Monthly Archives: June 2009

Are You Ready for the Summer?!

June 25, 2009

TGSG Note: It’s time to walk the walk, folks. In honor of the season of fun and extra #playoutdoors time, The Grass Stain Guru is going to blog a bit less for the summer. Starting next week, I will be posting blogs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday only — and keep up this schedule until after Labor Day. After all, there are a lot of dandelions to pick, fish to catch, trails to hike, and sandcastles to build. Not to mention lightening bugs to chase and marshmallows to roast. I’m very busy.

I hope that you will all slow down, unplug more, and have a summer filled with fun, fresh air, and loads of laughter — kids and kids at heart alike. Take a break. Read a book, explore a new place, and fall in love with living all over again.

Now, to help get you in the mood, listen to the song below and get ready to have some fun. Pass the SPF, would ya?!

See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru

By Bethe | Posted in Blogger's Note | Tagged , , , | Comments (18)

In Pursuit of Happiness

June 23, 2009

Sunset near Kalbarri National Park
Creative Commons License photo credit: mark i geo

This post is dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, Craig Tufts. He taught me so much about nature and wildlife, and was so full of joy and life.  He was a man that knew how to live and to share joy with others — the best sort of man. My thoughts and love are with Jean and his family.

Gather up your telegrams
Your faded pictures, best laid plans
Books and postcards, 45′s
Every sunset in the sky

Carry with you maps and string, flashlights
Friends who make you sing
And stars to help you find your place
Music, hope and amazing grace

Maybe what we leave
Is nothing but a tangled little mystery
Maybe what we take
Is nothing that has ever had a name

- Mary Chapin Carpenter

I couldn’t have said it better myself. Slow down. Live your life to the fullest. Laugh until you can hardly breath.  Increase your capacity for joy. Enjoy the feeling of the breeze on your face. Focus on experiences and people versus things and labels. Wiggle your toes in the sand and mud. Unplug and PLAY. Jump for joy, and pass it on.

In your pursuit of happiness you have to remember that it’s always there inside of you. Even on days you scarcely believe it possible. Sometimes, you just have to kick off your shoes and look for it.

Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go feel the sun on my face and walk barefoot through the grass.

See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru

By Bethe | Posted in Guest Posts, Perspectives | Tagged , , , , | Comments (27)

Three Cheers for Summer Camp!

June 22, 2009

It’s summer. SUMMER! The season for extended play and fun.  Kids do not need to go to computer camp,  foreign language camp, or the “academic enrichment” camp du’jour. They have been living at a break-neck pace all school year and are ready for a break. It is, after all, why they call it summer break.

That said, if your children are old enough and finances allow,  good old fashioned summer camp ROCKS. Hiking, fishing, and crafts akimbo. Nights by the campfire — telling stories and roasting marshmallows. Falling in and out of “love” with the cutie in Cabin 7. Bug bites and independence. Sharing secrets and making friends. Starting to figure out who they are outside the home, which is a crucial lesson.

Ahhhh, I can almost smell the cabin now. A mix of suntan lotion, dirty socks, cookies from home, and laughter. Priceless memories. I went to camp as a child, and later, went on to become a camp counselor. It was there that I met my career path. Yes, at summer camp.

So give camp some thought. If not this summer, maybe next. And don’t just take my word for it. Think back on your own memories or, listen to these words from some other former-campers you might recognize!

Need help finding a camp? The great folks at  ACA have got you covered.

Now if you will excuse me, there is a s’more with my name on it.

See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

By Bethe | Posted in Activities, Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (23)