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Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: dailyprompt-1805


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Play

Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you? – A kind of upbeat question from the daily writing prompt.

I had to think for a second about if I play in daily life. But only for a second or two and then I smiled about the little things I do that would be considered play. Like sneaking up behind my better half. Trading barbs with friends. Taking a few minutes to look at some cartoons from artist I follow or a comedian and laugh.

Sometimes I’ll play at being a plumber, electrician, carpenter, landscaper, mechanic. Sometimes successful but most of the time I come to my senses and call a professional.

Many might say I play at my hobbies all day. I play little games with myself to keep me motivated.

What says “Playtime” to me, is my grandchildren. When they come running to me and grab my hand and take off running saying “play with me” I almost lose my mind with happiness. My grandson wants to ride the tractor each time he visits. He’ll grab me as he gets out of the car and lead me right to the shed.

My granddaughter gets so excited with the sprinkler and splashpads when it’s warm. And of course, one of her favorites is playing Diner with us. She makes up signs and sets up a restaurant and announces her opening and we have a meal. Or she’ll run down the hallway yelling “draw with me” as she ducks into my son’s old room which is “the drawing room” to her.

Ah, play, yeah, I play. But I still think back to when I was very young, and we could play all day outside. That was play. Sports, building forts from woods, riding bikes, skateboards, sleds, tag, ping pong, and every board game known to man.

Those days were cut short for me. Maybe that is why I’m so happy to be part of my grandkids play and fun.

Beach Volleyball in Ocean City MD. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Play and Time

Bloganuary day 2 asks “Do you play in your daily life? What says playtime to you?”

Yes, I enjoy playing in my daily life. From grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and flipping it to see if I can catch it upright to teasing my better half or playing a joke on my friends or children.

I’m recently playing artist and seeing if I can be any good at it. Sports used to be a source of play for many decades of my life but not so much anymore. I used to play games challenging myself at work. When I was younger pinball and foosball were games I loved to play. It’s funny though, I’ve never really played any video games. I did a bit with the kids when they were young and Nitendos were the rage I believe but even then I didn’t care for the electronic-type games. Give me something with touch and feel though and I’m in.

He can play that horn. Photo by Mike Hartley

Oh, we used to play ping pong into the wee hours of the morning. I still like that game. My Son loves tennis and I need to get out on the court with him again now that I have surgically repaired shoulders.

Being a grandparent and having that child run into your arms is the PlayTime alarm bell ringing. I’m always thinking of what might make my grandchildren happy. Usually, they come up with the play agenda and I’m along for the ride. Sometimes I am the ride, no wonder my back hurts. Our basement became a play area for them shortly after they were born but we also get outside a lot. I love going crazy with them chasing or being chased. Anything to hear them laugh. And you know what? I enjoy playing catch or doll house, racing cars or board games, building with Legos or Lincoln Logs, or running through the sprinkler almost as much as they do.

I always have tried to make life fun and play is a big part of that. Which means I’d sometimes find ways to use it at work. Usually in the form of some practical jokes. You had to because some of the characters I’ve worked with are ruthless.

And now that working for someone else has come to an end. It’s about to be some serious playtime.

I can’t imagine a world without play.