Slurping Life

Image of Truthiness

Tracey, she is a pied piper...I do whatever she tells me...I follow her everywhere.  Truthiness in self portraits here I come.

Sitting at the laptop early this morning I snapped a few truthiness shots of myself.  Without editing other than correcting my erroneous white balance and sharpening, here is the only photo close to being in focus...

I see the blue screen of my laptop reflected in my pupils, on the rim of my glasses and on my teeth.  Why my eyes appear brown is a mystery since they are actually a mix of blue-green...just keeping it honest.  I plan to do a better truthiness shot soon to include my entire head.  My aim was not very good this morning.

While we are being honest...

• I cannot read a darn thing without my glasses.  Nada.  Zilch.  Zero.
• The old neck is stiff and achy more days than not.
• My skinny jeans do not currently fit.  Unless you count leaving them unbuttoned, unzipped as fitting.
• Even my hairdresser has no clue just how much gray is in my hair.  We never ever let it show.  Never ever.
• Recently the words "turn that music down!" came from my lips.  From MY lips.
• I cannot remember my cell phone number.
• Sleep sounds like an exciting adventure.

A lot more honesty could be added, but doing it in small doses is less painful.

Truthiness...let's see yours this Best Shot Monday.

Alexander's Heart

A few days ago a twelve year old young lady blessed my heart beyond measure.  She made me cry; she made me smile; more importantly she made me think.  Hailey presented my blog with the most treasured award I have ever received...Alexander's Heart which she presents to blogs with heart.

My name is Hailey and I'm 12 years old.  I have a blog in memory of my brother who passed away in 2006 from a heart defect. I was looking online at other blogs and found yours and I would like to give you my blog award for having a blog with heart!

My blog is for the purpose of reaching out and helping children who have a sibling who has special needs or who has died.  I do random acts of kindness in my brother's memory.

Hailey has the loving heart I want my sons to have...that I want to have.  The last few days my mind has been trying to wrap itself around the fact that this young girl has grasped THE purpose of life.  Most adults will never achieve her depth of compassion, understanding and unconditional love.  Hailey has comforted me in the knowledge that our children will...no, they are...making this world a better place.  Hailey is not simply presenting this award to honor her brother.  She is living the pledge of doing random acts of kindness daily in the real world.

I do not want to take the spotlight with this award.  Please visit Hailey's blog.  Begin at the beginning and read...it is a new blog and it will only take a few moments of your time.  I encourage you to encourage Hailey.  If her words, her actions, her heart inspire you...please comment and tell her.  If you are not moved by Hailey's commitment to honor her brother's memory by making this world a kinder place, well, quite frankly I would be ashamed of you.

This is not an award for the recipient to give to others.  Only Hailey has the right to choose recipients.  Would you do me a favor?  Please blog about Hailey and link to her blog.  It does not need to be a lengthy post, but please pass the word.  We need encouragement.  We need to recognize and spread the word that there are beautiful Haileys in the world...spread the hope which lives with our children. 

Alexander was on earth a short while, but clearly God's purpose for his fragile life was served.  Hailey, thank you for caring.  I am so proud of you.

Do Not Pick Your Nose

Tracey tagged me for the seven weird things meme.  Therefore, I play.  Plus it is a momentary distraction while waiting for phone calls.

1.  My favorite color is pink.  Nothing in my home is pink.  I am mom to four sons. I own only two pink clothing items.  I usually wear jeans with a black or white top and black shoes.  Weird.  Where's the pink in my life?

2.  Do not put anything on my desk.  It is, after all, MY desk.  My space.  Mine.

3.  I really dislike wearing shoes.  Give me the earth beneath my feet.  But keep the earth off of my hardwood floors.

4.  I love Native American flutes.  Really love their sounds.

5.  When I die, do not bury me and take up precious earth.  Cremate my body and toss it from a mountain top...or into a beach breeze.  I will touch so many people and visit so many places that way.

6.  I rarely watch television.  I do not know how to work the DVD recorder.  I don't read the instructions...for anything...ever.  (Hey, that's actually three things.)

7.  Do NOT let me see you pick your nose.  Omigosh, I will freak out and yell at you.

Tracey added the self-portrait attribute.  There is one of me in the upper left sidebar...one here...and another one here...good grief, another?   Does this count as a self portrait?

With curiosity I tag:

Dana of Windows Wide Open.

Carolyn of Now Where Did I Put That Flaming Sword?.

Carrie of Barely Controlled Chaos.

Maggie of And The Duck Said.

Nell of Casual Friday Everyday because she recently returned to blogging and should have to do a meme.

Ladies, the self portrait is not required.

So here are the rules:

This is called “Links Around the World.” The instructions for this one are:
1. Place your link at the end of the list. If you have more than 1 blog, feel free to add them all here!
2. After placing your blog’s address, you must tag 5 or more bloggers that are not yet on the list, this is to keep the ball rolling. (Please remember to let the bloggers know they’ve been tagged!)

All you have to do is copy this entire list in your post, and the links are automatically created.

The Strategist Notebook ~ Link Addiction ~ Ardour of the Heart ~ When Life Becomes a Book ~ The Malaysian Life ~ Yogatta.com ~ What goes under the sun ~ Roshidan’s Cyber Station ~ Sasha says ~ Arts of Physics ~ And the legend lives ~ My View, My Life ~ A Simple Life ~ Juliana RW ~ Mom Knows Everything ~ Beth & Cory’s Mom ~ A Mind Forever Voyaging~ enjoying the ride ~ Jennifer’s thoughts ~ Mom of 3 Girls ~ Amanda ~ Don’t Make Me Get The Flying Monkeys ~ ExPat Mom ~ Just Jessie ~ Wilson Six ~Krisitn ~ Nuttier Than You ~ Shonnte ~ Summer’s Nook ~ Laura Williams Musings ~ Sher ~ Shanda ~ Seven QTPies ~ Mel ~ Skittles ~ Lady Banana ~ Momhood Moments ~ Business Mars ~ A Simple life ~ moms….. check nyo ~ Mommy’s Little Corner ~ Pampered ~ HappyHeart ~ Make Every Day Your Lucky Day ~ Thumbelina Creations ~ Ivonnardona's Creations ~ Jewellery Craft ~ A Bead a Day~ Useless Ramblings ~Candid Yammering ~ Green Eyed Mama ~ Mother May I ~ Slurping Life

Because There Is Power and Strength and Hope...

...in hearts joined.

Previously I hinted about a hope which is close to the heart of our family.  We thought the hope had faded...again.  God has kept the hope alive.  The true hope of our family is that two young lives will be protected within His will.

Because there is power and strength and hope in hearts joined, please take a moment to say a prayer...hold two young lives in your care and thoughts...pray, hope that above selfish desire our family accepts what is best for these precious lives.

It sounds vague, I know.  This afternoon will be a pivotal, emotional time for several people.  My husband and I are two of those people.  Please trust that a group of people trying to do what is right simply asks you to offer your spiritual blessing to this situation.

Thank you.

Edited 5:35PM EST -  The situation remains unsolved and quite frankly, a big mess.  All prayers and good thoughts are requested with heartfelt appreciation..

Spun Sugar Memories

"God."

"Yes, Melody."

"The river water looks like spun sugar."

"You mean cotton candy?"

"Well, yeah.  Only white, not pink or blue like cotton candy."

"Do you like cotton candy?"

"I once did, when I was a little girl."

"Do you remember eating cotton candy?"

"Yes.  While I rode upon colorful ponies going round and round, up and down, singing happy songs.  While sitting high upon a wheel of lights. While skipping with friends."

"When was the last time you ate cotton candy?"

"I don't know."

"Melody, even grown-up ladies need little girl moments."

"What?"

"Spun sugar.  You must keep your spun sugar memories alive and make new ones."

"But I'm a woman. A wife.  A mother.  There is so much for me to do."

"Melody."

"Yes, God."

"How will your children remember spun sugar if you don't give it to them?"

I know the word was that Slurping Life was taking a blogging hiatus...but a Sunday afternoon along the river inspired me.  Word is there is much more inspiration at Tracey's place.

Generation NeXt Marriage Blog Tour And A Free Dinner

The Generation NeXt Marriage blog tour begins today.  My posting date is April 10, but I wanted to give you a heads up on the contest which is running in conjunction with the blog tour.  You could win $50 for a dinner out with your husband.  Oh yeah.  We love some dinner out...no cooking, no dishes, NO KIDS!

When I post in April there will also be a giveaway for a copy of the book and a re-post of the contest for a romantic dinner with your husband, but for now why are you here?  Get over and find out how to enter the contest for a romantic dinner...with your man...free food...no kids allowed...candlelight...romance.  Oh, I'm trying to remember what that's like.

You will want to come back here on April 10 when I am suppose to reveal truths, secrets and how I think about my marriage.  Hmmmmmm...

Self and Loving Unselfishly

Doing two or more things at once comes pretty effortlessly to me, but that can be more of a curse than a gift.  It means no one or no thing is receiving my undivided attention...my best.

Stacy challenged us to shoot ourselves.  Here is the way I chose to shoot myself this week...

(Note the dark under eye circles which I chose not to Photoshop...sleepless nights.)   

Half here, half not here and a bit out of focus. I've been that way a lot recently.  Just ask my family and they will tell you stories.  Thankfully, this is my blog and they do not get to talk to you about me.  Go with the thought that I am working on being all in one place at one time and not scattering myself thinly across the universe.  I hear my family hoping and praying for that one to come true.  Some days they must wish I'd vanish...just for a little while.  I'm okay with that.  Sometimes I wish the same...but just for a little while because...

I relish the perks of being the only female in a male household.  A ratio of five males to one female provides treasured manifestations of love for me...as in the picking and delivering of wild flowers and weeds by young male hands.  My kitchen windowsill is never empty.

So I really don't mind picking up their dirty socks and underwear on this Love Thursday and every day.

I'm going to step away from blogging for a few hours, days, weeks...some period of time.  Maybe occasionally a few photos, a few words...I don't know.  There are a lot of dirty socks strewn about and I don't want to miss picking up a single one.  Love means being fully here, fully focused.

Funny how dirty laundry brings such clarity to life.

to feel that something desired may happen

 

"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul.
And sings the tune
Without the words,
and never stops at all. " 
                              ~~ Emily Dickinson

Lying awake at night rolling possibilities through my thoughts over and over and...sleep, I need sleep.  The darkness encloses me.  Surely this is not the change my heart has been yearning.  But what if...

I can't bring myself to write openly about my hope, our family's hope.  It is fully dependent upon someone else and my emotions are undulating.  I am mistaken.  Our hope and faith lies with God...so I give it to Him and rest.

Open your heart...something desired may happen for you.  I hope so.

Baby Jamz Jammin' Fun

After today all reviews, blog tours and giveaways will be posted at my coming review blog always with an announcement post here at Slurping Life. I hope you will visit the new blog where my goal will be to make reviews, blog tours and giveaways a little less ordinary.  Thanks for reading.

 

Created by Mathew and Solange Knowles (Beyonce's father and sister), Baby Jamz is the first ever hip-hop/rhythm-inspired preschool toy line. Available exclusively at Wal-Mart, Baby Jamz products promote learning, creativity, and movement through music (and most importantly, they are FUN FUN FUN!).

You're asking "Why is she reviewing Baby Jamz toys?  She doesn't have any preschool children?"  I have survived the toddler/preschool years of four sons and years ago I developed and taught a preschool movement-gymnastics program.  As an instructor of preschool movement classes, knowing which activities and toys inspire preschool children to have fun and the music that moves them was a must.  I only wish Baby Jamz products and music had been in existence then.

The Baby Jamz Jammin' Microphone is a cute and colorful microphone which lets your tots record their own voice, sing along to their favorite Baby Jamz track, and rock like a super star! Kids can change the speed of the music to adjust according to their singing tempo. The microphone plays instrumental versions of six of the hottest Baby Jamz tracks including Bingo, Old MacDonald, Skip to My Lou, This Old Man and Mary Had a Little Lamb. I found the mic to be an appropriate size and weight for preschoolers...large enough to be easily manipulated but not too large to the point of cumbersome.  For ages 18+ monthsl Price: $9.97.

Just to be certain I was not out of touch with today's preschooler, I ask my neighbor's two year old daughter to have a go with the Baby Jamz Jammin' Microphone.  She sang and bopped...bopped and sang.  After minimal instruction she learned how to operate the buttons.  A younger toddler would probably need assistance with the small buttons.  My little product tester's official assessment of the Baby Jamz Jammin' microphone was "Dis is weelly, weelly fun.  Mine?"  Do you weelly need another endorsement?

Should you need another opinion, here is what my boys ages 10 to 13 had to say...

Picking up the toy from my desk one of my 10 year old sons asked, "Mom, what's this?"

"A preschool toy I'm reviewing."

"May I try it?"

"Sure.  But do not break it."

"Hey guys!  Come here" calling his cohorts into action.

"Dude, you can record your voice on this thing.  Cool.  This button speeds up or slows down the music."

The boys proceeded to record fake fart sounds and completely incoherent raps using the term Yo! quite frequently.  Spastic dancing occurred. The episode gave me some pretty hefty blackmail video of the boys jammin' with a toddler mic...you know...for those times they argue about cleaning their rooms or bring home their first girlfriend.

A toy that entertains children from toddler to teen years.  Gets a thumbs up from me.  I did think the quality of the voice recording could have been a bit better, but that did not seem to be an issue with the kids.

Bop out to Wal-Mart and get yours today.  Or save gasoline and order online.

The adorable little reviewer (not the big goofy boys) got to keep my Baby Jamz Jammin' mic.  Just so you know, I made sure the boys' recordings were deleted before giving it to her.

This has been a Team Mom review.

Thirteen And Alone On A Crate

Thirteen can be so dang tough.  I remember what thirteen felt like as a girl, but I haven't a clue about being thirteen and a boy.  Word from the crate is that it can be a downer.

Stepping back to let dad handle much of the tribulation that comes with being a thirteen year old boy is tugging at my heart.  Mom is suppose to kiss the boo boo and make it all better, but those days are gone. 

I may need a crate of my own.

Just Asking, Would You?

Recent weeks find me receiving more offers of products and books to review, blog tours (books and products) and giveaways.  Slurping Life was not created to be a review/giveaway blog, but I do love participating in such fun.  Really, I like giving my opinion and giving stuff away makes me giggly.  So...

If I create a review-giveaway blog would you drop by to read the reviews, blog tours and enter giveaways?  I would post a teaser with a link here at Slurping Life letting you know when a new review/giveaway is posted at the "other blog". 

Your opinion matters, so I'm just asking...would you?

Thanks for commenting with your answer.

The Heart of the Matter

Recent months find our family falling a smidgen behind with our homeschooling lessons.  Unexpected life events have a way of altering plans and schedules, but you all know that.  We have been working diligently to get back on task and pushing hard and furious to catch up.   That hasn't been such a good plan.  So I have been doing a lot of re-planning.  Let me rephrase that - AAARRRRRGGGHHHHHH!!!!!  Yeah, that's more like what I've been doing.

So finding a resource such as The Heart of the Matter online magazine was like sitting at the kitchen table with a good friend sipping tea and hearing the words, "Sweetie, it'll be alright.  Things will get back on track.  Just be patient."  Pour me another cup, please.

If you are a homeschooling family The Heart of the Matter is a delightful blend of encouragement and practical ideas to keep (or get) your homeschooling on track.  An eclectic group of contributors keep the content and inspiration flowing with a monthly issue and daily blogging.  The editors Amy S. and Amy B. have recently formed a research panel to "give us insight into what YOU want in a homeschool site and magazine."  I am thrilled to be a member of the panel.

Now you know.  Pop over and find tons of homeschooling resources in one location...and a friend to say "Sweetie, it'll be alright."

Slinging Bling

How about I jump up and down and scream "Thanks, Maddy!"  Then I'll twist and shout "Thanks, Kandy!"
Both of these lovely lady bloggers gave me the Excellent Blog bling.  I had to laugh at what Maddy said about me in her post passing the award...

Melody is so hopelessly optimistic that it makes my toes curl. She’s already had one of these [I was a bit late in the starting block] but there’s no harm in confirming her superiority. Now there’s a woman that could do with a huge dollop of scepticism, but she’s unstoppable.

If only she were a fly on the wall around my house, she would have chosen a couple of descriptive words other than optimistic and unstoppable.  Particularly on those days when I crawl and scratch my way along the floor to get through it all.  Did she really use the word superiority when talking about me?  Well, this is Bloglandia and I can pretend for a while.  Maddy, you are a gem.

Kandy is a woman of perseverance.  A survivor of cancer...twice...a mom living with bipolar disorder.  Being recognized by a woman of her character and strength leaves me without adequate words.  Kandy,  You inspire and amaze.

I pass The Excellent Blogger award to Tammy of The Daily Warrior.  While she is blogging her journey of discovery in her fight against ALS, she has certainly led me to discoveries of my own.  Tammy radiates hope, faith and love wrapped with a passion for life.  Pop over, say hi and be touched by a truly good heart.

Maddy was busy slinging bling again...she also slung this one my way...

Friends are the Oscars of My Soul.  Although we've never met I count Maddy among my friends.  She so gets me.  As she said our children are very different but we share life along the autism spectrum.  While I am not, Maddy is quite the eloquent writer in portraying the lives of her sons and family.  She blogs with intelligence, humor and a true grasp for what is going on...although much of the time she likes to pretend she doesn't have a clue.   When I read Whitter on Autism I feel much less alone in our little corner of non-neurotypical.  Thanks again, Maddy.  You make my soul smile.

My Friends are the Oscars of My Soul award is heading straight over to Tammy of Praying for Parker.  Over the past year I have come to know Tammy, Parker and their family and simply stand in awe.  Parker is a child with many medical problems and has been in a medically fragile state his entire life.  Living a life of struggle to keep Parker alive while simultaneously fighting an insurance company who sees no need to meet Parker's medical needs WHILE raising five other children, Tammy manages to stay in touch with me.  She is supportive and genuinely concerned about what our current issues may be and always has an ear and shoulder for me.  I think she'd give me a kidney if I asked.

Tammy, I wish I had a gold statue to present.  Actually, I would sell it and donate the money to Parker's medical fund.  I would hold back a little to buy you something really beautiful and frivolous just because.  Tammy, hugs, love and a big ole thanks for being a friend.

Thanks for reading.  Sending you Happy Friday Vibes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trashy Love

Every day of my life for more years than I care to recount, I have entered into the temple of the male species and executed my duties without fail.  Last night, oh yes! God and all that is right within the universe poured down and gave thanks for a job well done...a job that, until now, gave no symbol of  gratitude.

I sat down...removed the empty, brown cardboard tube...tossed it into the waste receptacle to my right...and replaced it with a fluffy roll of Charmin.  I sat in a meditative state and glanced to my right...the heavens opened with a glorious light...a warmth filled my body...there may have been a chorus of Hallelujah...I'm not sure...

...but for a change I felt appreciated...finally, a symbol of love for years of a job well done.

Love is all around if only we notice.

Look for love this beautiful Thursday.

Share the love you find.

The Great Novel

"Mom, are you ok?" asked Lee.

"Yes, sweetheart.  Why do you ask?"

"You just haven't seemed to have much fun lately."

"I know.  But I'm ok.  I promise."

"I was just checking because I love you."

An exchange of hugs and he walks away to continue the harassment of his younger brothers and the struggle of functioning as a teen living with Bipolar Disorder and ADHD.  Amidst his personal turmoil Lee was concerned about me...the mother.

I have been out of sorts for several months.  Obviously I was not hiding that fact as well as I thought.  Never wanting to be the cause of anxious moments for my sons, I have always tried to shield them from what I believe to be unnecessary concerns.   But then if children do not learn the realities of life from parents...what's the alternative?  Not knowing until a stranger slaps them in the face with reality?  I think a gentle poke from mom and dad is best.  Still I have to work on me and the flux I'm experiencing.

Mothering special purpose (needs) sons is a blessing, a gift, but it is also one difficult gig.  Many of you understand because you live the life.  Several posts have been rolling around in my brain for weeks discussing the current challenges with the boys.  The words just do not come.  I think maybe my brain is literally exhausted, stressed...it just wants to forget everything for a couple of hours each night.  Fine by me, really.

Perhaps I have been working too hard to bring the boys into the normal realm of life.  The truth is having them function in society is a huge hope that I have.  But is it really a goal for my personal satisfaction?  Am I trying to escape social scrutiny of myself or of the boys?  Honestly, behaviors of Bipolar, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy and Asperger's Syndrome children are weird to the unsuspecting eye.  Also, the boys are immature for their ages, especially Lee who recently turned thirteen.  He is not emotionally or socially a teen...far from behaving even as a young thirteen year old.  But is that a bad thing?  I have never wanted the boys to be secular children...to follow the popular crowd...that is one reason we homeschool.  But...

Am I trying to write a book of their lives rather than read the book that has been written?  I believe children come to us with a definite purpose for their lives, and we must love them, study them, and decode their strengths in order to help them fulfill their purpose.  I do not believe we are to mold them into clones of ourselves or others.  Children often spend their entire lives trying to overcome what we make of them.  I do not want that for my sons.

God doesn't give parents manuscripts to write, but codes to decode.  Study your kids while you can.  The greatest gift you can give your children is not your riches, but revealing to them their own.  ~~Max Lucado

Go.  Caress the cover...gently turn the pages...allow the plot to unfold... your child is the great novel.

Pleasant Surprise

As my boys grow older I often pout over not remembering or documenting every single moment of their younger lives.  I long for my memories not to be grainy or worse, forgotten.  But then there would never be those moments of absolute delight when a pleasant surprise pops into my day...like yesterday after returning from a trip to the market...

"Look!  Mom got belly button oranges."

Belly button oranges...I had totally forgotten that one.

*grain added in editing*

What pleasant surprise do you have to share this Best Shot Monday?

Winner of the Latest Giveaway

Oops!  Forgot.  This was suppose to be posted yesterday, so without further delay random.org says the winner of the book is commenter 12...Natalie of The Benson Family and Other Stuff.

Natalie, pop me an email and Nana's Bible Stories will be on its way to you and M.

Change of Plans

Change of plans.  I will not be participating in The Ultimate Blog Party...it's a fun gig...I love the friends I made from last year.  I hope you will check it out and party.  Janice and Susan have put a lot of work into the huge event.  The ladies rock.

~~~~~~

Last night I was touched by illuminating women...their writing, art, photography...their souls.  I read, clicked and read until I caught up with postings of the sisterhood and several individual blogs.  A favorite quote surfaced above all of my thoughts...

To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to keep your soul alive. ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

I sat and cried. 

I wiggled and smiled. 

I had a stirring.

I had a longing so deep, my body ached.

I'm the first to admit no great artist resides within my soul...but...a great artistic soul resides within my body.  And she has been stifled...by me...far too long.

My soul tosses and turns...

Time to settle her by arousing her...

I'm not even sure what this means...

This Place Needs A Party

...but my head just came out of the toilet...the kids are behind in homeschool...the family expects three meals a day...they even want clean clothes every third day or so...therapist and doctor appointments keep coming up...the frig and pantry are empty...there is more gum stuck on the clothes dryer drum...I need a shower...my legs are way hairy...the boys have cue sticks in their hands...we don't own a pool table...there's a dead animal odor emanating from the boys' bathroom...they are calling me, again...oh gross, the dog has gas...Boys!  BOYS!  Great, now they disappear.

My party will begin sometime this weekend.  In the meantime, grab a noise maker (take one of my boys) and hop over to 5 Minutes for Mom and get your party on.  The serious blog party hopping and prizes will make you forget that I mentioned my way hairy legs.  It's true.  I partied last year.

Check back this weekend...I'll start the party while my starving family wears dirty underwear.

Spirited and Loved

Theme Thursday and Love Thursday...

*I could not be there.  Dad snapped this photo with his camera phone.  Yeah, I edited.*

Wil...spirited and loved. 

A few weeks ago Wil's dad took him to a Paralympic day camp which was presented by Paralympic athletes with assistance from U.S. Army and civilian volunteers.  My husband was impressed.  So was Wil.  Gold medal athletes guiding and cheering for him...serving as strong, able role models.  Wil came home pumped and determined to compete in wheelchair races. 

We want his dreams to come true.

We want Wil to proudly say "I'm an athlete".

We want to thank the challenged athletes who inspire our child...who inspire us.  Thank you for sharing your spirit of perseverance and your love of life...amazing awaits.

Spontaneous Fasting

If you do not live with children on the autism spectrum (in Mac's case Asperger's Syndrome) perhaps reading Maddy's post about inferences will help you understand...

Mac:  Mom, when you get your face out of the toilet, would you get this knot out of my shoe lace?

Me:    Mac, would you please ask your dad to help you?

Mac:   No.  He has his face in another toilet.  He's sick.

Huh?  I'm just saying...

Roberta Simpson, Her Children's Book and A Giveaway

Today I have the privilege of introducing a new children's author. Roberta Simpson. Roberta's book, Nana's Bible Stories, is a delightful read for young and old with colorful illustrations by Susan Mitchell.

Roberta, thank you for sharing with us today

ROBERTA:  It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to share some of my personal thoughts and experiences as a new author with you, Melody, and the Slurping Life ladies!  I am so blessed to see the work you are doing to help and encourage each other!

There are so many gifts lying dormant in the lives of women—just waiting to be discovered or understood.  I pray not only that my book, Nana’s Bible Stories will be encouraging to the children in your life—but, also that my personal story will be of encouragement to many of you as you pursue your calling.

You have been telling stories to your five children and nine grandchildren for many years. Why do you believe the art of storytelling is so important…and why do children respond so well to stories?

ROBERTA: Storytelling is so important firstly because you are engaging a child or children for a special time. I love to use my grandchildren’s names in the stories as I have done in Nana’s Bible Stories.

I believe storytelling is an adventure, and what you are doing is bringing children into the story. It is also a great time for cuddling, and being close to the kids – it is a time for bonding, and engaging their trust.  I find there is not a child I have met who does not just LOVE having a story read, or told to them!

I believe that children respond to stories (if they are good stories!) because it is a time where they can listen to a story about someone or something else other than what they see and feel everyday, and many times can place themselves into the story – e.g. “What would I have done?”

While playing with kids, I love starting a story – “Once upon a time, there was a…” then I would point to one of the kids, and they would have to make up something. I would continue this way until all the kids had a turn, and we had a story! It was crazy, fun, and lots of loud laughter.

Your personal story is one of obedience. You didn’t plan to become an author. Tell us about some of the challenges you faced from family, friends, etc. on your journey.

ROBERTA: Challenges do come, and they come often. Some years ago, I did a writing seminar, here in Barbados. I remember being so excited, as I did want to write, but up until then, I had only written articles for the newspaper, and a few plays for church.

The gentleman who read and corrected all that I had written scribbled all over them with a nasty little red pen.  On the bottom he wrote, “You can’t write!” I shrugged and thought, “I have five kids to raise and I have lots to do, so never mind!” He was a very influential man in Barbados – in fact, he was a well known Pastor! Lesson to be learned in this? When God says you can do it, even a well known Pastor cannot get in the way with his negative comments!

Years later, when I knew God spoke to me about writing, I felt excited and flew home (I mean drove!) and started to write. I believe what was important at that time, was obeying God, and not listening to man!

Friends and especially family have totally encouraged me on my adventure, and this is really special!

The seven stories featured in Nana’s Bible Stories are biblically correct – but, you have a unique style of storytelling. You have created stories within stories. Would you please explain why you used this style?

ROBERTA: When reading the Bible, I tend to stop and meditate on what I have read, and often, especially looking at characters in the Bible, I wonder how they felt, where they lived, etc. My heart always went out to the leper who Jesus healed. For instance, did he have a family? His heart must have been broken at having to leave home.  I believe other people—including children—might wonder the same things…so I thought it would be interesting to develop stories around the stories.

I do a lot of research and I insist on maintaining the actual story from the Bible.  I do not remove the tiniest meaning from the Word!

I had a wonderful time writing “A Father’s Miracle.” Here is a little boy, who I invented, who just loved his Abba – Daddy. His dad gets sick and has to move away from his home, and all he loves. I wanted kids to be able to identify with this child. It could have been them, and many kids face this sad experience – maybe not leprosy, but sickness and death!

I believe kids will be encouraged and inspired, like the little boy, and pray for loved ones who are sick, and have faith that they will be healed by Jesus, who is the same today as He was yesterday!

Some of your royalties from Nana’s Bible Stories will be going to children’s charities. Please explain.

ROBERTA: While we were working with Jane Seymour on her narration, we learned about all the wonderful work that she was doing on behalf of various children’s charities.  It was touching to see first hand the work that is being done and actually meeting some of the young people who are benefiting from her charity work.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of my book will go to these charities, including City Hearts in Los Angeles.

I am also involved the Children’s Trust in Barbados.  They do a marvelous job of helping, sick, and underprivileged children on this island.

It is a great joy to be writing, knowing that the Lord is blessing children both spiritually and financially through Nana’s Bible Stories. 

You are truly “Nana” to many young people – including those outside of your family. You have even challenged other Nanas to become more involved. Why do you think it is important for Nanas to become involved in the lives of young people?

ROBERTA: I absolutely love and adore my children and grandchildren. But I have had the privilege to meet and be involved with so many kids outside my own family. It is so important for us, either as Nanas, or Nana figures, to be involved with kids.  I believe they need us, and we have much to give.

There are many kids out there, who are lonely and unloved. I really pray my book will allow me to touch the lives of many of these children, to love on them and encourage them. There is so much we can do, and we can truly, with a compassionate heart, be the hands and feet of Jesus in children’s lives.

What words of encouragement would you give to other women who have been stay at home Moms, but now have the time and want to use their gifts and talents to start a career or business? Is it ever too late?

ROBERTA: Well, first of all, it is never too late. So I say to all you wonderful Moms, go girl go! I say God has placed wonderful gifts inside of you, which some of you may or may not be aware.

I did not know I had books inside of me! So I know God will take some of you by surprise. He will take you on a great adventure! Some of you know already what you want to do, and have obvious gifts that others can see.

Just give your life over to Him in a new way, and ask Him how to proceed in your new career. He will answer you!

Thank you for allowing me to share a part of my life and calling with you.  If you would like to learn more about me or my book, please go to www.nanasbiblestories.com.  You may download one of my favorite stories, The Butterfly and the Cross—the story of the crucifixion as told through the gentle and tender eyes of a butterfly.  I have also included a special devotional for the story which you may share with your children this Easter season.  Cuddle up with a child and enjoy! 

Roberta, thank you for allowing me to introduce you and your book.  Nana's Bible Stories is now on my list of recommended children's books.

Visit Roberta's site to read more about the author and Nana's Bible Stories.  A portion of every sale of Nana’s Bible Stories helps support children’s charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses, and City Hearts, using the arts to reach inner-city kids.

Giveaway

The giveaway has ended.

I am sharing my copy of Nana's Bible Stories with my boys, and they are enjoying revisiting new tellings of their favorite Bible stories.  However, my boys are older and rather than keep our copy, I would like to pass this gift to another family to share with their young children for years to come.

If you would like to be entered in a random draw for our like-new copy of Nana's Bible Stories, which includes a CD of the stories narrated by Christian artist and author, Sheila Walsh, simply leave a comment on this post by midnight EST, Saturday, March 8, 2008.  One comment per reader, please.  Duplicate comments will be deleted.  Also, be certain I have a valid email address to contact you if you are the winner.  *Giveaway open to residents of the contiguous United States*