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Showing posts from November, 2023

Wars Are Bad and Sad: Explaining Wars to Young Children

Explaining war to children can be challenging, but it's important to approach the topic with sensitivity. Here's a simplified, point-form explanation suitable for young children: Wars are fights between countries or groups: Sometimes, people in different places disagree or can't get along. Instead of talking and finding a solution, they might use force, like fighting or using weapons. People have different opinions: Just like friends or family may have different ideas, countries can too. Instead of working together, they may choose to fight. Not all problems are solved peacefully: Ideally, countries should talk and negotiate to solve their problems. Unfortunately, sometimes they make bad choices and start fighting. War causes sadness and destruction: When there is war, many people get hurt, and buildings and homes can be damaged. It makes people sad and can take a long time for things to get better. Hope for peace: People around the world work hard to stop wars and help cou

Shopping for Gifts at Thrift Shops

Gift shopping at thrift stores can be a unique and sustainable way to find thoughtful presents. Here are some ideas, presented in point form: Second-hand Gifts: Vintage Clothing: Unique clothing items from different eras. Retro t-shirts, jackets, or dresses. Books: Classic novels or special editions. Coffee table books on specific interests. Home Decor: Vintage or antique furniture pieces. Decorative items like vases, frames, or candle holders. Collectibles: Vinyl records or vintage toys. Antique figurines or collectible items. Accessories: Second-hand jewelry, including vintage pieces. Handbags or wallets in good condition. Board Games/Puzzles: Classic board games or unique puzzles. Limited edition or vintage game sets. Artwork: Framed vintage posters or paintings. Handcrafted items from local artists. Kitchenware: Vintage dishes, glassware, or cutlery. Unique kitchen gadgets or serving pieces. Up-cycling Potential: Furniture: Old chairs or tables can be refurbished or painted. Rep

Hobby Gift Guide

 I'm in my 70s and have a number of hobbies that I pursue at different times. These are the activities that spice my life up, and according to "the science," it is healthy for the brain to be involved socially and physically with others and the world outside our front door.  -I read books and write reviews on Good Reads and if I buy a book, I generally leave a review on the site where I purchase it-- Amazon or Thrift Books, usually. -I love knitting but don't do it as much as I have in the past, partly because my old hands are not quite up to the repetitive strain.  But a baby garment or something I can pick up and set down over a longer period of time-- that works fine to feed my knitty craves. As you put together your list of those for whom you buy gifts this holiday, I recommend that you consider their hobbies-- the ones they actively pursue, the ones they seem to have 'dropped', and perhaps "potential" hobbies that they have mentioned to you,