Quick Takes: Yes Day PS

Yes Day  . . .  .
                       Important P.S.
So, I heard from a couple about the Yes Day idea and realized that I had omitted one key element in describing my family celebration of Yes Day.  When I have done Yes Day, I pose it as a day without "No"s.  That means not just from me, but from them.  The challenge is to get through the whole span of time without anyone saying the word "No." 

It's kind of like a team contest, with everybody pulling together to keep the word "No" away.  For example, that means that the kids "can't" say "No" to a parent request either!  [See how it can be a good thing?] You may find that kids will be helping you by discouraging a sibling from making a request that would require a "No" for safety reasons or other significant issue.

Not a single person [which is how to not ruin the day by saying "n_  one"] wants the Yes Day to end before the day is over.  It also helps children find more creative ways to word things than a flat "No".  "Would you like to do my chores next week dear brother?" one child might bait a sibling. "I would love to, but I am afraid that is impossible right now." might be the careful response. The game gets fun and while I wouldn't want it everyday.... for one Yes Day, it can be a lot of fun for everyone.


Image credit: mildlyrelevantthoughts.com, mysalestactics.com

Anything Can Happen: Free Week on Maine Coast!!!

Yes, you read it right!  I am letting you know about a fantastic contest for a free week at an amazing home right on the water of Maine's amazing rocky coast, just outside Portland. The home is fully furnished, 3 bedrooms, and a panoramic view that you have to see to believe!  [This photo from the deck is just a taste of the 180 degree views.]

Details are on the house's website:  www.maine-seascape.com
After you check out the home page, click to news and views for the contest details. The week is April 2-9, 2011. I know the house is amazing and the contest is on the up and up because the house has been in my family for decades, converted to a rental after my folks died.  Though I will not be judging the entries personally, I am excited that we are going to continue our tradition of finding unique ways to offer the peace and tranquility of Seascape to people who could not otherwise afford it!

All it takes is 1-2 paragraphs and "Wish" in the subject line and you and your family and or friends could be having an amazing respite on the Maine coast.  True, in April there might be snow or there might not.  2010 April was gloriously spring-like here but one never knows.  [It is a year round house, don't worry.] The website has tons of photos, comments from previous guests and more.

Go for it! If you can't go, but know of someone who deserves this treat getaway, send them this info and have them apply. You [or they] could be sitting at Seascape looking out the living room windows or deck at the Two Lights Lighthouse made famous by the Edward Hopper painting, or driving three miles to walk around famous Portland Head Lighthouse.The deadline is in a few weeks.  Check out the website and if you have any questions, let me know!
Good luck!!!!

Anything Can Happen: Spooky Story Contest!

For today's Anything Can Happen boredom buster I offer you a Halloween project for your adolescents, teens, or the family as a whole.  Create your own spooky tale explaining  how this bike got into the tree, when, and what happened to its original owner. Who are the two children etc. etc.  This is a popular sight on Vashon Island for those visiting the Seattle Washington area.  For closeup views you can google images: "vashon bike in tree." If your adolescents struggle with writing, be their secretary.  Just to make it a bit more fun I'm making this our first ever contest!....Send your entries to me and the winning entry will receive an amazon.com or iTunes gift card.  Pencils ready?   Go!   [Deadline:  November 10th]

Image credits: clarkberg.org and google images: vashon bike in tree