Hip, but not hipster!

As I sit here listening to Fleet Foxes, in my hoody, next to my daughter (who is pounding her bottle faster than I'll probably be able to post this blog)... I'm realizing how much I secretly wish I were a hippie.  The thing is, if I were a hippie at least I'd BE a label.  Everyone says they don't want to be labeled anything, individualism and all that crap... but truth be told, it's easier to have a label, people like them more than they know, because it gives people an idea of the kind of person you are without them having to really know you.   I have this new book called "The Creative Family", it is AWESOME.  It pretty much sums up my theories on toys that I try to describe to my family members on the types of toys I want for Vi and why. (See paragraph at bottom) It'd be easier if I were just a hippie and could get away with "she's just a hippie, and won't let her kids have anything but natural toys, what a weirdo".  But instead I have to explain myself. (I know i don't HAVE to explain myself, iI just feel that way more.)  I also like how hippies do the whole "all natural" lifestyle...or at least try to.  It's honestly just a great thing, health wise and stuff.  I do this for my daugther and wish I did it more for me. Also if I were a hippie, I'd have a lot more friends who share my AMAZING taste in music (I'm not biased, I just know the best music to listen to is all.)  It seems when I go to any show of the bands that I love, there's a bunch of hippies.   Also, if I were a hippie, I could dance with a hula hoop at shows.  I mean, who doesn't want to do that?!  I do. 

But I don't have the hippie look that goes with the hoola  hoop... I think you need the look.   If I were a hippie I also could smoke pot.  JUST KIDDING.  geez, don't freak out.  I don't want to smoke pot (nor have I ever even considered it for a moment, I don't want to be stupid.) 

There are just as many reasons I am glad I do not fit with the hippie stereotype.  One, I hate pot.  I mean, not just cause it's illegal and I think following the law is typically is a good idea.  Or not even because it's a drug and well, drugs are bad (I learned that in 6th grade, thanks DARE!).  But mostly because it smells bad... really, really bad.   Which brings me to point number two:  Hippies smell bad.   I'm actually all about natural stuff (like I said in my last paragraph on what I like about hippies) however, not in regards to your body.  I don't care if deodarant may have terrible chemicals, it's better than smelling a person from across the room.  Since we're on the topic of bodies, I could never be a hippie because not shaving is GROSS.  It just is, shave your legs (you know who I'm talking about here)
I need some kind of label for a half hippie... I guess I'll just be hip.   yeeeaaahhh... I'm hip!  Very original I know.  Not ridiculous at all that I just went there.   Don't even get me started on hipsters.  Vi is done with her bottle anyway, no hipster rant today.


From "The Creative Family" by Amanda Blake Soule
"Do the tools and toys around you evoke a feeling of beauty?  By choosing carefully what toys you bring into your home, you can encourage a love and appreciation for good design and craftsmanship. "
"Many modern toys are sophisticated and technologically complicated, which certainly have their place and importance in our lives.  But the downside is that they often eliminate a need for imagination when playing.   If there's a toy that does it all for you, there's little room left for creativity."
"When it comes to playthings for our children, I can't emphasize enough that for creative play, less really is more in regard to toys.  A sad product of our modern world is that our children are taught early on to over-consume and to want more, more and more.  When there are too many things around, there's little room for imagination."