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Childhood Memories – What Happened to Drive-In Movies

9 September 2011, 2:41 pm
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Childhood Memories – What Happened to Drive-In Movies

Childhood Memories – What Happened to Drive-In Movies: The Big Screen

One of the great adventures of my childhood was going to the drive-in movies. Childhood memories - What happened to drive-in movies?Many nights the Drive-In Owner sponsored family night. They charged a flat rate of three dollars per carload. A family of fourteen could afford to have a family outing at those prices.

Childhood Memories – What Happened to Drive-In Movies: Eight for a Buck

Another great childhood memory  I experienced was going to a little take-out hamburger joint and getting “eight for a buck.”

“Eight for a buck” was eight hamburgers for one dollar. Three dollars purchased enough hamburgers for 14 people. My youngest siblings ate one burger while we older ones ate two. Two dollars bought two huge boxes of fries.  Enough for every person in our family to get full.

Childhood Memories – What Happened to Drive-In Movies: Eats and a Movie

In 1961, eight dollars bought a double feature movie and enough hamburgers and fries for a whole evening’s entertainment. Mom usually made a two gallon jug of iced tea. We were set.

On a typical outing, we would arrive at the drive-in a half-hour before dark. Mom and my older sisters watched my younger siblings play on the playground that was situated next to the big screen. By the time the movie started the smallest ones were ready for a nap. They usually slept through the entire movie.

The rest of us could watch the movie in relative silence. On warm clear nights, Dad let some of us lay on top of the car.

Childhood Memories – What Happened to Drive-In Movies: Criminal Activity

When I was a sophomore in high school, three friends and I decided to go to the drive-in theater. We plotted to beat the theater out of some money by sneaking into the drive-in. We pulled onto a dirt road about a mile from the theater.  Three of us hid in the trunk while one of my friends drove into the theater.

Childhood Memories – What Happened to Drive-In Movies: Flawed thinking

Our criminal thinking was flawed from the beginning:

First, No one ever watches a drive-in movie by himself. When my friend drove to the ticket gate the attendant asked, “How many you got in the trunk?”

My friend answered, “Uh…uh…no one.”

It was obvious he was lying.

Second, squishing three large teenage bodies into one automobile trunk is a  miserable task.  To add to our misery, one of my trunk mates got nervous and passed gas. Not only did we ache from being confined in cramped quarters, but we couldn’t breath.   If both my arms hadn’t fallen asleep I would have strangled him.

Third, when our remedial driver paid and drove past the gate he parked right by the concession building. DUH.

Fourth, the night we chose to sneak into the theater was family night. The price was only three dollars for an entire carload of people. The driver had to pay three dollars to get into the theater anyway. We didn’t save a penny by sneaking into the drive-in.

Fifth, did I mention our driver was remedial? Anyway, he popped the trunk as the owner of the drive-in walked from the admission gate to the concession stand. The owner spied us as we climbed out of the trunk and asked, “You boys sneaking in?”

There was no point in lying.

“Yes, sir.”

“Would you boys come to my office?” he asked.

“Yes, sir.”

When we got to the office he told us, “You know that sneaking in the theater is like stealing, don’t you?  I could kick you out and ban you from the theater…but I won’t  if you each pay three dollars.”

“Yes, sir.”

We paid our three dollars and returned to the car. If we had been honest the movie would have cost us three dollars for all of us. By trying to cheat our punishment was having to pay three dollars apiece.

Childhood Memories – What Happened to Drive-In Movies: A Lesson Learned

The worst part of the evening  occurred after we left the owners office.  We heard the owner bust a gut laughing as he told his employees about the four idiots that tried sneaking in on family night.

My friends and I decided a life of crime was not for us.

Thinking back, I have to chuckle about our idiocy.

Childhood Memories – What Happened to Drive-In Movies: Conclusion

Drive-in movies have given me and my friends and family many pleasant memories.  I hope my grandchildren and great-grandchildren can enjoy this form of entertainment in the coming years.

Copyright 2011 J-me

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Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions

17 August 2011, 5:39 am
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Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions

Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions: Hundreds of Decisions
Every day all of us make hundreds of decisions. Decisions can be hard, easy, Commitment - Hallmark to Great Decisionsor they can be made with little conscience effort, but we all make choices. And…all of us make good and bad decisions.

Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions: Unconscious Decisions
An unconscious decision might be brushing your teeth in the morning. Habits are formed by making repetitive choices over time. Other habits might be biting your fingernails or stopping to tie your shoe. Many of these habits are formed in childhood.

Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions: Easy Decisions
Easy choices might be eating a bowl of cereal for breakfast, wearing a certain shirt or blouse, or deciding to leave your bed unmade. Many of these choices are simply a matter of taste.

Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions: Harder Decisions
Harder choices might be getting up and going to work even when you don’t feel like it because you have a family to feed, or cleaning the house and doing the laundry even though no one appreciates it. These decisions might demonstrate character of an individual.

Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions: Tough Decisions
Really tough decisions might be changing jobs or moving to another city or state.

Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions: Life Changing Decisions
Finally, there are life changing decisions. These are choices that permanently alter a person’s life and are confirmed by commitment.

One thing is always true about a life changing decision. Life changing choices are always backed by commitment whether it be good or bad. If there is no commitment there really isn’t any change.

A bad life changing commitment might be joining a gang. It takes commitment to join a gang although most don’t realize the terrible consequences of their actions.

An example of a good commitment might be getting married.

Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions: Two Great Decisions
That leads me to the two great decisions in my life that have overshadowed completely the many…and I mean many…bad decisions I’ve made.

Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions: First Great Decision
The first great decision of my life was asking my wife to marry me. That one decision has given me the best thirty-five years of my life. Oh, everything hasn’t been a bed of roses, but my wife and I share a camaraderie and closeness that only those who make a true commitment to each other share.

My Grandfather would say, “A good fight clears the air, and me and your grandmother have some of the clearest air in Kansas.” That saying can be applied to my wife and I from time to time (with the exception that we make our home in Oklahoma). Oklahoma air sometimes needs clearing too.

Two things we don’t do when we have a great disagreement. We don’t scream and humiliate the other, and we never lay hands on one another in anger.

Every young married person needs to remember that his mate has just as much junk to put up with him as he has junk to put up with his mate…and it’s nice to have someone on your side all the time whether you’re right or wrong. (Being on your side doesn’t mean they always agree with you.)

Yes, asking my wife to marry me was truly one of the two great decisions in my life.

Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions: Greatest Decision in My Life

The first great decision in my life facilitated the greatest decision in my life. This decision was repenting of my sin and accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. It was life changing for me to know that the creator of the universe loved me and died for me. He more than anyone knows my sin and yet he forgave me. I can’t tell you the joy that gives me.

I was first introduced to Jesus by my wife. When I asked her to marry me she asked me two questions. “Would I ridicule her for going to church? And…would I go to church with her?” I agreed never to ridicule her, and I promised to go to church with her.
In her kind gentle way she lead me to Jesus. She never badgered me or shamed me, but she so tenderly persuaded me to search for Jesus.

I made my decision for Jesus at a Bible study. It is wonderful knowing that I was created to be a child of the living God and to have eternal life. Not only did Jesus give me a eternal life and a purpose in life, but he also gave me a mission. And that mission is to share the love of God with all I know. Jesus is not just a part of my life; he is my life. I am eternally grateful to my wife for her loving concern for me.

Commitment – Hallmark to Great Decisions: The Point

Each of us makes decisions, some good and some bad, but the lasting and best decisions are always made with commitment.

Copyright 2010 J-me

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Kids Education – Training Children to Work

12 July 2011, 12:56 pm
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Kids Education – Training Children to Work

Kids Education – Training Children to Work: Simpler Times

My wife and I reminisced about life when we were kids. Times were simpler. Things weren’t perfect, but life was less hectic.

Of an evening, my friends and I sat on the curb in front of our local candy store and Kids Education - Training Children to Work: Work isn't a Four Letter Word.mixed peanuts with cola and drank the concoction. Nothing tasted better than peanuts and cola. Well…maybe cream puffs were better, (ours were real cream), and hot pecan pie with ice cream was better, but as an affordable treat for kids…nothing beat peanuts and cola.

Kids Education – Training Children to Work: Expected to Work for Extras

I remember collecting pop bottles and other money making projects. I was delighted when the price of bottles jumped to three cents. I bought five cinnamon bears for a penny. Snickers candy bars were a nickel. Penny candy cost one penny.

Most of us weren’t given allowances; we were expected to work. We mowed lawns, hauled garbage, carried groceries, worked on farms, collected bottles, hoed gardens, painted fences and houses, baby sat, cleaned houses, and any other job that paid money. Chores around the house weren’t paid events; we were expected to help. It was our duty. We were busy and happy for the most part.

Kids Education – Training Children to Work: Jobs were Available

By the time I was fourteen I worked for a butcher, a farmer, and a grocery store owner. I saved enough money to buy a beat up Scooter. When I was fifteen I worked on a pipeline construction crew. When I was sixteen I roughnecked on an oil drilling rig and bought my first car. Work wasn’t a four letter word; it was the means to an end…prosperity.

By the time my friends and I graduated high school we pretty much knew what we wanted to do. Most of my friends worked their way through college. I chose the oil field; it was a decision I never regretted. The opportunity to work when I was younger prepared me for an adult world. I was ready to work.

Kids Education – Training Children to Work: Opportunities Not Available

I feel sorry for most kids today. Many never get the opportunity to learn work skills before they’re eighteen. Labor laws and insurance premiums make it almost impossible for boys and girls under eighteen to find employment. Many are unprepared for the work force. Schools can’t fully prepare a child for the work force. Only work can prepare a person for the work force.

Kids Education – Training Children to Work: Working with Pre-Schoolers.

Most pre-school children love to help. Let them. Washing dishes, vacuuming, making the bed, and picking up toys can be a time of bonding between a parent and child if the parent makes the chores fun. Laugh and joke. Show them that work can be enjoyed. They will want to help if their parent makes them feel appreciated. The chores may take a little more time, but the dividends are worth it.

Kids Education – Training Children to Work: Older Children

When children get older, parents can help their children by giving them chores and paying them a little stipend. It will help them learn the value of work. Don’t pay for the job until the chore is completed. Teach them that there is reward in a job well done.

Kids Education – Training Children to Work: Conclusion

Teaching children to work is one of the greatest lessons parents can give to their children. It will prepare them for the future.

Copyright 2010 J-me

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Parenting Solutions – Dealing With Cell Phones

18 June 2011, 1:04 pm

Parenting Solutions – Dealing With Cell Phones

Parenting Solutions – Dealing With Cell Phones: Technology is Wonderful

Many of the new technologies available to families are amazing, but there are manyParenting Solutions - Dealing with Cell Phones potential problems associated with these advancements. Things like cell-phones, computers, internet games, vehicles, and televisions are wonderful devices. But…they can present devastating problems for parents if they are not willing to monitor the devices.

Parenting Solutions – Dealing With Cell Phones: Bending the Rules

Children today are like children of all ages; they will push their parents as far as they can. I was not a model child. I bent the rules as far as I possibly could. The advantage my parents had over parents today is children didn’t have all the devices to circumvent parental controls.

Parenting Solutions – Dealing With Cell Phones: A Privilege – Not a Right

The best method of training children is to communicate to them using electronic devices are not a right but a privilege. Misuse of the devices must be followed by strict controls. The quicker this message is communicated to your children the better.

Children should not be given total control of any device that can be used to communicate with people outside of your home. That is a recipe for disaster.

I am not an alarmist, but I am a pragmatist. Full trust should never be given children until it’s earned. Love is freely given, trust must be earned.

Parenting Solutions – Dealing With Cell Phones: Cell Phone suggestions

Most children do not believe bad things can happen to them. Character is not something children possess from birth; it must be taught by their parents. As your child exhibits maturity in one area give him a little more freedom, but do it in very small increments.

Parenting Solutions – Dealing With Cell Phones: Children Need Monitoring

I like cell phones, but children need to be monitored, (especially pre-teens and teenagers). Children don’t need a cell phone in their room. As a matter of fact, they don’t need any phone in their room. You’ll have greater success of enforcing curfews if your children don’t have electronic devices in their rooms.

We keep a centrally located phone. It’s a little inconvenient at times, but children learn to use the device in moderation. They learn by watching their parents. If you are moderate in your actions your children will be more successful in being moderate in their actions.

Parenting Solutions – Dealing With Cell Phones: Safety the Main Consideration

Don’t buy cell phones with all the bells and whistles. Buy cell phones that can be tracked. When your children go on an outing, date, or other event give them a cell phone with a tracking device. Let them know the cell phone must be on them at all times. You will be calling periodically. (Follow up by calling them more frequently on their first outings and cut back on the calls gradually over time if they are obedient.) This will definitely assist you in keeping your children safe. Be sure to retrieve the cell phone after the event.

If the child is compliant with your rules then give them a little more freedom with the phone as you see fit.

Parenting Solutions – Dealing With Cell Phones: Credentials

My wife and I have raised one daughter, three grandsons, and fifteen foster children. These suggestions are the result of years of practical experience.

Copyright 2010 J-me

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Childhood Memories – Give Your Children a Written Inheritance

25 May 2011, 6:56 pm

Childhood Memories – Give Your Children a Written Inheritance

Childhood Memories – Give Your Children a Written Inheritance: People Looking

Now, more than ever, people are checking their ancestry lines. What are they looking to find? I believeChildhood Memories – Give Your Children a Written Inheritance most are looking for a sense of belonging. People want to know they belong, and many young people will search in the worst places to find that sense of belonging if we as parents don’t provide that sense of belonging.

Childhood Memories – Give Your Children a Written Inheritance: Written History

Many parents and even young people would serve their families well by keeping a written record of important events in their lives. A written record of important events can be a gold mine for those who follow.

Childhood Memories – Give Your Children a Written Inheritance: Very Blessed

I am a very blessed person by having access to family accounts for several generations. My Grandmother documented many events in her life and those of her parents. My mother and aunt wrote a book about our family heritage and gave each of their children a copy. These accounts have given me a sense of belonging. They let me participate in my family history.

Childhood Memories – Give Your Children a Written Inheritance: Don’t Bash

Don’t use your account to bash other people. Use your account to give your children and grandchildren a positive outlook. Share experiences that show lessons learned, embarrassing moments, things that gave you joy, adventures, accomplishments, vehicles you might have owned, the death of a loved one, or maybe tell where you were when an important historical event took place.

Childhood Memories – Give Your Children a Written Inheritance: Important Event

An example of an important moment for me was when President Kennedy was shot. I had just entered my sixth-grade classroom from the noon recess. I sat at my desk waiting for the second bell to ring. Most of my classmates had not entered the classroom yet. The radio was playing over the school speaker about the president’s visit to Dallas, Texas.

I remember hearing over live radio when the president was shot. I couldn’t believe my ears. I remember running to the hall doorway and yelling, “The president’s been shot! The president’s been shot!”

Classes were suspended that afternoon and we sat in the class listening to the radio all afternoon until school dismissed. None of the boys in our class cried, (boys are tough, you know), but many of the girls cried. All of us knew that was a historic moment.

Childhood Memories – Give Your Children a Written Inheritance: Finally

Give your children a good foundation and a sense of belonging. Give them something to look back and say, “This is my heritage.” You will be doing them a great service.

Copyright 2011 J-me

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Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts

11 May 2011, 4:00 pm
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Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts

Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts: Blessed

I am a blessed man. I’ve had the good fortune to have lived in a family Love Matters - Memories are the Best Gifts: Time shared is Irreplaceable.whose parents were married over fifty-five years. Mom and Dad were committed to each other. They enjoyed each other’s company. Their commitment had a great effect on my life. I have the pleasure of being married to the same wonderful woman for thirty-five years.

A life shared is a wonderful blessing. It’s nice to have someone on your side. (I didn’t say your mate would always agree with you), but having someone to share you triumphs and your failures is a blessing.

Spring is typically a time for weddings, so in recognition of this wonderful union I have some thoughts on anniversary gifts.

Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts: Love and Devotion

An anniversary, more than any other occasion, is a celebration of love and devotion. It represents a molding of two individuals into one cohesive unit: a couple. An anniversary is a commitment by two individuals who pledge themselves one to another for a lifetime. A purchased possession can never express the commitment that exists in such a union. A purchased possession may be included in an anniversary gift, but an anniversary gift should include one crucial ingredient…your time.

Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts: Time

Your time is something no other person on earth can give. It is the most precious gift of all gifts. Your time can never be replaced, and time spent wisely is the well-spring of memories. Memories that can last a lifetime.

Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts: Centered Around Mate’s Interests

The gift of time centered around your own interests is selfish, but the gift of time centered around your mate’s interests is meaningful. It demonstrates thoughtfulness and caring only you can provide.

Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts: Plays, Movies, Dining Out

Does your mate enjoy movies, plays, or dining out? You might provide a memorable experience by arranging an evening at a dinner theater. Dinner theaters are within most budgets, and they are a marvelous way to share time with your mate. A delicious meal and an entertaining play can provide a splendid backdrop for a romantic evening. An internet search for “dinner theaters + your city” will provide a wealth of information on local establishments. Many have online ratings and reviews that are helpful.

Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts: Mysteries

Does your spouse like to read, watch, or solve murder mysteries? A murder mystery weekend retreat might provide your life-partner an exhilarating and memorable occasion. Share your insight into the world of crime investigation. Immerse yourselves in the motive, weaponry, and discovery of the despicable assassin. Examine and reexamine evidence presented. Give your mystery fan a treat she or he will remember for years. An internet search of “murder mystery weekend” should provide a list of acceptable locations. Online ratings and reviews can be viewed for many establishments.

Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts: Beautiful Scenery

Does your life-partner like beautiful scenery? Maybe a train ride is the right ticket for a memorable time. From a short trip in an open-air car in Kansas to a journey coast to coast, trains offer beautiful scenery and the romance of a long lost era. Make stops and overnight accommodations in various cities, or choose a nonstop ride with train-berth sleeping quarters. For those with the time and money, a coastal train ride to Alaska, a trip through the Alps, or a ride on the Orient Express can fulfill a dream for your mate. The choice is yours, but remember the journey is to focus on your mate’s interests and not your own interests.

Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts: Home-body

Maybe your love is a home-body and enjoys watching movies. Prepare your mate’s favorite snacks, and rent movies your mate likes. Dote on her/him. Make the evening about her/his pleasure. Reinforce your love.

Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts: Harsh Times

Maybe you’re experiencing harsh times, you’re on a strict budget, or money must be reserved for more necessary family expenditures. Write a poem or remembrance of memorable times together. Remember what drew you to one another; share that memory. Remind your spouse that love and commitment transcend hard times. Your mate is your desire; nothing has changed.

Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts: Special Anniversary

For those celebrating a significant anniversary, a renewal of vows is an excellent gift. Celebrate the occasion with family and friends. Remind your spouse that your love and commitment is as strong as your first vows. A public reaffirmation of your love will strengthen your bond to one another.

Love Matters – Memories are the Best Anniversary Gifts: Conclusion

Of course, flowers, a card that expresses your true feelings, and/or a personal well-thought present will certainly add to the occasion, but a present without the gift of your time lacks substance. If you’re prevented from being together, set a firm date to celebrate. An anniversary is a yearly opportunity to renew and refresh your union…to inflame your passion one to another.

Finally, there are plenty of ways to celebrate an anniversary, but the gift of your time is the only gift worthy of love and commitment expressed by the union of two individuals into one, and the gift of your time is a source of memories for a life time.

Copyright 2011 J-me

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Love Matters – Your First Crush

4 May 2011, 11:23 am

Love Matters – Your First Crush

Love Matters – Your First Crush: Simpler Times

How many of you remember your first love? I’m not talking about a highLove Matters - Your First Crush: Do you remember? school sweetheart. I’m talking about the first person you had a “crush on.” The girl in sixth grade that made you blush every time you walked past her in the hall.

Times were simpler when I was growing up. We didn’t have television shows parading girls around half naked back then. It was a time when a smile from a girl made your entire day. We were taught to cherish girls. They were graceful, they were delicate, they were…beautiful. Sometimes they were mean.

I wasn’t into girls in the fifth grade. Some of my friends were, but I hadn’t been smitten yet. I was glad. In the fifth grade if a girl liked a certain boy she’d beat him up. A boy that was liked by several girls could get battered in fifth grade.

“Boy, Sam, she worked you over pretty good. She must like you a lot.”

Love Matters – Your First Crush: Genteel

Fifth grade was a dangerous time for boys. Sixth grade was different. It seemed overnight girls became “genteel.” They didn’t partake in boy smashing anymore. They didn’t wear blue jeans as much either. Somehow all those mean tomboys managed to get pretty. And that brings me to my first love.

I saw her the first day of class when grade school resumed. She was a new girl. She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. Several other boys liked her too. I could tell by the way they hum-hawed when she spoke to them.

I never told anyone I liked her, but I always found a way to ride past her house when I was on my bike, (after all, it was only six blocks out of the way). I volunteered to run many errands for my mom during that time period. Looking back, I chuckle at myself. A person would have been brain dead not to realize I had a crush on her.

Evidently my bike riding must have caught her eye. Seven weeks after school began we had a class skating party. When the announcer at the skating rink announced “couples skate girls choice” she asked me to skate with her. We held hands five whole minutes while we skated around that rink. My heart nearly burst out of my chest I was so excited.

Love Matters – Your First Crush: It’s a Shame

Sometimes, I feel sorry for kids today. They see so many things on television and other places they are becoming desensitized to the simple pleasures in life. They’ll miss much of the innocent joy that so many in my generation enjoyed. The world has become so greedy of money, power, and status that simple pleasures are being lost.

Love Matters – Your First Crush: Hope for the Young

I pray that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have opportunity to partake of the many simple joys and pleasures that I have experienced.

Copyright 2010 J-me

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A Tribute to Mothers Everywhere

2 May 2011, 5:16 pm

A Tribute to Mothers Everywhere

A Tribute to Mothers Everywhere: Remarkable Women

Although my mother has passed into heaven, I would like to share an open letter I put on EzineArticles in 2010.

She was loved and respected by her children and husband. She was a true example of a loving wife and mother. I hope mothers everywhere know their example has a lifetime effect on family members. They are truly a gift from God.My mother was a remarkable lady. She raised twelve children and taught them responsibility, honor, and compassion.

A Tribute to Mothers Everywhere: An Open Letter to Mom

Moms are precious people. Many times their work goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Very few notice clothes washed, beds made, or meals cooked until they’re left undone. Moms eat last, and often their food is cold. They take care of pets when children who promise to take care of them forget. Their value is priceless. In appreciation of moms everywhere, I have written the following open letter. I hope you receive this small bit of appreciation for all the wonderful things you do.

Dear Mom,

I know you say you’re old enough to know better, but you’re too young to care. Actually, I know you care very much. You’re the one person who has had the greatest influence on me. You’re the person I admire the most.

You have demonstrated grace, intelligence, integrity, and hard work. It is you who taught me to think of others less fortunate than myself. Kindness is not just a word with you, it is a way of life. Your life is not gauged by what you have, but rather, it is gauged by what you give.

I can’t possibly name all the things you’ve given me, but the single greatest gift you’ve given me is your time. You’ve demonstrated that time is the most precious thing one person can give to another. It is your time with me that has been the biggest influence of all. Time can never be replaced. It is priceless.

When I was five years old, you stood beside me on the soccer field until I felt confident enough to kick the ball with the other kids. You were a Den Mother for me and my siblings. You took us on nature walks, overnight camp-outs, (thanks for helping me weave my first basket), and you spent as much time as we needed. You read books to me, helped me with my home work, and made me do my chores. (I appreciate that more now than I did then.)

My scrapes and bruises always felt better after you kissed them. You always provided a shoulder for my tears. You chastised me when I needed it, and you praised me sometimes when I didn’t deserve it. You helped me achieve things I never thought I could achieve. No one can replace the time you shared with me. You are truly an amazing lady.

Love Always,
Your Son

Copyright 2010 J-me

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Mark A Brown, EzineArticles.com Platinum Author

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Childhood Memories – Making Money and Preserving the Environment

18 April 2011, 4:18 pm

Childhood Memories – Making Money and Preserving the Environment

Childhood Memories – Making Money and Preserving the Environment: Ahead of My Time

In the fifties and sixties people weren’t aware of environmental issues like they are today. As a kid I must have been ahead of my time. I was helping our environment and didn’t know it. Actually, I was just trying to make a little spending change, but my money making projects were environment friendly.

Childhood Memories – Making Money and Preserving the Environment: Glass Pop-Bottles

The first project was collecting glass pop-bottles. When I started collecting bottles theChildhood Memories – Making Money and Preserving the Environment refund price on a glass pop-bottle was 2 cents. That may not seem like much now, but in a time when a kid could by five red bears for a penny, a tootsie roll for a nickel, a soda for a dime, and a comic book for fifteen cents…2 cents per bottle was a great price. I made a small fortune for an eleven-year-old.

It was not uncommon for me to earn two or three bucks a week with my gathering duties. I patrolled highway sidings, bridges, creek banks, teenage hangouts, and old farm dump-sites, (with permission of course.) My friends and I patrolled our little town with wagons and gunny sacks. It was a rare pop-bottle that escaped our vigilant searches.

Childhood Memories – Making Money and Preserving the Environment: Speculation

I also learned the principles of speculation. When I heard the price of bottles was rising from 2 cents to 3 cents I stashed my bottles in our shed for two months. When the day of the price raise occurred I took ten of my bottles and sold them at the local grocery store. The grocer gave me thirty cents. Armed with the knowledge of the increase I then unloaded my total stash. I sold three hundred bottles and amassed a small fortune of nine dollars. I was a rich man.

I was sad when throw away bottles hit the market. A whole cottage industry of collecting glass pop-bottles was eliminated for kids and some adults…and the roadways and landscape became more cluttered with unnecessary debris.

Childhood Memories – Making Money and Preserving the Environment: Making Whistles

Another enterprise I started as an eleven-year-old boy was making railroad strap whistles. The railroads used to tie loads onto freight cars with metal strapping. When a car was unloaded the workers threw the metal strapping on the ground and left it.

My oldest brother showed me how to make a railroad strap whistle by clipping 4 inches of the strapping, folding it over a certain way, and blowing through it. You could hear the whistle a block away. It was great. That demonstration inspired my second environmentally beneficial cottage industry.

I collected all the strapping left by the siding. There were twelve straps which totaled almost two hundred fifty feet. I made 700 whistles from the strapping. My fingers were raw from bending the metal, but I was ready to market my product. I kept 100 railroad strap whistles in reserve to give to family and friends. I sold 600 railroad strap whistles at a nickel each which netted me a tidy thirty dollars in one month.

I made three more strapping collections during the next six months. I was careful not to reveal my material source even to my closest friends. During that time I made more than eighty dollars. Eventually, I saturated the market and began looking for other sources of income.

Childhood Memories – Making Money and Preserving the Environment: Lessons Learned

What I learned from collecting bottles and making whistles was one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. I think adults can teach their children great lessons about the environment and entrepreneurship if they urge their children to put small ideas into action. Their children just might acquire a good work ethic and and learn to be environmentally beneficial at the same time. Many great businesses have come from simple ideas and humble beginnings.

Copyright 2011 J-me

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  • Greenversations » Something to Remember – I would like to invite you to go back in time and share your childhood memories related to the environment. And to do what you can to enjoy, preserve, and protect the environment around you. Your contributions will be enjoyed by all of …

Do you have any childhood memories you would like to share?

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