Gratitude And Giving Thanks In 2020 - It Is Possible To Feel Gratefulness In the Midst Of Hopelessness Says Award Winning Author, Covid Survivor And Film Maker Cheryl Williams

Cheryl Williams, an award winning author, poet, film maker and musician, recently released a new video that shows us how gratefulness can help us overcome nearly any challenge

There are thousands of jokes and memes about 2020 circulating out there. 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in the US - the pandemic, social unrest, unemployment, political division, shootings, riots - the list goes on and on. Many of us see this as depressing, some of us are overcome with anxiety, some of us have just given up. Award winning author, film maker and Covid survivor Cheryl Williams believes we can find reason for gratefulness in the very midst of hopelessness.

"Though the year 2020 has brought us so much pain, hopelessness and loss, it has also been a year of purpose, and change," Williams stated.

"I am a Covid survivor who was hit hard by this virus and still suffering its after effects. Even though there are days I can’t be all I used to be, I am grateful to be still here, to be able to make a difference, being all that I can be. God has blessed me and my family in ways that I could have never imagined. He has brought me hope, freedom and purpose.

"Despite all the hardships, 2020 has been an extraordinary, eye-opening year. It has been a year of learning - learning about myself and others.

"I felt that the poem "A Blessing" was fitting to use in this context. To help us understand that no matter how tough life gets, the gift of life is truly a blessing, and there is always something to be thankful for."

A Blessing

When life dumps its issues on you
And situations seem unbearable
Meditate on the blessings

When the aches and pains
Wash away hope like the rain
Contemplate on the blessings

When problems seem insurmountable
And disappointments deem unconquerable
Focus on the blessings

When blinding snow prevails
Feeling trapped with no escape
When tyranny reigns
And all sees fails

Never forget that
Life is still a blessing

"Despite so many lives lost, 2020 has also been a year of healing, even though we have been divided on so many issues. I have also seen so many come together for a common cause. I have witnessed loyalty, the outpouring of support, and empathy.

"2020 has been a year of change and progress. My vision has been broadened during this unpredictable year.

"I have learned a lot and I am truly blessed for the many, many blessings that have been bestowed upon me and my family during this year.

"What are you thankful for in 2020?"

The new video, ‘Feeling Gratefulness In The Midst Of Hopelessness’ features testimonials from her sons Kyle and Kriston and her sister Gail Toney. It is available at Youtube at https://youtu.be/opvh2qD2uUM.

Williams, the award winning author of 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is also a talented film maker and musician. She recently released a new video entitled "Covid-19: A Child's View." The new film is a penetrating look into the experiences of those whose young lives have been affected. The new film is available at Youtube at https://youtu.be/MiL3NMtsKhM.

"In this YouTube video, 'Covid-19: A Child’s View', we can listen to the kids as they speak about their experiences and perspectives surrounding the virus and this pandemic," Williams stated.

Williams had a chance to speak with Anthony, the fourteen year old Covid survivor, who was featured in 'Covid-19 and My Child. Anthony’s story was aired on News 12 Long Island and featured in the the Deer Park-North Babylon NY Patch,
https://patch.com/new-york/deerpark-northbabylon/mom-whose-son-14-had-coronavirus-urges-back-school-caution

Williams also recently posted a mesmerizing account of her coronavirus experience in a Youtube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpN7nMt8gf0&t=91s.

Williams was named Top Female Author in the 2019 Top Female Author Awards in the poetry category. The win came as the result of her most recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'. Williams was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors by a panel of judges.

Writing has helped Williams connect with her inner self, finding positive ways to cope with life's struggles. She has been writing and singing for as long as she can remember.

Throughout her childhood she sang in both the church and school choir, and also enjoyed singing at talent shows and music festivals. As an adult she also participated in concerts, performing as a solo artist.

Music and writing are the tools that bring her fulfillment and healing. Her book, 'A Collection Of Poems', takes us through the power of the human mind, good or bad, and its impact on one's direction and journey through life.

With the help of music, writing, and positive thinking, Williams found hope and purpose in life. Life isn't fair. It is unpredictable, bad things happen to good people, and we never know what tomorrow holds. Cheryl wants her readers to realize that even when faced with insurmountable, hopeless situations, even when life seems dark and uncertain, we should never let go of hope and appreciate the beauty and blessings that life has to offer, making the most of every day, loving, living, laughing, and learning. Seasons change, and there is always a rainbow after the storms of life.

Cheryl Williams is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at cherylw27@aol.com. 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is available at Amazon and Dorrance Publishing. More information, including a number of videos and a collection of music, is available at her website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.

About Cheryl Williams:

Cheryl Williams is a wife, mother, author, and nurse by profession, with a passion for the Arts.

Her love for poetry started at the tender age of five when she recited the poem "Grandfather Frog” for a school function. Six years later, her world was turned upside down after her mother suffered a massive stroke. During those uncertain times, music, writing, and poetry helped her cope.

As a teenager, whenever she wasn’t caring for her mother, Cheryl spent her free time writing and directing short plays as a form of entertainment for the children in her neighborhood.

She enjoyed singing in the church and school choir, while also performing publicly as a soloist in concerts and talent shows. As a result of her mother’s illness and her responsibility to help care for her, Cheryl was inspired to pursue nursing as a way to help others heal; the same way writing and music helped her find a path to healing. She resides in New York.

Contact:

Cheryl Williams

cherylw27@aol.com

https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams

Leia Mais…

Empowering The Victims Of Bullying - Bullying Can Be Overcome Says Award Winning Author Cheryl Williams In New Video

Williams, an award winning author, poet, film maker and musician released the new video for National Bullying Prevention Month.

Bullying, whether in the workplace, school or even home, is not a new problem. It is a problem that we must deal with today however. Bullying can take myriad forms and there are as many ways of attempting to handle the problem as there are ways of bullying. There is one solution, however, that never fails. That is the subject of a new video entitled ‘Empowering The Victims Of Bullying’, released by award winning author Cheryl Williams, who was once the target of bullying.

"When we think of bully awareness, we often focus our attention on the bully," Williams stated. "Since we can’t control the words or behaviors of another person, we must instead focus on how we respond to that person.

"As a victim of bullying myself, I had to find constructive, positive ways to help me cope with bullying, and move forward. I want to use this opportunity to empower those who’re victims of bullying. Always remember, despite what anyone says; You are amazing, special and unique. You are one of a kind. You matter.

"The poem 'Human' was written as way to help me unburden, to help me take back my strength, my self-esteem, my self-respect.

"I recently created a YouTube video featuring the beautiful, talented Soleil reciting this poem. Soleil has also experienced the effects of bullying, and has turned the negative into positive by empowering her mind everyday to rise above.

"My son Kyle Williams, aka KDoubleU, is also a victim of bullying, rap was a way for him to empower his mind and make it through each day. His song, Stay Strong, featured in the video addresses bullying.

"It is extremely important for you to embrace your true self. Never allowing anyone to discredit your worth. Once you acknowledge your value, then it doesn’t matter what anyone else says or does.

"You must learn the art of standing up for yourself. This act of courage, will require you to love yourself, appreciate the skin you are in and embrace your strengths and weaknesses.

"I’m sure you have heard the saying: no one can take away your power unless you surrender it. Once you are empowered, it becomes easier to tackle the bullying you may experience and move forward unscathed.

You

You worry and fret
Yet in your haste forget
That you are truly blessed

A unique soul in a lost world
Where the norm is to become
A clone of another person

Failing to accept the truth of
your amazing human assets

You must love the unique you
Embrace your strengths,
Your weaknesses

Appreciate the skin you are in
You are here for a reason

There has never been
And will never be
Another you…"

The new video, ‘Empowering The Victims Of Bullying’ is available at Youtube at https://youtu.be/d33f6R13YwI.

Williams, the award winning author of 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is also a talented film maker and musician. She recently released a new video entitled "Covid-19: A Child's View." The new film is a penetrating look into the experiences of those whose young lives have been affected. The new film is available at Youtube at https://youtu.be/MiL3NMtsKhM.

"In this YouTube video, 'Covid-19: A Child’s View', we can listen to the kids as they speak about their experiences and perspectives surrounding the virus and this pandemic," Williams stated.

Williams had a chance to speak with Anthony, the fourteen year old Covid survivor, who was featured in 'Covid-19 and My Child. Anthony’s story was aired on News 12 Long Island and featured in the the Deer Park-North Babylon NY Patch,
https://patch.com/new-york/deerpark-northbabylon/mom-whose-son-14-had-coronavirus-urges-back-school-caution

Williams also recently posted a mesmerizing account of her coronavirus experience in a Youtube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpN7nMt8gf0&t=91s.

Williams was named Top Female Author in the 2019 Top Female Author Awards in the poetry category. The win came as the result of her most recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'. Williams was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors by a panel of judges.

Writing has helped Williams connect with her inner self, finding positive ways to cope with life's struggles. She has been writing and singing for as long as she can remember.

Throughout her childhood she sang in both the church and school choir, and also enjoyed singing at talent shows and music festivals. As an adult she also participated in concerts, performing as a solo artist.

Music and writing are the tools that bring her fulfillment and healing. Her book, 'A Collection Of Poems', takes us through the power of the human mind, good or bad, and its impact on one's direction and journey through life.

With the help of music, writing, and positive thinking, Williams found hope and purpose in life. Life isn't fair. It is unpredictable, bad things happen to good people, and we never know what tomorrow holds. Cheryl wants her readers to realize that even when faced with insurmountable, hopeless situations, even when life seems dark and uncertain, we should never let go of hope and appreciate the beauty and blessings that life has to offer, making the most of every day, loving, living, laughing, and learning. Seasons change, and there is always a rainbow after the storms of life.

Cheryl Williams is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at cherylw27@aol.com. 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is available at Amazon and Dorrance Publishing. More information, including a number of videos and a collection of music, is available at her website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.

About Cheryl Williams:

Cheryl Williams is a wife, mother, author, and nurse by profession, with a passion for the Arts.

Her love for poetry started at the tender age of five when she recited the poem "Grandfather Frog” for a school function. Six years later, her world was turned upside down after her mother suffered a massive stroke. During those uncertain times, music, writing, and poetry helped her cope.

As a teenager, whenever she wasn’t caring for her mother, Cheryl spent her free time writing and directing short plays as a form of entertainment for the children in her neighborhood.

She enjoyed singing in the church and school choir, while also performing publicly as a soloist in concerts and talent shows. As a result of her mother’s illness and her responsibility to help care for her, Cheryl was inspired to pursue nursing as a way to help others heal; the same way writing and music helped her find a path to healing. She resides in New York.

Contact:

Cheryl Williams

cherylw27@aol.com

https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams

Leia Mais…

Suffering Alone, Dying Alone - A Tribute To Those Impacted By The Covid-19 Pandemic Offered By Award Winning Author And Film Maker Cheryl Williams

Williams took top honors in the Top Female Author awards program for her recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'. She has released 3 films to date dealing with the pandemic including 'Covid-19 A Child's View'.

Over 200,000 lives have been cut short by the pandemic in the US. The suffering is unfathomable. Nearly every single person on the planet has been affected. Cheryl Williams, a Covid-19 survivor, school nurse, award winning author and film maker sees the suffering up close, daily. Her family, her friends and her acquaintances, all affected by the virus, inspire her with their bravery, their determination and their resolve despite the impact the pandemic has had on their lives. She recently offered a tribute to those affected by the virus in a new Youtube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZAZzlk4JuI, and a poem entitled "Loss".

"The tremendous loss of lives due to Covid-19 has deeply impacted so many individuals, families, communities, countries and the world as a whole," Williams said.

"Death is the most haunting, painful loss we will ever experience, but succumbing to the complications of Covid-19, suffering alone, dying alone, not being able to say goodbye, to give (your loved ones, friends, etc.) the send off they truly deserve is heartbreaking.

"Covid has robbed us of so much, yet so many of us fail to notice those among us who are hurting, lonely and depressed.

"Many of us are consumed with our own affairs that we fail to see the blank and empty hearts that walk beside us in the grocery store, sit adjacent to us on the bus ride home, live across the street from us, communicate via social media with us…

"So many people are in pain, so many people are angry, so many people are hopeless. It is my hope that this tribute will, in some way, ease the burden of the heavy hearted and bring them peace of mind."

Loss

The darkness hovers over me
A sudden sense of loss
The emptiness torments me
Thoughts flooding back and forth

The memory of the endless love
The blessed love we shared
Stood there in silence frozen
Heartbroken with despair

Thinking of that blessed day
That seems so far away
When we will be together
In a special kind of way

Williams, the award winning author of 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is also a talented film maker and musician. She recently released a new video entitled "Covid-19: A Child's View." The new film is a penetrating look into the experiences of those whose young lives have been affected. The new film is available at Youtube at https://youtu.be/MiL3NMtsKhM.

"In this YouTube video, 'Covid-19: A Child’s View', we can listen to the kids as they speak about their experiences and perspectives surrounding the virus and this pandemic," Williams stated.

Williams had a chance to speak with Anthony, the fourteen year old Covid survivor, who was featured in 'Covid-19 and My Child. Anthony’s story was aired on News 12 Long Island and featured in the the Deer Park-North Babylon NY Patch,
https://patch.com/new-york/deerpark-northbabylon/mom-whose-son-14-had-coronavirus-urges-back-school-caution

Williams also recently posted a mesmerizing account of her coronavirus experience in a Youtube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpN7nMt8gf0&t=91s.

Williams was named Top Female Author in the 2019 Top Female Author Awards in the poetry category. The win came as the result of her most recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'. Williams was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors by a panel of judges.

Writing has helped Williams connect with her inner self, finding positive ways to cope with life's struggles. She has been writing and singing for as long as she can remember.

Throughout her childhood she sang in both the church and school choir, and also enjoyed singing at talent shows and music festivals. As an adult she also participated in concerts, performing as a solo artist.

Music and writing are the tools that bring her fulfillment and healing. Her book, 'A Collection Of Poems', takes us through the power of the human mind, good or bad, and its impact on one's direction and journey through life.

With the help of music, writing, and positive thinking, Williams found hope and purpose in life. Life isn't fair. It is unpredictable, bad things happen to good people, and we never know what tomorrow holds. Cheryl wants her readers to realize that even when faced with insurmountable, hopeless situations, even when life seems dark and uncertain, we should never let go of hope and appreciate the beauty and blessings that life has to offer, making the most of every day, loving, living, laughing, and learning. Seasons change, and there is always a rainbow after the storms of life.

Cheryl Williams is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at cherylw27@aol.com. 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is available at Amazon and Dorrance Publishing. More information, including a number of videos and a collection of music, is available at her website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.

About Cheryl Williams:

Cheryl Williams is a wife, mother, author, and nurse by profession, with a passion for the Arts.

Her love for poetry started at the tender age of five when she recited the poem "Grandfather Frog” for a school function. Six years later, her world was turned upside down after her mother suffered a massive stroke. During those uncertain times, music, writing, and poetry helped her cope.

As a teenager, whenever she wasn’t caring for her mother, Cheryl spent her free time writing and directing short plays as a form of entertainment for the children in her neighborhood.

She enjoyed singing in the church and school choir, while also performing publicly as a soloist in concerts and talent shows. As a result of her mother’s illness and her responsibility to help care for her, Cheryl was inspired to pursue nursing as a way to help others heal; the same way writing and music helped her find a path to healing. She resides in New York.

Contact:

Cheryl Williams

cherylw27@aol.com

https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams

Leia Mais…

Covid-19: A Child's View - New Film By Award Winning Author And Film Maker Cheryl Williams Now Available

Williams took top honors in the Top Female Author awards program for her recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'. She has released 3 films dealing with the pandemic.

The primary focus of our attention during the pandemic has been on the older generation, those most at risk of dying from Covid-19. Many of us forget that this insidious virus also attacks young people. Cheryl Williams, a Covid-19 survivor and school nurse naturally takes an avid interest in how the pandemic is affecting all young people, including the students with whom she normally engages every day.

Williams, the award winning author of 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life', is also a talented film maker and musician. She recently released a new video entitled "Covid-19: A Child's View." The new film is a penetrating look into the experiences of those whose young lives have been affected. The new film is available at Youtube at https://youtu.be/MiL3NMtsKhM.

"This pandemic has been a shock to all of our systems," Williams stated. "It has robbed us of our freedoms and life as we once knew it. So many adults are inundated with difficult choices every day and we sometimes overlook the fact that kids are also victims of this pandemic.

"Kids are also worried and concerned about losing their freedoms. They are also stressed about all these changes and protocols. Many children have contracted this virus over the course of the last few months: some asymptomatic or with mild symptoms, some very ill with lingering effects and others who unfortunately aren’t alive today to tell their story.

"It’s obvious that this pandemic is extremely mentally taxing on our children. As a result, it was imperative for me to check in on them and see how they were coping. I felt that speaking with the children gave them an opportunity to open up and unburden.

"In this YouTube video, "Covid-19: A Child’s View", we can listen to the kids as they speak about their experiences and perspectives surrounding the virus and this pandemic.

"I also had a chance to speak with Anthony, the fourteen year old Covid survivor, who was featured in my last segment Covid-19 and My Child. Since my last video and article, Anthony’s story was aired on News 12 Long Island and featured in the the Deer Park-North Babylon NY Patch
https://patch.com/new-york/deerpark-northbabylon/mom-whose-son-14-had-coronavirus-urges-back-school-caution

"Covid-19 is still a mystery as there are many misconceptions when it comes to this virus. Many people still disbelieve the existence of this virus, while others are convinced that children are merely carriers and only become ill if they have a pre-existing condition. In actuality, we have seen the opposite effect. Many healthy children and adults have been put in serious life-altering dilemmas regarding this virus and many losing their lives in the process.

"The existence of Covid-19 is a loss to all of us. We feel frustrated, hopeless, helpless and confused. Although life seems chaotic and at times we are on different sides of the fence, the fact of the matter is; the first step to bringing this pandemic to an end is to accept the reality that this virus is real.

"The only way to stop it is to work together as a team and do all that we can to make a difference. As I told the children: teamwork is the first step in making a dream work. If our dream is to get rid of the coronavirus and end this pandemic once and for all, cooperating together as a team is the smartest way forward."

Williams also recently posted a mesmerizing account of her coronavirus experience in a Youtube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpN7nMt8gf0&t=91s.

Williams was named Top Female Author in the 2019 Top Female Author Awards in the poetry category. The win came as the result of her most recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'. Williams was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors by a panel of judges.

Writing has helped Williams connect with her inner self, finding positive ways to cope with life's struggles. She has been writing and singing for as long as she can remember.

Throughout her childhood she sang in both the church and school choir, and also enjoyed singing at talent shows and music festivals. As an adult she also participated in concerts, performing as a solo artist.

Music and writing are the tools that bring her fulfillment and healing. Her book, 'A Collection Of Poems', takes us through the power of the human mind, good or bad, and its impact on one's direction and journey through life.

With the help of music, writing, and positive thinking, Williams found hope and purpose in life. Life isn't fair. It is unpredictable, bad things happen to good people, and we never know what tomorrow holds. Cheryl wants her readers to realize that even when faced with insurmountable, hopeless situations, even when life seems dark and uncertain, we should never let go of hope and appreciate the beauty and blessings that life has to offer, making the most of every day, loving, living, laughing, and learning. Seasons change, and there is always a rainbow after the storms of life.

Cheryl Williams is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at cherylw27@aol.com. 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is available at Amazon. More information, including a number of videos and a collection of music, is available at her website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.

About Cheryl Williams:

Cheryl Williams is a wife, mother, author, and nurse by profession, with a passion for the Arts.

Her love for poetry started at the tender age of five when she recited the poem "Grandfather Frog” for a school function. Six years later, her world was turned upside down after her mother suffered a massive stroke. During those uncertain times, music, writing, and poetry helped her cope.

As a teenager, whenever she wasn’t caring for her mother, Cheryl spent her free time writing and directing short plays as a form of entertainment for the children in her neighborhood.

She enjoyed singing in the church and school choir, while also performing publicly as a soloist in concerts and talent shows. As a result of her mother’s illness and her responsibility to help care for her, Cheryl was inspired to pursue nursing as a way to help others heal; the same way writing and music helped her find a path to healing. She resides in New York.

Contact:

Cheryl Williams

cherylw27@aol.com

https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams

Leia Mais…

Covid-19 And My Child, A Parent's Nightmare - New Video By Award Winning Author, School Nurse And Covid-19 Survivor Cheryl Williams

Williams took top honors in the Top Female Author awards program for her recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'.

We know that the timing of the reopening of our school systems has become a political issue; an issue that creates fear and trepidation in the minds of both parents and educators. Award winning author Cheryl Williams is intimately familiar with Covid-19 as she is one of the survivors. She is also a school nurse, musician and film maker.

Bringing a number of her talents to bear, Williams recently filmed a video in which she interviewed a parent whose son, age 14, contracted the coronavirus. It is as compelling as it is informative.

"With schools on the verge of reopening and the coronavirus still wreaking havoc on our communities nationwide,  I recently sat down for an interview with a parent on my segment ‘Covid-19 and my child, Williams stated.

"Mrs. Rodriguez’s healthy fourteen year old athletic son Anthony became very ill from complications of Covid-19.  She expressed how upsetting it was that she had to fight for her son to be administered a Covid test due to the fact that he didn’t have a cough and was low risk.

"Due to the misconceptions that kids don’t get that sick from Covid, a lot of people are nonchalant when it comes to testing kids. During the interview, Mrs. Rodriguez went on to explain that after her son was finally administered the test, two days later the doctor’s office called to confirm a positive result and asked that she bring him in for a chest X-ray. She expressed her frustrations when Anthony’s chest X-ray revealed a partially collapsed lung.

"As per mom, 'her son wasn’t going to die on her watch', she continuously monitored his respiratory rate oxygen saturation every four hours. Five days after his diagnosis she became concerned as 'he didn’t look himself, and his oxygen sat was 93 percent'.

"That was when he was diagnosed with double pneumonia. She kept a close eye on him, administering his prescribed medications and monitoring his vital signs. According to Mrs. Rodriguez, it has been four months since his diagnosis and her son has now developed a heaviness in his right arm.

"He cannot eat and breathe deeply at the same time, is extremely fatigued, has scarring on his lungs and has ongoing doctors  appointments and lab tests to determine what these signs and symptoms may indicate. She explained how terrified she was for her son, watching him suffer and not being able to take the pain away.

"When I asked Anthony how the virus impacted him. He responded: 'It was really scary at first for me, like I didn’t know what was actually gonna happen to me.'

"He went on to explain that if he had the opportunity to educate kids about this virus, he would tell them 'having COVID-19 isn’t a good experience, and remind them that anyone can get it - not just the elderly.'

"In retrospect, mom expressed how using mommy instincts and fighting for her son to get the care he needs is something she would do again in a heartbeat. She wants the world to understand that children do get sick and die. As Mrs. Rodriguez stated, one thing that still haunts her to this day was hearing her son ask if he was going to die. She is eternally grateful that her son is alive and hoping that he would make a full recovery without any lasting side effects.

"When I asked how she saw us getting past this Pandemic, this was her response:

'We need the general public’s help to do this. We need them to acknowledge that this virus is not going anywhere until we do our part to stop it.'

"She urges everyone to take social distancing, wearing masks and hand hygiene methods seriously.

“Everyone is looking for that one leader to guide us and unfortunately they will not find that. They have to look at their neighbors, their friends and their families and help each other get through this.

"Mrs. Rodriguez wants us to think of Covid-19 as cancer. 'It does not discriminate. It affects anyone and everyone. Some treatments work and some don’t. Some people live and some die. If they told you that wearing a mask in public and social distancing would prevent you from getting cancer, wouldn’t you do it?  So think of it that way.'

"According to Mrs. Rodriguez, Covid-19 is pretty much like Russian Roulette. 'We don’t know who will get it, who will survive it, and who will land up with debilitating side affects as a result of it.'

"I asked Anthony if Covid-19 changed the way he now views life:

'It did change my perception on life' he said. 'It helped me to value each passing second with full attention and gratitude.'

The full video interview is now available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk4lGP8Dwsc&feature=youtu.be. She also recently posted a mesmerizing account of her coronavirus experience in a Youtube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpN7nMt8gf0&t=91s.

Williams was named Top Female Author in the 2019 Top Female Author Awards in the poetry category. The win came as the result of her most recent book, 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life'. Williams was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors by a panel of judges.

Writing has helped Williams connect with her inner self, finding positive ways to cope with life's struggles. She has been writing and singing for as long as she can remember.

Throughout her childhood she sang in both the church and school choir, and also enjoyed singing at talent shows and music festivals. As an adult she also participated in concerts, performing as a solo artist.

Music and writing are the tools that bring her fulfillment and healing. Her book, 'A Collection Of Poems', takes us through the power of the human mind, good or bad, and its impact on one's direction and journey through life.

With the help of music, writing, and positive thinking, Williams found hope and purpose in life. Life isn't fair. It is unpredictable, bad things happen to good people, and we never know what tomorrow holds. Cheryl wants her readers to realize that even when faced with insurmountable, hopeless situations, even when life seems dark and uncertain, we should never let go of hope and appreciate the beauty and blessings that life has to offer, making the most of every day, loving, living, laughing, and learning. Seasons change, and there is always a rainbow after the storms of life.

Cheryl Williams is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at cherylw27@aol.com. 'A Collection Of Poems: A Journey Through Life' is available at Amazon. More information, including a number of videos and a collection of music, is available at her website at https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams.

About Cheryl Williams:

Cheryl Williams is a wife, mother, author, and nurse by profession, with a passion for the Arts.

Her love for poetry started at the tender age of five when she recited the poem "Grandfather Frog” for a school function. Six years later, her world was turned upside down after her mother suffered a massive stroke. During those uncertain times, music, writing, and poetry helped her cope.

As a teenager, whenever she wasn’t caring for her mother, Cheryl spent her free time writing and directing short plays as a form of entertainment for the children in her neighborhood.

She enjoyed singing in the church and school choir, while also performing publicly as a soloist in concerts and talent shows. As a result of her mother’s illness and her responsibility to help care for her, Cheryl was inspired to pursue nursing as a way to help others heal; the same way writing and music helped her find a path to healing. She resides in New York.

Contact:

Cheryl Williams
cherylw27@aol.com
https://cherylhot6.wixsite.com/cherylpwilliams

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Puppetry Expert Margaret Arney Announces Release Of New Book About Puppetry, 'Glove Puppetry'

Margaret Arney is a puppetry specialist who has designed a simple 3 in 1 puppetry theatre and is writing manuals to help children/adults do wonderful puppet performances that will amaze themselves and their audience.

Puppetry expert Margaret Arney has announced the release of a new book about puppetry, 'Glove Puppetry'. The new manual is a simple, very well illustrated step by step program that will enable groups to make and perform a full puppet performance. It has been tested in the classroom situation for accuracy, sufficiency, understanding and whether it is really clear and complete enough for the user to achieve the end result – a top performance.

Arney's mission is to provide puppetry programs to enable busy teachers/group leaders to use puppetry to develop skills, creativity, imagination, confidence and team spirit in a fun environment. These beneficial developments naturally flow on into their everyday lives.

"Puppetry performances teach children how to speak clearly and act confidently, use their imagination and initiative, complete tasks and develop good team work," Arney stated. "It inspires ordinary people to do extraordinary things."

Arney has designed a simple three in one aluminum Qubelok theatre (available in Australia and similar systems are available in other countries) – two different heights of proscenium for hand held puppets, including shadow puppets, and a marionette proscenium. She is producing simple illustrated manuals on making the theatre, puppets and scenery with a few story scripts to learn on and perform.

She is currently writing a Marionette Puppetry manual which has been tested in a school to see that it is user friendly and complete. In addition, she is also writing an Introductory Manual to help teachers start simple puppetry plays with younger children and over a few years develop their basic puppetry skills so they can move easily onto doing gloves and marionettes.

'Glove Puppetry' has been well received by educators. Teacher Sue Dupont stated, "The benefits of puppetry are innumerable for the builder; the puppeteer and the audience. Once puppetry has been started at your school/group, you won't be able to stop, because every other class will be waiting to have a go. This manual is easy to follow and I can recommend it highly."

Margaret Arney is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at silky1903@gmail.com. All of Arney's books are available at online retailers in print and ebook formats. More information is available at her website at http://www.puppetrytheatre.com.

About Margaret Arney:

Margaret started doing puppetry in 1964 with her primary school class aged 10 years. She found it so rewarding to all concerned she is still doing it today. She has also built three transportable theatres with her sons and husband.

Her real love is teaching children or adults how to do puppetry and seeing how incredibly far they want to go with it. She used the theatres to do this along with the aluminum Qubelok one she has designed.

Contact:

Margaret Arney
silky1903@gmail.com
http://www.puppetrytheatre.com

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Readers Favorite, Premier Book Review and Award Site, Announces 2012 Award Winning Authors

Readers Favorite, the fastest growing book review and award contest site on the internet, has announced the winners in their 2012 International Book Award Contest, whose contestants ranged from self-published authors to celebrities

Readers Favorite has earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Penguin and Harper Collins, and has received the Best Websites for Authors and Honoring Excellence awards from the Association of Independent Authors. In addition to providing free reviews to authors who range from the first-time self-published author to seasoned professionals like James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks, they also host a respected annual award contest to help authors obtain more recognition and exposure.

"We are excited and pleased," stated Debra Gaynor, owner of Readers Favorite, "to announce the winners of this year's Readers Favorite International Book Award Contest. We are proud of the growing respect of our annual competition, which accepted entries from almost every US state and nearly a dozen countries. We receive submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants like Harper Collins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times best-selling authors and celebrities."

The list of winners can be accessed from the Readers Favorite site at http://readersfavorite.com/2012-award-contest-winners.htm

More information is available at the company's website. Owner Debra Gaynor is available for media interviews. Authors who wish to obtain reviews or participate in next years contest can visit the company's website at http://ReadersFavorite.com .

Contact:

Debra Gaynor
Readers Favorite
support@readersfavorite.com
http://readersfavorite.com
(800) 691-8826

Readers Favorite LLC
223 Truman Young Rd.
Hawesville, KY. 42348

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Readers Favorite, Premier Book Review and Award Site, Announces 2011 Award Winning Authors

Readers Favorite, one of the fastest growing book review and award contest sites on the internet, has announced the winners in their 2011 Literary Award contest. They are also the recent recipients of the AIA (Association of Independent Authors) Honoring Excellence Award for helping authors

Readers Favorite, a premier book review and award site, has announced the winners in their 2011 Literary Award contest. Awards were given in 70+ categories including Children, Christian, Fiction, Non Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy and Romance. Contestants were invited to submit full manuscripts, published and unpublished books, eBooks, audio books, comic books and poetry books. Due to the exponential growth of Readers Favorite, it is arguably the Internet's fastest growing review and award contest website.

"We are excited and pleased," stated Debra Gaynor, owner of Readers Favorite, "to announce the winners of this year's Readers Favorite Award Contest. We are proud of the growing respect of our annual competition, which accepted entries from almost every US state and nearly a dozen countries. Award winners can enjoy increased exposure and the attention of bookstores, publishers, libraries, journalists and readers."

Readers Favorite was created to help authors with honest reviews of their work and to assist them in obtaining more recognition and exposure through a respected Book Award Contest. As a result, Readers Favorite has just been awarded the AIA (Association of Independent Authors) Honoring Excellence Award.

The list of winners can be accessed at the Readers Favorite site at http://readersfavorite.com/2011-award-contest-winners.htm

In addition to their annual Award Contest, Readers Favorite also provides free reviews for authors and has been asked to review for such renowned authors as James Patterson, David Baldacci, Stephanie Meyer. Readers Favorite is trusted by prominent publishers like Penguin, Random House, Hachette, and Thomas Nelson.

More information is available at the company's website. Owner, Debra Gaynor, is available for media interviews and can be reached at support@readersfavorite.com. Authors who wish to obtain reviews or participate in next years contest can visit the company's website at http://www.ReadersFavorite.com

Contact:

Debra Gaynor
Readers Favorite
support@readersfavorite.com
http://readersfavorite.com
(800) 691-8826

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Have We Lost Our Children To Technology?

Today many parents and grandparents feel completely out of touch with the younger generations. Parent and grandparents are responsible for passing on core values and life experiences to their children and grandchildren. This is very difficult in the modern age of cellphone and computer technology. One company is taking dramatic steps to help assure those values are not lost and is using technology to help parent and grandparents connect with children

Cellphones, texting, DVD's and computer games have become a way of life for most young people. For many children exposure to such technology now starts at the elementary grade levels - perhaps even earlier. Not surprisingly many people blame the current rash of school violence, bullying, child suicides, dropout rates, attention deficit disorders and the loss of traditional values squarely on this technology and all it brings with it. Unfortunately many parents and grandparents feel left out and left behind, unable to connect in a meaningful way with young people. Many parents and grandparents watch helplessly while others simply throw up their hands, unable to understand what is going on.

Bedtime stories, fairy tales and books were once core activities in regards to connecting with children, but much of that precious one-on-one communication has been lost as technology has taken center stage. Trenna Daniells believes that technology can instead actually enhance communication. Ms. Daniells, CEO of One To Grow On Audio Series, has created a full line of tools that will allow parents and grandparents to reconnect with their children and grandchildren in a meaningful way and will serve as door-openers to discussions about those core values and issues.

"I know I don’t stand alone," stated Ms. Daniells, "in the outlook that our children are losing touch with the core values of their parents and grandparents. Unfortunately many of the values that children are formulating today are not providing them with the foundation they need to become functioning, well-adjusted, responsibly independent adults. As parents and grandparents we need to actively instill good values and promote strong family bonds. I think we all remember the wonder, magic and value of bedtime stories. By sharing stories in which characters survive and prosper while facing adversity and challenges, it helps children to understand that they will survive too. By sharing these stories in a format in which children have a natural affinity, we not only open the channel of communication and reconnect, we allow young minds to engage their creative imaginations! Sounds like a good old fashioned storybook to me."

These award winning bedtimes stories form a series of highly entertaining adventures, filled with engaging music and sound effects, that help children cope with growing up. The ideals and values imparted are time-tested, and the stories are delivered in a way that children get the message.

"As our lifestyles change," she continued, "and more families have both parents working outside the home, grandparents are more actively involved in rearing grand kids. It becomes incredibly important to reinforce and reestablish strong family ties. We must approach our child-rearing with a new and different spirit. We must create a family atmosphere that doesn’t center on passive activities such as watching videos, TV and playing video games. I can’t overly stress the importance of building this kind of foundation and it is never too early or too late to start. Stories open a door of communication where children are more comfortable to talk about situations in which they are having difficulty coping. Audio stories open that magical world where we can realize we all create our own life's story."

The One To Grow On Audio Series has won numerous awards and has been recognized by some of the country's most prestigious childrens organizations. The series was awarded the Seal of Approval by the National Parenting Center. Creative Child Magazine gave the series the 2010 CD of the Year award. The series was named among the best in family-friendly media, products and serves by the Mom's Choice Awards. 'Exercising Good Relationships' received Dr. Toy's Best Children's Vacation Products Award in 2010.

More information including a no-charge kid's audio bedtime story and numerous samples are available at the company's website. Trenna Daniells is available for media interview and can be reached using the information below or by email at trenna@kids-audio-stories.com.

Profile:

Trenna Daniell’s formal education was in art and music. A life-long student of philosophy and metaphysics, she won a national reputation as a Human Potential Seminar trainer and lecturer. She has appeared on more than a hundred radio and television programs throughout the United States, including Good Morning America. Braille International of Stuart, Florida translated many of Trenna’s stories into Braille books and cassette stories for the blind.

When not writing children’s books, Trenna uses her education at Mt. Hood College and the UCLA Design School in California to express her art. Among her credits: a series of greeting cards for Island Heritage. Her work has appeared in Aloha Airlines Magazine and Artists of Hawaii, and in the Collectors Galleries on Maui and Kauai. The Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas commissioned Trenna to produce southwestern pastels for its hotel. Her work also hangs in numerous resorts around the world, including Sandals Resort on Negril Beach in Jamaica. She currently shows in galleries in both Vail and Aspen, Colorado. More information regarding her artwork is available at www.TrennaDaniells.com.

Contact:

Trenna Daniells
Web: www.KidsAudioStories.com
Email: trenna@kids-audio-stories.com
Phone 800-514-6820

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One To Grow On Bedtime Stories Help Parents And Grandparents Connect With Kids Through Audio Books And Short Stories

Today many grandparents feel out of touch with their grandchildren. In the past, storytime, especially bedtime stories, allowed grandparents to pass on core values and life experiences. This is difficult in an age of cellphone and computer technology. One company, however, is using technology to help grandparents connect with grandchildren


In the modern age of technology, many grandparents feel left behind, unable to connect in a meaningful way with their grandchildren. Bedtime stories, fairy tales and books were once a core activity in regards to connecting with grandchildren, but much of that has been lost as technology has taken center stage. Trenna Daniels believes that technology can actually enhance communication. She has created a full line of bedtime stories available for download in electronic format.

These award winning bedtimes stories form a series of highly entertaining adventures, filled with engaging music and sound effects, that help children cope with growing up. The ideals and values imparted are time-tested, and the stories are delivered in a way that children get the message.

"I know I don’t stand alone," stated Ms. Daniells, "in the outlook that our children are becoming ever more connected through TV, videos, cell phones they are being more disconnected. Unfortunately many of the values that children are formulating today are not providing them with the foundation they need to become functioning, well-adjusted, responsibly independent adults. As parents and grandparents we need to actively instill good values and promote strong family bonds. I think we all remember the wonder, magic and value of bedtime stories. By sharing stories in which characters survive and prosper while facing adversity and challenges, it helps children to understand that they will survive too. By sharing these stories in a format in which children have a natural affinity, we not only open the channel of communication and reconnect, we allow young minds to engage their creative imaginations! Sounds like a good old fashioned storybook to me."

"As our lifestyles change," she continued, "and more families have both parents working outside the home, grandparents are more actively involved in rearing grand kids. It becomes incredibly important to reinforce and reestablish strong family ties. We must approach our child-rearing with a new and different spirit. We must create a family atmosphere that doesn’t center on passive activities such as watching videos, TV and playing video games. I can’t overly stress the importance of building this kind of foundation and it is never too early or too late to start. Stories open a door of communication where children are more comfortable to talk about situations in which they are having difficulty coping. Audio stories open that magical world where we can realize we all create our own life's story.

The One To Grow On Audio Series has won numerous awards and has been recognized by some of the country's most prestigious childrens organizations. The series was awarded the Seal of Approval by the National Parenting Center. Creative Child Magazine gave the series the 2010 CD of the Year award. The series was named among the best in family-friendly media, products and serves by the Mom's Choice Awards. 'Exercising Good Relationships' received Dr. Toy's Best Children's Vacation Products Award in 2010.

More information including a no-charge kid's audio bedtime story and numerous samples are available at the company's website. Trenna Daniells is available for media interview and can be reached using the information below or by email at trenna@kids-audio-stories.com.

Profile:

Trenna Daniell’s formal education was in art and music. A life-long student of philosophy and metaphysics, she won a national reputation as a Human Potential Seminar trainer and lecturer. She has appeared on more than a hundred radio and television programs throughout the United States, including Good Morning America. Braille International of Stuart, Florida translated many of Trenna’s stories into Braille books and cassette stories for the blind.

When not writing children’s books, Trenna uses her education at Mt. Hood College and the UCLA Design School in California to express her art. Among her credits: a series of greeting cards for Island Heritage. Her work has appeared in Aloha Airlines Magazine and Artists of Hawaii, and in the Collectors Galleries on Maui and Kauai. The Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas commissioned Trenna to produce southwestern pastels for its hotel. Her work also hangs in numerous resorts around the world, including Sandals Resort on Negril Beach in Jamaica. She currently shows in galleries in both Vail and Aspen, Colorado. More information regarding her artwork is available at www.TrennaDaniells.com.

Contact:

Trenna Daniells
Web: http://www.KidsAudioStories.com
Email: trenna@kids-audio-stories.com
Phone 800-514-6820

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Author Carmen Navarro-Talavera Helps Children Overcome The Fear Of Hurricanes in The Ant Lucy And The Hurricane

Hurricane season is swiftly approaching. All people suffer fear when hurricanes approach the US coastline, but children even more so. Author Carmen Navarro-Talavera helps children overcome their fear in The Ant Lucy And The Hurricane

Hurricane season is approaching quickly. The Ant Lucy and the Hurricane is purely a piece of fiction, but it is based on the reality of the dangers of hurricanes that many southern and water coastal areas in the United States are affected by greatly. The book teaches children and parents a new fun way to be prepared for the hurricane season and how to deal with this natural disaster as a family.

"The Ant Lucy and the Hurricane," stated Ms.Navarro-Talavera, "is a fun book that will teach not only the children, but also the entire family about the danger of this natural disaster. The book helps create awareness through Lucy and Lola's experiences with hurricane Javier. This book is different from others as the concepts speak to anyone from 5 year olds to grandparents. The illustrations are bright and fun. Included are homework assignments, Lucy's letter to parents and the Reader's theater, which can get the family together to have fun while they are learning."

In addition to a captivating story with beautiful illustrations, this children's book also contains:

A homework page
A to do supply list worksheet
A letter to parents from Lucy
A reader’s theatre to entertain the whole family

"The Ant Lucy and the Hurricane", Ms. Navarro-Talavera, "is also an excellent book for when children are waiting for the storm to arrive. Certainly nearly all children have a tendency to worry too much and get bored. The entire family can get involved with the play. This book is also written in Spanish and is titled "La hormiguita Lucy y el Huracan."

The Ant Lucy And The Hurricane, both English and Spanish versions is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, local bookstores and at her website. Ms. Navarro-Talavera can be contacted by email at lucytheant1@yahoo.com or by using the information below.

The Ant Lucy And The Hurricane
Carmen Navarro Talavera
ISBN 978-1438977881

Profile:

Carmen Navarro-Talavera was born in Somot, Nicaragua, and attended school to become an elementary teacher, a profession she worked in for five years. Afterward, she studied in the National University of Nicaragua in Managua, Nicaragua, to become a preschool teacher, and then continued on to Eckerd College in Florida to obtain a degree in human development.

Carmen's interest in writing in writing children's books started when she was a teacher in the rural mountains of Nicaragua and had no books available in her classroom. It was then that she began writing books using simple household and outdoor items such a craft paper, newspapers, magazines, insects and leaves.

Ms. Navarro-Talavera is available for media interview and can be reached using the information below. She has appeared on The Children's Authors Show, Channel 8 Tampa, Channel ABC7 Sarasota and has appeared in print in The Bradenton Herald and The Observer.

Contact:

Carmen Navarro-Talavera
20 Bishopscourt Rd.
Osprey, FL 34229
941-441-7621
www.LucyTheAnt.com
lucytheant1@yahoo.com

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Award Winning Author Jill Vanderwood Helps Kids Teach Kids How To Go Green Simply By Living Green Themselves

With World Water Day, Earth Hour and Earth Day just around the corner, environmental awareness is at the forefront of our consciousness. Award winning author Jill Vanderwood believes that children can teach other children and adults about going green simply by living green themselves. Her children’s book, What's It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids by the Way They Live, describes how kids as young as four to seventeen are making better choices every day

Recycling, going green, reuse, clean energy and environmental awareness are all very popular buzzwords today. The mere use of buzzwords however does nothing to create real and lasting change. Only actions create change. It is this type of action that is described in Jill Vanderwood’s award winning book, What’s It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids by the Way They Live.

“There are three things,” stated Ms. Vanderwood, “that influenced me to write What’s It Like, Living Green? When we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Earth Day, I wondered if we had really made a difference for the planet. Next, my neighbor, Nicole, who is now thirteen, recycles aluminum cans so she can buy a Christmas gift for her everyone in her family. Third, my sister and my niece Azura drive an older Mercedes, fueled with used cooking oil. These are but a few of the examples found in the book.”

What's It Like Living Green? has won three national awards. The book was the recipient of the National Indie Excellence Award in the Green category. It won Motivational Minds’ 2009 Teen Development Award in the pre-teen category and also won the 2009 Best Books Award in the Green/Alternative Energy/ Conservation category given by USA Book News. What's It Like, Living Green has been featured in Ideal Bites newsletter (a Disney company) suggested green reading list for kids. Ms. Vanderwood has been quoted and featured on Disney Family iparenting.com. In addition, her books have been featured in the Staten Island Advance ‘Kids in the City’ column.What's It Like, Living Green was featured on the Green Team Utah website and Ms. Vanderwood was featured on the site as a Green Hero.

The book features stories describing how kids are making a real difference in the world. What’s It Like, Living Green? presents contributing authors who live green, such as Ryan Hreljac from Canada, who started Ryan's Well Foundation by providing clean water to a village school in Uganda at the age of seven, and Devon Green from Stewart, Florida who began Devon's Heal the World Recycling at the age of five. Here you will learn, from real families, how to make greenchoices as simple as putting on a sweater rather than turning up the heat. The book demonstrates how easy it is to reduce, reuse and recycle to create a healthy environment for the future.

“What’s It Like, Living Green?” continued Ms. Vanderwood, “is a great book for families who want to live green, and is of special interest as a teaching tool for schools. The book is written for ages 10 and up, but can be read with younger children.”

This book is available on Amazon.com and can be ordered through Baker and Taylor, Ingram's or through any local retailer. A portion of the book proceeds will be donated to Edwin Watts Southwind Park and Erin's Pavilion, in Springfield, IL, and Hibiscus Children's Center, to help build a playground for abused and neglected children in Jensen Beach, Florida. Ms. Vanderwood is available for interview and can be reached using the information below, or by email at throughtherug@earthlink.net.

What's It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, by the Way They Live
ISBN: 1-4392-2477-3
EAN: 9781439224779
CreateSpace Publishing

Profile:
Jill Ammon Vanderwood lives in West Valley City, Utah with her husband Bill. She is a mother and grandmother who hopes to bring kids together to make a difference for the planet. Jill participated in the first Earth Day in Portland, Oregon. She is a public speaker, teaches workshops, and was the winner of the 2008 Writer of the Year Award, from the League of Utah Writers.

Ms. Vanderwood has appeared on Motivational Minds Radio, The Children's Authors Show radio, Blub Radio with Sally Shields and Dr. Kent and Conversations Live Radio with Cyrus Webb as an author and literacy advocate. She was also interveiwed on KODJ radio in Salt Lake City, Utah and appeared on Channel 4 News in September for her Literacy Action Fundraiser.

Contact:

Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Email: throughtherug@earthlink.net
Web: www.jillvanderwood.com
Phone: 801-891-3370

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Just In Time for National Suicide Survivor Day, November 21: Educator/Child Advocate Helps Educators and Family Foster Children's Self-Worth

U.N.I.Q.U.E. Kids - Growing My Leadership Garden helps children develop a "Leadership Garden Legacy' based on mutual respect, cooperation and teamwork.

When kids get depressed, the consequences can be severe—even including suicide. For educators, parents, grandparents, and caregivers facing the challenges of increasing children's leadership skills and sense of self-worth while creating a safe, supportive climate, the acronym, U.N.I.Q.U.E. may provide a handy toolkit: Understanding, Nurturing, Inventive, Quality, Unstoppable, Expression.

Each letter gets an entire chapter in Debra J. Slover's new book, U.N.I.Q.U.E. KIDS: Growing My Leadership Garden— a Who-Moved-My-Cheese-style parable designed to counteract depression and build self-empowerment strategies.

Taking one letter at a time, Slover walks the reader through creating and encouraging the life-affirming, esteem-building, leadership skills characteristic, and harnessing the six qualities together to form a "Leadership Garden Legacy" based on mutual respect, cooperation, teamwork, and other values. Kids who have been bullied may respond especially well.

U.N.I.Q.U.E. Kids and the accompanying Activity Guide are designed as learning aids to involve the active participation of grownups who can read the book with a child (8-12), facilitate the activities in the workbook, and provide guidance and reinforcement in the Leadership Garden concepts.

More information on the Leadership Garden Legacy program is available at www.LeadershipGardenLegacy.com. Information on National Survivors of Suicide Day is available at the Leadership Garden Legacy blog. Ms. Slover can be reached by email at info@LeadershipGardenLegacy.com

About the Author

Author of three books and numerous articles, educator and advocate of creating a positive school climate, Debra Slover's leadership expertise stems from 20 years directing a statewide youth leadership in prevention/safe schools initiative in the schools, seven years as a classroom educator, experience organizing 20 state and national conferences, and running her own consulting firm for over six years.

A survivor of loss by suicide herself, Slover is available for interviews and presentations on how developing personal leadership skills early can help prevent suicide and related topics such as countering bullying and substance abuse in the schools.

For more on National Suicide Survivor Day, originated by Nevada Senator Harry Reid, with dozens of local conferences plus a 90-minute national webcast, please visit http://bit.ly/106J8L

About The Company

Leadership Garden® Enterprises, LLC is the parent company of Leader Garden Press and Leadership Garden Services.

The Enterprise was formed in 2007, as the corporate structure to support the Leadership Garden Legacy. The goal is to seed and nurture 11 million Leadership Gardens worldwide using the power of leadership wisdom.

In keeping with our acronym theme, the company operates from the following values (A.C.T.I.O.N.S.) that are true to the corporation's vision, purpose, mission, and goal:

* Acknowledgment: honor and be in service of others
* Commitment: remain steadfast to our unique purpose and aim
* Trust: practice the extraordinary power of listening for greatness
* Integrity: be authentic and responsible for who we are with others
* Ownership: empower our natural gift "choice" to create thriving experiences
* Nurture: be at peace with and embrace life’s changing seasons
* Synergy: work with others to sprout leadership greatness on the planet

The company's hope is to empower others to leave a thriving Leadership Garden Legacy for the sake of all children and the planet.

Leader Garden Press is a member of Small Publishers Association of North America and the Independent Book Publishers Association.

Contact
Debra Slover
Leadership Garden® Enterprises, LLC
PO Box 841
Albany OR 97321
541-928-2232
info@leadershipgardenlegacy.com
www.LeadershipGardenLegacy.com

Posted by Don at Free Publicity Focus Group

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Michael Berenstain, son of Stan and Jan Berenstain, on the Children Authors Show today - http://ping.fm/8C02n

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Dawn Stephens on The Children Authors Show today - http://ping.fm/gHOol

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Debra Cavanaugh on The Children Authors Show today - http://ping.fm/urpSs

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Stay At Home Dads - An Interview With Alan Harshman of SAHDSurvival.com

Normally, when we think about the definition of success, our minds immediately make the connection with 'business' success. However, life is not about business - it is about family. Being 'successful' in regards to your familial relationships is the real definition of success.

That being said, I have just interviewed one of the most successful people I have ever interviewed. Alan Harshman (http://www.sahdsurvival.com) is one of those fortunate few dads who made the decision to stay at home. He did this in the interest of helping his children. Though in years past this might have been termed 'unconventional', this is no longer the case, as more and more fathers are making this important choice.

There is a very important topic that weighs heavily on the minds of those who make this leap - that topic is - survival!

Alan has really stepped forward here by creating a company that specializes in teaching the rest of us 'unknowing newbies' everything we need to know to become a stay at home dad. I, for one, appreciate this immensely, as it won't belong before I'll be dealing with . . . dare I say it? . . . . grandchildren.

1. Why are Stay At Home Dads important in today’s society?

Today’s stay-at-home dads are changing the world. As many as 2.5 million fathers in the US provide their children’s care, and up to 75% of dads would stay home with their kids if they thought they could. More and more fathers are deciding to stay home with their children for many reasons. Many factors come into play, and there is no single set of reasons that a dad might choose to come home. Fathers are more involved than ever before, which is great, because children who have involved fathers experience many benefits – they are healthier, have more self-esteem and confidence, and are less likely to use drugs or engage in sex and other risky behavior.


2. What are some of the reasons the Stay At Home Dad trend is growing?

There is no single set of reasons – they are as varied as the fathers are – but they are mostly financial and emotional – it is very difficult to find truly high-quality childcare, and the best care costs a fortune! No one will love your children like you do, and the only way to know for certain that they are safe and getting what they need is to have them with you. Others choose to come home because of rising expenses related to working outside the home, or because they know that their children will be young for only a very short time, and they want to see their children learn and grow. Some fathers find themselves unemployed, and it just makes sense on every level for them to stay home with their children. Predictions indicate that millions of men will make the move to being at home as costs continue to rise. It just makes sense to be at home.

3. How did you become a Stay At Home Dad?

Like most SAHDs, several factors contributed to my being at home - I have three children of my own, and they are all special-needs kids, and I’ve provided a lot of their care over the years. I worked night shifts in order to be with them during their waking hours, and now I am at home with them full-time. My wife and I have struggled with several daycare centers, preschools, and now their grade school – none of them have wanted to follow my children’s medically-prescribed diets (like millions of other children, they have food allergies and a sensitivity to wheat and dairy). My children have had all kinds of problems because of that, but the most frightening was when my daughter was two years old. She was very close to having abdominal surgery to remove a 13-pound impaction and most of her colon, because her preschool refused to follow the diet. It took weeks of treatment with high-powered medications to undo the damage done in one day at the preschool and avoid the surgery. The most recent struggle was resistance from the local grade school. They insisted my son be put on ADHD medication, when his problems were actually caused from food allergies, and they resisted doing what would actually help him. Now we’re homeschooling him and his younger sister. I realized that my children simply could not be trusted to anyone else! Over the years, I’ve taken notes, and compiled the information into SAHD Survival Guides for Dads.

4. How did you become an authority on being a SAHD?

I am a SAHD myself, but more than that, I spent years researching and learning – the pitfalls, what to consider when making the decision, how to handle debt reduction and a budget, what men need to know and what they need to be able to do. I’m also a member of organizations dedicated to supporting fathers and parents of special-needs children, and have been participating in a financial discussion board for about five years now.

5. Who needs a SAHD Survival Guide?

Most people - anyone who is a SAHD, anyone who’s thinking about working at home or being home with their children, and anyone who loves a man like that – all of those people need the SAHD Survival Guides.

6. Why did you decide to create the Survival Guides?

When I started looking for information on being a SAHD, I just could not find the information I needed. It’s hard to find and there isn’t any one authoritative source of information. There are some books out now, but most of them read like memoirs – not like the Survival Guides that men really need. The websites that are out there are more like support groups and forums, they don’t give much practical, applicable information, but rather serve as a place for dads to chat. Those sites are great for what they do, and I am a member of some of them, but dads need more – they need a practical manual, a Survival Guide, and they need something that is more than a book – something that’s all-in-one: a book, audio, video, and things like forms, menus, and recipes that they can print directly from their computer. They need something that works for them.

The sahdsurvival.com was born out of frustration of not being able to locate information when I needed it, and when you’re a dad with kids who need you, you don’t have time to do exhaustive searches – you want to find what you need right now, and you want it to cover what you need it to cover. You want quality! That’s what the SAHD Survival Guides are. I decided to create the Survival Guides because millions of men need them and they didn’t exist. Over the last few years I’ve compiled four different Survival Guides that are guaranteed to make life easier for any dad.

7. Are the SAHD Survival Guides just for Stay At Home Dads?

The SAHD Survival Guides are for any man who has children and is or wants to be involved in their lives, or for any woman who knows a man like that. If you would like your life to go more smoothly, or get more done in less time, or have time to relax and have fun, you need the Survival Guides.

8. What are some of the things a man would need to know?

How to get it all done, get it done right, and still have time for things he wants to do. Some of the things involved in this are using the 80/20 rule and Parkinson’s Law, prioritizing, goal-setting, parenting skills (a book in itself!), identifying and caring for special-needs children (up to 95% are sensitive to certain foods and don’t even know it!), what to tell the school if your school-aged child has special needs, and how to clean the house, fast. All of these things, and more, are covered in the SAHD Survival Guides.

9. What kind of risk are people taking by checking out the Survival Guides?

Let’s face it, people want quality information, and they are willing to pay for it, but they do not like taking risks with their money. People want to be sure they’re not going to be ripped off, and there is a lot of that going on in the world today.

I’m very glad you asked that, and you’re absolutely right. They aren’t taking any risk at all. All of the risk is on me. I am so certain that the Survival Guides deliver what they promise that if you order a Survival Guide and follow it, and you don’t agree that it has saved you frustration, time, or money, I will give you a 150% refund. You have up to one full year to try the guide risk-free, and if you don’t agree that it has helped you, you’ll get all of your money back and then some. Making sure people get quality is very important to me; that’s why I wrote the Survival Guides, and that’s why I stand behind them like I do.

10. What are your plans for the future?

Well, LOL with a fourth baby on the way, I plan to be a SAHD for at least the next decade. I’d like to keep working from home, helping other fathers in several ways. I’m working on the next Survival Guide: Making Money at Home, and I hope it helps to transform the way America thinks about work.

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