Gam and the Grands use lots of materials to create and entertain their minds. For grab-and-go tools there are crayons and markers even canvas for painting designs. Gam sets art supplies in a green wicker basket for whenever genius strikes. Imagination’s playground is the kitchen table for masterpieces and the like. Sis and Bubba will flip through their sketchbooks in search of unmarked pages. Which isn’t always easy because making art may come in stages. When a story unravels an artist may use just one of the sketchbook sheets. Other times it may take multiple attempts and pages for the story to be complete. Sis found a page untouched and scribble-free for whenever she’s good and ready. She dips the brush in her favorite color then sprinkles it like confetti. The Grands explore all the colors at hand with no regard to quantity. If they run out of brown while tinting the earth they’ll mix colors by stirring constantly. Primary colors like red, yellow, and blue make brown for an old tree trunk. Bubba plunges his brush in the artists’ painting palette to paint the trunk from the top to the stump. The children sit for an hour or so to draw, color, and paint. They only pause for a snack and a drink which is eaten without complaint. Magical rainbows are an amazing sight Sis brings to life on her pages. Bubba paints a picture of the deep blue sea with lobsters escaping their cages. Each Grand has a set of watercolors so no one has to reach. Over one another to dab a color to share a vibrant peach. After painting the sun in a warm orange hue Sis rinses her brush out with water. She swirls and twirls and rolls it about using a paper towel as a blotter. Once the artwork is complete and ready for review. What’s the next thing that the Grands do? They tear out their sheets from the sketchbook pads to find Gamma, ‘Skippity-Doo’, The children find their way to Gamma in the kitchen an appraisal of their work is required. The glasses come on. The throat is cleared. Time to share some Gamma wisdom. Art is an extension of our thoughts and feelings from the depths of our insides. As demonstrated by our drawings, paintings, and sculptures it’s a sketchbook of our minds. After putting away the paint supplies it’s time to explore another… form of art that’s mindful and clever the Grands gently nudge each other. Molding clay into shapes and sculptures is more fun than the Grands’ ever thought. It’s thick and sturdy yet bendy and stretchy the Grands like it a lot. Bubba proceeds to making an active volcano with lava spewing about. He starts with brown and builds from the ground with red flames coming out. Sis loves the colors of a rainbow as discussed she begins with a basic plan. She rolls each piece in the shape of a snake that coils into a perfect band. More structures come to life like a flower Sis made with such care. The yellow petals and dark green stem make the daisy a piece to share. After working with clay, please wash your hands, before moving to the next project. Gamma keeps sidewalk chalk in the antique buffet in the dining room by the closet. The sun is shining and there’s no better time to get in a quick drawing. Using sidewalk chalk in so many colors get on your knees and start crawling. A rocket ship flying into outer space Is a powerful sight to see. Sis sketches a rocket as seen on TV She’s an artist from A to Z. Grab more chalk and start the task of staying within the lines. Don’t forget to draw the flames Blast off to the moon in the sky! As the day begins to draw to an end The Grands are happy and calm. Art is the way to experience the day It’s the ultimate marathon.
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“When I grow up, I’m gonna be just a dad and a farmer.” Gamma’s Grandson Bubba’s Low-Key. Smart. Handsome. Happy. Love’s his Momma. A Good Boy. For the longest time (he’s four), Bubba just wanted to be a dad. Not a ninja. Not Spider-Man. Not a policeman. Not a fireman. Just a dad. This ‘just a dad’ idea interested Gamma. She thought about it for a bit and then a bit more. After careful consideration, Gamma concluded… Bubba’s a thinker, a tinkerer, a real class clown. He’s also part of a “dad village”. Bubba sees the comings and goings of several dad role models. His Dad is funny and makes him laugh. Always a jokester. His best friend’s Dad is an adventurer. Go carts. Four wheelers. Fast rides. His Papa fixes things with his tools. Appliances. Bikes. Stuff around the house. It’s no wonder he wants to be ‘just a dad.’ Until he took a trip to Garrett Farms. Cooler weather’s on its way, Crazy talk spoken today. Higher temps feel like the 80s Beach balls, bare feet, ukuleles. It’s a beautiful day to be outside. No rain. Few clouds. It might be wise. To scroll the net to find events. Family activities for ladies and gents. ‘Ding, Ding, Ding’ Garrett Farms wins. Animals, hayrides, fun with friends. Let’s climb aboard Gamma’s bright red truck. Baby in the middle, buckle seats, giddy-up! Once they arrive go through the market The Grands blast off like a human rocket. “Slow down,” Gamma said with a look so serious. “No rush, stay close, don’t be too curious.” Open the doors to a colorful sight Red, yellow, purple, green, orange and white An array of veggies but what’s white? Vanilla ice cream. Alright. Alright. Alright. Gamma’s excited to see field peas. Purple hull, crowder, lady cream, what a treat. The sweet little lady, so delicate and mild Everybody loves them, even a hard–to–please child. Pay the admission for children and adults. In a few minutes, we’ll be having a ball. Through the doors, get a stamp on the hand. “It’s a perfect Star,” said Gam’s li’l man. What’s green, blue, yellow, and red (read) all over? A newspaper? Gam looks over her shoulder. It’s a tall balloon full of compressed air. Climb the ladder, slide down, and add some flair. Gam knows bouncy houses never get old The Grands jump, bump, spin, turn and roll. One more tumble down the slide, here we go. On to the next big event ‘Cheerio!’ Food-filled cups for the animals to nibble Corn, oats, and hay make an animal kibble. The first goat seen appears to be stuck Between the checkered fence standing in the muck. Sis gets closer and tries to help The black billy goat who’s starting to yelp. After a minute, he pulls out his head Waiting patiently, ready to be fed. More goats come to eat except a few Some are as full as a tick on a mule. The hogs are sleeping and snoring on their back. Tiptoe around and give the dog a Scooby snack. Piglets snort and run around. They’re so silly when they leap off the ground. One wants a pet and a roll in the mud Next to the pigs, a cow chews his cud. After the animals' bellies are full On to the next tent to see what’s cool. The Grands get excited as they peek in It’s a fall harvest corn sensory bin. One tosses the ball while the other gets buried Make a corn angel everybody seems so merry. Baby Brother gets impatient ‘cause he wants in Takes off his shoes, stands up, and climbs the bin. All of the Grands are laughing and smiling Could this be heaven? Gam’s face is shining. Heaven is joyful. That’s what they say Perpetual happiness much like today. The Grands are thirsty. So is Gam. Head to the market and try to slam Cool drinks down the hatch to quench thirst Not too much, don’t want to burst! Ice cream time, Sis wants vanilla. Bubba wants a swirl. Baby Brother a banana. Pick up the snacks, and grab an apple on the way. It’s so hot, take a seat, and avoid the fray. Pumpkin-picking time is quite a thrill. They’ve done this before. They know the drill. Choose your color, shape, and size. Place it in the cart and collect your prize. Pay for the pumpkins, load the truck Squeeze them in and with some luck Plenty of room for produce too Peppers, peas, canned tomatoes for stew. Grands want to jump in the corn again. It tickles toes when it touches the skin. Too much fun it’s hard to stop Look, there’s cornhole, and off they hop. After a few more games time to go Take the tractor, tour the farm, and grab a hoe. Candied apples, flavored honey in sticks Bite off the plastic, squeeze firmly, and have a lick. Don’t forget the maze made out of straw One could get lost if not very tall. Play hide and seek, run into dead ends A few steps backward and try again. Gam asked the question, “What was the best part?” “Corn bins,” shouted the Grands, soon to depart. Fall Farm Days are a peaceful way to begin The holiday season Giddy-up, Yeehaw, Amen. They’ll be Swinging, Swaying, Records Playing, Dancing in the Streets They’re dancing in Paducah (Dancing in the Streets) Along the riverfront (Dancing in the Streets) Slow Smoking the favorites (Dancing in the Streets) A BBQ treasure hunt (Dancing in the Streets) All we need is music, sweet music And loads of ribs on shiny food trucks Cold drinks and key-lime cheesecake, Mmm Fried Twinkies for only eight bucks. BBQ on the River (Dancing in the Streets) It happens annually (Dancing in the Streets) Proceeds go to good causes (Dancing in the Streets) Locally-loved charities (Dancing in the Streets) Dancing In the Streets BBQ on the River is a once-a-year affair The Grands have a blast, as does everyone there. Gamma spoils them rotten by buying frivolous things Including fuzzy hats and Tachi swords ‘Ba-da-Bing.’ As summer departs and fall arrives It’s kind of ‘cool’ and all that jive. Downtown is hopping each September Folks start talking about BBQ on the River. The first of three days has the lightest crowds Food lines are shorter, noise levels less loud. Sis strains to hear as decibels rise Still, she’s a trouper and rolls with the tide. Gam parallel parks the car on Broadway In front of Stella’s, not too far away. In two short blocks, there’s plenty of action A sea of white tents is a welcomed attraction. The crew strolls along when they come across a six-foot yellow chicken in all the chaos He’s dancing a jig while shaking tail feathers Grands are in stitches, slapping knees together. Gam scours tents to find face-painting A tradition the Grands have long been creating. So many designs from which to choose Princess, Mardi Gras, or a brown moose. Sis is decisive and picks a tiger Pink, teal, and white, it could be a fighter! Bubba shakes his head, ‘no paint for me’ He plops on the ground with a skinned knee. Climb the stool so the artist may create Sis’ sweet face is the perfect slate. Sis doesn’t move, blinks only twice The artist dots white paint around the eyes. A sweep of pink paint across the forehead. The perfect shade, no purple or red. Cheeks colored teal with a bit of glitter Black lines add depth to make the critter. Using black and teal, the artist does compose A tiger’s snout on Sis’ little nose. Glitter sprinkled lightly, the perfect touch Picture with Bubba in a tight clutch. Through the flood gates close the river Musicians play and sound superior. Guitars and drums, a singer too Playing tunes rock/rhythm and blues. The Grands hear a steamboat’s calliope deliver The greatest hits from the artist John Denver. Take me home country road to the place I belong The music’s so fun, the Grands sing along. Running up and down on the rocks by the shore Free like a bird, Gam watches them soar. Time to sit down and take in the view There’s so much to see and much more to do. Let’s check out the vendors to see what they’ve got Slush puppies, fudge cakes, and more stuff that’s hot. They walk to the end of the road and stop We’ve seen everything time is ticking ‘tick tock.’ Too excited to eat, the Grands want to play The blow-ups are waiting on display. There’s a maze, an obstacle course, and a giant monster truck. Make sure you’re tall enough, don’t want to get stuck. Sis and Bubba jump with a five-minute timer Make each minute count climb higher and higher. The monster truck is tall, at least 20 steps Slide down, hit two bumps, and pray it doesn’t collapse. “Just one more time,” begged the Grands to Gam. It’s so much fun, they’re trying to cram Every activity they see at the river Into two hours like quicksilver. As we start making our way to the car The last booth is calling their names from afar. Bubba picks a sword. It’s called a Tachi. A wonky hat for Sis. Grands are full of malarkey. BBQ on the river is a beautiful event Comparable to no other held in tiny tents. Over $400,000 raised each year To help local people who could use some cheer. Keep on Dancing, Dancing in the Streets BBQ on the River is a community treat. Fun and games for all, it’s a treasure trove Helping those in need is the way to go! While eating dinner, the Grands talked about baseball, basketball, and all sports with clout. After much deliberation, Bubba declared Baseball’s THE game. He’s ready and prepared. At first, Gamma thought Ninja skills would be best Propelled by obsessing over swords and dark vests. But, to her surprise, baseball was his pick Throwing, catching, and hitting balls with a stick. The idea came from a neighborhood friend, a boy who was older and wiser than him. He signed up for scrimmages and forty-minute games. All he needed was a glove and an arm with good aim. Once registration and schedules were complete Bubba got worried and developed cold feet. It consumed conversations before the big day. If Gam was too pushy, he might run away. Gamma remembers when ‘his mom’ was small She enrolled in a dance class in early fall. Though only three, Gam thought she was ready. Later, she discovered there were butterflies in her belly. From what Gam recalls, the class was competitive. Mom needed more coddling, more positive than negative. Their temperaments are similar. The truth slowly unravels. Despite all their trash talk and constant babble. A few days went by without a discussion. Allowed to sink in to avoid combustion. On the big day, Bubba asked not to go. Gam said, “Give it a try before saying no.” Baseball’s on Tuesdays, same as Sis’ ballet. There’s little downtime, no nonsense, no delay. They’ll meet at the ballpark before baseball starts. Sis can encourage and calm Bubba’s heart. After parking the car, Gam and Sis see Bubba is in the backseat as still as a tree. On the way to the ballfield, he fell asleep Eyes closed in the car seat, counting sheep. Sis wakes Bubba up, but he doesn’t get out. Gamma gently asks, “What’s this all about?” He confesses his worries and the things that he dreads. He’s concerned that the baseball might hit him in the head. Be prepared is Gam’s motto. She usually is. She packed Sis’ shoes, the white and pink Keds. Maybe Sis can play. She’s only five Let’s ask the coaches and give it a try. Sis can play. Hooray! It’s not too late. Add her name to the roster. Wow, this is great! Bubba stays apprehensive and hides behind Mom. Sis hits the field. She starts tossing the ball. Gamma said, “Bubba, let’s go play catch.” Bubba comes out of hiding, ready to dispatch. With Sis on one end and Bubba on the other. It’s not so bad when you’ve got each other. A whistle blows from the coach at the Rec He motions the kids in for a talk and a stretch. He says it’s crucial to warm up the muscles. Gamma agrees. No worries, no fusses. Up go the arms, legs bend, touch your toes Gam and the Grands reach high and low. The coach said to sit cross-legged, Indian-style All follow instructions, each flashing a smile. Gamma sits on the grass in athletic-cut shorts She extends and lengthens as her body contorts. The grass was itchy and prickly on her thighs She scratches and slaps at the gnats flying by. After the pep talk and pregame warm-ups Run the bases. Don’t trip. Watch out for bumps. Gam sits this one out. The Grands think it’s fun. Run like the wind. Baseball has begun. Kicking dirt with your shoes, smokey hue in the air Go to first, second, and third if you dare. The last stop is home plate. It’s the most important. Scoring a run is the purpose or something. Jog out to the field. Remember your glove. Look up to the sky. A ball falls from above. Hold your glove steady and wait for a thump Solid catch, ‘Yippee,’ and a celebratory high jump. The best part is batting. The Grands are excited. They’ve sat on the bench, patient and quiet, awaiting instruction on how to begin. Helmets on first to protect the big grins. First at bat is Sis. She swings at the ball. Take off running, go fast, and don’t fall. Next is Bubba, he’s four and ‘number-one’ son. Good swing, go to second, turn third, homerun! One more inning in the outfield, concentrating on the game Other kids hit the ball. It’s much of the same. The second time at bat, Sis and Bubba start it off. The enjoyment on their faces is the ultimate payoff. At the end of the game, there are snacks and drinks Confessing their hunger, Gam gives them a wink. Attempting new things is never a mistake Confidence gained, a ‘piece of cake.’ Driveway hoops on a Sunday Funday. It’s Labor Day weekend with no plans Three days of chillin’ and grillin’ with the clan. Hanging out with Daddy and Brother Ty Video games and finding buckeyes. Sunday’s for church and stories of Jesus Los Amigos for lunch will surely please us Monday is Labor Day. What shall we do? Gamma requests the Grands' input, too. The day was hot, humidity high brought sweat on the head that began to slide Down Bubba’s neck and onto his back He got an itch and asked for a scratch Shoot a few hoops and make a fastbreak Take turns in the paint and stand up straight The basketball goal stands at seven feet tall The Grands want a bucket, though they’re a bit small. Bubba dribbles the ball with such precision To the front of the goal with no apprehension How do you shoot when you’re just a tot? Squat down, toss the ball, and try a granny shot. Sis gets her turn and dribbles around Listening to the sound of the ball as it pounds. She takes the shot all the way to the hoop Sounds of a basket a swish then a swoop. The play continues for a short while Dribbling, layups, and lots of smiles. The sun is high. Bright light fills the skies. The goal’s hard to see. Bubba squints his eyes. The Grands heard Gam say, “Let’s eat and get a drink. Gam needs coffee so she can think.” She suggests whole-grain cereal or a piece of fresh fruit It’s cool, sweet, and healthy to boot. They missed the parade. It started too early. Slow in the morning. Gam’s not in a hurry. Sis responds with the standard, “I’m bored.” Quiet time’s ending, playtime restored. The natives are restless after filling their tummies YouTube kids start singing, dancing, and humming. Gamma believes she can’t take one more song Ninja Kids Ninja Kids all day long. Carson Park announced a celebration, With live music, ice cream, and blow-up attractions. The flyer reads, ‘Activities until four’ An event the Grands will want to explore. It’s essential for children to run and play Releasing energy every day. They load up the car; excitement abounds Gamma and the Grands are going to town. The children think the park has swings Monkey bars, slides, and other park things. Horses live there and have so for ages. Complete with a paddock, race track, and stables. Turn into the park to hunt for a spot. Looking for shade, it’s way too hot. Hop out, wait for Gam, and proceed to the middle Across the race track ‘hey diddle-diddle”. First, it’s the blowups so Sis can jump. Bubba’s so fiery he can feel his heart thump. He stays in the shade of the giant balloon. Sis soars down the slide while Gam listens to tunes. Not long after bouncing, everyone’s parched. Off to concessions, they doggedly march. The first and last stop is Paradise Snow Twelve inches of ice ‘ho-ho-ho.’ Sis is the first to choose her flavor So many to pick from and to savor. She decides cotton candy is the way to go Pink is the color, not indigo. Bubba’s turn to choose one or the other Cotton Candy in blue it’s his favorite color Selections secured, the three take a seat All ready to relax and prop up their feet. The first bite is chilly. It’s frosty on the lips Slides down the throat like a faucet’s cold drip. It’s more like ice, Gamma thinks, than snow A flimsy, plastic spoon doesn’t scoop down below. Forcing the spoon into the cup like a stick Realizing an ice pick would best do the trick. Sis makes a sad face and says she can’t taste The cotton candy goodness she chose to embrace. Bubba’s is good. Sis gives it a try. Pink has no flavor. She lets out a sigh. Gamma gulps down a spoonful and agrees Blue is much better than pink times three. In school, children learn sharing is best Bubba wants Sis to feel happy and blessed He shares his blue snow cone with Sis without asking Friends forever and love everlasting. Nothing's better than a snow cone on a hot, summer's day.
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