Goof off with good books—Mar. 30, 2012
March 22 was National Goof Off Day. It’s a day for all ages to skip the usual demands and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation. When my children were young, we would occasionally declare an “NGO” day of our own. We’d start the day with a fast food breakfast and move on to other activities such as going to the park, playing miniature golf, visiting the museum and library, of course.
Imagine your “goof off” buddies sitting on a riverbank, waiting for a tug on their lines while the ripples across the water keep them mesmerized. “Fishing in Lakes and Ponds” by Judy Monroe Peterson and “Fly Fishing” by Cindy Jensen Elliot offer lessons on how to hook a prized whopper and interesting tips for novice fishermen and experienced ones as well.
Piloting a kite allows a feeling of freedom, while stimulating curiosity about the role of the wind and the effect of the kite’s design. What fun it would be to launch a self made blast of color and watch it dance with the clouds or fight with the skies for control. “The Fighter Kite Book” by David Gomberg and “Rainy Day Kites and Flying Objects” by Denny Robson cover all aspects of kites, including how to design and make them.
Sooner or later, even the most devoted fun day participants realize that food is a priority. Jennifer Barry and Pamela Sheldon Jones show ideas for special containers and recipes for a great picnic luncheon in “Festive Picnics”. What a perfect time to plop down on Nature’s mattress to share stories and watch the artwork of the clouds while nibbling lunch.
This special day can be spent at home, as well. Covering the sidewalk with chalk art keeps the fun alive for days. A huge mural can be made with made with a long piece of newsprint taped to the house and a collection of watercolors. Tackling the art of “Balloon Twisting” described in the book by Brad and Cindy Trusty would be fun. It would be a good day to observe the ability of spiders to create a home and a trap for food. Birds, too, have interesting characteristics, when there is time to observe them. There are many more activities suggested in “i love dirt” by Jennifer Ward. Yes, Dirt! It is great for fun and learning.
As darkness begins to steal the daylight and stars begin to sneak across the sky, eyelids begin a losing battle with the Sandman. The cool grass is ready to cradle weary bodies just in time for the evening’s moonlight production. A preview is presented in a collection of books by Greg Vogt.
The day’s memories will last for a long time. We just missed “Make Your Own Holiday” Day, but, of course, you can set you own date and enjoy another fabulous day!
