Play

                                MY CONNECTIONS TO PLAY

When I was a child we had the choice to play either, inside our homes or we played outdoors. When we played outside our play consisted of games like tag, hopscotch, freeze, or four-square. We had a jungle gym, we spent lots of time climbing on it. We also spent tons of time playing  with our hoola hoops and skip it. As kids we had to try and make a buck or two, so we often sold lemon aide or kool aid.  When the weather was good it was automatically assumed that you were to play outside. I often played with my friends who lived in our neighborhood. I was different then most of the kids growing up in my neighborhood as my mom had a full time job. So, during the summer months I went to a summer day camp. It was a blast. Some of my best friends today are the girls I went to camp with.

If the weather wasn’t nice then we were allowed to play indoors. When I was young, I played with my two older siblings. My sister and I would play pretend with our tea set or our babies. We had some great toys in the sixties and early seventies. Trolls, slinky, kreepy krawlers and play dough. We also spent a great deal of time listening to records on the record player. We too loved to build forts! The more blankets the bigger the fort.

The difference between play today and play when I was little, is we were much more resourceful, creative and physically active. Obviously, technology did not exist so your choices were much more limited. Therefore, we were more resourceful and at the same time we had a bit more freedom. We would get on our bikes and we would ride everywhere; too the neighborhood Dairy Queen, the movies or even to the drug store. Today, children's physical play is continuously structured. I am not opposed to recreational, organized or team sports. I just wish children had a little more freedom, creativity and choice when it comes to physical activity.

With my own children, I tried to create an outside environment where my own crew would be safe, and physically active. My hope was that our backyard would be a hang out for the kids within the neighborhood. Within our home, I provided my kids with play places where they could be creative, messy and enjoy just being a kid.  In both my roles as mother and teacher I have always hoped children would have areas where they could explore, learn and grow.

I have always been a fairly physically active person. I just turned 50, and this past January joined Cross Fit. I love challenging myself and I am having fun enjoying my own special "play" time!

Pass the sugar ... Please!!

Creepy Crawlers!

We would dance and play
music .... 

   

Relationship Reflection

                                       RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

I believe the relationships within my life empower me and help me to define the person I am. These individuals challenge me, love me and provide the support I may need. I in turn love and support them. I have close friends, my children, and a significant other, who each day make me laugh, and make me cry.... Within all of these relationships, there are many common threads which bind us too one another. We share experiences, interests, culture, and knowledge, and even hardships. In order for these relationships to flourish, they need to be based on trust and respect, as well as a reciprocal sense of communication. I believe these entities are the foundations for all great and important relationships. Within each of these relationships there is a place for continued learning and growth. They are never stagnant. Most of my relationships are intertwined and connected. I feel lucky to have wonderful relationships with my close friends, family and significant other. I feel they are everlasting.

                                                                    My Kids

My kids: Alix; 20, Lindley; 22, Avery ;16, Chandler; 18.

I have four beautiful children. My children are all at different stages within their own lives. As they have grown and have become young adults our relationship has changed. Their well being was always at the forefront of my concerns. But as they have become older and are spreading their own wings, they require less from me. They though still need my guidance and love..... and I in turn need theirs.


                                                          My Significant Other

Akumal Mexico Mayan Ruins

Funny how life can take some unique twists and turns.  I had gone through a tough divorce and had sworn off a lasting relationship with a man. Then I met Greg. He and I immediately hit it off. We have so much fun together. Our relationship is strong and sound. We share common interests and morals and values. He has helped me to open myself up to new adventures and life possibilities while at the same time helping me to learn to quiet my mind. We relish the time we spend with one another. This is a relationship I am excited to say is still evolving.