Sherry Alexander's Blog, page 13
May 25, 2014
Kids With Parents In Jail: The Emotional Turmoil
All parents know the emotional turmoil a young child goes through when parents drop him/her off for the first time at daycare or kindergarten--the clinging, the tears, and the need for reassurance that the parent is not leaving for good.Now imagine the emotional impact on a child who has his/her parents taken from them by a police officer, court, and judge. There is no accurate number of how many kids are faced with having an incarcerated parent or parents. Estimates run the gambit from 1.7 million to 7 million kids. And, there are very few studies regarding the emotional trauma these kids experience.
However, this series is not about estimates, studies, or even what people think about the parents who get themselves into a situation where they are required to do the time for their crime. This series is about the kids who, in fact, become the victims of the crime as well. It is about what they experience when their parents are no longer their caregivers, and how we can help them through the trauma.
When a parent goes to jail, a child feels the loss. It doesn't matter if the parent is good or bad. If the parent is all that the child knows, then he/she feels the loss, a sense of abandonment, anxiety, and even depression over what has occurred. True, in most cases, these kids stay with family members until their parents are released, but they still lose the home they have known, the people they looked to for emotional support, and the routine that made them feel safe. In addition, the family member who takes over their care is often coping with their own emotional trauma. Very few of the kids, or their new caregivers, receive the emotional support they really need. So, what happens to the child?
Simply put--the child suffers. Sometimes the suffering is externalized through behavior issues, bullying, or displays of anger. Sometimes the suffering is internalized, and manifests itself through moodiness, irritability, inability to concentrate, lack of appetite, lack of interest in what is going on around them, and even forms of self mutilation such as cutting. It can even lead to suicide.
So, what is being done to help kids through the emotional turmoil? Next week, I will examine two programs that are reaching out to kids with parents in jail.
However, this series is not about estimates, studies, or even what people think about the parents who get themselves into a situation where they are required to do the time for their crime. This series is about the kids who, in fact, become the victims of the crime as well. It is about what they experience when their parents are no longer their caregivers, and how we can help them through the trauma.
When a parent goes to jail, a child feels the loss. It doesn't matter if the parent is good or bad. If the parent is all that the child knows, then he/she feels the loss, a sense of abandonment, anxiety, and even depression over what has occurred. True, in most cases, these kids stay with family members until their parents are released, but they still lose the home they have known, the people they looked to for emotional support, and the routine that made them feel safe. In addition, the family member who takes over their care is often coping with their own emotional trauma. Very few of the kids, or their new caregivers, receive the emotional support they really need. So, what happens to the child?
Simply put--the child suffers. Sometimes the suffering is externalized through behavior issues, bullying, or displays of anger. Sometimes the suffering is internalized, and manifests itself through moodiness, irritability, inability to concentrate, lack of appetite, lack of interest in what is going on around them, and even forms of self mutilation such as cutting. It can even lead to suicide.
So, what is being done to help kids through the emotional turmoil? Next week, I will examine two programs that are reaching out to kids with parents in jail.
May 18, 2014
KIDS WITH PARENTS IN JAIL
With over 2.4 million people in prison in the United States, we need to start asking, "What about the kids who have parents in jail".Incarcerated parents is not a subject that comes up in many social circles. Sure, there are those occasional local news flashes that show a father or mother going to prison, and the saying "don't do the crime if you can't do the time" swirls through our brain. But, what about the kids?
What happens to them? Where do they go? Do they know why their parent(s) are taken from them? Do they suffer psychological repercussions from their parent's absence? How do they feel when they are shuffled off to live with a relative, put into a state facility, or assigned to a foster home? How do they cope with losing a parent? Can they visit their parent(s)? Can they write to them? Do their parents write back to them? How does parent and child stayed connected? Should they stay connected? How can you encourage a child to talk about their feelings? And, what can we all do to help them cope?
These are all questions I intend to cover in my new "Kids With Parents In Jail" series. For the next six weeks, my blog will discuss the problems children face when their parent(s) are incarcerated. In the mean time, here is some food for thought from The Sentencing Project:In 2007, there were an estimated 1.7 million kids with a parent in prisonFrom 1991-2007, there was an 80% increase in the number of children with a parent in prison59% of parents in state prisons and 45% in federal prisons have not had personal visits with their children since their incarceration.Finally, if you want to read about one kid's experiences or motives for becoming a bully as a result of her parents incarceration, check out Mikki Sadil's new book Cheers, Chocolate, and Other Disasters. Both of the parents of the antagonist, Celine Carroll, are in prison. As a result, she is seeking to ruin the life of the man's daughter who put them in jail. After reading the book, I believe any child who has a parent in jail could become a "Celine" if we fail acknowledge the problems he/she faces.
Children should never pay for their parents' crimes.
What happens to them? Where do they go? Do they know why their parent(s) are taken from them? Do they suffer psychological repercussions from their parent's absence? How do they feel when they are shuffled off to live with a relative, put into a state facility, or assigned to a foster home? How do they cope with losing a parent? Can they visit their parent(s)? Can they write to them? Do their parents write back to them? How does parent and child stayed connected? Should they stay connected? How can you encourage a child to talk about their feelings? And, what can we all do to help them cope?
These are all questions I intend to cover in my new "Kids With Parents In Jail" series. For the next six weeks, my blog will discuss the problems children face when their parent(s) are incarcerated. In the mean time, here is some food for thought from The Sentencing Project:In 2007, there were an estimated 1.7 million kids with a parent in prisonFrom 1991-2007, there was an 80% increase in the number of children with a parent in prison59% of parents in state prisons and 45% in federal prisons have not had personal visits with their children since their incarceration.Finally, if you want to read about one kid's experiences or motives for becoming a bully as a result of her parents incarceration, check out Mikki Sadil's new book Cheers, Chocolate, and Other Disasters. Both of the parents of the antagonist, Celine Carroll, are in prison. As a result, she is seeking to ruin the life of the man's daughter who put them in jail. After reading the book, I believe any child who has a parent in jail could become a "Celine" if we fail acknowledge the problems he/she faces.
Children should never pay for their parents' crimes.
May 11, 2014
YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT BOOKS FOR KIDS: THIS IS A COVER REVEAL OF A NEW MG BOOK YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE
Cover Reveal – Curse of the Granville Fortune by Kelly Hashway and Giveaway
Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
Curse of the Granville Fortune by Kelly Hashwaypresented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
Find the fortune, break the curse!
The hunt is on for an ancient treasure tied to nine-year-old J.B.'s family history. He's been having visions that make him sweaty, lightheaded, and certain he’s turning into some kind of freak—or worse, going insane. But things are worse than he imagined. The visions stem from a family curse. An ancient ancestor was accused of stealing the massive Granville fortune, and now J.B.’s entire family will suffer.
To break the curse, J.B. must find and return the Granville’s stolen property. But he's not the only one searching for the treasure. As he sets out on his journey through a dark and foreboding forest, he'll battle his worst fears and fight terrifying creatures along the way. And when he meets two others who share the missing pieces of his visions and suffer from the same curse, the three soon realize they need to work together to break the curse before it's too late.
Reading is a thing of magic. It has allowed me to enter into worlds I never would have known. I’ve cried, laughed, and been scared right alongside my favorite characters. And my hope is that one day kids will do the same for my characters. I want kids to see that reading is one of the greatest gifts. Luckily, my daughter already agrees with me!
Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
(Winners will receive their book on release day)
May 5, 2014
Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Thunderstorms . . .Oh My! What are kids to do?
When the weather turns against us, adults are not the only ones who think the end of our world might be coming. Kids worry whether life will be the same too.I was a kid during the worst storm to hit the Pacific Northwest in the 20th Century occurred. Called the Columbus Day Storm, it hit Portland on October 12, 1962, and I can tell you from my viewpoint it was both terrifying and exciting at the same time. As one of 14 cousins--all under the age of 12 years--jammed into my Aunt's living room, I was awe-struck by the power of the wind. When it first began, two of my older cousins took me outside to feel the 40 mph wind as it pushed us down the block on our skates. There was no fear, no worrying, no terror. It was just a windstorm and it looked like fun. However, within an hour, it changed as the winds increased to 100 mph.
While the adults were busy trying to bring two elderly neighbors inside, all of us kids stood huddled behind a picture window and watched trees break in half, a power line com down, and the neighbor's roof fly away. When our aunt saw us by the window, she screamed and rushed us into the bathroom. We had no idea about the danger. To us, it was exciting and we didn't want to miss it. Then things changed. A neighbor was trapped. Our uncle heard the shouts for help, and dashed out of the house. I'll never forget how the sight of him--battered, bruised, bleeding from a gash in his forehead, and covered in dirt, debris and blood, looked when he came back inside. That is when we realized the windstorm was not exciting, it was dangerous.
The tornadoes that hit the Midwest last week reminded me how unprepared we kids were during that horrific windstorm. The little ones had nightmares for months, and the rest of us never viewed the wind the same. Are there ways to prepare kids for tornadoes, hurricanes, windstorms,earthquakes, etc.? And, better yet, are there ways to help ease a child's terror after a catastrophic event? The answer is YES.
Develop a safety plan: Identify where they go in the house to be safe, or where the family will meet if something happens when they are not at home. Help them make a storm kit that includes a flashlight, battery-powered games, extra batteries, puzzles, a tablet, markers or crayons, or anything else that would keep them busy if the lights go out or the storm is raging outside.During the storm, let the kids know exactly what is going on as simply as you can. Make sure you set an example of calm (kids feed off the emotions of the adults around them). Listen to your kids fears, and acknowledge them. Comfort them, and let them know that whatever happens, it is not their fault (kids tend to take on the blame for catastrophic incidents).After the storm, spend time together. I know this can be difficult when the house is destroyed, or there is so much cleanup to do, but it is the most important thing you can do for a child. Being together will make them feel safe. Empower them. Storms take away their control. Give it back to them by assigning them tasks, and praising them to rebuild their self-esteem. And above all, watch for signs of stress. Bed-wetting, nightmares, aggression, changes in behavior, and a fear of being alone are all signs of stress in a child. Help them talk about their feelings, or talk to your family doctor. Hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, windstorms, earthquakes, landslides, and every other natural disaster are tragic events. Help your kids know the dangers, but give them hope.
While the adults were busy trying to bring two elderly neighbors inside, all of us kids stood huddled behind a picture window and watched trees break in half, a power line com down, and the neighbor's roof fly away. When our aunt saw us by the window, she screamed and rushed us into the bathroom. We had no idea about the danger. To us, it was exciting and we didn't want to miss it. Then things changed. A neighbor was trapped. Our uncle heard the shouts for help, and dashed out of the house. I'll never forget how the sight of him--battered, bruised, bleeding from a gash in his forehead, and covered in dirt, debris and blood, looked when he came back inside. That is when we realized the windstorm was not exciting, it was dangerous.
The tornadoes that hit the Midwest last week reminded me how unprepared we kids were during that horrific windstorm. The little ones had nightmares for months, and the rest of us never viewed the wind the same. Are there ways to prepare kids for tornadoes, hurricanes, windstorms,earthquakes, etc.? And, better yet, are there ways to help ease a child's terror after a catastrophic event? The answer is YES.
Develop a safety plan: Identify where they go in the house to be safe, or where the family will meet if something happens when they are not at home. Help them make a storm kit that includes a flashlight, battery-powered games, extra batteries, puzzles, a tablet, markers or crayons, or anything else that would keep them busy if the lights go out or the storm is raging outside.During the storm, let the kids know exactly what is going on as simply as you can. Make sure you set an example of calm (kids feed off the emotions of the adults around them). Listen to your kids fears, and acknowledge them. Comfort them, and let them know that whatever happens, it is not their fault (kids tend to take on the blame for catastrophic incidents).After the storm, spend time together. I know this can be difficult when the house is destroyed, or there is so much cleanup to do, but it is the most important thing you can do for a child. Being together will make them feel safe. Empower them. Storms take away their control. Give it back to them by assigning them tasks, and praising them to rebuild their self-esteem. And above all, watch for signs of stress. Bed-wetting, nightmares, aggression, changes in behavior, and a fear of being alone are all signs of stress in a child. Help them talk about their feelings, or talk to your family doctor. Hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, windstorms, earthquakes, landslides, and every other natural disaster are tragic events. Help your kids know the dangers, but give them hope.
April 28, 2014
THE RELEASE OF TWO BOOKS YOUR KIDS WILL ENJOY
I am pleaded to announce the release of two new books for kids from fellow authors that I admire."If we take a special one from the sea, the sea will take a special one from us. Or maybe, Little Orchid thinks, a not-so-special one."
Little Orchid's Sea Monster Trouble is written by fellow author, Claudine Gueh Yanting, for readers 9 and up. It is a story about Little Orchid, a 9 year old girl who thinks she causes too much trouble for her family. Set in a Malaysian fishing village in the 1960s, Little Orchid discovers her mother's trust and family's love when she turns into a cuttlefish. It is an excellent book for kids, but also for parents, grandparents, and anyone who loves children and worry about their feelings. It is available as an ebook through Amazon from Carryusoffbooks. You can also follow her blog like I do at www.carryusoffbooks.com
"When a new girl comes to town, nothing in AJ's life is safe from disaster . . . not even cheer leading and chocolate."
Written by the author of The Freedom Thief, Mikki Sadil, Cheers, Chocolate, and Other Disasters is for the tween and teen reader. I am only half way through the book at this post, but I can tell you it is a great read and Mikki is a fantastic author.
AJ has everything going for her--a championship mare, cheer leading, and great best friends until her world gets turned upside down. AJ becomes the victim of psychological and emotional bullying (and you all know how I feel about bullying). It is available at all ebook retailers from MuseitUp Publishing.
I love Mikki's blog. You can follow it with me at mikki-wordpainter.blogspot.com
Little Orchid's Sea Monster Trouble is written by fellow author, Claudine Gueh Yanting, for readers 9 and up. It is a story about Little Orchid, a 9 year old girl who thinks she causes too much trouble for her family. Set in a Malaysian fishing village in the 1960s, Little Orchid discovers her mother's trust and family's love when she turns into a cuttlefish. It is an excellent book for kids, but also for parents, grandparents, and anyone who loves children and worry about their feelings. It is available as an ebook through Amazon from Carryusoffbooks. You can also follow her blog like I do at www.carryusoffbooks.com
"When a new girl comes to town, nothing in AJ's life is safe from disaster . . . not even cheer leading and chocolate."
Written by the author of The Freedom Thief, Mikki Sadil, Cheers, Chocolate, and Other Disasters is for the tween and teen reader. I am only half way through the book at this post, but I can tell you it is a great read and Mikki is a fantastic author. AJ has everything going for her--a championship mare, cheer leading, and great best friends until her world gets turned upside down. AJ becomes the victim of psychological and emotional bullying (and you all know how I feel about bullying). It is available at all ebook retailers from MuseitUp Publishing.
I love Mikki's blog. You can follow it with me at mikki-wordpainter.blogspot.com
April 20, 2014
Bully Injustice
When did recording a bully's taunts become wire-tapping?That is the question I would like to ask South Fayette High School principal Scott Milburne. This story hit the news last week, and it still has me reeling. All of you who read my blog know how I feel about bullying. It needs to stop!
So why didn't the Pennsylvania high school teachers step up and stop the bullying of their 15 year old student?
It seems that the young student was taunted on a daily basis for several months by other kids, and most of it was done right in front of his teachers. According to him, bullies had tripped, shoved, taunted, and even threatened to burn him with a cigarette lighter. When no one stepped forward to stop it, the boy decided to prove he was being bullied by recording the bullies themselves. He made a seven minute recording of an incident in math class that occurred while the teacher was working with him to solve a problem. In the recording, the bullies were clearly heard taunting him in front of the teacher, and the teacher did nothing. Of course, we cannot hear this recording for ourselves because the principal ordered it erased. Then he called police and told them to arrest the 15 year old for wire-tapping.
I would like to know where the school's mission statement comes into play in the scheme of things.
"The mission of the South Fayette School District, in partnership with the community, is to cultivate academic, artistic, and athletic excellence by instilling a spirit of collaboration and communication to develop confident, ethical, and responsible leaders."
Allowing the bullying of a student is not developing confident, ethical, and responsible leaders. It is creating a hostile and confrontational environment that allows dishonest, and dishonorable students to wreak havoc on the vulnerable.
My heart goes out to this 15 year old. I hope he can recover from this episode and become a confident, ethical, and responsible community leader who stands up for what is right. To the principal, all I can say is "STOP BULLYING by teaching kids how to treat everyone with respect, and help teachers stand up for what is right and put a stop to bullying immediately."
So why didn't the Pennsylvania high school teachers step up and stop the bullying of their 15 year old student?
It seems that the young student was taunted on a daily basis for several months by other kids, and most of it was done right in front of his teachers. According to him, bullies had tripped, shoved, taunted, and even threatened to burn him with a cigarette lighter. When no one stepped forward to stop it, the boy decided to prove he was being bullied by recording the bullies themselves. He made a seven minute recording of an incident in math class that occurred while the teacher was working with him to solve a problem. In the recording, the bullies were clearly heard taunting him in front of the teacher, and the teacher did nothing. Of course, we cannot hear this recording for ourselves because the principal ordered it erased. Then he called police and told them to arrest the 15 year old for wire-tapping.
I would like to know where the school's mission statement comes into play in the scheme of things.
"The mission of the South Fayette School District, in partnership with the community, is to cultivate academic, artistic, and athletic excellence by instilling a spirit of collaboration and communication to develop confident, ethical, and responsible leaders."
Allowing the bullying of a student is not developing confident, ethical, and responsible leaders. It is creating a hostile and confrontational environment that allows dishonest, and dishonorable students to wreak havoc on the vulnerable.
My heart goes out to this 15 year old. I hope he can recover from this episode and become a confident, ethical, and responsible community leader who stands up for what is right. To the principal, all I can say is "STOP BULLYING by teaching kids how to treat everyone with respect, and help teachers stand up for what is right and put a stop to bullying immediately."
April 13, 2014
THE ART OF GIVING
What is the art of giving? Generally speaking, the art of giving is the expression of one's creative way of sharing. It can be both intrinsic and extrinsic, and it encompasses many areas in life. We give what we can, when we can, and how we can.
Children are intrinsic givers. Sharing comes naturally to them. Sure, there are times when toddlers learn the word "mine" and refuse to share their favorite toy, but as a whole, they willingly and openly share what they have with others. Children are not the only ones who are intrinsic givers, so are you.
Every time you show kindness to another person, tolerate someone's ideas or lifestyle, understand a predicament, sympathize with a bruised heart, forgive a wrong, or lend a hand to a stranger--you are practicing the art of giving. And, it doesn't stop there. When you share your dreams, ideas, values, thoughts, writing, peace, faith, hope, struggles, and triumphs--you are practicing the art of giving. When you encourage, inspire, guide, mentor, and empathize--you are practicing the art of giving.
I had an opportunity to see the art of giving up close and personal this last week when my husband was critically ill. The ICU nurses and doctors went far beyond what their job title told them they must do. They were all the things above and more. So to Rhonda, Megan, Bret, Greg, Todd, Mary Ann, and Kyle at Legacy's Salmon Creek Hospital in Vancouver, Washington--thank you for embodying the art of giving!
One last thought on the art of giving from Robert Louis Stevenson: "You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving."
Children are intrinsic givers. Sharing comes naturally to them. Sure, there are times when toddlers learn the word "mine" and refuse to share their favorite toy, but as a whole, they willingly and openly share what they have with others. Children are not the only ones who are intrinsic givers, so are you.
Every time you show kindness to another person, tolerate someone's ideas or lifestyle, understand a predicament, sympathize with a bruised heart, forgive a wrong, or lend a hand to a stranger--you are practicing the art of giving. And, it doesn't stop there. When you share your dreams, ideas, values, thoughts, writing, peace, faith, hope, struggles, and triumphs--you are practicing the art of giving. When you encourage, inspire, guide, mentor, and empathize--you are practicing the art of giving.
I had an opportunity to see the art of giving up close and personal this last week when my husband was critically ill. The ICU nurses and doctors went far beyond what their job title told them they must do. They were all the things above and more. So to Rhonda, Megan, Bret, Greg, Todd, Mary Ann, and Kyle at Legacy's Salmon Creek Hospital in Vancouver, Washington--thank you for embodying the art of giving!
One last thought on the art of giving from Robert Louis Stevenson: "You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving."
March 30, 2014
COUNT DOWN TO END HUNGER
In President Obama's 2008 campaign, he promised to end childhood hunger by 2015. Are we close?The only answer is--NO! In 2008, there were 17 million hungry kids living in America, and that number was a 4 million increase from 2007. Now, six years after the President's promise, there are 16 million hungry kids in our country. Have we seen improvement? Not much.
America is one of the richest countries in the world, so why are we still allowing children to go to bed hungry? If children are really our future--and I firmly believe they are--then why are we wasting our most precious resource?
Children need good nutrition to grow, develop cognitive thinking, and to become the Einsteins we need in the future. Many people like Michelle Obama are spreading the word about the impact of good nutrition on a child's mind and body. However, telling people who have little what they should be eating is not helping. According to NOKIDHUNGRY, 85% of low income families want to make healthy meals for their kids, but 50% are not able to do so.
When I was discussing this with a friend, she brought up the possibility that perhaps a percentage of these families do not know how to find the bargains or create the meals that could save money for them while providing nutrition. I agree. So, my next few blogs will be primers for shopping, selecting, and preparing meals that will both save money and be nutritious.
I leave you with one thought for the week on happiness. It is a quote from The Art of Living by Wilfred A. Peterson "Happiness does not depend upon a full pocketbook, but upon a mind full of rich thoughts and a heart full of rich emotions."
America is one of the richest countries in the world, so why are we still allowing children to go to bed hungry? If children are really our future--and I firmly believe they are--then why are we wasting our most precious resource?
Children need good nutrition to grow, develop cognitive thinking, and to become the Einsteins we need in the future. Many people like Michelle Obama are spreading the word about the impact of good nutrition on a child's mind and body. However, telling people who have little what they should be eating is not helping. According to NOKIDHUNGRY, 85% of low income families want to make healthy meals for their kids, but 50% are not able to do so.
When I was discussing this with a friend, she brought up the possibility that perhaps a percentage of these families do not know how to find the bargains or create the meals that could save money for them while providing nutrition. I agree. So, my next few blogs will be primers for shopping, selecting, and preparing meals that will both save money and be nutritious.
I leave you with one thought for the week on happiness. It is a quote from The Art of Living by Wilfred A. Peterson "Happiness does not depend upon a full pocketbook, but upon a mind full of rich thoughts and a heart full of rich emotions."
March 23, 2014
SUNFLOWER AWARD
This week I'm breaking from the norm. I was nominated for a Sunflower Award by fellow author and blogger Allyn Stotz.
Thanks so much Allyn (http://allynstotz.blogspot.com/) for the nomination. It is an unexpected honor.
Sunflower Award nominees are required to share who they are with followers of their blog by following four rules: They are:
1. Share eleven facts about yourself
2. Answer the questions sent by your nominating blogger
3. Nominate eleven bloggers 4. Set questions for the nominated bloggers
So here goes: Eleven facts:
1. I love--love-love--love spending time with my grand kids
2. I married very young--let's see 45 years of marriage--ahh let's say I was 4? Yeah, I like 4
3. My favorite hiding place as a child was at the top of a 30 ft Fir Tree
4. My favorite sibling is my brother--Johnny (well I call him that, you have to call him John)
5. I believe in Big Foot, Aliens, and Loch Ness Monster
6. I still listen to Air Supply
7. My favorite color is red . . . or is it blue . . . or maybe purple
8. It takes a lot to get me mad, but then watch out because Mt. St. Helens learned how to blow her top from me.
9. I learned how to shoot a bow and a rifle when I was in first grade
10. My great-grandmother was a child pioneer on the Oregon Trail
11. I am a chocoholic
Questions from Allyn
1. What is your favorite thing to cook? Spaghetti and peanut butter cookies
2. Would you rather be an Avatar, a vampire, a Star Trek character, a princess in a story book, or a mermaid? Hate vampires, am a Trekkie, have watched the movie Avatar fifty times, enjoy reading about princesses in story books, but since I am afraid of the ocean why not be brave and be a mermaid.
3. Would you take a pill if it promised you the figure of your dreams? Now, how do I say this? YES!
4. How many published books would it take you to be confident in calling yourself a successful author?
It only took the publishing of my Home Day Care Handbook by Human Sciences Press in 1987 for me to realize I was an author. The release of my 2nd book this month renewed that feeling even if it was 27 years later.
5. To date, what has been your favorite blog that you've posted? The Eyes of a Child
6. If you had to pick one of the following holidays to remove from the calendar, which day would it be? Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, or Halloween. For me a holiday is just another day, but for my friends who work at 9-1-1, it would have to be the 4th of July! It's probably the busiest day of the year for the folks who answer the thousands of calls that pour in on the 4th.
7. Since you are receiving the Sunflower Award and we associate sunflowers with happy things, what makes you the happiest? Friends, family, and children. Nothing can make a person's heart sing like the smile of a child.
My Nominees (and I am only listing two):
Joy Moore of joymooreloop-de-loops and Leah of Roseswritinggarden
My Questions to you :
1. Why did you decide to write?
2. What day of the week is the happiest?
3. What does your work desk at home look like?
4. Who is your ideal reader for your blog? for your books? for your articles?
5. What makes your skin crawl at the very thought of it?
6. Do you like having your picture taken?
7. What one thing about you do you wish you could change?
That's it for this week. Join me next week for the continuation on my Child Hunger Series!
Thanks so much Allyn (http://allynstotz.blogspot.com/) for the nomination. It is an unexpected honor.Sunflower Award nominees are required to share who they are with followers of their blog by following four rules: They are:
1. Share eleven facts about yourself
2. Answer the questions sent by your nominating blogger
3. Nominate eleven bloggers 4. Set questions for the nominated bloggers
So here goes: Eleven facts:
1. I love--love-love--love spending time with my grand kids
2. I married very young--let's see 45 years of marriage--ahh let's say I was 4? Yeah, I like 4
3. My favorite hiding place as a child was at the top of a 30 ft Fir Tree
4. My favorite sibling is my brother--Johnny (well I call him that, you have to call him John)
5. I believe in Big Foot, Aliens, and Loch Ness Monster
6. I still listen to Air Supply
7. My favorite color is red . . . or is it blue . . . or maybe purple
8. It takes a lot to get me mad, but then watch out because Mt. St. Helens learned how to blow her top from me.
9. I learned how to shoot a bow and a rifle when I was in first grade
10. My great-grandmother was a child pioneer on the Oregon Trail
11. I am a chocoholic
Questions from Allyn
1. What is your favorite thing to cook? Spaghetti and peanut butter cookies
2. Would you rather be an Avatar, a vampire, a Star Trek character, a princess in a story book, or a mermaid? Hate vampires, am a Trekkie, have watched the movie Avatar fifty times, enjoy reading about princesses in story books, but since I am afraid of the ocean why not be brave and be a mermaid.
3. Would you take a pill if it promised you the figure of your dreams? Now, how do I say this? YES!
4. How many published books would it take you to be confident in calling yourself a successful author?
It only took the publishing of my Home Day Care Handbook by Human Sciences Press in 1987 for me to realize I was an author. The release of my 2nd book this month renewed that feeling even if it was 27 years later.
5. To date, what has been your favorite blog that you've posted? The Eyes of a Child
6. If you had to pick one of the following holidays to remove from the calendar, which day would it be? Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, or Halloween. For me a holiday is just another day, but for my friends who work at 9-1-1, it would have to be the 4th of July! It's probably the busiest day of the year for the folks who answer the thousands of calls that pour in on the 4th.
7. Since you are receiving the Sunflower Award and we associate sunflowers with happy things, what makes you the happiest? Friends, family, and children. Nothing can make a person's heart sing like the smile of a child.
My Nominees (and I am only listing two):
Joy Moore of joymooreloop-de-loops and Leah of Roseswritinggarden
My Questions to you :
1. Why did you decide to write?
2. What day of the week is the happiest?
3. What does your work desk at home look like?
4. Who is your ideal reader for your blog? for your books? for your articles?
5. What makes your skin crawl at the very thought of it?
6. Do you like having your picture taken?
7. What one thing about you do you wish you could change?
That's it for this week. Join me next week for the continuation on my Child Hunger Series!
March 14, 2014
TWO BOOKS BY TWO FELLOW AUTHORS
As a member of the Institute of Children's Literature, I am privileged to get a heads up on other authors new releases. Here are two--one is for kids and one is for Young Adults.
Comet is a splendid and itchy fish. He comes from an eccentric family of brilliantly colored scratchers. But Comet holds a dark secret. The secret is he hates scratching. He is tired of being exceptional. All he wants to be is average. One day while he is alone, a rock tumbles. Comet is presented with the opportunity to leave his crooked little pond, his scratchy family, and to enter an ordinary world. Without another thought, he leaps into the mainstream full of anonymity and dangers.
Wiggle-Wiggle, Scratch-Scratch, Itch-Itch-Itch is the first book for JoJo Cookie (and it won't be her last). Get your copy of this beautiful story at MeeGenious.com. See JoJo at joymooreloop-de-loops.webs.com
Sixteen-year-old Cara Tillman, a descendant from the mythical phoenix bird, is nearing her rebirth where she will forget everything, including the love of her life, Logan. She attempts to embrace her last days with him even though it means drawing deadly phoenix hunters to her doorstep.
INTO THE FIRE by Kelly Hashway is scheduled to be released this Spring. Kelly is a fantastic author of Young Adult paranormal novels, children's picture books, contemporary romances (under Ashley Drake), and has a Middle Grade novel coming out this Fall. You can follow her blog at http://kellyhashway.blogspot.com
Comet is a splendid and itchy fish. He comes from an eccentric family of brilliantly colored scratchers. But Comet holds a dark secret. The secret is he hates scratching. He is tired of being exceptional. All he wants to be is average. One day while he is alone, a rock tumbles. Comet is presented with the opportunity to leave his crooked little pond, his scratchy family, and to enter an ordinary world. Without another thought, he leaps into the mainstream full of anonymity and dangers. Wiggle-Wiggle, Scratch-Scratch, Itch-Itch-Itch is the first book for JoJo Cookie (and it won't be her last). Get your copy of this beautiful story at MeeGenious.com. See JoJo at joymooreloop-de-loops.webs.com
Sixteen-year-old Cara Tillman, a descendant from the mythical phoenix bird, is nearing her rebirth where she will forget everything, including the love of her life, Logan. She attempts to embrace her last days with him even though it means drawing deadly phoenix hunters to her doorstep.INTO THE FIRE by Kelly Hashway is scheduled to be released this Spring. Kelly is a fantastic author of Young Adult paranormal novels, children's picture books, contemporary romances (under Ashley Drake), and has a Middle Grade novel coming out this Fall. You can follow her blog at http://kellyhashway.blogspot.com
