Monday, July 25, 2011

Real, Live Action Figures

Likely, you are familiar with the term, action figures; they are toys that were originally targeted for boys which often represent characters from cartoons or films that can be, through the imagination of their guardians, put into action.  The term surfaced when the toy maker Hasbro introduced GI Joe, and it has been applied to the long list of successors ever since.  Recently, I had the good fortune of spending some time observing my very busy nephews who personify the term action figures that they so passionately love.

It all begins with the detailed plans of 2 weeks of summer vacation spent together.  The check list for which GI Joe's and which trucks to bring was quite complicated.  However, once this detail was settled, then it was necessary to rally "the troops" and get them into troop transporter, the car.  This was accomplished by using an old wheel barrow to haul them to the car, just part of the unfolding, imaginary game, of course.  Next, it was the long convoy to the battlefield on the shores of this remote place that was in jeopardy of being taken by the enemy.  Once the battalion of "action figures" was sufficiently deployed, it was a matter of establishing their command center and doing some on site "recon".  Naturally, once this entire process was complete, it was time to get trenched in for the much anticipated conflict ahead and a full week of fun with his cousin/brother.

The actual "battles", fortunately, were rare and infrequent, but the preparation took a tremendous amount of cooperation and planning.  That was the true story behind these scenes, 2 boys who were just being boys with a common interest in their action figures.  However, from what I witnessed, these 2 diplomats of fun were able to develop a plan, implement that plan, and visualize its unfolding, while working out their respective differences without letting it hamper their overall goal, having fun.  It is remarkable how having a common objective can set the tone for the behavior that unfolds.  That was the real lesson that unfolded, but for these 2 action figures, it was all about spending time with their best friend/cousin.  Mission accomplished!

5 comments:

  1. Another vacation??? Between exercise and fun filled vacations, are you independently wealthy?
    Just askin! You seem to spend oodles of time with your family and exercising! :)

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  2. Great to see the family enjoying their vacations together! Many people do not have that opportunity nor do they want the opportunity to spend the time with family - sad
    to say.

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  3. Hard work pays off when you can have great get-a-ways with friends and family. I observed some of the GI Joe fun along with a cousin who was a GI Jane. And don't forget the action figure lost in the lake overnight. He went from being a RANGER to a SEAL.
    Love
    S

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  4. Independently wealthy...hardly, but I do have those assets that are, shall we say priceless: family, friends, a strong sense of self, good health, and an undying faith.
    Carry on!!!

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  5. Your self confidence has oozed with most blogs about yourself... never can that be doubted!

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