Valarie Budayr's Blog, page 119
November 7, 2011
Robin Hood Boy
A year ago my little family and I made our first trip to Maine. My young son who has had a fascination with bows and arrows for the last three years couldn't help being in awe as we were visiting the L.L Bean headquarters in Freeport Maine. There, they have the nicest bow and arrow shooting range, the only problem is you have to be 12 years old. At the time little "O" was exactly 11 and a half years old. 6 whole months shy of being able to test a real bow and arrow.
When young son heard we would be visiting Maine again this year, my child with the memory of an elephant would not stop talking about testing a bow and arrow.
Finally his dream came true and a wonderful man who saw the glimmer in my child's eye took the time to let him experience a real bow and arrow.
First, we must figure out which eye is dominant.
How one scopes out the target.
Proper bow and arrow holding.
Pulling back the bow with a gentle release.
Yes my little "O" is a real marksman. The joy on his face and the reality that a "real" bow is as wonderful as he thought it would be. He has since joined the archery team at school and continues to make his own bows and arrows. It is so fun to see a childhood passion blossom into something bigger. So here's to my little robin hood boy who dreamt and waited so long to have a go at a real bow and arrow.
October 27, 2011
Boys Alive and a Carnival
Hi Everyone,
It's been a busy week but I wanted to pop in to share with you that tomorrow I'll be speaking at the Boys Alive event at 4 pm Eastern and 1 pm Pacific. IT'S FREE!!!!!
It's been an incredible 3 week event. Which has really built a fabulous foundation for working with the "boys" in your life.
For those of you who would like to hear all three weeks for Event, plus get the Summary and Action Plans, you'll be ENTERED TO WIN the COMPLETE Rick Riordan catalog, completments of Jump into A Book. What a fabulous gift any boy would love!
Here is a little bit more about this weeks speakers.
From the Boys Alive Site:
Boys are in trouble. High school drop-out rates are increasing and the number of males attending college is decreasing. This has SERIOUS implications for future income-earning potential and overall life satisfaction.
And it all begins in PRE-SCHOOL!
· Boys tend to think school is for girls (and especially language arts!)
· Popular media reinforces the notion that boys and men don't read. (When was the last time you saw a superhero or sports figure reading?)
· If he shows enthusiasm for school, especially language arts, he may not be perceived by his peers as a real boy.
WHAT DO WE DO?
LISTEN IN as experts give you the map. They will guide YOU, so that you can guide HIM to become a confident reader and writer.
And be sure to let your son's school teachers and administrators know about this amazing collaboration of experts:
Dr. Thomas Newkirk, author of Misreading Masculinity – boys, literacy, and popular culture, brings insights into boys and their relationship to sports, movies, video games and other popular culture. He sees these media not as enemies of literacy, but as resources for literacy.
Kelley King, author of Strategies for Teaching Boys and Girls, will present practical strategies and activities that have been field tested in real classrooms to harness the unique strengths of girls and boys.
Michael McQueen is a school librarian and a confessed reluctant reader! He provides unique ways to engage boys via their interests. He is the author of several websites that provide support for boys and reading.
Emily Rempe is a physical therapist and mom. She hosts a website that provides practical, daily activity suggestions to parents of 0 to 5 year old children. By supporting age-appropriate, early learning activities in the home, children are more prepared when they enter school.
Valarie Budayr, publisher and author of The Fox Diaries, shares ways to get boys actively involved in reading through projects, field trips, and other activities. She knows boys need to move to learn and she helps parents and teachers with creative ways to do that!
We know you worry…and wonder…about your boy. If you're a teacher, we know you worry and wonder, too.
Change that worry into decisive action with the help of these experts!
REGISTER NOW and have immediate access to our Treasure Chest of gifts from our speakers. These gems alone are priceless!
I highly recommend Janet and the experts she's interviewed - if you're serious about parenting your boy in a more successful way – you won't want to miss this ground-breaking on-line Event!
Carnival of Children's Literature.
photo by Stuck in Customs
Tomorrow as well, Jump Into a Book will be hosting the Carnival of Children's Literature. Sponsored by the Kidlitosphere blog and website, the monthly Carnival of Children's Literature shares some great post from kidlit bloggers. Come over tomorrow and meet some of my book loving friends.
October 25, 2011
Colors and Flatbread
Wherever we roam, I love to look for graffiti or the ever famous wall/building art. Lucky for me Portland Maine has both.
This parking lot speaks volumes to me. Such a community art project which evolves daily due to the variety of autos that park there. Love the sun shining on the lighthouse while artists have claimed their fame with increbile colors.
And this building, from plans to building. Amazing tromp l'oeil. Portland holds many such treasures but for me I just needed a little pause in my day, a little I don't know quoi while I waited for my wandering children. A pass by the bard was in order.
I really appreciate a barista who makes art in my cup. This barista read my mind with the heart in the foam. I just really love my coffee. Sorry but I can't help it. After sitting a spell my roving children, who know their mother well, found me here and suggested we go to one of our favorite restaurants for lunch, Flatbread. " Mom, I've been dreaming of Flatbread since we've left the last time."
I just love it when I can make their dreams come true. Especially the simple kind.
This is a lovely organic restaurant right on the waterfront. Announcing the area farms where your food comes from, is just another way to "Meet What You Eat".
Inside is a "wood fire breathing" oven as my son would say. Nothing could kiss a pat of dough with fresh vegetables on it than this oven. It gives a brilliant glow and warm atmosphere to our meal.
October 21, 2011
This Moment
{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
October 20, 2011
Chasing Friday Night Marimbas
Though it is October, we had the gift recently of being chased by the last days of summer warmth and sun in Portland Maine. Artists, musicians, food vendors, and the people of Portland, all joined together to celebrate their creativity during the First Friday Artwalk.
As we walked along the street, we heard this great rhythm with an incredible melody being played over the top of it. "Follow your ears" is what I beackoned to the kids. As we neared our destination the music grew louder and the swarms of happy people grew larger. All of these little signs, indicating we were in for a real treat.
Turning the corner we were met by this
Felted mallets hitting hardwood from tropical forests spilling out their happy tunes to all who listened.
The Maine Marimba Ensemble plays arrangements of traditional and contemporary Zimbabwean Music.
Their music is infectious. At first it seems they are playing for the masses, to give us a moment of joy rising but don't let this fool you because before too long I know you'd be clapping, dancing, and singing along too. This music is for all to embrace.
Enough of this already! If a picture is worth a thousand words than the real deal must be even better. Wishing and giving you a happy moment in your day.
October 19, 2011
The Magic Fairy Forest
From the sea, sister continued her island discovery with her brother. Through the forest they walked,
collecting bits of shells, moss, sticks, bark and stones, it was clear that they were not in any forest.
As far as the eye could see in every direction, there were fairy houses of all shapes and sizes.
Knowing the law of a fairy forest, the brother and sister quickly looked for the boundary log and asked permission to " Please, will you let us enter gently? We bring bits of things to build with."
And with that they crossed over the boundary log. Boy began in earnest to build a new structure.
Sister, realizing that a very large wind had recently blown in by viewing all of the fallen trees, decided to repair those houses which had been so badly damaged.
Our morning was spent in this very wonderful place. Mackworth Island is just outside of Portland Maine. It hosts both sea and forest views and a completely magical fairy forest.
Leaving with enchanted memories, the brother and sister said "Farewell to the Forest" and never allowed to say a true goodbye they just said "See Ya" to the fairy folk.
If you should find your way there, listen closely to the wind and I'm sure you will hear the laughter of the flighted ones known as fairies.
October 17, 2011
An Island Exploration
Since seeing Mackworth Island last year, all the boy could talk about was bringing his sister Mimi back so they could go exploring together. Recently that dream came true.
As they walked towards the water, little brother recounted to big sister everything that had happened the year before. Patiently she listened, enjoying the world through her brother's eyes.
Climbing down a long flight of stairs and over layered rocks. They walked along the shore exploring tidepools, and sharing discoveries.
Little gifts from the sea were found and even a living specimen.
Gently the boy put the shell back in the water hoping he would give it a chance for survival. Just waiting on the rock, however, was an ever watching seagull.
After taking this photo I looked up and both of them had gone. I decided to just sit where I was and wait for them to return. After a bit I noticed one and then the other, a metaphor for life I suppose. No matter how far away they go they eventually return.
Here's wishing you a wonderful day.
October 14, 2011
This Moment
{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
