~ Jewel's Sand Box News ~

New Forums Press Releases Flying Hugs and Kisses 1.wmv

2010-07-29T19:37:00.000-05:00

Helping Grandchildren Deal with Grief and Sibling Loss

2009-06-02T13:08:00.001-05:00

May 29, 2008 Radio Broadcast gives ideas on how grandparents can help their grandchildren deal with grief and sibling loss.

Grief and Loss experts Dr.s' Gloria and Heidi Horsley have made available their discussion with two author grandparents, Jewel Sample and Nina Bennett.

To listen to the broadcast please click on the link below.

Helping Grandchildren Deal with SIDS Grief and Sibling Loss
Guests: Jewel Sample and Nina Bennett
MP3 Link

To learn more about Drs' Horsley supportive grief and loss web site, please visit Healing The Grieving Heart now called Open To Hope

Celebrate Family: Create a Memory Tree

2009-06-01T12:17:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Today I have posted an article about celebrating life with your family by making a memory tree.

To find out how to make your own memory tree visit Open To Hope.

Until Next Time, Celebrate Life!

Jewel

Family Traditions

2009-03-22T17:23:00.002-05:00

Hi there. Jewel allowed me to guest-write for her blog. This is the first time I've done this so it's an adventure. Thanks for the opportunity.

I'm a 40-something mom of two. I'm a counselor, speaker, and writer in Littleton, Colorado. I'm married to John, and I love Honey Nut Cheerios.

Last summer, my 20 year old daughter suggested we should start a tradition for the Fourth of July. My husband suggested we make homemade ice cream, so we bought an electric ice cream maker with my 20% off coupon at Bed, Bath and Beyond, and our tradition began. For about a week we did nothing besides try ice cream recipes. Our very favorite was cinnamon gelato.

When the kids were little we would pile into the car and drive around looking at Christmas lights. We chose this time to deliver gifts of cookies, or wine to friends of ours. If our friends weren’t home they missed out. For some reason we always picked up some tacos from Taco Bell and ate them in the car. Silly, but this became a family tradition.

On Saturdays in the summer, when we’re not all going different directions, we like to make breakfast burritos and sit outside on the deck. It seems like a lot of our family traditions center around food!

On road trips we listen to the Bare Naked Ladies or Abba, loudly, and we sing along. When the kids were really little we listened to the Adventure in Odyssey series (Focus on the Family). Every once in a while, just for grins, we’ll pull off the highway and run silly circles around the car.

William Doherty, director of marriage and family therapy at the University of Minnesota addresses the importance of family traditions or rituals in his book, “The Intentional Family: How to Build Family Ties in Our Modern World.”

He gives the main reasons family should develop rituals or traditions:

1. * It makes family life predictable.

2. * It gives family a chance to reconnect.

3. * Family rituals teach children what the family values.

Melinda Hall, Extension Agent at Ohio State University says there are 3 different types of traditions:

1. *Celebration Traditions (holidays, birthdays, etc)

2. *Family Traditions (special things which fit your family’s lifestyle i.e. pizza, vacations, etc)

3. *Patterned Family Interactions (bedtime, Sunday afternoons, etc.)

Here is my list to get you thinking about family traditions:

Games on popcorn on Saturday night
Saying “I Love You” before going to sleep
Having a “tailgater” before the ballgame
Serving a meal like chili or dumplings before a certain event
Acting out the Christmas story from Luke 2 using real people or figures from the crèche.
Dancing to a favorite Neil Diamond song
Opening one gift on Christmas Eve
Having an event such as the Bolder Boulder that you all do together

I need to hear from you. What traditions does your family do?

Is There a Lawyer in the Church? Stephen Bloom Chats about writing a Christian Perspective on Legal Issues

2008-12-12T13:28:00.005-06:00

I had the opportunity to meet up with Legal Representative Stephen Bloom who is the author of a timely encouragement of faith book titled, The Believer’s Guide to Legal Issues.

In his book Bloom tackles the legal and scriptural sides of thirteen hot topics that seem to plague our society today such as, how some Christians fall into the litigation trap, prenuptial contracts, divorce, estate planning, taxes, the bankruptcy bailouts, and business ethics. Through his astute ability to provide real and personal life lessons along with the translation of legalese into common everyday language he provides compassionate help to those who may find themselves overwhelmed by the judicial system or wonders how current legal challenges fit with their Christian morals and beliefs. Last but not least, he discusses conciliation alternatives and a contract he believes to be the most important.

The topics I found most helpful were estate planning, a living-trust, Medicaid-planning, and living-wills. Bloom’s explanations affirmed my understanding of scripture related to these topics, as well as he gave me things to think about in choosing a lawyer if the need ever arises. The Believer’s Guide to Legal Issues is available through most major bookstores.

Stephen agreed to chat about writing and his book. This is what he had to say.

Jewel: Hi Stephen! Thank you so much for agreeing to share with us a little about your experiences as a writer and your book. Let’s start things off by asking how you get started in writing?

Stephen: It’s a heartbreaking tale. The first thing I remember writing was a poem in 2nd grade, something about wading in a stream. It got selected for “publication” by our teacher, Mrs. Winklehouse. She typed it up and included it in a little mimeographed sheet of poems to be sold for three cents apiece as part of an afterschool class fundraiser. On the morning of the sale, my mom gave me the pennies I needed to buy a copy. But when the time came, I couldn’t get the pennies out of my pants pocket! My little fingertips stretched desperately and I could just barely touch the coins, but I couldn’t get a grip! I was shy and didn’t dare ask Mrs. Winklehouse for help (she was old school, the kind who dragged kids around by the ears when they got unruly), so I just went home without my poem! How sad is that!? I never did get a copy! What a traumatic event for an aspiring young writer!

Jewel: Oh, indeed that is a sad and frustrating moment for a budding writer. It is awesome to think at a young age you learned about promoting your works through fundraising. Well, I am glad you have a copy of your new book. By the way, why is practicing law important to you? Did you dream of being a lawyer during your childhood?

Stephen: As a lawyer, I get invited into some of the most intimate and vulnerable moments in my clients’ lives. As a Christian lawyer, I can use those situations to be a witness for Christ, sometimes through the legal counsel I give, sometimes through prayer, and sometimes simply by listening. I believe the most important aspect of my work as a Christian lawyer is the unique opportunity I have to be a peacemaker in some very difficult and challenging circumstances.

I never planned to be a lawyer growing up, but one of my grandfathers had been a lawyer, so I was aware of the profession. When it came time to think seriously about my future, I realized I had a good combination of skills for law, and it seemed like a practical choice, a solid career. It wasn’t until later, when I became a born again believer in Jesus, that I realized what amazing opportunities the law provides to be an emissary for Christ.

Jewel: It seems you have the best of both worlds; practicing your faith and your love as a legal advocate. What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not practicing law, teaching a class, or writing?

Stephen: Spending time with my wife and kids is about the best. We’ve always made that a priority. I love playing guitar and writing songs (Sorry, maybe that counts as writing? But it’s very different than regular writing!), reading and keeping up with politics and world events online, working around the yard with plants and trees, and helping to lead in my home church in all kinds of ways, big and small.

Jewel: I am glad you have found that balance of writing, practicing law and spending time with your family. Many writers struggle with finding the right balance between writing and the beneficial avenues of book promoting. What advice would you give a newly published writer?

Stephen: Pray hard and then work even harder to spread the word about your book! Unless you’re at a major house with a big publicity budget (not many of those left!), you are the primary engine driving your book’s visibility. But amidst all your hard work, don’t forget to have fun with it! Being published is a joyful and humbling experience! Relish it!

Jewel: You are absolutely right on! An author is the one who primarily makes others aware of their book. In the midst of all the hard work one must take time to have fun, even in promoting a book. Tell us what inspires you?

Stephen: God. It sounds cliché, but until I decided to turn my writing gifts over to Him, nothing much ever happened. All I had was a bunch of ideas. It was only the urgency of using my gifts to offer the healing power of Christ to our hurting world that finally inspired me to write “The Believer’s Guide to Legal Issues” and to seriously pursue my other writing projects.

Jewel: Indeed total surrender and the willingness to trust God with all the talents one has is what I think God wants from all of us. I learned in writing Flying Hugs and Kisses my trust and total surrender to God brought forth ideas in how to put it together that would help children heal from the loss of a loved one. Speaking of your new book, The Believer’s Guide to Legal Issues, how did you choose your content topics?

Stephen: I wanted my book to be extremely useful and relevant to real people dealing with real legal issues, so I chose the topics that my actual clients are most frequently facing. And I tackled each of the topics from a practical Christian perspective, rooted in God’s wisdom as revealed in the Bible. I also wanted to warn people about some of the common pitfalls and traps for the unwary that arise in working with secular attorneys.

Jewel: Being aware and understanding how to navigate through the judicial system is legal empowerment at its best. I must ask, do you have a book coming in the near future?

Stephen: I have two strong ideas for the next year or so, but it all depends on whether God provides the necessary windows of opportunity for writing. One would be another book for non-lawyers, and the other would be written specifically for lawyers. That’s really all I can reveal about them for now, but stay tuned!

Jewel: Thank you so much Stephen for chatting with me about writing and your book, The Believer’s Guide to Legal Issues. I look forward to reading more books written by you.

For folks seeking to learn more about a Christian perspective on legal issues and Stephen Bloom, please visit IsThereALawyerInTheChurch.com.

Your thoughts about Bloom’s interview are always welcome. Please post by clicking on comments.

Stephen Bloom’s interview is posted by Jewel Sample award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (Spanish edition). To learn more about Jewel Sample visit her at jewelofabook.blogspot.com.

Never Give UP!

2008-11-18T18:50:00.000-06:00

In uncertain times when it may look good on the surface and you find it treacherous underneath, it is important to remember these words: "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now I am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendents begging for bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendents are blessed." Psalm 37:23-26 (NKJV)

DON'T GIVE UP! HANG IN THERE. LEARN THE LESSON GOD HAS FOR YOU TO STRENGTHEN YOU WITH WISDOM.

A Review of Sharlene MacLaren's novel: Through every Storm

2008-11-03T22:23:00.003-06:00

Through every Storm
By Sharlene MacLaren
ISBN-13: 9780883687468, 2006
Fiction: Grief and Loss, Child loss, Family Relationships, Change, and Death
Publisher: Whitaker House; $9.99
Author site: http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com/

Review Date: November 3, 2008

The compassionate writing skill of Sharlene MacLaren permeates through out her story of a young family who experiences the unthinkable tragic loss of their toddler. Early on I believed I was walking along side an ordinary couple whose heart gripping grief and loss extended beyond their personal relationship to the personal lives of those who loved them and into a few lives unforeseen.

The twists and turns of everyday life combined with the unpredictable choices of others make this novel one I did not want to put down. Most importantly, MacLaren caringly shows the truth about grief and loss that it knows no boundaries, nor does the healing love of Christ when allowed to be embraced.

Through every Storm is an excellent and gentle source for the grieving adult heart.

Reviewed by Jewel Sample--Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (Spanish edition). To learn more about Jewel Sample visit her at jewelofabook.blogspot.com.

Butterfly Angel: A Tribute by Sherry Gail Heim

2008-10-14T09:56:00.004-05:00

Today would have been my late grandson, Brennen Cole's fifth birthday. In honor of Brennen's short life, Sherry Gail Heim has graciously given me permission to print her poem today. May it bring much comfort to you who have also lost a grandchild as it did me.

Butterfly Angel

There was an enchanted butterfly
Who had only but one wing
She walked because she could not fly
And she taught herself to sing

She had the keen ability
Of making others smile
‘Twas her understanding of the heart
That made her life worthwhile

She sang her songs of happiness
And tales of love so true
She’d sing so loud as she would walk
None near her could feel blue

Her lovely voice would echo
Off the mountains, through the glen
And all the creatures in her path
Felt humbled by their friend

A frog came up and asked her
“How come you do not fly?”
She said “Dear frog, if I had wings,
I could not see you eye to eye.”

She was blessed without her wing, she said
And in being kept earthbound
She was able to enchant the lives
Of all the creatures on the ground

You see though soaring has its perks
On land she’d rather be
So she could use her pretty voice
To teach love and harmony

On a starry night while all alone
With no one else in sight
She returned to her true angel self
Then flew off into the night

But every morning at sunrise
If you listen you will hear
The butterfly angel’s pretty voice
Still spreading love and cheer

Sherry Heim
February 24, 2006

Printed by Permission: Copyright © Sherry Gail Heim 2006

Resource Box: Sherry Gail Heim is a multi-talented writer who lives in the beautiful state called “The Land of Enchantment.” To learn more about Sherry visit her at Sherry Gail Heim

Author Connie Arnold Pays Tribute to Grieving Families With Poem

2008-10-14T09:41:00.008-05:00

Blessings in Sorrow

May God’s blessings be upon you
in the sorrow that you face,
and a sense of peace and comfort
as He fills you with His grace.

May you feel God’s loving presence
by your side in all you do,
and loving arms supporting you
in the loss you’re going through.

May you always feel surrounded
with tender, loving care
and awareness that your burdens
God willingly will bear.

May God relieve your sorrow,
knowing He will give you rest
and assurance that your loved one
is with Him, forever blest.

Printed by permission of Connie Arnold, © February 2008

Resource Box: Connie Arnold lives in North Carolina with her husband. They share and enjoy two children and three grandchildren.

To learn more about Connie’s books and poems visit her at

Connie Arnold or Connie’s Children’s books.

For a chance to receive a free copy of Abiding Hope and Love vist J-Kaye's Book Blog by October 29, 2008.

2008-10-13T16:50:00.005-05:00

News from First Candle

First Candle is pleased to share with you an interesting new study on the use of fans in an infant’s room to help reduce the risk of SIDS.

Tummy sleeping and soft bedding in a baby’s sleep area can cause a buildup of carbon dioxide (exhaled air) around the baby’s face. Instead of breathing oxygen-rich fresh air, the baby may breathe the exhaled air which may increase the risk of SIDS. Many parents start getting nervous when their baby starts rolling over during sleep. A fan in the room can help disburse the exhaled air so the baby has more access to fresh air.

According to Dr. Fern Hauck, member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on SIDS and First Candle Medical and Scientific Advisory Council, more research is needed. “This is the first study that has looked at this issue,” Hauck said. “Because fan use is in line with theories, it may be worth considering.”

“While we can’t say conclusively that using a fan will reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS, First Candle has suggested the use of fans as a proactive step that parents and caregivers can take for several years,” said Laura Reno, Director of Public Affairs for First Candle. The best protection against SIDS is still to place your baby on his or her back in a safety approved crib on a firm mattress covered with only a sheet. There should be nothing else in the crib.” First Candle also reminds parents and caregivers babies who sleep in adult beds are at an increased risk for SIDS, suffocation and accidents during sleep. Placing your baby in a separate space along side your bed is safer.

If using a table or floor fan, use safety precautions to make sure the fan is not too close to the crib and that it can't tip over or onto the crib causing a finger hazard.

Use of a Fan During Sleep and the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Kimberly Coleman-Phox, MPH; Roxana Odouli, MSPH; De-Kun Li, MD, PhD Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162(10):963-968.

Objective: To examine the relation between room ventilationduring sleep and risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Design: Population-based case-control study.
Setting: Eleven California counties.
Participants: Mothers of 185 infants with a confirmed SIDSdiagnosis and 312 randomly selected infants matched on countyof residence, maternal race/ethnicity, and age.
Intervention: Fan use and open window during sleep.
Main Outcome Measure: Risk of SIDS.

Results: Fan use during sleep was associated with a 72%reduction in SIDS risk (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.28; 95%confidence interval [CI], 0.10-0.77). The reduction in SIDSrisk seemed more pronounced in adverse sleep environments. Forexample, fan use in warmer room temperatures was associatedwith a greater reduction in SIDS risk (AOR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.52)compared with cooler room temperatures (0.77; 0.22-2.73). Similarly,the reduction associated with fan use was greater in infantsplaced in the prone or side sleep position (AOR, 0.14; 95% CI,0.03-0.55) vs supine (0.84; 0.21-3.39). Fan use was associatedwith a greater reduction in SIDS risk in infants who shareda bed with an individual other than their parents (AOR, 0.15;95% CI, 0.01-1.85) vs with a parent (0.40; 0.03-4.68). Finally,fan use was associated with reduced SIDS risk in infants notusing pacifiers (AOR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07-0.69) but not in pacifierusers (1.99; 0.16-24.4). Some differences in the effect of fanuse on SIDS risk did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion: Fan use may be an effective intervention forfurther decreasing SIDS risk in infants in adverse sleep environments.

First Candle/SIDS Alliance is a national, nonprofit, health organization dedicated to promoting infant health and survival during the prenatal period through age two with programs of advocacy, education and research; while at the same time providing compassionate grief support to those experiencing an infant death. For more information on helping babies survive and thrive, to access local support services or to make a donation, please call 1.800.221.7437 or visit FIRST CANDLE.

This Newsflash was posted by Jewel Sample, award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses. Helping SIDS families with the latest Sudden Infant Death Syndrome news.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Is Considered Part of a Medical Disease Process Caused from a Brain Development Disorder

2008-10-05T22:27:00.005-05:00

A study, which appeared last year in the November 1 2007 Journal of the American Medical Association, provided more convincing evidence that a majority of SIDS babies have a brain disorder. The abnormality findings suggest that “there is a problem in the development of the brain that occurs in utero and after birth as well. According to Dr. Hannah Kinney, senior author of the paper, “this opens the window of time available for identifying infants at high risk and provides the opportunity to use drugs and other interventions as the baby passes through the critical first six months of life where the risk for SIDS is the greatest. My hope is that this research will in some way ease the pain for parents of SIDS victims, helping them understand that their baby’s death was part of a disease process rather than a mystery,” says Kinney.”

The abnormalities identified within this study appear “to affect the brainstem's ability to use and recycle serotonin, a brain chemical which plays a major role in communications between brain cells. Serotonin is most well known for its role in regulating mood, but it also plays a role in regulating vital functions like breathing, heart rate, temperature, blood pressure and arousal. While the SIDS cases contained more serotonin using neurons, they appeared to contain fewer receptors for serotonin than did the control cases.” Evidence was also found that male SIDS infants had fewer serotonin receptors than either of the female SIDS infants or control infants. These findings may provide insight into why SIDS affects roughly twice as many males as females.

This finding lends credibility to the observation that “SIDS risk may greatly increase when an underlying predisposition combined with an environmental risk—such as sleeping face down— at a developmentally sensitive time in early life,” said Duane Alexander, M.D., Director of the NIH’s National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

The majority (65 percent) of the SIDS cases in the data set were sleeping prone or on their side and 23 percent were sharing a bed at the time of death, indicating the need for continued public health messages on safe sleep practices.

This important addition to ongoing brainstem research gives us renewed hope that medical researchers are on the right path to eliminating SIDS as a cause of death for our children, our future generations, and all the more reason to support vital research.

It is important to REMEMBER that although medical research is doing it's best to find a cure, a silent killer called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, (SIDS) still strikes at least six infants a day somewhere within our nation. It is not the caregivers fault. There is absolutely nothing the caregiver could have done to stop their baby’s body from shutting down.

For more information about SIDS and how you can support ongoing research contact First Candle.org

SIDS Facts can be found here

Resource box: Jewel Sample is a children’s writer and author of Flying Hugs and Kisses. For more information about her background and publications visit her at Jewel Of A Book.com

Why Our Babies Are Still Dying of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

2008-09-16T13:23:00.005-05:00

Margaret Renkl weighs through the current research and simplifies the scientific terms to tell families what is known and what still needs to be learned about this rare medical mystery called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). CNN

Despite success at reducing SIDS rates by over 50 percent in recent years, SIDS remains the leading cause of death for babies one month to one year old. SIDS continues to strike unexpectedly and takes families down a terrifying life-transforming journey of unthinkable grief and loss.

Many states do not provide consistent trainings about SIDS to first responders and day care workers other than the Back to Sleep program information. Nor do they offer bereavement support to SIDS families.

In 2007 Congress declared October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Many states have laws regarding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Our babies are still dying of SIDS because states vary in SIDS definition interpretation, coding of deaths; and the guidance or support given to coroners, medical examiners and fatality review boards. Only eleven states require special training about SIDS for child care personnel, firefighters, emergency medical technicians or law enforcement officials. These states are Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Our babies continue to die because national data collections for SIDS are not giving accurate results to help pin point the cause due to the variances between states.

Visit The National Conference of State Legislatures to view your state’s law on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Please contact your state’s legislative representative and encourage them to bring your state current with the needs of the nation by requiring special trainings about SIDS, adopting a national definition of SIDS and detailed protocol for medical coding of infant deaths, along with a provision of bereavement counseling.

To learn more about SIDS or how to reduce your baby’s risk call visit www.firstcandle.org

If you or someone you know has experienced the death of a baby to any cause, English and bilingual crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling First Candle at 1-800-221-7437

If you would like further information on raising SIDS awareness visit these excellent websites:

www.battleSIDS.org

www.cjsids.com

www.coloradosids.org

www.firstcandle.org

http://www.healingokhearts.org

www.iowasids.org

www.SIDSfamilies.com

Resource box: Jewel Sample is a children’s writer and award-winning author of “Flying Hugs and Kisses” books. For more information about her background and publications visit her at Jewel’s Sand Box News

Granddaughter Inspires Iowa Grandmother

2008-08-25T16:30:00.007-05:00

On October 2, 2006 Deb Westergreen awoke to a phone call and a county sheriff knocking on her door. Both were attempts to notify her that her son and daughter-law’s third child, Jaycee Marie Schilling had stop breathing and had died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Deb's inspirational story continues in her own words.

After weeks of flopping around like a fish out of water," I started surfing the internet for information on SIDS. I came across two web sites that I found helpful. One was sidsfamilies.com and the other was Iowasids.org. I started reading posts on sidfamilies.com. The stories really touched my heart. Iowasids.org had information about a walk taking place about 60 miles from our town. I contacted my family members and told them about the walk. Thirteen of us attended that walk. I wondered why our community area didn't have a walk. We have the third highest SIDS rate in the state, but we are not the third largest community area.

I contacted Patty who is the director for the Iowa SIDS Foundation and asked her how to organize a walk. She told me what is involved. I told her I wanted to do it for 2008 and would get in-touch with her.

In 2007, 4 more babies in this area died. I knew it had to stop, so again I contacted Patty and said, “It's a go.” Shortly afterward, she contacted me and said she had a mother who wanted to co-organize the walk.

I set up a meeting, placed an editorial in the newspaper about the walk meeting. About 20 people attended the meeting. We exchanged ideas and decided we could do it.

The walk was awesome! 125-150 people attended and about $10,000 dollars was raised to fund peer-to-peer training, research, education of medical professionals and bring SIDS awareness to the public. I will do it again next year and every year I am able.

Thank you my special angel Jaycee Marie Schilling, for inspiring your Grandma to get busy and do something so important! I love you.

Deb Westergreen

2600 babies under one year of age succumb to SIDS within the United States of America each year. For more informaton about SIDS please visit the subject index provided on left side bar of this blog.

Resource box: This inspirational Iowa Grandmother story was written by Deb Westergreen and posted by Jewel Sample.

Deb Westergreen and her husband share seven adult children and 21 grandchildren. In her spare time she loves getting together with family and making scrapbook greeting cards.

Jewel Sample is a children’s writer and author of Flying Hugs and Kisses. For more information about her background and publications visit her at Jewel’s Sand Box News (http://jewelsamples.blogspot.com)

Jewel's Sand Box News Receives and Nominates Weblog Award

2008-08-24T22:12:00.005-05:00

Thank you so much Terri Forehand at Heartfelt Words 4 Kids for nominating me for this writer’s award. Terry offers warmth and support through her wonderful ideas, stories and links to help children and their families through a life altering crisis whether it is health, divorce, grief and loss or friendships. She is a blessing to those who know her.

My instructions are to nominate other blogs worthy of this award. There are so many WONDERFUL blogs to choose from and it was a hard decision for me.

DRUM ROLL!

The following have been chosen for the Brillante Weblog Premio award. The recipients are not listed in any particular order. It would be impossible for me to rank them because they are all outstanding! Thank you all for sharing a part of your writing world.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s Sharing with Writers and Readers

Carolyn unselfishly gives a wealth of marketing and promotional information to writers. Her love for the written word is evident and her successes of several published books showcase her many talents. Reading her blog has inspired me to move forward and not to worry about yesterday’s writing. I can almost hear her say, “After all, you were writing your best then and today’s best is better. That is what experience does.”

Lysa Terkeurst’s Proverb’s 31 Ministries

Lysa is an award winning author of several books and mom of five children. She offers her readers’ thought provoking ideas and opens her daily living view that encourages me to get through whatever is happening at the time.

Susan A. Meyer’s Susan’s Thoughts and Ramblings

Susan offer’s to her readers’ children’s writer interviews and her thoughts on writing for children. I discovered in no time at all, I couldn’t help but feel like I was sitting across the table from her sipping my favorite Latte chatting about what we both love, writing for children.

Max Elliot Anderson’s Books for Boys

Max is a multi-talented writer and video producer. He offers several great adventure books to read, as well as awesome thought provoking ideas on book promotion and writing stories for children. Check out his post about his adventure with a message in a bottle idea and you will see what I mean.

Marybeth Whalen’s Cheaper By The Half Dozen

Marybeth is an accomplished author and mom of six children who loves to share her writing views, organizational skills and personal family stories with others. When you read her stories, be prepared for a good belly laugh!

Robyn Opie’s Writing Children’s Books with Robyn Opie

Robyn is a prolific Australian writer who posts tons of marketing and writing tips as she shares her writing journey with others. I find myself identifying with her struggles and I love her out of the box, edgy writing style.

Mary DeMuth’s So You Wanna Be Published

Mary’s blog has a multitude writing nuggets from how to get published to honing your writing skills information. I call her site my fountain of muse because I have yet to go there and not find something that is encouraging and stretches my writing brain muscles. In fact I had to put my self on a diet from her blog so I could get my writing goals completed.

Congratulations everyone! Now it is your turn to bless someone with this award.

Rules for recipients of the Brillante Weblog Premio are as follows:

1. The award may be displayed on a winner's blog.

2. Add a link to the person you received the award from.

3. Nominate up to seven other blogs.

4. Add their links to your blog.

5. Add a message to each person that you have passed the award on in the comments section of their blog.

Resource box: Jewel Sample is a children’s writer and author of Flying Hugs and Kisses. For more information about her background and publications visit her at Jewel’s Sand Box News

Life is Short

2008-08-17T22:56:00.003-05:00

In my early teen years I heard the cliché, “Life is short, and then you die.”

After my father died, my mind flashed back to a time when he was driving our family past a cemetery and he said, “People are just dying to get in there.” Family members and I laughed at his comment.

These truisms did not have an effect on me until I experienced the death of a loved one.

Reality is we are all going to experience loss of a loved one and death. Life beyond the grave is eternal. Are you certain of where you will spend your eternal life?

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36 NKJV

For us to be sure of our eternal destination we must receive salvation through God’s son, Jesus Christ. Salvation happens when you confess to being a sinner, repent of your sins, and ask Christ to save you and take control of your life. (Romans 10:9 & 6:23).

Prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God and my Savior. I want to live with you in Heaven forever. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Take control of my life and teach me how to live for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

If you have prayed this prayer and accepted Christ please leave a comment.

Kellee Stone Shares What Inspired Her to Write "No Time for Tears: A walk through life with Ann Deane Teal"

2008-07-31T12:38:00.008-05:00

Just imagine enjoying life in the most fun and amazing way with not a worry in the world, then out of no where the unthinkable happens. What is running through your mind as the unthinkable event for you? For Kellee Stone it was a tragedy that challenged her faith and trust in those dear to her. If tragedy struck your life, would you feel you had no time for tears?

Kellee Stone’s main character, Ann Deane, in No Time for Tears: A walk through life with Ann Deane Teal, walked through her devastation feeling this way from time to time. Then a miracle happened. Will it be a man of her dreams, a new career, or the explanation of her infant daughter’s death? Grab a copy of Stone’s new Christian novel to discover her miracle of a life time.

Kellee Stone stopped by the other day to chat about her writing adventures. And this is what she had to say.

Hi Kellee! Thank you so much for stopping by Around the Sand Box News blog spot to share a little about your writing life with us today. To get things going, please tell us how you got started in writing?

I wrote for the church newsletter for years, the newsletter at work, I was editor for a local magazine, I wrote sales and motivational material at work, and many other things. Writing always came easy to me.

Do you juggle your writing with a job or other interests?

I am retired from a large telephone company, but I work with counseling at church. I work with support groups for spousal abuse, people who have lost babies by violent means or by SIDS, terminally ill people and their families, and widows and widowers groups. Also, I am the caretaker in my family and have taken care of my mother, stepfather, uncle, and my husband all dying of cancer in the past twelve years. Also, I have a home in South Carolina and in Virginia and travel quite extensively between these two locations. This keeps me quite busy. It is hard to find time to write.

Indeed it is hard at times to find time to write. How long did it take you to complete your book?

About 6 months, but then I waited nine years to publish the book.

Nine years seems like a long time to work on a story. I am not sure I would have the perseverance to work on something for that long, then again if I am inspired to write about something, I would have to write it. What inspires you, Kellee?

I feel that God wants me to use my life experiences to help other people through tragedies such as death and severe illness. I feel that he sends people to me every day to help them on with their lives in a happy and productive way. I believe that I should use my life lessons to help them in any way I can; sometimes that way is simply by talking. Sometimes it is my writing. I continue to be inspired to write from the emails and messages I receive telling me how inspirational my book was to them.

I love getting emails from my readers. Tell us what advice do you have for new writers today?

Write about what you know!

Where do your writing ideas come from?

My ideas were all inspired from experiences in my life.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I work at my church, participate in community activities, travel, watch Braves baseball, work on crossword puzzles, and family activities. My daughter lives in Atlanta and I visit there quite often.

Maintaining family relationships are so important. Do you have some grandparent advice on helping children through grief?

I have worked with a few children, but I mostly work with parents who have lost babies. I also work with terminally ill patients who know they don’t have long to live. I believe the most important point is to have faith in God. (I personally turn to the Lord in prayer whenever tragedy strikes.) Then, I discuss death with them. I tell them that everyone has to die. No one gets out of this world alive. This is God’s plan in the Bible. When my two babies died, it took me a long time to come to terms with it. I did not think I could live through it. I finally had to trust that this was supposed to happen and that there was nothing I could ever do to bring my babies back again and that I had to get on with my life. The same is true with anyone that dies.

Yes indeed, we must trust God and move forward through our grief in order to give ourselves a chance to find joy with those who are in our lives now. Do you have another book in your future plans?

I am presently working on a sequel to “No Time for Tears” and I have an idea for another book after that.

Wonderful! I look forward to reading the sequel. Do you have a favorite place to write?

Yes, my sun porch is my haven. I live on a lake and my sun porch looks out at the lake and my pier. The yard is filled with azaleas and camellias and many trees. I see geese, ducks, squirrels, rabbits, and have a large birdfeeder just outside the window. My two cats, Cooper and Elmo, are always in the office with me and love to sleep on the table next to my desk while I am working.

Wow, that sounds like a wonderful place to generate creative writing ideas. It has been wonderful talking with you Kellee. Before we say good-by do you have a humorous story about your writing or perhaps a most embarrassing moment you care to share with readers?

This book was never supposed to be read by anyone but me. It was strictly my journal. My doctors urged me for many years to write about all the things that had occurred in my life. I wrote this when I was alone after I retired. My daughter was away at the University of South Carolina and my husband had not retired. I had had two brain surgeries and was under many constraints. At this point I could not drive, do house or yard work, or cook. I could not lean over to the floor without falling because of vertigo. I had plenty of time on my hands for writing. My daughter came home from school one weekend and found the manuscript on the bookshelf. She took it in her bedroom and read the entire book that night. The rest is history since she told the world about my journal!

It amazes me how God uses others when we least expect it to share His love and to encourage us in our faith. Keep writing Kellee. Again thank you so much for stopping by for a chat. Come back and visit us anytime!

For more information about Kellee Stone please visit: http://www.kelleestone.com.

Interview by Jewel Sample, award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

David Meigs Inquires about Jewel Sample’s Life Changing Children's Story

2008-07-07T12:31:00.010-05:00

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by David Meigs, a talented writer for the new Christian Fiction Online Magazine, about my life changing children's story, Flying Hugs and Kisses and what has been happening since publication.

David Meigs is an emerging novelist whose fresh voice challenges the limits of Christian fiction. His background in youth outreach spans across thirty years and three continents. Having overcome severe dysfunction in his own life, he specializes in ministry to at-risk youth and their families. Though loved by all ages, his novels provide a unique, life-changing quality, critical for the youth of today. David and his family live in Seabeck, Washington, where he serves his church as youth pastor.

To learn more about what I had to say to David Meigs about my life changing writing of Flying Hugs and Kisses visit David Meig's Life-Transforming Fiction column at Christian Fiction Online Magazine.

Christian Fiction Online Magazine is a new magazine that offers a diverse range of talented writers and topics. Intriguing topics cover informational and entertaining rants and raves on writing, publishing, promoting, as well as book reviews, author interviews, devotions, and confessions of life changing twists and turns of the writer’s life, plus so much more. Check out this timely Christian Fiction Online Magazine.

First Candle Awards $100,000 Research Grant to Save Babies’ Lives

2008-07-02T09:32:00.005-05:00

First Candle Awards $100,000 Research Grant to Save Babies’ Lives Project Works to Prevent Sudden, Unexpected Deaths in Infancy and Early Childhood

In response to ongoing concerns about our nation’s alarmingly high rates of infant mortality, First Candle today announced that a $100,000 grant has been awarded to Dr. Henry Krous, Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, to support his world-renowned research into the prevention of sudden, unexpected deaths occurring in infancy and early childhood. Despite significant declines in infant mortality over the past decade, the United States continues to rank only 28th among developed nations at keeping our babies healthy and safe, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) continues to be the leading cause of death for babies one month to one year of age. More than 4,500 babies die suddenly and unexpected in the U.S. each year.

Historically, there has been no consistency in how these deaths are investigated and no central repository for the data collected. As a result, research is challenging and parents are left with more unanswered questions than answers about why their baby died. Dr. Krous is the first in the field to collect and evaluate clinical, epidemiological and pathological data on babies and children that die without warning.

According to Dr. Hannah Kinney, SIDS researcher at Harvard and Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Krous’ project is critical to not only her research, but to research projects worldwide, as they work to find causes and identify preventive strategies to save as many lives as possible.

“First Candle is proud to be able to continue our support of this important project,” said Executive Director Deborah Boyd. “Dr. Krous is an integral part of the SIDS/SUDC community and gives hope and healing to families that have experienced the sudden death of their beloved baby.” In addition to collecting and evaluating data, Krous volunteers his services to families by providing a “second” professional opinion for those that are concerned or confused about the diagnosis they were given for their child’s death.

One family that has been touched and inspired by Dr. Krous’ work is Craig and Krissy Thomas. On November 30, 2007, the Thomas’ lost their first child, Cole Westley, to SIDS. In his memory, and to continue his legacy, Craig and Krissy established the Cole Westley Thomas Memorial Fund at First Candle. In the short time since Cole’s death, the fund has generated nearly $50,000.

"We are pleased to contribute the funds raised in Cole's memory to Dr. Krous' project in San Diego. Without his work, important research into the brain stem as a potential cause of SIDS deaths would grind to a halt, as access to research samples would become severely restricted," said Thomas.

In an effort to help researchers unravel the mysteries surrounding these deaths, the Thomas’ have designated the San Diego SIDS/SUDC Research Project as the beneficiary of Cole’s fund. In response, First Candle has generously offered to match that contribution with $50,000, bringing the total award to $100,000.

"I am honored to receive this grant. It is an exceedingly generous gift that memorializes Cole Westley, the beloved son of Craig and Krissy Thomas, and provides much needed support to critical research into SIDS," said Krous.

First Candle is a national, nonprofit health organization dedicated to promoting safe pregnancies and the survival of babies through the first years of life. With programs of research, education and advocacy we are working toward a future where all babies are given the best possible chance to reach not only their first birthday, but many happy birthdays beyond. Until we reach this goal, we remain committed to providing compassionate grief support to all those affected by the death of a baby.

For more information, to make a donation or to access local support services, please call 1.800.221.7437 or visit www.firstcandle.org.

Dr. Henry Krous is board certified in anatomic pathology and in pediatric pathology. He is the Director of Pathology at Children's Hospital San Diego and Adjunct Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics at the UCSD School of Medicine. His clinical interests include SIDS (sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood), and renal disease. He is chair of the Pathology Working Group, SIDS Global Strategy Task Force and Vice Chair of the California SIDS Advisory Council. Dr. Krous serves on the editorial board of Pediatric and Developmental Pathology and reviews for several other journals. He is the author of more than 120 articles, 80 abstracts and has edited three books. He has been invited to give nearly 100 lectures in the United States, Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

THANK YOU FIRST CANDLE AND CRAIG AND KRISSY THOMAS FOR HELPING SIDS FAMILIES FIND AN ANSWER!

Children's Deep Grief

2008-06-05T11:53:00.004-05:00

Today I read in Lysa TerKeurst's blog posting about how grief and loss can cut so deeply into one’s heart that it redefines who you are and how you think. It is called deep grief. The posting reminded me of the importance of providing support to children. Children can experience this type of grief too. Their family is forever changed. What can we do to help children through their deep sadness over the loss of a brother or sister or a loved one?

When we lost our little grandson his siblings and cousins were heartbroken and needed a listening ear. Children want to tell others about when their loved one was alive. They want to talk about the sad, awful day when their loved one died. Some children even want to talk about what happened at the funeral or the food they ate that day. They want to tell their thoughts on whether God still hears their prayers or how long will everyone be sad. Sometimes reassuring them that God is with us in times of deep grief is all they want. A verse that has given our family comfort is Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit" (NKJV).

As months and years go on children want to talk about missing their loved one, or the changes that have happened in their family. Older children may want to talk about returning to school, getting new things, or eating their loved one’s favorite food with out them, feeling their deep grief as if they are stuck in the mud. Sometimes children want to talk about finding an item that belonged to their loved one and the comfort they felt just holding the item while remembering how much pleasure the item gave their loved one. Then as time continues on some children want to talk about not needing to visit the cemetery or noticing they do not think about their loved one as often as they used to. Children wonder if having these thoughts or the need to go on living with out their loved one is okay. Their grief journey has ended. God promises we will experience joy again too in Psalm 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy” (NKJV). They need your encouragement to laugh and play again.

Some may think this type of support is for counselors, but having someone who is close to the child lending a listening ear, validating their experiences and feelings helps the child strengthen their faith, cope and heal.

God is with us in times of deep grief and joy does return to us. Reach out and provide a listening ear to a broken-hearted child today. Help them wade through their thoughts and feelings to learn if they are okay or to find joy in life again.

Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog on how to help a grieving friend.

Resource box: Jewel Sample is a children’s writer and award-winning author of “Flying Hugs and Kisses” books. For more information about her background and publications visit her at Jewel’s Sand Box News

Great Kids Book For Summer!

2008-06-02T16:57:00.009-05:00

I Don’t Like To Read!

By Nancy Carlson
ISBN: 9780670061914-2007
Fiction: Juvenile Fiction, Humorous, Reading
Publisher: Penquin Group; Viking Juvenile $15.99
Publisher site: http://us.penguingroup.com/

Reviewer: Jewel Sample

Henry likes everything about first grade except reading. His classmates even show him the creative ways they like to read, but Henry still doesn’t want anything to do with it. His teacher discovers why Henry doesn’t like to read. Then with some support from school and home he gets a big surprise. What is Henry’s big surprise?

Carlson brings the sensitive issue of why some children don’t like to read to the forefront in an insightful and humorous way that makes it easy for the young reader to understand.

What makes this story so special is Carlson’s careful thread of showing children they will face difficulties in learning, but with help from others they can be successful. When read to my grandchildren I heard over and over that reading is hard work with so many new words to learn, but someday it will be easier.

Reviewer recommends this book for educational institutions and families with beginning and reluctant readers.

For more information about Nancy Carlson’s publications and classroom ideas please visit: http://www.nancycarlson.com/

Reviewed by Jewel Sample, award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007).

Helping Grandchildren Deal With SIDS Grief and Sibling Loss

2008-05-29T07:52:00.002-05:00

Click here to listen to the radio show: Healing The Grieving Heart

Memorial Day: 5 Ways to Celebrate and Appreciate Your Freedom

2008-05-23T13:04:00.006-05:00

In 1868, May 30th became the official Memorial Day to remember those Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives, while serving their country, so that all people living in the United States of America can enjoy freedom.

The first Memorial Day was called Decoration Day and was celebrated by placing flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers.

Currently the last Monday of May is the national holiday to celebrate and honor our U. S. soldiers by placing flowers or small U. S. flags on their graves. Red Poppy flower boutonnieres are worn as an aide-memoire of our soldier’s blood shed while protecting our country. The American flag is flown from sunup to sunset. Many cities and towns throughout the nation have special events to celebrate freedom and appreciate their veterans.

Here are 5 ways to help children learn about what’s behind America’s Memorial Day holiday:

1. Read your local newspaper to find out how your town is honoring a soldier. Attend a local event and look for cool facts about soldiers.

2. Visit a cemetery and look for the flags by a veteran’s grave. Spend a moment of silence to commemorate that soldier’s life.

3. Make an American Soldier flag. Draw a flag using red, yellow and blue crayons on white construction paper. Be sure and have fifty yellow stars with seven red and six white stripes. Glue a picture of your soldier in the center of the flag. Place your soldier flag in a prominent place, like on your refrigerator door.

4. Have a picnic and talk to your family about soldiers who have served in the military.

5. Write a story about your family’s soldier who gave their life so that we could enjoy freedom.

Resource Websites:

Memorial Day History

The Red Poppy Flower

Displaying the American Flag

Cool Facts about U. S. Veterans

Resource box: Jewel Sample is a children’s writer and author of Flying Hugs and Kisses. For more information about her background and publications visit her at Jewel’s Sand Box News

Children’s Authors Discuss SIDS and Kids Books

2008-05-11T09:09:00.006-05:00

I am excited to welcome acclaimed children’s author Wendie C. Old this week to talk about her book on a family’s experience with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) titled, STACY HAD A LITTLE SISTER.

Among Wendie’s writing accomplishments she has written several biographical books for middle school, one early elementary and three picture books. She has won many outstanding awards, honorable nominations and is found among notable children’s literature lists. Starting with her latest book titles and awards, they include: THE HALLOWEEN BOOK OF FACTS AND FUN, Albert Whitman 2007; THE GROUNDHOG DAY BOOK OF FACTS AND FUN, Albert Whitman 2004; and BUSY FINGERS, Charlesbridge 2003 (under the pen name of C.W. Bowie) which won 2004 Great Books Celebration, Committee's choice, 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Book Award and ABC Best Books for Children.

TO FLY, THE STORY OF THE WRIGHT BROTHERS, Clarion 2002 won the Boston Globe - Horn Book Honor Book, Orbis Pictus Honor book, 2003, ALA Notable Children’s Book 2003, BCCB -- Blue Ribbon List of Best Books of 2002, NCSS/CBC Notable Book, NSTA -- Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, Capitol Choices -- Best Books for Children 2002;

Old’s honorable nominations and children’s literature lists are the South Carolina -- 2004-2005 Children's Book Award nominee; Michigan -- 2005 Great Lakes Great Books Award Nominee;--2nd and 3rd grade, New Jersey: Garden State Children's Book Award Nominees: 2005, Bank Street College of Education--Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2002 and R-Star in Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books.

Wendie Old has the best of both worlds! She has worked with children for over thirty years, both as a Children’s Librarian and a writer. When she is not writing or working at the library she spends time with her family of two daughters, two hairy dogs, a horse and SEVERAL cats!

Welcome Wendie and thank you for taking time to be with us today.

I am happy to be here.

I have a special interest because I too have written a children's book about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, titled Flying Hugs and Kisses. I didn't know about your book until I was published and someone emailed me to ask me if I had read your story. My story was inspired by the loss of our infant grandson, Brennen.

I'm so sorry for your loss. There's nothing worse than when a baby just slips away.

Thank you Wendie for you kind words.

I would first like for you to share with us a little about the first story you remember writing.

I may have written before high school, but I remember doing a loooong involved story with my best friend called "Beware the Babysitting Job." It was about her going to an ordinary babysitting job which turned into a kidnapping and she had many adventures. Never published, of course, but it was fun to write.

I also wish my Junior year English teacher were still alive, Mrs. Schroder. She kept assigning us to write about various things and one time I just dashed off this slice-of-life about getting ready for a dance. I was so afraid that it was too off-beat and didn't really meet the assignment rules. However, she loved it and encouraged me to keep writing.

Now you have award-winning published books! Where did your inspiration for STACY HAD A LITTLE SISTER come from?

I am a children's librarian in a large public library system. All my co-workers knew I had been writing and submitting and getting rejected. We got several requests for books that could be read to a child who had had a sibling die of S.I.D.S. No matter where we looked, we could not find one. (Our library system even has a special collection of books to help children (and parents) deal with the problems of life such as: moving, a new baby, death, divorce, etc. We could find books about death of a tree, death of a grandparent, death of a pet, but no death of a baby from S.I.D.S.

"You're a writer, Wendie," my co-workers said. "Why don't you write one?"

Well, you actually cannot write to order. BUT, you can shove an idea into the back brain to cook for a while.

That back brain is a marvelous thing for writers. It keeps working on a problem long after you and your front brain have stopped.

Suddenly, one Sunday, a sentence kept going through my head. "Stacy had a little sister." Over and over again. (Past tense, of course, because I knew the kid dies, but you know -- nobody who picks up the book realizes that the title is in the past tense for a reason.)

I began writing things down.

I had a little sister. Description of a sudden trip to the hospital and mama coming back with a baby.

I had a little sister. Description of normal jealousy by the older child -- inspired by the reaction of my oldest child to my next child. (the editor removed some of this. She considered the scene where the older child takes the newborn picture and jabs holes in it with a pencil was too violent. But that's what my oldest did.)

I had a little sister. Description of strange worries of parents and sudden removal of baby.

Confusion of child. Funeral. No more baby. Sadness

I had a little sister. Child thinks it's all her fault because she had been angry about the attention the baby got. Will she get this too, and die? Real worries that the older child often has.

When the parents realize what the child is thinking, they reassure her and give many hugs.

The book ends with positive memories.

Anyone who has read the book will realize that there is NO repeating phrase "I had (or Stacy had) a little sister." That's because that is the first thing the editor removed. And yet, repeating that phrase is what kept me going with the flow of the book when I was writing it.

It is interesting that you discovered there were no books about SIDS for children. That is one of the reasons why I wrote Flying Hugs and Kisses. Our books are similar in that a baby dies and the children ask questions surrounding the issue of loss. But just like families are different in the number of children and how they cope with loss, our books show children how two families deal with their grief in completely different ways. Two great resources to have for Kids.

I love the family hug concept in your book. Where did this idea come from?

That's our family. We have a tradition of doing family hugs. In fact, our kids LOVE a sandwich hug -- where the parents are the bread and the kid is the jelly being hugged (squashed?) by the bread. They'll even grab us and shout, "Sandwich hug!" It makes them feel secure, I guess, to have both of us hugging them.

Interestingly enough, that's what the rejecting editors noticed, too. Hugs. Then complained that there was too much hugging in the book. I didn't remove it because a child in that situation NEEDS hugs.

What was the best part about writing this story? What was the worst part?

The best part was how quickly this story came to me. But it was after months of frontal thinking and months of letting the back brain mull it over. I find that things that come to me and I get down in a "white heat" are often the best things I write. (The annoying part of having a 'white heat' come is that it comes when it will -- sometimes coming at 5 am in the morning and waking me up and forcing me to get to the computer to get it down.

I used to have a pad of paper on a bedside table and would just turn on the light and write these things down, but nowadays I go to the computer. Probably because I can type almost as fast as I think, but writing it down is slower. (mainly because I have to be able to read what I wrote. Too many times I've written something down in the night and couldn't even read it in the morning, I was writing so quickly trying to get it down.

The worst part was the fact that I had the wrong viewpoint. It wouldn't sell with a first person viewpoint. Finally I had it critiqued and the agent/editor who critiqued it told me to back off. It was too close to the reader and they couldn't stand it emotionally. Put it into third person. So I did. Still, major publishers wouldn't handle it. They complained that it made them cry. That it didn't fit their needs.

Was it hard to find a publisher?

Yes it was hard. Finally I discovered that Albert Whitman did this type of book. They call this sort of book, concept books, because they discuss the concepts of moving, new baby, disasters and events in children's lives. They loved it. Offered me a contract. And told me to get rid of that annoying repeating phrase. I think it's only in the title and the first line, now.

It is eye opening to learn your book had changes after your manuscript was accepted by the publisher. I too had requests for changes to my manuscript. Sometimes as writers we are too close to our story to see that the changes will bring forth a quality book.

Are there any ideas or nuggets of wisdom you would like to share with SIDS families about helping their children through grief?

My book covers most of it. It's very sad for the whole family. I know that parents are fully involved in grieving for the baby, but please be aware that the older child/ children are feeling sad -- and wondering if it were any way their fault because they didn't love the baby enough -- and wondering if this could happen to them.

In fact, one of my co-workers had a very sick child for several years and suddenly realized that the older children were feeling neglected when one of them said, I'm still here, ya know.”

Indeed a parent or caregiver can get easily side-tracked and not fully understand their children need them. Children need their parents or caregivers to reassure them, keep their daily routine consistent, to hug or hold them and to listen to them.

One more question, are there any funny or unexpected incidents that have happened while doing a book signing, school visit, or attending a writer’s conference?

Besides the fact that I was totally embarrassed when I signed one of my books for a school library and wrote -- For the students at the Holy Angle....? Yikes! It was supposed to be Holy Angel. Luckily the school librarian just laughed and said that many of the students did the same thing when they tried to write the name of the school.

I learned quickly to ask how to spell everything. I carry post-a-notes with me just for this. I don't care if you are angry or disgusted with me for asking you how to spell your name. If it can be spelled wrong, I'll do it. It's just safer for me to have the correct way already written out in front of me. (and beside, there are often several ways to spell a name.)

I always carry goodies with me, especially at convention book signings. I have a groundhog puppet. (Our hero for the book THE GROUNDHOG DAY BOOK OF FACTS AND FUN.) As people walk by the publisher's booth, I'll say, "You can pet the groundhog." They look. And are startled to see that it looks like an actual groundhog. The braver ones will come over and pet it and we'll get into a conversation about how real it looks, and where to get a puppet like that and, by the way, could they get one of my books and will I sign it. Works every time.

I finally managed to find a black cat for the HALLOWEEN BOOK OF FACTS AND FUN. I hand out orange pencils, too.

In my blog, Wendie’s Wanderings, I have a post that discusses why I/we used a pen name for the two picture books -- Busy Toes and the companion book, Busy Fingers. (Three co-writers, no room on the spine for three names.) I'm just the "W" part of that name. These books also come in Board Book format.

As for individual funny incidents, I can't think of just one. I simply have great fun doing school visits and book signings. I enjoy working with kids and talking with them about books and writing and research and....

Thank you Wendie for stopping by Jewel’s Sand Box News today. Please visit us again and let us know what you are up too!

Thank you for the great discussion on writing for children.

For more information about Wendie C. Old's adventures as a writer and a children’s librarian please visit Wendie’s Wanderings.

Jewel Sample is an award-winning children’s author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007).

For more information about Jewel's background and publications visit her at Jewel’s Sand Box News

A Kid's Grief and Loss Book Review

2008-05-11T08:40:00.006-05:00

Stacy Had A Little Sister
By Wendie C. Old
ISBN: 0807575984-1995
Fiction: Children, Death, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Siblings
Contact Reviewer: jmsample[at]aol.com
Publisher: Albert Whitman & CO
Publisher site: http://www.awhitmanco.com/
May 10, 2008

Stacy demonstrates mixed feelings about her new little sister Ashley. When Ashley dies from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Stacy has another set of mixed feelings and questions about Ashley; and how things have changed in her family. Stacy even wonders if she will get “peanut butter sandwich hugs” now that Ashley is gone. Stacy learns how to cope with the loss of her little sister with her parents help.

When a baby dies suddenly the family is overcome with shock and tremendous grief. The concept of death is very hard for young children to understand, however it is important to provide them with simple answers to their questions. Old provides straightforward and factual answers to questions SIDS families tend to have when this type of tragedy occurs.

When read with my grandchildren they became sad because they wanted the story to have a happier ending. However Stacy Had A Little Sister helped them to understand that SIDS families cope just as differently as they live in diverse communities. There are many ways to grieve over the loss of a loved one.

Reviewer recommends Stacy Had A Little Sister as a bereavement resource for educators, families, churches and mental health professionals to read with children.

For more information about her books visit Wendie C. Old

Reading Is FUN Week-May 12-18

2008-05-05T08:28:00.005-05:00

Time to share the joy of reading with your children!

Check out the AWESOME activities at Reading Is Fundamental WEEK

Post a comment here about what you will do with your children.

Summer Reading: What's a Parent To Do?

2008-05-04T20:26:00.006-05:00

How many times during the summer months have you heard your children say, “I don’t want to read right now”? If you’re like me and many other parents, you will do anything to avoid those words from being said. Besides you want your summer reading to be fun. But where do you start? Well, here are some tips for parents.

1. Learn all you can about how children learn to read.
Reading is taught differently today than it was when some of us were children. Find out how children learn to read and become familiar with strategies used to help children with reading at this PBS website www.readingrocket.org.

2. Follow your children’s lead by doing what interests them.
Children are curious. They love to discover new things. Make reading all about discovery. Search for Reading is Fundamental activities for ages K-8 at www.rif.org.

3. Read a book that’s now a children’s movie.
Start with your local library children’s book and movie list. Check out other library lists on the internet at www.publiclibraries.com.

4. Read about the people, places, or things your family will visit.
Take a virtual field trip (www.virtual-fieldtrips.com) of famous historical or geographical sites, or sites from popular works of literature. Or, before you go on your real vacation, visit your summer vacation spot on the internet.
Print off any free children’s stories, articles, or coloring pages to read before you go or in route to your destination.

5. Let your child catch YOU reading.
Children tend to gravitate toward what interests others around them. If your children show an interest in your book adventure (bookadventure.org) material invite them to read with you.

Try these simple tips to make reading fun for you and your children this summer. Instead of telling you they don’t want to read right now, they’ll be asking, “Can we read just one more book? Please!”

Resource box: Jewel Sample is a children’s writer and author of Flying Hugs and Kisses. For more information about her check the "About Me" box to the left at Jewel’s Sand Box News

Kent Gustavson Sounds Off With Jewel Sample

2008-05-02T20:56:00.010-05:00

Not too long ago I spoke with Dr. Kent Gustavson of Sound Authors to discuss what prompted me to write Flying Hugs and Kisses. I also shared my ideas on how to write about death for children.

To listen to the interview click here Jewel Sample at Sound Authors

Lori Z. Scott's Virtual Book Tour Big Give Winners Announced

2008-05-02T10:54:00.006-05:00

I am pleased to announce Lori Z. Scott's Virtual Book Tour BIG GIVE!

One (1) copy of Meghan Rose Has A Secret is won by Terri.forehand

One (1) copy of Meghan Rose All Dressed Up! is won by Christyjan

Thank you for joining in on the fun and leaving a comment!

KEEP up with Jewel's news by subscribing to Jewel's Sand Box News.

Add your email address in the subscription box on the left of this page.

CDC Offers New Information for Parents and Caregivers: "Learn the Signs. Act Early"

2008-04-28T19:25:00.004-05:00

A public awareness campaign to educate parents and other caregivers about the first five years of childhood development is available at The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Learn the Signs Act Early" section of their website. The new information is including early warning signs of autism and other developmental disorders, and encourages developmental screening and intervention. There are free resources, including fact sheets, milestone checklists, posters, growth charts, and flyers. All materials are free and are available in both English and Spanish.

For more information, please visit: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Check out the Resource Box on right hand side of their page.

Lori Z. Scott's Second Big Give Announced

2008-04-28T08:43:00.005-05:00

Lori Z. Scott's SECOND BIG GIVE of one (1) copy of "Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants" has a WINNER!

As promised on April 27, 2008 I placed all the commentor's names in hubby's baseball cap to draw for the second book in the series Meghan Rose has Ants in Her Pants.

The winner of the drawing is being posted a day early than the indicated April 29, 2008 right here on !

The WINNER is Kairis Grandma!

Want another chance to WIN a copy of her newest releases of her series?

Check out Lori Z. Scott's current interview Lori Z. Scott Shares What's Behind The Meghan Rose Series and leave a comment there by MAY 1st for the big draw on May 2nd...

Thank you for joining in on the fun and leaving a comment last week!

Lori Z. Scott Shares What's Behind The Meghan Rose Series

2008-04-27T09:23:00.010-05:00

I am EXCITED to welcome back author Lori Z. Scott this week to talk about the newest releases in her Meghan Rose series—Meghan Rose All Dressed Up and Meghan Rose Has a Secret.

Since 2000, Lori has published over fifty short stories, devotions, puzzles, poems, and articles for children, teens, and adults. She has been published in Focus on Your Child, MOMSense Magazine, Spirit Led Writer, Pockets, and Devozine. She is the author of Busy Moms’ Devotions to Go and four Meghan Rose titles. In addition, Lori has contributed to over a dozen books including Real Moms, Cup of Comfort Book of Prayers, and 2007 Eppie Award winner Infinite Space, Infinite God.

A graduate of Wheaton College, Lori has worked with children for over twenty years, both as a teacher in the classroom and as a volunteer for local churches, museums, and schools. When she’s not busy driving her two children to various church, sporting, and artistic activities, she moonlights as a speaker for women’s groups and schools.

Lori, welcome. Thanks for taking time to be with us today.
My pleasure.

You often introduce yourself as first a mother, then a teacher, and finally a writer. Why is that?

I feel like being a mother is my highest calling in life. And that means I’m a caregiver, nurse, tutor, cheerleader, counselor, transportation expert, and nutritionist. Doing all those mommy things is a bit like filling a jar jam-packed with marbles. I pursue my own interests in the empty spaces around those marbles because being a mommy trumps all.

I call myself a teacher second because working with kids has been such a huge part of my life. Just as God gifts different people for different tasks, I feel like God has given me a special ability to understand and work with children. Or maybe I’m just not ready to give up playing and comics yet.

I call myself a writer last because I often feel like writing too much fun—and pays too little—to be a real job. But then again, writing is another interest in my life I have felt called to pursue. God blessed me there too. When I decided to start writing, my first submission won second place in a science fiction writing contest. My second submission won MOPS International story writing contest.

I guess what I want moms to realize is, it’s okay to put the mommy part of our lives first and to trust that God will still bless, fulfill, and lead us in other areas as well.

Why would parents like your series?

A good question—one that I have to answer from my own experience. When my daughter was in first grade, her teacher started reading the Junie B. Jones books in class. Since Meghan liked them, I picked up a few copies.

Well, I enjoyed the humor in those books, but had to edit out some of the grammar slips, name calling and attitudes. I thought there had to be an alternative choice—a book that was just as funny, but also had a good take-away value. I scoured the Christian bookstores. I couldn’t find any fiction for that age group, only devotional books and Bible stories.

When I asked about it, bookstore owners often commented that they wished they could offer such a book. In fact, they’d had numerous parents come to the store, all asking the same thing: Do you have a fiction book my young child will enjoy reading? And, like them, I walked away empty handed.

So I wrote the book I couldn’t find—a book for my daughter AND for all those other mothers just like me. I put in everything she wanted—an interesting story filled with giggles and characters worth rooting for—and everything I wanted—good moral values (but with nothing preachy about the story at all). And because I don’t believe I’m alone in those desires, I’m convinced other parents (AND THEIR KIDS!!!) will like the series too.

Why did you include discussion questions and activities at the end of each book?
That’s the teacher part of me flaring up big time! (Lori Laughs Out Loud). But seriously, how many times have you as a mother read a book and thought, “There’s a good lesson in here” but didn’t know how to draw your child into a discussion about it? I remember reading Where the Red Fern Grows with my daughter and wanting to talk about the tender topic of death that book touches on. Since I didn’t know where to start, I couldn’t fully take advantage of that teachable moment. (Instead we both just cried all the way through the last few chapters.)

That’s why I included questions for parents or teachers to use after they read the story, so they can capitalize on the book’s underlying message. (Although I hope people laugh through the last few chapters of Meghan Rose instead of cry!)

And the activities are all for the kids. They love extending the story experience by creating their own volcanoes or whatever. I also put a ton of other ideas for parents and kids on my website under the BLAM (Brilliant Little Activities to Make) link at http://www.meghanroseseries.com/.

So each book has an underlying message? Tell us about that.

As I mentioned, I wanted the stories to do more than entertain. I wanted them to have takeaway value. Each book’s message is very subtle but still evident throughout the book. While Meghan Rose on Stage! talks about discovering your talents, it’s ultimately about friendship.

Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants explores the idea of patience—a difficult area for most kids to deal with. The newest two books—Meghan Rose All Dressed Up and Meghan Rose Has a Secret—address inner beauty and kind words. But again, none of it is preachy. It’s heavy on the humor and very, VERY light on the lesson…yet neither quality is lost on the child.

Are the books just for girls?

Not at all! One mother of two boys emailed me about how much her sons enjoyed reading them with her. She said they could hardly read for laughing so hard—they were all HOWLING!! The youngest one loved it so much he started sleeping with the first book under his pillow at night.
In fact, the comment I hear most from people who read the books is, “I laughed out loud.” The second comment I hear most often is about how much kids (and parents) like the discussion questions and activities. How can all that just be for girls?

Where do you get the inspiration for the humorous parts of the books?
Most of that comes from my upbringing. My dad was always coming up with puns and jokes. He made them up on the spot, and they were hilarious! I can’t tell you how many hours we spent laughing around the dinner table. I think dad influenced all my sisters. In fact, one of my sisters was part of an improvisational comedy team. (She’s also a pastor’s wife—it’s a fun combination.)
I also grew up on a steady diet of comic books. Peanuts and Garfield were my favorites, and later Calvin and Hobbes. And we’d also watch comedy on television, especially The Carol Brunette Show.

That said, some of my inspiration just comes from everyday life. My kids crack me up. They both have a great sense of humor.

The main character in the Meghan Rose series shares your daughter’s name. Why is that?

She was the foundational basis for the character. When I started the series, I needed someone likable, outrageous, clever, spunky, and sensitive all rolled into one. Well, that’s my Meghan. And since I originally wrote the books just for her, I simply used her name. You’ll also see the names of other people I’ve met, although the character they’re named for is totally fiction. Mrs. Arnold, for example, was the name of Meghan’s real first grade teacher. But she’s not like the Mrs. Arnold in the book.

Are any of the characters like you?

I think maybe there’s a little bit of me in all of them. Certainly a lot of me is reflected in the teacher, Mrs. Arnold. Then Ryan shows the jokester side of me, Kayla has the goofy side, Lynette has the rule-following, show-off side, and Meghan’s Mom has the practical side. The Meghan character herself is about 80 percent of the “real” Meghan, 10 percent of me and my creative musings, and 10 percent total fiction.

Do you ever visit schools to talk about the books?

Yes! I’ve visited several schools and talked about the steps a writer goes through to get from idea to published book. I’ve also shared ways to boost everyday creativity and develop writing ideas. All three presentations seem to fire up everyone, even the reluctant writers. Kids tell me that what they enjoy most about the time we spend together is learning my two-handed drawing trick and discovering how to write their own jokes.

As a teacher, I value school visits. I think it’s important to inspire and encourage all children…to help them see opportunities and possibilities. As a mom, I can’t help seeing my own children reflected in the faces I meet. That gives me extra incentive to make kids want to reach their dreams, whatever they might be.

Can you share one idea for mothers to help their children be more creative?

Sure. Hmmm. Hard to pick one. I guess one great idea is to encourage your children to be involved with artistic endeavors. That can include a whole variety of options, like drawing, painting, or making things out of shoe boxes. Children can listen to or dance to music. Or make their own music. They can dress up and put on a show for family or friends, or memorize a silly poem. And it should be fun, not work.

Where can readers learn more about you and the Meghan Rose books?

They can visit my website at www.MeghanRoseSeries.com. My award-winning illustrator, Stacy Curtis, designed it. It offers jokes, puzzles, and activities for kids and great ideas for teacher and parents (on Mrs. Arnold’s BLAM page). It also introduces the books and characters, provides links to book reviews, and gives ordering information. I posted a retold fairy tale reader’s theater that gives visitors a good feel for the style of humor found in the books at www.meghanroseseries.com/teachers_LittleRed.asp.

You can also purchase a copy at most major bookstores and on Amazon.com

That sounds great. Well, thank you for stopping by Jewel' s Sand Box News to bring us up to date on what you've been up to!

Thank you for letting me visit with you.

Here is your chance for Two (2) more of Lori's books!

Lori is offering Meghan Rose All Dressed Up and Meghan Rose Has a Secret this week!

Just leave a comment about our interview or her book covers!!

The comment drawing will take place on May 1st

The WINNER 'S name will be posted May 2, 2008.

Lori Z. Scott's Writing Gives Ants in the Pants!

2008-04-21T22:11:00.005-05:00

Think about a time when you really wanted something. What was it? Why did you want it? Could you stop thinking about it? Did you get it?

First grader Meghan Rose wants something too. In fact she can’t stop thinking about it. BLAM! Meghan Rose makes a plan, but as soon as she sets her plan into motion something happens. Meghan Rose gets ants in her pants, which teaches her an important lesson. If you were Meghan Rose would you do the same thing?

By now you are probably thinking, I don’t know I haven’t read the book!

BLA-AM-PAN-A-RAM-BLA-AM ROLL!

Lori Z. Scott is giving away one (1) copy of "Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants" right here this week by having a reader drawing.

Enter the drawing by leaving a comment about the book cover or why you want to read the book no later than April 26, 2008 12 PM midnight. I will draw from the posted names listed in the comments and post the winner is on April 29, 2008.

Come on back here to my blogspot NEXT week to see what else Lori is up to!

Free Writing For Children E-book Offer

2008-04-20T11:04:00.003-05:00

Writing for Children Blog Fest contributors posted some educational and thought provoking articles. Lea Schizas is offering this valuable writing for children information FREE in an e-book at www.thewritingjungle.blogspot.com

Lori Z. Scott's Writing Adventures

2008-04-18T13:56:00.010-05:00

This week I am excited to welcome back author Lori Z. Scott.

Last summer Lori Z. Scott’s first children’s chapter book of her new Meghan Rose series titled, Meghan Rose On Stage, made a hit with my grandchildren. We read the book in one sitting because it was as my grandchildren phrased it, “So cool!” After reading this book that captivated our minds, I wanted to learn more about this amazing author’s writing journey. This is what Lori Z. Scott had to say:

Q: How did you get started in writing?

I started my writing career in a roundabout way! I taught elementary school for nine years, then retired to raise my children. One day, while the kids and I were at the library, I saw a flyer for an amateur science fiction/ fantasy writing contest. I decided to enter…and in the process of writing my tale, something sparked to life in my heart. My pulse raced, my mind wandered, and a whole new world opened up to me! I was hooked.

In the past, I enjoyed writing—I wrote for my high school newspaper and yearbook, and even had a poem published when I was sixteen. But I never really thought about freelancing until I spied that flyer and re-experienced the thrill of playing with words on paper.

At any rate, I entered the contest and won second place. Encouraged by my success, I entered a MOPS International story writing contest…and WON!

After that, I joined a writer’s group, started learning more about the publishing industry, and eventually landed a contract from Standard Publishing for a new children’s fiction series. The first two titles in that series—MEGHAN ROSE ON STAGE and MEGHAN ROSE HAS ANTS IN HER PANTS—are on the bookshelves. The books are funny (I figure, if it doesn’t amuse me, why write it?) and bursting with energy. The main character, Meghan Rose, is a strong, out-spoken first grader. Her bubble-gum blowing, best buddy Ryan and silly, duck-loving pal Kayla help round out the cast. So far, I’ve found that even though the stories are chapter books, most kids read them in one sitting because they just can’t stop!

Q: Meghan Rose On Stage is definitely full of humorous energy, what inspires or motivates you?

My children inspire most of my writing. I wrote the MEGHAN ROSE series because my daughter asked me to write them. In my publications, you’ll consistently find a touch of humor, a little bit of heart, and a lot of everyday faith…all inspired by my kids.

Q: Do you write other things besides children's themes?

Although my passion is for children’s writing, I also write for teens and adults. I have contributed to over a dozen books and published numerous devotions, short stories, poems, puzzles, and articles targeting various age groups from five to fifty years old. My first book is a devotional book, BUSY MOMS’ DEVOTIONS TO GO. Recently, I contributed a story to this anthology, a 2007 Eppie Award Winner in Science Fiction(although I attend a Protestant church), INFINITE SPACE, INFINITE GOD.

Q: You stated your passion is writing for children. Do you have a favorite children's story?

I have MANY favorite children’s stories. Remember, I’m a former first grade teacher! My list could go on and on and on and on… Of course I love books by my writer friends. That goes without saying! I also love fantasy books like The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien) and The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis), but I hold picture books close to my heart because I love the art.

Here are some of my favorites:

Jabberwocky (Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Graeme Base) (I love the illustrations in all Graeme Base books.)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle) (I love Eric Carle books for K-1 students)
Toot and Puddle (Holly Hobby)
Leo the Late Bloomer (Robert Kraus, illustrated by Jose Ariego)
Tacky the Penguin (Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger) (I’m a big fan of all the books put out by this team.)
Dog Breath (Dav Pilkey—the book is little known, but I think it’s hilarious!)
Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig (Eugene Trivizas, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury) The Polar Express (or anything by Chris VanAllsburg)
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz) (I love the rhythm of the words in this story.)
Tuesday (David Wiesner) (I love all his books too!)
If comic books count, put Garfield and Calvin and Hobbes on the list too!

Q: Like most authors, the zeal for reading and writing seem to be a large part of your life. What do you do when you are not writing or reading?

I work part time supervising student teachers. I volunteer to work and teach in the classroom and at church. (Next year I plan on doing school visits—so please email me if you’re interested in an author visit!) I also enjoy running, swimming, and drawing.

One place you WON’T find me is in the kitchen. I’m a TERRIBLE cook! The kids are always happy when Dad cooks.

Q: What suggestions would you give to children who are interested in writing their own story?
Off hand, my suggestion is GO FOR IT!! On a more practical note, here are some ideas to get you going: First, THINK LIKE A WRITER. Writing is simply telling something. So lists, emails, poems, jokes, a report, a birthday card—these are all forms of writing. Some forms help us keep track of our thoughts. Others help us express our feelings, entertain, or learn new things. If you view writing as a valuable activity, you’re on the right track!

Second, COME UP WITH IDEAS to write about. The best ideas come from your own life. What is a regular day like for you? What foods do you like or dislike? What frightens you? These things can all serve as story starters. I would love to write a story sometime about all the different flavors of gum at a store, and what one flavor I would really like to try (chocolate)! Be funny too. Everyone loves to laugh.

Third, USE YOUR COMMON SENSES. You know…sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Including such details in a story makes a difference. For example, which do you find more interesting? “I went to a surprise birthday party” OR “When Michael clicked on the light switch, we yelled “Surprise!” so loud the windows rattled (sound). Michael gasped (sound), and his mouth fell wide open (sight).” Or how about this contrast: “We ate cake” verses “We ate chocolate cake covered with creamy frosting and those brown sprinkles that crunch in your mouth (taste/sight/touch). Michael’s mom plopped a big scoop of soft vanilla-scented ice cream on top of my cake, so my first bite tasted icy cold and warm-crumbly all mixed together (smell/touch/taste).”

Fourth, HAVE FUN with it! My children and their cousins like making up stories during long car rides. Each kid has a notebook and pencil; each starts a story, writing about three sentences. When everyone is ready, each passes his story to the person on his right, who reads the story and then adds three new sentences. The process continues until someone writes THE END. Each story is then read out loud. The kids laugh A LOT at all their crazy creations. (You can actually tell when someone stopped their part of the tale and another started.)

Fifth, SHARE your writing. Half the fun of writing is sharing your thoughts with someone else. Read your story to a stuffed animal, your dog, the fish, your parents, the piano, an old shoe…whatever handy thing you can pin down long enough to hear your tale. Which brings me to the final point…READ, READ, READ! The more you read, the better writer you are likely to be!

Q: How about teachers or parents do you have any suggestions on how to use your books as a learning tool?

Yes, yes, yes! Visit the web site http://www.meghanroseseries.com/ ! I have a whole page of ideas for teachers and parents to use with the book. Also, at the end of each book, I provide some discussion questions and activities for parents or teachers to use with children.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?

Readers might enjoy visiting my illustrator’s (Stacy Curtis) web site. He’s a talented, award winning artist with a great sense of humor. I love looking at his thumbnail sketches…he really has a flair for breathing life into the characters he creates. Go to http://www.stacycurtis.com/.

Thank you so much Lori for talking with me about your writing endeavors. I wish you MUCH SUCCESS with your new children's chapter book series.

Come on back next week

Lori Z. Scott will be back to bring us up to date on what she has been up to since last summer.

Sound Authors Radio Show Announces April 11th, 2008 Show Lineup

2008-04-09T04:41:00.005-05:00

(E. Setauket, NY April 7, 2008)

World Talk Radio broadcasted on the Modavox network features Sound Authors, a live interview talk radio show.

Each Friday at 1PM Eastern Standard Time, Sound Authors radio show features live interviews and readings from all varieties of authors, known and not-yet-known; all soon-to-be bestselling authors from all walks of life, from Hollywood actors to marathoners, to PhD therapists or life coaches. On this talk radio show, it is the story that counts. Authors sound off on every possible topic, from cuisine to culture, and from nature to nurture.

The show also podcasts each interview separately, and all archived podcasts can be searched from the Sound Authors website at www.soundauthors.com.

The first author guest this week will be Diane Dike Ph. D, author of The Adventures of Gracie & Diane: Gracie Comes Home and her soon to be released autobiography God Made Only One of Me. Diane Dike is a passionate and popular speaker, author and singer and her heartbreaking, heartwarming and courageous story will inspire you to overcome your challenges.

The second guest featured on the show will be author Jewel Sample. Her children’s book, Flying Hugs and Kisses is a sensitive story of grief recovery and is a great resource for parents to use to help their children understand and affirm their experience of the loss of a sibling. It is her hope this story gives insight into a family’s creative support and courage to move forward in the midst of their grief.

The third guest on the show will be Haider Ala Hamoudi, author of Howling in Mesopotamia. As an Iraqi-American who spent two years living and working in Iraq directly after the fall of Saddam, he brings a deep understanding of both the Iraqi and American cultures that enables him to bring fresh insight to the situation we are facing today.

The musical guest for the show this week will be jazz piano and clarinetist Butch Thompson. In a career spanning over 40 years, he has earned a worldwide reputation as a traditional jazz and ragtime master. He tours widely as a soloist or at the helm of any of his several ensembles, including his well-known trio, his eight-piece Jazz Originals band, the Butch Thompson Big Three.

Tune in next week, April 18th, to the live show or podcast to hear Don Saliers, co- author of A Song to Sing, A Life to Live. In this rich exploration of music, authors Don and Emily Saliers interweave their own stories as well as those of others to reflect on the what, the how, and the why of music as a key aspect of spirituality in our lives. As an Indigo Girl, folk-rock singer-songwriter, Emily performs in primarily secular settings, while her father, Don - composer, cantor, and church musician - writes and arranges for church congregations.

Sound Authors radio show each week is replete with authors from around the country and around the world, each telling their tales, from self-help to fiction, children’s books to thrillers, how-to books to corporate guidebooks. Original music is also featured, along with up-and-coming bands and singer-songwriters. Listen for musician interviews and fresh music each week!

No need to run out to your nearest bookstore to find the next great book or CD. Tune in to Sound Authors every Friday at 1PM EST on World Talk Radio. Or check out any of the interviews on the web – they are all podcasted within a day or two of the interview. Sound Authors - where authors sound off!

Sound Authors Host Dr. Kent Gustavson’s background is in music, but his career has been in publishing. He is the owner of an independent book publisher, and a publishing consultant around the world. His many CDs and his book are available from his website online, or through the Sound Authors website. www.soundauthors.com
###
Sound Authors World Talk Radio NetworkVoice America NetworkModavox

My Name is Sally

2008-04-01T15:07:00.004-05:00

Hello my name is Sally. I am in the story called Flying Hugs and Kisses. I live with my Mommy, Daddy, and five brothers and sisters. Some of the things I like to do are sing silly songs, read books, and draw awesome pictures. Most of all I like to help my Mommy with my baby brother and sharing cookies at family get-togethers. I am a great helper most of the time. Like one time I helped my Daddy when a really really sad thing happened in our family. Grown ups don’t always understand what we kids are thinking when sad things happen and we do not always understand grown ups. With my imagination I think of awesome stuff for my brother and sisters to do to help us feel happy. You will have to get our amazing story book to read more about the awesome things we did at Lifevest Books.

Jewel Sample, Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

Grief Tips by Guest Blogger Lucille Zimmerman

2008-01-05T22:21:00.001-06:00

The morning that my mom died, my dad put all his children on the school bus, and sent them to school. His theory was that if you could just keep up the normal routine, and act fine, then you would be fine. A few years later, my dad was immobilized with depression, and I chose to use denial and substance abuse as a means to cope. Ten years down the road I was no closer to having grieved the loss of my mom than the day I started.

You wouldn’t think so, but there really are right and wrong ways to grieve. Here are some tips that I have learned from being a clinician, from doing lots of reading, and from losing other loved ones:.

Grief Waits – In essence, grief is a job that you are assigned. It has a beginning, a middle and an end (although you may always feel some sadness and loss). The process of grieving is like entering a storm, and coming out the other side. The image of what it looks like to move through grief reminds me of the song lyrics, “When you’re goin’ through hell, keep on walkin.’” Some people avoid the assignment, hoping if they distract themselves over a long enough period of time, the pain will go away. They resort to drinking, gambling, shopping, (the list goes on ad infinitum). All these coping techniques really do work in the moment, but over the long run, grief is still sitting there, waiting.

We heal in relationship – For some reason God created us as people who need people. I don’t understand it, but we need someone else to acknowledge what we are going through. Many of your friends and family won’t be able to help you, but many will. Find someone who is willing to see your pain, hear your stories, and feel your regret. Counselors can be a big help in this piece of the process.

Let your loved one be real – Often we tend to idealize the loved one that we have lost. After my mother died, I canonized her in my mind – I made her a saint who had never done any wrong. Part of grief means seeing the person as they really were. It might be helpful to journal about their flaws, or to make a collage that showed their character defects.

Grief takes time – You may feel that you will never get over the loss of your loved one. And you may even fear getting over him because that might mean you are forgetting about him. The good news is that you will never get over them. As one helpful counselor told me, “He will always be a part of you, and you get to keep everything he gave you.” Remind yourself that you really do want to move past this part that hurts so much, and then you will be able enjoy and remember the person without so much pain. Experts say the average length of time is about 18 months. For parents who have lost children, that time may extend into years.

Take time off from grieving – Make sure you are taking time off to go exercise, to go see a lighthearted movie with friends, and to get some sunshine. Make sure you are eating right and taking fish oils (studies are showing that fish oils help with depression). If you find yourself laughing, don’t feel guilty. Laughter has so many health benefits and actually releases endorphins into your body. Endorphins are the body’s feel-good chemical.

Find ways to memorialize your loved one – Planting a tree or creating a scholarship is a powerful way to ensure that the memory of your loved one goes on. Over the years you get to see the fruit and beauty that come from something tangible.

Grief Tips is written by Lucille Zimmerman ©2008 is a counselor, writer, and speaker in Littleton, CO. Feel free to view her blog at http://rumorsofglory.net/blog

This article was posted by Jewel Sample, award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006) also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

Grandma’s Heavenly Treasures

2007-12-04T22:34:00.000-06:00

It is funny how life events give you belly jiggling laughs and giggles when you least expect them. At least that is what happened to me this year.

I remember growing up enjoying my grandmother’s homemade sugar cookies around Christmas time. They were not fancy cookies, just lemon-flavored and sprinkled with granulated sugar. I would watch my grandmother cut the rolled white dough into simple round cookies cut from a juice glass, as she told me they were angel cookies made special with sugar sprinkles from heaven. Of course, I played along with the muse of her imagination with belly laughs and giggles. Without me realizing it for many years my Gramma taught me how to connect with people using cookie baking activities.

I have used my sugar cookie recipe for the past thirty-five years. I remember at my little preschool age sons’ first Christmas cookie baking they used their play dough cut outs for cookie cutters. It was their idea and a way to make sure they were using safe items to have fun in the dough. I had fun watching their faces light up as they peered through the oven glass door from a distance to watch their airplane, truck, car or wagon cookies become something fun to eat. I mixed up colored frosting in plastic margarine bowls and let them use their fingers to spread the color of icing they choose for their cookies. I must admit they had more icing inside of them and on their clothing then they had on the cookies.

It wasn’t long and I found myself sharing my sugar cookie recipe with extended family, community events, and friends. The Christmas sugar cookie baking event has become a favorite connection time with my grandchildren too.

This year I shared my sugar cookie recipe with Hallmark Magazine. Along with other inspiring recipes from across the nation they were chosen to be shared with their readers. When I received the news, much to my surprise those forgotten belly laughs and giggles of mine resonated throughout the room. Now this treasured cookie sharing occasion is enjoyed by not only my grandmother’s future generations, but also with friends of Hallmark Magazine.

My treasured Heavenly Sugar Cookie recipe can be downloaded free along with many other wonderful cookie recipes at Hallmarkmagazine.com. Enjoy reading the stories behind the recipes and creating your delicious holiday treasured recipes to pass along to your future generations.

This article is written and posted by Jewel Sample, award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006) also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

Stories for Children Magazine Features Award-winning Writer Jewel Sample

2007-12-03T13:14:00.000-06:00

MEDIA RELEASE

CONTACT: VS Grenier
Editor, Stories for Children Magazine
Email: storiesforchildren@vsgrenier.com

Stories for Children Magazine’s editor VS Grenier was lucky to catch up with award-winning author Jewel Sample for an interview.

During the interview, Sample said, “I believe my sensitive story and activity book are great resources for professionals and families to use to help children cope with the loss of a young loved one.”

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval report said, “Jewel Sample does a wonderful job of breaking down some of the confusing terms that children hear during times like these and celebrates the love and strength that family provides.” The National Parenting Center’s 2007 Seal of Approval full report is available at tnpc.com.

Sample’s book, Flying Hugs and Kisses, won The National Parenting Center 2007 Seal of Approval.

To find out more about award-winning author, Jewel Sample, and her newest book out, Flying Hugs and Kisses, visit Stories for Children Magazine in December 2007 at http:storiesforchildren.tripod.com

Stories for Children Magazine is a free monthly on-line magazine for children ages 3 to 12 years old. Children and their parents will journey into the World of Ink with short stories, articles, crafts, puzzles, and so much more.

Media Release posted by Jewel Sample with permission from Stories for Children Magazine, VS Grenier, Editor.

Grandparents Discuss Their Experience with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

2007-12-01T11:39:00.000-06:00

Grandparents Gene Gee host of Psalm 95.5 fm Virtual Living Room and author Jewel Sample discuss going through all the pain, questions, and lack of answers surrounding the unexpected & unexplained death of a grandchild to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

To listen to their recorded discussion click on this link: Psalm 95.5 Virtual Living Room

2007 Worldwide Candle Lighting Event

2007-11-29T08:43:00.000-06:00

2007 Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting

Communities around the globe will be joining in

The Compassionate Friends 11th Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting

on December 9, 2007
To Honor All Children of All Ages Who Have Died

For more information about The Compassionate Friends,

visit their homepage at www.compassionatefriends.org

For more information about a Candle Lighting Event in your area
please Click here: Eleventh Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting

"That which is loved lives forever in our hearts." Helen Keller

Author Tina Perry of "Where do stars come from, Nana?" Chats with Jewel

2007-11-28T10:09:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends,

I had the opportunity to cyber-interview new children’s author and proud grandmother of three, Tina Perry the other day about her writing experiences. This is what Tina had to say:

Jewel: Thank you so much Tina for agreeing to converse with me about your writing experiences. Let’s begin by finding out how you got started in writing?

Tina: I can remember an assignment my 6th grade teacher gave. She wanted us to write a story about what we would have seen if we were at Plymouth Rock when the Pilgrims landed there. The voice of my story was from the perspective of one of the Indians. The first word of my story was “Ugh!” My teacher loved it and she said to keep writing.

Jewel: Now you have your first children’s book published and is called, Where do stars come from, Nana? Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment. Now tell me, do you juggle your writing with a job and if so, how do you balance your writing time?

Tina: Yes I work full time. Finding time to write can be difficult. Writing is such a very important part of who I am that I make time. I may only get 45 minutes at lunch or 30 minutes in the evening, I have to use whatever amount of time I can wisely.

Jewel: What is your favorite tool to write with?

Tina: I typically use a laptop. But I have a notebook in my purse that I can jot down ideas and transfer them to an “idea” folder on my computer.

Jewel: What inspires you or motivates you?

Tina: My inspiration comes from God. My motivation comes from my husband. We’ve been married for 28 years and I still want him to be proud of me. What’s so ironic about that is, if I never write another book he couldn’t be more proud.

Jewel: Becoming a published writer brings with it experiences along the way. What advice do you have for new writers?

Tina: Write. Write. Write. Each writer has to find his or her own writing style. It may take years of practice writing to find yours. So start now.

Jewel: Where does your writing ideas come from?

Tina: In my first book, Where do stars come from, Nana? the idea sprung from a conversation I had with my Grandson. Want to know a secret? Keep the greeting cards you receive. Study the pictures on the cards. All kinds of ideas can arise from one card.

Jewel: Greeting cards that is a fantastic idea for getting those creative juices flowing. Thank you for telling us one of your writing secrets.

My second grade granddaughter loved your book because it sparked her interest in how the star questions were answered that she had thought about as well. Her favorite part was when Hunter discovered shining stars in an amazing place, but to find out where readers will have to read the book.

Do you have a favorite children’s story?

Tina: It would have to be Good Night Moon written by Margaret Wise Brown. I love the way it reads like a lullaby.

Jewel: My grandchildren and I love that book too. Do you write other things besides children’s themes?

Tina: Yes I’ve written for church newsletters. I also have a couple of poems published.

Jewel: What do you do when you are not writing?

Tina: I love to quilt. My husband and I have 3 grandchildren; we try to stay active in their lives. But one thing that touches my heart is the love we receive from the residents of the assisted living home my husband I minister at each month.

Jewel: Many assisted living residents are grandparents. Do you have any grandparent advice on helping children through grief?

Tina: Just be there. There may be times when a child feels they can’t talk to their parents because the parents are grieving. As a grandparent you play an enormous roll in your grandchild’s life.

Jewel: Absolutely great advice Tina. Grandparents can help their grandchildren or someone else’s children through loss just by being available to listen to the child’s concerns. Do you have another book in your future plans?

Tina: I am working on a sequel to my first book. Cooking with Nana will have kid friendly recipes. This project has been fun because my grandson and I have tried all the recipes.

Jewel: That is great Tina. I look forward to seeing your next children’s book out. Thank you so much for chatting with me and I wish you great success in your writing endeavors.

Tina Perry’s new children’s book, Where do stars come from, Nana? is available through most major bookstores and her publisher, Tate Publishing & Enterprises; LLC. Reviews about Where do stars come from, Nana? can be found on Amazon.com.

Posted by Jewel Sample, award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006) also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

NEW NATIONAL SUDDEN INFANT DEATH RESOURCE CENTER

2007-11-27T14:32:00.000-06:00

The National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health at Georgetown University has announced the new National Sudden Infant Death Resource Center (NSIDRC), funded by a three-year cooperative agreement with the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB).

The new NSIDRC will continue the work of the National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center, serving as a resource on sudden infant death (including SIDS, miscarriage, stillbirth and other sudden infant deaths), on bereavement and on promoting healthy outcomes for infants from the prenatal period through the first year of life and beyond. A new website provides access to this information, and searchable databases and special issues of the MCH Alert will soon be available.

Expert selected Bereavement Resources to help parents, family members and friends deal with grief and loss are available in the bereavement selected resources link at the website or by clicking on the underlined titled in this paragraph.

Posted by Jewel Sample, Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book.

Grandma's Rocking Chair

2007-11-15T20:48:00.000-06:00

Rocking chair…how empty you are
I should be here
Holding my baby girl…
Watching your sweet little mouth
As you nurse…

Tiny fingers…curled around mine
Stretching out your
Little feet…
Yawning as you
Drift off to sleep

And as I sit here
Rocking chair…so empty
Without you baby girl
Rocking alone..
I feel A tear…

Jordan baby…you are
Being held by
Our heavenly Father
Safe and warm
Loved by Him
Missed by all your family
Peace for all

In honor of Jordan Ezra Taffee

Dec. 4, 2006 – Jan. 2, 2007

By Michele Adams

Printed by permission
(c) 03/15/2007

Posted by Jewel Sample, Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

A Grandmother's Tribute: For Just A Little While

2007-11-12T13:38:00.000-06:00

FOR JUST A LITTLE WHILE

He had the bluest eyes
And the fairest of skin
Wavy wisps of blonde hair
He was like a breath of fresh air
In a sometimes stale and old world
He filled us with happiness
We felt blessed to have him
Even though it was for just a little while

I would whisper in his ear
That I love him
Each of us would look forward to the future
And wondered what he might say and do
He captured our hearts
With his beautiful smile
Even though it was for just a little while

He was a special gift from God
That left us all too soon
Our hearts feel heavy and sad
With a pain no one knew
He was our precious angel on earth
Even though it was for just a little while

He is with the angels now
And Some day
We hope to see him again
And we won’t have to say
Even though it was for just a little while

In Honor of our

Rylan Joseph Madison

07/16/2007 – 09/26/2007

Printed by permission

(C) By Lisa Ann Madison Esmeralda

Posted by Jewel Sample, award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses.

Changing How We Deal With Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

2007-10-18T13:46:00.000-05:00

Scripts Howard compelling and comprehensive project, Saving Babies: Exposing SIDS (http://www.savingbabies.net) raises a number of questions such as, inaccurate diagnosis, diagnostic coding shifts, SIDS as a comfort diagnosis and the impact this will have on families. Americans need to know that SIDS families depend on accuracy about how data is collected, coded, and used to further research to find a cure. The most compelling findings are the reviewers report more than 4,000 babies who succumbed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) each year could be saved if there was a national standard for infant death investigations.

Now it is time for a mandatory use of a national infant death protocol that will resolve the issues and further research in finding a cure for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as well as give accurate statistical information. I encourage you to visit the Saving Babies:Exposing SIDS web site. First Candle SIDS Alliance will be launching a national advocacy campaign to bring these important findings to the forefront of political agendas. To learn more and join this effort contact http://firstcandle.org/.

Together America can make a difference for our future generations.

In Loving Memory: I Dream

2007-10-14T09:03:00.000-05:00

Like a ripple in a pond,
A whisper in the wind,
I dream of how things might have been.

Your boyish grin
Your manly cleft shaped chin
Your chubby cheeks
Your soft blue eyes
Are dreams of days and weeks gone by.

Your first little giggle,
Your toes that you wiggled
Are memories that whisper now and then.

Like a ripple in a pond,
A whisper in the wind,
I can not help but cling to what
you might have been.

Watching you take your first step
as you eye your favorite toy to get.
Would it have been balls or blocks?
Or would it have been trucks or books?

I cannot know.
For like a ripple in a pond,
A whisper in the wind,
Your life was over when you became
a victim of SIDS.

In loving memory of

Brennen Cole Kuehl-Sample

October 14, 2003~January02, 2004

by Jewel Sample
© 9/15/2006

Providing a Safe Sleep Environment For Your Baby Means Safer Sleep

2007-10-12T17:36:00.000-05:00

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a medical mystery waiting to be solved through medical research. As a SIDS family member I support the safe practice of infant care and encourage caregivers to follow the AAP, NICHHD and the OSDH recommendations listed in this press release. Caregivers should keep in mind that these recommendations are risk reducing practices only and are NO guarantee that an infant will not succumb to SIDS.

Questions regarding this press release should be directed to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (www.health.ok.gov).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

****
OSDH E-NEWS Oklahoma State Department of Health 1000 NE Tenth St., Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1299James M. Crutcher, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health and State Health Officer www.health.ok.gov

For Release: October 11, 2007
Contact: Pamela Williams
Office of Communications
405/271-5601

Safe Bedding For Your Baby Means Safer Sleep Environment

Parents may unknowingly be placing their infants at increased risk for sleep- related deaths by preparing an unsafe sleep area. Nursery photos in popular magazines and department store nursery displays often provide parents and other caregivers with models of unsafe bedding practices, according to public health officials at the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH).
"Infant bedding is sold as a package with bumper pads, quilts, sheets and sometimes decorator pillows. Parents may not realize that some of these items are not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHHD) and place their infant at increased risk for sleep-related deaths," said Margaret DeVault, OSDH social work coordinator.
The AAP recommendations are based on years of research examining infant deaths related to sleep environment and are aimed at reducing the risk of infant sleep- related deaths.
"Putting babies to sleep in improper sleeping environments creates danger to the infant. We need to get the message across to parents, and other people who care for infants, that it is not safe to put stuffed animals or toys, pillows, bumper pads, quilts or other items in the crib with the baby because these items could cause suffocation and strangulation," said OSDH Deputy Commissioner Dr. Edd Rhoades.
To help reduce the number of infant deaths related to unsafe sleep environment, the AAP, NICHHD and the OSDH recommend the following:
· Infants should sleep on a firm sleep surface, such as on a safety-approved crib mattress, covered by a tightly fitted sheet.
· Infants should sleep only in cribs or bassinets approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
· Keep soft bedding, quilts, comforters, bumper pads, pillows, sheepskin and toys out of the crib.
· Use sleep sacks instead of blankets. If using a blanket, tuck it in at the bottom of the crib and sides, with it being no higher than the infant's chest. The infant's face should be clear of covering to allow easy breathing.
· Keep the infant's sleep area close to, but separate from, where you and others sleep.
· If the infant is brought to bed to breastfeed, put him or her back in a separate sleep area, such as a bassinet, crib, cradle, or infant bed when finished.
· Always place the infant on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night.

For more information and materials about infant safe sleep, contact Margaret DeVault at the OSDH Maternal and Child Health Service at 405-271-4480. Suggested national Web sites related to infant safe sleep include the AAP www.aap.org; the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov; the NICHHD www.nichd.nih.gov/sids; First Candle SIDS Alliance www.sidsalliance.org; and CJ Foundation for SIDS www.cjsids.com. Oklahoma resources include Healing Hearts Oklahoma www.healingokhearts.org, and The Great Battle Against SIDS www.battlesids.org.
***END

Safe Bedding For Your Baby Means Safer Sleep Environment Press release was posted by Jewel Sample, award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, new released, Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book and the Spanish translation, Besos y abrazos al aire.

What Is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

2007-10-02T06:38:00.000-05:00

“SIDS is the diagnosis given for the sudden death of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after a complete investigation, which includes an autopsy, examination of the death scene (Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines), and review of the symptoms or illnesses the infant had prior to dying and any other pertinent medical and family history. Because most babies sleep in cribs, and therefore, most cases of SIDS occur when a baby is in a crib sleeping, SIDS is sometimes called “crib death." Cribs do not cause SIDS.” (First Candle/SIDS Alliance)

SIDS is a MEDICAL MYSTERY

Doctors are not sure about the prevailing cause of SIDS; this leaves American families in a state of ambiguity, searching for meaning.

Yes, there is promising research evidence that suggests some SIDS babies are born with brain abnormalities that make the baby vulnerable to sudden death during the first year of life. However, there is NOT yet a way to predict or prevent SIDS.

Current studies indicate that despite the proactive steps parents and caregivers take to reduce their baby’s risk of infant death, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) continues to be a leading cause of deaths for over 2,100 infants during the first year of life in the United States. Over 5 babies a day die somewhere in the United States of America of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS is NOT child abuse.

SIDS crosses all socio-economic boundaries.

African American and Native American babies are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from SIDS than Caucasian babies.

Male infants are more likely to succumb to SIDS than infant females.

For more information about SIDS please visit the links on the left under the title, My favorite Blogs and Cyber-places.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) was posted by Jewel Sample, MS
Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

Internet Radio Talk Show Host Leslie Baldwin Chats with Author Jewel Sample

2007-10-01T19:30:00.000-05:00

October is National SIDS Awareness Month

Wellness Advocate and Internet Radio Talk Show Host, Leslie Baldwin of San Antonio, TX talks with children’s writer Jewel Sample and author of “Flying Hugs and Kisses.” Jewel shares her ideas on faith and whether it is important during a time of grief and current parenting issues that face families today.

To listen to the full interview click on this link:

Leslie Baldwin chats with Flying Hugs and Kisses author Jewel Sample

Leslie Baldwin’s life issue discussions on health, home schooling, current news and events and show information can be found by visiting www.springanew.com

October National Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Awareness Month Event

2007-10-01T16:16:00.000-05:00

Every Life Makes a Ripple No Matter How Small
3rd Annual
Memory Walk

Saturday, October 13 10 a.m.
OU MEDICAL CENTER Presbyterian Tower Pond
NE 13th Street & Lincoln Blvd.

To honor October as National Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Awareness month, OU
MEDICAL CENTER will host its annual Memory Walk on Saturday, October 13 at 10
a.m. This walk will honor the lives of babies lost in pregnancy or infancy. Parents and
families of all ages, and supporters of anyone who has lost a baby in pregnancy or infancy,
are welcome. There will be a short program before the walk at the Presbyterian Tower
pond (NE 13th St. and Lincoln Blvd.) For more information, contact the OU MEDICAL
CENTER Chaplain’s office at (405) 271-5758.

October SIDS, Pregnancy & Infant Loss Event

2007-10-01T15:47:00.000-05:00

Tulsa Oklahoma's Pregnancy And Infant Loss Memorial Service And Walk

We Will Celebrate the Lives of Our Children

Awareness Walk, Balloon Release and Candle Lighting Ceremony

When: October 13th 2007

Time: 5-9 PM

Location: La Fortune Park

S. Yale Ave.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Preregister at Http://www.healingokhearts.org or http://www.battlesids.org

Call Candi: (918) 865-2203 or Melissa (405) 260-0013

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone is Welcome

~~~~~~~~~

*****

Sponsored by:

Healing Oklahoma Hearts

The Great Battle Against SIDS

Puddin Pops Day Care

Freelance Writer Linda Della Donna’s Griefcase: Helps Others through Grief and Loss

2007-09-28T16:54:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to meet a prolific freelance writing widow this year when she became curious about my children’s book, Flying Hugs and Kisses. During our correspondence I learned that Linda Della Donna had also learned many lessons about grief and loss and is supporting others with her website, "Griefcase." I was also curious about her writing career and this is what she had to say:

Q: Hi Linda, thank you so much for agreeing to an interview. Let’s get started by learning how did you get started in writing?

I'd have to say it was my 6th grade teacher who gave me my start. One day Sister Mary Ancilla assigned a writing assignment: "Write a composition," she said, "Write a make-believe story."

Up until that day, I was just a kid in a sea of students the teacher didn't notice. That evening, I wrote about a turtle, gave it a name, a job, and an address. I didn't think anything about it at the time, except how much fun it was to pretend I had a friend, yes, I had a lonely childhood, and that I could complete a homework assignment without asking a grownup for help. The next morning, I handed in my assignment and forgot about it.

Imagine my surprise the following week when Sister Ancilla stood in front of the entire class and announced, "Linda! You're a writer." She read my work out loud, singing my praises. I'd have to say that was the beginning of my dream. Though it would be many more years before I answered the call.

I owe a lot to that nun. She instilled in me a little voice with a beat like an Eveready rabbit, drumming nonstop, which happily haunts me each time I pick up a pen to write something. Thanks to Sister Ancilla, when I got to high school, I had the confidence to apply to the school newspaper, become a cub reporter, report events, i.e., proms, basketball, football, hockey games, and gradually work my way to write feature articles, essays, short stories; In 1985, I entered a writing contest simply because a woman dressed in black once told me I was a writer. And, it was that same voice I heard whisper in my ear one evening, the evening shortly after my husband died, giving me permission to write Griefcase. It's fair to say, Sister instilled in me an unshakable writing confidence. Amazing. It can all be traced to a grammar school classroom more than 47 years ago.

Q: Do you juggle your writing with a job?

That's a good question. And it doesn't have a simple answer. For a long time I did juggle my writing with a full time job. Actually, I worked more than 21 years for a state agency, hating every minute of it, dreaming of the day I would one day write full time, never imagining it would happen. It was at age 50-something, I decided to take the plunge. I took a buy-out package, and left, taking online writing classes, attending writing workshops, writing, journaling, writing for local magazines, submitting essays to my local newspaper, working at getting my name out there, writing a YA novel, and memoir. Somehow, once again, life got in the way of my dream, and I was forced back into the work force, temping to support myself and my craft. At the moment, I'm on hiatus, working at my writing craft and my passion, Griefcase. I have every faith, it will all come together.

Q: What is your typical writing day like?

Nothing about writing is typical. Not for me. Sunday evenings, I write a weekly schedule. Or, try to. Monday through Friday, 9-5, are my office hours, with Wednesdays marked as field days. That's the day I run to the post office, scramble to the bank, grocery shop, walk the dog, feed the cat, telephone friends, run to Staples, Office Depot, Home Depot, paint the garage, rearrange the furniture in the living room, vacuum the bedroom, read the newspaper, watch paint dry on the bathroom walls, scrub the toilet bowl, yadda, yadda, yadda. You get the picture. Sunday evenings, I write a plan outlining what it is I must accomplish in my upcoming "typical" writing work week. Does it ever happen that I work 9-5, that I complete my plan? The answer is, hardly. Most days, I work past 5 p.m. almost always, I rise in the middle of the night, turn on a light, scribble some new idea on a scrap of paper, read, and edit something I've rewritten earlier in the day. So much for typical writing work day or work week. Lately, I've begun forcing myself out the door on weekends. I give myself permission to carry anything I don't complete in one week over to the following week, over and over again. Eventually, what must get done, gets done.

Q: What advice do you have for new widow writers?

Oh that's easy. First my sincerest condolences to every new widow out there going through the grief process. And believe me, it is a process. Next, take a step back. Take a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. Practice this every time you feel overwhelmed. And believe me, you will feel overwhelmed. Then, give yourself permission to cry, to laugh, to mourn, and to grieve any time, any place. There is no right way to mourn, there is no wrong way. There is just your way. And if you feel like crying, for crying out loud, do it. After that, fingerhug your pen. Keep what I lovingly refer to as a joy-nal. Set a clock timer for ten minutes, and write something. Anything your little healing heart wants to write. Go ahead. I dare you.

Q: What inspires or motivates you?

That's a beautiful question and it is my favorite. My late husband, Edward Louis Sclier, motivates me and inspires me. It was Ed who made me promise on his death bed to keep writing. "You have to keep writing," he said. "Do it for me," he said. And Eleanor Roosevelt, a favorite famous widow motivates and inspires me, as does every widow out there. Eleanor said it best, "We must do the things we cannot do."

Q: I love that quote by Eleanor Roosevelt. What favorite grief and loss book have you read?

I've read many books on grief and loss. I recommend 2: Joan Didion, "The Year of Magical Thinking" and "Good Grief," a novel, by Lolly Winston.

Q: Where do your writing ideas come from?

Everywhere. There are two types of writers--the writers who can't figure out what to write about and the writers that got too many ideas to write about. I fall into the latter category. It keeps me awake nights, my office is looking like a Collier brother resides here, and my right arm in a knuckle-to-elbow wrist brace.

Q: I understand you have written a book. How long did it take you to complete your book?

My book is yet to be completed. I make no apologies. It's in the works.

Q: Do you write other things besides widowhood themes?

Not lately. At the moment, it consumes 198% of my time, but I'm working on that, and managing to sandwich in some other stuff. I also write profiles, do interviews, and I am working on a memoir. Recently I started a new blog documenting and reporting on boating and travels in the Long Island Sound.

Q: Can you tell us a funny story about your writing?

Well, I just love writing with a pen name. When I meet someone new, saying that I am a writer isn't the first thing I talk about and rare is it I introduce myself as a writer to new non-writer people I meet up with.

Anyway, I happen to live in a townhouse. There are 94 other townhomes in my community and I have no idea who everyone is. Ten years ago, when I first moved into this community, I discovered a need for a newsletter and set about writing one. I had attended a board meeting where a huge argument had broken out between a board member who no longer resides in the community and a home owner who by now has probably moved out of the area. In any event, I wrote a piece reporting, as factually as possible, about an over-zealous board of directors who served my happy community. Keep in mind, this was a real event that actually occurred at a memorable board meeting best left to the imagination as to what actually transpired, but it did happen. The newsletter went out, and no doubt, it created a buzz. One afternoon, I just happened to be somewhere with my husband (who was alive at the time). We just happened to strike up a conversation with a couple we just happened to meet. Ed and I introduced ourselves, the couple introduced themselves, and what a surprise! We discovered that we were neighbors. The first words out of the other woman's mouth were, "Did you see that newsletter? The one with the article about the board? I hate that writer."

Q: Do you have a favorite children's story?

Yes. My all time favorite children's story is "The Wizard of Oz" by Frank L. Baum. I love the analogies and theme. My favorite line, "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain." For me, all of life is a journey. It isn't about the yellow brick road, or the end of the rainbow, but the people we meet and the friends we make along the way.

Q: That is so true, life is a journey. Any advice for parents on helping children through grief?

I would recommend to parents of children going through the grief process to seek outside counseling. After that, hug your children, sit with them, let them know you are there for them. Don't force them to "get on with life" or to "get over it." Children's feelings are important. And they need to know you are there for them. Greet them each morning with a smile; feed them, even if it's dry cereal and milk. Sit and eat with them. Be an ear. Reassure them in every way, that you will always be there for them and that you will always love them.

Q: What do you do when you are not writing?

Well, I am happy to report that I have come full circle in my grief process. I have started dating. And recently, I have made a new friend. It only took me 3 years, 4 months, 5 days to do that. But, hey, who's counting? My new friend has a boat and I love going out on it, learning about boating, adventuring the beautiful sites of Long Island Sound, meeting new friends, and snapping pictures for a new blog I created documenting my new adventure. You can learn more about this widow's new adventure at www.enchantressIII.blogspot.com

Q: I will definitely have to check out your new adventure blog. Have you published any of your writing?

Some of my work appears at www.ezinearticles.com, The Journal News, Westchester Parenting, www.lieurancegroup.com. I like to tell readers, just google my name.

Q: Would you like to share anything about yourself or your family?

I am proud parent to my 32 year old son, George, and I adore my made-to-order daughter, his wife, Colleen. I make my home 20 miles north from where the World Trade Center use to be with my small dog, Izzy and his little cat, Tux, and I love that I can say that I have a boyfriend.

Q: Do you have a favorite place to write, meditate or relax?

Grand Central Station is a favorite writing place of mine. I love to people watch, to sit with a notebook and pen, and scribble any thought that pops into my head. The days I can't make it into Manhattan, I visit a local donut shop, coffee shop, train station, park bench, or library and write there. Some days, if the sun is out, I spread a blanket on the sands of Rye Beach, pop a beach umbrella, and listen to waves crash to shore and scribble there.

But, most especially, I love my new office, the one I stripped naked of furniture, it once was my den, plastered and painted the walls, re-carpeted the floor, and decorated with pieces of furniture scarfed from other rooms in my home. It is a real office and I like that I created it. It has a view of the sky, a court yard, Monarch butterflies, robins, bluejays, and chipmunks, and today, two mourning doves squatted on a ledge and watched as I edited this interview. Hmmmm. I also have a grand view of Tux perched atop a gas grill. Whenever he feels he wants to be let back in the house, he peers through the window, blinking two green eyes, and meows. It sets my heart on fire and awakens the muse in me every time.

Q: Any advice for writers about promoting their writing?

Network, network, network. And when a talented, bright, witty, funny, experienced, wonderful, beautiful writer requests an interview, say yes!

Q: What is in your future writing plans?

I have many projects in the works. Highest on the list at this time is work on Griefcase Incorporated, which is paramount. I can't wait to have www.griefcase.org out there for all the world to see. It is my goal to send the message to women and individuals going through the grief process, that we're not alone, to unite us, and to provide a forum where ideas and information can be exchanged. I plan to complete my memoir, Ed Edward Eddy.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?

A favorite quote of mine: And sometime when I wasn't looking, I got a new life.

Q: Getting a new life has its rewards. Have you won any writing contests or awards?

I'm proud to report that way back in 1986 I won a local writing competition. My true story, "The Year That Christmas Waited" won first prize. A copy of it is matted and framed and hangs proudly on a wall in my new office. Also, in 2003, my flash fiction piece, "Red Soup" placed 2nd in an online writing competition. The news took me off guard, and I recall emailing the person in charge of announcing the competition results, a polite thank you and the question, "Please tell me more than two people entered this contest."

Q: How have you juggled your children's grief and loss needs with your own grief and loss needs?

It's hard to do that juggle thing. All of griefwork is. But as a mother, I realized my children needed to know that I was strong. I sent a message that they were important and that I would always love them and that I would always be here for them. It is important to show by example to be strong, that when we smile, the whole world smiles with us, and when we cry, we cry alone. Being strong demonstrates the legacy to carry on under the worst of conditions, that if I can do it, anybody can, and it raises the bar to carry on no matter what.

Thank you, Jewel, for the honor and privilege of this interview. I look forward to reading more about you and the good work you do.
Best wishes for every continued success.

~Yes indeed our family legacy is what we are making whether we realize it or not, our children and grandchildren will carry a part of us with them. Thank you so much Linda for the wonderful insightful interview. I wish you all the best in your grief work support and writing endeavors.

Linda Della Donna’s interview was written by Jewel Sample, MS
Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

Literacy Charity Helps Kids Connect with More Books

2007-09-24T14:56:00.000-05:00

While cruising the cyber-lanes of our Internet world, I came upon a great literacy organization for families with children called The Reading Tub.

The Reading Tub enhances the world of children through finding the best books for them to read. Grown-ups no longer have to spend hours mulling through book lists. They can now spend more time connecting through reading a great story together. The Reading Tub’s book list reliability is not a problem because each book is personally reviewed by one of The Reading Tub helpers.

I was curious about how Terry Doherty came up with the idea to help Kids read more books by reclaiming their book hunting time and if there really is a genuine TUB for reading, so I asked Terry for a cyber-chat. This is what Terry had to say:

J: Hi Terry, thank you so much for agreeing to answer a few questions. My first question is how did you start The Reading Tub?
The Reading Tub® started out as a part-time hobby for a Stay-at-home Mom. I love to read, and when Catherine was born, started sharing that passion with her. I was talking with my sister-in-law about children's books (positives & negatives) and she suggested I start a website for parents and teachers.

I found a do-it-yourself website company in June 2003 and started playing around with ideas. Within a year, it had started to grow, and authors started to find us. So I married my love of books with my passion for literacy and launched The Reading Tub, Inc. as a non-profit.

J: What inspires or motivates you to help families find books?
Oh, that is so hard! I guess what motivates me is charting a path that widens as others join in and ends with leaving this place a little better than I found it. I want kids to know the joy of reading. The statistics are raw and startling … kids aren't prepared to read, and their parents are struggling, too. TV and video games aren't just a problem for the "next" generation … they started the slippery slope with the "last" generation. Trying to find the key to combating that seemingly overpowering draw of "screen" media is very important to me.

J: Tell me how The Reading Tub services help families?
The website has two parts. There is what I call the literacy services side: facts about literacy, information about reading with kids, stats, etc. Our goal is to help kids read, but we need to help parents, too. Some parents find reading easy, but what about the parents who don’t? How can we encourage them to teach their kids to love reading when they don't like to read? We can help with that.

The other part of our site is the book bag: our unique profiles that give parents the details they want about books for kids. We built the site so that it is easy to search for books that match your child's interests and reading level. In addition to general keyword searches (like trains, frogs, princesses), you can use phrases like remedial reading to see if there is a book that matches your needs. When you look at the statistics for literacy at the 4th and 8th grade levels, it is more and more evident that we need to reframe books for that 9-to-12-year-old audience. It used to be mostly boys, but now the literacy levels for girls are starting to decline, too. Being able to find good books that are written for an older child but which fall within the remedial reading category is becoming critical for parents, teachers, and librarians.

J: In having a passion for literacy, do you have a favorite children's story?
My personal, all time favorite book (after the Nancy Drew series) is The Scarlet Pimpernel.

J: Finding the right book can be challenging, what seems to be the most popular themes at The Reading Tub?
The theme depends on the audience. For the 9 to 12 audience, there are lots of writers who want to be the next J. K. Rowlings. We review every book sent to us that fits our criteria (simply, any book for ages 0 to 12); and all of our books are placed with families. Frankly, they are tired of reading fantasy and wanna-be books. They want original material. There are some authors (including first-time authors) who have some incredibly original stuff. But on the norm, fantasies are becoming formulaic.

For the 5 to 9 audience, you can find books on just about everything. One of the things I love – and I admit I'm biased because I have a daughter – is the number of stories with strong, creative, down-to-earth female protagonists in traditional and non-traditional roles. I just read a terrific fantasy about a young girl who becomes a pirate!

J: Sometimes children are faced with unpleasant issues. Do you have some suggestions for helping grieving children?
Books are comfort food for the soul. Sometimes its lyrical words that touch our heart, sometimes it is an incredible illustration or photograph that just lifts us up. Children gain so much by "seeing themselves" in a story. We use picture books to teach them sharing and feelings, why not grief?

Picture books that can help children understand change, life, and loss can be such a precious gift. They may not be able to use words like "grief," but they can feel their heart ache, and they can be afraid to be happy because it seems selfish.

I have read a few books – one about SIDS, several dealing with the loss of a pet, one about a relative with Alzheimer’s, and one about organ donation. I freely admit I was squeamish when I picked up the book and thought about reading them with a child. But, they were incredible. If I were ever "in the moment" of dealing with loss, and at the same time trying to explain it to my daughter, I would want these books to help us both.

J: Any tips for grown-ups on how to get children interested in reading?
I think the most important part is think beyond the book covers. The idea is to present reading as a fun activity. You don't always have to learn something! So …
The next time you're in the grocery store, pick up some boxes or bags and discover them with your child. Or ask your child to locate the red cans in the aisle, then read what they say.
Let your child catch you reading. Whether it's a recipe, a magazine, the newspaper, even a catalog. It's not the content, it's the event.
Then invite your child to read with you. Look at the pictures in that catalog and talk about them.
Make reading a regular habit … and don't get upset if they don't sit still. Just keep reading. They'll either come back or tell you to pick something else. Helping them decide what they like is progress, too.

J: Do you have a favorite place to read, meditate or relax?
I love big, fat chairs that swallow you up, but I also love to read in the Tub.

J: Speaking of tubs, is there really a Reading Tub? If so how is it used?
Unfortunately, I've never gotten a picture of the real Reading Tub. When I started working on a children's book review website, I asked two friends to help because I needed some creative genius. And Eric had it! His mom worked in the library of an elementary school in Vermont … and Voila! We had a name. The reading tub sits in Mrs. Stoddert's Library at an elementary school in Vermont. It is porcelain, painted yellow and white, and outfitted with a pillow. Children select a book, climb into the tub and enjoy their story.

I also loved the name because reading in a tub is one of those "I'm relaxing now" images that creates a positive association with reading.

J: How can someone donate a book for your review?
The first stop for learning about book reviews is the Website. Just fill out the contact form and we'll send you what you need, usually within 48 hours.

All of the books we review are in turn donated to a non-profit working directly with children. This helps us pay it forward, so to speak, and also gets books to kids who need them. Some of the organizations are helping kids with their reading skills; and some are giving books to kids who would not otherwise have them. When I go through the books, I try to match the books to the organizations' preferences or needs

We also facilitate book drives. Some of the organizations we have worked with are listed on our Home page.

J: Do you accept any children's book?
Yes. The Reading Tub, Inc. has a very simple submission policy: if you send us a book for a child (infant to age 12), we will review it. We do not buy books. Donations keep the website operating for free to the public and underwrite our community projects.

I would like to add that we are a LITERACY organization. Our goal is to get kids excited about reading. We love to introduce the world to undiscovered children's books.

J: Inviting children to the adventuresome world of literacy is an undertaking that I applaud your efforts Terry. I would like to leave our readers with one of your favorite quotes. Do you have a favorite "reading" quote?
The easiest – and probably the truest – of my favorites is "I cannot live without books." Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, June 1815.

Thank you so much Terry for telling us about The Reading Tub. I wish you many years of success in helping Kids find that special book.

Terry Doherty interview was written by Jewel Sample, MS (C) 2007
Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

Flying Hugs and Kisses Helps Explain Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) to Kids

2007-09-09T10:36:00.000-05:00

Current studies continue to indicate that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) to be a leading cause of deaths for over 2,100 infants during the first year of life in the United States. As collaborative projects continue throughout the United States medical research arenas, searching to uncover the mystery of SIDS and affect positive outcomes for families, it becomes even more vital for professionals and families to come together, to not only support each other, but also to learn more about this silent unpredictable killer of babies.

October is National SIDS, Pregnancy, and Infant Loss Month.
Many efforts are taking place through out the United States to bring awareness about the need to find an answer to SIDS and to help provide services to surviving SIDS families. These collaborative projects need money in order to continue their efforts to find answers for SIDS families and to end SIDS for future generations. Please support any efforts made in your community to help bereaved SIDS families heal from their loss and to find a cure for SIDS.

It is my hope when SIDS silently strikes; we never forget there are siblings who enter the grief process with their parents and extended family members. Sometimes the grief and loss experience is too overwhelming and scary for parents to explain or give accurate information to their children of what happened to their baby brother or sister.

I wrote Flying Hugs and Kisses (Lifevest Publishing. 2006) to help explain in simple terms what happens when someone dies, what children may think and feel when they experience the loss of a baby brother or sister; and most importantly, to explain that there is life after death. The book gives children permission to enjoy their lives again.

Flying Hugs and Kisses, a fictionalized illustrated story, is for children who are able to comprehend written material concepts with the goal in mind, to provide a resourceful tool that would help parents and professionals help children develop healthy attitudes about grief and loss.

In 2006, it was translated into Spanish by a gifted and gracious translator, Lucero Tenorio-Gavin. The Spanish translation is titled, Besos y abrazos al aire, (Lifevest Publishing. 2006)

This year my latest publication, Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (Lifevest Publishing. 2007) offers a message of hope for grieving families, which is designed to accompany the storybook, Flying Hugs and Kisses. The activity book has fun educational coloring and writing activities, games, and puzzles to help elementary age children answer questions about grief and loss with compassion and hope

The National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center has selected Flying Hugs and Kisses' Spanish Language edition, Besos y abrazos al aire, (Lifevest Publishing. 2006) as a resource for grieving parents, their families, friends, and other caregivers. The English version was selected last fall, 2006. Http://www.sidscenter.org/BereavementSelectedResources.aspx#Spanish

Flying Hugs and Kisses won “The National Parenting Center 2007 Seal of Approval.” The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval report indicates, “Jewel Sample does a wonderful job of breaking down some of the confusing terms that children hear during times like these and celebrates the love and strength that family provides.” The National Parenting Center’s 2007 Seal of Approval full report is at tnpc.com.

Until research is able to predict and prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, (SIDS), it is my hope that Flying Hugs and Kisses helps children and their families heal from their grief and loss.

October is National SIDS, Pregnancy, and Infant Loss Month.

Please support any efforts made in your community to help families heal from their loss and find a cure for SIDS.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

**“SIDS is the diagnosis given for the sudden death of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after a complete investigation, which includes an autopsy, examination of the death scene (Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines), and review of the symptoms or illnesses the infant had prior to dying and any other pertinent medical and family history. Because most babies sleep in cribs, and therefore, most cases of SIDS occur when a baby is in a crib sleeping, SIDS is sometimes called “crib death." Cribs do not cause SIDS.” (First Candle/SIDS Alliance)

**SIDS is a MEDICAL MYSTERY

**Doctors are not sure about the prevailing cause of SIDS; this leaves American families in a state of ambiguity, searching for meaning.

**Yes, there is promising research evidence that suggests some SIDS babies are born with brain abnormalities that make the baby vulnerable to sudden death during the first year of life. However, there is NOT yet a way to predict or prevent SIDS.

**Current studies indicate that despite the proactive steps parents and caregivers take to reduce their baby’s risk of infant death, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) continues to be a leading cause of deaths for over 2,100 infants during the first year of life in the United States. Over 5 babies a day die somewhere in the United States of America of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

**SIDS is NOT child abuse.

**SIDS crosses all socio-economic boundaries.

**African American and Native American babies are 2 to 3 times more likely to die from SIDS than Caucasian babies.

**Male infants are more likely to succumb to SIDS than infant females.

For more information about SIDS or about Flying Hugs and Kisses please visit the links on the left of my blog page under the title, My favorite Blogs and Cyber-places.

Flying Hugs and Kisses Helps Explain Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) to Kids was written by Jewel Sample, Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

Meet IPPY Award Winning Author Betty Auchard

2007-09-06T17:17:00.000-05:00

I became acquainted this summer with IPPY award-winning author, Betty Auchard, as I read her bereavement journey titled, Dancing in my Nightgown: The Rhythms of Widowhood.

Her thought provoking story is packed with wit, tears, and courage as she struggles through the transition to live life after love, yet brings honor to her first love, Denny. I wanted to know more about Betty’s new found writing life, so I caught up with her for a cyber-interview and this is what she had to say.

I must admit this is a long read for most, but if you will stick with it you will fall in love with this author like I did.

Q: Hi Betty, thank you so much for agreeing to an interview with me. Let’s begin by asking how did you get started in writing?
I was not a writer when my husband was alive; I was a retired art teacher. But soon after Denny died, I started scribbling my thoughts on the backs of used envelopes, paper napkins and anything within reach that would take the mark of a pen. I was preoccupied with the strange new feelings and experiences that came with being newly widowed, and I didn’t ever want to forget what it was like. Those notes were written in real time right when things occurred. I never intended to save them in a journal or a folder, but I did put them in safe places like the junk drawer or behind the sugar bowl or in my sock drawer. Where I “stored” them depended on where I was when the notes were written. I have since found most of those odd scraps of paper, and I don’t even remember writing what’s on them.

But one late night, seven and a half weeks after Denny died, I had more to say and wrote my heart out on several pieces of lined notebook paper. It was an emotionally draining experience, but it also felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. During the day I continued to ‘scribble on scraps’ and ‘journal on junk,’ but three months later, I again wrote something very important on several pieces of lined paper. I continued this back and forth pattern of writing about sad and funny things until I abandoned the little notes and started writing all the time on full-sized tablets with my favorite pen. Every day was full of stories of my misadventures, puzzling problems and small triumphs. I was obsessed with writing them all down, and I lived in my nightgown while getting these stories about my new life preserved on paper. At night, I just changed into a fresh nightgown. *I was writing for myself and had no idea that doing so had become my tool for healing. About five months later I learned how to use the computer and ever since then I’ve written stories from scratch using a keyboard; so much easier.

* I soon found out that my method of recording my thoughts was called “free-writing.” It means that no attention is paid to punctuation or editing, and you write the way you would talk. It’s like talking to paper and editing comes later.

Q: In living life differently, it often means taking on new jobs. Do you juggle your writing with a job?
I live alone and juggle writing with ordinary family stuff. I see my children and grandchildren every week for a few days each time. I still live in my large home (2500 sq. feet 2-story 3 full bathrooms, 10 rooms, double garage and large front and back yard to maintain with the help of others) I work out in a water aerobics class 3X a week and attend a few social functions and only one regular club meeting once a month. My calendar used to be too full, and I’ve lightened my obligations so that I can work on a second book, which I do daily. I stay up too late at night to answer email and to write since the daytime is very interrupted by life.

Q: Tell me about what your typical writing day is like?
I count my huge amount of email as writing and I try to answer as much of as possible before noon, but it usually gets interrupted. If I’m working on a new story, I try to continue it while my momentum is good. If I’m NOT working on a new story I’m usually editing old ones with my wonderful editor in Nebraska, Sandi Corbitt-Sears who has worked with me since 1999. We use the Edit Tracking program in MS Word. See Sandi’s website at http://www.writefriend.com In between times I’m organizing my computer files to keep my story notes where they belong. All of this takes time, and I usually accomplish more writing at night than during the day because I’m not interrupted and I can think more clearly. For example, it is now 11: 23 PM.

Q: Do you always use the computer to write or do you use other writing tools?
When an idea strikes me out of the blue, I’ll dash notes on whatever is handy if it takes the mark of a pencil or pen. It always gets transferred to the computer which I only learned to use after my husband died in 1998. Now, I can write from scratch on the computer. And I sit there far too long because when I’m writing, I lose track of time, and when I decided to quit and stand up, I can hardly walk. I’m shocked to look at the clock and realize that I’ve often been writing for three hours and haven’t left my chair. That’s a very bad habit of mine and it’s not at all good for arthritis. What little I had is getting worse because of sitting too long at the computer and typing away endlessly

Q: I can tell you love to write. What inspires or motivates you?
It doesn’t take much to motivate me. I get too many ideas each day and the ones that are meant to make it to paper are the ones that didn’t get away. The stories I lost because I didn’t jot down the idea are the ones I feel are in my compost pile of ideas. They’re getting better as they ferment and may eventually make it onto my note pad and then into the computer.

Q: What advice do you have for new widow writers?
Not to hold anything back. Write honestly the thoughts and feelings that are in your heart. Write freely without editing yourself in any way. If it’s something upsetting or angry that you have to get off your chest, write it down knowing that not one soul is going to read it but you…and then burn it. It’s therapeutic. And write daily if possible. Write about the things that make you laugh for a change, or things that have made you cry; things that blindsided you and things that made you feel inadequate or furious or sad. But keep it balanced by also writing about your memories and your joys. Writing lowers blood pressure…yesiree, that is true.

Q: Keeping a balance is so important. Tell me where do your writing ideas come from?
They come from conversations with people, from movies I watch, from lyrics in a song, from reading of any kind, from ads in the paper especially grocery store ads for Postum which was Denny’s favorite drink. In other words, I’m a walking antenna who can get ideas from the thin air we breathe. Almost anything can be a writing prompt for my memories. My friends are used to saying to people, “Don’t talk to Betty too much or you’ll end up in a story.” It’s true.

Q: How long did it take you to complete your book?
“Dancing in My Nightgown” represents six years of writing about my adventures and misadventures while learning how to live alone and take responsibility for myself. I never had a plan for when it would end, but I knew when the stories had come to an end when I joined online dating services for 14 months. There were so many stories in that experience that I could write a whole book about joining dating services when you’re 72 years old. It was a fun way to end the book since it’s not really an ending but the beginning of something new.

Q: Yes indeed Betty reading about your dating adventures was so much fun. Do you write other things besides widowhood themes?
Oh yes indeedy. I’ve been working on my childhood memoir for eight years but I set it aside to finish the first book. Now I’m back at it. If you check out my column called Betty’s Excellent Adventures at my web site (dancinginmynightgown.com) you’ll find many themes that cause me to write. Usually they’re unique personal experiences in my life.

Q: Can you tell us a funny story about your writing?
It’s not necessarily funny, but it’s something that happens a lot when I write a long letter in the mail program instead of in the Word program. I start out meaning to write a short, succinct letter and it ends up being a story or something that resembles a short thesis about something or other. I’m really clipping along with my heart and soul in this letter when I accidentally hit a wrong key with my right pinkie and the masterpiece disappears forever. When this happened I used to sit paralyzed and unable to keep from beating up my computer. After giving it careful thought and my quiet hysteria subsides, I now fool myself into calmness by saying, “Self, that letter was much too wordy and rambling. Thank God it’s gone and thank God I wrote a first draft and did NOT send it. That letter will be even better tomorrow.” I know that the experience of losing a long letter is not funny at all, but in order to keep from punching the screen, I practice denial and pretend that I meant to do a first draft so I won’t go on and on in the second version like I am right now.

Q: Do you have a favorite children's story?
Yes, several. But I’d rather share one all by itself later. I have endless stories that I write about my own childhood or about my children and grandchildren. I’ll save that for later after getting through with this list for your interview.

Q: Any grandparent advice on helping adult children through grief?
I think mature children or young children of all ages who’ve lost a loved one would best be served in a good grief support group. Our local Hospice program (Hospice of the Valley in San Jose, California) has support groups for adults, for widows and widowers, and for children of all ages. They do a lot of visiting together about what it feels like to lose someone, and they also do a lot of guided art work under the supervision of an art therapist and then they discuss what they were expressing on paper. They also do a lot of writing in those groups.

Q: What do you do when you are not writing?
Before I started writing nine years ago, I was an artist and retired art teacher. I spent a lot of time on my art skills, but I’m not doing that anymore. When I’m not writing I’m working in the garden or reading. I think that writers must read a lot because it motivates us to write and it gives us an opportunity to find out what moves us. When I’m really touched deeply by someone’s writing I first let the thrill go all through me and I read it again to find out what was it that made the writing so powerful. In other words, I analyze the writing. I do the same thing when watching a really good film. I analyze what makes it so good.

Q: Have you published any other writings ?
I haven’t personally published it but others have done that for me. Yes, before my first book was published in 2005 (Dancing in My Nightgown) published by Stephens Press in Las Vegas, my short memoir stories were published in five anthologies, four of them being with Simon & Schuster’s Chocolate for a Woman’s Soul series. Several different writer’s newsletters still publish my stories as well as a monthly magazine called “Today’s Senior.”

Q: Would you like to share anything about yourself or family?
I’ll keep it short. Four adult children who I see frequently, 11 grandchildren which includes three great-grandchildren. My deceased husband was a professor of education here at San Jose State University for 36 years before retiring. He died in July 1998 and that’s when I started writing.

Q: Do you have a favorite place to write, meditate or relax?
I like to write in restaurants and read in bed. I also love good films and watching one is my favorite thing to do. I also love reading in a reclining chair on my back porch that looks out over my lawn, rose garden, five mature trees and a tall hedge around two sides. It’s unbelievably peaceful.

Q: Any advice for writers about promoting their writing?
Oh gosh. There are so many ways to go about this and they all take up half of your life and writing time. But if an author likes an audience, I think the best way to sell a book is to be a speaker and then sell the books after the program. There are endless clubs and organizations that have speakers every month. They usually have no budget for speakers but will allow you to sell books. If a group won’t let me sell books and does not have a budget for a program, I decline the invitation to speak. Speaking to groups for almost five years is the way I sell books.

Q: Do you have another book in your future plans?
Yes, I’ve been working on it off and on for eight years. It’s about my colorful, unusual and eventful childhood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Q: Is here anything else you would like to share with your readers?
Only to write from the heart and do NOT edit as you write. Write the way you talk and be honest. Readers will identify with your work if you’re honest. And to be a story, a piece must engage the reader by having a problem to solve or a conflict that is resolved otherwise it’s not a story. It’s just an episode. An episode is about as interesting as reading the phone book.

Q: Have you won any writing contests or awards?
Yes, Dancing in My Nightgown was a recipient of the 2005 IPPY Finalist Award. IPPY stands for Independent Publisher which is any publisher that produces fewer than 50 books a year. Independent publishers are also called Small Press Publishers. Large Press Publishers are like Simon & Schuster, Doubleday, Time Warner, etc. Read about their annual competition at Independentpublisher.com. There are many, many categories and three awards in each category. Out of 2200 submissions my book was one of about 150 awards given in 2005. Deadline for submissions is April 1, 2008. The cost for entering is, I think, $50.00. But there are many other fine competitions to enter if you go to google and enter something like this: contests for writers, or book competitions. You’ll find more than you’ll want to enter, but it’s very interesting.

Thank you so much Betty for a fun and interesting interview. I appreciate your insight on writing and widowhood. I wish you much success in your writing endeavors.

Betty Auchard's interview was written by Jewel Sample, Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

Moving Road Signs: A Way to Promote Your Book!

2007-08-28T13:39:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends,

I have been playing with a few ideas on how to market my book, "Flying Hugs and Kisses" on a consistent basis. One day I had a light bulb moment. I was in my car and noticed I consistently read rear view bumper stickers on other people's cars! I also noticed the larger the print and colorful the sticker, the more the sticker drew my attention. To tell you the truth I hate bumper stickers on my car because they damage the paint. I checked with a local magnetic sign maker and the expense was not with in my reach. Okay, so how can I use my car as a moving promotional road sign for my book?

Here is what I came up with!
I went to our local discount store and started browsing for ideas to make a sign. I collected 8 1/2 X 11 inch printable inkjet magnetic backed sheets and self-sealing laminating pouches. I printed my book cover onto one of the printable magnetic sheets and placed it for protection in one of the seal able pouches. To my disappointment, the magnets were not strong enough to stick to the car. Light bulb moment, I two hole-punched the top side of my new sign and placed some pliable plastic suction cup holder hooks (had those laying around the house for our grandchildren's artwork hanging on my refrigerator) into the holes. Then I stuck the sign in the rear view window of hubby's pick-up truck. Whaw-la, a cheap moving road sign!

The Big Test!
I went on a 1200-mile trip to speak at a conference. I noticed when we would fill up with gas or stop to eat that the people parked next to our pick-up truck stood for a moment to read my sign! Some even commented by saying "cool sign" or "where can I get it?" Of course, I always keep a few books in my car and the strangers were delighted to get an author signed copy. While at the conference, I parked just under my hotel room window to keep an eye on my sign test when I had the chance. It was interesting to see people just walk over to the pick-up to read the sign. Since the trip I have left the sign in hubby's pick-up truck and he has said on numerous occasions people have asked about my book! So do movable road signs work? YUP!

There you have it, how to promote cheap while on the road.

I am interested in learning about your promotional tricks, so place a comment!

Have a blessed day!

Written by Jewel Sample, Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), also translated: Besos y abrazos al aire (2006, Spanish edition) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007).

Check out my Guestbook!

2007-08-18T15:46:00.001-05:00

Reading and Writing Appreciation Week: October 15-19, 2007

2007-08-17T07:40:00.000-05:00

Howdy Friends!

Reading and Writing Appreciation Week

October 15-19, 2007

Are you looking for someone to speak at your school? Here is a new web site called "Musing Our Children" to find an author in your area!

http://musingourchildren.tripod.com/id18.html

Have fun!

Caring Today with Hope for Tomorrow: National SIDS Conference

2007-08-13T16:01:00.000-05:00

The CJ Foundation for SIDS, Inc. and The CMI Education Institute, Inc.
2nd Annual Conference
September 27-30, 2007
St. Louis, MO

Bringing Bereaved Families, Research, and Health care Professionals Together

Conference Summary:
The Caring Connection: Caring Today with Hope for Tomorrow, is a National Conference dedicated to bringing together professionals and families to address Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).

Conference goals are to create and conduct an educational program that will 1) provide knowledge and skills to health care professionals and educators to support families and infuse risk reduction methods into their practice; 2) provide comfort and hope to bereaved families; and 3) establish/unite the SIDS and SUDC communities. This will be accomplished by creating a venue focusing upon current and “best practice models” encompassing public health initiatives, research activities and bereavement needs/services.

Plenary sessions, workshop presentations, panel discussions and other program activities will enable those in attendance to gain the tools, skills and resources necessary to educate, advocate and heal.

The Sibling Program and Childcare for children under the age of five is provided for a fee. For more information: http://www.cjsids.com/art/conference%20brochure.pdf

Life After Love

2007-08-01T10:23:00.000-05:00

Life after love, what is life like after experiencing the loss of the love of your life? Have you noticed how others carry out their new lives? I had a chance to talk with award winning country poet Vera Long about life after love. She answers my questions with her inspiring poems. This is what she had to say:

Jewel: Hi Vera! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat about your life after love with me. Have you noticed how others have carried out their lives after losing the love of their life?

Vera: I wrote this poem Never Knowing, after reading an obituary in the newspaper.

Never Knowing

She starts early getting home fires glowing
And spends her day cleaning, cooking, sewing.
The family's gone their way. She hums love songs all
day.
If that's not love she'll die never knowing.

Soon the family starts gathering back home.
Suppertime's a time she's never alone.
Her heart skips a beat as they enjoy their treat.
She wonders what they'll do when she is gone.

Midnight hours find her family fast asleep.
She prays the Lord their souls to safely keep.
This gracious lady's face sends sunshine every place.
Her heart hides all the tears that she must weep.

Now it's their turn to be patient, sweet, kind.
She leaves some precious memories behind.
The news said another loving wife and mother
Left this life, but she still lives in each mind.

Printed by permission: Vera Long
© 1990

Jewel: Indeed the memories of our loved ones do live within each of us. Tell me about how you and your husband met.

Vera: We met during the summer of 1941, through mutual friends, at the Lost Bridge Skating Rink, Lawton, OK. We became best friends, later dated and married on December 22, 1943.

Othadell was a farmer from a long line of farmers, and when a city girl marries a farmer, she has a lot to learn. We owned and operated a Grade A dairy west of Lawton for 23 years. We sold to a housing development and moved, lock, stock and barrel, to Murray County, OK, NW of Sulphur, on a ranch of 1020 acres, raised cattle for thirty years. When Othadell's health became an issue, we bought 160 acres in Payne County, OK, Oct. 12, 1995 and moved there, where I still live, near my two children, Verda Ryden and Darwin Long.

Jewel: Illness at times does turn our thoughts toward possible upcoming events. What one thing stands out in your mind about preparing to live a life after love?

Vera: After my husband’s illness set in, my thoughts turned to the road of the future and I wrote, One More River to Cross. My late husband, Othadell Long, died Aug 22, 2000. When he died, the funeral director used this poem for the leaflet of the service.

One More River to Cross

We climbed each mountain that stood in our way.
We followed every road to its end.
We weathered the storms and waiting for sunshine.
We've come the full circle chasing the wind.

We gathered roses for friends here and gone
And rang bells of mercy while singing our songs.
We reached for the skies to touch the rainbows
And bent over backwards to right the wrongs.

We'll go down fighting and we'll never fret.
There's one more battle we haven't lost.
Thank heavens for blessings that came our way.
And now there's just one more river to cross.
Printed by permission: Vera Long
© 1985

Jewel: Your descriptive words speak eloquently of a strong life long commitment to each other. What best describes your life after love?

Vera: The young minister came to our home to talk before Othadell’s service. Since I had not met him, he wanted to know something about our lives. I gave him some poems and he chose this one and another to read, but based his talk on this one. He said, "Yes, Vera. There is life after love. I had written the poem after Othadell's parents died and several close neighbors, and I began to think about our life, 57 years farming and the words just fell into place.

Life After Love

We share our work and play and secrets we're fond of
We share so many things, the greatest being love.
Our triumphs and downfalls, disappointments and dreams
Are all shared equally. We share each other's schemes.

We listen to birdcalls, wish upon the first star.
We marvel at rainbows. Together we've come far.
We find hidden beauty in wildflowers and green leaves,
In landscapes and seascapes: all things nature weaves.

We spare not forgiveness. Loneliness we've not known
And when storm clouds threaten, together we hang on.
With vibes of poetry, good rhythm and sweet rhyme
We record memories of our love and our time.

We found our miracle. We sipped our cup of tea.
Life's a bowl of cherries, a treat to you and me.
Sometimes on darkest shores, we await morning sun,
Just caring and sharing since God joined us as one.

The world can't break us up; distance can't come
between.
We're living life our way as seasons switch each
scene.
One thing has me worried. Perhaps it crossed your
mind.
Soon it will be over. An answer we must find.

Death will surely part us through no fault of our own;
Can one of us survive with the other one gone?
A vapor in thin air blends with the skies above.
What happens to lovers? Is there life after love?

Printed by permission: Vera Long
© 1985

Jewel: Your inspirational poems portray love is what keeps two people together through “thick and thin” yet, “Death will surely part us through no fault of our own.” Life after love does lend it’s self to knowing moments of loneliness. What has helped you get through the lonely times?

Vera: Although my daughter and her son live with me in my home, I spend a lot of time alone, so I read, sew, cook, clean, use the computer, and just stay busy, with never enough minutes to do all the things, I want or need to do. The thing I missed the most was not being able to talk to Othadell. We lived a close and sheltered, private life, and it was like half of me, died too. Stay busy, be interested in life and problems people face, and give help when I can, such as "washing a load of dirty clothes for someone who is ill or unable to do their own washing, etc. I also bake a cake or pan of cornbread for someone.

Jewel: Staying busy is an important part to getting use to the necessary changes that take place after the loss of a loved one. Thank you so much, Vera for sharing with us about your life after love.

Vera: I really appreciate sharing information about my life with you. Few people have such a chance, for in a busy world, who has time to listen? Thank you.

As Vera so eloquently states in her poems, death will surely separate one from the love of their life. Each loved one leaves precious memories to cling to, as one gets use to the “new” life after love. The choices are there for the choosing as to how one decides to embark on a life after love. No matter, one thing for sure, there are replays of memories of the “love of their life,” in the mind of the one left behind continues with time. Memories, God, and family are what give strength to live life after love until the time comes to cross over one more river.

Partial list of Vera Long’s Award winning accomplishments

CONTESTS AND AWARDS, VERA LONG'S COUNTRY POETRY.

2007 "Auction Day", Nobel House Anthology.
2006 First Place in Anderbo.com
On-line literary magazine, ($300)
2006 First Place, "Grandpa the D.J. Poetry Society of Oklahoma
HM's (Certificate) "My Grandma" & "A pair of Pear Trees.

PUBLISHED AND/OR IN ANTHOLOGIES.

1984-1992 30 or more poems (Certificates) in books of "World of Poetry Press."
2000-2007 35 on Poetry.com and 35 in Archives International Library of Poetry.

Life After Love written by Jewel Sample © 2007

Reality Entertainment: "Maggie Come Lately" by Michelle Buckman

2007-07-30T19:46:00.000-05:00

~Jewel's Reading Excellence Review ~

Maggie Come Lately
By Michelle Buckman
ISBN: 10:160006082X, 2007
Fiction: Young Adult, Friendship, Christian life, Single Parent Family, Sexual Issues, Grief and Loss
Contact Reviewer: jmsample@aol.com
Publisher: NavPress; $12.99
Publisher site: http://www.thinkbooks.com/

Michelle Buckman’s Christian fictional novel immediately places the reader side by side with the main character, Maggie in the prologue when she briefly describes Maggie’s first significant loss in her life. This significant loss seems to leave her feeling deeply grieved, abandoned and influences Maggie’s teen life as events unfold. Maggie struggles to find her own self-identity while forming significant relationships with her peers, discovering choices about sexuality, personal religious values, and accepting the changes within her own family.

What makes Buckman’s wholesome creative work exceptional is the reality based entertainment presents emotionally charged slices of current adolescent problems faced by some single parent families along with other life issues, such as teen rape with good decision-making and coping skills modeled by her characters. Books that show teen characters working through uncontrollable life events demonstrating appropriate choices and behaviors, as well as how to get help if the reader finds themselves in a similar situation places this reviewer at ease about adolescents above the age of sixteen reading this sensitive topic material.

Professionals who work with teens will find this book a great educational tool to use to discuss significant real life issues that teens face today.

Reviewer recommends Maggie Come Lately for teens above the age of sixteen, Educators, Pastors, and Mental Health professionals.

Reviewed by Jewel Sample, MS
Award-winning author of Flying Hugs and Kisses (2006), Besos y abrazos al aire (Spanish edition, 2006) and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (2007)

Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book Now Available!

2007-07-28T11:05:00.000-05:00

Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book
By Jewel Sample
Publisher: Lifevest Publishing, Inc.
ISBN 159879377-2

For interview or book signing requests contact Jewel Sample

Jewel Sample’s latest publication, Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book offers a message of hope for grieving families, which is designed to accompany her storybook, Flying Hugs and Kisses. The activity book has fun educational coloring and writing activities, games, and puzzles to help elementary age children answer questions about grief and loss with compassion and hope.

Flying Hugs and Kisses is about five children who creatively take on roles of support toward each other while showing their individual feelings about the death of their baby brother to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Sample’s book, Flying Hugs and Kisses won The National Parenting Center 2007 Seal of Approval.”

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval report indicates, “Jewel Sample does a wonderful job of breaking down some of the confusing terms that children hear during times like these and celebrates the love and strength that family provides.” The National Parenting Center’s 2007 Seal of Approval full report is at tnpc.com.

Sample’s sensitive story and activity book are a great resource for professionals and families to use to help children cope with the loss of a young loved one. Flying Hugs and Kisses (ISBN 159879119-2) is available in the Spanish language titled, Besos y abrazos al aire (ISBN 159879292-1). The National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center has selected Sample’s books as a bereavement resource for families with children.

Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book and Sample’s other books are directly available through most major booksellers and Lifevest Publishing’s http://www.authorstobelievein.com/flying.hugs.and.kisses.set.htm e-bookstore or by calling toll free 1-877-843-1007.

A Bouncing Elementary Adventure: "Meghan Rose On Stage!" by Lori Z. Scott

2007-07-25T08:25:00.000-05:00

~Jewel’s Reading Excellence Review~

Meghan Rose On Stage!
By Lori Z. Scott
ISBN: 9780784721032, 2007
Fiction: Juvenile, Humorous, Friendship, Christian life, Talent Show
Contact Reviewer: jmsample@aol.com
Publisher: Standard Publishing; $4.99
Publisher site: http://http://www.standardpub.com/
July 25, 2007

I read Meghan Rose on Stage to my granddaughters who are five and seven years old. My granddaughter's were so enthralled with the story we had to read the whole book in one sitting. When we would come to the "really, really cool" (as my seven year old granddaughter phrased it) illustrations by Stacy Curtis, they would peer over the pages inspecting each character and chat about what was going on.

The book was definitely a hit and they could hardly wait to make a red volcano that Scott suggests along with other activities in the back of the book. Another thing that made this book so special was the "Chatter Matters" discussion questions in the back of the book. One granddaughter chatted about how cool it was to know Meghan prayed when she did not know what to do next. The other granddaughter discussed that it does not matter who you are anyone can share their talent! Sharing with others makes everyone happy.

Now they have a "really cool" memory about a girl named Meghan Rose, while on one of Grandma's play dates and a new phrase definition, "bouncy kangaroo," which they practiced all over my living room. A great adventure story with "bam" (as my five year phrased it) for elementary age children and of course, this Grandma enjoyed the book too.
Thank you so much for a fun read!

Veteran Oklahoma Writer Jim Etter Shares His "Roaming Writer" Journey

2007-07-01T18:18:00.000-05:00

I first met Jim Etter signing his most recent books, What a Dirty Shame: 100 Unforgettable Place Names of Oklahoma and Ghost Town Tales of Oklahoma: Unforgettable Stories of Nearly Forgotten Places at the Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc.’s Centennial Celebration Conference: Write On! 2007. Etter masterfully spins his unforgettable tales of Oklahoma history that brings alive the precious memories of others and takes the reader on a humorous and thought provoking ride with each story. This author is published by New Forums Press, Inc. Stillwater, OK.

I caught up with Jim the other day and this is what he had to say about his roaming writer journey, which is more than Western themes and well worth the read!

* How did you get started in writing?

"I wrote stories as a kid in grade school (I was a poor student and daydreamed in class) and thought about becoming either an author or cartoonist. However, I didn’t seriously decide on my career until four years after I had dropped out of high school at 17 to join the Navy. So after my discharge, at 21, I enrolled in college and began studying journalism -- with a burning ambition to become a novelist.
My first “published” writing was a small feature story in the college newspaper. My first writing in a real newspaper was a year or so later when I voluntarily did a feature (without pay) for The Muskogee Phoenix & Times-Democrat, where I worked in the classified department, selling want ads.
My first writing job came about four years later when I became the editor of a very, very small weekly newspaper in Laredo, Texas. Following that, I wrote both news and commercials for both television and radio in Laredo and Corpus Christi, Texas.
In 1960, while living in Corpus Christi, I won 9th place in a Writer’s Digest short fiction contest (with a Western story), my award being a $90 typewriter.
Soon afterward, I returned to Oklahoma and became a full-time newspaper reporter and feature writer, first at Muskogee, and I eventually retired after some 20 years with The Daily Oklahoman.
My first magazine article, about the outlaw Cherokee Bill, which I wrote while with the Muskogee paper, was published in Frontier Times."

* You mentioned that you started writing in grade school. Do you have a favorite children’s story?

"I don’t write them, and I guess my most memorable children’s story that I’ve read is Little Red Riding Hood."

* Tell us what your typical writing day is like.

"My typical writing day begins at about 5 a.m. with a pot of black coffee, and occasionally taking time to play with our cat, Roscoe. I usually write on my computer until 10, then run errands, etc., and return to writing off and on all day."

* What inspires or motivates you to set your fingers to the computer board and write?

"For newspaper and other nonfiction stories: People and offbeat, often humorous, situations in small, rural communities. For fiction: nostalgia, especially personal memories involving my small hometown of Oktaha, and Western themes."

* How long does it take you to complete a book?

"My first book, “Oktaha, A Track in the Sand,” while I was still working: nearly one year. My second major book, “Ghost-Town Tales of Oklahoma,” while still working: about 15 years. My third major book, “WHAT A DIRTY SHAME! 100 Unforgettable Place Names of Oklahoma,” while working only a little: three years."

* What advice do you have for new writers?

"Write from your heart, and if you get published, feel lucky (remember that many writers never do). Be available for talks and book-signings. And during the talks, let your hair down -- be yourself."

* Can you tell us a funny story about your writing?

When I wrote the “Oktaha” book, which was meant to be a complete history of the community, I told both the good and the bad and pulled some skeletons out of closets. Some residents were enraged and expressed their scorn for the book in fiery letters to the editor in the Muskogee newspaper. And the book sold like hotcakes."

* What do you like to do when you are not writing?

"Whenever I can, I fish and hunt, ride horses or drive around the state looking for interesting things to write about. At other times, I watch TV, read, or sit and reminisce – relishing my good memories or brooding over my bad ones -- or worry about the bills."

* Would you like to share anything about yourself or your family with our readers?

"I tell myself I’m fortunate regarding the overall well-being of myself, my wife and our six grown children and our grandchildren. However, I’m selfish, thinking more of my own interests, and preferring time alone to family gatherings.
Also, I consider myself a failure, both professionally and personally. At 74, I haven’t become a novelist, and I see my writing career as mediocre at best. And I’ve made more than my share of mistakes -- my life epitomized by some lines from a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier:
For of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these: 'It might have been.'"

* Family is important and so is time alone, do you have a favorite place to meditate, relax and write?

"Yes, my small office, crowded with my desk, computer, books and numerous pictures (most of them reminders of my career of a “roaming writer” and boyhood memories)."

* Do you have a favorite “roaming writer” story or anything else you would like to share?

"My favorite stories to do are those, true or untrue, dealing with both funny and sad subjects.
Some of my stories I consider humorous include those based upon Chester Gould of Pawnee, creator of the Dick Tracy comic strip; radio and movie personality Bob Burns of Arkansas; the annual Sucker Day celebration at Wetumka; and fiction stories about horse traders, a “town liar” and other characters based on memories of my hometown.
Probably the saddest story I’ve written is a fiction piece based on the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City. However, others that were sad to me were those about a white woman captive of the Kiowa Indians, the death of a kindly old saloon owner in the lonely Panhandle of Oklahoma Territory, and several depicting rural life in the 1930s.
Over the years, besides the above-mentioned books, I’ve written “Thunder in the Heartland – Parables from Oklahoma”; “Between Me & You & The Gatepost – Rural Expressions of Oklahoma”; and “The Grains of Time.” And I’m among the authors in the anthologies of “Black Hats”; “New Trails – 23 Original Stories of the West”; “Daughters of the Land”; “Western Horse Tales”; and “The Salt of the Earth.”
In addition to Frontier Times, I have written for magazines including Persimmon Hill, American Cowboy, Western Horseman, True West, Desert Exposure, Route 66, Oklahoma Today and ByLine; as well as additional newspapers such as The St. Petersburg Times (in Florida) and the Spanish newspaper, El Nacional, in Oklahoma City.
The writing that I’ve enjoyed most, and the writing effort that I’m most proud of – and which I consider the nearest thing to my goal of authoring a novel -- is represented in “Thunder in the Heartland,” which is a book of short stories.
Ironically, that book was pretty much a failure, and is now out of print.

*Thanks so much Jim for sharing your endearing writing journey. May you have many more successes too!

Jim Etter is a journalist, freelance writer, author, and gifted storyteller who infuses his love for Oklahoma that truly communicates wit, wisdom, and humor. Jim Etter can be reached at http://www.jimetter.com/

"Flying Hugs and Kisses" Wins The National Parenting Center 2007 Seal of Approval

2007-06-20T12:02:00.000-05:00

Lifevest Publishing, Inc. has been recognized as the recipient of “The National Parenting Center 2007 Seal of Approval” for the publication of author Jewel Sample’s book, Flying Hugs and Kisses.

The National Parenting Center’s (TNPC) Seal of Approval program is an independent multi-step testing procedure to better inform parents, children, and educators’ about quality products. Each product is tested for desirability, sturdiness, interactive stimulation, and other ingredients essential to the production of a quality product.

Flying Hugs and Kisses, is about five children who creatively take on roles of support toward each other while showing their individual feelings about the death of their baby brother.

The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval report indicates, “Jewel Sample does a wonderful job of breaking down some of the confusing terms that children hear during times like these and celebrates the love and strength that family provides.” The National Parenting Center’s 2007 Seal of Approval full report can be found at tnpc.com.

Sample’s sensitive story of encouragement and hope is a great resource for professionals and families to use to help children cope with the loss of a young loved one. Flying Hugs and Kisses is available in the Spanish language titled, Besos y abrazos al aire (ISBN 159879292-1). The National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center has selected Sample’s books as a bereavement resource for families with children.

Sample’s latest publication, Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (ISBN 159879377-2) is currently in press and scheduled for release in July 2007. Flying Hugs and Kisses is directly available through most major booksellers and Lifevest Publishing’s http://AuthorsToBelieveIn.com e-bookstore.

Moving Forward While Protecting the Memory of Your SIDS Baby

2007-06-06T22:16:00.000-05:00

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), is an unthinkable, unpredictable, and unpreventable medical event that changes surviving family members forever. Families must adjust to having their precious baby taken from their arms to no fault of anyone. They must live with the knowledge that SIDS is a medical mystery and there is no known cure.

Many tears of grief are sown as family members adjust to the loss of a huge connection to the dreams, hopes, and identity of what their baby could have potentially contributed to their family’s future uniqueness.

A family’s love for their baby is endless, just as the memory of their baby will never be forgotten. Their baby’s life will be a cherished etching upon their hearts forever; filling the lingering empty space that’s left because there are no more dreams or hopes for their SIDS baby.

How do family members actively seek joy in living again, while protecting the memory of their precious baby?

I talked with a SIDS mommy, Ariana Adam, the other day about how she has chosen to look for joy in living again by writing poems, while protecting the memory of her baby girl, Jordan.

A typical day for Ariana is juggling a full time job and sharing parenting responsibilities of three children with her husband. Ariana says, “The loss of little Jordan Ezra Taffie has opened a place in my heart that no one else could reach.” During the day, Ariana usually finds her thoughts are bogging up her mind and not a free minute to write. However, when Ariana feels overwhelmed with emotion she states, “I HAVE to write. For me, it seems to be the only way I can release and relieve my heavy heart.” Her writing ideas come from the little things in life such as a certain smell, a song, or something one of her children says; mostly a deep love for her family captures where her ideas come from. The poems just spill out and sometimes she finds it hard for her hand to keep up with her mind while writing her words on paper.

Ariana has not officially published any of her poems, yet, she has found writing and sharing her poems with families to have a two fold healing process. For example, Ariana wrote a poem, titled, Visit From An Angel. By writing her deeply felt emotions on paper, it helped her heal and gave honor to baby Jordan.

~Visit From An Angel~

An Angel came to me one day
She touched my heart in such a special way

That Angel, she spoke to me with her eyes
And used an earthly voice that came as soft cries

I thought that she would stay with me
But I didn’t know what I couldn’t see

This Angel she had a different plan
She’d soon spread her wings and leave this land

If only she would have stayed a while longer
There are so many things that we would’ve done

The time we did share is my most precious treasure
Blessed by her presence, it was more than my pleasure

Maybe someday she’ll stop by again
And fill this void that’s left within

If she doesn’t I’ll understand…
She’s waiting for Mommy in the Promised Land

Written and printed by permission: Ariana Adam, © 2/7/07
Jordan’s Mommy

Jordan Ezra Taffe
Dec. 4, 2006 – Jan. 2, 2007

When Ariana shared her poem with other moms, they were inspired by her words so much, that they have asked Ariana for permission to place her poem on their babies’ memorial Web sites. Ariana says just knowing her poems are giving moms comfort warms her heart and puts a smile on her face.

Ariana’s advice for new writers is to “write what your heart feels. Let the little things inspire you.” Ariana also wants others to know that when they read her poetry they are looking straight into her heart and soul. “It is not easy for everyone to put words to paper,” she says; perhaps all along, reading one of her poems is just what they were feeling.

Like Ariana, most SIDS family members discover somewhere along their path of grief that they must purposely move ahead or die emotionally; they must give honor to their baby’s short life. To give honor, some family members build memorial sites, plant memory trees, work on charitable events and chat about the days when their baby was with them. Other family members write in journals, plant gardens, publish books, sew soft toys from their babies clothing or write poems about their SIDS baby. Each attempting to share the unique gifts their baby’s life has given to their family. Somehow, through this spirit of memory sharing, their baby’s legacy goes on and a new dream of what their lives are about is born. Once again, a family life that gives a sense of satisfaction, joy, and strength to each new experience exists. The very tears sown in grief are reaped in joy.

Love Notes: Shaping Your Child’s Memories

2007-05-26T11:22:00.000-05:00

When I was about eight years old, I remember climbing my favorite apple tree and looking up through the green leaves toward the sky to imagine the various cloud formations as different animals, toys or novel objects. I loved sitting with my legs propped up by another limb, munching on a green with a tinge of red, Jonathan apple and feeling the sultry wind on my face. I remember thinking I was having the best time hiding from my little sisters and eating my favorite food.

Then the familiar piercing words echoed in my ears, “Jewel get out of that tree at once and remember too many apples will give you diarrhea!” I soon realized my mother could see me from her bedroom window. Within seconds, I knew my little sisters had found my hiding place when I heard their giggly chant, “Jewel get out of the tree before you get diarrhea! Come down Jewel, we want you to tell us a story.” Little did I know that my sisterhood memories and bonding were being shaped that would influence my personhood throughout life. Particularly my childhood has influenced my interest in storytelling. I have told stories to my children and now to my grandchildren.

Thinking about my childhood memories reminds me that family members have extensive power to shape what children will remember about their childhood. The memories sown in the minds of children will not only affect adult lives but generations to come. Creating memories of times with love, laughter, and encouragement become our treasure box that one draws from when forming and continuing relationships, as well as coping with life events.

Creating memories helps children cope with the hard times in life too. Not long ago, I was asked the question, if I could walk up a rainbow and talk to God what would I say. This question was prompted by an eight-year-old when he told his mommy he had made up a poem for his little baby sister, who had recently succumbed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). With his mom’s permission to print it, the poem reads:

“Love Notes For Little Jordan”
Written By

Your Big Brother, Jahvon Taffe

I will always miss my little baby Jordan
She is in Heaven, but I believe she is with me all the time.

If I could walk up a rainbow and
ask God to let my little Angel come back
And play with me just one more time…
I would.

Printed by permission; A. Adams © 2007

Jahvon’s family has changed due to their loss. Yet, they are still a family, but different because their family is learning to live without their beloved baby, Jordan physically present. Creating meaning and honor of baby Jordan’s life has helped Jahvon sow confirming love notes into his memory for him to glean from in the future. This family is indeed, creating a blessed legacy of memories to treasure.

Some things that I have gained knowledge of about creating life-confirming memories for children are to ask the child about what he or she is learning or is experiencing from community or family life celebrations or events. Patiently listen to the child, without interrupting and with your heart open to what the child is saying. This helps the child feel understood and know his or her ideas and feelings are important to the listener.

Talk about the times when events happen that are sometimes sad, scary, or hard to understand. Reassure the child that most of daily life living is loving, fun and encouraging, but there are times when he or she will feel sad or not understand certain events because things happen in life that people cannot always control, but people can control how the event affects them. This helps the child understand unpredictable life experiences are a normal part of life.

Talk about the times when your child asked for help. Confirm that it is okay to ask for help by giving an example such as, when an older brother or sister asked for help or when grown-ups need help sometimes too. This helps the child to understand that he or she does not have to do everything on his or her own.

Follow the child’s lead in what he or she believes they need to do, in order to make sense out of life events and to create life-affirming memories. Children learn about life through their own interests, play activities, and from environmental influences. Some environmental influences are their family home, grandparents or other extended family life events, church, school, or daycare atmospheres. Allow the child to create his or her own memories through expressions of writing, storytelling, drawing, coloring or other child interest activities. This helps the child to develop its own creative abilities and coping styles, and to sow his or her own love notes into their mind of memories.

My encouragement today is to enjoy your best life now by helping your child shape his or her memories, always remembering our lives are creating love notes for generations to come.

Love Notes: Shaping Your Child's Memories

Jewel Reviews "The Dragonfly Door"

2007-05-09T16:39:00.000-05:00

Author: John Adams
ISBN: 10:1934066125
Publisher: Feather Rock Books

John Adams brilliantly invites the reader into the world of Nymphs and Dragonflies to explore the changes that take place when Nym’s friend goes to a special place. When I had lost a family member, I had read a wonderful story called, The Water Bug Story. Adams adds a fresh approach to the water bug story by focusing on friendship loss and giving a voice to his characters. With the help of Gibson’s eye-catching nature illustrations, The Dragonfly Door answers general questions surrounding loss, such as feelings about loss, what happens to the nymph’s body when he dies, and how a nymph is transformed into a dragonfly. Adams creatively normalizes typical friendship rivalry and takes the reader on a nature journey to discover that one chooses to resolve conflict, loss, and changes in different ways. Adams lists uncomplicated educational facts at the end for the inquisitive science mind.

Reviewer recommends this book as a great educational tool for parents, grandparents or professionals to use to explain uncontrollable life cycle changes and loss.

Reviewer: Jewel Sample, MS; Author of Flying Hugs and Kisses and Besos y abresos al aire (Spanish edition)

Jewel’s Thoughts: If I Could Walk UP a Rainbow and Talk To God

2007-04-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

If I could walk up a rainbow and talk to God, what would I want to say? My first thought, was to ask God where could I find my loved ones and to get permission to see them now? On the other hand, to ask the question my grandchildren have asked me about whether their baby brother is growing up in heaven just as they are on earth. They need the answer because they want to know how to look for him when they get to heaven. Then again, do I really want an answer? Will I like God’s answer?

I quickly began sorting my questions in my head to determine what my most important questions are.

Do I want to ask God questions I have had since childhood?
Like how big are you, God? As a child, I remember my mother singing the reassuring song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” and thinking God must have huge hands if He is holding the whole world. Then immediately thinking that the Bible teaches God has Heaven as His throne and the earth as His footstool (Acts 7:79), so how big are his feet?

I also had questions such as when my mom bought me a new pair of shoes. I wanted to ask God if I really had to wear these ugly shoes. Or the time when my mom said God knows everything, I wanted to ask, so how well do you really know me God? Why can’t people just be nice? What do you actually see from Heaven God?

I quickly thought of my more current questions associated with my struggle over why things happen the way they do. I have questions such as, why am I left on this planet, now that my heart is broken into pieces. How do I put the pieces of my heart back together and go on from here? The Holy Bible teaches about eternal life (John 3:16), so what kinds of things does God have planned for people to do for all eternity? Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world? How can God bear the pain of humankind’s destructive choices? Again, the Holy Bible teaches that God has given man free will to choose between life and death (De. 30:19). How can people continue to show love toward those who are making destructive choices?

Are my questions wasting God’s time? After all, He is really busy. Do I dare to ask him any questions? Do I really want an answer?

While contemplating my questions, I looked at the crewel-embroidered handwork I have framed on my wall that reads, “Life is Fragile, Handle with Prayer.” Prayer is my way of walking up a rainbow to talk with God. I may not completely understand the workings of the universe or what the future will bring, no matter, I know prayer gives me strength and courage to enjoy today, all that has been granted to me. So I don’t think I would ask God a question if I could walk up a rainbow. I think I would offer a prayer to God to encompass us all with His love during our journey of grief.

If I Could Walk UP A Rainbow and Talk To God

2007-04-21T12:06:00.000-05:00

As I viewed the devastating news of the Virginia Tech tragedy, I was again reminded of how we are all affected in some way by the death of a loved one, particularly the death of children.

Today I was presented with a great question and thought I would ask my readers their thoughts. So here is the question, If you could walk up a rainbow and talk to God what would you say? Feel free to post with your comments.

Next week I will post my thoughts!

An Amazing Story: Diane and Gracie, the World’s First Italian Greyhound Service Dog

2007-04-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

Motivational speaker, singer, and new author, Diane Dike’s body has been failing her for as long as she can remember. She eagerly wants answers. Then the call comes and she learns she has an incurable disease. This jolting news brings to the forefront the understanding that her days are numbered and sets Diane on a journey to discover what kind of life she can have now.

Grief and loss is experienced in many different ways. How one decides to deal with grief is unique to each individual.

I discussed with Diane Dike about her new books, The Adventures of Gracie and Diane and autobiography: God Made Only One of Me, that depict how she overcame her grief challenges while dealing with an incurable blood disease.

This is what Diane had to say.

Jewel: Hi Diane. Thank you for wanting to share a few of your insights on how to get through the challenges of grief through writing. How did you begin to get through the grief of never having a body that would function to meet your everyday needs?

Diane: Meeting my grief challenges began when I said a prayer and God gave me what I needed, rather than what I deserved. God helped Gracie and I find each other. I named my new Italian Greyhound companion Gracie because it was not long that I realized how incredibly blessed I am by God's grace. While Gracie has changed my life forever, she has also improved the quality of my life, as I try to overcome the challenges and circumstances of my earthly existence. Gracie plays a big part in my life’s story of overcoming the challenges that life gives you.

Jewel: Where did you get your ideas for your books ?
Diane: Everywhere we go people want to know about Gracie, the world's first Italian Greyhound Service Dog. I thought if I write a book I could tell our whole story rather than just giving glimpses at chance meetings with people. I even thought that maybe I could get my errands done faster if people already knew her amazing story.
Gracie has been an astounding source of help and I wanted to give God glory for His provision, and encourage children that God still answers prayers. The idea for Gracie's book series came from our many adventures together. The series will include topics about the values of friendship, love, and teamwork. I rescued Gracie and she rescued me right back. Children and parents alike will see how we cheer each other on as we overcome life’s challenges and "keep on keeping on" together.

Jewel: How long did it take to write each book?
Diane: Gracie's adventure book has about three years and my autobiography has taken me a lifetime to write.

Jewel: How long will it be before your books are available?
Diane: The Adventures of Gracie & Diane is set to publish in, June 2007. The autobiography, God Made Only One of Me, is set to be out this summer 2007. Book orders are being accepted now through my website.

Jewel: What do you think is the secret to your success?
Diane: Working hard, learning to ask for help and praying constantly. Furthermore, by not giving up I am able to transcend my suffering and overcome my challenges. I realize more and more all that I would have missed if I had given up.

Jewel: What inspires you as an author?
Diane: The Bible is my main source of inspiration and edifying music. Others who have triumphed over challenges to make a difference for the good also inspire me.

Jewel: Please describe your typical writing day.
Diane: Sometimes I do not sleep well. So, I often work all nightlong writing, editing, answering emails, and networking. If I do sleep, I get up by 6 am, read my devotions, and get going on all of the above.

Jewel: Do you have a favorite place to write?
Diane: I would like to say I write from the mountaintops of Vail and by the seashore as the surf gently rolls in. But I really write best in bed where I can control the variables that can cause me serious health complications. I have two air purifiers, my blankets, and my alert dog; I am ready to go.

Jewel: What do your surroundings look like as you write?
Diane: I have huge windows that look out over the Vail Valley of Colorado. I can see the ski runs, trees changing colors and the RV's rolling down the highway on there way to adventures untold. We have a beautiful park across the street where Gracie makes me take breaks. We walk around the trout filled pond, throw a stick or ball, enjoy the waterfall and then we come home for a treat.

Jewel: Do you have some advice you wish to share with other writers?
Diane: Don't give up. We all have a story to tell. If writing isn't your gift then find someone to help you. Or maybe your gift is singing, writing a letter of sympathy, or encouragement. Whatever your gift is, use it; and share it freely with others. The world will be a better, richer place because of it and you will be happier too!

Jewel: Do you have a humorous story regarding your writing that you want to share?
Diane: Just that God has a great sense of humor. Instead of a healing, I get to be the only woman in the world walking around with a dog strapped to my chest for medical reasons. God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind! When we ride our special bike down the road and Gracie has her Doogles on you can read people’s lips saying, “Wow, cool bike is, that, that is a dog awwwww.”

Jewel: Do you plan to write another book? Or are you going on tour?
Diane: My mom was just diagnosed with cancer. She is fighting for her life right now. So Paul and I are selling our home and heading to Florida and try to help my mom and dad.

I spoke at my alumni, Warner Southern College's chapel service about two months ago. The Lord has opened up doors there and we are very excited. We are already getting orders for the books and interest from all over the world. Word of mouth has been powerful. Last month I gave my testimony, as I visited prisons R.V. parks, school programs, and many churches. I am thankful that Gracie and I were graciously welcomed at all places and God saw fit to use us. Fifteen prisoners gave their life to the Lord and twenty-four came forward for prayer. I will not soon forget that experience!

We do plan to continue writing the Gracie Adventures series. There will be six stories in the first sequence. Our team in Florida is setting up a non-profit organization called, "Second Chances."

We are looking for corporate sponsors to help with funding so we can travel to hospitals. We hope to give the children who are suffering Gracie's book, a Gracie Beanie Baby and CD's or DVD's so, in the middle of the night when they are feeling lonely or afraid, they can look down at their Gracie toy and listen to her story to be reminded that if Gracie can do it, then they can too. Gracie and I know all too well how sad and lonely being stuck in the hospital can be as the world seems to go on without you. We all need affirmations that we matter, that people care about us, and God is counting on us to accomplish what He sent us here to do. It is never too late, you are never too old and you are never too sick to glorify Him with your life.

I believe that each of us has a purpose and plan in life: It is my calling in life to bring encouragement, hope, and love to others. With Gracie’s help, God has given me a new lease on life and the inspiration to do this, along with my wonderful husband. We are doing the most we can with the second chance we have been given. Hope to see you somewhere along the road--soon!

Jewel: Thank you for sharing with readers a few of your insights on how to get through the challenges of grief and loss. May you continue to be blessed as you embark on your journey.

Diane, Paul and Gracie are a dynamic team strongly motivated to share their personal Christian experience with others with the hope it will encourage them to never give up, to accept their situation, and to rejoice with the understanding that real life living is with God’s help. To order her books go to Diane's home pages.

Today’s SIDS Grandparent Grief ~

2007-04-05T12:44:00.000-05:00

While listening to a parent pour out their heartfelt sorrow over the loss of their grandchild, who succumbed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), reminds me of my anguish for my grieving adult children. I desperately want to alleviate their pain of grief and loss regarding their infant son, Brennen.

SIDS immediately forces families to make a transition that feels so unnatural. After all, are not our grandchildren supposed to live longer than we do? In so many ways, our children are our heart and soul of who we are as parents and families. It is frustrating to say the least, when I cannot fix things and tie a pretty bow on their package of grief and loss. Frustrations come because as a grandparent I have not only lost a grandchild, we have lost a part of the hopes and dreams we had planned for our future together as a family.

Our children must walk their path of grief whether we like it or not. I ask myself, “How long will the pangs of grief be alive within our hearts? When will we feel the joy in living as a family again?”

Everyone grieves differently and on a uniquely individual time schedule. After three years, I still have moments of feeling that Brennen is still with us and he is in the etchings of our hearts. Coming to grips with the harsh reality that he is no longer in his body, but present with the Lord, sometimes is just plain painful. I still want to fulfill my human need to nurture and develop a relationship with him, just as I have with my other grandchildren. I have learned feelings of disappointment are a common part of the grieving process.

For SIDS families there are the ambiguous hurdles of all the issues surrounding the very diagnosis of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which makes for the grief journey harder to walk through. There are many ideas about the cause of SIDS, yet there is currently no way to predict it or prevent it from happening. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome remains a mystery waiting to be solved.

Grief never really ends, one just learns to live with it; yet the intensity of the pain of loss lessens over time, as we get use to life without our loved one. If I look back over time, I can recognize my pain of grief and loss is not as severe today as it was the first day, the first month or even the last six months. Nevertheless, there are uncomfortable grief feelings, which constantly remind me that my family is forever changed. I have learned it is normal to have days of feeling disappointed, angry at my situation, or find it difficult to be around those grandparents who are active in the lives of their grandchild who is the same age as mine would have been. I have learned I can do nothing apart from accepting the familial change that is cast upon us and I must set out to discover joy in a new way within our present lives.

My encouragement for grieving parents is to know that by listening to your adult children's concerns and being present with them speaks volumes to them about your support and love for them. Giving them a touch on the shoulder, a quiet nod of the head or a cyberhug through an email lets them know you acknowledge their pain. Giving encouragement to your children to be patient with himself or herself and follow the leading of their inner feelings, is sometimes all that will help them heal; to find what is on the inside needing their attention. Sometimes it helps us find what part of ourselves needs our attention, in order to find joy again in our lives. I personally cannot go there devoid of God's help and comfort, which I receive through prayer and meditation of the words in the Holy Bible.

It is time, with patience, and a trust in God to help our adult children to do their grief work, in order to be able to find pleasure in life again. Sometimes this is all parents can do for their adult children, but at that moment it is enough.

Feeling comfortable with what is adequate grief support is a challenge for most grieving grandparents. Other ideas on how to support your adult children while suffering from grief and loss yourself can be found at The National Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support web pages, Grandparent Grief.

May blessings and peace be yours today.

The Empty Rocking Chair: A Grandmother's Story About Healing Grief

2007-03-30T14:46:00.000-05:00

Rocking Chair

Rocking chair…how empty you are
I should be here
Holding my baby girl…
Watching your sweet little mouth
As you nurse…

Tiny fingers…curled around mine
Stretching out your
Little feet…
Yawning as you
Drift off to sleep

And as I sit here
Rocking chair…so empty
Without you baby girl
Rocking alone..
I feel A tear…

Jordan baby…you are
Being held by
Our heavenly Father
Safe and warm
Loved by Him
Missed by all your family
Peace for all

By Michele Adams
Date: 03/15/2007

“Rocking chair, how empty you are,” was the words I read of a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) grandmother’s poem this week. My mind reeled back to those moments of my own grief when I too felt deprived of the rocking chair experience when our infant grandson, Brennen died of SIDS. Grief and healing effects everyone differently, yet some things are so much a like. Michele has found writing to be an important healing part of her grief journey.

I chatted with Grandma Michele the other day and this is what she had to say about her writing in relation to her grief journey now.

Jewel: “Hi Michele, I am so glad you agreed to chat with me about your experiences as a grandmother. Let’s start with when did you first become a grandmother?”

Michele: “I became a grandma on April 23rd,1999 with the birth of my daughter's son, Jahvon. It was a wonderful experience from the beginning. He was such a happy baby! My daughter, Ariana, is a good Mom and Jahvon is soon to be 8 years old. Ariana is blessed with two little girls, Kaya,soon to be 7, and Zion, 18 months. They keep her busy and she loves being a Mom.”

Jewel: “When did you start writing poems?”

Michele: “I am not sure I have ever written poetry. I read my daughter's poems and think, "I can't write poetry." But, I suppose I can. Funny what you can do when you stop thinking you can't and just do it! I don't remember writing any poems in the past, although I have always known I can write. The poems, "For Jordan" and "Rocking Chair" were written from the sadness of losing the grandchild I never got to hold. From my "crushed heart," came the inspiration to write these poems.”

Jewel: “Writing about our grief can be inspiring to others; do you write other things too?”

Michele: “Yes, I do write other things. I remember the first story I wrote, in 4th grade; it was an assignment. All the kids around me kept chewing on their pencils and asking the teacher what to write. I just picked up my pencil and decided to write about the sky. So I titled it “Why the Sky is Blue." It took me about 30 minutes to finish it, and then I had to fix my grammar and punctuation and delete some words. I turned in my story and was pleased to get an "A" on it. The teacher even put it on the Office Wall where all the parents could see it. The next day a little girl who sat next to me copied my story and put her name on it and the teacher taught us about "intellectual property." I simply told the little girl that was my story.”

Jewel: “It sounds like a well learned lesson. Tell me what inspires you today?”

Michele: “Children inspire me. I remember writing a story for my daughter's 9th birthday. I could not afford to get her anything and so I gave her a piece of "me" by writing a story with her in it. She loved it and I believe still has it. Children really are the best people!

Helping people inspires me. There is so much pain in the world. If we can help just one person a day to feel better about themselves; it is a wonderful feeling. And all that we give is first given to ourselves. I believe we are all interconnected and part of each other. The circle of life says that we are our brother's keepers. Imagine the possibilities if we all helped each other!”

Jewel: “Yes, I believe we are here on the planet to help each other. Sometimes our help is for a reason, sometimes only a season, or even for a lifetime. Sudden infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is affecting your family. Would you like to tell us about how SIDS has affected you as a grandmother?”

Michele: “How has SIDS affected me as a grandmother? I am different now. Things that used to matter no longer do. Time is more precious to me as I realize how short our time with our loved ones is. The loss of Jordan has helped put life into perspective for me. For example, I work two jobs. After getting off my day job I go to my night job. Well, after I returned home from Philadelphia where my daughter lives, it was all I could do to make it through the day job. For two weeks, I came home and fell into bed. I was in a fog and my boss at the night job had said “take as long as you need." You see, two weeks after Jordan passed away, my son-in-law's sister also died. I was just overwrought and needed to take care of me. When I called in one Saturday to my second job, I was told my supervisor had died of a heart attack. Then the (not so nice) girl who had been after his job all along told me that the owner of the business didn't think I was "doing enough to get into work" and she would have to explain why I wasn't there that night. I said, “Well, you do what you have to. And you know what in the overall big picture, this is nothing. So if he decides to let me go, you just call and let me know. I am not going to worry about it." Yes, I think Jordan put things in perspective. So many things are not worth worrying about. I have found my faith is multiplying.”

Jewel: “You say you have found your faith multiplying. Do you have a favorite place to write or meditate?”

Michele: “I have always loved quiet places and the ocean. I live in a beach city and like to spend many hours meditating and writing there. My writing helps to express my pain and the things I would have done with my angel Jordan. And it helps me to move forward; the only way out is through.”

Jewel: “Writing is helping you get through your painful grief. I sense that keeping a family connection intact is also helping you through the rough times of the day. Would you like to share anything about your family?

Michele: “I have a son, Jason and a daughter, Ariana. My son has two boys and my daughter has two girls and a boy. I come from a big family. I have five brothers and I am the only girl in my family. I am also the middle child and often feel like "the forgotten child". Then, middle children are more mature and don't expect things to be handed to them. We know we must earn everything in life. And I love my brothers!”

Jewel: “What is the best part about being a grandma?”

Michele: “I write stories for my grandchildren. It is such fun to see the delight on their faces!! The best part of being a grandma is those loving hugs and kisses we get from our little ones! May God bless and keep them.”

Jewel: “Indeed Michele may God bless and keep our little ones. Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed Michele.”

In contemplating my interview with Michele, I am reminded that our writings, daily meditations, and places to find tranquility are the gold nuggets of life to help us through the tough, sometimes stone hard places in life. Positive connections with family are the greatest gold nuggets of all.

I hope Michele’s inspiring words have helped you, the reader today. Please feel free to leave a comment for Michele. May God bless you today and give you peace.