Son and Mother Poems

The fluctuating incomes that most families are experiencing is causing a lot of grief and hardship to many people as the cost of living soars at a seemingly rapid rate.

Food and clothing costs increase and if the family has growing both these things are in great demand. I n the past these were much more attainable and children weren’t so worried if they wore hand me downs but now they always want new clothing in the current fashions and the designer labels that they see advertised on television and in magazines.

This can put immense strain on any family budget as it is not only teenagers that are so demanding but often the younger members of the family as well as the media influences them at such a young age. The access to television has played such a big part in children developing identities much before their time.

The high cost of living doesn’t stop there either as power costs soar to a point where very few people will be able to keep themselves cool in summer and warm in winter.The cost of fuel adds more to travelling costs whether you use your car or use public transport. The current forecasts that these costs will continue to escalate doesn’t give the average family much hope in being able to keep their budget in check is getting more difficult each passing year.

It is these very things that are so essential in raising a family that affect us so much.When this happens it drains the family budget and forces people too look for extra work that takes them away from home for extended periods of time and then you have another obstacle which is the fragmentation of the family unit.

It is little wonder that drastic measures are often taken by some families to overcome these issues.

Credit cards can be overused in an attempt to stave off the problems of overdue bills and can compound an already mounting pile of debt. Along with the mortgage that goes up and down with the rise and fall of interest rates. The other rising costs include rates both land and water, all types of insurance. It seems that as a car gets older the insurance goes up when you would think it would go down.

Little wonder that most families wonder if they will ever get off this fast running merry-go-round and if it is ever going to end. Families are being broken up and separated either by the stress causing marriage breakdown or parents not getting enough quality time with their spouse and children because of long work hours or having to work two jobs. Family life is severely affected and communication between all family members break down very quickly.

Single parent families feel this crisis crunch even more because they have to add childcare to their bill that two parent families can often work around. This becomes even worse if a child becomes ill and they have to stay at home and look after them. Income is reduced and often the parent becomes ill from the strain of trying to cope.

Most employment these days is often only casual or part-time as this is the employers way of dealing with the economy and not having to pay out for holidays and sick pay. This is of no help to families that are already fragmented by the stresses of daily living as they miss out on that good quality family time that used to be there.

Where does this leave our families? – not in a very good position at all.

Most parents become stressed, angry, short-tempered and worried about the future. Even teenagers leaving school are unable to get a job and wonder what is going to become of them.

This is all adding to the families stress and anxiety and depression becomes the norm instead of the occasional condition that is treated by your local doctor.

Mental illness becomes more frequent as all these problems escalate out of control. More stress leave is required and the only worthwhile occupation is in counseling but even counselors have their problems at home with finances and who do they have to turn to after listening to everyone else’s problems.

It makes you want to go back to the good old days, doesn’t it?

Well this can be done and there are many simple ways to do it. Most families would cope in a much better way if they adopted some very simple principles that would alleviate these problems and issues. They are often very simple solutions and even though they are not the total answer they can still help many families get through what looks to them as hopeless.

You can’t change the times we live in but you can put coping mechanisms into place so in my next article we will go over some of these and see what changes families can do to survive these hard times which have been survived before if anyone remembers the 1930’s depression. Families endured incredible hard ships and most survived without the casualties in marriages that happen today

As the world population keeps growing this trend will continue unless all countries of the world help to bring some affluence back to their nations that may help what is happening on a worldwide basis. Their is enough resources and abundance to get every nation back on its feet and help the smaller countries to build a good financial structure as well. All countries have well educated people trained to keep a good balance of Trade and export as well as importing the things that not natural to their environment. If greed was curtailed and sharing was developed more who knows what might happen in the world.

This type of economic hardship will happen again unless we implement some changes and be the inspiration for the rest of the world to follow and see a change sweep around the world. Maybe the world as a whole can find a solution as we go trough The Age of Aquarius in real time instead of just mythical words in a song.

The Age of Aquarius is upon us now, can we all do something? It is a nice thought that this troubled world could turn into our Utopia. Maybe this is something that we should all think about

OK, maybe the headline is a bit exaggerated. I’m not sure that any mother in the world would trade her children for a beautiful newborn baby doll, but I’m sure there are times when you had that thought – huh? Let’s face it – kids can be real trouble. They’re noisy, can be cranky and they can be a real mess. But they do grow up, eventually, and leave you to go off to claim their part of the world.

Why is all the excitement over newborn baby dolls these days? And why are they becoming so popular, even though some of these realistic dolls can cost upwards of several hundred dollars! I think I may have some answers for you, and you may be surprised at what other people are doing – and why.

There is a movement afoot in the doll industry called “reborners.” These folks create incredibly realistic dolls as a hobby, and some do it to make a living. Many of these “reborn” dolls are sold on exclusive websites or even eBay for hundreds of dollars.

Some of these craftspeople will even create a custom doll for you – just send then a photo of the baby you want to “replicate” and they will make it happen for you.

The very newborn baby dolls that are so popular now are called a “reborn” doll. Everything about these incredible creations are designed to duplicate the real thing – right down to skin color and texture, hair, dimensions and weight. In fact, these newborn baby dolls are so realistic looking you may stop and check the “baby’s” breathing if you see one in a crib. They are that true-to-life! Of course, don’t be alarmed, you won’t see a single breath, but their ability to duplicate the real thing will take your breath away!

We’ve established that these little creations are incredibly realistic, but who would want one of these creations? You may not give your 3-year old child a $200 newborn baby doll to play with, that might be a bit too much to handle. Surprisingly enough, one of the biggest groups of people buying these dolls are mothers whose children have flown the coop! They miss having an infant close by, so they naturally gravitate towards these beautiful creations. And, the great thing about these newborn baby dolls is the fact that they require absolutely no care whatsoever – just tuck them into bed, take that two-week trip to the Bahamas, and your little bundle of joy will just be waking up to greet you upon your return!

Judging by the massive (and steadily increasing) popularity of these works of art that you can hold and cuddle, they are here to stay. Even if you do like most mothers and keep your children until they grow up and leave for greener fields, you can still nurture your motherly instincts by making a nursery for your newborn baby dolls in that spare bedroom, and filling it with the joys of motherhood that you once knew so well

For many of us in the United States, spring has taken its time reaching us. The cruel fingers of winter have very slowly released their grip. Gentle warm breezes stir the foliage. With grapevines budding, birds singing and plants flowering, it is time to think of spending relaxing, free moments outdoors. Time spent outdoors is soothing for the soul. As Edward Fitzgerald said, “A book of verses underneath the bough, a jug of wine, a loaf of bread-and thou.”

Picnics, countryside walks or strenuous hikes can be relaxing, enjoyable and romantic with planning. A picnic can be a very spontaneous event as in a “pick up and go” style. Throw a few items in a bag and pick up a blanket on the way out the door. However, if you will be traveling any distance or over rough terrain, it is better to have a plan. Decide where you are going and discover the regulations regarding picnicking and beverages. Skyline Drive, in Shenandoah National Park, permits alcoholic beverages in many areas unless posted otherwise. Check the weather forecasts and make accommodations if necessary. Choose how to pack supplies, food and wine. There are many choices available whether baskets or picnic/wine carriers.

One item that many wine enthusiasts would enjoy is the wine backpack or the picnic backpack that will hold a wine bottle and wine glasses. Our preference for these types of items is to make sure they are lightweight especially if you are planning to walk far or hike uphill. There are a number of good backpacks and you will find one that meets your needs. If you decide to order online, do check out reviews on the item. It is always good to get someone else’s opinion. We prefer a backpack that has room for plates, utensils, cutting board, wine glasses, napkins, wine and food.

Things to consider when purchasing a good picnic/wine carrier include: size, weight, comfort, and cold storage. Backpacks often include place settings for two or four. Check to see if there is room for additional settings. Consider the weight of the picnic/wine carrier if you are hiking for an extended period. Carrying extra weight can tire you out quickly. Check to see if the straps on the picnic/wine carrier fit comfortably. Can you adjust the straps in case you need to wear a jacket? Will the picnic/wine carrier allow you to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot?

In addition to picnic supplies, there are other items to carry. Think of packing sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Bottled water may be needed while hiking long distances, along rugged terrain, up elevations and down slopes. Take a camera so you can take memories back with you. Last spring and summer, we enjoyed lunch on a rock. In late April the trek to Marys Rock in Shenandoah National Park was difficult but worth it because it had an outstanding view. Only one other hiker was perched between rocks reading a book. We had our lunch on a rock and enjoyed the views. Our lunch was simple with two types of cheese, crackers and a Pinot Grigio. It was the perfect setting to watch birds flying below you, take photographs and feel a constant breeze. The scenery was breathtaking and the solitude was uplifting.

In August, we hiked up Maryland Heights at Harper’s Ferry National Park. It was a hot day and water breaks along the way helped us make it to the rocks for a spectacular view of the Potomac River and the town of Harper’s Ferry. We enjoyed crackers and cheese with a picnic red wine. There was plenty of room to find a rock and spread out