Thursday, December 11, 2003
*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*>
EmpoweredParent.com E z i n e
http://EmpoweredParent.com
Information For Today's Parent!
<*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*>
VOL.V : Issue 10 December 10, 2003
Editor: Joan Bramsch
E-mail: hijoan@joanbramsch.com
ISSN: 1526-2154
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Common sense solutions for Today's Parenting Challenges!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Empowered Parents: Strong Families
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ENJOYING OUR FIFTH YEAR OF PUBLICATION!
KNOW THIS: We are all one people, Mother Earth is our one country, LOVE is stronger than fear, and peace and freedom are the birthrights of all humanity. Chief Seattle
===============
"Sizzlers" to warm your Winter Evenings!
Give yourself a gift about love...
Classic Contemporary Romance Novels
By Joan Bramsch
Http://www.joanbramsch.com/store/romancebooks.shtml
==============
INSIDE YOUR EP EZINE
<*> Letter from Joan
<*> Letters from EP Parents
<*> This 'n That
<*> Subscribe/unsubscribe Information r>
===============
"You do what you know how to do; and when you know better, you do better."
- Maya Angelou
===============
Letter from Joan
WELCOME
Hi dear Parent,
The holiday season is upon us and there is so much I want to share with you.
First, I want you to have a healthy holiday because Health, I have learned, is THE most important gift to one's self and one's family.
Next, I wish you the fun and enjoyment of staying in the NOW of time. Remember, please, and try to live by, this lovely saying:
"Yesterday is gone; we cannot change it. Tomorrow is not yet here. All we have is the Gift of Today. That is why we call it the Present!"
Today is a gift we can only truly enjoy unless we remain in the Now of Time. So seek your Joy in the moment. Learn to go with the flow without putting too much emphasis on the outcome of your desires.
I think I told you that I was now "clearing out the clutter" because clutter confuses new blessing. If there's no place for them to go, how can they get in? So I've been working fullout, passing on my Bill's airplane research library and hobby items, and organizing Tinkerbelle Mama's miniatures and deciding which of them must be recycled to other collector's.
I went out into the sunshine the other afternoon and barbequed all my personal papers from the last 49 years! Took me over 3 hours. At first I thought I could just tend it while I read on a bench in the sunshine; then I realized I had to stir the fire to keep it going so, instead, I made it a ritual and thanked the Universe for all the good that had come in my life, and released all the bad that had happened, and forgave all who had done me wrong, and asked forgiveness from all those I may have wronged, and was very very grateful for Life and all my new blessings coming my way. It was lovely.
There may not be time for you to clear out before the new year, but do consider making that promise to yourself for January. Actually mark it on your 2004 calendar. Make room for new blessings and they will surely come.
To celebrate the season and the closing of our 5th year of continuous publication of the Empowered Parenting Ezine, I'm filling this issue with only Good News! :)
I'm going to tell you about terrific products from other EP parents. I'm using all of them so if I tell you it's fun, or it works, and it's a good value, you also know you can believe me, right? In five years I have never stretched the truth or misrepresented one issue or one product in EP. I'm proud of that, and I sincerely hope you value my honesty.
Before I tell you the next piece of news, let me assure you first that everything is going to be okay.
This will be the last issue of Empowered Parenting Ezine.
In January, 2004 the publication will be renamed The Empowered Parent Journal. It will continue to contain helpful information, entertaining articles and my personal letter to you in every monthly issue. But beginning in 2004 I'm going to have to charge a modest subscription fee.
Now the reason isn't because I am suddenly getting greedy and want your money to make my first million! ;) No, the reason is that I cannot afford to be put into a position of losing everything I own and then some because of the new federal and varied state anti-spamming laws.
The new law says I have no recourse if someone accuses me of spamming; that is, sending them the EP Journal without having their permission to send it (when, in fact, they may have just forgotten they signed up). If I have no proof, then I can end up losing everything - the fines can go into the millions of dollars - while I spend several years in prison. I am NOT being melodramatic, dear Parent. This is the new law. It has teeth. Very big and sharp teeth. So I must protect myself, and the way to do that is to charge a nominal subscription fee.
I'll write about it in January. I just wanted you to be prepared to hear the news. No worries for this month so let us be merry and enjoy our time together.
With all my heart I hope you have a lovely holiday season. Being together and loving one another is more important than big gifts. But you already know that, my smart EP parent.
Know also that I value you, right here, right now, in all that you do for your family.
Love, Joan
P.S. Please do click on all the special surprises. I don't want you to miss out on a thing! These are my presents to you and your family because I love you.
P.P.S. Make sure you have the sound turned up on your computer because the music is half the fun. :)
xo
================
HERE'S A GIFT FROM TINKERBELLE MAMA'S SPECIAL SAYINGS:
They err who think Santa Claus comes down the chimney. He really enters through the heart!
================
HERE'S A GIFT FROM THE HEAVENS!
Christmas Sunset
Look west as night falls on Dec. 25th for a lovely pairing of brilliant Venus and the crescent moon.
The presents are opened, the stockings askew.
Two pounds of turkey are inside of you.
Your eyelids are drooping. The sun's going down.
Christmas is over. But wait... what's that sound?
The neighbors. They're shouting, "Look to the west!"
Outside you dash, along with the rest.
The sky is as pink as Santa Claus' nose.
And right in the middle--two UFOs!
Could it be an invasion? Some creatures from space?
Now you're awake. Your heart starts to race.
Run back to the house. Pick up the phone.
9-1-1, 9-1-1! "They're coming," you moan.
The voice on the line says, "Sir, just relax."
"There's nothing to fear. Let me give you the facts."
"Those spaceships you see aren't spaceships, no, no."
"Astronomers say it's a harmless light show."
"One's a planet called Venus, as bright as can be."
"The other's the moon. Now do you see?"
So go tell your neighbors: everything is alright."
"Merry Christmas to all. And to all a good night."
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/09dec_sunset.htm?list978300
==============
AND HERE'S THE FIRST SNOWFALL PHOTOGRAPHED FROM SPACE!
Http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/topstory/2003/1208snow.html
==============
THE MARINE TOY DRIVE
Again, this year, EmpoweredParent.com is a member of the official U.S. Marines "Toys for Tots" program in The Third Annual Internet Toy Drive. Everyone is working very hard to make the program a success but we are woefully behind in donations. The warehouse to hold 2 million toys has only 200,000 stored there. Please, count your blessings and send a contribution to Toys For Tots. Do it right now. I'll be glad to wait for you.
When you click on this link, you'll get a very nice surprise, too. Music. Original music entitled "Children Are The Very Heart Of Christmas" by dear Rick Beneteau, my friend. CLICK!
Http://www.internettoydrive.com/children.html
===============
AN ANIMATED LOVELY CHRISTMAS CARD, JUST FOR YOU!
Http://holidays.blastcomm.com/
===============
BRINGING YOU UP TO DATE ON THE SAFE MONEY REPORT
I want you to know that I have been reading The Safe Money Report and following its advice for over twenty years. Martin Weiss and Larry Edelman are on nobody's payroll so their research isn't slanted or influenced by the very companies about which they report. The guidance in this report has helped me protect my capital and that's _the_ right thing to do now. It's 100% satisfaction guaranteed for a full year. It's risk free. Call (800)-236-0407 Ask for Doreen.
===============
AND WHILE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT SAVING MONEY...
Free Report -- Simple Steps Can Save Consumers Money on Auto and Homeowners Insurance, According to Weiss Ratings http://www.weissratings.com/News/Latest/
===============
AND NOW... FOR YOUR DANCING PLEASURE!
Http://www.henry.martinez.net/videos/14thplace.htm
===============
AND SPEAKING OF MUSIC...
I've talked about David Sprunger and his terrific easy way to learn to play the piano by ear. (well, you DO have to use your fingers! ;) Every week he offers a new free online lesson or sampling of a new musical instruction - basic, blues, gospel, all kinds. Many of you won his latest CD lessons this summer in monthly drawings. So if you haven't yet decided on the perfect gift for someone special, here's your opportunity to give a gift that keeps on giving and will always be remembered. Learn to play any song on the Piano or Keyboard by ear using the revolutionary technique of "Rhythmic Patterns". Online audio and video demo at: http://www.playpianotoday.com
================
AND SPEAKING OF SPECIAL GIFTS...
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
I'd do less correcting, and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less, and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging, and less tugging.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd teach less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.
–Diane Loomans, Full Esteem Ahead
===============
HERE'S A SNOW GLOBE FOR YOU AND THE LIDDLE KIDDLES!
Http://ww12.e-tractions.com/snowglobe/globe.htm
Take your time here. Watch it for awhile. Then give it a shake! Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp! ;)
=============
HERE'S A GIFT FOR THE KID IN EACH OF US, BIG OR LITTLE...
Http://smallstuff-digest.com/dnd/roombox.html
Can't you just see Tinkerbelle Mama playing with this for hours? Maybe in Heaven they have a drop and drag dollhouse room like this one. It's splendid! Enjoy!
============
NOW THIS IS AN INTERESTING BODY LANGUAGE SITE:
Http://www.bml.psy.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/Demos/BMLwalker.html
First click on 'Lines' on the lower left if the lines are not connecting the dots. Then you can slide the bar from male to female, from happy to sad, etc. And the figure will walk in the manner befitting that gender or that emotion. Quite surprising, this technology.
============
MISSED THIS FOR THANKSGIVING so store it in your memory bank for next year, ok?
Thanksgiving Tablecloth
If you have young children, and would like to start a new tradition with them, try taking the idea of using your "best linens" in a new direction.
Purchase a lacy solid color vinyl table cloth to use for the Special meal instead of a cloth one. Also get a set of medium point permanent marking pens. At dinner ask everyone, family, and guests to write the one thing they are most grateful for this year. Younger children might draw a picture or older siblings can help them. Be sure to have everyone sign them and add the date. Use the cloth every year. It will be a wonderful memory sparkler in future years. And one not covered with cranberry stains!
Hint: a good time to do this is after the table is cleared and the pumpkin pie is being served.
Happy Thanksgiving from Marcie
Visit Story Tellers, Jim and Marcie Cumberland
www.underthestorytree.com
===============
DON'T THINK OUR ELDERS AREN'T STILL VERY SHARP!
SENIOR DISCOUNT
Last year I replaced several windows in my house.They were the expensive double-insulated energy
efficient windows.This week I got a call from the contractor complaining that the work has been done for a year and I had failed to pay for them.
Boy, oh boy, did we go 'round and 'round.I told him no one pulls a fast one on this old lady Even though I am a senior citizen and used to be a blonde, doesn't mean that I am automatically stupid! I proceeded to tell him just what his salesman told me last year; that "in one year they would pay for themselves!"
=================
HERE'S A NOTE FROM EP PARENT MARCIE:
Jim and I told new stories last night at the Library as part of Tellabration! 2003. It was the first time we'd taken part in this event and it was gratifying to see that we were well received by several other professional storytellers. What made it extra wonderful for me was a little girl sitting in front .
You see, I told a story that most of you actually helped me write a few months ago. Someone asked what a tall tale was and I mentioned Johnny Appleseed. Then Jayne wanted to know who Johnny Appleseed was. I made up a short story on the spot involving the well known camp grace "the lord is good to me and so I thank the Lord etc.." Then Cheryl sent me the other verses which I'd never heard and it grew from there. So last night I debuted my new story, The Grace of John Chapman
I got to a part when Johnny, was very hungry, hot and thirsty. It was a blistering hot day in July and he was out on a grassy prairie. Stopping to rest, as was his custom, he planted a single apple seed, gave it his last drops of water ,patted the soil over it, then he went to sleep. When he woke up, he found a fully grown apple tree covered with the fragrant pink and white blossoms of Spring. As if that wasn't amazing enough he also found great juicy apples growing on the branches as well. He picked a beautiful big red apple. He held it in his two hands. He polished it on his shirt, and then he smelled it, breathing in that heavenly scent that made his mouth water.
He could already hear the crunch that would resound when he sank his teeth into that crimson skin. He could taste the cool sweet juice on his tongue and feel it running down his parched throat...But just as Johnny was about to bite into the apple ...."
At this point this adorable little girl- maybe five - right in front of me suddenly giggled and wiped her chin. She had been grinning. licking her lips, rubbing her tummy and mimicking the way I was holding and turning the imaginary fruit while I described the apple and it's effect on Johnny. Suddenly she apologized and whispered to me "I think I got some apple juice on my chin! "
Well, I almost lost it just as I got to the climax, but you should have seen the look on Cami's face when I said " He looked up to the heavens and stopped to thank God for the miracle. He knelt in the grass under the tree and said. 'Oh the lord is good to me...."
When we were all done Cami told me it was nice that Johnny thanked the Lord first.
I felt so honored to have given that child a taste of Johnny Appleseed's heavenly apple. And that is what Storytelling is all about!
Marcie
Taletellers@earthlink.net
==============
I GUESS SANTA DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO ENTER THIS CONTEST!
Http://worldbeardchampionships.com/
=============
JUST FOR TODAY... STAY IN THE MOMENT!
Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day!
=============
NEED HELP IN NAMING ALL THE STATES AND THEIR CAPITOLS?
Http://50states.com/
============
HERE'S SOMETHING TO HELP YOUR CHILD TO REMEMBER. Even grown ups need to rethink their lives.
You Can Have Everything in Life You Want . . . If You'll Help Enough Other People Get What They
Want
That's the philosophy of master motivator Zig Ziglar, who publishes the free weekly e-zine, the Zig Ziglar
Newsletter. (Subscribe at www.zigziglar.com) Here's a recent message from Zig:
"Each day is a miniature lifetime and your attitude concerning each day makes a difference. If you make
today a good day and repeat that process daily, you'll live a lifetime of good days. I confess that this approach to life is simple, but it isn't simplistic. Occasionally, someone accuses me of saying that today is a good day regardless of how it's going. A degree of truth lies in that observation, but years ago I decided that every day was going to be a good day. This expectation has had a direct influence on what has happened in my life -- and it can do the same for your life. Expect today to be a good day, and then do what's necessary to make your expectations come true.
I think this last part is important to teach children at a very early age, as what with all the commercials, peer pressure, etc, they get much too used to looking at what they don't have and can't do instead of what is right in front of them. Signed: EP parent Sara
JOAN'S NOTE: Another way to say: "What you think is what you get!"
=============
Dear Joan,
I'd love for your readers ,especially very busy Moms and Dads and their kiddos, to see a movie I rented this past week (through Netflix). The Story Lady stars the late Jessica Tandy at her loveliest, in a role created for her. It also Stephanie Zimbalist as a busy marketing executive, while Tandy Cronyn, granddaughter of Miss Tandy and her husband Hume Cronyn plays Zimbalist's daughter.
A senior citizen moves in with her daughter and son-in-law who feel she should spend her days , playing cards and listening to lectures at the Senior Center. She has ideas of her own however and after discovering Public Access TV begins to enchant latch key children with the wonders of being read to. She has a difficult choice to make near the end of the film but if you watch this with your youngsters it will be a good time to discuss values and options with them.
While not a strictly holiday movie it is set near Christmas time and would make a welcome change from Rudolph.
===========
Here's a NEW ezine that might interest you:
WAHM Jam - an innovative ezine that actively reaches out to work at home moms. Focused on helping you, where you are, right now, by answering questions you submit. Http://www.2reflections.com/newsletter-ezine.htm
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FREE: NEW DRIVER KIT
TheAntiDrug.com has partnered with GEICO, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other driving-safety leaders to offer several free resources for parents and youth to help keep teens marijuana and drug free, before they get behind the wheel of a car. The New Teen Drivers Kit can be ordered online or by phone at the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at (800) 788-2800 http://www.theantidrug.com/steerclear/kit.asp
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TAKE THE NEW DRIVER CHALLENGE
Has Your Teen Earned the Keys to the Car? Test yourself first, then challenge your new teen driver. Http://www.theantidrug.com/steerclear/
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ONE OF OUR EP PARENTS is offering two fine services for families. Have a look for yourself. You may find them of interest.
http://www.discounted-dental-fees.com
Http://www.legal-help-ideas.com
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BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, almost every day!
"I arise in the morning, torn between a desire to save the world, and a desire to savor the world. That makes it hard to plan the day." -- E.B. White
==========
I've been testing Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Wendi Friesen's self-hypnosis program for releasing extra weight and gaining more energy. I've been listening for three weeks and I believe the drive and energy I have been expending in the hard work I've been doing is a direct result of those sessions. I haven't yet released a great deal of weight; however, I think the one is connected to the other: increase energy and activity; release unnecessary weight.
One of the things I have discovered through her guidance is that my mind may realize that I no longer need that weight for my protective armour or for the "ballast" I needed to move Bill around when he was so weak and ill, but my heart/emotions were still hanging on for dear life. Now that I realize what's going on, I am working to correct that thinking/feeling. I particularly like the session on body sculpting. Wendi offers over 100 different types of programs for many different needs. You will want to visit her site where you can sample an actual session. She has a voice that "can talk birds out of the trees!" Http://www.wendi.com
============
THOUGHT FOR THE NEW YEAR:
"Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen." -- John Steinbeck
============
I JUST GOTTA PUT IN THIS LINK AGAIN... I LOVE IT! :)
Http://www.allthefun.com/1/winknsmile.htm
============
INFORMATION THAT CAN CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT LIFE:
Http://www.wellnessgoods.com/messages.asp
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AND NOW LITTLE KITTY will entertain you when you are feeling too tired to do anything else.
Http://home.wanadoo.nl/annekebroenink/maukie2.swf
==========
Happy, happy holidays, dear Parent.
=================================
War cannot be humanized, it can only be abolished.
-- Albert Einstein
The ultimate oxymoron: "Holy War"
===============================
FEED THE HUNGRY:
http://www.thehungersite.com
http://www.heifer.org/
FOR PEACE ON OUR PLANET: We are not going to be able to operate our
Spaceship Earth successfully nor for much longer unless we see it as a
whole spaceship and our fate as common. It has to be everybody or nobody.
-Buckminster Fuller
NEXT ISSUE: All new for the New Year! Coming soon.
*. (\ *** /) * . *
. * ( \ (_) / ) * Guardian Angel * .
. (_ / | \ _) . * .
* . /____\ * . . *
In the meantime, here is an angel sent to watch over you for me.
===================================
FROM BILL: We are Angels born with but one wing,
In order to fly we must embrace one another.
===================================
Till next time, don't forget -- Parenthood is Wonder-filled!
Fondly, Joan
===================================
Thank You For Reading! Have a Terrific Week!
Empowered Parenting Ezine is published solely by Joan Bramsch, founder and Director of http://www.EmpoweredParent.com and may not reflect the opinion of all Empowered Parent members. Copyright © 2003, all rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written consent of the publisher or contributors. We accept no responsibility for your use of any contributed information contained herein. All of the information presented in the Empowered Parenting Ezine is published in good faith. Any comments stated in this publication are strictly the opinion of the writer or publisher. We publish all advertising in good faith but offer no guarantees. Please do your own due diligence in ANY transaction. We reserve the right to edit and make suitable for publication, if necessary, any articles published in this newsletter. We reserve the right to publish all reader comments, including the name of the writer. Reported survey results will NOT use the names of the contributors. Joan Bramsch, owner, EmpoweredParent.com
===================================
To SUBSCRIBE: EmpoweredParenting-subscribe@egroups.com
To UNSUBSCRIBE: EmpoweredParenting-unsubscribe@egroups.com
===================================
© 1999-2003 Joan Bramsch/JB INFORMATION STATION.
All rights reserved worldwide.
ISSN: 1526-2154 - Library Of Congress, Washington DC, USA
Permission to download text is for personal use only. It is illegal to reproduce or transmit in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, any part of this copyrighted text without permission in writing from the publisher.
===================================
http://www.EmpoweredParent.com
All material copyright © Joan Bramsch 1999--2003 (unless otherwise noted)
===================================
===================================
===================================
EmpoweredParent.com E z i n e
http://EmpoweredParent.com
Information For Today's Parent!
<*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*>
VOL.V : Issue 10 December 10, 2003
Editor: Joan Bramsch
E-mail: hijoan@joanbramsch.com
ISSN: 1526-2154
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Common sense solutions for Today's Parenting Challenges!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Empowered Parents: Strong Families
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ENJOYING OUR FIFTH YEAR OF PUBLICATION!
KNOW THIS: We are all one people, Mother Earth is our one country, LOVE is stronger than fear, and peace and freedom are the birthrights of all humanity. Chief Seattle
===============
"Sizzlers" to warm your Winter Evenings!
Give yourself a gift about love...
Classic Contemporary Romance Novels
By Joan Bramsch
Http://www.joanbramsch.com/store/romancebooks.shtml
==============
INSIDE YOUR EP EZINE
<*> Letter from Joan
<*> Letters from EP Parents
<*> This 'n That
<*> Subscribe/unsubscribe Information r>
===============
"You do what you know how to do; and when you know better, you do better."
- Maya Angelou
===============
Letter from Joan
WELCOME
Hi dear Parent,
The holiday season is upon us and there is so much I want to share with you.
First, I want you to have a healthy holiday because Health, I have learned, is THE most important gift to one's self and one's family.
Next, I wish you the fun and enjoyment of staying in the NOW of time. Remember, please, and try to live by, this lovely saying:
"Yesterday is gone; we cannot change it. Tomorrow is not yet here. All we have is the Gift of Today. That is why we call it the Present!"
Today is a gift we can only truly enjoy unless we remain in the Now of Time. So seek your Joy in the moment. Learn to go with the flow without putting too much emphasis on the outcome of your desires.
I think I told you that I was now "clearing out the clutter" because clutter confuses new blessing. If there's no place for them to go, how can they get in? So I've been working fullout, passing on my Bill's airplane research library and hobby items, and organizing Tinkerbelle Mama's miniatures and deciding which of them must be recycled to other collector's.
I went out into the sunshine the other afternoon and barbequed all my personal papers from the last 49 years! Took me over 3 hours. At first I thought I could just tend it while I read on a bench in the sunshine; then I realized I had to stir the fire to keep it going so, instead, I made it a ritual and thanked the Universe for all the good that had come in my life, and released all the bad that had happened, and forgave all who had done me wrong, and asked forgiveness from all those I may have wronged, and was very very grateful for Life and all my new blessings coming my way. It was lovely.
There may not be time for you to clear out before the new year, but do consider making that promise to yourself for January. Actually mark it on your 2004 calendar. Make room for new blessings and they will surely come.
To celebrate the season and the closing of our 5th year of continuous publication of the Empowered Parenting Ezine, I'm filling this issue with only Good News! :)
I'm going to tell you about terrific products from other EP parents. I'm using all of them so if I tell you it's fun, or it works, and it's a good value, you also know you can believe me, right? In five years I have never stretched the truth or misrepresented one issue or one product in EP. I'm proud of that, and I sincerely hope you value my honesty.
Before I tell you the next piece of news, let me assure you first that everything is going to be okay.
This will be the last issue of Empowered Parenting Ezine.
In January, 2004 the publication will be renamed The Empowered Parent Journal. It will continue to contain helpful information, entertaining articles and my personal letter to you in every monthly issue. But beginning in 2004 I'm going to have to charge a modest subscription fee.
Now the reason isn't because I am suddenly getting greedy and want your money to make my first million! ;) No, the reason is that I cannot afford to be put into a position of losing everything I own and then some because of the new federal and varied state anti-spamming laws.
The new law says I have no recourse if someone accuses me of spamming; that is, sending them the EP Journal without having their permission to send it (when, in fact, they may have just forgotten they signed up). If I have no proof, then I can end up losing everything - the fines can go into the millions of dollars - while I spend several years in prison. I am NOT being melodramatic, dear Parent. This is the new law. It has teeth. Very big and sharp teeth. So I must protect myself, and the way to do that is to charge a nominal subscription fee.
I'll write about it in January. I just wanted you to be prepared to hear the news. No worries for this month so let us be merry and enjoy our time together.
With all my heart I hope you have a lovely holiday season. Being together and loving one another is more important than big gifts. But you already know that, my smart EP parent.
Know also that I value you, right here, right now, in all that you do for your family.
Love, Joan
P.S. Please do click on all the special surprises. I don't want you to miss out on a thing! These are my presents to you and your family because I love you.
P.P.S. Make sure you have the sound turned up on your computer because the music is half the fun. :)
xo
================
HERE'S A GIFT FROM TINKERBELLE MAMA'S SPECIAL SAYINGS:
They err who think Santa Claus comes down the chimney. He really enters through the heart!
================
HERE'S A GIFT FROM THE HEAVENS!
Christmas Sunset
Look west as night falls on Dec. 25th for a lovely pairing of brilliant Venus and the crescent moon.
The presents are opened, the stockings askew.
Two pounds of turkey are inside of you.
Your eyelids are drooping. The sun's going down.
Christmas is over. But wait... what's that sound?
The neighbors. They're shouting, "Look to the west!"
Outside you dash, along with the rest.
The sky is as pink as Santa Claus' nose.
And right in the middle--two UFOs!
Could it be an invasion? Some creatures from space?
Now you're awake. Your heart starts to race.
Run back to the house. Pick up the phone.
9-1-1, 9-1-1! "They're coming," you moan.
The voice on the line says, "Sir, just relax."
"There's nothing to fear. Let me give you the facts."
"Those spaceships you see aren't spaceships, no, no."
"Astronomers say it's a harmless light show."
"One's a planet called Venus, as bright as can be."
"The other's the moon. Now do you see?"
So go tell your neighbors: everything is alright."
"Merry Christmas to all. And to all a good night."
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2003/09dec_sunset.htm?list978300
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AND HERE'S THE FIRST SNOWFALL PHOTOGRAPHED FROM SPACE!
Http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/topstory/2003/1208snow.html
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THE MARINE TOY DRIVE
Again, this year, EmpoweredParent.com is a member of the official U.S. Marines "Toys for Tots" program in The Third Annual Internet Toy Drive. Everyone is working very hard to make the program a success but we are woefully behind in donations. The warehouse to hold 2 million toys has only 200,000 stored there. Please, count your blessings and send a contribution to Toys For Tots. Do it right now. I'll be glad to wait for you.
When you click on this link, you'll get a very nice surprise, too. Music. Original music entitled "Children Are The Very Heart Of Christmas" by dear Rick Beneteau, my friend. CLICK!
Http://www.internettoydrive.com/children.html
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AN ANIMATED LOVELY CHRISTMAS CARD, JUST FOR YOU!
Http://holidays.blastcomm.com/
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BRINGING YOU UP TO DATE ON THE SAFE MONEY REPORT
I want you to know that I have been reading The Safe Money Report and following its advice for over twenty years. Martin Weiss and Larry Edelman are on nobody's payroll so their research isn't slanted or influenced by the very companies about which they report. The guidance in this report has helped me protect my capital and that's _the_ right thing to do now. It's 100% satisfaction guaranteed for a full year. It's risk free. Call (800)-236-0407 Ask for Doreen.
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AND WHILE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT SAVING MONEY...
Free Report -- Simple Steps Can Save Consumers Money on Auto and Homeowners Insurance, According to Weiss Ratings http://www.weissratings.com/News/Latest/
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AND NOW... FOR YOUR DANCING PLEASURE!
Http://www.henry.martinez.net/videos/14thplace.htm
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AND SPEAKING OF MUSIC...
I've talked about David Sprunger and his terrific easy way to learn to play the piano by ear. (well, you DO have to use your fingers! ;) Every week he offers a new free online lesson or sampling of a new musical instruction - basic, blues, gospel, all kinds. Many of you won his latest CD lessons this summer in monthly drawings. So if you haven't yet decided on the perfect gift for someone special, here's your opportunity to give a gift that keeps on giving and will always be remembered. Learn to play any song on the Piano or Keyboard by ear using the revolutionary technique of "Rhythmic Patterns". Online audio and video demo at: http://www.playpianotoday.com
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AND SPEAKING OF SPECIAL GIFTS...
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
I'd do less correcting, and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less, and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging, and less tugging.
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd teach less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.
–Diane Loomans, Full Esteem Ahead
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HERE'S A SNOW GLOBE FOR YOU AND THE LIDDLE KIDDLES!
Http://ww12.e-tractions.com/snowglobe/globe.htm
Take your time here. Watch it for awhile. Then give it a shake! Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeelp! ;)
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HERE'S A GIFT FOR THE KID IN EACH OF US, BIG OR LITTLE...
Http://smallstuff-digest.com/dnd/roombox.html
Can't you just see Tinkerbelle Mama playing with this for hours? Maybe in Heaven they have a drop and drag dollhouse room like this one. It's splendid! Enjoy!
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NOW THIS IS AN INTERESTING BODY LANGUAGE SITE:
Http://www.bml.psy.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/Demos/BMLwalker.html
First click on 'Lines' on the lower left if the lines are not connecting the dots. Then you can slide the bar from male to female, from happy to sad, etc. And the figure will walk in the manner befitting that gender or that emotion. Quite surprising, this technology.
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MISSED THIS FOR THANKSGIVING so store it in your memory bank for next year, ok?
Thanksgiving Tablecloth
If you have young children, and would like to start a new tradition with them, try taking the idea of using your "best linens" in a new direction.
Purchase a lacy solid color vinyl table cloth to use for the Special meal instead of a cloth one. Also get a set of medium point permanent marking pens. At dinner ask everyone, family, and guests to write the one thing they are most grateful for this year. Younger children might draw a picture or older siblings can help them. Be sure to have everyone sign them and add the date. Use the cloth every year. It will be a wonderful memory sparkler in future years. And one not covered with cranberry stains!
Hint: a good time to do this is after the table is cleared and the pumpkin pie is being served.
Happy Thanksgiving from Marcie
Visit Story Tellers, Jim and Marcie Cumberland
www.underthestorytree.com
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DON'T THINK OUR ELDERS AREN'T STILL VERY SHARP!
SENIOR DISCOUNT
Last year I replaced several windows in my house.They were the expensive double-insulated energy
efficient windows.This week I got a call from the contractor complaining that the work has been done for a year and I had failed to pay for them.
Boy, oh boy, did we go 'round and 'round.I told him no one pulls a fast one on this old lady Even though I am a senior citizen and used to be a blonde, doesn't mean that I am automatically stupid! I proceeded to tell him just what his salesman told me last year; that "in one year they would pay for themselves!"
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HERE'S A NOTE FROM EP PARENT MARCIE:
Jim and I told new stories last night at the Library as part of Tellabration! 2003. It was the first time we'd taken part in this event and it was gratifying to see that we were well received by several other professional storytellers. What made it extra wonderful for me was a little girl sitting in front .
You see, I told a story that most of you actually helped me write a few months ago. Someone asked what a tall tale was and I mentioned Johnny Appleseed. Then Jayne wanted to know who Johnny Appleseed was. I made up a short story on the spot involving the well known camp grace "the lord is good to me and so I thank the Lord etc.." Then Cheryl sent me the other verses which I'd never heard and it grew from there. So last night I debuted my new story, The Grace of John Chapman
I got to a part when Johnny, was very hungry, hot and thirsty. It was a blistering hot day in July and he was out on a grassy prairie. Stopping to rest, as was his custom, he planted a single apple seed, gave it his last drops of water ,patted the soil over it, then he went to sleep. When he woke up, he found a fully grown apple tree covered with the fragrant pink and white blossoms of Spring. As if that wasn't amazing enough he also found great juicy apples growing on the branches as well. He picked a beautiful big red apple. He held it in his two hands. He polished it on his shirt, and then he smelled it, breathing in that heavenly scent that made his mouth water.
He could already hear the crunch that would resound when he sank his teeth into that crimson skin. He could taste the cool sweet juice on his tongue and feel it running down his parched throat...But just as Johnny was about to bite into the apple ...."
At this point this adorable little girl- maybe five - right in front of me suddenly giggled and wiped her chin. She had been grinning. licking her lips, rubbing her tummy and mimicking the way I was holding and turning the imaginary fruit while I described the apple and it's effect on Johnny. Suddenly she apologized and whispered to me "I think I got some apple juice on my chin! "
Well, I almost lost it just as I got to the climax, but you should have seen the look on Cami's face when I said " He looked up to the heavens and stopped to thank God for the miracle. He knelt in the grass under the tree and said. 'Oh the lord is good to me...."
When we were all done Cami told me it was nice that Johnny thanked the Lord first.
I felt so honored to have given that child a taste of Johnny Appleseed's heavenly apple. And that is what Storytelling is all about!
Marcie
Taletellers@earthlink.net
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I GUESS SANTA DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO ENTER THIS CONTEST!
Http://worldbeardchampionships.com/
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JUST FOR TODAY... STAY IN THE MOMENT!
Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day!
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NEED HELP IN NAMING ALL THE STATES AND THEIR CAPITOLS?
Http://50states.com/
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HERE'S SOMETHING TO HELP YOUR CHILD TO REMEMBER. Even grown ups need to rethink their lives.
You Can Have Everything in Life You Want . . . If You'll Help Enough Other People Get What They
Want
That's the philosophy of master motivator Zig Ziglar, who publishes the free weekly e-zine, the Zig Ziglar
Newsletter. (Subscribe at www.zigziglar.com) Here's a recent message from Zig:
"Each day is a miniature lifetime and your attitude concerning each day makes a difference. If you make
today a good day and repeat that process daily, you'll live a lifetime of good days. I confess that this approach to life is simple, but it isn't simplistic. Occasionally, someone accuses me of saying that today is a good day regardless of how it's going. A degree of truth lies in that observation, but years ago I decided that every day was going to be a good day. This expectation has had a direct influence on what has happened in my life -- and it can do the same for your life. Expect today to be a good day, and then do what's necessary to make your expectations come true.
I think this last part is important to teach children at a very early age, as what with all the commercials, peer pressure, etc, they get much too used to looking at what they don't have and can't do instead of what is right in front of them. Signed: EP parent Sara
JOAN'S NOTE: Another way to say: "What you think is what you get!"
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Dear Joan,
I'd love for your readers ,especially very busy Moms and Dads and their kiddos, to see a movie I rented this past week (through Netflix). The Story Lady stars the late Jessica Tandy at her loveliest, in a role created for her. It also Stephanie Zimbalist as a busy marketing executive, while Tandy Cronyn, granddaughter of Miss Tandy and her husband Hume Cronyn plays Zimbalist's daughter.
A senior citizen moves in with her daughter and son-in-law who feel she should spend her days , playing cards and listening to lectures at the Senior Center. She has ideas of her own however and after discovering Public Access TV begins to enchant latch key children with the wonders of being read to. She has a difficult choice to make near the end of the film but if you watch this with your youngsters it will be a good time to discuss values and options with them.
While not a strictly holiday movie it is set near Christmas time and would make a welcome change from Rudolph.
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Here's a NEW ezine that might interest you:
WAHM Jam - an innovative ezine that actively reaches out to work at home moms. Focused on helping you, where you are, right now, by answering questions you submit. Http://www.2reflections.com/newsletter-ezine.htm
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FREE: NEW DRIVER KIT
TheAntiDrug.com has partnered with GEICO, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other driving-safety leaders to offer several free resources for parents and youth to help keep teens marijuana and drug free, before they get behind the wheel of a car. The New Teen Drivers Kit can be ordered online or by phone at the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at (800) 788-2800 http://www.theantidrug.com/steerclear/kit.asp
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TAKE THE NEW DRIVER CHALLENGE
Has Your Teen Earned the Keys to the Car? Test yourself first, then challenge your new teen driver. Http://www.theantidrug.com/steerclear/
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ONE OF OUR EP PARENTS is offering two fine services for families. Have a look for yourself. You may find them of interest.
http://www.discounted-dental-fees.com
Http://www.legal-help-ideas.com
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BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, almost every day!
"I arise in the morning, torn between a desire to save the world, and a desire to savor the world. That makes it hard to plan the day." -- E.B. White
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I've been testing Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Wendi Friesen's self-hypnosis program for releasing extra weight and gaining more energy. I've been listening for three weeks and I believe the drive and energy I have been expending in the hard work I've been doing is a direct result of those sessions. I haven't yet released a great deal of weight; however, I think the one is connected to the other: increase energy and activity; release unnecessary weight.
One of the things I have discovered through her guidance is that my mind may realize that I no longer need that weight for my protective armour or for the "ballast" I needed to move Bill around when he was so weak and ill, but my heart/emotions were still hanging on for dear life. Now that I realize what's going on, I am working to correct that thinking/feeling. I particularly like the session on body sculpting. Wendi offers over 100 different types of programs for many different needs. You will want to visit her site where you can sample an actual session. She has a voice that "can talk birds out of the trees!" Http://www.wendi.com
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THOUGHT FOR THE NEW YEAR:
"Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen." -- John Steinbeck
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I JUST GOTTA PUT IN THIS LINK AGAIN... I LOVE IT! :)
Http://www.allthefun.com/1/winknsmile.htm
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INFORMATION THAT CAN CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT LIFE:
Http://www.wellnessgoods.com/messages.asp
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AND NOW LITTLE KITTY will entertain you when you are feeling too tired to do anything else.
Http://home.wanadoo.nl/annekebroenink/maukie2.swf
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Happy, happy holidays, dear Parent.
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War cannot be humanized, it can only be abolished.
-- Albert Einstein
The ultimate oxymoron: "Holy War"
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FEED THE HUNGRY:
http://www.thehungersite.com
http://www.heifer.org/
FOR PEACE ON OUR PLANET: We are not going to be able to operate our
Spaceship Earth successfully nor for much longer unless we see it as a
whole spaceship and our fate as common. It has to be everybody or nobody.
-Buckminster Fuller
NEXT ISSUE: All new for the New Year! Coming soon.
*. (\ *** /) * . *
. * ( \ (_) / ) * Guardian Angel * .
. (_ / | \ _) . * .
* . /____\ * . . *
In the meantime, here is an angel sent to watch over you for me.
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FROM BILL: We are Angels born with but one wing,
In order to fly we must embrace one another.
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Till next time, don't forget -- Parenthood is Wonder-filled!
Fondly, Joan
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Thank You For Reading! Have a Terrific Week!
Empowered Parenting Ezine is published solely by Joan Bramsch, founder and Director of http://www.EmpoweredParent.com and may not reflect the opinion of all Empowered Parent members. Copyright © 2003, all rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written consent of the publisher or contributors. We accept no responsibility for your use of any contributed information contained herein. All of the information presented in the Empowered Parenting Ezine is published in good faith. Any comments stated in this publication are strictly the opinion of the writer or publisher. We publish all advertising in good faith but offer no guarantees. Please do your own due diligence in ANY transaction. We reserve the right to edit and make suitable for publication, if necessary, any articles published in this newsletter. We reserve the right to publish all reader comments, including the name of the writer. Reported survey results will NOT use the names of the contributors. Joan Bramsch, owner, EmpoweredParent.com
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© 1999-2003 Joan Bramsch/JB INFORMATION STATION.
All rights reserved worldwide.
ISSN: 1526-2154 - Library Of Congress, Washington DC, USA
Permission to download text is for personal use only. It is illegal to reproduce or transmit in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, any part of this copyrighted text without permission in writing from the publisher.
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http://www.EmpoweredParent.com
All material copyright © Joan Bramsch 1999--2003 (unless otherwise noted)
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