Covid Lesson #3, At Home

Lesson #3 - Special Education During Covid and Beyond!

Many years ago, the Momsey submitted this 'program' to Core Knowledge, the American lesson sharing organization- for two years in a row. They declined my offer??? Here I am again hoping that the intentions of this dynamic approach to 'special' education/learning will be taken seriously. It is not about baking! Never has. It is about higher order thinking, the tool for life success. It can be incorporated anywhere with anyone to enable the special needs child to succeed beyond his/her wildest dreams. (No writing or reading necessary.) These developmental tasks will evolve over time.

With the latest in school re-openings across the United States beginning, some cases of coronavirus among young children have occurred. Hygiene must always be a top priority now. There is no room for error. Children must be shown how to wash and why. Using a microscope to visually see the bugs that exist on 'dirty' hands versus the few that might remain on freshly washed hands will show your child why this step is critical before working with dough (food).

We've become a mask wearing society - until further notice! Our children must be protected as life and learning goes on .There is no time to waste. Seeing what is in front of them helps children with cognitive and behavioral impairments to understand the abstract world around them, instantly.

Allow frozen dough to thaw slowly in the fridge overnight . We are not wasting valuable time for this step during the day. It is happening while we sleep. Check on bag or large covered bowl in fridge before going to bed. This slow re-awakening of the dough will give added flavour, also. If it becomes too large, deflate dough to allow it to 're-grow'. This a very forgiving experiment. If left unattended in the fridge or on counter (at room temp.) dough can expand and begin to spread everywhere in fridge or on counter. Messy Time!

Student table to be used should be cleaned, sanitized often. Appliances not used. Experiential learning is is the goal. During these coronavirus times, hygiene is of the utmost importance. Washing hands, too. Children assemble around the table. Question are asked. Why are we here? For what purpose? {We are here to make rolls, doughnuts or pizza} These are simply suggestions. The level of expertise of group or teacher will determine what will be made at that time. A demonstration of how to make roll, doughnut or pizza is given then each child is expected to create product being shown. (You might be asked by child “What do you think?” of my roll, pizza or doughnut cruller? Be advised that your opinion is not welcome, says Momsey.) ...

I was asked this same question, many years ago. My response, as I looked the student in the eye was, “What I think is not important. What you think is!!”) Options to child to re-do or leave alone his masterpiece were explained. He needed to decide for his decision to be valued. This must start now as decision making garners self-confidence and self-esteem in a fragile thinking child. Adults need to stay out decisions that are insignificant. The child must learn, early on, then begin the process of trusting his own instincts when confronted with decisions that affect him. As adults we must support the child in this endeavour.

The dough recipe remains the same till mastery is achieved with the additions of new ingredients such as eggs, milk, oat milk, fruit can occur. What is important is to create an activity that becomes second nature eventually while helping to build self-esteem and confidence.

The brain is changing as the learning excitement builds. Focus on time here. Child will become aware that time does not standstill, cannot be retrieved so must be used well the first time. Let's focus and continue.S

Special Education Now, Lesson #2

Lesson #2.

Let's Begin

Your child was introduced to yeast dough the other day. The experiment in special education has begun. To engage a child whose learning style is different than mainstream can be a challenge. Let us ignore the alphabet and focus on meaningful dialogue to engage the child. The other stuff can wait and should. (Reading, writing, will happen - not just now, please) There must a thoughtful path to success. The thinking process cannot be hurried.

Write a simple recipe for bread in large letters prior to 'class'. Laminate recipe. This last step stops ruining the 'plan' for repeated use on a table with water, eggs, flour being measured, mixed then the resultant dough, kneaded. Hands must be washed before and during this exercise - as often as necessary. Mistakes are expected and encouraged. How many prototypes were made when the car, airplane and dishwasher were being invented? All eyes must be on 'teacher'. She is in charge, for now.

A table that accommodates the height of the children should be used. All mixing, according to recipe, is handled by one child at a time. Two children hold the bowl in place as dough is mixed by the third child. The next time dough is made, a new trio of students will measure and mix the dough. Keep daily journal current. Records of participation in measuring, mixing and then kneading of each child should be kept. Keep bench cleaner nearby for moving dough on wooden surface/board. This tool can be purchased at Walmart or any store selling kitchen utensils. Use metal bowl rather than plastic as they are healthy choice, especially for young children. No appliances are used!

 FOLD ..... PUSH AWAY.... TURN...... FOLD .... PUSH AWAY..... TURN 

Kneading strengthens the gluten, the protein in the dough. (This step assists dough to rise as the gas inside begins to expand from the growth of yeast cells.) Mention this to your child, often till he/she is able to retrieve this info from memory. Over time this dialogue will be repeated without hesitation. ... A science experiment is in the making . ...

The hand-mind connection is given prominence with yeast dough as the child begins to see what touch can do for this ever expanding 'experiment'. In one instance, many years ago, a student dropped newly made dough onto the floor then quickly retrieved it. The 3 second rule? A lengthy question and answer period arises - as it must - when the young child realized more dough had to be made. She had created the problem so was now in charge of 'correcting' 'it' with help from her classmates. (The scene reminded me of a gaggle of puppies, running in confusion) It was not, of course. It was music to my ears and eyes as the students followed the student's lead. Each had a duty to perform, in sequence and according to the student's instruction. ... Her self confidence grew that morning. (I had been waiting for this to happen for years.) Within ten minutes, prior to recess, a new batch of dough was made. The smile on the student's face said it all: mistakes are our greatest teachers! Let there be more!

At this point, dough can be placed in a freezer bag for later in the day or for next week, whatever schedule you are following. Allow sufficient space in the large bag for dough to expand later as it thaws. Secure the end of bag. The products formed are endless. Adding new ingredients, different techniques help create a thinking program like no other for special children who are now expected to manage, think, then act upon their decisions.

Dough is the greatest teacher in the world for a special needs child. The vocabulary it introduces to the child is overwhelming, non-stop and highly scientific. Higher order thinking is here to 'say'. What do you think? Please explain. Set expectations high as happens in real life. Dough adds structure while allowing for compelling new additions to an activity that has no bounds. The learning is limitless. Let's continue. Lesson #3.

Lesson #1, Special Education Now, Part 2

Yeast Dough, The 'Special' Child's Key to the Kingdom. 
 

The use of scientific terminology becomes an everyday event in the world of yeast dough. It must. The brain must be stretched beyond its present capacity. The excitement begins anew. The periodic table will be mentioned . It is about symbols and new scientific terms. Introducing unfamiliar words such as these becomes familiar, eventually, with the child and fun also. The mind of a special child cannot and must NOT be wasted. It is a precious commodity. Time wasted can never be retrieved for any of us. It is especially true for the learning disabled.The use of crosswords puzzles and poems generates excitement in the study of yeast dough, making it and creating its  'yummy' masterpieces afterward.

In this first lesson, many questions will be and must be asked. It forces 'quiet' children, made idle in their thinking by others, over the years, perhaps, to begin the process of speaking and interpreting the event. Scientists spend their whole waking lives thinking and asking questions of themselves and others to solve world problems and invent new thinking. Yeast dough is such an enterprise and much more, an exciting beginning for the most vulnerable among us.

Every child's thinking must be 'heard'! It's a must when working with yeast dough. Being a special learner is a unexpected learning path with formidable learning challenges ahead. Focus and language are top on the list. Yeast dough is like no other activity. It is safe, inexpensive, a training ground for a future life of success. Th child's altered landscape has been brought on by circumstances beyond his control:- prematurity, neglect, poverty, poor self-esteem, to name a few. Yeast dough is cognitive daily fun. The hand /mind connection feature prominently with yeast dough.

Find bread /baking books with pictures depicting ingredients found in pizza, bread, pretzels, rolls. These are commonplace foods found in everyday life, foods that each child will make one day, on their own, for family dining pleasure. Interest is generated in this manner. “You will do it. We will show you how.”

Making yeast dough is time compatible as dough can refrigerated or frozen till ready to use. More later...Keeping detailed notes of each session, with duties and names recorded, demonstrates to child the importance of reading and writing. Interest in letters will follow as each child realizes their importance in crafting the products made from dough.

Repeating the same recipe gives comfort to each child as many products can be made from one plan. With experience and courage, new recipes can be used as experience grows with each child. The most challenging of all – danish, croissant and strudel – can be introduced as they depend upon complex techniques that will be mastered easily once the Momsey knows how!

An adult helps establish the learning parameters for the child and keeps certain steps safe such a deep fat frying (doughnuts) and baking )pizza, bread etc.) The alphabet is not important as yet. Their use will happen through dialogue during dough sessions. They will fit in later but now only pictures will do. Yeast dough is about brain stimulation, higher order thinking, solution building, self-confidence, language development - an endeavour like no other! A special needs child deserves nothing less!

Lesson #1 - Special Education Now, - Part 1

The rules of the pandemic has thrown the world into turmoil. Younger children labelled special needs and their families have been affected in ways never before imagined. What to do when learning is interrupted for these learners will be discussed here.

Momsey is a former special needs teacher and mother of three former premature male babies. Our oldest was born over three months too soon and not expected to live. Today, decades later, he is a marvel to watch as he assembles the world around him.  

These special ed. children require concrete hands-on learning to understand the concepts of thinking and math. Adding conversation begins the practice of understanding language and its rules, spelling, thoughts and ideas to complete the cognitive landscape. Focus and language make for a happy child and life.

Lesson #1. -Part 1 and 2.. Yeast Dough, Engagement like no other

WASH YOUR HANDS. .... We did it before the pandemic arrived so doing it now makes more  sense. It's a must in this coronavirus planet. Keep washed hands away from your face, hair, nose and other objects. A must. Cleanliness is always a top priority when handling food. It's even more important now with the virus lurking around the corner. Children can be reminded to keep freshly washed hands up in the air as a surgeon would before performing surgery. (I have seen this happen when a lesson was interrupted when a dog entered the classroom for show and tell! Quite a remarkable feat for children so young) Hold them to a gold standard. They will not disappoint!

Have a clean area in the kitchen or in a room with floors that can be easily cleaned. Wet flour does get messy. Two Rubbermaid containers for very warm soapy water and warm water for rinsing. Paper towels preferred. Following the rules is a must. (So many musts!!) There is form and structure to it all. Questions are random and ongoing throughout this 'cognitive' exercise. Ask children to ask you questions about what 'we' are doing when the lesson is finished. This creates a change of pace and play.  Reverse role playing of sorts where the student becomes the teacher.  Life is full of random, sometimes horrific, events. Think pandemic!

On a clean table, make the yeast dough. Let it rise! Ask the questions involving sight, hearing, touch, smell. Taste is another matter in time. A yeasted dough is a tool for higher order thinking. It is a scientific experiment like no other.  Nothing reflects 'abstract' thinking better for a young special needs child. Nothing. It is safe, inexpensive and transferable in any place with a caring adult in charge. Techniques are learned that translate into sought after job skills later in life and in 'school'.

Yeast dough is about 5-sense brain stimulation. Higher order thinking, language acquisition and development and the art of questioning are the engines that drive the program. It is not about baking though the children will believe it so. That's the hook. 

Always wash hands after leaving area to return later. The importance of this step can never be underestimated. ... Follow any recipe for basic bread dough using yeast, water, salt and sugar. The 'teacher' makes a kneaded dough for her students to see, hear, feel, touch and smell. The dough is kneaded for 5 minutes then allowed to rise and grow- over 1 hour- in an oiled bowl . The kneading technique of pushing, turning and folding takes 5 minutes or so to complete. Then magic happens.

As the dough sits in the bowl, having risen to double its size, the children are asked a series of questions pertaining to what they see, smell, hear, touch and lastly, taste (when products are baked) in the dough in front of them. Focus and verbal engagement are critical to the building of higher order thinking. Yeast dough accomplishes this. Children are engaged fully while their thinking is engaged.

Before reading or writing can begin, conversation must be forthcoming throughout the child's learning day - everyday! ...Those critical life skills can wait till ready!  What are you doing? Why? Explain, please. What do you think? How did that happen? Why did it happen? Refrain from answering for the child. The child must be allowed to stumble when speaking and to question all in attendance. After all, life is about helping one another. Words must begin to 'flow' from the child. This is the beginning of thought! Colouring and copying serve no useful purpose other than to waste child's time and attention. Can be done in 'off hours'. Time is a precious commodity for all! Use it wisely in the first place.

___________________             ____________________            _______________________

PUNCH DOWN THE DOUGH. Allow each child to punch down dough. Dough will not be used other than for demo purposes. The excitement is palpable as dough deflates. Again, what do you see, hear, smell, feel? What has happened here. Do you know why? Ask questions. Record all words from each child, sequentially, in a journal. Record date. When class begins tomorrow, all names must be recorded daily to monitor what steps were carried out by each child. Keeping records allows each child to know what he /she has accomplished and to introduce novel experiences, as required, thereby building upon previous learning - as in real life!

Special Education During Covid-19

The pandemic has altered the rules of civilization. Education protocols have been disrupted. But for young children enrolled in special education, this period of unprecedented turmoil has changed the learning curve for them.

Upon becoming a mom to three sons, all of whom were premature, I slowly began to realize the incredible power of the early plastic human mind. There was a sequence to follow, called developmental tasks, showcasing the pace of the child's 'wanderlust'. These steps were now collectively known.

Developmental tasks make sense. It is the body's master plan where order and sequence begin. It is the journey towards human development. The body knows its role. The caregiver is the 'conductor'. The unfolding of these purposeful tasks give intention to a child's development, an overview to the blossoming of human life.

In the beginning, the baby kicks, while rolling along the way. Attempts to crawl, stand, then walk or run begin, as prescribed, in an orderly fashion. Laughing and smiling happen with a loving adult in the room. These are important developmental tasks for learning. Critical thinking begins in these very early formative periods of development when we least expect it. The exercise known as play begins to emerge.

Language/ conversation (babble?) begins as the loving human responds to the infant. Movement is critical to language success. (Recess is life for all children!) These seemingly simple developmental tasks are complex in their nature but are of the highest priority for they form the foundation of language, thoughts and ideas. Their importance must never be underscored. Education of the young child has begun long before we realize it has.

All children are born brilliant. To undo this potential is easy. 'Simply' ignore the child. Poor nutrition has a strong impact too. Guiding the child towards the genius he or she is meant to be requires a caring focussed engaging adult, nutrient dense foods (apple) and a 'walk in the park'. When this learning journey is interrupted through prematurity, abuse or neglect, however, then it is incumbent upon the special education community to assist . Though waiting lists help to determine the specific learning disability, a teacher can spot a child 'in need'. >>>>

The creation of Momsey's yeast dough program was born of need. The year was 1994. ( U.S. Core Knowledge ignored me - TWICE!) All children are meant to think and move. Reading, writing and math are lofty goals. Their turn will happen in due course. Language is required for their success and interpretation. Many math questions use words not just numbers to pose problems for solving. Naturally, Momsey loves math. (Joined grade 13 math club as a grade 9 student.)

Covid-19 has made things difficult for those children labelled special needs. They have been kept separate and indoors. A tough challenge for children. Let special education mean something wonderful anytime. Let it be a place of genius. Yeast dough can be that special place. It is an instrument of learning, accommodating the needs of special students, every step of the way. Confidence soars. Engagement is entrenched into the child's learning day - at home or school!

Yeast dough is about critical thinking, caring, laughter, safety, courage and oodles of mistakes. What program could be better than that? Let's get going. >

"The Lump of Knowledge"

As I looked at a baby picture of our precious 7-year-old Mr. Wiggles, I was reminded of a phrase uttered decades ago by our then five-year-old son as he stared at the head of another 'former' canine puppy. Our young son petted the 'dome' on this furry former little pup, referring to this creature's curved head bump as the 'lump of knowledge'. Out of the mouths of babes.

As I stared at another canine picture, eyes and forehead only, I melted at the sight of our baby Mr. Wiggles, our 'pink' 5 month-old as he looked at the camera. The past suddenly came roaring up beside me, another moment to cherish.

When I first heard that insightful phrase, I was stunned. A young child had interpreted the shape of a puppy's dome shaped head as being something possessing knowledge and wisdom. Did our son know something I did not? I was moved to tears. So wise beyond his 'childish' years. This young lad seemed to know, then, that dogs, in particular, had many lessons to teach us and the emotional mind to carry it out. The lump of knowledge was talking to us. ... A recent article on animals, dogs in particular, made reference to this creature as being the most unique creature on the planet. I couldn't agree more. (Cats are special, too.)

Dogs' body language tell us a lot about them. But what comes out of the mouths of young children is something else. Full of wisdom and unfathomable insights, our children tell us much, if we dare to listen. The 'lump' atop our pup's head bore knowledge I had not ever considered! Our young son had, however. Time and time again, we hear stories of dogs' mission to rescue children from dangers such as snakes and other predatory creatures, often, at their own peril. They are indeed a special brand of love and courage.

It was a beautiful sunny morning, years earlier, when I asked the whereabouts of our 9-year-old. I was in the room adjacent to the screened patio doors. “I'm combing pretty thing”, he remarked. I smiled. So gentle and so kind. Our senior girl was one of the loves in our lives, an aging Labrador retriever, white hairs framing her beautiful face near the many benign lumps adorning her body, distorting her profile. ... The love in his voice told me all I needed to know. He had been raised by dogs. They all had been. 

 

Health and engagement with 'family' meant everything to them. Our pets had helped shape their hearts and mind. Kindness knew no bounds. We had to be strong for them. Being the kind of people that could give them the life they deserved was an important component to caring for pets. That meant being the best we could be.

The animal mind is a unique entity bestowing upon our children the kindness, wisdom, empathy, caring and deep abiding love that books cannot engender. The lump of knowledge our young son recognized, atop the head of our young dog, decades ago, has stood the test of time. I understood its meaning. Even today, that moment and many others like it have punctuated the early years of our sons' education with the many pets we have loved and raised. The file grew with the inclusion of an abandoned bunny and a 'left to die' by the side of the road kitten, all with their own unique set of skills. My precious kitty died of old age at 16.

Our young son possessed the wisdom, learned from animals, to know what an adult could not see. Animals speak to us in magical ways. They rule our hearts and lives. The lump of knowledge was the road map to it all!

"The Day the Earth Stood Still"

We are living in tumultuous and scary times. Momsey was reminded of the 1951 movie, The Day the Earth Stood Still” a science fiction thriller, starring Michael Rennie, about a visitor to earth who warns of trouble ahead if we do not heed his warnings. On screen, the world 'stops' for a day to bring attention to his dire message. Today, it would seem, we are being held 'hostage', in a similar way, by an invisible deadly 'enemy'. Is this life imitating art?

It's hard to know whether going out for essential services or staying home is 'safe' today. It has been many weeks since the order to stay home was mandated. In that time, I accidentally chopped off the end of my little finger - while making soup. (Dining out has been outlawed!) I had forgotten an important rule of chopping vegetables until I chopped me! The coronavirus was not uppermost in my mind at that moment. But it soon would be.

As blood flowed easily and quickly that day, I wondered if medical help would be prudent. Stopping the blood flow was critical in ending this medical emergency, I knew. On top of that I am an old lady according to society. Applying direct pressure upon the wound was immediate and painful. Our Mr. Wiggles, our concerned retriever, was perplexed as he followed me to the sofa, staring at the 'object' above my head, wondering what I was doing. Going to the hospital, walk-in clinic or my doctor was now impossible. The corona virus had made those choices clearly unwise.

Blood cannot easily flow against gravity, I knew, so up went my right arm to stop the red river in its track. I had nowhere to go with Covid-19 lurking around every corner, anywhere it chose to be. An open wound was an invitation for wide spread infection of some sort. I did not need further complications in my life. I was on my own. After two hours, all seemed quiet, except for the throbbing in the top of my brutalized finger where, moments ago, blood had been flowing.

I never realized what a profound sensation the body made as it attempted to arrest blood flow while trying to repair itself. A call to our 'living specialist'' son for a professional opinion helped quell any anxiety I felt.  I was doing everything needed. Cell regeneration would begin anew. Profound pain enveloped me. But I simply ignored it. That was the least of my worries. I continually sprayed my wound with Silver hydrosol, the magic 'elixir' my family has used for many years to prevent infection. It was working, a stellar recovery, I might add.

No painkiller or antibiotics were ever taken. I monitored my finger for infection, for its possible demise. I did not want to invite gangrene into the mix. I was now my own doctor. I hoped my body would listen. It did. Fifteen days later, I was back to normal - my fingertip completely healed - but suspicious of the knife I had used.

Covid-19 has changed the world and the rules governing it. I was on my own that day while staying 'safe' at home. Ha! Home might be safer but it depends upon who's there and what she's doing.

Next: The children: Special Education during Covid-19

One Less Worry...

Pet ownership for all. A life strategy, a boon to health and longevity.

Last year, in an issue of Woman's World, a story of great human interest, caught my eye. It's world changing view was most compelling and now a reality, serving the needs of the pet owning military family. Pet ownership, in the military, was becoming problematic. Where does puppy go when orders for deployment have arrived?

A pet owning military couple was leaving home for a long period of time. They were frantic. Their precious rescue needed long term care, for at least six months, but this couple could not find anyone to help. The dilemma of pet care became an almost untenable problem.

The cost of kennel care was out of the question as would renting an apartment with a pet sitter near the military base. Leaving their pet in a shelter for months on end might result in accidental euthanasia, with the possible staff changes, missing paper work confusing those employees of their unique long term puppy arrangement with the shelter. When extended out-of-state family came to their rescue, the couple realized their plight had been solved. But what about others in their situation, they wondered? Soon after, a unique philanthropic enterprise was born out of their desperate circumstance. Dogs on Deployment (DoD) was created.

Foster pet care for military families can now be awash in drippy sloppy doggie kisses and wagging tails. Love and companionship are there for the asking. ... DoD is now the wonderful result for military families in need of temporary pet care during their military careers.

Love expands our world not diminishes it. DoD has opened the doors for pet ownership for all, in many unique ways. It's a loving bridge like no other with family pets being the winners, having two families to love and care for sweet boy or girl. Society stands to gain in immeasurable ways, in each and every match. As of 2018, DoD has matched over 1200 pets with 25,000+ registered family volunteers/pet sitters. It is a testament to the incredible depths of love, kindness and fortitude of the human spirit that exists everywhere. And Woman's World told the story. 

 

There was the story of a man who found a hungry, homeless dog hiding, one day. A 'furrever' love story was born. Man and beast became one heart. ... Finally, there was the heartrending story of an emaciated little pup who ran into a house, one very cold night. The front door had been left ajar. A caring neighbour closed it, soon after, a kindly gesture by any standard. Hungry and scared the pup waited. The next morning the homeowners, upon discovering 'Suzie' downstairs in their living room, wondered if a crime was being committed. Was the criminal still inside? A quick look at the security video showed the little creature running into their house. Everything now made sense. The home invader had been a member of the abused, abandoned and starving club. 'Suzie' now has a family to call her own. She bonded with her twin, immediately, along with mom and dad and baby sister, a love story like no other. I shed more happy tears.

Dogs and cats are the magical creatures of the earth, there to love and be loved. When they are lost, neglected and abused, hopefully, loving humans come to their rescue, time and time again. Dogs are the greatest therapists in the world. They heal and make us human! And Woman's World is always there to share these beautiful animal 'love' stories with us!

What Momsey Thinks

Deceptive practices abound with wording, the accomplices for the 'organizations' with whom we do 'business'. The scandal in the make-up and grocery aisles seem to be progressing well. Hopefully we are paying close attention 'cause the costs are ours to bear, each and every time.

Many of today's creams, lotions, and other 'fluid' products (ketchup, applesauce) are dispensed in plastic, rarely glass, containers, in sculptured shapes, masking the true weight of the contents locked inside. Though we are receiving the weight of the products, as marked, the contents are difficult to access so much of it gets discarded unless we do the 'water' dumping test, adding it to remove the last little bit.

We are bombarded by glamorous looking products, in all manner of shapes and sizes. But product dispensing from these containers is nearly impossible, a cunning maneuver to force us to buy sooner than the volume on the label might indicate. Looking inside, we realize the manipulative touch of fraud lurking there. The raised, sometimes detailed bottoms or complicated pumps of some of these dispensers are present making total product removal next to impossible. Why was that done? The intention here is to make us buy product more often because the viscous product inside is totally inaccessible. The total weight is as stated but we never seem to 'get it all.' Fraudulent, misleading or what?

Social media bestows upon us our value system, it seems, our intentions, failures and successes, too. Then we walk our children, dogs and with each other as we talk on our phones. Is that quality time? What is the distraction? The outdated phone I own is years old yet does one very intriguing thing: it allows calls to be made and received, the purpose of such a device. Newer phones are costlier versions of call centers and tiny computer and camera wonders. 

We feel compelled to being available at all hours of the day and night to others while depriving those closest to us: our children and pets, most often, with little to say. Sleep and mental acuity suffer as we wait for the calls that will change it all for us. Have we've lost control?

Finding a good guy in a bar is possible. As a cocktail waitress and teacher-in-training, it happened. Get off the phone then look him/her in the eyes. It's the eyes, then the voice, that tell the human story. Guys come in all shapes and sizes - just like us. (And guys, please stop holding us to an impossible standard. If you're not a 'premiere' candidate then do not expect us to be.) 

Close your eyes and listen to his heart. Appearances are nothing to brag about. We did not create that standard, whatever it is. Makeup, a good hair cut, a smile and a sharp presentation changes everything. . But take heed: what's mom like? Does she mom love you at first sight? If not, keep on walking. Wasting your valuable time and your life is not worth it. This is not an audition. Next?

Buy a 'greeting' card for any reason. It is a solitary reminder of a life lived with people we care about. Cards today come in a vast array of 'reasons'. Take note! They are rewards like no other. They fit nicely into our lives, these personalized reminders of joy, comfort and love, from those who care. They are better than comfort foods without the calories!. .... 

Postcards, too, are a quicker snapshot on life, with a view attached! (A book in the making??) Postcards are an incredible imprint we can revisit whenever we like. Though texting and email are modern day tools of instant communication, they cannot compete. Pen and paper rule. They always have and always will for me. They are everlasting gifts to us. I still have those first 'love letters' of a different generation - 49 years old - fresh and real. Writing those we love, care about and think highly of, is a gift like no other. We all want and need to be valued and wanted.

Then there's fake news. It's everywhere not just in those places we think. Its pervasive grab hopes we will allow ourselves to be duped into thinking a certain costly way. But the truth wins always even if it takes time . No problem. I can wait!