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Creating a photo book is so much fun! To be honest, it takes
a bit of work, but as you see your project taking shape, the
creative energy is released and you keep going. So far, I’ve
done two photo books featuring the twenty-first
birthday of my daughter and the sixteenth birthday
of my son. I had so much fun!
Go ahead, try it!
One of my friends briefly told me about this new trend in marketing – Mobile Marketing.
I haven’t been able to hear more about this from him. While at home this weekend, I
decided to check out this hot concept in marketing.
According to Wilipedia:
Although there are various definitions for the concept of mobile marketing,
no commonly accepted definition exists. Mobile marketing is broadly defined
as “the use of the mobile medium as a means of marketing communication”[1]
or “distribution of any kind of promotional or advertising messages to customer
through wireless networks”. More specific definition is the following:
“using interactive wireless media to provide customers with time and location sensitive,
personalized information that promotes goods, services and ideas,
thereby generating value for all stakeholders”.
A Video from Michael Becker, offering a definition of Mobile Marketing:
Mobile Monopoly is the new mobile marketing system developed by Adam Hortwitz.
It is set to be released on August 3rd, 2010.
Read more here about Adam Hortwitz’s concept for tapping into this exciting trend
in marketing.
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve written a post strrictly about scrapbooking. I’m
discovering that as I write about digital scrapbooking, a developing interest is
emerging for writing inspirational articles. Today, I want to revisit the digital
scrapbooking theme.
Well, what are you waiting for?
Summer is here and you may have lots of time or considerable periods of time
to quietly devote to scrapbooking. This may be your personal project, or since
school is out, you may want to draw your child’s attention to the exciting
world of digital scrapbooking. You may also want to get your nieces, nephews
and grand children involved!
If you are thinking of involving your child in a scrapbooking project, then it is
useful to have some conversation about the themes and pictures to use,
among other points. Another useful point of conversation is about which digital
software to use. In this instance, you may want to explore with your child some
of the popular software packages on the market specifically designed for
digital scrapbooking.
A few of my suggestions for consideration, include:
Smilebox
Mixbook
ACDSee Photo Editor
Scrapbook Artist 2 from Serif
My Memories Suite
Apart from engaging your child, a niece, a nephew, or a grand-child, you may just
find that your communication with your loved ones has gotten better. Your loved
ones will also cherish these precious moments in your presence.
Let’s have some scrapbooking fun this summer!
Lonnie
I take this opportunity to wish you,
Happy Father’s Day!
A father’s role in the growth, development and well-being of
a child is significant. A child values highly the genuine involvement
of father in his or her life. Such commitment does not go unnoticed.
This short blog is written to encourage fathers to continue to establish
a genuine presence with their children.
You may have heard it said that one way to strengthen the bond with
your child, is to love his or her mother. I think this is good advice.
Another useful and effective technique to build and strengthen the
child-father relationship is to communicate in a manner that helps
your child to communicate his or her feelings. Encouraging this level
of communication is easier said than done, but it can be achieved.
I discovered some time ago that my communication style created an
environment in the home that inhibited open communication with my
two children. Thankfully, I am now discovering some helpful communication
techniques in Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish’s book:
“How to Talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids will Talk.”
Enjoy the day and the attention from your family. Happy Father’s Day!
Lonnie
Book Review: Part Two
How to Talk so Kids will Listen and How to Listen so Kids will Talk
By Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
Chapter two, Engaging Cooperation, begins by acknowledging that the
new methods of engaging with children discussed in chapter one can
present problems. The authors cite the responses of some parents as
they attempt to be empathetic with their children.
“I felt so awkward at first – not like myself – as if I were playing a part.”
“I felt like a phony, but I must been doing something right, because my
son who never says more than, ‘Yup,’ ‘nope.’ And ‘Do I have to?’ suddenly
began to talk to me,”
“I discovered that I never listened to my kids before. I’d wait for them to
finish talking so I could say what I had to. Real listening is hard work. You
have to concentrate if you’re not just going to give a pat response.”
Reflections such as the ones above would seem to suggest that it is no use
‘talking so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk.’ Adele and Elaine,
however provide an insightful answer which I feel is a strong encouragement
to parents to persist with the new ways to communicate.
Responding to a father’s apparent desperation, “I tried it and it didn’t work,”
the authors’ considered response, ‘even when it “doesn’t work”, it works.’
They believed that the father’s daughter heard a different sound – a sound
that told her that someone cared about her feelings. When her father tried
the empathetic language, she was taken by surprise and ran to her room
because she thought she heard his usual reaction to her feelings.
One of the themes or concepts of chapter two is the idea of ‘hearing a different
sound.’ Children are different and react and respond differently to various
communication styles.
Another theme of this chapter, ‘is the daily struggle to get our children to behave
in ways that are acceptable to us and society.’
The central theme of chapter two is helping parents create a climate of respect
in which the spirit of cooperation can begin to grow. The authors offer a five point
approach to engage cooperation.
Chapter two is engaging and offers some useful techniques on creating a climate
of respect in which the spirit of cooperation can begin to grow.
I don’t want to give away all the good techniques for engaging cooperation. I
invite you to get your copy of the book, read and put into practice the
language of cooperation.
All the best!
Lonnie
How to Talk so Kids will Listen and How to Listen so Kids will Talk
By Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
“I was a wonderful parent before I had children.
I was an expert on why everyone else was having problems with theirs.
Then I had three of my own.”
That’s how the authors Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish begin the first
chapter in their book.
I admit, I was of a similar opinion before I became a parent. Over the
years, I learned through trial and improvement to communicate with
my children. I am still learning.
This seven chapter book, How to Talk so Kids will Listen and How to
Listen so Kids will Talk, invites readers to explore a variety of practical
communication techniques in a non-threatening manner.
The language of the book is fairly light-hearted and encourages parents
to explore and reflect on strategies to communicate with their children
rather than criticize. As a result, I find the book very instructive and helpful.
The first chapter, Helping Children Deal with Their Feelings, explores
these four concepts in an interactive manner.
1. Listen with full attention
2. Acknowledge their feelings with a word
3. Give their feelings a name
4. Give them their wishes in fantasy
Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish cleverly use cartoons to illustrate the
four concepts above. Additionally, there are a variety of exercises for
the reader to do with his or her child. The child’s responses will
provide invaluable insights.
I get the feeling that Adele and Elaine are truly interested in helping
parents talk in a manner that will help their children listen and to
actively listen to enable their children to communicate.
I recommend this book to parents, soon-to-be parents, classroom
teachers, Sunday School teachers and anyone who works with
children.
=========================================================
Something extra!
If your child is interested in this year’s world cup in South Africa, then this
activity book is perfect.
Lonnie
I will review chapter two in the next blog
“Scrapbooking is a great way to spend time with your children, share your favourite hobby, and reinforce skills learned in school without them realizing it.”
Maureen Spell
Now that summer holidays are only a matter of weeks away, many of us are thinking ways in to keep the children entertained. Scrapbooking,
whether traditional or digital, is a great summer time activity for children.
Of course, your child won’t do scrapbooking all summer. However there
are many benefits of providing them with the opportunity to do so.
Some of these benefits include:
So, if you have children to entertain this summer, consider scrapbooking!
Here are a few items to help you prepare for these precious moments.
And afew books!
All the best.
Lonnie
Summertime Activity:
“Scrapbooking is a great way to spend time with your children, share your
favourite hobby and reinforce skills learned in school without them realizing
it.” Maureen Spell
With summer just around the corner, may I suggest scrapbooking
as one of the summertime activities for you and your child or children?
Why wait until the summer holidays to start thinking about how you
will entertain your child? Now is the time, I believe to start planning
for a memorable summer and quality time with your child.
In addition to some of the toys or gadgets your child may obtain, there
is value in spending time with and in the presence of your child. Here
are a few quotes to reflect on:
“Children will not remember you for the material things you provided
but for the feeling that you cherished them.” Richard L. Evans
“The best inheritance a parent can give to his children is a few minutes
of their time each day.” M. Grundler
“Children learn to smile from their parents.” Shinichi Suziki
Some of the themes coming from these quotes include, engaging your child
with meaningful activities, creating memories, spending valuable time,
love and being cherished.
I feel that scrapbooking with your child this summer is a great way to build
communication skills as memories are created and love and appreciation are
enhanced. Another reason for summertime scrapbooking comes from
Allyson Meyer. She says, “I love to scrapbook because it helps me celebrate
where I’ve been, as well as where I’m headed.” Another bit of motivation
from Maureen Spell, “Scrapbooking is a great way to spend time with your
children, share your favourite hobby, and reinforce skills learned in school
without them realizing it.”
As you can see, scrapbooking with your child is not a mere time filler,
it can produce and develop some amazing skills. Your child won’t be the only
one to benefit, you’ll be amazed at the fun you will have in the presence
of your child.
“Introducing kids to scrapbooking provides opportunities for parents or other
caregivers to help children express themselves creatively.”
www.growingkids.co.uk
So, before summer comes to your house, it would be useful to research
how scrapbooking may fit in to your child’s schedule this summer and of
course, yours too!
Resources:
www.scrapjazz.com
www.scrapbook.com
www.growingkids.co.uk
www.shapecollage.com
www.wescrap.com
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Scrapbook Projects Illustrated, by Allyson Bright
Smilebox:
Scrapbook Artist 2:
All the best!
Lonnie
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under
heaven.”
All week long I’ve been reflecting on this sentence from my last blog,
We have the time to accomplish our goals or tasks.
It wasn’t the first time this concept was presented to me, but writing
and reading those words again for the first time in a very long time has
stirred my awareness to the truth of this statement.
During the week, I came across a van transporting about a dozen trees to a
new site. The thought came to me: There is a time to plant. This triggered
my memory and I recalled some words from the Bible:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under
heaven.”
There is indeed a time for reflection upon the things we have learned or
in the process of learning.
Knowing that we have the time to accomplish our goals or tasks is given
added impetus by a plan of action.
At the end of the week, Saturday, I had a few things I wanted to do. The
first goal – sleep for an extended time, was accomplished. The others
required a bit of re-scheduling since a friend asked for my help. While I
was able to honour the request for help, I didn’t set time limits on the
remaining tasks and kept putting things off until later in the day.
I’m tempted to blame the TV, but could there other factors at work? The
truth of the matter, I was tired and needed extra time to unwind, but I
was determined to get my list of activities done.
You know what? In all your planning, do schedule time for relaxation and
rest. This is act is a sure sign that you value yourself.
Lonnie.
Make use of time, let not advantage slip.
William Shakespeare
While I was at the bus stop yesterday a driver’s action
caught my attention. Waiting behind a line of traffic on
account of the traffic signal, he picked up a trumpet, and
played for about a minute.
Maybe he was on his way to a performance. It could be that
he didn’t rehearse adequately earlier in the week. Whatever
the reason, instead of just allowing the minutes to tick by,
he seized the moments for extra practice. Instead of becoming
frustrated about the ‘stop-and-go’ nature of the traffic, he planned
it would appear, how he would use this time to work on his skill.
He actually used this ‘down time’ productively!
For the period of time I observed him, he kept
his focus on the road and didn’t frustrate or obstruct the
drivers behind him.
Is there a story behind his actions? It would have been useful to
interview him to gain an insight into his thinking on the wise use
of his time. As I reflected on his actions, this quote from
William Shakespeare came to mind: “Make use of time, let not
advantage slip.”
The lessons I drew from this scenario:
1. We have the time to accomplish our goals or tasks
2. We can find creative ways to use our time wisely
3. The need to be clear about our goals
4. Goals are achieved in stages
5. If a task is worth doing, it is worth doing it well
Although the idea of using time wisely and creatively isn’t new, this
driver’s action has challenged me to rethink aspects of my use
of time. For example, I play the guitar, but most times I refuse to
practice if I can’t devote at least thirty minutes per session. The
truth is, good progress can be achieved in smaller instalments. By
refusing to use available time to practice, I’ve allowed the advantage
to slip.
I will conclude this blog with this quote since it provides a key to
effective and creative use of time.
Until you value yourself, you will not value your time.
Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.
M. Scott Peck
Elizabeth Best:
Click Here!
All the best!
Lonnie
