Buzz buzz...

Sorry...it has been a while since I last posted.
I wanted to share with you, though, a new book that I just received in the mail the other day.
It is called Queen Bee Moms and Kingpin Dads by Rosalind Wiseman. I first heard about this book by reading about it in the back of Rosalinds other book, Queen Bees and Wannabes.
I dived in last night, but only got through the Introduction. Yet, I have already learned SO much.
It is not your casual reading material.... you have to take notes (or in my case, underline important areas...and I have already underlined quite a bit!)

Some of the stuff I learned so far:

-In this world, many parents compete ruthlessly through their own children.

-Parents' social hierarchies influence how they guide their own children's lives.

-Your job isn't to be your child's best friend!

-Our culture makes us feel that we have to be and look a certain way so that we belong.

- In many circles, being loyal means backing up your "friends" by saying nothing, laughing, or even joining in when their actions are unethical or cruel.

I am ready and eager to continue on with the book.
Just wanted to share...

"In a gentle way you can shake the world" ~ Gandhi

Fumbling through a People magazine, I came across the Books section. The first book that was being reviewed, and that caught my eye, was a book called Quiet by Susan Cain. The first sentence of the review went as follows- "Anyone who has an introverted child- or was one- knows these dreaded words: "He should really speak up more in class".  Yep and YEP!! I can and DO relate! The rest of the review sounded just up my alley and I instantly knew this was one book that I MUST read!

 Visit the authors website ... Susan Cain- The Power of Introverts.

my other blog

catchmythrift.blogspot.com

vintage happy meal toys FOR SALE

Back in the 1970's my mom worked for McDonald's. One of her jobs was as the "birthday party lady." At the McDonald's where she worked they had a special room designated just for parties. It was complete with life sized statues of Ronald and various other McDonaldland characters. I also remember a make believe tree that children can climb in and play on. There were ride on toys and all sorts of fun stuff. My mom liked this job, most of the time. Times I fondly recall are when she would bring home an extra birthday cake! This was always a welcome treat! I can still remember chopping down the ultra-sweet sugar Ronald decoration on the top of the cakes. Pure sugar. Pure head rush!! Since my mom was in charge of these parties she was also was made available to all the happy meal toys that came out. She would bring home MANY toys! She also put some away and saved them. This bring me to the point of this post.
When my mom moved to Texas back in the 1990's I, somehow, became the new owner of all these happy meal toys. She was done with them and I said I would take them. Well, 4 Rubbermaid totes and 4 states later, I STILL have them! They are still in the totes in our basement. I have gone through ALL of them and know what I have. Many are very vintage and almost all are still in their original packages. I just want to clean house and move them out. I just don't know what to do with them!
So, if you or anyone you know, would be interested, email me junipercards@yahoo.com and I will let you know what I have. We can work out a great deal!

still the best

What a lot we lost when we stopped writing letters. You can't reread a phone call. ~Liz Carpenter

I just read a story about a new service available over the web that would allow ANYONE to be able to listen to my cell phone calls, read my text messages (if I even wrote a text message) and even find where I am at all times via GPS!! Now, grant it, I NEVER am on my cell phone. I just never use it. I never have sent a text message. Don't even know how. But how many people out there live on their phones and send countless messages.

We live in a world today that seems to be dependent on technology. More so than in times past. Why is it necessary for everyone to know where I am at all times? Why do I "need" to answer my cell phone when I am in the grocery line or in the middle of a conversation? Why do some feel compelled to put others at risk and text while driving? What could possibly be so stinking important??! Pay phones are a thing of the past. Honestly, I am surprised that they are still making and distributing phone books anymore. One can find any address or phone number online.

Now, what about that lost art of a handwritten letter. When was the last time you received a nicely handwritten letter or card in the mail? When was the last time "I" received one? When was the last time I wrote one??? Looking back to previous generations it is so fascinating to look at old handwritten letters. The style of script was so unique. The words so full of meaning. In a nice wooden box in my basement I have a stack of cards, letters and notes that are from when I was young. When my kids get older what do I do? Print out email messages? How odd, how sad.

I was talking to a friend one day and she stated to me that she did not see the importance of stressing neat penmanship in school! She said that everything is typed on the computer, so why bother!! That really struck a chord. It really was a wake up call.

Going back to the "service" mentioned above. I have been thinking about it and came to a conclusion. If you want to tell someone something very personal and are afraid of someone listening. Pull out a nice sheet of paper. Go grab a pen and start writing your thoughts down on paper! Put it in an envelope, seal it, stamp it, and send it. As far as I know it IS illegal to open someone else's mail. While you're at it, send me a letter too!