Happy Friday, RISERS! I can’t believe we are heading into a holiday weekend. Sunday is the Fourth of July, and that means…baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet. Just kidding! That was a jingle popular during the summer in the ’80s. Seriously, what it does mean is family gatherings, lots of good food, possible time on the water, and maybe some fireworks. If you have fun in the water, please be sure to wear a life jacket. Be mindful of boats and other people in the water. If you choose to do fireworks near your home, remember that animals and people who suffer from PTSD and other trauma (including former military members) will have a hard time with the noise. Please choose to celebrate safely and courteously.
Quote of the week: “If you’re making mistakes, it means you’re out there doing something.” –Neil Gaiman
Movie of the week: If you’re looking for a great family movie over the holiday weekend, I want to recommend The Music Man. It has generated some popular musical numbers, especially 76 Trombones. The acting is great, the story funny, and the music phenomenal. I am kinda partial to the Marian the Librarian song, though I have never been a librarian. When I played in my church orchestra, we did several musical numbers from The Music Man in our Fourth of July concert. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Joke of the week: How does a cucumber become a pickle? It goes through a jarring experience. Okay, I’m sorry…that joke might leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Nugget of Wisdom for the week: I wanted to take time to let you know that it is entirely possible to do everything correctly and still fail. You can have all of the skills, be in the right place at the right time, and do the right things. Even when using the Ben Franklin method we mentioned last week, sometimes decisions that seem right end up being a bust. Take heart; that it doesn’t mean you are a failure. It just means that one situation was not meant for you. Don’t give up, but keep trying, and you will make a difference.
Have a great week. Remember, you are most awesome and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a former foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.
