When my son was three Hercules the movie had just come out. O’ how my son loved that Movie, we had to watch it over and over and when we were not watching the movie he was pretending to be Hercules and would repeat every scene from the movie. He even had the sound track from the movie and when we would get into the car we always had to pop in the cassette and sing along
(this was before Radio Disney).

Since he was our first we would go to great lengths to give him everything. So, when McDonalds started carrying Hercules toys in their Happy Meals, you know we had to collect them all. But wait, that’s not all, they also had collector plates! So, between the plates and the toys my husband and I went to several different McDonalds bartering and trading our way to a complete set of toys and plates. I can not tell you how many Happy Meals I took back to the office, boy where those great lunches.

To say the least my son was obsessed with the movie and then he fell in love with Meg. He had every character figure from the Disney store. So suddenly he was carrying Meg around not Hercules. He would tell me he loved her and was going to marry her when he got older. I thought how cute and thought nothing much of it.

So, one day from preschool he asked to have his new friend over. This boy’s parents agreed but gave me strict instructions on what their child was allowed to do and eat due to their religious beliefs. I told them no problem and off the boy’s went to have a great day. At the end of the day when the mother came over to pick up her son, I told her how much fun the boys had and that we would have to get them together again. No sooner did I say this when my son and his friend came out of the room with Meg and Hercules. Meg was tied up with duck tape. Her hands behind her back, tape across her body and mouth, wearing no clothes.

We both looked at them and I thought to myself what on earth are they doing. But it was the mother of the other child who spoke first. Her eyes got big and she said “what are you boys doing”! My son replied” we tied her up, she’s in trouble. The mom turned to me and said “you know what that is, Bondage” How would your son know about that! I replied there must be an explanation. I asked my son and he explained that Meg has been captured by Hades’ and he had her in smoke chains because she’s a prisoner. The mom of the other child said then why is she naked! My son replied because duck tape made her clothes sticky. I looked at the other mother and she smiled nervously and out the door she went.
Makes you wonder!!!!

Starting today I am going to start showing myself a little more love. I put a lot of effort into taking care of my kids, my husband, my home, our pets and everyone else who needs something from me.

Since November is a great time to give Thanks and December is full of chaos I thought I would find my Mantra a set of words or a phrase that is repeated (Chanted). Buddhist are known for their prayers and meditation techniques. Although I do not practice Buddhism I have practiced Meditation.

Here is a blessing based on the Buddhist loving kindness prayer:

May you be safe and protected from harm.

May you be happy with peace in your heart.

May you be healthy, able, and strong.

May you go easy through sunshine or storm.

I believe each day when I wake up I will repeat this phrase and take a moment to gather myself for the day. I will remind myself of my abilities and how capable I am. Taking the time to be and put myself first will help lower the stress of the upcoming holidays.

Tell us how you can show yourself love in your everyday life. Do you meditate or find a place of quite that helps you?

Recently my son and I were at the mall and we decided to use the elevator. The door opened and everyone filed out and it was time for us to get on. There was a family with a small boy and a stroller so my son held the door for them
to get on. Then he pushed the button and off we went. When the door opened he repeated the same, he held the door so the door did not close on them as they exited. They did not say a word to him for his kindness, which was fine, no big deal. However, they saved the big deal for later.

After hours of shopping we went to the food court to eat lunch and after I went to the restroom. My son waited in the hall. While he was waiting for me the same family from the elevator passed him and their son recognized my son
and said “Hi”. The father begins scolding his son for speaking to mine. He said things like “Don’t you talk to him, he is bad” and made comments he was a skater and maybe on drugs. When my son told me I could not believe it and he
was obviously hurt by it.

Skateboarding is not a bad influence on our youth, bad people are a bad influence on our youth and they do not discriminate as to what type of kid they want to influence. Skateboarding actually is a very good influence. It teaches
them perseverance; it challenges them and keeps them active.

Not to mention skateboarding is a professional sport with endorsements and fame just like basketball or football.

Now I know Skateboarding has been associated with drugs and alcohol for many years and it can be a pretty tough crowd. I have attended skate competitions and I have met all types of interesting and scary people. But I really believe that bad influences exist in every social class and group. I believe with today’s pressures any kid can fall to the hands of drugs and alcohol.

I bet you did not know that there are several wonderful pro skaters out there providing our kids great role models and encouraging them to make a difference? Tony Hawk is a family man and supports numerous charities. Paul Rodriquez Jr. is religious and donates skateboards to cancer charities. Jereme Rogers is religious and promotes spreading the word of god. RyanSheckler donates to a variety of charities supporting children and athletes. There are many more skaters making a difference.

My point is this, before assuming all long hair skaters are out to steal your soul, take a closer look. You may find a nice young man who is willing to hold a door for you, give his seat up on a crowed bus or help an elderly
neighbor. With all kids the key is taking the time to be involved, know their friends and don’t be afraid to investigate. Set clear guidelines and expectations and hold them accountable for their actions.

Again I am a proud mother of a drug & alcohol free Skater!

Can’t-Wait-to-Skate Onesies for your future skater: http://www.lilboyblu.com/item_534/Cant-Wait-to-Skate.htm