Wisdom and comic relief

Art Linkletter: Art died of natural causes at the age of 97 on May 26, 2010 at his home in Los Angeles, California.  I hope he got as much joy from his life as he gave in the early years of television with House Party, People Are Funny and Kids Say the Darnedest Things and other ventures (causes, endorsements, entertainment)  He was abandoned as an infant, adopted and raised by a one-legged preacher and his wife.  He was raised in a poor but happy home, rode the rails, maintained his honesty and became hugely successful in entertainment and, it appears, marriage (74 years).  He is the author of 16 books.  He was a naturalized U.S. citizen.  He was conservative in his views, opposing the liberal AARP and speaking out against socialism in America.  He said,

"We've become a rich country because of freedom. Freedom. The ability to speak and worship and do business and run your own affairs and have a limited government which promoted enterprise, in the early days, instead of trying to run everything -- like now."

I like these quotes from him:  "I have a good marriage, which reduces a great deal of stress."


"To be married happily you have to have a sense of humor and you have to communicate. Don't go to bed mad. In other words -- and this is very important: You can disagree, but you don't get disagreeable. That "a-b-l-e" is the big difference between disagree.

He called his kids (five of them) his "Links."  Very appropriate I think.

Daily Chores

A fellow blogger-mom (In-a-shoe) posted her children's chore assignments. She is currently expecting her 10th child and by necessity must be diligent in organizing the family. I have noticed that these days many families have forgotten this once-considered-normal activity. They spoil their entitled children who only work when they feel like it or when they are bribed. Well, I could go on, but this is how they do it in their large family which includes barnyard animals (chickens) and dogs they breed. I was reminded of my daughter, Natalie's blog entry on this subject (teaching children to work and be responsible). It has certainly paid dividends for her and she admits sometimes it's harder to teach the children than to do it yourself but so worth it! There is a window of opportunity for teaching children responsibility. If that window is missed, it becomes much harder (and some adults never learn it).

I hope she's OK with me reposting here with credits:) Here's Kim's list:

Deanna (16yo): clean & straighten living room; plan and cook dinner; rinse dinner dishes; iron

Kaitlyn (14yo): burn trash; clean & straighten dining room; put away clean dishes; iron

Lydia (13yo): Lydia has requested all outdoor and animal duties: feed & water animals (chickens, dogs, cat); keep yard picked up; take out compost; "first shift" on dinner dishes (clear & wipe counters, put away leftovers, set up coffee for following morning); iron

Megan (11yo): clean & straighten bathroom and kitchen; wash dinner dishes; iron

Natalie (9yo) & Becca (8yo): hang all laundry to dry; sort and fold dry laundry, put away towels and diapers; clean & straighten laundry room; breakfast & lunch dishes; clear & wipe table after dinner.

Rachael (5yo): clean and straighten deck (under Lydia's supervision); help clear table after dinner.

Perry (3yo): empty small trash cans in bedrooms.

In addition the children help with preparing meals. Deanna plans and makes the main dish; the others often help with the rest, make breakfast, etc. Now, I hope she posts more about how she enforces it all. She reports that stating, "It's not my job" is a capital offense in their home. More power to her! One day they will thank her... (OK, she shouldn't hold her breath).

(Visit Kim's other site about frugal living here)

My Haircut

You've already seen this one ~ BEFORE
AFTER ~ Carolyn and I with our "pixie" haircuts. It was my mom's idea. I guess she got tired of braiding every day.
I think this was the inspiration - a real beauty from that era. For me? Just not so good.... (I think a little natural curl helps and it worked better for Carolyn but mine doesn't even bend without help!)