Coffee Break with the Barista
April 2009
It’s been a long and wonderful road to this, our second anniversary. Java Journal
has come a long way from its 12 pages in April 2007. In addition to the
many wonderful people here who have helped to make Java Journal a
success, I’m very grateful to our St. Louis community for embracing us
and contributing in so many ways to making Java Journal a fun,
interesting and uplifting experience. Thanks to everyone who has
contributed thoughts and well wishes to us. It means more than I can
possibly express here.
Now that it’s spring, I’m trying to shape
up plans for my son’s three-month hiatus from school. And now that he’s
14 and mostly self-sufficient, the temptation is to do less planning
and allow him to fend for himself while I’m at work.
However, as
experts point out, it’s just as important that teen’s have a plan for
their time away from school as it is for younger children. Teens still
need to be involved in stimulating activities and, yes, they still need
to be supervised to some extent. Idly watching television or hanging
out all day while parents are at work is not only a waste of precious
life, but it is also a time when teens begin experimenting with drugs,
alcohol, smoking and sex. Milan Galan, Ph.D., has written an article
(page 8) that addresses not only the problems associated with
unsupervised teens, but provides some suggestions for after school and
summer activities that will keep teens safe as well as engaged.
Remember,
these early years form behavioral habits that children carry into their
adult lives. By forming happy, productive life patterns now, chances
are our children will grow to be happy, productive adults.
Gardening!
Who hasn’t been thinking about it, especially given the warm days in
March? While I’ve been planting flowers and vegetables for many years,
I’m still not far beyond that of a beginner. My best advice to those
who are just getting started—just do it!
There is nothing like
experience when it comes to gardening. Plus, unless you’re doing
time-consuming and expensive landscaping, there’s really nothing too
major that can go wrong. But if you do make a mistake, such as planting
a shade plant in a sunny area, it can be moved! See my article titled, Gardening Basics: From One Novice To Another on page 6.
And
thanks to everyone who submitted an entry into our photography contest.
I’m thrilled at the number of entries we received. Check out our
winners on page 14.
Please keep those letters and emails coming. We love hearing from you.
Kindly,
Marian Rein