AND THE AWARD GOES TO....

I am thrilled that I now have the opportunity to spread the award to sites I feel deserve it and here they are. Please pay them a vist.

RICK'S TIME ON EARTH

A MOM'S LIFE

THE FASHIONISTA AND BABY

MONDAY MORNING POWER

I know there are many more excellent blogs out there that I just haven't come across yet...but I know I will.

Take your prize and spread the love. If you have already received this prize from someone else, well then you deserve it multiple times over.

I THINK I'LL STICK WITH IT

An interesting thing happened today when I opened my blog. I received this award.

It was awarded to me from a very uplifting blog 'MONDAY MORNING POWER' and it made me think.

You may have noticed on my blog that I have a Stat Counter. It is becoming common to have them on your blog or website and they are really interesting in that they can tell you how often your blog is visited and what city/state/province they come from, not to mention the site they accessed yours from. In many ways they are interesting as well as helpful. It's nice to know how often your blog is viewed.

I have to admit I was getting somewhat discouraged that this site got very few visitors whereas my art site THE FUNCTIONAL ARTIST was increasing on a daily basis. I had to ask myself some thought provoking questions. Was my topic choice for this blog an unpopular topic? Was my method or style of writing boring? Did I come across as a person who thought they 'new it all' when in fact that is the last image I want to portray. Or was it something as simple as an 'overtalked subject' on the blogs?

Well after a lot of thinking and debating I came to the conclusion that in the big picture, none of that mattered. As long as I have this passion for children and believe in what I'm writing then I should continue on with it. If even one person reads and follows my blog taking with them some confort or reassurance or even amusement, then what more could I ask for?

And now I must go on and spread the award to other very deserving bloggers.

Kids - Gotta love 'em

Found on the internet...anonymous writer.

Out of the mouth of babes...

While taking a routine vandalism report at an elementary
school, I was interrupted by a little girl about 6 years old. Looking
up and down at my uniform, she asked, "Are you a cop?" "Yes," I
answered and continued writing the report. "My mother said if I ever
needed help I should ask the police. Is that right?" "Yes, that's
right," I told her. "Well,then," she said as she extended her foot
toward me, "Will you tie my shoelace?"

INSPIRING WORDS

Be the change you wish to see in the world.-Ghandi

I have always loved quotes and for a few years I have collected my favourites. I find that often they are words that are very thought provoking. I love sayings, expressions, or quotes that make you stop and think. Often you will come across one that really fits your current situation and helps you to see things more clearly in another light. A good example is the one above by Ghandi. We often go on about how we wish things were different in the world such as how children behave these days or their attitudes. Well, if you read this quote what you might take from it is that instead of sitting back and wishing for changes to be made take an active role to make them happen. Instead of criticizing behaviours in others step up and set a good example. Be a role model that others can emulate. Instead of expressing your disgust at a child's lack of respect, be the respectful person you wish them to be and show by setting an example. Treat them with respect and expect it in return. When they speak, listen. Show that you do consider what they have to say worth listening to and respond appropriately. Let them know that they too must give you your chance to speak and listen in return. It's a simple matter of respect. We don't tune out our peers so why should we do that to our youth.

A good example was one day I went into a convenience store for a purchase. When I walked up to the counter there was a young boy ahead of me patiently waiting to pay for his purchase. The store clerk looked right over his head and proceeded to serve me. I quickly commented that the young man was first in line and awaiting his turn. In a bit of a 'sniff' she served the young man first. Here, truly is a good example of lack of respect. What was she teaching him?


Okay, so when Ghandi wrote this quote the intention might have been something more intense such as politics but the words themselves can apply to many of life's situations. So instead of bemoaning the problems in the world, do your part to help bring about change. As I often say, maybe a bit too often...two steps forward, one step back will eventually get you there...