Celebrate National Make Your Dream Come True Day

by Mary Jane | Jan 8, 2023 | Breaking News, The Shady Pines Way

that Dream Big

Dreams are the wings that let us soar through life. And this year, Make Your Dream Come True Day is Friday January 13th! Breaking News I’m Scoop The Cub Reporter here at The Shady Pines Gazette news and we’re learning about this in school.

It’s really cool. No one knows for sure when this “Day” got started. But the idea that dreams are important has been around for ages. Seriously.

Ancient people often believed that dreams were messages from a higher power.

In fact, the Ancient Egyptians believed this so much that they actually would lie down on special ‘dream beds’ in the hopes that a dream would give them advice, comfort, or healing. How about that?

Daydreaming

There are other kind of dreams that highlight our hopes and wishes. Some people call those daydreams. I bet your parents have said to you more than once, “Stop daydreaming!” I get lost in my thoughts sometimes. But you should know that a lot of folks get some really good and creative ideas while they’re daydreaming. So don’t knock it!

Dreams Become Reality

If you want examples of people who dreamed something and then it turned into reality, here are a couple:

A long time ago in 1865, a man dreamed up the idea of a little girl falling into a magical land and having all sorts of adventures with the characters she found there.

His name was Lewis Carroll and he wrote “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” Have you read the book or seen any of the movies?

If you have then you know reality merges with dreams in an amazing way in this children’s tale. Not only that, but it has become one of the most beloved and enduring children’s stories of all time.

Here’s another example. In 1925 a man turned a mouse into an empire.

The Most Recognized Mouse in The World

Back in 1928 Walt Disney dreamed up a cartoon character — Mickey Mouse — who turns out to be the most famous mouse ever. Mr. Disney created Mickey, and later Minnie Mouse, at a time when he was nearly broke.

Disney goes on to create an empire that is recognized around the world. I bet you’ve been to Disneyland or Disneyworld. And if you haven’t you probably want to go there.

The Magic Kingdom is filled with all sorts of wonderful characters from the many Disney movies that have been created over the years.

We Need Dreams

Big, small, and everything in between, we need dreams and wishes to make us want to do more. Some dreams even inspire us to make our lives better for ourselves and for the people around us.

Do you know why I feel that way? Because if one person hadn’t dreamed up Shady Pines Story Town I wouldn’t be talking to you right now.

I wouldn’t be learning how to be a good reporter and photographer from my mentor, editor Zulah Talmadge.

Most importantly, all the folks here in this tight knit community wouldn’t be here. And we know how much fun they have telling stories to kids to help them grow up to be good and decent people.

What are your dreams? Are you working on them? If not then maybe Make Your Dream Come True Day might be just the push you need to make your dreams come true too.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little encouragement!

-Scoop out

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It’s New Year Resolutions & Gratitude in Shady Pines in time for 2023!

by Mary Jane | Dec 28, 2022 | Breaking News, The Shady Pines Way

Let’s Set Some New Goals and More

Hey look! We’ve got a new year upon us and that means new opportunities for the good folks of Shady Pines Story Town. What do you want to happen in 2023?

I’m Scoop the Cub Reporter and right now we’re getting all sorts of ideas here in The Shady Pines Gazette news office. They’re all about New Year’s Resolutions.

Most people think these goals are fun to talk about and write down. But how many of us follow them all year long?

I’m hearing from parents who want to know how to guide children to make good resolutions. I don’t know about that. I’m just a teenager. So I’ve turned to parenting experts for their advice.

Here’e what they say: It’s important to be upbeat, make resolutions a fun activity, and try not to force ideas but let kids come up with their own. Here’s how they say you should get started:

Lead by Example

If you want to make healthy eating a priority this year, give examples like:

* You know how much your dad and I love pizza. This year we’re going to eat less pizza and eat more fruits and vegetables instead.

* We’re going to limit the amount of fast food we eat, and make more meals together.

Be Specific

* Use categories like personal, friendship, helping and school goals.

Ask questions to help you find out what’s most important to to your kids. Some examples:

* Can you think of some things you might do better or differently?

* Do you remember a time when you might have been nicer to someone at school? Or, treated your brother or sister better? Are there ways to share more with your friends?

* How about helping out more around the house?”

Build Upon Success & Add Gratitude

The experts say don’t get discouraged. It can take up to six weeks to create a habit. So try your resolutions for a month and a half and see how things are going. Make adjustments or change things up after that.

And here’s something else you can try. Write thank you notes. Yep, one expert said they wrote to all the people that had helped them this year. It made that person feel good. And it helped the person sending the note to feel gratitude heading into a new year.

In the meantime, have fun celebrating the new year. Maybe together we should all try to make someone else’s life a little bit better whenever we can!

– Scoop Out

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It’s Advent Calendar Time in Shady Pines

by Mary Jane | Dec 2, 2022 | Breaking News, The Shady Pines Way

Do You Have Your Advent Calendar?

Oh, boy, the big day will be here before we know it! The countdown to Christmas is on here in Shady Pines Story Town. Have you seen the advent calendars? They’re popping up everywhere.

These are the calendars that kids love because they have a hidden treat or toy behind every day of the week from the first of December right up to Christmas Eve.

Hi everyone, Zulah Talmadge with you for The Shady Pines Gazette News. Now that Thanksgiving is in our rear view mirror the holiday season is in full gear.

What Is The Season of Advent?

Do you know about the Season of Advent and the reason why these calendars are fun for kids and adults alike? Let’s start at the beginning. Traditionally, the Season of Advent begins on the final Sunday in November and lasts into that third week in December.

It has been seen by Christians around the world as a way to get ready for the coming birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. That’s why each day on an Avent Calendar is its own celebration to reflect the joy and hope of this very special season.

You also may even see Avent Wreaths with four or five purple, pink and white candles. Like the calendars, these wreaths are also used to symbolize a scared time of year. Each candle has a separate meaning.

Typically, during the Season of Advent, one candle on the wreath is lit each Sunday as a part of Sunday church services. But you don’t have to be a practicing Christian to honor the spirit of Advent.

Advent Calendars Are All Different

These days, most Advent Calendars have numbered paper doors or pockets that open to reveal an image, chocolate or other small object. Some of the folks here in Shady Pines will hide messages of kindness, caring and love behind those colorful doors.

There is no one way to make a calendar. They look as different as the people who create them. For instance, a long time ago you might have seen a really old fashioned calendar that looks like your great, great, grandmother might have made it.

These days, there all kinds of Advent Calendars you can buy or make for yourself. But one thing remains the same. These holiday calendars are fun. And just like the spiritual theme of the season, they offer anticipation, and the joy of discovery.

How to Use an Advent Calendar

Hey parents, these calendars are something you can use to keep the kids busy. They’re also a way to promote conversation around issues you might want to discuss.

We did a story for The Gazette not long ago about parents and grandparents who are concerned that kids are more focused on getting toys, video games and stuff for Christmas, rather than what they can do for others in need.

It’s normal for kids to get so excited while waiting for Christmas to arrive. But, in 2022 the economy has some of our neighbors facing real challenges. You might want to consider using an Advent Calendar to focus those young people in your life on what you and your family value most.

That’s what we try to do each and every day here in the small Southern town of Shady Pines!

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A Veterans Day Thank You from Shady Pines

by Mary Jane | Nov 8, 2022 | Shady Pines Stories, The Shady Pines Way

We Appreciate Your Service

Do you know what we should all be doing this Friday, November 11th? I’ll give you a hint. That’s Veterans Day. We need to say thank you to the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of this country. I’m Zulah Talmadge, Editor of The Shady Pines Gazette news.

I will be thinking about my father on that day. He’s a retired Colonel in the Army. Since he’s not actively serving that makes him a veteran.

I haven’t seen him in a while ’cause he lives up north. But you can be dang on certain I will call him this Friday. He says he learned important life lessons in the army like teamwork, achieving goals, honor and the importance of service to others.

How Veterans Day Started

We have to go way back to the year 1919 to find out how it began. This national observance used to be called Armistice Day — a day to celebrate the end of World War I.

The name was later changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor veterans of all wars.

It’s kinda sad to realize just how many wars the United States has been involved in, isn’t it? So many men and women have made a lot of sacrifices for the freedom we enjoy today. Any chance we get, we should recognize them for their service.

Do You Know the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

I don’t know about you, but most people confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day. They’re actually very different. I did some digging and discovered the difference is important to keep in mind.

I found some information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country. This is especially true for those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

“While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military — in wartime or peacetime.”

Remember To Thank Them

I know we’re busy doing other things. We don’t stop and appreciate all that we have. Let’s face it. We tend to forget the thousands of Americans who have done so much to make our lives a little better.

Here’s an idea. Even if you know someone who is currently serving, Veterans Day is a great time to tell them “Thank You For Your Service.”

Why, here in Shady Pines, seven year old Ray Robinson’s dad is away right now serving overseas. Ray says on Veterans Day he’s going to write to his dad and make sure he knows how much Ray and his mom love him and hope he can come home soon.

Ray is very proud of his dad who taught him to be honest, kind and respectful of others. His dad reminded Ray to help out around the house and be good to his mother while he’s gone.

This Friday let’s all take a moment to remember that someone’s family member may be a long way from home right now serving our country.

And their kids are waiting for them.

– Zulah out

Time to Fall Back with those Clocks in Shady Pines

by Mary Jane | Nov 2, 2022 | Shady Pines Stories, The Shady Pines Way

Let’s Fall Back Y’all!

It’s that time again. The days are shorter and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. You know what you need to do. Here’s our mayor, Beauregard P. Fibbs with a reminder.

Hello good people of Shady Pines. This Sunday November 6th at 2am, Daylight Savings Time ends and the clocks turn back one hour. Some of you think this is a bonus. After all, you get that extra hour to sleep in.

But some parents in town tell me when you have young children, it’s just one more thing you have to navigate.

If you think about it, when the clock turns back one hour, what used to be 7:00am is now 6:00am. So it’s lighter earlier in the morning and darker sooner in the evening. Are your kids are early risers? Well, they will probably rise even earlier. EEE-Gads!

To help get ahead of “Fall Back”, I’ve got 4 tips to help your child adjust to the end of Daylight Saving Time.

#1 Plan a Few Days Ahead

Start a few days ahead of time to get the family ready for change. Move your child’s entire daytime schedule a bit. On Thursday morning, have breakfast ready 15 minutes later than normal, then naptime 15 minutes later and so on until the entire daytime schedule has been shifted.

If your kids normally go to bed at 7pm, they should be going to bed at 7:15pm. Do the same thing the next day but move their schedule later another 15 minutes. The gradual shift helps their internal clocks adjust. They will be less likely to wake an hour early on Sunday morning.

#2 Block The Morning Light

Make sure your child’s bedroom is really dark. In fact, consider using some blackout curtains so the new early morning light doesn’t wake your child. Experts say by keeping the room dark you encourage the production of melatonin. With that one change you help them stay sleeping.

#3 Avoid Rushing In

If your kids wake earlier than you would like, try to leave them alone until the normal wake up time. This gives their internal clocks a chance to reset. By leaving them a little longer than normal, you also give them the opportunity to go back to sleep.

That should help you, too!

#4 Expose Them to Plenty of Daylight

If you can, expose your child to plenty of bright light, especially in the early evening. When you do that, it will shift their clock. That makes it easier for them to fall asleep later and wake up later.

Something else to keep in mind. Try not to worry if your children aren’t making the shift as fast as you think they should. Kids who are easy going when it comes to schedules may adjust in just a day or two.

Children who are more sleep sensitive may have more trouble adjusting. Be patient and consistent and before you know it your kids will be back on track.

This advice may also apply to your four-legged family members. Why Harold and Edna Sanders tell me when the time changes, they have their hands full with Boomer and Halley.

Those two critters are a caution most days. But when their routine is messed with, it can be a whole ‘nother layer of commotion!

So take it easy out there and let’s all FALL BACK TOGETHER.

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Let’s Play in The Pumpkin Patch Shady Pines

by Mary Jane | Oct 21, 2022 | Shady Pines Stories, The Shady Pines Way

Get The Scoop from the Pumpkin Patch

It’s that time people! Halloween week is special in Shady Pines. All around town folks are coming up with costumes and pickng up pumpkins to decorate. Plus when there’s a combination of an explosion of fall colors and cooler weather, there’s something else you gotta do. Yep. Let’s head to the local Pumpkin Patch.

I’m Scoop, the Cub Reporter with The Shady Pines Gazette and I’m going there now. My assignment is to discover why so many people say this is one of their favorite things to do each year as a family.

One thing I’ve noticed is it doesn’t matter if you’re a toddler or a teen like me, a pumpkin patch is fun for everyone.

Good To Be Outside

We picked a beautiful day to be on the hunt for an orange orb. Most of these working farms are so big you don’t have to worry about bumping into people. Besides, running around looking for the perfect pumpkin is good exercise for kids isn’t it? Okay, I’m here. I’ve gotta interview people.

I interviewed a mom of two who made my point for me. “If your kids don’t explore the outdoors very often, this is a great way for them to discover nature. Seeing how pumpkins grow out of the ground and are attached to vines is very educational. It helps them understand that pumpkins don’t just show up at the grocery store automatically.”

Here’s something else that’s good about a pumpkin patch. Around every corner children can discover things for themselves. That’s really important. I know I like to find those unexpected, special, moments.

For instance, take a look at this shot I got. Do you see the colors of that butterfly next to the pumpkin? Being out on the farm you can just be amazed at Mother Nature. I think this kind of stuff is really cool!

I met another mom who told me, “From the second we arrived, my children ran off with smiles, but quickly, they realized how much work it was to be in a field of pumpkins. Even running took work since the vines were everywhere, waiting to trip little, toddler-sized running feet.”

It turns out that not only is this a great way to spend time with the family, there are also some lessons to be learned. There aren’t a whole bunch of people working the farms these days. So a lot of kids don’t realize it takes hard work to be a farmer.

One young girl I met was getting a little taste of that. Just trying to push a wheelbarrow with a big ‘ole pumpkin was something she hadn’t done before. She said she didn’t know pumpkins grew from tiny seeds. She also didn’t realize that they come in so many shapes, sizes and colors. “It’s kinda like people, isn’t it?” she asked.

I have to admit, I’d never thought of that before. One couple I met said they love coming out here each October. But this year it was especially important to them. “We know so many farms and other small businesses are struggling right now. It was important to us to come out and support them.”

Pumpkin Carving and Fun Recipes

That’s reason enought for me to go home with some pumpkins of my own. I don’t know about you, but our family usually has a pumpkin carving contest. Last year my dad won. It’s time for me to take the title back! The other reason I need to pick up some pumpkins is to inspire my mom. Around Halloween she likes to scare up some pumpkin dishes for us. I’m talking about everything from pumpkin pies to pumpkin pancakes. Here are some recipes for you to try: PUMPKIN RECIPES

There’s one more thing I want to mention.

These pumpkin patch visits make for some great family photos. Everywhere I look I’m seeing parents taking all sorts of shots.

Oh, look at the time. I’ve got to get back to the Gazette office. My editor, Zulah Talmadge, is probably wondering why I’ve been gone so long. But this is just so darn much fun. Hope you’ve enjoyed it!

– Scoop out.

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