Come back each month to find something new to try. Never dangerous, but always something that might help you see your world differently.
For the 2023-24 School year, the monthly recommendations will focus on my interests and likes. Why? Because I keep getting asked what I like. So, come back each month to see what things Graham likes. Who knows, you might find something new to add to your list of things you like.
For the 2023-24 School year, the monthly recommendations will focus on my interests and likes. Why? Because I keep getting asked what I like. So, come back each month to see what things Graham likes. Who knows, you might find something new to add to your list of things you like.
May: Head to a Concert
This seems like such an easy one, but I have talked with many of my students over the years that have never been to a concert. If you are one of those, get off your duffs and enjoy some live music.
To start, I want you to know that a concert does not have to be some enormous Taylor Swift experience. A small venue with 50-100 people counts, as well. In fact, size is not important. The popularity of the artist is not important. What is important is enjoying the music and the experience with the person you are attending the concert with.
One of the great things about concerts is that you will new variations of songs you like. They may be faster, slower, longer, shorter, etc. Bands tend to have fun while on stage. You also get the anecdotes that the band shares with you between songs.
Thanks to my time in radio, and my sheer enjoyment of music, I have seen between 3-4 hundred artists in concert. Some, multiple times. In fact, my youngest requested tickets to see Adam Ant for his birthday (oh darn, my third time to see Adam).
So, get online and look up concerts in your area (or as far as you’re willing to go, and go see that established star or the undiscovered jewel who is waiting for her big break.
This seems like such an easy one, but I have talked with many of my students over the years that have never been to a concert. If you are one of those, get off your duffs and enjoy some live music.
To start, I want you to know that a concert does not have to be some enormous Taylor Swift experience. A small venue with 50-100 people counts, as well. In fact, size is not important. The popularity of the artist is not important. What is important is enjoying the music and the experience with the person you are attending the concert with.
One of the great things about concerts is that you will new variations of songs you like. They may be faster, slower, longer, shorter, etc. Bands tend to have fun while on stage. You also get the anecdotes that the band shares with you between songs.
Thanks to my time in radio, and my sheer enjoyment of music, I have seen between 3-4 hundred artists in concert. Some, multiple times. In fact, my youngest requested tickets to see Adam Ant for his birthday (oh darn, my third time to see Adam).
So, get online and look up concerts in your area (or as far as you’re willing to go, and go see that established star or the undiscovered jewel who is waiting for her big break.
April: Kayaking
Okay, I love to kayak. I know it is not for everyone, but I suggest you try it at least once. My family and I have kayaked in three nations. We have been in rivers, lakes, and canals (with a hope for the ocean this summer). This is one of the more costly activities I am throwing your way this year. No, you do not need to buy your own kayak. If you know you are heading toward water, look in advance to see if someone nearby (or even on site) rents kayaks. Depending where you are at, kayak rentals can run from between $10-60 per hour . Rentals usually include a life vest (so you don’t have to buy that either). If you are new to kayaking, I suggest trying it in a lake first (don’t usually have to worry about a current there). As you get more practice and build your skill, make your way into rivers and along the coast (ocean). Have fun! And remember the sunscreen. |
March: Glass Floats on the Oregon Coast
So, here is something you can do next time you head to the coast, especially if you are heading to Lincoln City. Hit the beaches and look for glass floats. Don’t know what a glass float is—look at the picture.
Every year, local artists make glass floats and then they get placed randomly on the beaches for people to find. If you head to this webpage, you can see the dates that the float fairies will be putting floats out. Who knows, you may come home with a new decoration.
But wait, what if you don’t want to wander aimlessly on the beaches on the hope that you find a glass float? Well, you can do what my family has done, you can make your own. There are places on the coast where you can go and work with a glass artists to make your own float (the one pictured was made by my oldest son).
Just remember this, floats found on the beach are free. If you make a float, you will have to pay for the experience.
Have fun with the floats on the coast.
So, here is something you can do next time you head to the coast, especially if you are heading to Lincoln City. Hit the beaches and look for glass floats. Don’t know what a glass float is—look at the picture.
Every year, local artists make glass floats and then they get placed randomly on the beaches for people to find. If you head to this webpage, you can see the dates that the float fairies will be putting floats out. Who knows, you may come home with a new decoration.
But wait, what if you don’t want to wander aimlessly on the beaches on the hope that you find a glass float? Well, you can do what my family has done, you can make your own. There are places on the coast where you can go and work with a glass artists to make your own float (the one pictured was made by my oldest son).
Just remember this, floats found on the beach are free. If you make a float, you will have to pay for the experience.
Have fun with the floats on the coast.
February: Photography
Photography is so easy today. Each of you (presumably) have a little camera with you at all times.
What should you be taking pictures of? Anything you want (as long as it isn’t illegal or make you look like you stalking someone). But all good photographers start somewhere.
Do you like taking portraits of people? Create a file and ask friends and family if you can take a portrait shot of them.
Do you like nature? Head outside and take pictures of the landscape, animal, flowers, etc. Once again, keep a file of the pictures you really like—the ones that make you smile.
Pictures are also important for family events. Take pictures to remember that birthday, or that vacation. What about a little brother’s smile with the big gap where his tooth just came out? Did you get the shot of your sister scoring the winning goal?
Whatever the reason, go out and get your inner photographer busy.
Photography is so easy today. Each of you (presumably) have a little camera with you at all times.
What should you be taking pictures of? Anything you want (as long as it isn’t illegal or make you look like you stalking someone). But all good photographers start somewhere.
Do you like taking portraits of people? Create a file and ask friends and family if you can take a portrait shot of them.
Do you like nature? Head outside and take pictures of the landscape, animal, flowers, etc. Once again, keep a file of the pictures you really like—the ones that make you smile.
Pictures are also important for family events. Take pictures to remember that birthday, or that vacation. What about a little brother’s smile with the big gap where his tooth just came out? Did you get the shot of your sister scoring the winning goal?
Whatever the reason, go out and get your inner photographer busy.
January: Build A Puzzle
That’s right, build a puzzle. It may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world, but it is a great way to pull people together. In our house, my youngest son really got into puzzles during the pandemic. He got to the point where he was completing a puzzle every day or two. In fact, if the puzzle doesn’t have at least 1,000 pieces, he doesn’t even bother (though there are a few exceptions).
Setting aside some space or having a board that can be slid under a sofa when not in use is a great way to have a “puzzle zone.” Puzzles can cost a little over a dollar or upwards of fifty dollars. Choose wisely. Find a puzzle you will enjoy. Do you like cartoon characters, nature scenes, city scenes, artwork? Well, you will find something out there that covers your interest. How do I know? I was given a 1,000 piece puzzle that is made up of the covers of Queen’s studio albums—that’s how.
Don’t forget to let your friends and family join in. It’s great for the brain and great for bonding.
That’s right, build a puzzle. It may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world, but it is a great way to pull people together. In our house, my youngest son really got into puzzles during the pandemic. He got to the point where he was completing a puzzle every day or two. In fact, if the puzzle doesn’t have at least 1,000 pieces, he doesn’t even bother (though there are a few exceptions).
Setting aside some space or having a board that can be slid under a sofa when not in use is a great way to have a “puzzle zone.” Puzzles can cost a little over a dollar or upwards of fifty dollars. Choose wisely. Find a puzzle you will enjoy. Do you like cartoon characters, nature scenes, city scenes, artwork? Well, you will find something out there that covers your interest. How do I know? I was given a 1,000 piece puzzle that is made up of the covers of Queen’s studio albums—that’s how.
Don’t forget to let your friends and family join in. It’s great for the brain and great for bonding.
December: Cooking and Baking
What! You haven’t engaged in the wonderful activities of baking and cooking. Don’t you realise that once you have baked/cooked you get to eat the results. Get on it!
If you don’t think you can bake or cook, you are wrong. It’s just science. You are following a recipe. You all have that capability. In fact, I will help you. I will add one baking recipe and one cooking recipe at the end of this recommendation. During Winter Break, give them a try. Who knows, you and your family might find a new favourite food—and you will be a hero for introducing it.
Sloppy Pork and 'Shroom Joes
Popcorn Balls
What! You haven’t engaged in the wonderful activities of baking and cooking. Don’t you realise that once you have baked/cooked you get to eat the results. Get on it!
If you don’t think you can bake or cook, you are wrong. It’s just science. You are following a recipe. You all have that capability. In fact, I will help you. I will add one baking recipe and one cooking recipe at the end of this recommendation. During Winter Break, give them a try. Who knows, you and your family might find a new favourite food—and you will be a hero for introducing it.
Sloppy Pork and 'Shroom Joes
Popcorn Balls
November: Supporting Local Charities
I am all about supporting local charities. It is something my family does throughout the year, and I hope you are able to find a way to support our local charities as well.
In the next couple of months, you will find charities looking for food donations to create food boxes over the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas). This is a great time to hand over a few boxes/cans of food or a few bucks to help those in your area make sure they have plenty to eat. In Early December, you will also find charities collecting toys. If you can, purchase a toy or two and donate so that kids with nothing can end up with a little something to make them smile during the winter months.
If you can’t offer up money or “stuff” for charity, there are other ways to help. Donate your time to help out at a community dinner (they are often looking for servers). Can you help out at an event at your church. Maybe volunteer at your former elementary school.
No matter how much or how little, every little bit helps. Find what works for you and start supporting local charities today.
I am all about supporting local charities. It is something my family does throughout the year, and I hope you are able to find a way to support our local charities as well.
In the next couple of months, you will find charities looking for food donations to create food boxes over the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas). This is a great time to hand over a few boxes/cans of food or a few bucks to help those in your area make sure they have plenty to eat. In Early December, you will also find charities collecting toys. If you can, purchase a toy or two and donate so that kids with nothing can end up with a little something to make them smile during the winter months.
If you can’t offer up money or “stuff” for charity, there are other ways to help. Donate your time to help out at a community dinner (they are often looking for servers). Can you help out at an event at your church. Maybe volunteer at your former elementary school.
No matter how much or how little, every little bit helps. Find what works for you and start supporting local charities today.
October: Family Game Night
Here’s something for the entire family. Instigate a weekly family game night. No, I don’t mean you are all in the same house playing a video game on a different device. I mean you are sitting together and spending time as a family—playing games.
The games you play will vary on each family and your resources. Options include board games (like Monopoly, Sorry, or Clue), card games (Uno, Old Maid, poker, etc.), or even sports (basketball, soccer, kickball, etc.). The point is, get the family together.
Remember, you won’t all be together for all time. Someday soon members of your family will move out and start their own families, and, unfortunately, some family members will one day be gone from all of us. Use this time to create memories to look back and smile on.
So, get your game on. Encourage your parents to participate. Get your siblings involved. And, more than anything else, have a fun time with your family.
Here’s something for the entire family. Instigate a weekly family game night. No, I don’t mean you are all in the same house playing a video game on a different device. I mean you are sitting together and spending time as a family—playing games.
The games you play will vary on each family and your resources. Options include board games (like Monopoly, Sorry, or Clue), card games (Uno, Old Maid, poker, etc.), or even sports (basketball, soccer, kickball, etc.). The point is, get the family together.
Remember, you won’t all be together for all time. Someday soon members of your family will move out and start their own families, and, unfortunately, some family members will one day be gone from all of us. Use this time to create memories to look back and smile on.
So, get your game on. Encourage your parents to participate. Get your siblings involved. And, more than anything else, have a fun time with your family.
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September: Geocaching
First thing, go ahead and watch the video off to the side. It will introduce you to Geocaching. You’re back? Good, let’s get started. Geocaching is an activity I came by through my youngest son. He got interested in it when we accidentally found a cache in a Little Free Library. Four years later, he is nearing 400 finds across three countries on two continents. Why this if a fun activity? You get to go out in the world and try to find what people have left behind. It’s like a gigantic scavenger hunt or hide and seek game. So, if you enjoy getting out in the world, try this one. You can stay in the city, get out to the country, or up in the mountains. Just get on to the Geocaching website (geocaching.com). |