Life on a 2 inch Screen

Posted on May 13, 2013 by simplesensibilities

In my last post, I described my visit to Disney World. One of the points I didn’t mentioned was before every show, an announcement was made that no recording or flash photography could take place during the performance. It was music to my ears. It seems in the past few years, everyone is recording every event that occurs in their lives. This all started with the invention of the video camera. Now with cell phones, iPads, YouTube and other social media, the world has become one giant movie.

We waited for the parade in the Magic Kingdom one afternoon during our trip. People were polite and courteous while standing along the road. When the parade reached our area, a women standing next to me kept sticking her elbow in my side. She had her iPad up in the air in order to record the whole parade. In my passive aggressive way I refused to move over. I’m sure she didn’t appreciate the clapping and calling out of the names of characters as they went by, but I didn’t care. I was enjoying the moment with my kids and wasn’t going to stifle my fun for someone documenting their entire day.

Before we had kids, and had two incomes, my husband and I went on a cruise to Alaska. The only way to get from location to location is by boat or air since the state does not have many roads of connection. We noticed that while the boat was moving, the crowds were nowhere to be seen. It was us and about 12 other people wearing parkas observing the wonderful landscape. When the boat stopped, the people came out of the casino, the pools, and the food and play areas, and took sudden interest in the sites. At the time video cameras were the means of recording, and they came out in force. Tripods were set up, people jockeyed for the best position, and it was taped for remembrance. When the show was over, the people disappeared. My husband commented that that those people were experiencing Alaska through a 2 inch screen.

I often wonder what children think when their parents tell them what to do for the camera. Many times they want a reenactment of something a child did spontaneously. They tell them not only what to do or say, but how to do it. Most kids I know don’t repeat what you want them to do when asked. This causes many parents to become exasperated because they can’t capture that precious moment. Maybe these kids are onto something. I remember a movie called Truman starring Jim Carrey. Unbeknownst to Truman, his whole life was being monitored, and a live feed was blasted across televisions nationwide. Everything around him was set-up to provide the drama. People, buildings, and events, were planned to create a kind of documentary reality show. When Truman found out, he walked out and said goodbye.

I have a video camera. I film my kids a few times a year. Most of it takes place the backyard, or the house of mine and other family members. I don’t feel like I can fully experience what is going on around me if I have to keep focus through a screen. So much time during the total happening is lost. I know I am old school, but I prefer still photography. There is something captured in a moment that I find quite satisfying. A facial expression, the time of day, the surroundings, the people grouped together, the memory of time and place. It is nice to have some photos and videos as remembrance, but the best movie of all is the one that plays out in our heads. The memories we hold of loved ones, events, and life in general. My grandmother said it best. Once at a wedding, she couldn’t get over the number of photos that were being taken. She commented…”All these pictures. You only need one.” How right she was.

I Went to Disney World!

Posted on May 3, 2013 by simplesensibilities

A few weeks ago, during the April school break, my family went to Disney World. Many families we know have already been, some multiple times. For us the timing never seemed to be right, and we wanted to wait until both of our girls were old enough to handle the whole experience. This year the schedules lined up, and we went. I have never been before and didn’t really know what to expect. I now understand why they call it the happiest place on earth.

I booked the plane tickets last summer. Flying out of the northeast during spring break made this essential. We decided not to stay in the park. I know, I know….people say this is a mistake but we had our reasons. First, my youngest daughter has an internal alarm clock which wakes her up at 6 A.M. no matter how late she stays up the night before. I knew there was no way we would be up until 10:30 to see fireworks. Second, the cost of the trip drops significantly by staying outside the park. I got a great deal through Costco for lodging, tickets to the park, and a car. We had a 2 bath, 2 bedroom timeshare, with a kitchen, laundry, pools, and other activities. We were close to the parks, but came home every day to peace and quiet.

I didn’t plan for the entire year as so many say you have to do. We decided what we definitely wanted to do, and what we could skip, but I didn’t have an itinerary for every minute. We also decided we could live without character meals and princess spas. My days of be anxious and worried are over. We didn’t find it hard to get around, or have the time to do what we wanted. I think you actually have more fun if you aren’t so worked up about where you need to be. I am also glad that my kids were not so young as to become overly tired, and overwhelmed with the crowd, the volume at the shows, the walking, and the heat.

We went to the parks 4 days. We went once to Hollywood Studios, twice to the Magic Kingdom, and once to Animal Kingdom. We decided Epcot will be visited on a future trip. Going to Disney provides a great opportunity for observing human behavior. They have crowd control down to a science. Parking lots are not filled with people trying to find the nearest spot. You drive in and they have you park in an orderly manner. No choice, no stopping, pull in, get out, and walk to the tram. Lines for rides and shows have wait times posted. If you decide to wait, you walk along the maze. The fact that it keeps moving makes you feel like you are getting somewhere which eliminates the frustration many feel in traffic jams. The staff is friendly and helpful. Everyone is smiling which is infectious. Imagine having pleasant conversations with strangers all day. Imagine how society could benefit from that.

The rides are what most people talk about, but the exhibits, shows, characters in the street, parades, marching bands add so much to the experience. Some is educational, some is pure fun. The second day in the Magic Kingdom brought back so much of my childhood when Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy were the only characters we knew. Music, laughs, and stories come to life. It all lifts the spirit and leaves you looking for more.

It happened to be the week of the Boston Marathon bombings. Many people from the northeast had the incident in the back of their minds. It reminded us that it is important to have experiences that are fun-filled and happy. It is important to create memories that will last a life time, and that time spent with family will never be forgotten. My kids had a wonderful time, and my husband and I enjoyed seeing Disney through their eyes. For one glorious week, the world around us was totally happy.

A Closet Full of Memories

Posted on January 28, 2013 by simplesensibilities

I was 7 months pregnant, and had a 2 year old when we bought our present home. My vow not to accumulate piles of stuff evaporated once I had a baby, a toddler, and 4 pets to look after. That was 8 years ago. Into my closet I stored away, clothes, cameras, important papers, cards, crafts, old tickets to shows, and various other items I deemed necessary to keep. Finally, this week, I decided to clean out the mess it had become.

I have no problem getting rid of clothes and shoes. There are items that I haven’t worn in about 10 years. Most are terribly outdated. Some I just don’t wear, so the various piles of donating and throwing out are being made. Looking at these old clothes reminds me of what I was doing at the time, and places I have been, but the memories are in my head and don’t need to be worn. They say if you haven’t put it on in 2 years, get rid of it. Consider it done. I’ve gone from “Maybe I will wear it sometime.” to “You know you are never going to wear it.”

Next on the list is paper. This is a major problem for me. Lately I have been better, but I tend to let papers pile up. I have old bills for items I bought or had serviced. I have receipts for when I bought my car and when it was maintained. I have old bank statements for accounts I closed years ago. I have outdated papers regarding my teaching certification. Since social security numbers are printed on just about everything, the shredder is working overtime. The satisfaction is seeing the piles of these papers disappear. Yes, I remember the day I bought that car. Yes, I remember how I worked to maintain my teaching credentials. It all seems like a lifetime ago, but I remember.

Other items are more personal in nature. My wedding dress and cards that we were given. I have a collection of old cameras that I want to keep. Pictures and ticket stubs to events I attended. Items I picked up on trips. Purses, tote bags, and hats which are unique and actually used. These I will keep, but I will seriously have to think about purchasing anything similar when it catches my eye. Do I really need for more to end up in the closet?

Lastly, and with more difficulty, are the papers that involve my children. I have cards sent when they were born. I have papers from the hospital. I have everything they made in preschool and kindergarten in my closet. (First grade on is somewhere else.) I have piles of photos of when they were babies. Looking back, I wonder where the time has gone. They were so little and now my oldest is 11. Her sister is 8. Those years of early childhood…gone. Yet they still have so much growing to do. I am enjoying this age of being able to have a discussion with them. I enjoy watching their interests and skills develop. The best part about seeing those old photos, crafts they made and stories they wrote, is that it all makes me smile. I don’t know if I am going to be able to part with any of it. I think I’ll be making some scrapbooks very soon. Until then..shhhhh…I’ll keep it all in the closet.

Hiding Behind a User Name

Posted on January 8, 2013 by simplesensibilities

I was taught if you can’t say something nice about a person, don’t say anything at all. That rule of courtesy doesn’t always seem to apply for some when making comments online. I have noticed many people, who speak in the harshest of tone, don’t use their real name. I understand privacy is an online right, but what is alarming is how vicious and close-minded some of the statements are. If an individual feels they have the right to speak their minds, then they should be willing to identify themselves. Hiding behind a user name is an excuse to spew out vile, mean, and ridiculous comments that only serve to offend, ridicule, and make fun of people or situations.

What is interesting is the choice of some of these names. Some name themselves after places or feelings. Others use the names of fictional characters. Others pick descriptive phrases that pertain to an issue or situation. I am alarmed at what some of these hiders say when they are anonymous. It is an insight into what people really think in society. I don’t care that they have an opinion. It doesn’t bother me if they say something I don’t agree with. What I don’t like is the degree to which they will go to comment. Individuals will rip apart the appearance, ethnic, racial, religion, or sexual orientation of people involved in the topic. They will make hurtful or sarcastic remarks that have nothing to do with the issue being discussed. Some users will actually engage in online road rage and go back and forth with insults.

I have the choice not to read comments or participate in an online discussion. What I wonder is how many of these people are adults with children. Do they speak this way within earshot of their kids? Are they having discussions with other adults thinking that their children aren’t listening? Do they shout at the television or in the car when they see or hear something they don’t like? Do they insult others on a regular basis? Believe me, kids hear and see everything. You make think they aren’t listening, but those little ears are taking it all in.

I often tell my daughters that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and thoughts. What some people like, others will not. Everyone has the right to do what they choose as long as they don’t hurt anyone. We often think about children and teenagers when discussing the topic of bullying. In reality, it is around us all every day. Society has to learn to listen, talk, share, and discuss issues without shouting, name-calling, and tearing into people with whom we disagree. So much more could be accomplished, and more people would exist in a happier environment. Try using your real name when making comments and it might make you think twice about what you really want to say.

A Message of Peace

Posted on December 25, 2012 by simplesensibilities

I was trying to come up with something that would make myself and others feel good this Christmas. I thought of songs, hymns, readings, and quotations. In the end, a clip from A Charlie Brown Christmas, seems to sum up the true meaning of what we all should be feeling on this holiday. The voice of an innocent child in the character of Linus adds depth to the message this year.

For those who do not celebrate the holiday of Christmas, I offer the same of message of “Peace on Earth“. May everyone go forward with care, love, and the hope of better days to come. Angela

Enough is Enough

Posted on December 16, 2012 by simplesensibilities

Official seal of Newtown, Connecticut (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On a beautiful Friday morning, the world changed forever. In Newtown, CT, 26 sweet souls lost their lives in a senseless act of destruction. I have not been able to shed any tears. I think I am still in the shock of disbelief. I am so angry that the perpetrator targeted an elementary school for an act so horrid. There are no words to explain why this continues to happen in this country. I heard on one news report that 100,000 Americans have been killed in America, by Americans, since 9/11. So much focus has been placed on securing our safety from terrorists. While this is certainly important, the safety of our citizens within our own towns, cities, malls, movie theatres, and schools is another area that deserves immediate attention.

Our constitution provides the right to bear arms. This was written at a time in history when the nation was still growing. It was also essential that people had the ability to hunt for food in order to survive. Much has changed in the hundreds of years that have passed since its inception. No one needs a gun that is capable of shooting off multiple rounds of ammunition. There is no reason for the average citizen to be in possession of this type of assault weapon. Gun proponents will not be able to convince me that it is right of anyone to own this type of artillery. Why they continue to have such a hold on our leaders in unacceptable.

There is much we have ignored. There are many neighborhoods in this country where its residents live in fear every day. It has now spilled into areas of the unexpected. I used to live in the Sandy Hook section of Newtown. When I became pregnant with my second daughter, my husband and I decided we needed a home with more space. Eventually we found a home in a neighboring town. Had we not moved, that same child would have been in Sandy Hook Elementary School. I agree that never would anyone have thought this could happen in a small community which places a high value on its youth. Now that it has, we as people need to speak up, act, and work towards building a better society. If it could happen there, it could happen anywhere.

Good people in our country should not have to worry that if they go to the movies, or stop for a bite to eat at the mall, they will be in danger. That if they go to work, they will have to stare into the face of a disgruntled employee. That if they go to a place of worship, they will be met with evil while they pray. That if they send their smallest children off to school, they will not come home. That if they choose a career path of working with those children, they will be forced into a position of having to protect them, and possibly lose their life.

It is now time for all citizens to send messages to Congress and the President that we need change, and we need it fast. I am tired of hearing mental illness is the reason for these acts. I am sure there is more that can be done in that area, but we also need to revise our gun laws, strengthen our communities, and provide a society where people can live without fear, heartache, and left asking why. Enough is enough.

http://signon.org/sign/gun-control-now-1.fb23?source=s.icn.fb&r_by=6446212

This Time I’m Ready

Posted on October 28, 2012 by simplesensibilities

Here comes Sandy. Last year at this time, the northeast experienced a freak October snowstorm that took down trees, and knocked out power to many. My family went without power for 9 days. It was frustrating as everyone around us seemed to luck out, but a small group of homes were left in the dark because of a large tree that fell on our road. I thought I was prepared for the storm, and I was ok for about 4 to 5 days, but around day 6, things got harder. My house got colder, I was running out of water, eating was a challenge, and a certain kind of fatigue set in. There were lessons learned, and the experience taught us to always be prepared.

I always have a large supply of bottled water stored away. We use it at times during the year, but it is replaced as soon as it is consumed. Those of us with homes that run on a septic system know how hard it is to deal with a lack of water. Last year I filled the tubs and collected water from melting snow. This year, I already have gallon containers of water in the basement, numerous buckets and containers filled, and the tubs will be filled. I have a stash of nonperishable food and all my laundry is done. I have flashlights, but I have found battery operated LED laterns that provide more light and are easier to carry around. The only item I have not invested in is a generator. I don’t have a baby, anyone ill or elderly, and we seemed to survive last time without one so it hasn’t been on the top of our list. I will however, crank the heat up if the storm seems to be strengthening just to keep the house warmer longer.

Despite all the upset, my kids are taking it all in stride. Having gone throught it before, they are loaded up on books, charged up some games, and put batteries in a couple of old boom boxes. I’m hoping that it will not hit us too hard, and that all the tree work that was done on my road will prove to be adequate. I’m still leary about the 2 or 3 dead ones I see standing, but hopefully they will not fall. My philosphy in these situations is that there are always those worse off. I will probably fare better than my cousins in New Jersey. I know that the people near coastlines will suffer damage to their homes. I also know that for my area this in not Katrina or Haiti, and that I will not suffer for years to come. It’s all perspective. I’m praying that all survive.

Pushing Out Imagination

Posted on October 10, 2012 by simplesensibilities

My daughter has decided to be Red Riding Hood for Halloween. The only part of the costume we need is a cape. This is easy enough to make, but we decided to check a major toy retailer while we were out on a shopping trip. The only costume items displayed were full ensembles with no “parts” available. Since we were already in the store, we decided to look around. Most toys today are based on television or movie characters. What I found interesting is that these toys take up the majority of the store and, like the supermarket, are given prime shelf location and space. Nondescript, generic, simple toys are relegated to the outskirts where they sit unnoticed by most. What is unfortunate is that these are the toys that require more imagination and free-thinking. They also aid in the development of motor and social skills. It seems simple play has gone the way of pre-programmed sets with one outcome which, in my opinion, limits the development of a young child’s mind and leads them to the believe that there is one way to arrive at an answer.

Ok, I know some are going to think that I am going overboard with this idea. There certainly are a number of toys and games on the shelves that still lend themselves to imaginative play. But where are the blocks? Why do so many coloring sets have a few sheets of designs and colors to use? How come so many baby dolls are now Disney characters? Do you notice that entire aisles are dedicated to one brand so that comparisons can be prevented? This definitely has an effect on the shopper where the display fools us into thinking that the toy provides a greater learning experience and/or more fun than the plainer, simpler versions.

Smaller, independent toy stores are better at providing toys that are creative and educational. It is also nice to be able to support local businesses that provide a difference in service. There is room for all kinds of toys and games, but parents should not rule out the importance of crayons, blocks, dolls, cars and trucks. It is fun to hear kids make up their own stories and adventures. It is great to see how their pictures change from a few scribbles, to grand designs as they age. If you need any proof of this, give them a big shipping box, some markers, and tape (oh yes, they looooove tape), and watch them create a little world of their own. Have fun.

Don’t Mess with PBS

Posted on October 5, 2012 by simplesensibilities

“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor won’t you be mine, could you be mine……” Fred Rogers

I remember sitting down at 5:30 in the afternoon to tune into Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. He walked into his house, put on his sweater, his sneakers, and proceeded to talk to us. It was a gentle, quiet, and imaginative show that taught a lesson in every episode. Where did you find this show? On PBS, the station that made headlines this week when it was suggested that funds given by the government might have to cease in order to balance the nation’s budget. Lovable Big Bird who has resided on Sesame Street for years has become a target for overspending. What isn’t realized is that PBS provides more return for the dollar than any other line item.

Children’s programming on PBS has always had a focus on education. The segments can be entertaining, but like a good lesson plan, there is an objective to what is being taught. It might be numbers, letters, reading, music, lessons, as well as social and emotional issues. My older daughter loved the show Fetch which dealt with a number of topics involving science, math, and social studies. She was actually able to answer some questions in school based on what she learned from this show. The kids benefit, and it doesn’t stop there.

I have enjoyed a number of dramas over the years including Masterpiece Theatre, a number of mystery shows, and of course, Downton Abbey. The acting is first-rate and the writing is superb. The filming is movie quality making them visually beautiful. I also appreciate the lack of commercials. On network television you watch 5 minutes of show, and then 5 minutes of commercials. The tone, feel, and momentum of the story are lost to the point where you just want it to end. There are also a great number of music, dance, and cooking, and history shows which are both entertaining and educational.

The biggest service of this programming is that is brings to the masses what so many cannot afford or travel to see. Not everyone has the means to go to a concert, the Metropolitan Opera, or these days, even the movies. Cable is filled with hours of reality television, repeats, or reruns of shows broadcasted long ago. The Emmy Awards seem to forget that not everybody has HBO or Showtime. I still watch cable as well as the networks, but losing PBS would create a big hole that will never get filled by other sources of media. Leave Big Bird and his friends alone. Years from now, children will remember him and continue their reach for quality programming. Just like I remember Mr. Rogers.

Welcome to Summer

Posted on June 23, 2012 by simplesensibilities

It’s summertime. The days are long, warm, and full of sunshine. The grass is lush and green. The lakes and oceans warm up, and the beaches become populated with people enjoying the season. What makes us love summer so much? Most likely it reminds us of what we did when we were kids. Is it the same now? Do we let our kids go outside, roll in the dirt, sweat, and swim in the lakes and ocean? For some the answer is yes, but for others the outdoors has become antiseptic.

Now that designers have convinced everyone what is needed in their kitchens, they have moved to the outdoors. The trend now is to create an outdoor living space complete with stone surfaces, built-in grills, hot tubs, fireplaces, and expensive furniture. If someone lives on 10 acres, so be it. For the average homeowner, this would cover the whole yard. So where do the children play? Where is the grass? Having nice plantings or an area to sit is appealing, but it should complement the outdoors and not overwhelm it.

I actually saw one report on these designs that stated people enjoy being in the outdoors. This is somewhat humorous considering all that is being promoted are areas for entertaining. Enjoying the outdoors goes so far beyond these limits. One can only experience nature and all it offers by hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, or camping. There is an inexplicable feeling that comes over you when spend time in the simplest of settings. Children notice so much about their surroundings when given the opportunity to experience it in the way nature intended.

My younger daughter enjoys attending a half-day program at a local nature center. Every year we sign her up for 2 weeks of classes. There was one day 2 years ago that I will never forget. I went to pick her up at noon. Having been a hot day, they had run under a sprinkler fully clothed. Her clothes were wet, her shoes were soaked, her hair was sticking to her face, and she was covered in mud. What was most noticeable? There was a huge smile across her face which for a shy child was a major accomplishment. She was as happy as could be, so much that I still see the image today, and treasure the memory.

This past week I got a wicked case of poison ivy. It itches, burns, and is driving me crazy. I am also one of those people loved by mosquitos. Even so, it will not prevent me for enjoying summer outside. We will get out those rickety folding chairs, eat on old wooden picnic tables, and swim in the lake. I will watch my kids run around, having a great time covered in dirt and sweat. That is enjoyment of the outdoors in its purest form. Welcome to summer.

Simple Sensibilities

Insights into events, occurrences, and experiences in everyday life.

Category Archives: children