www.showcasemagazine.com
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 1
www.showcasemagazine.com
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 3
CONTENTS
Showcase Magazine
NOVEMBER 2020
THE SMALL BUSINESS ISSUE @showcaseDVA
Showcase Magazine
showcasemagazineva @ info@showcasemagazine.com
FEATURES The Ever-Adapting World
Small Business 8
2021 Showcase Magazine
Rave Awards Ballet 13
Paws for a Cause Meet Ben 17
The Ever-Adapting World of
Small Business
PG.
8
All you need is a little bit of faith, trust... 20
Plan a Family Fun Weekend in Martinsville— Henry County 18
ALSO INSIDE Editor’s Letter
There’s Something Big Inside of Small Business 6
Confessions of a 30 Something Welcome Back, Sports 15
From the Kitchen of
Games
Crossword & Wordsearch 12 4 SHOWCASE Magazine |
Big Bear’s Wife Toasted Pumpkin Spice Cheerios 16 NOVEMBER 2020
| www.showcasemagazine.com
PG.
34
Dedicated to developing innovative solutions that strengthen communities and improve quality of life www.dewberry.com
Center for Manufacturing Advancement | Cyber Park
Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill
www.showcasemagazine.com
River District Tower
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 5
EDITOR’S LETTER
There’s Something Big Inside of Small Business Entrepreneur Wayne Huizenga once said, “Some people dream of success while other people get up every morning and make it happen.” To run a small business, it takes a mantra like “get up and make things happen,” to succeed. This year hasn’t been the easiest for small businesses, but small business owners are some of the most resilient and determined people you’ll ever meet. One of the most important things about small businesses is they truly care about the community. There are countless stories from earlier in the year where small businesses in our area went above and beyond to help the community during a tough time. Small businesses are not only needed, they are essential. I’d like to share a memory that proved to be much more than a business and patron relationship. I’ve always been a fan of many genres of music. Growing up, I prided myself on being the kid in the neighborhood to be the first to discover new bands. I remember going to Stereo Village in Ballou Park Shopping Center with my parents to check out the latest releases. But it wasn’t until I discovered Waterloo Music in the early 90s that I found a group of people who loved music as much as me. I spent many an afternoon at Waterloo with the “regulars” talking about our favorite albums and placing bets on the “next big thing.” Waterloo was a small record shop that built a following and stood defiant when other record stores disappeared after digital music gained a foothold in the music industry. Owner Drake Myers, who passed away earlier this year, befriended regulars and spent hours talking about anything from music to pop culture with patrons. I took a lot of great music recommendations from Waterloo, but more importantly, I made a lot of great friends and have a lot of great memories from those days. I’m sure there are people reading this that feel the same way. Small businesses are much more than retail. They are places where old friends meet, and new friends are made. Drake became my friend, and I thank him for getting up every morning and making it happen. To anyone operating a small business or anyone with aspirations of starting a business, I thank you too and look forward to the memories and friendships created from your vision.
NOVEMBER 2020
CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net FINANCE MANAGER Cindy Astin | cindy@showcasemagazine.com ADVERTISING Lee Vogler | Director of Sales and Marketing lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335 Davin Wilson | Marketing Consultant davin@showcasemagazine.com CUSTOMER SERVICE Subscribe to Home Delivery for $24 per year 753 Main Street #3, Danville, VA 24541 Phone 434.709.7349 info@showcasemagazine.com www.showcasemagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angie Barrett | Paulette Dean | Brandie Kendrick Martinsville-Henry County Tourism Lee Vogler | Davin Wilson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Laura Ashworth Photography | Angie Barrett Captured Portraiture | Lee Vogler Martinsville-Henry County Tourism COVER Debra Fugate Cover photo by Captured Portraiture Scan with your smart phone for
EXCLUSIVE ONLINE CONTENT at showcasemagazine.com
Enjoy the issue.
6 SHOWCASE Magazine |
showcase
NOVEMBER 2020
| www.showcasemagazine.com
It’s more than a reopening. It’s a reimagining! 11.14.2020 Come experience all new exhibits and spaces designed to encourage discovery, deliver surprises and ignite the spark of inspiration.
Visit dsc.smv.org for details.
www.showcasemagazine.com
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 7
FEATURE THE EVER-ADAPTING WORLD OF SMALL BUSINESS
The Ever-Adapting World
Small Business BY DAVIN WILSON PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE
B
ritish entrepreneur James Caan said it best, “Nothing will replace the thrill of creating a profitable company from scratch.”
because everybody knows somebody who knows everybody, so you get a feel for the heartbeat of Danville quickly.”
From being the master of your own destiny, to being your own boss, to having an impact on your community, to watching what you’ve built become grown, entrepreneurs and small business owners have feelings like none other in the professional world.
She’s also learned a little more about her Southern heritage as well.
With positives come negatives as being a small business owner isn’t always a bed of roses. There’s the financial risk. There are unknown variables and threats. There’s the stress. The constant demand on your time. “Finding life balance would be my biggest challenge,” said Debra Fugate, realtor for Ramsey Yeatts and Associates. “I always want to be available for my clients and for my family. Realtors do not work traditional business days and hours, so finding that life balance is a work in progress.”
“On the personal side, pretty much all of my family is from Danville but growing up in Florida, which I call the North of the South,” Richardson said laughing. “I really didn’t have a sense of where I came from, so working at The Gingerbread House has been an education for me in what it means to be Southern.” Technology has made the mission a lot easier for small business owners. Email has made communication more direct and efficient and saves time and money by cutting out trips to the post office. While social media has provided small businesses with easy and free exposure.
Perform a quick Google search and you’ll find many websites that list serving their communities they live in as being one of the greatest joys of being a small business owner.
“Social media and the web are the 2020 ways to shop,” Fugate said. “Home listing sites are the new normal when shopping. Whether social distancing or just checking in to see what’s new on the market, it is easy and convenient day or night from your office or the comfort of your favorite easy chair.”
It’s a sentiment that rings true for Fugate.
Richardson sees much of the same.
“I absolutely love helping my clients in whatever part of the journey they are in, buying or selling,” Fugate said. “I always pray I have made a difference and made the process easier for them. Whether searching for their home or assisting them in their sale, it is satisfying knowing I have assisted them in one of the biggest decisions they make.”
“As far as social media, that is where we gain new followers and new customers because people are liking and sharing all the time so that really drives new traffic to our business, which is social media’s biggest benefit for us,” Richardson said.
For Olivia Richardson, marketing director at The Gingerbread House, her job has helped her get in touch with her adopted hometown. “On the professional side, working at The Gingerbread House means you get to know your neighbors well 8 SHOWCASE Magazine |
NOVEMBER 2020
| www.showcasemagazine.com
Tony Torres, co-owner of La Nostra Cucina, doesn’t use social media regularly, but he sees its benefits. “We don’t use it consistently,” Torres said. “However, when we use it, we notice positive results. Every like, share and comment count. Having it is definitely a bonus.”
Perform another Google search and you’ll find the biggest lesson a majority of small business owners have learned is that business and success are ever evolving.
work hard. Be generous and let your clients know they are the most important part of what you do. Also, you have to invest in your business, education, and community.”
Fugate and Torres have learned that lesson.
One difficulty Richardson faces in her job is managing a hybrid of traditional and new styles of media. However, the results of the campaigns she has created have taught her a lesson.
“Yes, 2020 is perfect proof of that statement,” Fugate said. “The real estate market has been insane this year but so has the world we live in but we continue to adapt, be creative, stay safe and serve our clients and run our business.” Torres noted how their business continues to adapt. “Over the years we’ve gathered different cooking styles and different ways to flavor food, and we’ve incorporated that into our cooking,” Torres said. “The result of that is what we try to convey in our dishes.” That’s not all Fugate has learned, though. In fact, she has a three-part lesson she could teach on the topic. “Stay focused,” Fugate said. “My clients are my business and assisting them in reaching their goal is my job. Also, time is a limited commodity. Don’t waste it. Be willing to
“I think we really reach more people in terms of sales through traditional marketing, so our sales are better,” Richardson said. “If we do something online, there’s really no follow through but when we do traditional media, there is some follow through. So, traditional media is the best when we’re having a sale.” “As far as social media, that is where we gain new followers and new customers because people like and share all the time. Social media drives clients to our business.” The world of small business is full of sharp turns and the occasional dead-end. But there is a lifetime of rewards waiting for those resilient entrepreneurs who take the ride.
Time is a limited “commodity. Don’t waste it. Be willing to work hard. Be generous and let your clients know they are the most important part of what you do. Also, you have to invest in your business, education, and community.
”
www.showcasemagazine.com
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 9
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, A beautiful day to go shopping, At the ReStore, at the ReStore. It’s a neighborly place to find things you need... Furniture
Housewares
The kitchen sink
And lots more, at the ReStore. Did you know that some neighbors don’t have a decent place to live? Habitat offers a hand up to them because you give, so… Let’s help build houses while shopping today. Since it’s so easy we might as well say…
Would you help build, Could you help build,
Won’t you help your neighbor? Danville Pittsylvania Habitat for Humanity 2805 Riverside Drive, Danville, VA 10 SHOWCASE Magazine |
NOVEMBER 2020
| www.showcasemagazine.com
www.showcasemagazine.com
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 11
EXTRA GAMES
Games
Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1 Music used as practice 6 Looked 9 Genghis __ 13 Plastic 14 That woman 15 __graph machine 16 Move forward 17 Seafood 18 Aromas 19 What Celestial Seasonings makes 20 Parts of pounds 22 Tell 23 Bow 24 Choke 25 Leg joint 27 Flower, in “Bambi” 29 Pleasing and simple 33 Fuel 34 Nervous system 35 Air (prefix) 36 Leaning 39 Fruit 40 Wee 41 Hindu goddess, consort of Siva
42 Ocean 43 Type of Buddhism 44 Exclusive London district 46 Put up 49 Time period 50 Back to school mo. 51 Talk incessantly 53 Bench 56 Inhales the odor 58 Competent 59 Sound of a sneeze 61 Lube 62 Woke up 63 Pup 64 Card game 65 Danger 66 __ Ranger 67 Primed 68 Brims DOWN 1 1997 Madonna movie 2 Kitchen tiepieces 3 Unbox 4 Colors 5 Wing
6 Express indifference 7 Long time 8 Razing 9 Tease 10 Famous cookies 11 Goddess 12 Curious 15 Ramble 20 Grow acorns 21 Aborts 24 Annoying insect 26 Character on “Seinfeld” 28 Make less pretty 30 Permit 31 Tax agency 32 Bashful 34 Central Intelligence Agency 36 High naval rank (abbr.) 37 Drink 38 Wall plant 39 Containing iron 40 Floating ice 42 Asian nation 43 Jupiter 45 Fable writer
47 Part human part machine 48 Walkie-__ 50 Mete
52 Takes the skin off (as in fruit) 53 Machine bolt 54 Resound
55 Journalist’s question 57 Waiting place 58 Reverent 60 Roberto’s yes 62 Monkey
Word Search COMMUNITY
FRIENDLY
DOWNTOWN ECONOMY FAMILY
12 SHOWCASE Magazine |
NOVEMBER 2020
| www.showcasemagazine.com
MOM AND POP
SHOPPING
MAIN STREET
OWNER
SMALL BUSINESS
MERCHANTS
SHOP LOCAL
STORES SUPPORT
Answers on Page 21
www.showcasemagazine.com
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 13
14 SHOWCASE Magazine |
NOVEMBER 2020
| www.showcasemagazine.com
CONFESSIONS OF A 30 SOMETHING
Confessions of a 30 Something
Welcome Back, Sports BY LEE VOGLER PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER
As I write this, my favorite NBA team since childhood, the Los Angeles Lakers, have just won their record-tying 17th world championship. It was the culmination of what we will know as literally, and figuratively, the longest NBA season in history. It lasted over a calendar year, and dealt with COVID-19, racial unrest in our country and the death of Kobe Bryant, among other things. But in the end, basketball is still basketball. Despite playing the final months of the season in a “bubble” at Disney World, absent any fans, the game is still played on 94 feet of hardwood. There’s something comforting in that. With all that’s happened this year—remember when the Pentagon admitted that UFOs exist and they’ve been tracking them for years?—it can be a bit overwhelming to deal with. Yet, after months of being away, sports returned to our lives. College and professional football games are being played on the weekend. Major League Baseball played a shortened regular season before entering their own version of the “bubble” for the playoffs. Yes, it’s different not having the stands jam packed with screaming fans, and seeing “COVID” pop up on the injury list is certainly a new phenomenon, but being able to turn on the television and watch your favorite
team compete for a few hours is a nice escape from the world we currently live in. I enjoyed watching this NBA playoff run maybe more than any other I’ve witnessed over the years. Maybe it was because we went so many months with no sports. Absence does make the heart grow fonder, as they say. However, what I’ve enjoyed most about this year was being able to watch all the games with my son, Kingston. He loves sports as much, if not more, than I do. So being able to sit together and watch our favorite team hoist that championship trophy in the air as confetti rained down made the moment extra special. So as we enter November and the season of Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the return of sports. It may seem small in the grand scheme of life, but it has provided joy to my household this year, as I’m sure it has millions of others.
www.showcasemagazine.com
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 15
FEATURE BIG BEAR’S WIFE
From the Kitchen of
Big Bear’s Wife Toasted Pumpkin Spice Cheerios WRITTEN BY ANGIE BARRETT OF BIGBEARSWIFE.COM PHOTO BY ANGIE BARRETT
Love Pumpkin Spice? These Toasted Pumpkin Spice Cheerios are perfect for snacking and so quick to make! A toasted Cheerios vintage treat with a pumpkin spice twist! PREP TIME: 5m; COOK TIME: 10m TOTAL TIME: 15m INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup butter • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
16 SHOWCASE Magazine |
NOVEMBER 2020
| www.showcasemagazine.com
• 4 cups Pumpkin Spice Cheerios™ cereal • 1/4 cup white sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a large skillet, melt butter over low heat and then stir in vanilla. 2. Add cereal; cook and stir 5 minutes. 3. Transfer cereal to large bowl. 4. Add sugar, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon to cereal in bowl; toss well to coat.
PAWS FOR A CAUSE
Paws for a Cause My 16 year-old cat, Becky, was adopted as a stray when she was about four-months old. She has such a good attitude about life; she purrs her way through it!
WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
When she gets her treats first thing in the morning, she purrs. When she jumps on the bed for the night, she purrs. When she finds just the right amount of sunlight streaming through the window, she purrs as she settles down for a nap. Her favorite thing to do is to curl up in my lap, and she purrs the entire time. As she nears the end of her life, I hope that I have provided her with a happy one. With food, treats, clean water, veterinary treatment, and lots of napping places, her needs definitely have not been too much to expect. And her wants have never been extravagant; she easily switches brands of treats, food, and even litter. Everything is met with a positive purr.
A few years ago, I saw a mug that had a saying I loved: “Gratitude turns what you have into enough.” In this time of instant gratification and ever-increasing demands for more money, bigger cars, bigger homes, etc., perhaps Becky could teach us a lesson fit for a Thanksgiving month! If we find joy in the simple things of life, maybe the “better, bigger, give me more” way of life would not seem as appealing. There is something about a cat purring that can make life so much better!
MEET BEN
DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
Ben is a cute little guy that was found as a stray. He loves to cuddle, but he also loves his playtime!
www.showcasemagazine.com
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 17
EXPLORE MARTINSVILLE - HENRY COUNTY
Plan a Family Fun Weekend in Martinsville—Henry County BY MARTINSVILLE-HENRY COUNTY TOURISM
Cooler temperatures giving you and the family cabin fever? No worries, we have your ultimate guide to a weekend full of family fun that everyone will enjoy. MartinsvilleHenry County has plenty of opportunities to ward off the infamous “I’m bored”.
Day 1: It’s Friday afternoon and everyone is excited for the weekend. What better way to kick off a weekend of fun than dinner and some “Rock-It” Bowling? Don’t know where to grab dinner? How about the award-winning Checkered Pig or the fun 1950s style restaurant Fenderz. The kids are sure to love the food and atmosphere no matter which you choose. Bowling a few games at Sportlanes is always fun, but it’s even more fun on Friday nights because it’s “Rock-It” bowling time. The lights will flash, and the music will fill the alley while you play. Enjoy a variety of music and dance along if you want.
Day 2: Saturday is for exploring and we have several options to make that happen. MHC offers many local museum’s such as: the Virginia Museum of Natural History and Piedmont Arts in Uptown Martinsville, plus many others. Each of them, unique in their own way, will be sure to offer your family the adventure of exploring. As the state’s Museum of Natural History serving the entire Commonwealth and beyond, Virginia Museum of Natural History has award-winning exhibits, ground-breaking scientific research and collections, and innovative educational programs for all ages. In the heart of Martinsville’s Arts & Cultural District, Piedmont Arts is an award-winning art museum that curates thoughtprovoking exhibitions by international, national and regional artists. You’ll already be in Uptown Martinsville, so try lunch from a wide variety of restaurants there, such as Hugo’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, Shindig Uptown Bistro and La Plazita just to name a few. Not sure which place to visit? Hugo’s Restaurant & Sports Bar offers quality casual dining and a full-service sports bar in a nice, warm atmosphere, Shindig Uptown Bistro offers a full-service 18 SHOWCASE Magazine |
NOVEMBER 2020
| www.showcasemagazine.com
restaurant and bar and La Plazita, offers real authentic Mexican food and ice-cream. Then, after lunch, we have just the spot to keep the kids entertained. Uptown Pinball is Martinsville’s one and only arcade and is the home of 5 of the top 10 ranked pinball machines in the world (as ranked by pinside.com’s top 100). Offering rows of pinball machines, Skee ball, air hockey, racing games, and much more, this is sure to be a fun for the whole family. Uptown Pinball also offers an all-day play wristband for purchase at a price you can’t beat. To wind down the evening, you can check out a movie at either of our local theaters: Hollywood Cinema or Movie Town. Want to end the night on a sweet note? Stop by one of our area’s “sweetest” spots: Ape’s Frozen Yogurt, Dippers Ice Cream, Cocoa Trails Chocolates, or Livy’s Ice Cream Shop.
Day 3: Get up and at em’ Sunday morning for a fun day at the ranch. Infinity Acres has an experience like no other. Alpacas, Camels and Goats oh my! The “Ranch Experience” allows guests to take part in ranch activities like milking goats, giving baby bottles, grooming, feeding or watering the animals (by appointment only). By now you’ve worked up an appetite, right? Well, the fun doesn’t have to end here. We invite you to check out lunch at Simply Suzanne’s Café at the Blue Ridge Airport. Whether enjoying your meal outside on the patio, or inside the cozy café, you may be in for a unique, added experience! If you are lucky, you may catch a view of planes and helicopters flying in or out of the airport. Simply Suzanne’s Café at Blue Ridge Airport can get you refueled and ready to go. Remember, as cabin fever sits in, there are plenty of ways to beat boredom in Martinsville-Henry County. Check out our website, www.visitmartisnville.com, for even more area information, including our list of 40 free or low-cost activities for you to enjoy. We would love to see you and your family in action at your favorite spots. Be sure to tag us @VisitMartinsville on Facebook and Instagram.
The Ginger Bread House
Pasta Squash t u n r e t t Bu
’Fall’ Eff
ort
ov in L
ith e w
r Ente s s e l
tain
ing
Apple Cinnam on Ga lette 434-791-2700 | 1799 Memorial Dr, Danville, Va | thegingerbread.com
FAMILY FUN IN MHC!
Fenderz Drive-In
Infinity Acres
useum of Virginia M istory Natural H
www.VisitMartinsville.com 888.722.3498 www.showcasemagazine.com
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 19
SPONSORED CONTENT THE ARC OF SOUTHSIDE
Where do you Belong?
B
elonging means to be accepted as a member or part… such a simple word that means so much to the human experience. Belonging brings a sense of value to a person, it means they are understood and welcomed. The concept of belonging is at the center of the inclusion movement. Inclusion is being a part of what everyone else is, and being welcomed and embraced as a member who belongs. Practices in providing supports and services to people with developmental disabilities have evolved over the years to a deeper understanding of what it means to have A Life Like Yours, and that effective supports for people are those that honor and recognize that people with developmental disabilities want the same things in life that we all do…. a home to call our own, a job or activities that fulfill us in our daily life and friends and family to share the successes and struggles of life. The Arc talks about A Life Like Yours when describing supports and services for people to remind us all of this sameness in the need to simply belong. People with disabilities belong in our schools, in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces, and everywhere we are in our communities….they simply belong. The work of service providers is simply to provide support to people so that they can access the things already in the world. These supports can take any form, they are specifically designed for each person. And with the right supports, everyone regardless of level of ability, can take part in all that our world and communities have to offer. The Inclusion Movement is a matter of Civil Rights, we must afford the same opportunities for a full and meaningful life to everyone, regardless of ability. Segregation and isolation of people with disabilities has shown us that institutions cannot begin to tap the potential of individuals to learn, participate and contribute to their communities. They isolate people from family, friends, and communities, creating higher risks for abuse and neglect. 20 SHOWCASE Magazine |
NOVEMBER 2020
| www.showcasemagazine.com
The experience of the past few decades has shown that no one needs to be separated, and that everyone belongs. Where do you belong? The Arc of Southside believes that you belong with us. We are a membership organization where numbers of members equal the power to influence public policy and public perceptions. We hope you will join us as we work to help everyone Belong in our community.
December is The Arc of Southside’s Annual
Membership Drive
Please consider becoming a Member to show your support for A Life Like Yours in a community where Everyone Belongs! Membership Costs: As little as $25 per year Easy Ways to join today: Go to www.thearcofsouthside.org, Become A Member Section, Call us at 434.836.3272 OR Come by our office at 734 Main St., Danville, VA to pick up a membership form
For More Information on The Arc of Southside call 434.836.3272.
Games Solutions Continued from Page 12
Crossword Puzzle
Word Search
www.showcasemagazine.com
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 21
FEATURE ALL YOU NEED IS A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH, TRUST...
All you need is a little bit of faith, trust... BY BRANDIE KENDRICK PHOTO BY LAURA ASHWORTH PHOTOGRAPHY
I
’ve spent the last few weeks silently trying to process this situation that we, as a country, are currently in. I have spent many nights praying for those I love. I’ve prayed for our community and our healthcare workers. I’ve gotten out of bed each day and I’ve gone to work with worry and stress. I’ve Lysol-ed every hard surface, I’ve diffused essential oils and I’ve lived in complete fear. As someone with a diagnosed anxiety disorder, I’ve been eerily calm on the outside. But I think my biggest fear on the inside isn’t the impending virus or the lose of wages and money; instead, my biggest fear is how this will affect my children. How will their brain process this? How do I even explain this to them? As a child I struggled with big grown up fears and I would never want my children to worry about all the big and grown-up things that are happening right now. I will not play the news in my house. At my dinner table, the “virus” is not discussed. My job as a mother is to be honest and real, but also to protect their innocence. I think my biggest stress is getting up and off to work while leaving my children at home. I am a teacher at heart and to leave my children and not stay home to teach my children has been the hardest part of all of this. I worry if they are learning to their best abilities. I worry how this will affect their milestones. I worry about
sensory meltdowns, lack of routine and structure. But it occurred to me this afternoon, that my children will probably look back on this time and smile. I’ve spent that last few weeks trying to manage my children. I’ve laminated pictures routines; I’ve left to-do lists and I’ve created a fool proof daily routine. But today as I lay in my bed exhausted from all the striving in order to create the perfect experience for my children... I heard this explosion of laughter. I hear the adventures of Peter Pan (7-year-old), Tink (3-year-old) and the infamous Captain Hook (33-year-old husband). Like a light build above my head, the reality that THIS is exactly what my children will remember about this time. This very moment of adventure and pretend is what they will remember years from now. They will remember the time mom and dad bought the swing set for the backyard. They will remember the after-dinner scooter rides, the big blanket forts and movie nights with popcorn. They will remember the connection. They will remember the lack of an agenda. They will remember the thousands of books we’ve read, the tickle fights and the massive bubble baths. Yes, phonics and addition are important; but what they need now is freedom and creativity. This realization was like a breath of fresh air for this burdened mama heart. I will set myself free from the idea that I must make every moment Pinterest worthy. I will set aside my degrees and agendas, and I will run around like a lost boy in Neverland. We will have imaginary food fights; we will parlay with pretend swords and will crow like Peter Pan himself. So to all my weary moms feeling like you will not survive this... free yourself of the striving and expectations and instead make it your goal to have fun with your children every.single.day. And remember, all you need is a little bit of faith, trust and pixie dust. Bangarang Mama’s Bangarang!!! Brandie Kendrick has a graduate degree in child development and holds a certification in human development studies. For more of her writing visit pickledproverbs.com.
22 SHOWCASE Magazine |
NOVEMBER 2020
| www.showcasemagazine.com
www.showcasemagazine.com
| NOVEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 23