My first introduction to John Burroughs was at the Redding’s house. I assume that my mother-in-law, Jo made the picture of my father-in-law standing beside a big sunflower that he grew and framed it with this quote:
I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.
A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.
I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order.
I remember hearing my father-in-law, Bill Redding say that you have no right to be bored.
A few months ago we had a sweet young friend who was spending her days in a strange city and had to stay inside during the day. Esther, Anya, and I came up with some suggestions for things she might do. These might be appropriate for someone who is confined to home. There are many things adults and children can pursue when they are bored. If you have access to the great outdoors the possibilities are endless for hours of fun. This list is mainly for inside. I have modified a few of these so that they might be appropriate for all ages.
1. Memorize the ABC verses or other verses of the Bible.
2. Learn to do a plank. If you already know how to do one see if you can do a longer one.
3. Make a bucket list.
4. Do the dishes.
5. Make a lemon cake or lemon mug cake.
6. Read a good book.
7. Design a dress.
8. Learn a few words in another language.
9. If you have the internet learn a new dance move, if not create one.
10. Listen to your favorite music and have a dance party all by yourself.
11. Do your nails.
12. Write a note of encouragement to someone.
13. Make a nice cup of tea.
14. Make a bracelet with embroidery floss.
15. Cover a page with doodles or sketches.
16. Learn to do a french braid on yourself or lace braid.
17. Write notes to your dad and hide them in his apartment. Or to anyone where you have the privilege of being a house guest.
18. Draw a picture which would be good for a greeting card and enter to win $10,000 for college.
19. Exercise or run in place for 10 minutes.
20. Look out the window and draw a picture of what you see.
21. Design two posters with your favorite Bible verses.
22. Pray for your sister.
23. Pray for your brother.
24. Pray for your mother.
25. Pray for your dad.
26. Read your Bible.
27. Make up a game.
28. Learn about who is John Burroughs?
29. Learn where Abraham Lincoln born and when.
30. Brush your hair 100 strokes from top to bottom.
31. Do something nice for someone.
32. Count your blessings. Write them down.
33. Dust the baseboards in the house.
34. Complete a word search.
35. Find a simple design like a silhouette of a giraffe or elephant. Copy it onto a sheet of cardstock. Turn the cardstock over and glue one inch wide and about 8-12 inch long paper strips of varying colors side by side. Turn the paper back over and cut out the image. Then mount it on a solid piece of cardstock.
36. Write a short silly poem.
37. Sing a song out loud.
38. Memorize the 23rd Psalm.
39. Write down your favorite food and the first time you remember eating it.
40. Dance around the room. It’s good exercise.
41. Tell someone Thank You today.
42. Write down 3 places you want to see one day.
43. Hop on one foot.
44. Practice a handstand.
45. Cook dinner.
46. Practice your multiplication tables.
47. If you are not married write down 3 things you want your future mate to be like. If you are married write down 3 things you appreciate about your mate.
48. Who invented the light bulb? How many times did he try before he got it right?
49. Write one thing you want to learn to do and come up with a game plan. Learn something new!
50. Write down your earliest memory.
