43     CANDY STORE   

KEY CONCEPTS:  enthusiasm, excess, composure, choices, possibilities, immaturity, a child, sense overload.

MESSAGE:  It’s a great day to play in a candy store, and this youngster’s the proverbial kid.  Right now, she’s in hog heaven, filling her hands, (and several large bags) full of sweet-to-eat treats. Her enthusiasm runs boundless…but would her smile be as big with nothing but cavities showing? Or when her bellyache arrives after gorging to her heart’s content?   Is it so spectacular to hit the sugary motherlode?  There’s a reason why “no” is the better answer to desire.  Your stomach would sour if Mommy let you chomp down all that candy in a single sitting.

That may be, we shall see.  Joy comes easy in the Candy Store, just as it’s easy to whine and moan when you’re paying the piper for overindulgence.  Recovery from your tummy ache might ignite a sparkling mood elevation and a victory Watusi!  Whoops—a sudden tumble squelched the fun when you sprained your ankle. Your attitude loses altitude fast, drifting southward into a pout.  Saddled with crutches the rest of summer?  Bummer!  Wait a minute…who’s that at the door?  A bevy of your besties bearing awesome get-well gifts? Bodacious!  It’s a wild ride once you jump on that rollercoaster.  Have you placed excessive emphasis on external events?  Maybe it’s good, maybe it’s bad…no need to gloat nor throw a tantrum.  Composure can remain consistent no matter what; lick your lollipop and keep your calm. 

One day this child could own the whole Candy Store, but only when she’s overcome her need to devour all the confections.  Pleasure-seeking is a wrong turn but finding Spirit brings every yummy thing your way.  Have you been chasing candy instead of searching out the candy maker?  Sugar lingers on your fingers when you’re the one passing out all the sweets.

RELATED SITES:  SEE’S CANDY GLENDORA CA; FLAGSTAFF CHOCOLATE SHOP, FLAGSTAFF AZ; ROUTE 66 CANDY SHOP, CATOOSA, OK; URANUS FUDGE FACTORY, URANUS, MO; THE NUT HOUSE, CLAREMORE, OK, CROWN CANDY KITCHEN, ST. LOUIS, MO; SWEET SHOPPE CANDY STORE, FLAGSTAFF, AZ, MOTHER ROAD FUDGE FACTORY & CANDY SHOP, LIVINGSTON, IL.