Tuesday, October 26, 2010

treats

"treat" money- pve design illustration
I have a wonderful money memory from my childhood that I would love to share. If my memory serves me correctly, I was in the third grade and we had lots of freedom to ride bikes and time to play. There was a market "Roppels" that I loved to ride my bike to for a "treat."
On occasion, I would ask my Mom for twenty-five cents to go and get a candy bar. My Mom would have to get her "pocket-book" and give me treat money. One of my favorite candy bars was "pay day." It was a treat to ride to the store and to be greeted by the store owner. I think somehow there was a secret language that parents and store owners had in regard to treats. We were only allowed one treat and it was not an everyday event.

As Halloween approaches and the infllux of treats in our homes becomes one part temptation and the other pure cavity tricks for a Dentist to fill. I am suddenly reminded how certain formative experiences shape who we become. Perhaps the age old expression, "like a kid in a candy store"- rings a bell for many of you.

A "treat" should be something to work for, some sort of reward. I thank my Mother for instilling strong values. How do you deal with "treats" at your home.

20 comments:

The Buzz Blog said...

Treats in our home are unexpected surprises - perhaps a chocolate left on the pillow of a bed that is made before school (it doesn't happen too often!) or a chocolate kiss in the backpack for "snack". Whether earned or not, treats are a treat!

Hello Lover... said...

such a sweet image!

julielorusso@gmail.com said...

Cute story and picture!

I'm trying to instill that same idea. But the truth is that I grew up in a house that always had a candy dish. My grandmother had a candy drawer.

I even had one of those candy stations at my wedding. Believe it or not I only got my first cavity last year at age 42. Let's not talk about my back side though :)

Julie

Formerly known as Frau said...

Love your illustration brings back memories of me riding my banana seat bike to 5 and dime for my "treat"! Have a great day!

pve design said...

The Buzz-
Ladies, I am sure that the treat is pure sweet reward in your home and at the office, no doubt, artfully placed and carefully arranged.
I love the idea of placing a treat on a pillow like a fine hotel or in the back-pack.
pve

Hello Lover-
Thanks - and the image is exactly how I remember.
My Mother may not have been decked out exactly so, but I do remember her wearing "dirndl" skirts.
pve

Julie-
Same here, my first cavity was only a year or two ago and I was in complete and utter shock. Perhaps we come from good genes, candy dishes an all. My Grandmother had a secret stash of thin chocolate bars which she would wink and we knew where to go. Some sort of secret covert operation.
I bet that is in your genes too.
Eddie Ross would love your candy station....wedding....love to see photos!
pve

Frau-
I always love seeing the children at the park in Europe with a piece of bread and a bon bon. I mean they have to have something, dinner is never served til 8, right? I'd faint away.
Hope you are ready for all the trick-or-treaters.
pve

Anonymous said...

I love the detail you put into your work, Patricia. The mulese, the long bunny ears, the stylish "pocket book"....I always look at the big picture and then search out the little treats in your artwork!

I firmly agree with hardwork. It is very important to instill this in our children. I try to reward with special activites, like an extra book at bedtime, or a trip to feed the ducks in downtown Annapolis. I do reward with candy and spending money, too :)

La Maison Fou said...

Great memory, mine was of pen money ($). A few coins, and a trip to the TG&Y ( DOLLAR STORE ) of days gone by.
Oh how I can close my eyesand remember that place!
L.

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Your illustration is precious! There are too many treats in our house, usually brought in from parties, etc., no need to actually bring in any myself! I try to have the kids earn them (and all privileges)...it is a constant effort.
Janell

Unknown said...

Treats are rewards....and can be earned by good behavior or just because.

One child loves candy, while the other doesn't. The little one has been known to try and find my stash. I try not to laugh out loud to encourage it, but it is pretty funny seeing a little boy drag a chair over to a cabinet he just can't reach!

Kwana said...

I'm crazy for this drawing. Treas are not like they used to be when we were kids. It's all muddled now.

Leslie Fehling said...

We had a little neighborhood store that we could walk to, just us kids, all alone. They had penny candy, so a quarter went a long way. We stood there for ages, agonizing over what to choose. (I don't know how that shop keeper had the patience to wait for us to decide.) Then walking home, eating our candy on a hot summer afternoon - what bliss!

Love your drawing, Patricia!

Joyce said...

A wonderful "treat" for me is to pop over here and see your beautiful art!

Ahhhh... the corner store brings back wonderful memories. xo

Laurie said...

Love the treat money illustration. We also were allowed to ride our bikes to the corner store and buy a treat every now and then. It's a very good childhood memory!

Brillante Interiors said...

I love this story and your mom is a very smart lady and it shows on her talented daughter. It is so easy to give gifts and treats but they mean nothing. It is difficult to instill values, but it pays back!

Unknown said...

What a lovely illustration.
In my childhood such treats were rare, but I remember my grandmother's visits and always getting some small gift, a tiny toy or chocolate, something we did not have often growing up in East Germany!
Treats come often as reward in our house, occasionally they slip in just so and more often they are of the non- candy kind. One - to -one time with a parent is highly prized in our family!

Victoria

MySanSouci said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your illustration. Yes, I agree that treats should be earned and sometimes unexpected. Happy Halloween!

Aspiring Kennedy said...

there is something to the notion of indulding on something every once in a while in a special way... than just being spoiled. definitely agree with you here...

hope you are having a good week, friend!

Dana said...

Brings back wonderful memories and what a darling illustration!

Emily said...

That is such a darling story and illustration. I love it and your message. I remember going to the candy/5&10. It was a treat! And what a quarter could buy...

Tiffany from HOLIDAY said...

I've read that you should not reward your child with food b/c that later manifests in adulthood...you treat yourself b/c you've had a bad day, you deserve it, etc. And I have to say, I totally do that! So I'm trying hard not to make food a reward with my little one, impart moderation, but kind of not make it a big deal either way.