Surviving in the Hood... Motherhood, That Is!: September 2010

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Good Day, Picasso!

I need you to close your eyes for a moment. Close your eyes and picture this...

rainbow striped tights
purple corduroy skirt with embroidered flower
pink and green cotton shirt covered with little strawberries
salmon and turquoise striped sweater
old tennis shoes

Add these altogether, and put them all on an adorable, little six year-old girl.

Now, had this been my first child, I would never have let her go to school dressed like that. She was, after all, a reflection of my abilities as a mother! What would this say to her teacher? What would people think? They might think she was a poor orphan in the morning with nobody to take care of her! (I know... It's a stretch, but what if?)

This little girl happens to be my fourth child. I have actually acquired some bits of wisdom through the years, thankfully!

My reaction to this colorful concoction?

1. Take her picture before she heads out the door for school.

2. Say with a huge smile on my face, "Have a great day.... Picasso!"

Honestly, she looked like a walking Picasso painting!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Starting Over

Jack: You put your calendar on January?
Brynn: Yeah, I know. I'm starting over. I didn't want to wait so long, so I just put it on January.

Maybe she's onto something... I think I'll put mine BACK to January. I need more time!! :)

Friday, September 24, 2010

Here Comes the Sun...

No one has a right to consume happiness without producing it.

~ Helen Keller

What wonderful words of wisdom from Helen Keller. I can't help but think that of all the people in the world, she would have the right to be crabby... to consume any bit of happiness she could get. Yet, she chose to give happiness to others. What a remarkable woman.

We all can think of someone who consumes happiness, day after day, but rarely produces it. Make a pledge today to never be a consumer, only. Make some happiness, and give it away! Smile at a crabby co-worker. Compliment someone who isn't used to receiving them. Share a smile. Give a hug. Open the door for someone, and greet them kindly. What have you got to lose? Absolutely, nothing! The funny thing is, the more happiness we give , the more we receive. You cannot go wrong with this one!

Go forth and produce happiness today... I dare you!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Dinner Serenade

So, in the middle of dinner, I belted out, "I am, I said," along with Neil Diamond. I really gave it gusto... Used motions and all.

My kids didn't even flinch.

They just kept on eating and talking.

They didn't even acknowledge that it was a bit awkward.

That's kind of funny.

(I guess they're used to their mom making a fool of herself... That's a good thing.)

Friday, September 17, 2010

A Daily Dose

People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.
~Zig Ziglar

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Mocking Me...

For those of you who have been following my blog, you are fully aware of my love of bubble baths. The ultimate relaxation... a wonderful indulgence.... a treat for a worn out woman. So, you are also aware that I have been without a tub faucet for more than a couple of years. (And yet, my husband still lives.) So, I am thrilled to announce that I have purchased a beautiful faucet, spectacular faucet! Unfortunately, my husband was unable to install it...

And so it sits....

In the box...

Mocking me.

The Dare Chair

Come on in, and pull up a chair! I'm here to inspire you, encourage you, or just plaine Double Dog Dare you to get out and do something you never thought you could do! Periodically, I'll add a quote, comment, or story which will hopefully give you just enough of a nudge to follow your dreams... to take that class, go rock climbing, run a marathon, start that exercise routine, eat healthy, write a book, or whatever your heart desires. You are the author of your life... live it!

Monday: Sit down, have a cup of dare, and write down your goals. Post them all over the house, if it helps! No matter how crazy the goals seem, don't talk yourself out of them! You are strong, you are invincible, you are WOMAN!

Tuesday:
Find a friend to hold you accountable. Accountability is huge! If you have a network of support, your chances of failing are less. Make sure you choose someone that is not afraid of pushing you! Usually moms, grandmas and husbands are not the best choices; they're either afraid of hurting your feelings, think you are fine just the way you are, or do not want to end up in the dog's house! So, choose that friend that is honest, no matter what the cost... trust me, you'll need her!

Wednesday:
Okay, so now you have someone to hold you accountable; great start. Now, be a blabber-mouth. Tell as many people as you can what your goal is. Knowing that so many people are waiting for you to succeed will be a huge motivator. I know when I skiied the Birkie, there were many times along the trail that I truly wanted to quit. I knew I had a cheering section on Main Street waiting for me to cross that finish line. That was enough to motivate me to keep going, one stride at a time.

Thursday:
If you fully realize nothing else, take a big dose of reality on this one... this is going to be hard, uncomfortable, and many times not enjoyable (depending on what the goal is). So, now that you know that, get over it! Achieving your goal will be worth the sweat and tears. Really... it will. Push yourself beyond your former limits. Get rid of self doubt! Even if it is the hardest thing you've ever done, do it with all you've got! Swallow your insecurities, hide your inhibitions, and show yourself just how strong you really are. YOU CAN DO THIS!

Friday:
Try not to look too far into the future. Break your goal into steps, and focus on one at a time. Now, if your goal is to join a class, by all means bite the bullet and do it now; no need to take baby steps on that one! But, if your goal is for example, a marathon, don't quit after the first week because you can't run ten miles! Give yourself time to reach the larger goals. In the meantime, give it ALL YOU'VE GOT, and be pleased with the little steps towards your goal.

Saturday:
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, GIVE UP!!! (Take it from Winston Churchill... he knew what he was talking about!)

Sunday:
Take one day to rest, or have a special treat. You've worked hard all week, but make sure you don't reward yourself too much... i.e. a whole bag of Hershey's Kisses!!!

SHARE YOUR SUCCESSES WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. SHOW THEM YOUR PROGRESS, WHETHER IT IS ART WORK YOU'VE DONE, CLASS WORK, A NEW DANCE YOU'VE LEARNED, OR THE NEW PAIR OF PANTS YOU NOW FIT INTO. CELEBRATE!!

Check out the Blog Archive for writings pertaining to the Dare Chair: April--Uncomfortable, Checking In

INSPIRING QUOTES: If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or Fight Like Hell. ~Lance Armstrong
If human beings are perceived as potentials rather than problems, as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses, as unlimited rather that dull and unresponsive, then they thrive and grow to their capabilities. Barbara Bush
Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly. John F. Kennedy
He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions. Louisa May Alcott
There's a need for accepting responsibility - for a person's life and making choices that are not just ones for immediate short-term comfort. You need to make an investment, and the investment is in health and education. Buzz Aldrin

This Chick's Groovy Music... start dancin'!

Aretha Franklin
Chicago Motion Picture Soundtrack... This one is great to sing along to... especially when cleaning the house!
Chris Botti... great trumpet player, his music is just beautiful!
Christmas Music, of course! Bing, Frank, Rosemary... all the classics!
Diana Krall
Ella Fitzgerald
Eric Clapton... I can' t seem to hear enough of his music lately!
Eva Cassidy... worth finding!
Johnny Cash - great for two-stepping around the kitchen island... if a babe is in your arms, all the better! (A tiny babe, or a Hunky Babe... either one will do!)
Loggins & Messina.... ahh... "feel good" music
Neil Diamond... I've loved his music my whole life.
Norah Jones
Phantom of the Opera (motion picture soundtrack)
Ray Charles... I can't help but to smile when I hear him sing.
Renee Olstead
The Notebook Motion Picture Soundtrack

Keeper Quotes... too good to delete

If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you; I came to live out loud.
~Emile Zola, French Novelist, 1840-1902
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
~Mark Twain, American Author, 1835-1910

Most people live and die with their music still unplayed. They never dare to try.
~Mary Kay Ash
Every day we should hear at least one little song, read one good poem, see one exquisite picture, and, if possible, speak a few sensible words.
~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, German Poet, 1749-1832
A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.
~Jean de La Fontaine, French Poet, 1621-1695
I don't want to be a passenger in my own life.
~Diane Acherman, American Poet, 1948-
I gave my life to become the person I am right now. Was it worth it?
~Richard Bach, American Novelist, 1936-
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
~George Eliot, British Author, 1819-1880
If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears.
~Cesare Pavese, Italian Poet, 1908-1950
The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?
~Pablo Casals, Spanish Musician, 1876-1973
Recommend virtue to your children; it alone, not money, can make them happy. I speak from experience.
~Ludwig van Beethoven, German Composer, 1770-1827
I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him.
~Booker T. Washington, American Educator, 1856-1915
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
~Albert Schweitzer, French Theologian, 1875-1965
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
~Anais Nin, American Author 1903-1977
Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.
~Mother Teresa, 1910-1997
There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.
~Nelson Mandela, South African Statesman, Anti-Apartheid Activist, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, and former President of South Africa 1994-1999
Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.
~Henry David Thoreau, American Author
Never stop because you are afraid - you are never so likely to be wrong.
~Fridtjof Nansen, Norwegian Explorer
Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed.
~Storm Jameson, English Writer
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
~Thomas A. Edison, American Inventor
I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that.
~Lauren Bacall, American Actress
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
~Anne Frank, German Writer, victim of Holocaust
Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.
~Douglas MacArthur, American Soldier

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.
~Benjamin Franklin
If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
~T.S. Eliot, American Poet

Laugh Out Loud Every Day...

Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children, and no theories. ~John Wilmot, English Writer, 1647-1680
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak. ~Alan Dundes, American Educator, 1935-2005
I regard golf as an expensive way of playing marbles. ~Gilbert K. Chesterton
A mother takes twenty years to make a man of her boy, and another woman
makes a fool of him in twenty minutes.~Robert Frost

Watching a baby being born is a little like watching a wet St. Bernard coming in through the cat door.~Jeff Foxworthy
I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall. ~Eleanor Roosevelt
No matter how calmly you try to referee, parenting will eventually produce bizarre behavior, and I'm not talking about the kids. Their behavior is always normal. ~Bill Cosby
It is a well-documented fact that guys will not ask for directions. This is a biological thing. This is why it takes several million sperm cells... to locate a female egg, despite the fact that the egg is, relative to them, the size of Wisconsin. ~Dave Barry
An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets the more interested he is in her.~Agatha Christie

Reading List... books I've read lately, and recommend.

Teaching Outside the Box -- How To Grab Your Students By Their Brains, by LouAnne Johnson... I am SO GLAD I read this book! I used her teaching techniques right away, and they work beautifully!
White Oleander, by Janet Fitch... beautiful words
Three Cups of Tea... One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin (If you read no other book the rest of the year, PLEASE read this one!!!!!)
Night, by Elie Wiesel... get a box of tissues
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee... a classic worth reading all over again.
The Excellent 11 - Qualities Teachers and Parents Use to Motivate, Inspire, and Educate Children by Ron Clark... Gold mine of a book for teachers. LOVE IT!
The Freedom Writers Diary - How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them, written by The Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell
TEACH Like You Hair's On Fire - The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56 by Rafe Esquith.... WOW, what incredible ideas for teachers!
There Are No Shortcuts: How an inner-city teacher--winner of the American Teacher Award--inspires his students and challenges us to rethink the way we educate our children by Rafe Esquith
The Essential 55: an award-winning educator's rules for discovering the successful student in every child. By Ron Clark --- This is a must read for every teacher!
Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers

Surviving in the Hood... Motherhood, That Is!

Come on in... sit down, and have a cup of dare!

Quote of the Week

Get Your Groove On! Choose any song you wish, and start dancing in the kitchen!