I have always tried to watch my speech around my son, and in public, if just for the fact that overuse of cuss words can weaken their power. Usually used in a moment of high emotion, they can express, forcefully and rapidly, a point (of frustration, anger or awe). If you have met me, you may have heard me swear, but in my defence, researchers from the University of Cambridge, Hong Kong and Stanford found those who swear are more likely to be honest.
When my son was at RC School, I learned that a child caught swearing was to be picked up by their parent and sent home for the day. More of a punishment for the parent, if you ask me. I told him everyone swears but to be sure there were no adults around when he did (good parenting? or best parenting!). When I was in elementary school we could get away with saying frig, shoot and gosh darn. While talking on the phone with a friend of mine this week, I said “frig” (I didn’t say frig) and her eight-year-old daughter on speakerphone called me on it. So, I made her a swear jar and put $1.50 in it (I said shoot/not shoot as well). Her mother is not looking forward to the negative revenue stream, but she’s an honest woman.
Now we are in December I feel free to switch to full-on Christmas mode. I have my tree permit in hand and chains for the truck so we have a plan to get ours somewhere up the hill. For those of you who want to get some of the most stunningly beautiful trees around I can vouch for Crazee Mikes at 2203 Pixton, off upper Byng. Open Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. till dark, weekdays 2 p.m. till dark. There is music, hot chocolate and homemade apple cider to enjoy by their cozy campfire.
One of the ways we can help our community weather these tough times is by getting it local. If you don’t know what to get for the musical someone in your life, I recommend a gift card from Melomania where they can fill their stocking with strings and sticks and Paul may even have an Electro Who-Cardio Floox in stock!
Over on Flume Road is the workshop of one of Santa’s special elves. Brynn Clingwall has created melodic steel pan drums for six years now and never fails to impress me with the depth of knowledge and the level of craftsmanship he puts into his creations. Online at kindredspiritdrums.com, you can see the dozen models and amazing array of sound variations available. Visually stunning, these instruments bring “Vitality Through Sound.” Make an appointment to visit the showroom, or schedule a virtual tour to see everything they have!
The Virtual Craft Fair is up and running at our Community Association website; there are more and more local vendors signing up each day, so get to robertscreekcommunity.com/christmas-craft-fair and see who has that perfect gift for someone on your list.
If you don’t believe me, you can cuss me out at kellybacks@rocketmail.com
