Connecting with Kids

This past weekend I embarked on a new volunteer opportunity - and fell in love.  With reading.  To kids.  The organization is called just that, Reading to Kids, where volunteers meet once a month on a Saturday morning at various Mid-City schools in Los Angeles.  Readers are divided among groups of children from kindergarten through fifth grade, and they are absolutely adorable.  With a partner, volunteers read a pre-selected book that is read the same day at all seven locations.  After the story is finished, an arts and crafts project follows inspired by the story.

A big fan of the little ones, I was matched with a handful of kindergartners and we read the old classic, "There's a Nightmare In My Closet." It was so refreshing to see the excitement in their eyes as you engaged with each one, "what do you think is going to happen," or "what do you think you would do?"  Each child, no matter how shy, was able to participate and connect in a way that I had not expected.  The purity, the genuine interest, the natural rush of what was going to happen... I think just being there with them and watching them get into the day gave me more satisfaction than they got.  And that's what it's all about, right?

Being excited about creating excitement is every (good) educator's motto.  I have an immense amount of respect for all teachers and administrators that dedicate their lives on a daily basis to planting the seeds of imagination and cultivating our youth.  I admire the volunteers maybe even more so that continue to give of their time only to be paid with the tingle of knowing they made an impact, no matter how small, no matter how long it may take to manifest. 

If you like spending time with children and are located in Los Angeles, I highly recommend you look into this organization.  If you are in another city, explore what options are available to interact directly with kids.  I realize these days time is a precious commodity, but I can guarantee it will be worth it. For a little less sleep that day, or in place of a couple of watching a couple of tv shows, you will walk away with a feeling of accomplishment and knowing that you are helping to shape a generation of kids that need your attention, encouragement and vibrant energy.  It just may be contagious...

Back in the Day: Accessories That Just Don't Die

I am in the midst of planning a "Back In The Day" 60's party for my parents, and the road down memory lane has been a blast. 

 

Step One: Purchased an afro wig (cheapest I have found in all of LA) and some funky glasses (50's Cats-eye and 60's Lennon) and a far out "1970s" pendant from:
Halloween Costumes

 

Step Two: Visited local Salvation Army and vintage stores for additional artifacts, including old records and even a bottle of molasses from 1950!  Found a 99% silver 1950 quarter too - amazing what you can find in these old stores.

 

Step Three: Found some excellent Peace focal points to make some fabulous handcrafted earrings for an added Kai Expressions touch! 
 

Step Four: Perused online sites for 'back in the day' slang for this invite: "Can you dig, it? {Pops} is going to be 60! Solid!! We’re going to party like it’s 1959, 1969 and 1979. So bring your good times and watusi your platform shoes down memory lane for the party of the year that is sure to be boss! Come give us some skin and feel the funk as {he} kicks off his birthday week. Won't cost you no bread, man. Go-go, afro picks, poodle skirts, and bell bottoms are the cat’s meow, sho’ you right. You'll flip your wig if you miss this bash! Be there or be square! No jiving, this event will be the most! Can you make it? Right on! See ya later daddio…"

 
Step Four: Let loose and have some good old fashioned fun!
 
It's been great to be imaginative and let the creative juices flow.  Stay tuned for an update after the "shin dig goes down!" So as our baby boomers start to hit their milestones, take advantage of your resources, and enjoy making some great memories!