August 2009 Archives - 4/0 - The Grass Stain Guru

Monthly Archives: August 2009

10 Questions: Are You Fun-Deprived?

August 19, 2009

With summer almost at an end, my mind is turning to the school year and with that, to quizzes and homework. So, I’ve decided to give my beloved Grass Stain Guru readers a little quiz. (Don’t worry — no state capitals, long division, or questions on Shakespeare.)

Ask yourself the following questions. Be honest with yourself about the answers.

When is the last time you:

Went barefoot (outside)?
Did something just for the fun of it?
Hung out with your best friend?
Laughed until you ________? (Insert snorted, cried or wheezed — whichever is a sure sign that you are laughing uncontrollably.)
Took a walk in the woods or went for a bike ride?
Left the chores for a bit and picked play over housework?
Did something creative that was for you and not your job?
Took some quiet time for yourself , unplugged and alone?
Bought yourself flowers (Yes, even the fellas!)?
Took a day trip to museum, state or national park, botanical garden, or other place you love?

If it’s been awhile since you have done many of these activities, you my friends, are fun-deprived. If you can’t remember the last time you did any of these things, then we have a serious Grass Stain Emergency on our hands!

So here’s your homework: Put some life back into living. Make a list of five activities or actions you can commit to do over the next week to put some playtime into your schedule and a little extra joy in your coffers. It will pay off in spades, I promise. If you are a parent or caregiver, it is so important to make sure that you take some time for yourself and have fun for fun’s sake! If you’re neither of those things, it is still vitally important — play is a key ingredient to health and happiness across the lifespan.

It doesn’t matter what is on your pledge — just take the time to look at your life and add in more time for play, joy, and laughter. Happiness as homework: nothing wrong with that.

I would love to see your pledges, so I encourage you to share them here in the comments section. Add your @name if you are on Twitter, so we can check-in on each other and see how we are doing with our assignments.

Now get to work, errr, I mean PLAY!

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru
photo credit: zizzybaloobah

By Bethe | Posted in Perspectives | Tagged balance, Grass Stain, lifestyle, outdoors, play, stress | Comments (31)

Guru Unplugged

August 17, 2009

When is the last time you unplugged — really went off grid and checked the electronic umbilical cord at the door?

I am a blogger, a bit of a social media junkie, and a girl who has a total crush on her iPod. Don’t get me wrong, I love it all — but I own it. It does not own me. I once lived with out all of these things, and I know I could again. And I like it that way. As much as I love engaging with all of my devices and online outlets, I love the fact that I can turn off for a few days with nothing that buzzes, blips, rings, or requires a cord, and not think a thing about it.

I’m just back from 2.5 full days of electronic and media purge. I feasted on corn on the cob from the farmers marker, great face-to-face-conversation, and more fresh air and natural beauty than I have words for. Me the writer. Speechless.

Long walks in the woods, sitting on the dock watching the great blue herons fly and the sailboats pass me by. At night, bats swooped overhead, diving for their supper as I cooked mine. Butterflies and the smell of the bay. No matter what time of day or night, there was something amazing to see and hear. Senses in tune simply because I gave them the time and space to be.

I came back, and although happy to be home, I can’t help but think that unplugged girl has got the right idea. I must remember to let her take the reins more often…and for a lot longer.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: cyanocorax

By Bethe | Posted in Perspectives | Tagged nature, outdoors, quiet, unplugged | Comments (28)

Mystery Critter #18

August 15, 2009

Happy Saturday, my favorite nature detectives! I am way this weekend, unplugged and enjoying time in nature, but I would never leave you without a case to crack. This week’s Mystery Critter comes to you from my friend, Bruce Williamson. Bruce is a nature lover and a big kid at heart, who I hope to have guest posting for you here soon at TGSG. (You are going to love him!)

So, let’s get down to it. Put on those thinking caps, grab your friends and family, and let’s play Mystery Critter! And remember — no cheating!

CRITTER CLUES:

I am found in some North American coastal regions and occasionally inland;
I am usually silent;
I am in decline because of wetlands being drained and the use of pesticides;
I love company and cooperate with others to catch my food; and
I have to do something you don’t before swallowing my food!

What am I? Make your guess, and then go here for the answer and more interesting facts. Did you get it right?! If not, no worries — you’ll have another chance next week!

You have probably seen this Mystery Critter while on vacation, unless you are lucky enough to live near the coastline. They are a true delight! As always, it’s not about what you see, but simply making the time to get outside and connect with nature, and taking the opportunity to really notice the wildlife near you.

Don’t forget to let folks know about what you see! Join the Wildobs community and report your wildlife observations. It’s a great way to keep track of your wild adventures and share info with others.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

photo credit: miles_lane