Happy New Year

A Few of My Favorite Things

Some of my favorite people are authors. These three authors have discovered the key to children's literature is to entertain and provoke thought. These village raising authors have designed for your child's pleasure a plethora of thought and excitement. Moss, Hayes and Flowers; the three authors/artists featured here are making positive statements in the world of children's literature.

Tiffany C. Moss



 

His Kingdom Girlz "Let's Go To Church" is the first publication in His Kingdom Girlz children's book series. In this book you will meet three young girls from different walks of life. Tasha, Madi & Anaya begin a journey of friendship and adventure. Not to mention meeting a pretty special friend along the way.

 

Vicki Hayes



Award winning artist and children’s book author Vicki Hayes has captured the essence of children’s literature.  A Boy and His Biscuit, Fearless Fred, Like This and numerous teaching booklets fill her collection of children’s literature. Ms. Hayes is curator for Miss Weary’s Manners for the Modern Child; an etiquette curriculum started by her sister the late Fay Weary Ragsdell. She is also the creator of a signature project Off the Pages, interactive field trips that filter arts across the curriculum. Ms. Hayes earned a BA in Humanities, Loyola University and Masters in Education from Saint Xavier University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Vicki Hayes

 

 

Tiffany A. Flowers
 

Golden Butterfly Publishing

is an independent small press started in 2008. Our motto is “Enhancing children’s unique creativity”. The company motto is based on the idea that children’s creativity is something to be praised, explored, and encouraged. Too often, we have children with the potential to be great artists, and those children are never encouraged to take a chance and develop their talent. The goal of this company is to enhance children's unique creativity through publishing children's books, producing educational materials, consulting, readings, and performances with children.

Ms. Flowers latest title; Where is the Rooftop Club? is the third installment in the Rooftop Club series. The first installment is about bullying, the second installment is about retaliation? This installment is about dealing with the harsh decisions that adults can make as a way to deter bullying. This book series is written for children in grades 1-3. This installment will be released in January 2013.

Hello Happiness

As I was out “life styling” today I was able to share a little holiday cheer with a few people I met, and those with whom I do business. At Atlantic Station I looked for a linen store that I was told could be found at that shopping location. A street parking space was open as I careened into this normally busy area. What a blessing I thought when I looked at the meter and it still had a few minutes.

The streets were wet from a morning rain and a few people milled about. Carols hung in the air as did the sweet smell of grilled steak. The aroma of a winter that couldn’t make up its mind about staying teased those who were out shopping. The elements were just right for snow, something we seldom get in this town.

With its theaters, shops and restaurants I felt I had just discovered this nouveau place and wondered why I never bothered to travel to Atlantic Station on a regular basis. This shopping center was so reminiscent of my home town, and made for a happy person like me. The promise I made to myself was that now that I had a navigation system in my car I would travel to seemingly out of the way places like this more frequently. Because I am again on my way to a delicious recovery of my health, I need not fear the unknown. Joyeux Noël!

Use Your Words for Healing

Today at the doctor's office I ran into an acquaintance. At first glance I didn't recognize her because her hair was different. After grabbing a cup of hot water for my coffee and preparing to sit, I noticed her standing to get my attention. "Oh, hello." I greeted her with a smile and a big hug. She was one of the people at chemotherapy that had engaged me in conversation a few months ago. She was so friendly that day that I had to offer her some of my gourmet coffee. Thus began a budding friendship.

This day she was filled with tales of ailments, and woe and family. I patiently listened wondering if she had ever practiced praying or making affirmations. Or if she had ever finished the box of coffee she got from me. It seemed that she was content to tell me all of the things that caused her to be in such poor health, even asking me to touch the knot on the back of her head. Really, that was special because I'm very particular about what I touch.

Soon she was called back by the phlebotomist and I to the exam room. I didn't get a chance to ask her to start reciting affirmations for good health and to pray throughout the day.  But I do know how to pray and besides, I've got her number.

Charmed I'm Sure

Good morning world. A restful sleep and an interesting dream has me thinking about jewels; one on my ear and others nearby. What's the meaning of this one huge, clustered, diamond earring in my left ear. Hmmmm! As I awake I think of the jewel as a trinket that might be placed on a charm bracelet and that reminds me of the bracelet my mom bought me when I graduated from 8th grade. Wow! Such a long time ago. But lately I've been longing to purchase a silver bracelet to hang all of my latest accomplishments. That bracelet from 8th grade was such a treat and I'm reminded of it as though it was given to me yesterday. The astonishment of receiving such a nice gift from my mom still brings joy. On that bracelet hung my life. Roller skating, reading, writing, sewing, knitting and the things I couldn't find a replica for, boys. Yeah I was a little boy crazy.

How was my mom able to afford such a gift having so many children? She was a stay-at-home mom and my dad was an auto mechanic. The bracelet was a lasting gift and one I cherished so much. It spoke volumes of her love for me. Perhaps because she is now in her waning years I want to have something close by that will always remind me of her love.

Who Has Fun During Chemo?

One of my chemo health care providers is so entertaining. She tells the other nurses to not spoil me because she's not going to nurture me the same way. I say why not? Anyway I have a birthday coming up don't you want to be nice to me? She's a hoot and playfully calls us by names that depict our characters. Just a few minutes ago she dubbed a gentleman Billie D. He happened to look like a younger Billie D. Williams. I'm the "Coffee Queen".  I respond, "thank you for blessing me with that title." She then tells other patients about my coffee. Nurse Sharon says there are many layers to me. Hmmmm do you think she was trying to say I have multiple personalities or I'm just a very interesting person? Some of you will get this.

Usually I take plenty of reading material or work on projects or make calls. Being in Sharon's section is a treat for me. She knows how to engage in conversation and make me laugh. Lord knows my best medicine is laughter right now. I tell her what I've been up to and always give her free samples of coffee whenever I'm in her section. I think she looks forward to seeing me, although she tries to play me off like I'm no big deal.  

Sharon is from Trinidad, a place I long to visit. Trinidad is referenced in my book Looking for the Promise. This is one thing I haven't shared with her yet, she has to unpeel that layer because I don't want to seem boastful.

In order to make this challenge work to my advantage I have to have fun during chemo. I usually do even when I'm there alone. It gives me an opportunity to do what I do best; talk and meet new people.
 

Getting Up from a Fall

It’s been a few years since I decided to do a women’s study for purposes of ministry. A challenge set me back from reaching this goal, but the subject has come up again and I need to finish what I’ve started. Reviewing my journal entries from that time my eyes locked on a passage I’d written about a stumble I’d had at the public library. On a Monday afternoon, September 19, 2011 with my arms and a bag loaded with books I tripped over a curb. Oh my gosh I’d had a terrible spill. My books flew everywhere and I was lying on the ground moaning for help. People started congregating to help. My concern was that all of the books were recovered and placed in my car. What the heck did I do? Professionals were on the way to aid me. All of this comes up because just recently, Friday, September 27, 2013 I was at the home of a young business associate helping her launch her business. The presentation was done, the guests were impressed to help the young lady by purchasing products and I’m walking out feeling good. She has my bag; I’m holding my purse and a few products and all of a sudden, BAM-face down in the asphalt parking lot. This time I opted out of a trip to emergency. I seemed to be okay. The ladies decided that one would drive me home in my car while the other followed. The parallel here with both falls is that as I went about trying to be a blessing to someone, I tripped and fell. I can’t even blame an enemy for this as it was my feet, my hands, my arms my thoughts that caused me to fall. But what do I learn from this. PAY ATTENTION! You will surely fall if you don’t.