Favorite #98: Dads and Granddads

Posted on June 15, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
A lesson about nature from grandpa.

A lesson about nature from grandpa.

Memories

Sometimes it’s fun to ask a question on Facebook and see the response. This week I asked what is special about your dad and what are some of your favorite memories. The response was overwhelming and heart warming, to say the least. See if you don’t agree …

Sue: My dad took me to the drive-in when I was a teenager and we had a great time. The movie was “White Lightning,” starring Robert Mitchum. Another fun time was when my mom was in the hospital and it was up to my dad and I to cook the meals. One day Daddy wanted fried chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy. Well the fried chicken and mashed potatoes went along fine, but the gravy was another story. I had seen mother fix it, but was not sure of the amount of drippings, flour and water. I added the flour to the drippings and then the water, but it wasn’t enough. Daddy came in and added more flour, so then it was too thick, so I added more water. When all was said and done, we had enough gravy to serve all the Duke Power Plant employees, but even so, it was pretty good. My mother got a good laugh out of that story. (Growing up, Sue lived near Bucksteam Power Plant).

Joy: One of my favorite memories is eating ice cream in Dad’s convertible with the top down. I’ll never forget his face when he turned around to see us covered with ice cream!

Carol:I had been begging for a dog, so my favorite memory was the Saturday Dad and I loaded up in the Chevy Nova and drove to Landis to pick out a dalmatian puppy! I named her “Queenie” and loved her so much! She would ride on the Spencer Fire Dept. Fire trucks.

Jessie: My dad was a very busy man with work, but he never ever turned down a chance to play catch in the backyard with my brother and me. He played basketball with us all the time, even installing a light outside so that we could play into the wee hours.

Grace: My dad is a servant. Always wanting to help fix what needs it.

Leanne: Getting up before the sun to go deep sea fishing.

Lydia: My dad met NO stranger.

Betty: My daddy worked at Rowan Flour Mill in Cleveland, NC, and a part of his job was to go around to different stores taking orders for the flour. During the summer, he would let me occasionally go with him. At just about every store, he would buy me a piece of candy, a soft drink, or ice cream. It was a wonderful day spent “helping” my daddy!

Kelly: My daddy was on television for thirty years. He had lots of children on his local show. He believed good manners were extremely important. He’d always end his shows with the phrase, “Mind your manners.” He taught my brother and I how to be mannerly and to this day when people find out he is my dad, they’ll say something about “minding your manners.”

Janet: My daddy always brought me a pack of juicy fruit gum home with him after work. I would search his pockets and he’d say, not today and laugh. Bit it would be there!

Laura: My dad was an amazing man! He taught me so much about life. Looking back now I wish I would have paid more attention to the details. I was probably one of the few 5 yr. olds in Rowan County that could operate a backhoe!

Angela: My daddy taught me how to drive a stick shift on Mountain Rd. when I was about 13 years old! I grew up on that road and the part we lived on was dirt. One Sunday when we were getting ready for church, Dad and I got in the truck to ride up to the yield sign and back. I think we were trying to give my mom time to finish getting dressed. Anyway, I had on these little high heel Candies and when I turned the wheel to turn around, my foot slipped off the clutch and I threw a “doughnut” and scared the crap out of myself. My daddy thought that was the funniest thing ever! I was able to share that story with Vance, since we’re teaching him how to drive a stick shift!

Norma: There were five of us kids with 19 years between the oldest and the youngest, but my dad always found ways to spend special time with each of us. He played cards with us and often took us on individual motorcycle rides to see the ships at Port Canaveral, Fla. He built us wonderful playhouses that were so nice you could live in them. He made each of us feel valued and taught us how to value others. I remember him saying over and over, “Don’t’ sweat the small stuff and it’s all small stuff.” After serving in WWII and seeing the things he saw and enduring the things he endured, I imagine everything else was “small stuff.” I’m so thankful for the dad I had and more thankful because of Jesus I’ll spend eternity with him. Can’t wait for that day.

Connie: My dad always letting me put my little hand in his big hand when we would go to a new school or when I was afraid.

Sam: My dad came to see our eighth grade talent show. He was self-employed by that time, and he was always hesitant to take time away from his work, especially at 10:30 in the morning on a work day. But he took the time to come see our show. I’ve never forgotten it, and it’s one of my lasting memories of him.

Carson: Everything we did was special. Miss him so much.

Brenda: Everything was special. Miss his smile. Love you DAD and miss you!

Vickie: Being small, all the water skis were too big. I wanted to learn to water ski like all my cousins, so Dad made a pair for me! I had to wear a size bigger tennis shoe to keep them on, but I got up after a few tries. He worked so hard bending the wood over an old barrel with a fire in it! The skis were blue with a white stripe!

Sylvia: Always bringing chocolate home!

John: Dad would come home from work “dead tired,” but not too tired to chase four kids through the house with a balled up piece of aluminum foil for a game. He would toss it at us and hit us with it. Drove Mom crazy as she tried to cook supper.

Betsy: My dad equipped our old fiberglass rowboat with a little 20 hp. Mercury outboard motor and when he saw my sister and I trying to steer it sitting sideways, he decided to install cables and a steering wheel facing the bow so that we could be more comfortable. We had many fond memories of pretending we were race boat drivers, flying across the water in a hydroplane! Despite the fiberglass slivers and having to bail the rowboat out after a heavy rain, we loved that boat and took it out every chance we had. He kept the gas tank full and every summer made sure we had a blast on Lake Chautauqua. He built friends and neighborhood kids a huge raft so we could play King of the Mountain on the raft out past the dock as well. We were full time water bugs-day in and day out. Some of the best memories from growing up.

Robin: My trips with daddy when I was little and having coffee with him as I got older. I lost him to lung cancer in 2007.

Joyce: My dad had an antique car and loved to ride around in it. He let me drive it one time and I didn’t even know how to change gears! He loved to hunt-mostly rabbits. Took us to the beach every summer even though he had to stay covered up from the sun because he burned so badly.

Monica: His kindness towards all people. He was one of the most unselfish people I have ever known in my whole life. He had a heart of gold. Many people I already  knew told me this after he died. One good-hearted man!

Ginger: I have lots of good memories of my grandpa. He loved me and I loved him. Period! I remember going with Grandpa to the store and getting each of us a Little Debbie double decker oatmeal cookie. We’d eat it in the car and then he’d tell me not to tell Grandma because he wasn’t supposed to eat stuff like that. Of course, I didn’t tell. He was my buddy.

Lisa: My dad was a wonderful man! Always there for me and for anyone! I had a wonderful childhood because of this man. My dad loved to farm and loved his cows and loved to fish and taught us all about it. He still loves his wife of 60 years. My mom is now in a nursing home due to having a stroke almost 3 years ago. Even though Dad’s in the early stages of dementia, everyday someone takes him to the nursing home so he can sit with his wife. He has a heart of gold! I’m thankful for my dad who has taught me so many life long lessons.

Thanks so much to everyone for sharing their memories of their dad or granddad. If you would like to add yours to the list, leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

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Favorite #97: Author, Hope Clark

Posted on June 8, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
Hope, enjoying a moment with her six-month-old dachshund, Winnie.

Hope, enjoying a moment with her six-month-old dachshund, Winnie.

Guest Blogger and Friend, C. Hope Clark

I first met Hope Clark when she was a clinician at a writing workshop I attended in Cleveland, NC, five years ago. Learning great tips from her about marketing and writing, since then, I follow her blog, subscribe to her newsletter, Funds for Writers, and value her opinion. Graciously accepting my invitation to be a guest blogger, in this post, she gives tips on development of a story.

The Easiest Way to Come Up With a Story

By C. Hope Clark

As I was creating this post for Dicy, I noticed the words at the top of her blog page: “she blogs about her favorite people, places, pets and things.” Many of you are readers, but some of you want to be writers, too. However, sometimes it’s difficult to come up with an idea . . . a really good idea. I’m about to make that easier for you. This idea might make you readers want to start writing, too.

Who are you writing about?

First, come up with a character. You can make her (or him) like someone you know, or you can just create a unique person who is pure fiction. Now, list her favorite people, places, pets and things, just like Dicy mentioned. Add to this list items like where she lives, where she goes to school, who her parents are, her hobbies, her favorite music. You get the idea. Create this person in every way possible. That list is long, isn’t it?

Sort your character’s likes.

Now, put these items in priority. Which are the most important to her? List her top three first. As for the rest on your list, if you like, you can just put them in three layers of importance in case you have like 50 things (numbering those in order would take you forever).

So, you have the top three people, places, pets or things she can’t do without. Next you have a high priority category containing a group that she almost can’t do without. And so on down to those of medium importance. She might be crazy about her pet dachshund, her little sister and her school. Or a guy might be fond of football, his Halo game, and the blonde girl who lives down the street. Or consider a girl who loves living at the beach, reading romance stories, and eating coconut milkshakes.

Oh, no!

Now . . . take those things away. How would she or he react? How would they feel? Who would they turn to? What if they could not find these things ever again? Or what journey would they have to undertake to get them back?

Then, when your character thinks she is making progress in fixing her original problem, take away two or three things from the next list. In doing this, you are shaking up her world again. It’s like losing your favorite friend, and another friend captures your interest instead. Then just as you settle in to liking this new friend, you lose her, too!

Your mind is exploding!

Your mind is now probably crammed with story ideas, a plot rolling out of your head. You can see your character going nuts, or maybe hiding her secret, or getting angry. She has a goal, a mission. It will not be easy, but she has no choice, because she just lost the three things she loves most. Then she lost the second two of three things she loves the most.

Now you have a story.

That’s how you write a good story. You create conflict and drag your character through all sorts of obstacles to reach the end. Wow, bet you have a story in your head right now. And the marvelous part of this exercise is that you learn more about your character, and by the end of the story, surprise . . . your character is wiser. And you will be, too.

BIO

C. Hope Clark is the author of the award-winning Carolina Slade Mystery Series, and the upcoming Edisto Beach Mystery Series. www.chopeclark.com She also educates writers through her website FundsforWriters.com, an award-winning site that reaches 40,000 readers each week. www.fundsforwriters.com . And she’s friends with Dicy.

Hope, thanks for being a guest blogger and for sharing your ideas about plot and character development. I definitely took notes and know others will, too.

For those of you who have been following my blog, leaving a comment has been made easier, so please leave your comments and thoughts about today’s blog. Otherwise, message me on Facebook, Twitter, or email at dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks, Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

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Favorite #96: Overton Elementary School

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
Overton students technology savvy ...

Overton students technology savvy …

Leader in Technology

This past March I was invited as an author to career day at Overton Elementary School in Salisbury, NC. Setting up for my presentation, I was pleasantly surprised to learn Overton’s classrooms are some of the most technologically advanced classrooms in the state of North Carolina. Tech facilitator, Christopher Painter, while helping me set up, explained some of the innovations the students experience firsthand.

Mr. Painter proudly said, “Each classroom is equipped with an iPad cart, interactive whiteboard, iMacs, cameras and a verity of other tools, creating the opportunity for a truly innovative learning environment. The goal of these digital tools is to inspire innovation among our teachers and transform learning by leading the digital conversion. At the heart of the instructional design-model is the goal to embed foundational skills of LITERACY into all facets of what happens at Overton.

“One of the apps the students find most engaging is Tellagami. With this app, they are able to create a video and by customizing an avatar or character, explain with their voice a concept. They create the setting using photo editing and photo collage apps on their iPad, importing it as the background of their video. By doing this, students are creating an engaging product that builds literacy and promotes higher-order thinking skills.

“The variety of work students are doing is astounding. They literally walk around school with the internet in their hands, carrying their own personal music recording and video production studio, having access to more information than any other generation.”

Here are some of the reasons students and teachers at Overton like the innovative technology  …

1. I-pads can be used everyday for looking up things.

2. Makes good presentations for classroom projects.

3. Saves paper.

4. Technology helps with understanding “stuff” better. If I have a question, all I have to do is google.

5. You can make a video book.

6. Can make I-movies and not only choose the music, but record your voice.

Laura Zimmerman-Clark, a third-grade teacher, said, “I don’t have as many behavior problems with technology because it engages the kids. Learning is right at their finger tips. I especially like that Apple TV makes it where you can see each other’s work.”

Gone are the days where students are sitting in rows all day, pushing a pencil. With a one-to-one ratio of students to digital devices, they now have the ability to research from a much broader base. Although as an author, I still love books, and believe there will always be a place for books in the hands of a child, in order to reach the next generation, we must be open to new options.

Congratulations, Overton Elementary School!  Principal, Betty Tunks will be proud to know you are my favorite school of the week for leadership in innovative technology in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools. If interested in learning more about the technology program at Overton, click here.

Do you know of any schools or educators who have gone above and beyond, bravely leading students into the future? If so, leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

 

 

 

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Favorite #95: Memorial Day

Posted on May 25, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
Photo by Wayne Agee, taken at Post 115 in Kannapolis, NC.

Photo by Wayne Agee, taken at Post 115 in Kannapolis, NC.

        A Time to Remember

Traditionally, Memorial Day is spent relaxing and having fun with  friends and family. While family time is important, President Clinton and Congress, in 1997, fearing the true meaning was getting lost among parties, picnics and parades, proposed a Moment of Remembrance. First suggested by the humanitarian group, “No Greater Love,” this moment has been observed for almost thirty years now at 3:00 on Memorial Day, with communities often playing “Taps,” at that time.

I have a special place in my heart for soldiers and their families because of the lessons learned from my dad. Even though I knew he served in the Army during WWII, it was only after his death eight years ago that I discovered he was in the 9th infantry. It was while looking through some old photo albums, that I found a newspaper clipping of an interview he did for a local newspaper, the Salisbury Post. In the article, Dad talked about landing on the beaches of Normandy. He said, “The Germans were shooting the fire out of us, until finally we broke through and made our way to Cherbourg.” Looking like a skeleton when the war was over, he weighed only 130 lbs on a 6′ frame, and yet he was one of the lucky ones because he made it home.

Senior Master Sergeant, Jim Fero, a member of my church and a retired military officer of the United States Air Force, found his own special way to honor the fallen soldier four years ago. The idea came after reading a list of names in the local newspaper. Wanting to share with others just how many were being lost each week, he asked if he could read the names at church during morning announcements. The congregation was so moved, the reading of the list has been ongoing ever since.  After names are read, prayers go up for the families. It’s been a blessing to hear the list grow shorter and shorter, with only one name read this past Sunday.

Wayne Agee, a retired veteran from the Navy, has also found a unique way not only to show respect, but to educate. Having a collection of military memorabilia, he shares his collection through displays at Legion Posts, including American Legion Post 115 in Kannapolis, NC and Richard’s Coffee Shop in Mooresville, NC. You may wonder why at Richard’s Coffee Shop, but this is appropriate because it’s a place where veterans hang out for encouragement and fellowship. To learn more about Richard’s Coffee Shop, check out a recent Salisbury Post story or their official website.

Although Jim and Wayne have found their own unique way of honoring the memory of the fallen solider, there are many other ways, including helping the families left behind, visiting veterans in the hospital, or donating items such as candy, toothpaste and deodorant to a local veterans hospital. One by one we can make a difference in the lives of those who served. After all, they made a difference in ours.

How does your family or community celebrate Memorial Day? Do you have a unique story? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

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Favorite #94: Sweet Frog’s Dairy-Free Yogurt

Posted on May 18, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
Eating dairy-free yogurt ...

Eating dairy-free yogurt …

Serving the Needs of All Customers

A year and a half ago, my husband and I were blessed with our second grandson, Garrett. A healthy little boy-his future looked bright. One week later, however, we were facing the possibility of losing him. Thinking he had jaundice, the doctors said a few days under the light and he would be good as new.

Unfortunately, the doctors discovered Garrett not only had jaundice, but also galactosemia. Born with a rare genetic condition, Garrett’s body doesn’t have the ability to break down sugars. With only two children born each year in NC with this condition, it caught everyone off guard, including the nurses and doctors.

Most people have two genes to break down sugars, but my daughter, Kristin, and her husband, Brian, only have one. Having one is not a problem, but having none is. Since Garrett inherited the gene from each parent that doesn’t break down sugars, he has none, thus galactosemia.

At first concerned Garrett couldn’t even have fruits and vegetables, through periodic check-ups and consultation at UNC-Chapel Hill, Kristin and Brian have since learned he can have some in monitored amounts. With Chapel Hill a leading expert in treating galactosemia, Garrett has been going for treatment since he was three months old. Now a year-and-a-half, he is thriving and growing.

Even though Garrett can have monitored amounts of fruits and vegetables, he can’t have milk products at all.  As a result, Kristin diligently reads labels. Happy to learn Sweet Frog now has a non-dairy yogurt, it didn’t take long until Kristin and Garrett made a trip. You can see pure joy in the photo as he experiences yogurt for the first time. That day it was key lime.

While checking out Sweet Frog’s website, recently, I discovered they are a good neighbor, always looking for ways to help and support the community. I also learned the letters F.R.O.G in Sweet Frog, stand for Fully Rely on God. To think I learned all this because my grandson stopped in for some non-dairy yogurt.

Thanks, Sweet Frog, for including non-dairy yogurt as a choice. You have made Garrett and his mom very happy. What a joy and blessing to know food companies are making great strides in serving the needs of ALL customers.

Making national news last year, Garrett was included in a column by Ellen Gabler of the Milwaukee Sentinel. If interested in reading Ellen’s column, or learning more about Garrett, click on the hyperlinks.

Do you know other businesses who are going the extra mile for customers? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

 

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Favorite #93: Mother’s Day

Posted on May 11, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
Happy Mother's Day from my youngest grandchild, Clara.

Happy Mother’s Day from my youngest grandchild, Clara.

A Mother’s Heart is a Servant’s Heart

On the second Sunday of May, it’s not unusual to hear the words, “Happy Mother’s Day.” Although moms everywhere enjoy getting flowers, candy and presents, most are happy just to spend time with their families.

While it’s true many people had the idea for honoring mothers, it was Anna Jarvis who actually did something about it. Knowing her mom wanted a day where moms could be recognized, after her passing, Anna resolved that would happen. With plenty of determination, the first official celebration was held at Anna’s church in West Virginia in 1906.  Although she was happy when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill in 1914 making Mother’s Day the second Sunday in May, she was unhappy to see it become so commercialized. To read more about Anna and the early history of Mother’s Day, click here.

Every family has different ways of celebrating, which might include playing games, relaxing on the porch, or eating a meal. Always doing for others, it’s nice for at least one day, when mothers can be pampered. While everyone believes their mom to be the best, one family in Salisbury, NC has good reason.

Hazel Bacon is one of those people who enjoys life. Yet, hiding behind her bright smile and positive attitude is a woman who has suffered hardships and tragedy. Widowed at the age of 26 with three young children, Hazel hasn’t had time to be bitter.

It was during a Carolina Beach vacation in 1946 that Hazel met her future husband, Bob Bacon. Falling in love at first sight, they were sad to see the vacation end. What followed was a long distance relationship, with phone calls back and forth and Bob making trips from his home, in New York, to see Hazel in Concord, NC. By the time Hazel was 19, they were married. Seven years later, after a tragic accident, Hazel was a widow and single mom.

Before that dreadful day, Bob and Hazel had a happy life with a bright future. Climbing the corporate ladder as an insurance adjuster, Bob moved his growing family to Cleveland, Ohio. Taking a second job in construction, it was while holding a ladder for a co-worker that Bob’s accident happened. The co-worker unknowingly touched a live wire and since Bob was grounding him, Bob was electrocuted. In that instant, Hazel’s life and that of her three children changed forever.

Knowing she had to make a living, after some encouragement, Hazel went to beauty school. Graduating two years later, she now has worked as a beautician for over forty years. Thinking she might retire this year at 85, she changed her mind, saying she would miss her co-workers and clients too much.

Hazel’s oldest daughter, Gail, said, “Mom’s my hero in so many ways. She never gave up no matter the challenge. She’s small in stature, but huge in her caring and loving others. Although family dinners have become difficult for her, she insists on cooking for us all. Once you meet Mom you can’t help, but like her. Such a sweet smile, but don’t let her fool you, she definitely can still intimidate her children!”

In spite of hardships and tragedies, there’s no doubt Hazel has lived a blessed life, finding purpose in helping others. The epitome of Proverbs 31:28, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed …”

If you would like to read more of Hazel’s story and the challenges she faced raising three children alone during the 60’s and 70’s, check out the May 11th edition of the Salisbury Post.

How do you celebrate Mother’s Day? What makes your mom so special? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

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Favorite #92: Daughters of the American Revolution

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Dicy McCullough

Serving the Community

Members of DAR learning about history.

Members of DAR learning about history.

Daughters of the American Revolution is an organization known in the community for patriotism and service. Formed in 1890, some of its goals include preserving history, providing scholarships, promoting literacy and supporting efforts to help veterans.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved history, learning patriotism from my dad. While it’s true he carried scars from service in the Army during WWII, he was proud of that sacrifice and proud to have served. Having that background, my philosophy fit perfectly with that of DAR. Knowing in order to join you must have a patriot in your family-line, with little information available about my genealogy, I never thought I could.

Then, one day, while going through some old photos, I found a photo with the name of my paternal great-grandparents. Giving that to a friend interested in genealogy, within one week, he discovered a patriot on my dad’s side. Not long after that, I became a member of the Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

With DAR members always wanting to learn more about history, excitement filled the air this past April when the chapter made a visit to the Old Stone House in Granite Quarry, NC. Now under the care of the Rowan Museum, the Old Stone House was built 250 years ago by Michael Braun. Seeing a house of this era helped members understand the hardships their ancestors may have faced.

The original plan for the day was a preliminary organizational meeting on the grounds, to be followed by a tour and then lunch. Being a chilly day, with almost freezing temperatures, those plans changed. Members, instead, squeezed into the dining room, which seemed appropriate since Michael Braun’s family must have spent time in that room on cold, chilly days. With the bright sun shining through the large windows, it was easy to imagine life in this period of American history. Even visions and sounds of children playing with their toys in the adjoining room were easy to imagine.

My favorite part of the tour was climbing tiny steps to the second floor to see the Executive Director of the Rowan Museum, Kaye Brown Hirst, weaving rugs on a loom near a window. Fascinated by her feet going back and forth moving the warp threads, some of the ladies commented on how much time pioneer women must have spent doing this one task. Kaye explained weaving was only a part of the process, with sheering sheep, carding and cleaning the wool part of it as well. After hearing the details, we all expressed gratitude for living in modern-day America and not colonial days.

Tricia Creel, Education Coordinator for the museum, said in later years women were able to buy material from traveling salesmen, thus freeing them up for other tasks. She also said, sometimes when the women couldn’t afford new material, they might instead have enough money to buy buttons to make an old garment seem like new. As an example, she showed what was believed to be Michael’s granddaughter’s dress, trimmed with beautiful wooden buttons all the way down the front.

After the tour, a brief meeting and lunch, everyone left learning not only a little more about history, but a little more about each other having enjoyed fellowship and conversation that day. To learn more about the National DAR, check out the following website. To learn more about the Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter and its visit to the Old Stone House, click on the Salisbury Post link, here.

Do you know of a DAR chapter active in your community? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

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Favorite #91: Earth Day

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
A beautiful day in the neighborhood

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

         Time to Care

Even though Earth Day has come and gone, if we’re really concerned about our environment, then Earth Day should be everyday.

Since the first Earth Day in 1970, one must wonder if our efforts have even made a dent in the havoc pollution and waste have caused. Perhaps, being the optimist, I think it has.

Through education and trial and error, my family has become more aware of ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. We are especially lucky to have pick-up available in our neighborhood where paper, glass and plastic are separated for us, which makes it so much easier. Only having to take one recycling can to the road each week, we have no excuse.

While it’s true Earth Day should be everyday, it’s kind of nice to have a special day set aside to celebrate, working together in communities around the world for a common cause. Wondering what others did this year to celebrate, I asked the question on my Facebook page. Here are some of those responses:

Stasea: We planted a garden. Our slogan was, “Don’t trash our future, eat healthy.”

Martha: I recycled.

Sue: I went out in the back yard and split wood with my husband, Bobby.

Tara: My preschool class planted seeds in paper cups.

Lexi: Hugged a tree.

Cindy: Observed a mother bird building a nest in a bush outside our window. Hope to see baby birds soon.

Marsha: I went to an elementary school and spoke on everything from recycling to water pollution to air contamination. The children had great questions. (Marsha is an environmental manager for her state).

William: I woke up and went about my business as usual, Earth Day isn’t one day a year. My grandma and grandpa, mom and dad lived earth day, every day, they didn’t need a name for it. When they died, I found out first-hand those who lived the great depression had a totally different mindset. They recycled before there was a name for it. They kept “stuff” just in case …

Thanks to all who responded on Facebook.

If interested in learning more about the history of Earth Day from the early 60’s when Senator Nelson approached President Kennedy with concern about the planet, until now, check out the following How Stuff Works link. The title of the article is How Did Earth Day Start. Additional links for more info can be found at the bottom of that page.

One of my favorite go-to-sites for ideas is Pinterest. While scrolling through looking for ideas of things to do with children, recently, I found the blog, Make and Takes. Written by Marie LeBron, it is chalked full of activities. The blog I especially liked for Earth Day was 22 Ways to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. You can find it by clicking here.

How did you celebrate Earth Day? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite #90: Jazz, Beatles and the Rolling Stones

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Dicy McCullough

Colton, practicing in front of his Robert Johnson poster.

The Next Generation

The Post-World War II Baby Boomer generation enjoyed the innocent and yet not so innocent years of youth listening to groups such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Now, 50 years later, that style of music is still popular, even loved by teenagers like Colton Sherrill, seen in the photo above.

Colton’s mother, April, has memories as a little girl during the late ’60’s and early ’70’s of going to sleep hearing her two brothers (Colton’s uncles) practice music by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones on their guitars. Now, as a mother, she’s hearing her son play the same songs.

A senior in high school, today, it was while practicing the Beatles’ Rock Band on his Wii during his middle school years that Colton first developed a love for this style of music. Having a desire to play for real, he learned his first chord from his grandfather at thirteen. Later taking lessons from his Uncle Rodney and Uncle Kevin, he was hooked for good. Since then, it’s been practice, practice, practice.

Colton’s Uncle Rodney says, “That practicing paid off because now Colton’s a gifted musician far exceeding expectations. He learns music quickly and is dedicated to writing, playing and sharing his musical talent with others. As an uncle, it makes me proud to have had a small part in his love for music by enhancing the kind of music he already had an affinity for.”

With that passion visible in his room, Colton has Beatles’ posters covering the walls and Beatles’ music lying open on a music stand. He also has a Robert Johnson poster hanging on the wall. Introduced to Johnson when his Uncle Kevin played several legendary compositions including, Cross Road Blues and Love in Vain, Colton now believes, “Without Robert Johnson, we wouldn’t have the music we have today.”

Intrigued, I discovered Robert Johnson changed the face of blues music by singing songs of hardship in a way everyone could understand. Even though his music was written almost a hundred years ago, some of his songs have been recorded by major rock stars, including the Rolling Stones. To learn more about the history of Johnson’s humble beginnings and how even today his music is touching lives, click here for his official website.

There’s no doubt music of the 20th century has a richness and diversity about it that has withstood the test of time. Hopefully, Colton will pass down a love for this style of music to his children and grandchildren, crossing boundaries all the way into the next century. Now that would be “cool.”

To read more about Colton’s musical journey and where it will lead next, check out his story in the Salisbury Post.

Do you know someone whose love of music, like Colton’s, has been passed down from one generation to the next? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

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Favorite # 89: National Volunteer Week

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
Teaching the future generation ...

Teaching the future generation …

Serving the Community

As I was driving by a church, recently, I saw a sign that said celebrate National Volunteer Week. With our economy and government stretched to the limit, people are finding new ways to fill in the gaps. One of those ways is a national movement encouraging people to volunteer.

While this is a wonderful idea, of course, it’s not new. Volunteer fireman have been filling in the gaps for years in rural communities without asking for anything in return. These men and women didn’t need a national movement, they just saw a need and responded. 

Throughout the years, in addition to responsibilities of home and careers, firemen have served their community without pay, doing it because of a love of helping others. Today, they are constantly being trained, keeping up-to-date with current trends, including learning about hazardous materials in homes and new designs or features on cars. This training keeps not only the firemen safe, but others as well.

Even women have been a part of that story going all the way back to the late sixties and early seventies. During those years, men had jobs that didn’t allow them time to volunteer as much, so women volunteered out of necessity. Just like the men, they had to go through training, climbing ladders and even rooftops with a hose on their backs. Communities often worked together to raise money for buildings and trucks through fundraisers such as hot dog dinners after church on Sundays.

America’s spirit and history has been one of volunteering, evident all the way back to pioneer days when wagon trains moved west. Without people volunteering to help each other, that history would never had happened.

For information on how to be a volunteer fireman, check out the following link. If interested in learning more about National Volunteer Week and how you can serve in your community, check out the Points of Light website. There you will find inspirational stories as well as suggestions of ways to volunteer on an individual and corporate level. Why not give it a try today?

Do you have suggestions for ways to serve in your community? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

 

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