Tag Archives: Parenting

Walk the Walk

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“The most important thing about goals is having one.”                                 ~ Geoffry F. Abert

Today is World Health Day! It marks the beginning of a week long world-wide health campaign called 1,ooo Cities, 1,000 Lives. The World Health Organization calls upon all cities worldwide to open up portions of streets to people to promote health activities. For more information visit http://1000cities.who.int/

I love to walk, and it is a form of exercise that costs nothing. For me, daily walking eases any stresses in my life. I walk and ponder! It is how I keep my mental attitude healthy! I can go out the door as Oscar the Grouch and return after 20-30 minutes of brisk walking, as little Miss Suzy Sunshine. That’s not a bad trade off, is it?

Every month, almost all of the women’s magazines on the news stand tout articles about the benefits of walking. It is hard not to be informed about the issue. Although many people mention the lack of time to exercise, walking can become a fulfilling habit, with little change to your regular routine. Research has shown it takes 21 days to form a habit. Set a goal to walk a little more each day. It will help you to stay focused along the way. By reaching your goal, your self-esteem will be boosted and you will feel confident that when the tough gets going, you can overcome.

When it comes to walking, it is hard to find excuses “why not”, no matter where you live. Even in cities, you can take to the streets and get in your daily dose of exercise. The largest cities around the world have some of the most gorgeous public parks! Go see what they have to offer!

Springtime is the best time to establish a walking routine. Start today by becoming part of a global health campaign! Celebrate each extra step you take, knowing you are one step closer to your goals of becoming fit and healthy.  Have fun!

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Weekend Indie Publisher News

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Happy Saturday! Did all of you know March is Youth Art Month? Well it is! Invite a child and his or her parents into your studio this month, and share your passion for your craft. Maybe they will even want to go home with a souvenir – a piece of your work!

Art education teaches children about shape, color and form.  Children are able to articulate their feelings, their dreams and their expressions of perception through drawing, painting, writing, dance, film, pottery and every other medium of art.

Art education is often misunderstood and underestimated. Take a few minutes, watch this video and learn more about the important  part Art plays in the development of a child.

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Top of the Morn’ – My Beloved!

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May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside a fire. Laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire ~ Irish prayer

How could I ever forget and make a statement to all of you, a few months ago, in my blog writing that my Uncle  John was the only known published author that I knew of in my family? That is so not right!!

From the time I was a little girl, my Dad would sing to us four kids in his oh so awful voice, the words of a song called Kathleen Mavourneen. And now, his eight grandchildren have to suffer through it! It has gotten to the point that we roll our eyes, we grin, we outright laugh when he starts in. He sings the song to remind us of his and our family roots. You see, Frederick Crouch is his namesake and his great-great-great Grandfather. Professor Crouch composed the song Kathleen Mavourneen in 1837. “Mavoureen” is a term of endearment derived from  the Irish Gaelic mo mhuirnin meaning “my beloved.”

Irish soprano Catherine Hayes (1818-1861) was the first Irish woman to sing at La Scala in Milan. She learned the song Kathleen Mavourneen and it became her signature tune during concerts. She, in fact, sang it for Queen Victoria and over 500 royal guests at Buckingham Palace in June 1849. The song, gained popularity with American audiences as a result of the extensive touring of Catherine Hayes.

The song became a popular camp-fire song during the Civil War period and in fact, it plays a prominent role in Michael Shaara’s historical novel the Killer Angels and it’s film adaptation Gettysburg. 

I have never heard the song sung in it’s entirety, only a  few verses in my Dad’s less than outstanding rendition. Perhaps, some day, I will hear the song in a more memorable voice that can do it justice but until then, it is just a family joke, every time my Dad starts in.

Top of the morning to my beloved family! Wish we could all  be together, share a dinner of corned beef and cabbage. Who would bring the green beer? Erin? Kyle? Kara? Devon? Marc Ryan? Holly? Taylor? Maggie – no definitely not Maggie!

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Things that Mean the Most

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“Management is doing things right, leadership is doing the right things.” ~ Peter F. Drucker

As Americans live longer and continue to work well beyond what used to be retirement age, the world has become a “melting pot” of four generations in the business world. Decision making can be complex. All four generations bring their own ideas of what they value, a different range of attitudes, expectations, habits and motivational thinking. No wonder it is difficult to reach a consensus on what matters most!

All of us get exhausted by hearing the squabbling between political parties. It concerns me that we can not come to a consensus on so many issues. Perhaps we ought to discard Republican, Independent and Democratic ballot voting!

I propose we start anew! Let’s form an alternative party  called the “New Party V.” Voting would be based on fundamental principles of what fulfills us most, as individuals. “The New Values Party” members must work within the truths of their conscience, and take an oath of no lobbying allowed. The new ballot would read something like this.

Choose 6 values which most resemble your own and rank them in importance. #1 being top priority, # 6 being the lowest.

  • Respect for elders and authority
  • Unquestioning and silent
  • Traditional (nuclear) family
  • Individuality
  • Being adept in technology
  • Flexibility
  • Work/Life Balance
  • Family – Centric
  • Achievement Oriented
  • Team Oriented
  • Attention Craving
  • Emphasis on Call me at Work
  • Communication through Technology
  • Instant Gratification and Satisfaction
  • Merged Families
  • Accepting of Intrusion of Space

I am not sure the outcome of an election using the new ballot would be much different than the situation we have right now. There could be some disturbing results using the new ballot, too. Personally, I feel the priorities and values of the American people need to be re-aligned.

Who are you and how do you define and express yourself in this world? What principles do you most closely identify with? Be honest!

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Educating Women

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“Life is a big canvas, throw all the paint on it you can.” ~ Danny Kaye

On Friday, I had the honor of speaking to the Yampa Valley University Women. The title of my presentation was “On the Fast Track: The Independent Publishing Industry.”  I kept the presentation to the basics, but wanted to share with all the University Women the fact that the independent publishing industry was grown 40% since 2008 and it now represents almost 50% of the publishing industry revenues. I mentioned that desktop publishing software has become user friendly, short run printing is now available and freelance consultants are readily available to help with every part of the publishing process. We talked of the power of the internet and of selling books worldwide through e-commerce.

I set up a display table with examples of independently published books, DVDs and cds. After the women had a chance to see the publications, a remark was made that years ago, independently published books were quite “amateurish” in appearance. The group was astonished to see that,  now, there is nothing that distinguishes an independently published book from a book produced by a big-top traditional publishing house.  My comment was that “we could thank the advances in desktop publishing software for that.”

As I spoke, I looked around the room, and realized that there was not a woman in the crowd that did not have an interesting story to tell. I determined they were all “artists in life and living.” All were well educated and many have had extraordinary experiences throughout their time on this earth. Many have traveled the world – far and wide, and have parenting words of wisdom to share. Some have interesting multi-ethnic heritage, family histories or information about their own niche interests they could write about.

Women love to communicate, women love to share – is there a  “book inside of you?”

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A Life in Balance

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“All well-regulated families set apart an hour every morning for tea and bread and butter.” ~ Joseph Addison

Ok! It is time for a come-uppance. I have a bone to pick – with myself, that is. Ever since I began blogging, I feel like I have been all out of sync. I have always been one who awakes and goes at full speed ahead. But I have always taken advantage of the quiet of the morn to sit, have a cup of tea, and gather my thoughts for the day. The thing is, ever since I began blogging, I don’t even allow myself the luxury of  sitting quietly for a few minutes of solitude before I start my day. Isn’t that the reason I rise so early?

I live according to the Mountain Time watch, but I have an obsession of posting all my blogs by 8 or 8:30 Eastern Standard Time. That way, my blogs can be seen by all my friends and associates on the East Coast when their work day begins. This means, I am front and center of my computer by 5:30 to 6 am every day.  What bothers me is the fact that I actually feel like The Big Kahuna is hovering over me, in a fancy gray suit, looking at his watch, waiting to catch me off guard and scold me if I am late. There is no reason why I should feel this way. It is just my work ethic speaking to me, thats all. Do I really think someone will give me demerits or slap me on the wrist if my blog is not posted  by exactly 8:30 am EST? Does someone care that much?

Come on, get a grip! From now on, I am going to get back to my pre-blogging routine of allowing myself some time to sit with a cup of tea and let my creative mind wander for a few pre-sunrise moments before I am drawn into the world of digital communication. Don’t I owe that to myself? Furthermore, I will take a break, mid afernoon, for 15 minutes to have another tuppa tea, so that I can get through the rest of the day refreshed and renewed.

I need to get my life in balance! And it begins with me!!

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Staying True Blue

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“Besides pride, loyalty, discipline, heart and mind, confidence is the key to all the locks.” ~ Joe Paterno

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending my first Kiwanis International Conference. It was a conference of Kiwanians from the Rocky Mountain Division. I could go on at quite some length about what the Conference covered, but it really isn’t necessary to give you all a minute to minute accounting of the weekend. I would much rather expound on the virtues of it’s members.

A shared belief in living one’s life according to ethical principles has brought personal fulfillment to the lives of each Kiwanis member I spoke with. How can you not be inspired by a group of individuals who display:

  • Courage in leading
  • Imagination in creating a vision for future generations
  • Integrity in the way they live their lives
  • Great hope for the future of our world

I traveled around the conference rooms, speaking with members, trying to get a sense of some of the projects each club is involved with. The information of the fundraising projects each club is engaged in was useful and interesting. But, what struck me most was the loyalty and fellowship that it’s members share. I spoke with members that have had allegiance to the club for as many as 30, 40 and 50+ years!  I met a wonderful woman who was 97 years young, and still actively involved. She spoke with me about her years of commitment to fighting for and improving the lives of children. She expressed her concern at the vast numbers of “latchkey” children. Now, if still being actively involved at age 97 is not loyalty, I don’t know what is!

Besides a great sense of loyalty to their fellow man, why do Kiwanians stay involved for 30, 40 or 50 years? It is simple! They all have great confidence that their service organization is making an “international difference one child at a time.”

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You Can’t Run, You Can’t Hide

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“Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” ~ C.E.Stowe

How did we ever survive without cellphones, I-pods, laptop computers, I-Phones, Blackberries and all other things that connect us 24/7 to the virtual world? And what makes us think we are so important that our circle of friends, business associates and family must be aware of every ounce of energy that we exert throughout the day?

Several months ago, I stepped out for a meeting for an entire day. I was indisposed! A friend, who knows I do not have a cellphone or blackberry or any of those things, had apoplexy because she could not reach me all day long. She called several of our joint friends, and had them all stirred up because she couldn’t reach me. By late afternoon, she was seriously ready to call the police to report  that I was MIA, all because I did not answer my office phone or return her emails immediately! I appreciated her care and concern. I said that “next time I decided not to be at her beck and call, I would report, to her before I left, my ETD and ETA back in front of my computer . ” Yeah -right!

I applaud Oprah for her declaration of war on texting or talking on the phone while driving. What did we used to do in the olden days when we needed to communicate with someone while in the car? We waited until we found a payphone to make a call or waited until we got to our destination, then we called. What a novel idea!!

There is nothing more valuable in life than a life! That is a no-brainer! So, why would you put yourself and others in jeopardy by texting or talking on the phone while driving? Have we as human beings evolved into such weak creatures that we can not deal with a little inconvenience or some self control?

Of all things, please do not text and talk on the phone while driving!  Are you listening my son? Your life is more precious to us than you can ever, ever imagine! Please, don’t do it!!

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I Like It, I Like It!

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“All for one and one for all” ~ Proverb quote

As I was making dinner the other night, “The Mike Huckabee Show” was on Fox News www.FoxNews.com. Admittedly, I was more engrossed in making dinner than watching the show until I heard the words “Twin Artists.” Naturally, my ears perked up and I began to tune out dinner and tune into the show. Being a twin, I am all ears when it comes to that subject!

On the show, Mike Huckabee gave twin artists, Jerry and Terry Lynn, one canvas and collaboratively they created a wonderful painting all within 30 minutes. Evidently, painting in tandem is not  a new concept to the brothers. They often merge their styles and talents into one painting.  Working side by side, their completed image embodied the American spirit.

The painting they completed on the show is being auctioned off on E-Bay and the proceeds from the painting will go towards the “Want to Play” Fund, which purchases musical instruments for students. A great example of artists supporting artists!! For more information on this talented pair go to www.Lynntwin.com.

Painting is not all these twins share, they share blogspace! They have a twin blog! Being a twin, I am used to sharing. We’ve shared  brothers, laughs, clothes, birthdays and even worms. We really have!  As kids, if one of us found a worm, we would divide it, so the other wouldn’t be left empty handed.

But, I am warning my twin sister, Jan, right now! Blogspace is not something I am willing to share! She can keep her decorative painting, that she does so well, to herself and I will keep my blogspace to myself! There has to be one thing that we can each excel at individually!

Wait a minute! Maybe I shouldn’t be so selfish. Maybe I can learn to paint – The Lynn Way!

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Ripe Retirees

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“It is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to use it well.” –Rene Descartes

I am living in a community filled with extremely active retirees. Not only only are they physically active, but their minds don’t miss a step either. They have all chosen to live in an active mountain community so they will continue to stay involved and engaged in life long after the generation before them would have called it quits!

Recently, the Aging Well program of the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association independently published a calendar highlighting an amazing group of retirees who lead active lives by continuing to play tennis, ice climb, ski, swim, brand cattle, volunteer and participate in other forms of vigorous sport and hobbies well into their 60s, 70s and 80s. This calendar encourages all older adults to stretch beyond what they feel they are capable of at their ages and to live fully and well at any age. For more information, visist www.agingwelltoday.com.

Within this community, I have met a wealth of highly successful retirees who lead fascinating lives. Their experiences through past careers, parenting, travel and contributions as Board members of non-profit organizations and other associations provide fodder for stories and lessons that should be shared with younger generations. Independent publishing provides an excellent opportunity for all retirees to share knowledge and wisdom with generations that will follow in their footsteps.

Writing and journaling keeps the mind active. Merely through published words, you can become a mentor to others! Think about that! It is never too late to become an aspiring writer!

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