I love making shortbread and lately have been giving my newly created biscuits as gifts. Rather than make the traditional shortbread, I wanted to do something different.
Why not add freshly squeezed orange juice and zest to the shortbread?
I visisted Todarello’s Katoomba Village Fruit Marketto stock up on Valencia oranges to make my zesty orange shortbread. Todarello’s have a great array of fresh produce to choose from and it is my one stop place to get quality ingredients.
Yummy Valencia oranges at Todarello’s Katoomba
I used the recipe from the McKenzies Rice Flour box, but with an added twist of orange juice and orange zest.
The Valencia oranges are so juicy and sweet
INGREDIENTS
225g plain flour, sifted
115g McKenzie’s Rice Flour
115g caster sugar
1 pinch salt
225g butter, at room temperature
Juice of 2 fresh Valencia oranges
Zest of 2 Valencia oranges
Very orangy shortbread dough ready to roll out and create duck shortbread
METHOD
Preheat oven to 180 degrees C or 356 F.
Step 1: Combine flour, rice flour, sugar, salt, add melted butter, add the juice of 2 Valencia oranges as well as the zest of 2 oranges (TIP: grate the zest first and then juice the oranges). Mix ingredients into a dough.
Step 2: Roll the dough onto a floured surface, make sure you have flour ready for the rolling pin, as well to help with the cookie cutters. Carefully roll to desired thickness and using a cookie cutter, shape into whatever shape takes your fancy. I used many different shapes, stars, a duck, a dog, and also the number 7.
Step 3: Place onto a tray lined with baking paper, prick with a fork, or add any decoration that you wish before the cookies go into the oven. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool before moving from the tray (If you move too quickly after coming out of the oven the biscuit can fall to bits – it needs more time to cool and harden).
Dog shaped Zesty Orange Shortbread ready to go in the ovenThe baking paper where the dog shaped zesty orange shortbread wasSuper cute zesty orange shortbread about to go into the ovenThe baking paper where all the ducks were
Don’t the little shortbread ducks look cute
The zesty orange shortbread dough with a number 7 cookie cutter
Zesty Orange Shortbread 7’s for a little person’s 7th Birthday!
Number 7 shortbread waiting to go into the oven
All cooked and ready to eat!
Number 7 Zesty Orange Shortbread cooked and ready to eatCute duck Zesty Orange Shortbread all cooked
The shortbread tasted delicious and the zest added a nice texture and added to the flavour too.
The star-shaped Zesty Orange Shortbread
POST FEAST REVIEW
Shortbread is yummy but zesty orange shortbread really is wonderful. The added tang of the Valencia oranges really gave it something special.
Zesty Orange Shortbread with some orange zest for decoration – I need one now with my cup of tea
WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN?
Adding fresh Valencia orange juice and zest to shortbread was a great idea, it was very tasty. I would definitely make this again. For the next batch, I want to make it even more orangy and also add dark chocolate to create a jaffa shortbread.
The star shaped Zesty Orange Shortbread looking very yummy. I want one right now!
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During the last few years, there have been many articles talking about burnout. You could be burnt out due to your job, family, kids, and other commitments that you have in your life.
It could be as simple as you are exhausted from constantly working, the years you have homeschooled the kids and tried to keep the house and your family’s lives going when there were no jobs and you are fast running out of money and stressing out about how you will all survive. Due to all this, you have no cash to go away, no cash to do anything for you, and the time that you had available from work has been depleted due to kids, being sick with covid, and other issues.
No wonder you and I are over everything, annoyed at having to keep all the balls in the air and never able to get a break. No wonder we are all on the verge of burnout or going through it currently.
Basically, a 3-month vacation on an island would be the thing to help me finally relax and reset, what about you?
What is a ‘To Don’t’ List?
I read online today about making ‘to don’t’ lists, instead of a to-do list you make a list of things you don’t want to do ever again! The idea is to free yourself from things you hate, don’t want to do, or feel that the things you have been doing are draining you or taking away from what you really want to be doing. Basically, a list to learn to embrace saying no and work on what you would like to do.
I have heard of pushing back and saying no, as well as not feeling bad about saying no. However, I have not heard of a ‘to-don’t’ list.
Personally, I have a few things to add to my don’t do list. What about you? What would you want to put on your don’t do list?
What are the things that will make my ‘to don’t’ list
Just so you know you cannot put all things on the list that you don’t want to do. Yep, I wish I could. However, there are certain things that need to still be done, like cooking, cleaning, the laundry, all things to do with the kids, and loads more.
Even though you cannot put all the items that you dread on your don’t ever do list there are some things that you can put a stop to. Once you decide not to do certain things you will be happier, freer and allow you to win back some of your time.
So with that in mind here are some of mine:
Say no work that doesn’t progress my goals
Don’t let everyone else have free time and not me – give myself time out to do things for me
Block out your time at work to spend some time doing online courses to improve my work life
Say no to organising things for others when they don’t do the return for you.
Are you now excited to make your own ‘to don’t’ list?
May is my month and I always feel like it is a lucky month.
This might be true or it might not be, no matter what the right answer is I really love the month of May.
Maybe it is due to it being my birth month? Maybe it is that some really good things have happened in May. Who knows, I am not going to analyse the actual reason and just go with the fact that May is a lucky month for me, or at least it feels that way.
Lately, I have been feeling flat, down, depressed, and stuck. YEP. Not good.
I have been getting annoyed at the fact that I ask for things to get done and weeks later they are not done. It is not on my timeline it seems to be on someone else’s. I am hating this and I feel like I just need to take more control, do things for myself and have some quiet alone time.
I’ve decided that if I want to do something to just do it. GO FOR IT! I am sick of waiting for the right time, to have all things aligned to be just right. If I give more things a go, I believe I will be less annoyed at not getting anything done. Starting will allow me to see small progress and to be a happier version of myself.
I did decide months back that 2023 will be my year to do more…however nearly half the year is already gone and I have done a few things but not some of the bigger projects that I have been keen to start. Is this happening to you? Do you get caught up and don’t have time for yourself, your projects, and other things you are keen to do? If you said yes, then we can start some things together in May.
Pick an item from the list below and do 1 each day during May
Try green smoothies – Green smoothies have a number of benefits, it is an easy way to get more fruit and veggies into your diet. These smoothies are packed with “fibre, which lowers cholesterol and glucose levels, keeps you feeling fuller for longer and regulates your body’s cleansing processes” usnews.com
Drink a lot more water – Staying hydrated helps you stay healthy. Being hydrated helps your brain function and can prevent headaches, helps with weight loss, helps with constipation and improves your skin.
Walk more – Movement helps you feel better. Sitting all day is not good for you, it is recommended to get 10,000 steps per day. My aim is to do a walk or have movement each day. Some days I do thousands more steps and some days I do less. Just get moving and feel better!
Moisturise all your skin – As it is May it is autumn and the weather is colder. I find that I get rather dry skin in autumn and also in winter. I don’t always moisturise my body and I need to do this more often. Dry skin is a horrible issue to have and if you don’t look after your skin can lead to other issues.
Get enough vitamin D – If you are lacking in vitamin D you can be depressed, upset and get sick too. Being in the sunshine for only 10-15 minutes a day is good for a daily dose of vitamin D. It is hard when the weather is not great, as you stay inside more and therefore don’t get natural sunlight. If you need to grab a vitamin D supplement and get checked by the doctor if you think your levels are low.
Paint or draw – I love drawing and painting, I am not great and not that bad either. Although I am not a paid artist I find it relaxing and fun. I need to do more of this as it is very enjoyable and I might create a great artwork that no one else has.
Do something for you every day – Pick something that is just for you to do each day. It can be a simple, small or big thing. It doesn’t matter what it is just as long as it is something you love and it is just for you only. Yoga, visit a museum, do a course, catch up with a mate, or watch your favourite show on NetFlix.
Listen to different music – Expose yourself to music you wouldn’t normally listen to. You might hate some of it but you might fall in love with a new artist that will be your new favourite music to play.
Meditate – Meditating helps you feel better, be more focused, work better, and of course, be a calmer more switched-on person. Give it a go and see how it helps you during May.
Work on your core – A strong stomach and core help your back. I need to do this and focus on more core to allow a stronger stomach, to then allow better posture and be a stronger woman for the future.
Dedicated time out each day – It is hard to be a busy mum with three kids and not have many opportunities for time out. I need to negotiate and make time happen more for me. Make it happen for you to allow you to recharge.
Visit friends and family – Make sure to drop in on friends and family. Plan regular catch-ups for coffee with a mate to touch base and allow you to be on your own and do something for yourself.
Try a new exercise – I love aqua aerobics and walking but you might want to try joining a gym or boot camp at your local park.
Take up a hobby you have always wanted to do – I have always wanted to learn how to make stained glass windows, and would love to do a workshop to learn more. What would you like to learn? Also, I have a fantasy of becoming a successful painter. Give something a go and have fun!
Be in nature – We stare at too many screens, have a break and be in the bush and stare at plants and nature.
Try new things – Pick something you have wanted to do and just do it!
Travel – Plan a big trip or just go somewhere locally that you have never been before.
Create a vision board -Vision boards are said to help you focus on your goals and dreams. No matter your thoughts on a vision board, give it a go and see how it helps you. You never know right?
Use sunscreen – Sunscreen is super important and not just for times when it is sunny. You can still get burnt when it is cloudy.
Take more baths – Time for you to just relax completely.
Book a hotel for a weekend getaway – Having planned weekend getaways means you are excited and look forward to something rather than going nowhere and getting down in the dumps. Do it now, go and book that hotel.
Drive somewhere different – Have you ever been interested in what is down that street? Well wonder no more, go and find out.
Read a book – Spend some time reading a book you have been desperate to read.
Sleep for eight hours – Sleep is great and helps you feel better and not get sick. Making sure you prioritise sleep is a good idea.
Listen to a podcast – I love listening to Podcasts, it could be a murder mystery, blogging podcast, how someone built their business or something fun from Planet Money or Morbid (I love true crime). You can listen to anything you like.
Get takeaway – Don’t cook and order Thai or other favourite takeaway and have a glass of wine. Or sign up to EveryPlate or HelloFresh to make dinners super easy and put your feet up and relax!
Dark chocolate is good for you – Dark chocolate has been proven to be good for you. Eat a few squares, relax and enjoy!
Relax and do nothing – Sometimes it is nice to just sit and do absolutely nothing. Putting your feet up and resting is a good thing to do. It can reset you and make you feel better too. If you wish you can binge-watch shows on any of the streaming sites.
Hire a babysitter – Hire a babysitter to go out and have some adult time with your partner or your other friends.
Go to a show – Look for what bands or acts are touring and see if you would like to go.
Eat less meat and eat more vegetables – I am a meat eater but like to not eat that much each week. I change it up with fish and vegetables.
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Lately, I realised that I haven’t laughed in a long long time, well I have had little chuckles and found things funny but not really had a big deep laugh. I figured this out when I was listening to a podcast and couldn’t stop laughing when they mispronounced a few words it just got sillier and sillier and yet I couldn’t stop laughing and was in tears nearly.
Work, life, kids, school, work, after-school activities, weekend activities, and more means that it is constantly go go go! When I do get a chance to relax I either fall in a heap and watch a show or go to bed for some long-anticipated sleep lately I’ve not been sleeping well so then getting horrible headaches…so then days of plodding along and not laughing or smiling that much continues on.
Laughing is not only good for your mental health but also for your physical health. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that can help reduce stress, relieve pain, and boost your immune system.
Laughing can also help you relax and reduce tension in your muscles, which can help lower your blood pressure and improve circulation. Additionally, laughing can improve your mood and help you feel more positive and optimistic about life.
While laughing may not make you physically younger, it can certainly make you feel more youthful and energetic. Laughing can help you let go of stress and worries, allowing you to enjoy the present moment and connect with others.
So, if you haven’t been laughing or smiling much lately, it may be time to seek out some sources of humor and joy in your life. Whether it’s watching a funny movie, spending time with friends who make you laugh, or simply practicing laughter exercises, finding ways to laugh and smile more often can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.
Here are some tips on how to laugh more and incorporate more humor into your daily life:
Watch or read something funny: Whether it’s a comedy movie, sitcom, or humorous book, exposing yourself to funny content can help you find humor in everyday situations.
Spend time with funny people: Surround yourself with friends or family members who make you laugh and enjoy their company.
Try laughter yoga: Laughter yoga involves combining breathing exercises with playful, laughter-filled movements, which can help you laugh more and feel more energized. (I honestly had no idea that there was a thing called, Laughter yoga.)
Find humour in everyday situations: Try to find humour in everyday situations, such as a funny mistake or a humorous conversation with a stranger.
Take breaks to do things that make you happy: Engage in activities that bring you joy and laughter, such as playing games, listening to music, or spending time with pets.
Practice gratitude: Focusing on the positive aspects of your life and feeling grateful for what you have can help you cultivate a more positive outlook and a greater sense of joy.
Remember, laughter is contagious, so don’t be afraid to share your joy with others. Making someone else laugh can be just as rewarding as laughing yourself. By incorporating more humor into your life, you can improve your mental and physical well-being and enjoy a more fulfilling life.
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Lately, I have felt frazzled. On edge, tired, annoyed, exhausted, overworked, too much to do, waiting for something to happen and then nothing does, upset, worried about money, worried full stop about everything, unable to do things I had planned, sad that I had to cancel plans that I was looking forward to and a lot of other things that I find I cannot name.
I think all these feelings have stemmed from the COVID Pandemic. As well lockdowns making sure that we are all stuck in a small house and the outcome means that there is no time for anything that I wish to do, or the space to do it, or the money to do it and when I might finally have time I am looking after kids and that means I cannot do my thing at all anyway, so I don’t bother. Yes, no time for me at all!
Sometimes I feel rather sad, miserable, and downright depressed. Sometimes I am feeling happy and upbeat, and then most of the time I am feeling downtrodden and ordinary.
I am getting up and doing what feels like five million jobs. I do a week’s work, and then do more work at night, to then have children argue with me about just helping around the house.
Normally I keep myself busy but for the last two years, I feel like I have been running a marathon non-stop and not getting a break.
Oh, what would I give for an all-expenses trip to a beach somewhere? On this beach, I would have a cocktail in my hand, and I would just be lying on the beach resting. Oh, there is that word, resting….
I have not had much of that lately. The good old downtime to rest. God knows when I have really rested. When I am resting, I am worrying about all the things that are yet to be done.
My weekends consist of being with kids and attempting to get a very messy house for the week ahead, and of course that comes with a tonne of clothes to wash, fold and ask that people put away, but they get added to the bedroom floor and then tossed around, thrown, and of course stomped on to then need washing again.
Geez…. Why can’t someone just do as I ask the first time!!!!!! Put the clothes away. Pick up the mess on the floor! C’mon you say, and all you get is yelling, moaning and doors being slammed in your face. So of course, you give up as all you wish to do is to rest and have a quiet house for a change, however that never happens.
Not sure if being frazzled is a medical term or a condition. Maybe it is a direct outcome of the COVID lockdowns and aftermath it has caused.
This is quite accurate.
You might have thought that it is all getting better in the world. Well, I thought so too. However, my car was recently stolen, driven terribly that it was practically falling apart and then set on fire. Yes, burnt everything down to the ground. If it hadn’t been for the weeks of non-stop rain the stupid horrible beasts and dickheads that took my car could have caused another bushfire. Yes, it was dumped and set on fire in the middle of the national park…. not smart but these are the idiots that steal cars so I guess they don’t think about that type of thing.
I bought the car before the four-month lockdown and have hardly driven it. It seems rather sad but also very ironic, that it is now gone. I did think that I caused the lockdown with my car purchase.
I am still very miserable about the loss of my car. I miss it. My car gave me independence, it allowed me to do whatever I wanted, and now it is gone. I have been fortunate to have good insurance so now I need to find a replacement. I just now need to do all the research I did the first time with my car that is no longer here anymore. Currently, I do have an idea of what I want but it is a bit out of reach now, and yes, another thing to be annoyed about!
Also, a new COVID variant making infections increase is not a good sign of what is to come. I do hope that we don’t have another lengthy lockdown. I could not handle work and home-schooling again. The only solution for this I believe is to lock things down again but personally, I don’t want that to happen either if we have too many more I wonder what the solution will be other than a lockdown?
Let’s just hope that we will still be able to travel in our state as the kids and I are really looking forward to visiting their Grandma and Grandad and also the beach. No offence to my in-laws but the kids, especially the youngest is hanging for the beach (they are excited to see their grandparents but the beach is the highlight at the moment) and I am right there with them. I think we need it after being cooped up not being able to travel.
My fix for feeling frazzled is a holiday (It would be nice to have a little holiday on my own as that would allow for less frazzle). A holiday where I can rest, not worry, just be and finally relax. However, this holiday is coming soon, it is still a while away yet and one that will be greatly welcomed.
I am sure I am not the only one feeling frazzled this year. Have you been feeling all mixed up lately? Is it a feeling of being frazzled and on edge? I feel like this year has just piled more terrible things on top of each other that you just shrug your shoulders and say, of course, yes it makes sense that would happen.
After I am done with work, I need to really focus on getting organised for Christmas. I have the gifts but need to wrap them and loads more to be all good to go for Christmas Day. I just want to be finally done for a bit and put my feet up for a bit longer than 5 minutes, I am sure you know what I mean.
So, as you can see 2021 has been a HUGE year, and I am sure you are in a similar situation. It would be nice to have a bit more luck in 2022 and for the car and holiday gods to smile on me in 2022.
I’ve now put my out of office on and I am officially on holiday! Let the relaxing begin.
Let me know how you are going? Have you been feeling frazzled too?
I took my five-year-old to one of his friend’s birthday parties a few weeks back now, and while the kids were playing some of the mums and I were chatting.
The conversation was about making sure you have clean undies in case you get hit by a bus.
Everyone thought it was odd that our mums told us the same thing. I pointed out it is interesting that it has still been told regardless of age difference and cultural background.
Stylish red clean underpants
We pondered the reason for making sure we had clean and good knickers on in case we were hit by a bus or any other heavy vehicle. It might not be a bus that someone has an unfortunate adventure with. It could be a multitude of other horrible options, and not just a bus.
However the saying “Make sure you are wearing clean underwear, you might get hit by a bus” is not a saying that is only said in Australia. A quick look online shows that this saying is said in America, France, The United Kingdom, New Zealand and Canada. It is possibly said in other places but this is what I could find on Google.
My theory of why my mum said I needed clean undies was just to make sure that I wasn’t wearing stinky old clothes.
Maybe this was a weird way to make sure kids wore clean clothes, scare them about an accident that will most likely never happen!
Personally I don’t think the paramedics, doctors, nurses or anyone would be interested in your knickers if you had a horrible accident. I think their first priority is to make sure you are well, still breathing and tend to your injuries, and yes the sexy undies that you are wearing are not something that people will comment on. Or if you are wearing your daggy every day comfy undies you will be safe from the fashion police at the doctors.
Could it be if you are wearing a skirt or dress and the wind blows your skirt or dress up that your best undies are on display…. admittedly if this happened I would love to be wearing my lacy best and not looking like I’m in my comfy nana undies. However, I really wouldn’t want this to happen at all. However it did but not like you think…
I had to pull over on the side of the M4 (one of the main highways in Sydney), one of the girls when she was about 5 or 6 threw up all over the car! Yes disgusting and I had to get out and sort it all out. Change clothes, get a towel and do what I could. It was about a 40 degree summer day and I was in a dress, It was windy and while bent over dealing with the throw up incident a gust of wind picked up my dress and displayed my black stretchy undies to the whole of the M4. Not glamorous or stylish but it happened. I couldn’t do much about it, and I hope it put some smiles on peoples faces.
One concern is that telling kids, especially girls that they have to have good undies on at all times is a worry. Why? Who is going to see your undies? Why does it matter? It is not like your going to be flashing your undies to everyone! Also people will not think less of you if you do not have on your best ones, no one cares!
I think that telling girls to always be dressed to the best is not great, you need to dress for comfort and do what feels right. Mind you, I asked hubby and his mum said this to him as well, he had to wear clean undies in case of a bus accident too! So I was happy it wasn’t just girls it was said to.
Also if you are indeed in a terrible accident the emergency services will most likely cut off your clothes, so it might be best to not wear the expensive and best pair of knickers. Although, if you are the type of person to wear stunning underwear to feel good, why not. If it makes you feel fabulous, do it! Just don’t do it if your mum said, “Make sure to wear clean underwear in case you get hit by a bus”
I suppose it isn’t just the worry of bus accidents that clean underwear is needed for, whenever I go away I do always pack a lot more underwear. I look at the days that I am away and always add about 3-4 extra pairs. Who knows you might have an accident, get wet, fall over or yes, get hit by a bus! Basically no harm in being prepared and if you need them, you have them, if you don’t you can leave them in your suitcase.
Maybe the whole saying has made me an over packer of underpants? It might have implanted a real concern about any future accidents that could result in me needing clean underwear. Do you over pack underwear when you travel? (mind you with lockdown there has been no travel, so no need to pack any undies ever!)
Are you telling your kids that they need to wear clean underpants in case they get hit by a bus too? I think I am guilty of this. Let me know your thoughts. Also I have been conditioned to say it from my mum and nana so don’t blame me here…seems like everyone was told this weird saying.
I love Dr. Seuss and his books. In fact, I grew up on them and so have my girls and now my little boy as well.
Ted Geisel, American writer and cartoonist, at work on a drawing of the grinch for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
The attraction for me to Dr Seuss’s books is that he has a brilliant imagination, fabulous stories, funny rhymes and stunning artwork to add to his fun captivating stories.
Dr. Seuss I believe was ahead of his time. He wrote books that made reading fun for kids and many like me who have a strong connection to his books learnt to read with many of his most famous titles.
My favourites are: Horton Hears a Who, The Cat in the Hat, Oh the Places You Will Go, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Fox in Socks, The Lorax, Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories and Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! (YES I have too many favourites…I did tell you that I really really like Dr Seuss).
Dr. Seuss or otherwise known as Theodor Seuss Geisel was also a person who believed in looking after our planet, less consumerism and wanted racial equality. Many of his books addressed these topics in a way that kids could understand.
“Geisel’s books express his views on a remarkable variety of social and political issues: The Lorax (1971), about environmentalism and anti-consumerism; The Sneetches (1961), about racial equality; The Butter Battle Book (1984), about the arms race; Yertle the Turtle (1958), about Adolf Hitler and anti-authoritarianism; How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1957), criticizing the materialism and consumerism of the Christmas season; and Horton Hears a Who! (1954), about anti-isolationism and internationalism.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Seuss)
I have fond memories of my mum getting stuck in his tongue twisters while reading me his books. I used to laugh so hard and beg my mum to read them again and again. I am now having fun reading them to my little boy as I did with my twin girls.
The Lorax
My childhood was composed of weird and wonderful childrens shows, HR Puff and Stuff, The Muppets and if you ever picked up a childrens book in the 1970’s the artwork is quite psychedelic compared to the books you get now.
I think this was the reason that many of these books and shows were a hit with kids and adults alike. They were fun, bright and colourful, did something different, made you think and used words that were made up and made you laugh in fits of giggles.
Dr. Seuss’s artwork is also amazing to look at, it is very detailed and just out there. He was a very clever man to write such fun and enjoyable books and to also illustrate them.
Thing 1 and Thing 2 from The Cat in the Hat
So imagine my shock to learn that a school in Loudoun Country in Virginia has decided toban Dr. Seuss from their annual Read Across America day. Dr Seuss books have been involved in this event for over 20 years, and now on his birthday has been banned.
“Dr. Seuss’s birthday is celebrated on March 2 and it celebrates both the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel and the National Education Association to endorse the importance of reading. A lesser-known fact about Dr. Seuss is that he created the word nerd.” (https://nationaltoday.com/dr-seusss-birthday/)
It is such a pity that the school in Virginia has made this horrible decision to ban such clever and inventive books. Have you ever come across writing like this from other writers, NO, Seuss was one of a kind!
The reason for the ban is that his stories feature “strong racial undertones.”
WHAT????? REALLY??????
I have never thought of Dr. Seuss books as being racist, hurtful or harmful in any way.
For me they let kids embrace the silly, the made-up and think that the impossible can be possible.
Dr. Seuss lets kids learn to pronounce weird and wonderful words and some words are just nonsense, but that doesn’t matter. Having the ability to read hard and funny words helps children figure out more words that are hard and then when they read the easier words it will of course be easy for them.
One claim against Dr. Seuss is that there is a lack of girls and women, and yes this is probably true. I am not sure what the answer here is, maybe Theodor Seuss Geisel created more male characters as they were stories written from the perspective of him as a boy, and therefore had more male characters. I think we need to reflect on the story, what it tells us and makes us feel before we jump on why there are not different races represented and also girls as well as boys.
Remember that these books were written a long time ago. You can clearly see that the years that Seuss wrote just a selection of the below titles:
The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, 1938
Horton Hears a Who! 1954
The Cat in the Hat, 1957
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, 1957
Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories, 1958
The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, 1958
Happy Birthday to You!, 1959
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, 1959
Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories, 1958
Green Eggs and Ham, 1960
The Lorax, 1971
Personally, I never thought that Dr Seuss books were racist or horrible in any way. I always liked them for a giggle, fun and creative made-up worlds, words and characters.
It wouldn’t have crossed his mind that he was not including items and characters that we are now believing should be there. As a woman who is a massive fan of the Seuss books, I am not offended in any way that there might not be more girls showcased in the Dr Seuss books.
“As our graph shows. Trends are trending. This is good. Yet, nevertheless, the destination of the trendings is not simple to assess.
As of now, the Uppers are upping and the Downers are droobling down excepting on alternate Thursdays when it works the other way round.
And there occasionally are occasions when some Upper comes a cropper and bottoms out at the bottom. Then… some Bottomer is the Topper.
Consequently, on the other hand, I believe this can be said: you’ll be wise if you step gently whilst you tread on your neighbor’s head.”
As you can see Dr. Seuss was caring and wanted the best for the economy, the environment and the world around him. What he wrote in this poem in 1975 is also current in 2021.
