Since this is Beach Week at One Book Two Book (as well as at Camp Weary Parent), I wondered what you’re doing at the beach this week.

I mentioned yesterday my memories of visiting the beach at the ocean.  However, you don’t have to be near the sea.  Your beach may be a local river, community swimming pool, the beach at the lake, your own backyard pool or brook. 

Do you have special books to read about the beach and the activities there?  Do have games that you play in the water?  Are you taking swimming lessons?

Learning to Swim

When I was growing up on a farm, my sister, brothers, friends and I swam in the meadow where two brooks met.  It wasn’t very big, but large enough and deep enough for us to learn to swim.  As I got older, I frequently took a book with me.  It became a place to escape and read between the day’s summer farm chores.

I still recall the enjoyable times we had there.  When my mom’s Cousin Ina visited, she strung a hammock over the water, attaching it to a tree on either side.  She lay and relaxed in the hammock.  Often she read. We children swung in it. 

Cousin Ina said the rippling brook made her think of little elves’ voices as she rested.  From that memory evolved the stories I wrote about Dubbins the little elf.  One of these appears in my book, Tales of Adventure & Discovery.  I’ll tell you more about Dubbins soon.

Char, at Camp Weary Parent, has beach activities all week, some you can do at home and some in the water.

(Amazon image; click on cover for details)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

What Are You Doing at the Beach this Week?

 As you wonder how to keep your youngsters occupied this summer, once the newness of summer vacation wears off for all of you, take a look at Karen’s post, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, here at One Book Two Book and Char’s at Weary Parent, Keeping Teens and Tweens Busy This Summer.  Also, those who left comments at Char’s post have great ideas.

Summer was a wonder time when I was growing up on a farm.  We had to work, but there was so much to explore out-of-doors.  My mom was a great one for pointing out the wonders of nature.  My dad related tales from his childhood.  Grandma helped my sister and me sew doll clothes.  This also was a time for escaping to read whenever I had spare time. 

 (I don’t remember ever getting bored.  Perhaps that was because “being bored” was solved by a list or more chores!)

When my daughter was younger, we explored many crafts with her cousins and other members of the 4-H club I led.  There was the fun of getting these items ready for the exhibit at the county fair.  Beth, her close girlfriend, and cousins buried themselves in books, too, and have continued to be avid readers into adulthood.

What special activities are you planning with your youngsters this summer?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Activities For Your Youngsters This Summer – Reading & Others