Time for the weekly Slice of Life at the Two Writing Teachers blog. Tweet at #SOL14 Thanks Stacey, Tara, Dana, Beth, Anna and Betsy!BEFORE THE SLICE: My Must Read In 2014 update (see page above, & button on the right) is dismal. I'm not even sure when I last read one from the list! Too many books out lately keep me from reading the older ones. So-Carrie, Maria & everyone: I've completed 13 of 26. Will.try.harder!
My granddaughter Ingrid spent most of Saturday and part of Sunday with me. We stayed home most of the time, reading, doing a puzzle, drawing and playing. But one thing she asked to do was to go to the grocery store. She had a few things to get, like 'yellow' string cheese, since I only had mozzarella sticks. Now, I love my very close grocery, but it doesn't have the variety of things to see that a nearby large Safeway does. And I knew Ingrid had not been to this particular store because she and her mom usually shop at Sprouts. So off we went. I needed coffee and a loaf of bread. This isn't the "rush in with a basket on your arm spree" to grab and go, but a slow-moving "examine everything that looks good" expedition.
We had a great time
- examining every cookie and cupcake at the bakery, choosing which one might be best, which were really big enough for two, what colors and decorations were just beautiful.
- listening to every 'musical' card at the greeting card aisle
- checking out the kids' books, discovering the ones we already know, and new ones that looked good
- looking at all the Halloween decorations: masks, costumes, different make-up and wigs, and the different faces on the pumpkins
- discussing the cereals that were good to eat, ones that are too much sugar, and different ingredients in granola, which is a favorite
- looking at the different kinds of fruit, discovering some new kinds she didn't know about, like star fruit
- finding the cracker aisle, and discussing all the different kinds of crackers, but finally settling on a box of Cheez-its.
- we looked at hair ties, ribbons, brushes and all kinds of socks
Oh, and we did purchase juice, coffee, cheese, the crackers, and a bag of candy kisses. It was an amazing journey of looking at the store with five-year-old eyes.
photo credit: dog.happy.art via photopin cc
Love this piece --so important we remember to slow down in order to speed up. You not only got your groceries you taught her to slow down and notice and wonder - essential as a reader and a writer. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteClare and Tammy
You're welcome. It was a new look at what's important to a little one, too!
DeleteThat shopping expedition sounds like a super fun one. :) Also, you are 1/2 way done with your #MustReads - that's something.
ReplyDeleteIt was one of the best trips to the grocery! Thanks for the optimistic look at my reads. I probably won't finish, but will read a few more.
DeleteGrocery stores are interesting places to go. Of course, I usually get stuck in the bakery aisle. All those different kinds of delicious things to eat, Turnovers, iced doughnuts, filled doughnuts, cakes, pies, etc. Ok, I have a one track mind. Must be time for a quick trip to Redner's.
ReplyDeleteMost anywhere will do I guess! I must have made you hungry! Thanks!
DeleteWhat a wonderful gift for you and for Ingrid--a slow grocery trip where you can examine and explore and discover to your heart's content! How often we rush our children and ourselves through errands in our hurry to get on to the next, supposedly more important thing. Your post is a wonderful reminder to slow down and pay attention!
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure to take our time, & believe me, I am often in a rush, too, Elisabeth. Sadly there are just 24 hours in a day!
DeleteLinda, I love that you took the time to examine everything in the store with your granddaughter! I'm sure some interesting conversations came out of your noticings! I run through the grocery store at full speed with my little ones - I think a shopping trip like yours is in order!
ReplyDeleteI had a parent once who told me she taught her daughter a lot at the grocery, math, how food is cooked, how much is enough for a family of four, etc. I always remembered that because she was a full-time mom & grocery shopping was "their" time together. Thanks, Dana, enjoy a few moments!
DeleteWhat a blessing to be able to share time and exploration with Ingrid. Grocery stores are full of intriguing sights and smells. From your list, I guess you just looked at the bakery, rather than indulging in that treat. :-)
ReplyDeleteYep, we didn't purchase any thing at the bakery, although the giant cupcakes were tempting! The candy kisses made up for it, Elsie.
DeleteThis is so sweet and such a special treat to take your time in the grocery store. I can remember doing that with my girls when they were little. I always had to let them know before we went what exactly we would be buying. That kept them from begging too much. Sounds like your Ingrid is a little angel.
ReplyDeleteYes, I know there are times to set limits, but it worked out okay with the few things we did purchase.
DeleteI love this slow trip to the grocery store with a 5 year old! My favorite - listening to all the musical greeting cards, but I also liked looking at kids' books and the bakery items. I love going to Wegman's when I visit my daughter in New York. Such a fun grocery store!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'd love that too, Ramona. Grocery stores can be a pleasure for sure. This time it was lots of fun.
DeleteLinda, to everything there is a season. The books will wait. Five-year old grandchildren? Not so much. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie, you are exactly right!
DeleteI just love your reflection today, Linda! Your granddaughter is a lucky girl to be able to spend so much time with you, making these wonderful memories!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Thanks Jennifer, I am lucky too. We do different things together, and the adventures make us both happy!
DeleteI could read family stories all day long! They make my heart so happy! Thanks for continuing to share about your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kendra. It's fun to capture them, too!
DeleteGrocery shopping is not on the top of my "want to do list", so I usually rush in and out and not check out a lot of things. Maybe I'll need to shop with the twins and get a different perspective. Thanks for sharing all your finds!
ReplyDeleteI think you should try it, Judy. They might find things you didn't even know were there! Have fun!
DeleteYour post reminds me of a Barbara Kingsolver short story where the child did not want to be rushed and the mother finally gets it. Sometimes, it's so lovely to just take life at the pace of a child. Children spend so much time rushing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Melanie, I'll look for it. I do have an anthology by her that I haven't read yet. Yes, they rush to school, out of school, to lessons and practice, and... Sorry that it happens so often.
DeleteI love this! What a special grandma you are! A day she will never forget!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol, I'm glad you see it was so much fun.
DeleteIngrid is a lucky little girl to have you for a grandmother. Thank you for sharing your exploration with us!
ReplyDeleteThanks Catherine. As I said earlier, I'm lucky too!
DeleteI came for a Must Read update and now feel like wandering through my grocery store instead of rush, rush, rush. Sounds like a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteIt was just a little bit of an update, sorry, Carrie. Maybe soon I can get to one of those books! Now time to have a good time at the grocery!
DeleteYour piece comes at the right time for me, Linda. I am feeling overwhelmed with a multitude of tasks and family medical issues. Taking time to stroll, notice, and shop sounds like a marvelous time. Slow Down-good message for today!
ReplyDeleteSo glad it's a good message for you, Carol, & sorry for your challenges. Some days are tough, I know. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI remember the luxury of a slow shopping trip, a novelty when my kids were little and I could go to the grocery store without them. The ordinary became so interesting. Now I can do this, but don't give myself this time. How fun to explore with Ingrid. The things we don't take the time to notice are brought out clear as day with a 5 year old!
ReplyDeleteI know, I skip aisles most of the time, just looking for what I need. Thanks, Julieanne.
DeleteI suspect grammy spent so much more time with her than a parent would ever typically do! What fun, to turn the grocery store outing into almost a "museum visit," seeing in detail what is in each area. Lucky, lucky granddaughter!
ReplyDeleteWe did have fun, Maureen, & while sometimes in a hurry, I think my daughter spends some time helping the girls learn about food too. They're both kids who'll try anything! Thank you.
DeleteMy MustReadin2014 list is dismal, also. I'm reading new books instead of the ones on my list! Ugh. I love your Slice. I always consider going to the grocery store as a chore, and it's nice to see it through the eyes of a child - an adventure!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Holly-it's a different experience at the store with a 5 year old, and lovely!
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