Inspiration

Hello All!


Someone asked me what my inspiration was for writing a children's book, and for writing Max and Bear specifically.

I have talked periodically on this blog, about how I believe a really good parent helps their kids find their way, and then supports around that. One thing I think about, a lot, is that being an effective parent is also modeling behavior that demonstrates how to put your "money where your mouth is."

When you have kids, at first you are clueless as to what to do.  I remember bringing Anne home from the hospital and it took Bill and I most of that first night to realize we should not change her on our bed, unless we put a towel down first!  All of parenting is like that.... you figure out what works through trial and error and intelligent thinking! At least eventually.

I have watched my now adult children become who they are, and have championed their right and desire to find the path that works best for them in their lives.  Each of our children got to hear the message from us, that they should listen to their hearts, and their heads and follow the path that inspired and excited them.  That guidance led to each of them finding satisfaction in what they now do.  Of course we all know that no one is completely happy every day with what they do, but if you can say you love what you do most of the time, you are blessed!

So, I figured everyone was off doing what worked for them, and now it was and is my turn!

In the whole process of evolving and demonstrating how not to be a F*@ked adult, it is important as I said previously, to put your money where your mouth is and evolve too!

To that end, I have been thinking about, and dreaming about writing my own children's book.  I have been working on this for about 5 years, and in that time continued to try and find the right words and story.

Last fall I had the opportunity to accompany Anne and her little son Max, who is the inspiration for this book, on a trip to Europe!  What a time that was and what an amazing experience...

During our trip, I watched Max and his little Angel dear blankie Bear. Max always looked to Bear for comfort and security while he was falling asleep, and when we were out traveling.  Of course Max looked to his Mommy first, yet Bear was always right there.

I observed how Max seemed to actually have his own language with Bear,  and I delighted in the comfort I saw this stuffed lovey give Max! From all of this I had an "AH-HA" moment and, as the saying goes, "The rest is history"!

So, why not go out each day and evolve and grow!  Demonstrate that doing what you love is valuable, important, and a goal to constantly seek, not just for the children we love and support, but for ourselves as well!

Until next time,

Pam

Time for school!

Hello All!

I noticed today, while I was at lunch with my husband, a general sigh in our local park.  All sorts of young Moms were out with their little ones enjoying the fact that school is back in session!

This time of year is exciting and overwhelming for kids, Moms, and Dads.  If your kids are older, you are probably happy to have your day back, and if you are sending your kids off to school for the first time you probably have mixed feelings!

Over the next few days, take time to help establish a good new routine, and then at the end of the week, celebrate!

Ice cream and cookies for kids?  A fun trip to the library?

Wine?  Always a good choice for Moms and Dads!

Until next time,
Pam

Joy....part two

Hello All!


This past Saturday our family was finally able to bring our newest member home.

Miss Josie Rose Martins... tiny and mighty!

She came into the world on July 30th, and needed some help from the excellent NICU staff at NYU Medical facility in Manhattan New York. These people are heroes in my book.  It is amazing and joyful to watch all that this staff does for the tiniest citizens in our community.  The love, joy and medical expertise they provide to the families they help is beyond explanation. Thanks NYU!!!

So, today be joyful and celebrate the youngest members of your families and celebrate the true gift that they are!  We are gleeful!

Hey... just thinking... Josie the Great???

HMMMM...maybe a new book!

Until next time
Pam

P.G. or... aka personal growth

Hello!


I had lunch with a good friend last week. We were catching up.

I value this relationship.  She and I have had very different paths.  She was in the corporate world and quite successful, and I was in the educational / service world and would argue that I did a good job there.

The point of today is, that from the time we bring our babies home, from the time our parents brought us as their babies home, is to grow.  Growth in all ways. Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, experiential, educational, professional, and relational. I may have left some areas out!  That means I have to grow more.

What does this all mean?  I am thinking I'm clever, because PG means parental guidance in the movie rating industry.  I guess, for me and Bill, my husband, that meant and still means, help our children, now adults, continue to evolve as people.  And, that goes for the two of us as well.

As young parents, I believe the greatest task at hand, is first to keep your kids safe.  And, that is no easy job!  Yikes... I have lost weight chasing young Max, our grandson, around.  First is this task, and that alone is hard.  Then, comes providing opportunities and experiences for mental and educational and experiential growth.  This is the fun part!  Outings, excursions, play, and just about anything you, as parents can think of, that will help your kids see the world and themselves differently.  Emotional growth, well this is a HUGE one, in my book!  To love your children well, and through that give them the skills to love others well, first and foremost themselves.  By providing the right experiences for your children to feel and receive love, you do one of the most important things in creating a wonderful human being, one that has the capacity to give back to others, and to the world at large.

As our children grow and age, we then have some of the bigger tasks of helping them find the right educational settings for their cognitive and intellectual development.  Arguably in the right school setting, kids will have opportunities to grow in all the categories.. and as each of us knows, making it through junior high is no easy task! :)  The educational setting and settings we are able to provide for our children do not need to be financially daunting to be good.  The idea is to be involved to care, to help and to guide.

To guide.. ultimately this is the task throughout life.  To guide our children in all ways, and through all the stages of growth to become their best self.  And, that is our own goal too.  To be a guiding force through how we handle our own lives.  The good, the bad, and the ugly. What we do sets an example for our kids, and to do that does not require perfection.. just honesty.  Actually, our kids learn more from watching how we handle adversity I think.  What we do matters, as well as what we say.

So... today, go ahead and grow... you and your kids!  I guarantee it will be interesting and fun.  Your kids may even teach you a thing or two if you are open to it!

My lunch friend is going to plan a trip to a new place she has never been.  I am planning for my very first video shoot this Saturday for my author profile.....

What are you going to do?

Until next time,

Pam

New Website!

Hi!!


Thanks to someone far far younger than I... I now have a new website...


maxandbear.squarespace.com

Thank you Matt Yates!!  To scare everyone... I actually taught Mr. Matt Yates when he was 3 years old!  Now he is off to college. :)


Until next time!

Pam

Joy...

Hello!

I am sitting in my local Starbucks watching a young couple and their new daughter.  She is about 3-4 months old.  They are mesmerized by her!  She is talking and cooing and they are in complete love with her. She is perched on the table like a trophy.

When I got here, I was attempting to read about how to write my business plan for Max and Bear.  But honestly, I have been just watching this family.

I am always fascinated by the joy a baby brings.  I know that throughout all of history, having a baby is not news.  But, it strikes me that if that baby is yours, or someone you love, it is always miraculous.  

It's summertime, and families have their kids around more, usually.  So, if it is one of those days when you aren't sure what to do, just enjoy.  Kids change and evolve and become someone new each day!

Celebrate and experience the joy that comes from watching the person or persons you have made.

If however, they are being terribly grouchy or challenging, you can always do what I did during those times and say they are "My husband's children."

Until next time,

Pam

Taking a Risk...and shameless promotion....

Hello!

One thing I have talked about is taking a risk, the right one, at the right time.

So, here goes!

I have taken the risk, for myself, and completed my first children's book.  It is called
"Max and Bear" and is now ready and is out in the land of online ordering!

Anyone who would like to take a look, or buy one... :)

It is on :

Amazon.com  and Barnes and Noble.com....

Amazon Listing

Barnes and Noble Listing

Thanks!!!

Shameless promotion...yes!!

Until next time,
Here's to taking risks!

Pam