Category: Photography

Ciao Papas and Babbos--from Florence

3/5/2015

David's shadow on Papazzo Vecchio. M. Smith

Believe or not, I’m writing to you from Florence Italy. (Check out the slide show at the end!)

My next few articles will be from here. Normally, I wouldn’t be out of the country the month before my first book is being released—there is so much to do! Promotions, endorsements, reviews--all need to be requested, scheduled and prepared; and all this is new to me. I wrote last about the impending release. If you haven’t read it, please read my previous post, ‘The Power of Dadhood’—The Launch is Coming….tra-la-la-la.

This vacation was planned before I even had a publisher. I owe it to Kathy, my wife, to keep to the plan! She has put up with me being lost behind a laptop for months now. Besides, mamma mia, who doesn’t want to go to Italy?

I’m not sure what I will write about while I’m here, but then, I never know more than a couple of days ahead what I will write. I do know I will post photos and tell you a bit about our travels. I may take a break from the Dadhood topic. After all, I’ve written twice as many words on the topic here, in the last 18 months, than I did in my entire book. Then again, I hope to find an Italian angle to this fatherhood business.

Thus far, this is what I have learned, besides most of us dads don't look like Michelangelo's David!

***
Stuff Our Italian Fathers Say
Discover the crazy, funny, touching things Italian fathers say to their children over the years
Our Paesani

by Francesca Di Meglio

The Italian father is a unique breed. He's part protective lion, king of the jungle and part teddy bear, cub of mamma. One of the characteristics that most Italian fathers have is their willingness to say whatever is on their mind, often without consideration for the consequences. We say, "All the better." These outburts bring us laughter and usually make our Italian fathers all the more charming. Here is a list of stuff our Italian fathers say--

20. My mother was a saint and my first love.

19. Always make time for an espresso.

18. Never hold it in when you have to go to the bathroom. You might die. It happened to someone I know. Believe me.

17. Quando si mangia, non si canta. When you eat, you don't sing (or make any noise).

16. Computers are for people without souls. We Italians go to the piazza and do everything, even business, face to face.

15. Eat whatever you're craving, even baba'. It means your body needs it.

14. If I have to be honest, the first thing I noticed about your mother was her culo. (Mike’s note: Look It up)

13. People who drink wine from the store with all its chemicals, as opposed to the homemade kind, are the ones who have hangovers.

12. Drinking ice water on a hot day will kill you. You will die. It happened to someone I know. Believe me.

11. You're playing tombola, Italian bingo. You are calling the numbers. "Diciassette or 17." Your father says, "Did you say 27?" You repeat, "Diciassette, 17." He replies, "Ahh, so you did say 27!" And then he calls, "Tombola."

10. At 16, you're caught joyriding with your friends – in your father's car. He runs out into the driveway to greet you with his fist in the air, as if shouting to God. He yells, "Disgraziato!" Then, he returns to the house and says nothing more…for days.

9. You wake up at 6 a.m. and feel like an early riser. Your father sees you coming down the stairs still in your pajamas and says, "What are you a lazy bum? It's already 6 a.m." Did I mention that your father doesn't live in your house but has already been there an hour and prepared you breakfast and lunch?

8. Your father sees a bird flying around your backyard, and he'd like to eat it. He grabs his hunting rifle on a Sunday afternoon and shoots the bird in broad daylight in your quiet suburban town. That's not even the crazy part. Neither is eating the small bird that most of us would imagine helping Cinderella make her gown. After he grabs his kill, your father sees some guys on motorcycles wearing leather vests and no helmet and says, "Those guys are the craziest in the neighborhood. Can you believe them?"

7. You're arguing with someone, anyone really, about anything. Your father's comment is always the same, "FILL IN BACCIAGALUPE'S NAME is just jealous of you."

6. You're sick? Eat something, maybe some pasta in bianco (with just olive oil and cheese). You're sad? Eat something, maybe some prosciutto on crusty Italian bread. You're happy? Eat something, maybe some mozzarella. If you don't eat it, your father will make it for you, and then feed it to you.

5. Never use a microwave. Whatever you cook in it is not real food. You might die. It happened to someone I know. Believe me.

4. No one will ever make a meatball like your mamma. Don't you forget it!

3. Be a man for once in you life, he says in his broken English. (Please note that this can be said to sons and daughters.)

2. My tomatoes are redder and bigger than yours.

And the number one is...

1. I love you, which is always accompanied by two Italian kisses, one on each cheek, whether you are a son, daughter, relative, or friend. The wife, on the other hand, gets a much more passionate, special bacio. Wink, wink.

Slide Show of Florence, Italy

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Real Success is Within Every Father’s Grasp

1/22/2015

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Photo: M. Smith

Former United States President Harry Truman’s father struggled his whole life to eke out a living as a farmer. Unfortunately, a drought hit and the farm had to be foreclosed on. Many years later, a reporter asked Harry why his father was a failure. Harry replied, “How can my father have been a failure when his son is President of the United States?” (All Pro Dad)

Success is like beauty, it is in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes those eyes are your own and they are frequently the most critical. Most men do have a desire for success, but then how do they define it. Is it making a million dollars? Is it curing cancer? Or is it being able to pay all your bills? Maybe it’s just getting further in life than your parents or you thought you would.

A man who wants success cares about something. He has a goal—something to work towards. There is a purpose to getting up in the morning and a good reason to be tired at night. Having goals, however, creates an opportunity for both satisfaction and disappointment, the latter a reason some don’t set aggressive goals. Not having goals allows one to get a free pass from self-criticism regarding achievement.

If you reach the pinnacle of your dreams, what will you have? Will others be helped by your work? While looking for your personal success, you can miss real success--especially if you are looking in the wrong places. It may be that your greatest success, or potential for success, is right under your nose. There are many remarkably successful people throughout history, most of whom have never been documented by historians. But of those that have, I’ve always looked at Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed a vaccine for polio as the symbol of a man who profoundly left his mark on the world. Millions were saved from the crippling effects of polio thanks to Dr. Salk’s vaccine. His success was this miracle cure, which he refused to patent, allowing it to be used freely. Not once did he seek financial success from his discovery.

Where did Dr. Salk get his desire for service and his ability to contribute? Who gave him the encouragement, support, and resources to “pay it forward”? Dr. Salk’s parents were immigrants who did not have a high school education, but they sacrificed and insisted that their son have an education. How much credit do they get for ending the scourge of polio? Just imagine the pride they must have had for their son!

Now your success does not have to be as dramatic or wide reaching as Dr. Salk’s. But it can be as significant as the successes of Dr. Salk’s father--or Harry Truman’s father, men who raised their sons to be wonderful citizens. Real success is selfless. What you do to pass on or grant success to another is the best success there is. Every father can do this, and it has a multiplier effect! Every father has the potential to support and mentor every son and daughter in a way that gives them a strong start to their own successes.

Two Secrets Regarding Success and Failure

I can think of two ‘secrets’ regarding success/failure:

"Sunrise in Maui", M.Smith

Success often comes about by not knowing, in advance, how difficult achieving it is going to be.

Failure often comes about by assuming success will be more difficult than it really is.

Fathers can help their children by keeping the first secret to themselves, and giving away the second secret. Success as a father may not be the greatest success you’ll ever have. If this is so, maybe you didn’t have children.

Please consider my book for a new or struggling father. It will encourage him and get him to think. "The Power of Dadhood", coming out on April. 28, 2015.

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One of My Favorite Christmases Ever!

12/24/2014

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The Smith Farmhouse

It was Christmas of 2010. Two years earlier we had bought a farmhouse in the rolling hills of Eastern Missouri, just three miles from where Daniel Boone spent his last few years. It was a solidly built home built in 1900 of solid, real 2 x 4 oak. My brothers and I had spent many weeks rehabbing and transforming the house, not from its basic charm, but a new window here, reclaimed wood floors there, and bathrooms that severely required updating. And best of all, we transformed an old canning kitchen to a fireplace room with lots of windows.

My wife Kathy and I had decided the previous Christmas to start a tradition of having Christmas Eve with our extended family at the farmhouse. Our two daughters, with husband and future husband in tow, our first grandchild, just two years old, my mom, a niece and her three children, and my brother’s family all gathered that first Christmas Eve at the farmhouse--as we liked to call it. Especially nice was having my son with all of us! He had missed so many Christmases, as he will this one, because of his service in the US Army overseas

That morning it had started to snow. Not just flurries or a wet snow, but a real Norman Rockwell snow that fell in buckets of ornament-sized flakes. There was not a wisp of wind, allowing the snow to fall in a gentle, rocking motion. As it built up from two, to three, to four and more inches, the snow had a muffling, insulating effect. If you have ever been outside in a deep blanket of pristine snow with nothing stirring around you but a few cardinals and starlings, you know how deafeningly quiet it can be. The scene of a fresh snowfall over the fields and hills, along with a numbing quietness is, to me, uncommonly inspirational and a refreshment to the soul.

Me and my daughter Rachel

Despite the snowfall, everyone successfully navigated the snow-covered country roads and showed up one carful after the other. My mom came with a perfectly tan-crusted apple pie. My brother Bob and sister-in-law Ellen came with their teen-aged son and daughter, Timmy and Mandy. Immediately they wanted a family photo with the snow covered pines in the background. My oldest daughter, April and her husband (yet another Mike) came with the best present of the day for me, my granddaughter Malia. My son Mike was busy shoveling snow off the sidewalk that led to the back door as my niece, Stephanie, arrived with her three kids, all in their pre-teen years.

Timmy, Ellen, Bob, and Ellen

The farmhouse filled up quickly with people, food and chatter. The windows were steamed up with a turkey Kathy had in the oven. We pushed a couple of tables together, not of the same height, and crowded sixteen chairs where we could. Evening approached as we sat down for dinner with enough food for three Christmases. It was still snowing and we all felt a little magic in the air.

Me with Caitlin and Malia

After we stuffed ourselves, a few of us and the kids went outside to play in the snow. My son-in-law, Mike, found a bucket and a rope and pulled Malia around the yard in her own little sleigh. Caitlin, Stephanie’s oldest child, found a small sled and after a few trips down a small hill, also pulled Malia around as we all caught snowflakes on our tongues. Caitlin’s sister, Lauren and brother, Colin trouped back inside with Malia to watch a kid’s movie. I had my camera in hand and took a photo of them outside the window. Photos like that are always so nice after they have grown. I also tried to trick them jingling some sleigh bells outside, hoping it sounded like Santa flying by, but the older ones didn’t fall for it.

Mandy and Ellen with ornament-sized snowflakes.

Later, we played what had become a Smith Christmas tradition, Christmas Bingo. A few days earlier, we go buy the cheapest toys ($1 to $5) at a dollar store, wrap them all up for a boy or girl, then whoever wins a round of bingo picks out a toy to unwrap. They love it! They love opening presents no matter what’s inside and they have fun with the toy that night, and it usually only lasts that night!

Sledding

After all the food, conversation, games, and play, all were exhausted, but almost everyone helped to clean up. (I had to play with the kids). Then all were off to their homes to go to bed for the big reveal the next morning….except for Stephanie, Caitlin, Lauren, and Colin. They stayed the night at the farmhouse and woke up with excitement to a classic Christmas morning, in the quiet countryside, covered in snow.

The kids watching a move while I spy from outside.

That was a wonderful Christmas! I can’t believe it took me four years to capture it in words! I just wish my other three grandchildren, who have come along since, could have enjoyed it. Hopefully, they will have many memorable Christmases, and I hope to be there for many of them.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Snowing into the night!

Our Family!

Mike shoveling snow.

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A Window, A Table, and A View (or How I Bought the Farm)

11/6/2014

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Barn, Farmhouse, Shed

One day in 1999, I started putting some thoughts together about being a dad. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with those thoughts, but because of my experience as a boy and as a father, it was important to me. I continued this practice but would often not write anything for weeks. As retirement was approaching, I became more serious and promised myself to organize my thoughts into a book for my family. My persistence paid off and with the help of others, it will be published by Familius in April, 2015--and not for just my family. Knowing how much time, work, and aggravation it took, I wouldn’t have made that promise to myself. But since all that is mostly behind me, I’m very satisfied with the journey. The first note I ever wrote put in motion a process that has changed my life in a way I never contemplated, but certainly love and appreciate.

For years, I wrote at home, in libraries, and various ‘Bread Companies”. I wrote on vacations and even at work when a thought occurred to me, not wanting to forget. But I also had another vision, a vision where I was writing in a quiet, isolated location, on a table by a window with a beautiful view. Well, you know how it is to have a vision—it pulls you toward it. The more vivid the vision, the more the pull.

While my vision was pleasing, it wasn’t elaborate. Just a small piece of land, maybe on a hill, and a small A-frame with enough room for a table and maybe a sofa bed with a small dorm refrigerator and a rustic bathroom. Just quiet, inspiring beauty, and a table with a window.

I had been looking around, mostly in Jefferson County, Missouri and I had found some amazingly beautiful areas. Areas most people from the St. Louis area never see because they are out of the way. But to find land for sale that was perfect for my needs was difficult.

One day, I was driving home from playing golf asking myself “why do I torture myself playing this game?” when I came to the intersection where I enter the interstate highway to go home. A quick thought came to me, “I wonder if there are any possibilities of land ahead of me towards Augusta?” It had never occurred to me to look before. It was early November and even though it was after 4 pm, plenty of daylight was left. So I sped across interstate instead of turning on the on ramp towards home.

I had driven about 10 miles when I came to 3-way intersection. There was a sign that said “home with a beautiful view”. I wasn’t looking for a home, but I was looking for a view. I took a right turn and drove up a steep hill and three miles later, I found the house with a beautiful view. And it was! I could see for miles over the Missouri River Valley. The view and the house were breathtaking. Almost as breathtaking as the asking price of $750,000! In the Midwest, that gets you much more than a simple A-frame.

After slowly backing away from this beautiful home, I decided to keep driving down this road I had never traveled before. It was a fun adventure. On the highest elevation of the road, the beautiful fall foliage surrounded me, blocking any distant views until I came upon an opening that delivered a view of the most beautiful valley I had ever seen in this area. Being far off the beaten path, I wondered if this was how Lewis and Clark may have felt as they navigated the nearby Missouri River.

The Farmhouse

Of course I wanted to investigate further. When I got to the bottom of the hill, I saw a yellow farmhouse with a sign that said FOR SALE BY OWNER! I didn’t go any further that day.

Now this farmhouse was not what I was looking for. This was a two story, 2000 sq. ft. home built in 1900. It was not on a hill, although it did have beautiful views, and it came with a barn and shed with three acres to mow. But it spoke to me.

I drove home and told my wife Kathy about it. I was shocked that she didn’t discourage me on the spot. A few days later we went back to look the property again. Kathy was curious and we both enjoyed the ride. Three months later, we bought it and our lives changed.

After removing 2 layers of linoleum.

It’s now six years later. I have re-learned what hard work is all about. I found a beautiful wood floor under 2 layers of the ugliest linoleum you have ever seen. I turned an old canning kitchen and breezeway into a comfy living area surrounded by windows with a fireplace. With the help of my brother, I installed glass double doors where a wall used to be that separated two rooms and added a picture window in the kitchen to view the landscape. The house is solid, built of oak 2x4s when they were actually 2 inches by 4 inches! You can jump up and down anywhere in the house and not one thing will shake.

Canning kitchen before

Canning kitchen after

Kitchen window replacement and wood floor. (see view)

Three grandchildren have been born since then and one is on the way. What was to be a small writing place has become a family gathering place for my extended family. We celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, birthdays, and more. Every Memorial Day we invite friends and family to a huge party with lots of food and fun for kids. We’ve even had a band on a couple of occasions.

We have a play set, tire swing, playhouse, motorized toy tractor, a creek nearby, a barn, and lots of room for kids to run around. We’ve had many bonfires under a sparkling carpet of stars. My original idea of a place to write has turned into a memory maker for my wife, my children, my grandchildren and me. Memories that have brought us all closer together.

I often wonder what my current life would have been like today had I not made that snap decision to drive across the interstate that early November day in 2008. I may have finished the book much sooner, but not as well, and at the cost of so much living.

Oh, one more thing, Please suggest my book to a father who could use some encouragement!
"The Power of Fatherhood - A Better Society Starts with Dad" Out in April 2015.

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9 Fractured Life Quotes for Fathers

11/3/2014

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Life quotes are great! They help us through tough times and give us hope and encouragement. But most life quotes are ephemeral (word of the day). Their impact lasts a day or so. Quotes with a real-life dimension add a bit of reality and responsibility, offering true ways out of your circumstance or towards your goals. Below are a few thoughts on fatherhood, or 'Dadhood' as I like to call it, captured in photos.

Below each photo is a fractured life quote, that inspired each dad quote.

‘Love makes the world go ‘round’, but little else gets done until you come to your senses.

‘You can do anything you put your mind to.’ Yeah, maybe if you are rich, powerful, wealthy, good looking and oblivious to facts. How about “you can do just about anything that is within reach if you really want to. Just don’t forget to reach very far!”

When you wish upon a star’, you kind of have a notion. But when you take a step towards a star, you’ve set a plan in motion.

‘When you dream, anything is possible’…until you wake up. When you work towards a dream, you eventually might catch it.

‘The best things in life are free’. Not really, you must pay for them with your appreciation!

‘Never give up’ sounds nice. But ‘never give up on what’s worthwhile’ is better.

‘Never say never’ could never be said without saying never.

‘Beauty is only skin deep.’ But it does buy you a lot of time. However, always giving in is a big mistake!

‘When one door closes, another one opens.’ But if you can stay in the room, you won’t have to worry about it.

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Should Toddlers Be Techies?

10/16/2014

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Technology moves so fast, the odds are that you were born without the advanced tools of today, but those that existed the day you were born were not much of a challenge, depending on how early and how much you were exposed to it.

You may have heard the story of a four year old girl typing on her dad’s computer. Her dad walks in and asks what she is doing.

“I’m writing a story,” she said.

“What’s it about?” asks her dad.

“I don’t know daddy, I can’t read!” was her reply as she pounded the keyboard.

Kids seem to be naturally attracted to computers, smartphones, iPads, etc. That’s not too surprising given the buttons, bright colors, apps, pictures, and quick response. Unlike many of us older adults, who grew up with pencils, typewriters, and board games, kids are not intimidated by today's new technology. Digital tools are natural to them, like trees, grass, and blue skies.

My experience with my grandkids

My 12-month old granddaughter Rosie (the one taking the selfie above) gleams and bounces when she sees my iPhone. She reaches and grunts for me to give it to her while her mom mildly objects. I get a kick seeing her play with the icons, flicking them around with her thumbs and fingers. When I try to take it away from her, she has the iron grip of a pro-wrestler, and a primal squeal like I’ve never heard, except when her 21 month old cousin plops on top of her. Rosie has some fast fingers. She even got past her mom's passcode once!

When her older sister, Malia, was one and a half, I had an app called ‘Carl’, a character that repeated everything you would say. She giggled and laughed and then took the iPhone from me and looked in the charging port and asked “What’s in there Papa? What’s in there Papa?” Today, at six, Malia can manuever around an iPhone screen like an Apple Genius!

My 21 month grandson, Ryan, the one that flops on his little cousin, is less ‘techie’ than the girls it seems. His love is good ol’ airplanes, trucks, tools, and tractors. But even he loves to watch “Barney the Dog”, an app I have used to comfort him on a long ride in the car. Ryan’s real love of my smartphone, though, is the fact that I can play tractor videos for him to watch on You Tube. He's obsessed!

Mind you—I don’t always allow my grandchildren to play with my iPhone. We read lots of books and have been to the zoo many times. We go to playgrounds, on neighborhood walks, tea parties, and streams where we throw rocks. Sometimes we just jam! Here, Ryan is doing his best Tom Cruise impersonation.

Good or Bad?

Toddlers adapt quickly to these innovations. According to Common Sense Media, 38 percent of kids under 2 years of age now use smartphones or iPads. Those numbers are no doubt going to rise. The question seems to be, is this introduction or use of these tech tools to such young kids good or bad?

My response to that question is like my response to most dilemmas, BALANCE is everything! But let’s get into a couple of the pluses and minuses of tech familiar toddlers.

Plus: They become familiar with tools they and their fellow toddlers will soon be using while activating their brain. And let's face it, it’s a great diversion to keep them happy when you are busy.

Minus: Since it is great pacifier, you mustn’t ever let it get in the way of reading books to them, taking walks, playing with trucks, dolls and building blocks. And don't forget to interact with other kids!

As they get older, exposure to digital technology can result in an increase of multitasking skills, complex reasoning and decision-making. Subjects like science and math are no longer boring as they become visual accompanied by interesting challenges, puzzles and spotting games. No longer do kids need to lug heavy bags with books to school. And yes, new interactive technologies make learning fun!

Have Rules!

However, parents should set up guidelines for times to use technology and tech-free times when kids are older. Consider granting tech usage only when physical activity has been completed or only after good grades have been achieved. This will be tough because the technology of today will not seem to be a luxury to them. However, they won’t miss anything because unlike the old days of TV and radio, everything is available on demand!

You must protect your children. They can find their way into an online chat room with strangers or click on an enticing ad that links to inappropriate content. Monitoring your child’s online activities is time-consuming, but absolutely necessary! Keep their laptops in a public area of the house.

It's your call

You will find experts that will tell you to minimize tech usage for young children and others that will tell you it will be an advantage if controlled. I tend to agree with the latter, but it is up to you. Balance in all things is as important in raising kids as it is on a tightrope.

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Thoughts on Photographing Your Kids

7/17/2014

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Me (UL) with brother, sister, and cousins 1957

Photos are like wine and whiskey. The older they are, the more they are appreciated. This photo from 1957 reminds me that I was once a little boy with so much before me.

As my friends and family will tell you, I am a fanatic photographer of my grandchildren. There are many reasons for this;

I love them
I love photography
I love to brag about them
I want to capture them as they grow
I want to capture special moments
I enjoy the process of being with them while I enjoy my hobby.

Below is a slideshow called “Thoughts on Photographing Your Children”. It’s not technical and only 1 minute and 36 seconds long. I don’t mention aperture, lighting, or shutter speed. I discuss the more practical and emotional side of photographing your children. Things you know but often let slide during a busy life.

It’s different these days regarding photography. When I was a kid, long ago in the 1950s and 1960s, cameras were not near as common as today--when almost everyone has a smart phone with a camera function. Back then it was very difficult to take a good photo without 'auto' settings, and it was a much more expensive hobby where film and printing were vital. Neither was there the instant gratification we have today. I’m sure many rolls of film were left undeveloped, or photos were underexposed, out of focus, or just not composed correctly.

Most parents want photos of their children. I can’t imagine why anyone would not. And our children will want to see themselves in photos that anchor, or revisit, memories of their youth. Like many my age, I think I have less than 10 photos of myself at age 12 or younger of which I am aware-- and few are very good. But the memories and conversation they stir up are invaluable. When an old or previously unseen photo is discovered, it's like finding lost treasure.

I have three major suggestions that anyone can understand. My first suggestion would be to have a camera nearby at all times. For most of us, this is no longer a problem. However, you have to have an awareness about when a photo opportunity exists or could come about. The second suggestion is to take a lot of photos. I have hundreds of photos I love, but I took thousands of photos to get them. Had I only taken hundreds of photos, I would only a few. Bad pictures are so easy to delete. The third suggestion is to have a filing system or software program where you can keep and find your photos. Losing a special photo of an irreplaceable moment is sad indeed. I know from experience.

With that said, here in the following video, are my thoughts, with examples, of capturing your children in photos.

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Kids and Their Dads - A Photo Journal

6/2/2014

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Kids want their dads to be around. Maybe not all the time, just when they want you or need you. But isn’t that what dads are for?

They also want you to want to be around them. That doesn’t mean to say that they wouldn’t prefer you to go away sometimes. It just has to be their idea, not yours.

Sometimes you need to concentrate on them. Special days, set aside for family time, is essential because when you are busy, you may not remember the little things that really aren’t that little.

Dance with your kids, sing to them, play with them, and hold them....

....even when they get older!

But start when they are young because it will be difficult to start later!

Capture your children in photos as they grow. They change every day and you can't go back!

Set on a swing and talk to them. Or just swing. One on one time is very valuable.

Traditions are always a good idea. Take them to the park, or the ballpark. All my kids remember going to see the Cardinals play, getting nachos, and singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”. Zoos are also fun and educational. We go several times a year and always have a wonderful time.

When I became a grandfather, I bought 2 ½ acres in the country just for the purpose of creating memories for my children and grandchildren. We have a playhouse and playground where they can be kids, host friends, explore, and just enjoy nature.

Even Grandfathers can join in the fun!!
The key is really knowing your children enough to know when to give attention, when to stay in the background. Know how to show your love while letting them know you are their parent, not their friend. Most importantly, let them know they are wanted and very special to you!

Enjoy your kids and they will enjoy you!

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A Mix That Clicks

5/5/2014

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When we find totally different things that, when brought together, work in harmony, it's....harmonious! Here are a few samples on which you can digest, like cookies and milk, or ponder, like beauty and the beast, but I saved best for last.

Baseball and hot dogs
Lily pads and croaking frogs

Flowers blooming in the month of May
The Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay

Disney and kids
Jars and lids

Parks and grass
Fishing and bass

Socks and shoes
Children and zoos

Peanut butter and jelly
Hip Hop and Nelly

Moonlight and love
Peace and a dove

Starlight in the midnight sky
Grandmas and homemade pie

Abbott and Costello
Whipped cream and Jell-O

Four Lads from Liverpool
James Dean and being cool

Spaghetti and meatballs
Moving day and U-Hauls

My grandson and trucks
Bathtubs and rubber ducks

Eggs and bacon
Fall leaves and rakin'

Eagles and flying
Sadness and crying

China and crystals
Holsters and pistols

Hammers and nails
Brides and their veils

Ribbons and girls
Women and pearls

Campfires and stories
Spring days and Morning Glories

Poetry and romances
First loves and prom dances

Bread and butter
Palmer and putter

Success and passion
Armani and fashion

These are things that go together
Like Lena Horne and “Stormy Weather”

But a mix that clicks better than any other
Are kids with a loving father and loving mother!

The stats when they don't (click, here)

PS. I'm thinking of "A Mix That Clicks" part 2, sometime in the future. Help me out and send me some mixes that click that I have not mentioned or thought of. If you find two that rhyme, even better! I'll add my favorites to Part 2!

Just write them in comments to this post or email me.
[email protected]

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Less is More? - Not When You're a Dad!

4/24/2014

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Morning mist on a pond in eastern Missouri.

Less is more. Really?

Okay, if you're not into wordplay, you don’t want to read this article. You may have to concentrate a little and who wants that? Just read the title for a quick summary. However, for those who like playing with words, here we go.

I don’t know if it was an ad-man, a philosopher, or a tree-hugger who first said “less is more”. But it is a crock! That’s like saying ‘fat is skinny’, or ‘dumb is smart’. They are not giving you the whole story. They are leaving things out. I saw a Lexus Ad today which stated ‘more is more’. Now that is truth in advertising!

How you should say the phrase is, ‘less fat is more skinny’, or ‘less dumb is more smart’, or ‘less Taco Bell is more healthy’. It’s all about voids!

See the difference?

When something is missing, something else fills the empty space. That’s why some boys join gangs when they haven’t a father to reassure themselves of their maleness. It’s why some girls are easy sexual targets for boys when they haven’t a father - to get the male acceptance they long for, but don’t have.

I can tell you this, less parenting is not more parenting. "But wait”, you say, “some parents are helicopter parents, always hovering over their kids. Wouldn’t less be better?” Yes! But what we are really stating here is ‘less bad parenting is more good parenting’. Continuing:

Less love is not more love. ---- Less 'smothering' love is more 'effective' love.
Less attention is not more attention. ---- Less attention 'on what’s wrong' is, hopefully,more attention 'on what’s right'.
Less discipline is not more discipline. ---- Less discipline 'may require' more discipline.
Less time with your kids is not more time with your kids. ----Less time with your kids is more time with your kids 'in the principal’s office (or worse)'.

So let’s be clear for those who have suffered through this.

“Less bad stuff is more good stuff!” and, of course, vice versa!
And “Less time spent writing this article is more time to write a better article!” ;)

Less 'less' is more 'more'!.....Now that is truth in advertising!

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