Poor Richard - February 16, 2023 | Kids Out and About Pittsburgh <

Poor Richard

February 16, 2023

Debra Ross

If houseplants could run screaming from my presence, they would.

Over the years, it's become a joke among the KidsOutAndAbout.com team: Somehow, I can grow businesses, communities, newsletter readership, and even children fairly successfully... so how is it that I invariably kill anything green that is given to my care? Most of my colleagues are great at plants: Our data team's room is filled with members of Kingdom Plantae that thrive under their attention. But when I'm in charge of something with leaves, its days are numbered.

My colleagues, possibly in a twisted desire to test my "We can do anything if we set our minds to it" mantra, gave me a Richard Simmons Chia Pet for Christmas, and a couple of weeks ago, in my typical "if not me, who?" spirit, I carefully followed the instructions for setting him up. Richard's chest hair, as you can see in the photo above, responded enthusiastically; his head hair, not so much. And as of yesterday, the unsprouted seeds sported a fuzz of gray mold. Poor Richard.

I still hold firmly, though, to the idea that—barring physical or time limitations—anyone seeking health, wealth, or wisdom can do or learn whatever they need or want to if they focus and practice long and hard enough. When the human Richard Simmons was teaching the world about fitness in the '70s and '80s, one of his favorite sayings was "No tricks, gimmicks, special pills, special potions, special equipment. All it takes is desire and will." Richard's Chia Pet kit came with seeds enough for three growing seasons, so I think it's time for another attempt with a new strategy.

Does something in your world need a haircut and a clean slate, too? Plug into a little focus, practice, desire, and will to make that happen today.

Deb