May 072013
 
Send to Kindle

To all my wonderful subscribers, I apologize for the earlier post that arrived in your inbox today. Not sure how that happened!!!

Today is the third day of my blog for mothers–from childhood to childhood.

images

Mar 312013
 
Send to Kindle

For me, the quote below signifies the message of Easter and what Jesus came to teach His children. Hugs and love to you and yours today!

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom” ~ Anais Nin

60062_120563147998563_7220706_n

 

Feb 202013
 
Send to Kindle

family-quotes-a-family-you-need-one

There’s an old African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” And this past weekend at my daughter and future son-in-law’s couples’ wedding shower, I witnessed the beauty of that statement. Continue reading »

Dec 052012
 
Send to Kindle

One day I was sick and the neighborhood children decorated my welcome mat in spring flowers, probably plucked from one of the other neighbor’s garden! It’s a memory I will always cherish.

What small thing takes up room in your heart?

248823948132383357_BV9jlCgC_c

 

 

 

 

 

Sep 272012
 
Send to Kindle

jaqueline st. joanFabulous interview today on  Joy Radio with Jaqueline St. Joan, author of MY SISTERS MADE OF LIGHT. St. Joan sheds light on why she wrote the book; discusses honor crimes against women that took place during Pakistan’s human rights movement, 1957-1994; reveals how she wrote her story from the point of view of a Pakistani, even though it was a place she never visited; and much more.

MY SISTERS MADE OF LIGHT would be a wonderful addition to libraries and a fantastic read  for book clubs. St. Joan even includes a list of discussion questions  on her website. Half of the proceeds from the sale of the book go towards the construction of a safe shelter in Pakistan for women and children escaping abuse and you can also make a personal donation by emailing Jaqueline – jackie@mysistersmadeoflight.com.

Jaqueline’s bio is listed below. Continue reading »

Jul 152012
 
Send to Kindle

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Oct 182011
 
Send to Kindle

Joy Radio was honored to interview Nate and Sherry Smalls, founders of Smalls Institute for Music and Youth Leadership on Saturday, October 15,2011. Their mission: To increase awareness for the arts by providing music instruction for piano, bass guitar, and percussion, as well as outreach programs and services to promote youth leadership.

Both Nate and Sherry have a background in music and their passion is to share ‘their passion’ of music with children, especially the less advantaged. For the past five years they have been teaching music in their home after school. With the purchase of their new bus they are hoping to take their musical talents on the road and offer them to the less fortunate in the rural areas of Charleston. Their 5 year and 10 year vision may revolutionize the after-school music and youth leadership programs for schools.

They are in need of instruments, donated food for  the children’s snacks after school and other items. Be sure and check out their upcoming fundraisers.

Wishing the Smalls much success on their journey.

Aug 142011
 
Send to Kindle

Angels Found in the Tiniest of Creatures
by Jackie Haugh

In 1990, I was the mother of four very active children under the age of eight. My three daughters were old enough to know their boundaries, but not my two-year-old son.

One day, while I was busy cleaning the house, thinking all was well and safe with my babies, I heard the door bell ring. Opening the front door, I found a large, burly construction worker holding my little boy’s hand. Our neighbor down the street was in the middle of massive remodel and everyday Timmy would stare out the window and the watch the trucks go by.

“Lady, I think he belongs to you,” the gentleman said. “I can tell you have a bunch of kids by the balls scattered all over the lawn.” Continue reading »

Jul 042011
 
Send to Kindle

Missing and reflecting on my Pop, my teacher, my hero, my friend today- his 87th.
July 4, 2011

Quoting him, 1986. Looking back, Charlie expressed gratitude for his life. “I
am a very lucky man. I have neat and hardworking children (7) and soon, 20
grandchildren, work I love, and a wonderful life. My friendships are especially
important to me. For a time I fumbled the ball, but they have given me a second
chance and I am grateful. Every day is full of adventure now. And I really don’t
need more than that.”

Happy Birthday, Pop. Miss you. Bet you are lighting the heavens on fire! And don’t worry about me, Pop. I’m never, never, never going to quit! Guess I’m a chop off the old block. Love your Bird-dog, Pattie
PS Would love to hear you sing one last time, “Thank Heaven for Little Girls.”