what fun we did have.
And, the absolute worst part was reading them aloud . . . Yes, that was torture listening to what others did . . . some were as lame as my summer vacation.
I’m way past that . . . but I do get a cold shiver down my spine when school opens each year . . . even though I’m definitely not involved. Maybe I’m having empathy for all those students . . . Times have definitely changed . . . but those “first day butterflies” may still remain.
There are old movies about this . . . I was wondering if there was a jigsaw puzzle . . . or some books:
I’m never disappointed! There is always something available to help me out.
Honestly, I was thinking of doing a kick-start into Halloween. . . I know it’s still too early . . . so I went with the back-to-school theme. But don’t be surprised as you’re shopping in preparation for a new school year, you don’t see Halloween stuff . . . The stores always seem to start early . . . and by the time I may be ready to think of buying stuff . . . those shelves may be getting a bit bare . . .
Strange isn’t it? We’re always being pushed to the next season and the next holiday.
They have been usually learned from our elders — parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Then there are the books we read and the movies we watch . . . and the video vlogs, too. And what our teachers and peers tell and demonstrate.
I didn’t mention spiritual advisers . . . but they have an influence, too, if that is where you spend time. And it is about where you spend your time and what you pick up from others — both the good and the bad.
With the internet there are many more influences than when I was growing up.
There are many movies, television programs, YouTube videos . . . vlogs . . . social media . . . There are various places that one can frequent regularly and be influenced by the behavior of others.
Parents are sometimes disappointed by the choice of their kid’s friends. And they do step in to teach their children responsibility and making better choices. And there are parents who are very busy with work and don’t have the time to spend with their children and teaching them valuable life lessons. It is unfortunate that children have no one to go to in order to seek advice to problems they’re experiencing.
I’m not pointing fingers or placing blame . . . I’m just making an observation . . . It’s difficult being a parent and difficult growing up with all the various influences around us.
I’ve watched various family vlogs . . .
Family is very important to me, personally. It’s the glue that holds us together during difficult times.
Friends are important, too . . . They can give us support and encouragement . . . The friendships that last are the ones where there is mutual respect — not being a follower . . . one with like values and interests. The ones where the family is in agreement . . .
This could be a study of two families . . . one is very popular on YouTube . . . but I noticed there is a lot of showboating going on with the parents and with the children . . . The parents allow the children to get away with disrespect of their elders . . . They don’t seem to know their cousins or even care about them . . . They have their friends and their activities . . . and the children act spoiled and immature for their age . . .
Then there’s another family that interacts with the popular family . . . but the parents are involved with their children . . . They correct their behavior and give them rules and responsibilities . . . When they visit cousins, they know them and interact with them in a positive way . . . There are competitions, but they are done in fun and winning or losing isn’t a big deal . . . There is sportsmanship involved with being a good loser . . .
And everyone is polite and kind to one another . . . The kids are the focus to a great extent, but in sharing according to age appropriate behaviors. They learn from each other and try new things . . . without humiliation and unkindness . . .
When there is a celebration of a birthday . . . it isn’t a grand haul . . . it is one of reasonable and useful gifts . . . Not the fulfillment of every whim.
One member has been influenced by the behavior of a friend . . . but I’ve noticed lately it has been curbed . . . There is a place for silliness . . . and there is a place for maturing as a birthday is approaching . . . There is a time when it is necessary to put away childish things . . .
This tale of two YouTube families is a great contrast . . . you may prefer one over the other . . . or you may recognize what I’m addressing here and finding some of the behavior odd . . . given the selfishness and the entitlement attitude of the children . . . And the irresponsibility to a degree of the parents . . . Indulging every need . . .
As I said earlier, it is difficult being a parent . . . it is a heavy responsibility . . . and I’ve noticed that some interactions have been curbed to include others who are more on-board with the proper influences of behavior.
Family is important . . . and raising children is a full-time job . . .
It isn’t easy, but it’s necessary to enjoy your family and take the time to teach them appropriate life lessons through discussions, stories and example. There are times when there will be disappointments, but we learn to get through them. We can’t prevent them from happening, but we can be there to give love, support and encouragement.
It’s good for kids to be kids and to learn responsibility gradually . . . getting their homework completed . . . cleaning their rooms . . . and showing respect to others.
I was watching a movie about a bully . . . and how he learned it was more fun and rewarding to make friends than enemies. A lesson some adults haven’t learned . . . We see it daily . . .
It’s more fun to be happy than to be angry. Another lesson adults need to learn . . .
I don’t have answers . . . just observations . . . And I learn each day how I want to be in my golden years . . . Happiness is important to me. Appreciating the little things is a start . . . then it becomes a habit . . . and when I get down in the dumps, no matter the time of year, I can find something positive as I take a walk . . . Appreciating everything around me . . .
I don’t need much . . . I’m very comfortable living within my means . . . Others love to travel and love to have lavish parties . . . They enjoy having stuff . . . and enjoy giving to their friends and family . . . That’s great and wonderful . . . for them . . . but maybe not for you or me . . . We’re individuals . . . we have our own priorities . . . and we need to honor them . . . by not keeping up with someone else.
That’s a life lesson that takes a long time to become comfortable with and embrace whole-heartedly.
Yes, life is full of lessons for everyone . . . It’s much easier to see the faults in others than in ourselves . . . It may be better to not think of them as faults, but as behaviors that you or I don’t want to have in our lives. We aren’t perfect, but it’s a valuable goal to be the best you you can be. Yes, it is hard work . . . but the reward is having a good life.
Well, I’m not that patient. But I do rack up quite a few hours watching how to videos.
Watching isn’t doing — watching isn’t “practice.”
There are definite things you’ll need to do in order to achieve your goal . . . and you may be able to do it in just 20 hours!
Do you want to know how?
Watch this:
Yes, I believe by following these 4 steps, you’ll be able to do whatever it is you’d like to do. The most difficult part is step 3 for me. But, it all depends upon how badly I want to be able to do something.
I think another difficult step it breaking everything down into steps . . . you really have to know what you need to know in order to do what it is you want to learn.
And, this could be half the fun!
It’s like taking baby steps, making corrections along the way and practice for the 20 hours and more if necessary. And, I believe it doesn’t stop there. Once you get to a level, you may want to take it to the next . . . then the next. And, before long, you’ll be mastering it . . . and perhaps reaching that 10,000 hour benchmark.
Time does fly when you’re making progress . . . and love what you’re doing!
I found this TED Talk quite motivating and I hope you found it motivating, too.
Formal education gives you the basics and the theories . . . but self-education digs in to bring out the essence . . . motivating you to think outside the box, perhaps . . . to discover more and to learn and apply this new knowledge in ways no one ever imagined . . .
There are many simple solutions to normal everyday problems, but if you can eliminate that problem completely . . . you have a great discovery . . .
Isn’t that what great thinkers do? How about writers? All those great best sellers . . . much of what they show us is what was learned through life — their self-education.
Aren’t we dumbfounded to find out that someone discovered an easier way to remove stains from clothing . . . or to separate the yoke and the egg whites . . .
How many times have you said, “I wish I thought of that” ?
Probably more times than you can count.
So, not all great education is in text books . . . much great education is in life . . . our experiences and those experiences of others . . .
Sometimes it’s important to get a different perspective on issues . . . Think about it . . . get input from others . . . try brainstorming . . . experiment a bit . . . but safety first . . . I’m not talking about taking risks, I’m talking about thinking things through . . . following your thoughts . . . adding new thoughts . . . and see where it takes you.
I love hearing about the success of others . . . it motivates me to continue . . . and eventually hit on the right combination to find my success, too. There is a whole world of people who share in your dream . . . see where their dreams take them . . . and see where yours will take you . . .
The more you dig into whatever it is you want to know . . . the better chance you’ll have of making yourself rich beyond your wildest dreams . . .
Has some errands to run and wanted to get an early start.
There is something nice about getting up early and getting out in the fresh air and sunshine to brighten your perspective.
This was my trash pick up day . . . but I got my barrels out last night and found I had plenty of energy to do some sweeping up of the debris left from our recent rain. I also noticed the barrels had been emptied . . . so, it was time for me to bring them back in . . . but there were broken limbs from a tree I had to pick up and cut down a bit to fit in the barrel . . .
I was pleased to clean things up before most of my neighbors realized their barrels were emptied.
After all that, I left for my errands.
It does feel good to get things accomplished before noon . . . then you have the reminder of the day to write blogs and tidy the house and do crafts and just relax.
Many times I linger in the mornings . . . watching the power walkers . . .
But, I’m beginning to think they have the right idea . . . get up early and get moving . . .
I do feel good . . . invigorated . . . happy and very pleased . . .
It’s good from time to time to vary your schedule and get a new perspective . . . possibly an attitude adjustment . . . I don’t know any proper phrase that would describe it . . . but you may have already filled in the blanks . . .
I do hope you get outdoors daily . . . it does bring something wonderful . . . It’s not necessary to power walk for a mile or more, but to just get out and stroll around your yard would be enough . . . unless you want to take a long walk or bike ride . . .
Exercise is good, no matter how strenuous you want to make it . . . there is something about just walking around or pulling weeds or sweeping or raking . . . small tasks are excellent . . .
I find I spend much too much time in front of the computer . . . or sitting reading or doing crafts . . . we do need to move . . . not just to the kitchen for a snack . . .
And do more than the household chores . . .
I thought it was important to exercise the mind . . . to keep it sharp . . .
And physical exercise is essential, too . . . but I’m not into getting worn out and sweaty . . . not a pretty sight nor feeling . . .
I don’t know if you need to get all red in the face from exercise to be meaningful or helpful . . . I don’t believe getting overheated is a good thing either . . . but I’m no expert on the subject.
Consulting a medical doctor would be good . . . and also listening to your body . . . sometimes we have to take it easy before going on a 10K run . . . it takes baby steps . . . in my case it does, but for many of you it may not be a big deal . . .
I take the weather conditions into consideration . . . I don’t go out in the rain for a walk . . . unless I’m dressed appropriately and have an umbrella . . . I like to keep as dry as possible and not get a chill . . . getting sick is not on my “to do” list.
I also don’t go out when the weather is in the high 90’s or gets into the 100’s. I do keep hydrated with water . . . some people go for the special waters that give more nutrients . . . but I’m not doing strenuous labor-type tasks in the heat of the day . . .
It’s important to follow doctor’s orders and to use some common sense . . .
Spring seems to be turning to summer here in Southern California
Today is forecast to be a bit warmer than previous days . . .
I hope we get more rain . . . that cools us down and gives us more spring . . . and helps with our drought conditions.
I know I feel better when the weather is cold, cool and fair . . . I’m not fond of hot temperatures . . .
We may be getting our normal June Gloom . . . but we’ve had this in April and May thus far . . . and I’m enjoying it . . . it can continue throughout the summer . . . and I’ll be welcoming fall way before it is due . . . I do love fall . . .
I’m already working on Halloween stuff . . . and maybe will get into the Christmas in July thing many crafters do . . . a head start on any holiday crafting is always a good idea . . .
Some people work on what pleases them throughout the year . . . depending upon their favorite holiday or what they feel like doing . . . I know from looking at Pinterest, some people are still into Easter . . . others have been pinning about Halloween since last Halloween . . . and, of course, Christmas is always popular . . . and there are those who love cooking and have their favorite recipes . . . plus variations of S’Mores . . . it is a year round treat for many . . . just as hot chocolate . . .
We don’t necessarily have to divide our attention with food and decorating and crafts to go along with the appropriate holiday season . . . we can enjoy what we enjoy throughout the year . . . People go to warmer climates during the winter and cooler climates during the summer . . .
We may all to some degree be fair weather lovers . . . to be comfortable indoors and outdoors . . .
