Tuesday, October 14, 2003
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EmpoweredParent.com E z i n e
http://EmpoweredParent.com
Information For Today's Parent!
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VOL.V : Issue 9 October 14, 2003
Editor: Joan Bramsch
E-mail: hijoan@joanbramsch.com
Common sense solutions for Today's Parenting Challenges!
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Empowered Parents: Strong Families
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ENJOYING OUR FIFTH YEAR OF PUBLICATION!
KNOW THIS: We are all one people, Mother Earth is our one country, LOVE is stronger than fear and peace and freedom are the birthrights of all humanity. Chief Seattle
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"Sizzlers" for Autumn Eve Reading!
Classic Contemporary Romance Novels
By Joan Bramsch
Http://www.joanbramsch.com/store/romancebooks.shtml
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INSIDE YOUR EP EZINE
<*> Article
<*> Letters from EP Parents
<*> This 'n That
<*> Marketplace
<*> Subscribe/unsubscribe Information r>
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"You do what you know how to do; and when you know better, you do better."
- Maya Angelou
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Letter to Parent
WELCOME
Hi dear Parent,
Autumn (or Spring) is upon us, depending on where you live on Planet Earth. Today would have been my Bill's birthday. I'm back in Missouri after spending the last three months in Minnesota at my lake cottage. I did a lot of inner work on myself and a lot of outer work on the cottage. Both me and it have been neglected the last few years!
One peak experience this summer was meeting my high school classmates for a reunion. I hugged friends I haven't seen since the evening we graduated so long ago. It was good!
Now I am facing the big job of clearing out the clutter, clutter that is not all mine, but also belongs to my mother, her mother and my Bill. It's a task, let me tell you... But I shall overcome and survive.
I want you to know that I have appreciated all your good wishes and happy thoughts you've sent. Now here is one back from me. :) You'll be humming it all day long.
Http://www.allthefun.com/1/winknsmile.htm
On Sunday I closed the EP Caps4 Kids list. Those who were members are on different pathways now so it was time. We all agreed that we would continue creating warm caps for cold heads in a local way. Hundreds of youngsters will remember the group's generosity.
My mom, Tinkerbelle Mama (so named by me because she never grew up :) was a born again natural secretary. She made and kept thousands of notes on tiny little scraps of paper. Sayings, jokes, riddles, facts. She also clipped tiny little fillers from newspapers and magazines. And she SAVED every one of them.
I am going through literally pounds of her notes and clippings. All the jokes in EP this month are from her; I figure if I give them to you to enjoy and share a chuckle, then I can, in good conscience, pitch the original jotting.
That said, here's one that makes a thoughtful mental image! "Never play leapfrog with a unicorn!"
Enjoy this month's ezine.
Love,
Joan
P.s. I want to tell you about a new internet friend I made this summer. Go here to learn all about MIKE ELLIS FUNLANGUAGE SPANISH http://www.slanguage.com/about.html Such fun!
P.p.s. I also want to tell you about Bob Scheinfeld, Founder of The Invisible Path to Success. I've been working with his program all summer and it not only makes sense, it works! He has free lessons here: http://www.lifechangetips.com/ Go see for yourself.
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HOW did the plant on the window sill of the Math Room grow? It grew square roots!
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A Complete Halloween Fun Guide
http://www.parentcenter.com/general/fun/outings/36107.html
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REVIEW
"Healthy Lunchbox" - Rallie McAllister, M.D.
ISBN 0-89526-137-5 Lifeline Press, Washington, D.C.
Rallie's book arrived at the Perfect Time, just when I'd replaced my Empowered Parent home page for Fall, which is all about training your child.
She provides a dozen chapters of excellent advice for _all_ Parents as they instill lifelong good health habits. From good food to good forms of exercise, she shares her insights as both a parent and a physician.
They agree with the NAK - Nutrition and Kids _ CD-ROM game, too.
http://www.nutritionandkids.net/10617/
Submitted by Joan Bramsch, Parents' Cheerleader
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Go check out this item Note the winning bid! Love, Marcie
Http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3627872872&category=208
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JOAN'S Note: These authors and I agree... My book TEACH ME, I'M YOURS shows Parents of young children that everyday items are teaching tools, that a child learns all day long!
Http://joanbramsch.com/book-teachme.html
How Our Children Really Learn And Why They Need To Play More And Memorize Less
by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PH.D., And Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, PH.D ,
authors of
Einstein Never Used Flash Cards
To listen to an audio interview with the authors, please visit Written Voices at: http://www.writtenvoices.com/titlepage.asp?ISBN=1579546951
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LIFE is a Ballroom... Just dance!
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IF YOU WANT HELP WITH your investing as our economy slows down, I cannot recommend more highly the Safe Money Report. I've been reading THE SAFE MONEY REPORT for 20 years. It's 100% satisfaction guaranteed Enjoy all the benefits of the Safe Money Report for a full year for just $99 … or better yet, get two years for just $198… It's
risk free. Call (800)-236-0407 Ask for Doreen. This is HALF-PRICE for EP!
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<*> Article
Subject: The parent is the boss
You may wish to remember the following directive, dear Parent, when your child starts with the whining, negotiating, "talk parent out of what child doesn't want to do," and generally becomes a big pain in the backside:
"The person _in charge_ should NEVER enter into discussions because s/he loses authority by debate." Antoni Gaudi, great Art Nouveau Spanish architect
And all EP Parents say: Right on!
Because Joan says:
"Generally speaking, Parents are too nice and talk too much. Give the directive once. No discussion. Why? Because your kid knows exactly what s/he is doing and how to do it! Compared to them, you are a piker so don't get caught in that trap!"
Tho't you might also be interested in Dr. Phil's Parenting 101 page
Http://www.drphil.com/show/show.jhtml;jsessionid=C50MMN4O4FNNTLARAYICFEQ?contentId=1165_parenting_101.xml
(make sure to get the entire address)
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Thought for the day..."The more sand that has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the more clearly we should see through it." Jean Paul
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MY IDEA OF LIVING!
Life is not a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely
in one pretty and well preserved piece,
but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up,
totally worn out,
and loudly proclaiming—
WOW-WHAT A RIDE!
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<*> Letters from EP Parents
Hi Joan
I have set my youngest son to the task of figuring this (month's) puzzle out. He is a freshman in high school but tests in the early third year college levels. Back soon with the equation. Thanks for providing a great site!! Regards, Christopher
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Hi Joan
Just a quick note to tell you how much Martha and I continue to enjoy your newsletters and additional "memos" and offer our congratulations to you and Empowered Parenting for a job mightily done!! Jeff
"Spriggles Motivational Books for Children"
Http://www.spriggles.com
JOAN's note: Spriggles are soooooooooooooo great! I love them. :) Go see for yourself.
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Hi, Joan,
I loved seeing all these views of Mars! I went down to a local place where they have telescopes and saw for myself a couple of weeks ago but the scopes couldn't begin to show all of what was in these pictures you sent. I sent them on to about sixty or so of 'my closest friends.' Hope all continues well for you. Hugs, Dottie
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Mars... That was absolutely wonder filled!! Thank you sooo much... I will share it with all my friends, family and colleagues!! Have a fabulous day... Love Brenda
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Joan,
Thanks for the address to check out Mars pictures. My kids were just talking about this before they went to bed. I'll show them tomorrow. Thanks for your dedication and empowering us parents! You always have good information! :) God bless you today and always...in all ways! Karen in MI
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Hi Joan,
I did not know you were an author until you mentioned it (I signed up for your newsletter via an online ezine/newsletter locator), but I went to your website and said a few "Wow!"s before replying. :)
Your book "Kid Safe" http://joanbramsch.com/book-kidsafe.html cut through to the heart of me. I was a lobbyist for children's rights in Ohio before moving to Canada in 1999. My biggest "fight" at the statehouse had to do with online predators and the need for tighter cyber laws to protect children.
May your book bring a lightbulb of awareness to your readers, and God bless you for writing it.
Love, Julie Donner Andersen
*** Hi dear Julie,
And I know your work. I've read about your book some time ago. Yours is a unique take on parenthood. I'm proud of you for finding the words to tell others. Bravo.
The thing about controls on cyber space is that they don't work, imo. The best control in the world is a watchful parent, and if a parent is watchful their kid is not seeking "understanding" on the internet. The parent is the first defense against anything that can harm a child.
We don't always do our best work, especially when that child is the least loveable (as I said in my letter to Moms and Dads in Help4Parents section), but that's what we signed up for, right? And we don't get one minute off for good behavior either. :) love, Joan
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Joan
I saw your request. I read what you said. It sounds to me like the web sites where you get your information are getting into you. My friends who have escaped communist countries don't for a minute think that it can't happen here. All it takes is to convince people that things aren't "fair" the way they are but the "state" can make it "fair" for everyone. People fall for the big lie better than the small one. Sadie
*** You may not believe this, Sadie, but imo we are on the same side. I fight against intrusive government. For example: the Patriot II Act that gives the Feds the power to see what we read in our public libraries is a farce. When an EP Parent who is a retired FBI agent spoke about the importance of this law, I asked, very nicely and politely, how many of the pamphlets, books and instructions for building bombs that were found in terrorists' quarters were stolen from our public libraries. He never did answer me.
I also am alarmed that there can now be secret trials and that full American citizens can be striped of their rights and citizenship all in secret with no public hearing. Who says you and I will not be "chosen" someday because of what we think or say or write? I seriously fight against infringement on our First Amendment rights. Even during WWII, a REAL war, there were none of these intrusive new laws passed in the name of security.
None of these laws will ever make us more secure, imo. That is a myth.
Love, Joan
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LIBRARY CHIPS?
SO... what do you think of this?
http://start.earthlink.net/newsarticle?cat=2&aid=D7TV0EL00_story
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A note from Sara, my Webmama, who lives in B.C., Canada:
The province has really been under siege with all the fires. They are saying that more sq. miles burned this summer alone than in the last 600 years!!! The landscape is really decimated (but it should put an end to the clear-cut logging!!) I feel most concerned about the animals, because between the fires and the severe drought they are having an ordeal.
People are coping really well, all things considered, and the hope, faith, and "community" being displayed is almost beyond belief. There are people with tears in their eyes as they see the remains of their burnt-out homes, and yet they are saying that they don't have it that bad - they got their pictures and their dog out. Or they say that they aren't as badly off as the neighbour - whose house they are going to try to rebuild first.
One interview with a tiny little girl generated such a response around the province that they actually had to tell people to stop! She was really small - I would guess around 3 - 3 1/2 years old, and the TV reporter asked her what she thought of the fires. They were standing in the remains of the little one's front yard; her face was streaked with dirt, her hair was disheveled. She looked around, sighed, and with great calm looked at the lady and quietly said, "I lost all my dollies".
I think she had everyone watching bursting out in tears and running to the store to buy toys for the children. (she sure made me cry!)
But all in all we're doing fine, thank you. It's been super smokey, but the past few days of rain have helped a lot. It's suddenly turning cold here, too, and there is a definite smell of fall in the air. You can tell the snow is coming.
Love, Sara
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Joan - Read "this far" and incredibly AWESOME! Leslie
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Want to about something amazing? It's about how Water reflects our thoughts and emotions!
Http://www.wellnessgoods.com/messages.asp
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JOKE: Two babies were sitting in their cribs, when one baby shouted to the other, "Are you a little girl or a little boy?" "I don't know," replied the other baby giggling.
"What do you mean, you don't know?" said the first baby. "I mean I don't know how to tell the difference," was the reply. "Well, I do," said the first baby chuckling, "I'll climb into your crib
and find out."
He carefully got himself into the other baby's crib, then quickly disappeared beneath the blankets. After a couple of minutes, he resurfaced with a big grin on his face. "You're a little girl, and I'm a little boy," he said proudly.
"You're ever so clever," cooed the baby girl, "but how can you tell?"
"Easy!" replied the baby boy, "you've got pink socks and I've got blue ones."
;)
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Get the Real Dope on Drugs. Learn all you need to know to protect your child's future. Do it now! Http://www.Ever-Wondered.com
================
Subject: PENNIES
http://www.kokogiak.com/megapenny/
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From: "MountainWings"
The Hug
It was one of those mornings.
You know the type.
Things are tense. Our infant son had been up all night.
My wife's eyes (along with the rest of her) were weary. My oldest son, the five-year-old, wasn't feeling his best either. He was slow getting ready for school. He understandably didn't feel like going.
It was just one of those mornings.
You know the type.
As I drove him to school, he was quiet. When parents are tense and tired, the children feel it.
They know by word and gesture when their acts and attitudes are less tolerated. After being fussed at, he was sullen.
It was one of those mornings.
You know the type.
I walked him to his classroom as usual. He walked in, removed his coat and hung it up.
I usually give my son a hug before I leave him in class. I knew today he really needed a big hug, and maybe, so did I. He came forward with his arms outstretched. I bowed down,
clasped my arms around him, closed my eyes and hugged him tight.
Normally, I would only hug him for two or three seconds but on this morning, I held him tight as the seconds ticked by like dashed lines on the highway.
All of a sudden, I felt him get heavier.
Still clinging to my son, I opened my eyes. I understood why he had gotten heavier. His feet were off the ground. He had curled his legs up and his heels were only inches away from his
backside.
He clung.
I clung.
Sometimes in life no words are needed. The MountainWings Moment is stated in a feel and a fold. As he folded his legs up and trusted his father to carry all of his weight, he didn't get
heavier to my spirit. I actually felt lighter.
It was a ritual repeated countless times through countless years from countless parents to countless children. The touch and embrace between a parent and a child, make them both feel more secure.
It was one of those mornings.
You know the type.
~A MountainWings Original~
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Learn to play any song on the Piano or Keyboard BY EAR using the revolutionary technique of Rhythmic Patterns! Online audio and video demo at: http://www.PlayPianoTODAY.com
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24,000 people will die from hunger today. Click to give a free food donation at www.thehungersite.com
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This is a Great Idea!
Subject: FAMILY CHAINLETTER
Http://www.start.earthlink.net/newsarticle?cat=10&aid=907112606_5310_lead_story
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Ten ways to Open Your Heart to your Mother
Http://www.lettersfromtheheartproject.com/ways.htm
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STOP Bullying
Http://parentingtoolbox.com/hand/threeRs.html
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TRUISMS
A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.
Anyone who thinks old age is golden must not have had a very exciting youth.
How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teen-ager who wants to stay out all night?
Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?
Scratch a dog or rub a cat and you'll find a permanent job.
There are no new sins....the old ones just get more publicity.
There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4AM. ... It could be a right number.
Think about this..... No one ever says "It's only a game" when their team is winning.
Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.
Learn from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make them all yourself.
The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow.
If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all.
Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs.
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Subject: DEBT CLOCK
http://www.toptips.com/debtclock.html
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<*> Article
History is Boring (shared by EP Parent Cindy)
JOAN'S Note: I truly tried for half an hour to find the author's name. Do you know?
Next time you're washing your hands and the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500s.
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor.
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children -- last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."
Houses had thatched roofs -- thick straw -- piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the dogs, cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the
roof -- hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could really mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt, hence the saying "dirt poor."
The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on the floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they kept adding more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway, hence, a "thresh hold."
In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes the stew had food in it that had been there for quite awhile. Hence the rhyme, "peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old."
Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man "could bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat."
Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with a high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning and death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.
Most people did not have pewter plates, but had trenchers, a piece of wood with the middle scooped out like a bowl. Often trenchers were made from stale bread which was so old and hard that they could be used for quite some time. Trenchers were never washed and a lot of times worms and mold got into the wood and old bread. After eating off wormy, moldy trenchers, one would get "trench mouth.."
Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "upper crust."
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whiskey. The combination would sometimes knock them out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a "wake."
England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house" and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they thought they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the "graveyard shift") to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be "saved by the bell" or was considered a "dead ringer."
And that's the truth. . . (who ever said that History was boring)?
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Enjoy
Http://www.bordergatewayprotocol.net/~jon/humor/web_animations/may02-smilepop-soapbox4.swf MAKE SURE to get the entire address!
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Lowering the Finance Cost on Your Next Vehicle Purchase
© 2002 by Kyle Busch, author of: "Drive the Best for the Price ..."
Before making a purchase, especially a large one, most buyers ponder an equation that goes something like: What is it going to cost me, and will that equal what I am going to get?
Consider that equation when buying your next vehicle. Naturally, you want to get the most vehicle for the money you spend. Here are several tips that will help you to lower your transportation cost.
First, and foremost, consider eliminating some of the steep depreciation cost incurred during the first few years of vehicle ownership by purchasing a 2- to 3- year-old used vehicle. The price can be further reduced by paying cash. However, if you need to finance your next vehicle purchase, consider doing the following to keep its cost closer to the "as if you were paying cash" figure.
- Take the time to carefully identify your current and your future transportation needs, and choose an appropriate vehicle.Transportation represents different things to different people. For some drivers, it represents status in society. Other drivers place greater emphasis on reliably just getting from point A to points B and C. The more closely that you match your driving needs with the vehicle you buy, the more driving pleasure you will experience and the more likely you will want to hold on to the vehicle. When you reduce unnecessary vehicle trades, you save money. If you can't fully identify your transportation needs or the vehicle that can best satisfy them, consult the April issue of Consumer Reports at a public library. The publication groups vehicles into categories, provides frequency-of-repair information for many vehicles, and gives vehicle price information. It is a good idea to identify 2 or 3 vehicles in a particular category that meet your transportation needs.This enables some latitude when shopping for the vehicle.
- Identify how much you can afford to spend per month on transportation. A rule of thumb suggests that the cost to rent an apartment per month should not be greater than 25 percent of your monthly net pay. The cost of an auto loan should not exceed 10 to 12 percent of your monthly net pay. In some instances, leasing a vehicle could be a better option than taking out a loan.
- The vehicle down payment should be the largest possible, and the amount of money borrowed the lowest possible. In addition, barrowing money for the shortest period of time (i.e., a 24-month loan rather than a 48-month loan) will reduce the overall cost of the loan.
- Identify the various loan sources such as banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and national lenders. For example, go online to Ask Jeeves.com and specify "automobile balanancing sources." In regard to national financing vs. local financing, it can be useful to determine what the cost of a loan would be from the national sources, but accept a loan from a local source if the loan cost is comparable or nearly comparable between the two. Compare the APR (annual percentage rate) that each of the sources will charge for the loan. The cost of a loan is negotiable. Therefore, be certain to inform each source what the others have to offer. In addition to the loan's APR, remember to also compare the other costs associated with a loan, such as loan insurance and loan processing costs.
- Be certain to read and understand any fine print contained in the loan contract. Insist that the loan contract gives you the option of making payments early and that the payments will be applied on the loan principle with no penalty or extra cost if you payoff the loan early.
- Do not settle for a vehicle that does not entirely meet your transportation needs because of low dealer or manufacturer incentive financing.Sometimes dealers or manufactures offer extremely low APR financing on vehicles that the dealer is having a hard time selling. That's why it helps to have initially identified the correct vehicle before encountering the sales pitches and other influences of buying a vehicle.
Kyle Busch is the author of Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money. He has over 300,000 miles on his 1986 Volkswagen Jetta-a used vehicle that he bought in 1991 for $2,600. For more information call:1 800 839-8640 or visit: htto://www.drivethebestbook.com The web site accepts all transportation questions.
=================
I THINK YOU ARE A KEEPER!
I grew up in the fifties with practical parents -- a Mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it...
A Father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones. Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, dishtowel in the other.
It was the time for fixing things -- a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, reheating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.
But then my Mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more. Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to return.
So...while we have it...it's best we love it.....and care for it.....and fix it when it's broken.....and heal it when it's sick. This is true.....for marriage.....and old cars.....and children with bad report cards.....and dogs with bad hips.....and aging parents.....and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.
Some things we keep.
Like a best friend that moved away -- or -- a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special.....and so, we keep them close!
=================================
War cannot be humanized, it can only be abolished.
-- Albert Einstein
The ultimate oxymoron: "Holy War"
===============================
FEED THE HUNGRY:
http://www.thehungersite.com
http://www.heifer.org/
FOR PEACE ON OUR PLANET: We are not going to be able to operate our
Spaceship Earth successfully nor for much longer unless we see it as a
whole spaceship and our fate as common. It has to be everybody or nobody.
-Buckminster Fuller
NEXT ISSUE: More of the best I can find for you, dear Parent. And those EP
Bulletins will continue, if sporadically.
* . (\ *** /) * . *
. * ( \ (_) / ) * Guardian Angel * .
. (_ / | \ _) . * .
* . /____\ * . . *
In the meantime, here is an angel sent to watch over you for me.
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FROM BILL: We are Angels born with but one wing,
In order to fly we must embrace one another.
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Till next time, don't forget -- Parenthood is Wonder-filled!
Fondly, Joan
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DISCLAIMER: The Empowered Parenting Ezine is intended to increase your knowledge of the opinions and options in the fields that we cover. There is no guarantee of validity or accuracy. Its contents should not be used to replace professional advice. Empowered Parenting assumes no responsibility for injury and specifically disclaims any warranty, express or implied for any products or services mentioned. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, services of a competent professional should be sought.
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© 1999-2003 Joan Bramsch/JB INFORMATION STATION.
All rights reserved worldwide.
ISSN: 1526-2154 - Library Of Congress, Washington DC, USA
Permission to download text is for personal use only. It is illegal to reproduce or transmit in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, any part of this copyrighted text without permission in writing from the publisher.
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http://www.EmpoweredParent.com
All material copyright © Joan Bramsch 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 (unless otherwise noted)
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EmpoweredParent.com E z i n e
http://EmpoweredParent.com
Information For Today's Parent!
<*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*><*>
VOL.V : Issue 9 October 14, 2003
Editor: Joan Bramsch
E-mail: hijoan@joanbramsch.com
Common sense solutions for Today's Parenting Challenges!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Empowered Parents: Strong Families
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ENJOYING OUR FIFTH YEAR OF PUBLICATION!
KNOW THIS: We are all one people, Mother Earth is our one country, LOVE is stronger than fear and peace and freedom are the birthrights of all humanity. Chief Seattle
===============
"Sizzlers" for Autumn Eve Reading!
Classic Contemporary Romance Novels
By Joan Bramsch
Http://www.joanbramsch.com/store/romancebooks.shtml
==============
INSIDE YOUR EP EZINE
<*> Article
<*> Letters from EP Parents
<*> This 'n That
<*> Marketplace
<*> Subscribe/unsubscribe Information r>
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"You do what you know how to do; and when you know better, you do better."
- Maya Angelou
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Letter to Parent
WELCOME
Hi dear Parent,
Autumn (or Spring) is upon us, depending on where you live on Planet Earth. Today would have been my Bill's birthday. I'm back in Missouri after spending the last three months in Minnesota at my lake cottage. I did a lot of inner work on myself and a lot of outer work on the cottage. Both me and it have been neglected the last few years!
One peak experience this summer was meeting my high school classmates for a reunion. I hugged friends I haven't seen since the evening we graduated so long ago. It was good!
Now I am facing the big job of clearing out the clutter, clutter that is not all mine, but also belongs to my mother, her mother and my Bill. It's a task, let me tell you... But I shall overcome and survive.
I want you to know that I have appreciated all your good wishes and happy thoughts you've sent. Now here is one back from me. :) You'll be humming it all day long.
Http://www.allthefun.com/1/winknsmile.htm
On Sunday I closed the EP Caps4 Kids list. Those who were members are on different pathways now so it was time. We all agreed that we would continue creating warm caps for cold heads in a local way. Hundreds of youngsters will remember the group's generosity.
My mom, Tinkerbelle Mama (so named by me because she never grew up :) was a born again natural secretary. She made and kept thousands of notes on tiny little scraps of paper. Sayings, jokes, riddles, facts. She also clipped tiny little fillers from newspapers and magazines. And she SAVED every one of them.
I am going through literally pounds of her notes and clippings. All the jokes in EP this month are from her; I figure if I give them to you to enjoy and share a chuckle, then I can, in good conscience, pitch the original jotting.
That said, here's one that makes a thoughtful mental image! "Never play leapfrog with a unicorn!"
Enjoy this month's ezine.
Love,
Joan
P.s. I want to tell you about a new internet friend I made this summer. Go here to learn all about MIKE ELLIS FUNLANGUAGE SPANISH http://www.slanguage.com/about.html Such fun!
P.p.s. I also want to tell you about Bob Scheinfeld, Founder of The Invisible Path to Success. I've been working with his program all summer and it not only makes sense, it works! He has free lessons here: http://www.lifechangetips.com/ Go see for yourself.
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HOW did the plant on the window sill of the Math Room grow? It grew square roots!
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A Complete Halloween Fun Guide
http://www.parentcenter.com/general/fun/outings/36107.html
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REVIEW
"Healthy Lunchbox" - Rallie McAllister, M.D.
ISBN 0-89526-137-5 Lifeline Press, Washington, D.C.
Rallie's book arrived at the Perfect Time, just when I'd replaced my Empowered Parent home page for Fall, which is all about training your child.
She provides a dozen chapters of excellent advice for _all_ Parents as they instill lifelong good health habits. From good food to good forms of exercise, she shares her insights as both a parent and a physician.
They agree with the NAK - Nutrition and Kids _ CD-ROM game, too.
http://www.nutritionandkids.net/10617/
Submitted by Joan Bramsch, Parents' Cheerleader
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Go check out this item Note the winning bid! Love, Marcie
Http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3627872872&category=208
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JOAN'S Note: These authors and I agree... My book TEACH ME, I'M YOURS shows Parents of young children that everyday items are teaching tools, that a child learns all day long!
Http://joanbramsch.com/book-teachme.html
How Our Children Really Learn And Why They Need To Play More And Memorize Less
by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PH.D., And Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, PH.D ,
authors of
Einstein Never Used Flash Cards
To listen to an audio interview with the authors, please visit Written Voices at: http://www.writtenvoices.com/titlepage.asp?ISBN=1579546951
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LIFE is a Ballroom... Just dance!
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IF YOU WANT HELP WITH your investing as our economy slows down, I cannot recommend more highly the Safe Money Report. I've been reading THE SAFE MONEY REPORT for 20 years. It's 100% satisfaction guaranteed Enjoy all the benefits of the Safe Money Report for a full year for just $99 … or better yet, get two years for just $198… It's
risk free. Call (800)-236-0407 Ask for Doreen. This is HALF-PRICE for EP!
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<*> Article
Subject: The parent is the boss
You may wish to remember the following directive, dear Parent, when your child starts with the whining, negotiating, "talk parent out of what child doesn't want to do," and generally becomes a big pain in the backside:
"The person _in charge_ should NEVER enter into discussions because s/he loses authority by debate." Antoni Gaudi, great Art Nouveau Spanish architect
And all EP Parents say: Right on!
Because Joan says:
"Generally speaking, Parents are too nice and talk too much. Give the directive once. No discussion. Why? Because your kid knows exactly what s/he is doing and how to do it! Compared to them, you are a piker so don't get caught in that trap!"
Tho't you might also be interested in Dr. Phil's Parenting 101 page
Http://www.drphil.com/show/show.jhtml;jsessionid=C50MMN4O4FNNTLARAYICFEQ?contentId=1165_parenting_101.xml
(make sure to get the entire address)
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Thought for the day..."The more sand that has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the more clearly we should see through it." Jean Paul
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MY IDEA OF LIVING!
Life is not a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely
in one pretty and well preserved piece,
but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up,
totally worn out,
and loudly proclaiming—
WOW-WHAT A RIDE!
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<*> Letters from EP Parents
Hi Joan
I have set my youngest son to the task of figuring this (month's) puzzle out. He is a freshman in high school but tests in the early third year college levels. Back soon with the equation. Thanks for providing a great site!! Regards, Christopher
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Hi Joan
Just a quick note to tell you how much Martha and I continue to enjoy your newsletters and additional "memos" and offer our congratulations to you and Empowered Parenting for a job mightily done!! Jeff
"Spriggles Motivational Books for Children"
Http://www.spriggles.com
JOAN's note: Spriggles are soooooooooooooo great! I love them. :) Go see for yourself.
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Hi, Joan,
I loved seeing all these views of Mars! I went down to a local place where they have telescopes and saw for myself a couple of weeks ago but the scopes couldn't begin to show all of what was in these pictures you sent. I sent them on to about sixty or so of 'my closest friends.' Hope all continues well for you. Hugs, Dottie
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Mars... That was absolutely wonder filled!! Thank you sooo much... I will share it with all my friends, family and colleagues!! Have a fabulous day... Love Brenda
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Joan,
Thanks for the address to check out Mars pictures. My kids were just talking about this before they went to bed. I'll show them tomorrow. Thanks for your dedication and empowering us parents! You always have good information! :) God bless you today and always...in all ways! Karen in MI
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Hi Joan,
I did not know you were an author until you mentioned it (I signed up for your newsletter via an online ezine/newsletter locator), but I went to your website and said a few "Wow!"s before replying. :)
Your book "Kid Safe" http://joanbramsch.com/book-kidsafe.html cut through to the heart of me. I was a lobbyist for children's rights in Ohio before moving to Canada in 1999. My biggest "fight" at the statehouse had to do with online predators and the need for tighter cyber laws to protect children.
May your book bring a lightbulb of awareness to your readers, and God bless you for writing it.
Love, Julie Donner Andersen
*** Hi dear Julie,
And I know your work. I've read about your book some time ago. Yours is a unique take on parenthood. I'm proud of you for finding the words to tell others. Bravo.
The thing about controls on cyber space is that they don't work, imo. The best control in the world is a watchful parent, and if a parent is watchful their kid is not seeking "understanding" on the internet. The parent is the first defense against anything that can harm a child.
We don't always do our best work, especially when that child is the least loveable (as I said in my letter to Moms and Dads in Help4Parents section), but that's what we signed up for, right? And we don't get one minute off for good behavior either. :) love, Joan
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Joan
I saw your request. I read what you said. It sounds to me like the web sites where you get your information are getting into you. My friends who have escaped communist countries don't for a minute think that it can't happen here. All it takes is to convince people that things aren't "fair" the way they are but the "state" can make it "fair" for everyone. People fall for the big lie better than the small one. Sadie
*** You may not believe this, Sadie, but imo we are on the same side. I fight against intrusive government. For example: the Patriot II Act that gives the Feds the power to see what we read in our public libraries is a farce. When an EP Parent who is a retired FBI agent spoke about the importance of this law, I asked, very nicely and politely, how many of the pamphlets, books and instructions for building bombs that were found in terrorists' quarters were stolen from our public libraries. He never did answer me.
I also am alarmed that there can now be secret trials and that full American citizens can be striped of their rights and citizenship all in secret with no public hearing. Who says you and I will not be "chosen" someday because of what we think or say or write? I seriously fight against infringement on our First Amendment rights. Even during WWII, a REAL war, there were none of these intrusive new laws passed in the name of security.
None of these laws will ever make us more secure, imo. That is a myth.
Love, Joan
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LIBRARY CHIPS?
SO... what do you think of this?
http://start.earthlink.net/newsarticle?cat=2&aid=D7TV0EL00_story
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A note from Sara, my Webmama, who lives in B.C., Canada:
The province has really been under siege with all the fires. They are saying that more sq. miles burned this summer alone than in the last 600 years!!! The landscape is really decimated (but it should put an end to the clear-cut logging!!) I feel most concerned about the animals, because between the fires and the severe drought they are having an ordeal.
People are coping really well, all things considered, and the hope, faith, and "community" being displayed is almost beyond belief. There are people with tears in their eyes as they see the remains of their burnt-out homes, and yet they are saying that they don't have it that bad - they got their pictures and their dog out. Or they say that they aren't as badly off as the neighbour - whose house they are going to try to rebuild first.
One interview with a tiny little girl generated such a response around the province that they actually had to tell people to stop! She was really small - I would guess around 3 - 3 1/2 years old, and the TV reporter asked her what she thought of the fires. They were standing in the remains of the little one's front yard; her face was streaked with dirt, her hair was disheveled. She looked around, sighed, and with great calm looked at the lady and quietly said, "I lost all my dollies".
I think she had everyone watching bursting out in tears and running to the store to buy toys for the children. (she sure made me cry!)
But all in all we're doing fine, thank you. It's been super smokey, but the past few days of rain have helped a lot. It's suddenly turning cold here, too, and there is a definite smell of fall in the air. You can tell the snow is coming.
Love, Sara
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Joan - Read "this far" and incredibly AWESOME! Leslie
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Want to about something amazing? It's about how Water reflects our thoughts and emotions!
Http://www.wellnessgoods.com/messages.asp
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JOKE: Two babies were sitting in their cribs, when one baby shouted to the other, "Are you a little girl or a little boy?" "I don't know," replied the other baby giggling.
"What do you mean, you don't know?" said the first baby. "I mean I don't know how to tell the difference," was the reply. "Well, I do," said the first baby chuckling, "I'll climb into your crib
and find out."
He carefully got himself into the other baby's crib, then quickly disappeared beneath the blankets. After a couple of minutes, he resurfaced with a big grin on his face. "You're a little girl, and I'm a little boy," he said proudly.
"You're ever so clever," cooed the baby girl, "but how can you tell?"
"Easy!" replied the baby boy, "you've got pink socks and I've got blue ones."
;)
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Get the Real Dope on Drugs. Learn all you need to know to protect your child's future. Do it now! Http://www.Ever-Wondered.com
================
Subject: PENNIES
http://www.kokogiak.com/megapenny/
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From: "MountainWings"
The Hug
It was one of those mornings.
You know the type.
Things are tense. Our infant son had been up all night.
My wife's eyes (along with the rest of her) were weary. My oldest son, the five-year-old, wasn't feeling his best either. He was slow getting ready for school. He understandably didn't feel like going.
It was just one of those mornings.
You know the type.
As I drove him to school, he was quiet. When parents are tense and tired, the children feel it.
They know by word and gesture when their acts and attitudes are less tolerated. After being fussed at, he was sullen.
It was one of those mornings.
You know the type.
I walked him to his classroom as usual. He walked in, removed his coat and hung it up.
I usually give my son a hug before I leave him in class. I knew today he really needed a big hug, and maybe, so did I. He came forward with his arms outstretched. I bowed down,
clasped my arms around him, closed my eyes and hugged him tight.
Normally, I would only hug him for two or three seconds but on this morning, I held him tight as the seconds ticked by like dashed lines on the highway.
All of a sudden, I felt him get heavier.
Still clinging to my son, I opened my eyes. I understood why he had gotten heavier. His feet were off the ground. He had curled his legs up and his heels were only inches away from his
backside.
He clung.
I clung.
Sometimes in life no words are needed. The MountainWings Moment is stated in a feel and a fold. As he folded his legs up and trusted his father to carry all of his weight, he didn't get
heavier to my spirit. I actually felt lighter.
It was a ritual repeated countless times through countless years from countless parents to countless children. The touch and embrace between a parent and a child, make them both feel more secure.
It was one of those mornings.
You know the type.
~A MountainWings Original~
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Learn to play any song on the Piano or Keyboard BY EAR using the revolutionary technique of Rhythmic Patterns! Online audio and video demo at: http://www.PlayPianoTODAY.com
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24,000 people will die from hunger today. Click to give a free food donation at www.thehungersite.com
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This is a Great Idea!
Subject: FAMILY CHAINLETTER
Http://www.start.earthlink.net/newsarticle?cat=10&aid=907112606_5310_lead_story
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Ten ways to Open Your Heart to your Mother
Http://www.lettersfromtheheartproject.com/ways.htm
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STOP Bullying
Http://parentingtoolbox.com/hand/threeRs.html
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TRUISMS
A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.
Anyone who thinks old age is golden must not have had a very exciting youth.
How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teen-ager who wants to stay out all night?
Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?
Scratch a dog or rub a cat and you'll find a permanent job.
There are no new sins....the old ones just get more publicity.
There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4AM. ... It could be a right number.
Think about this..... No one ever says "It's only a game" when their team is winning.
Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.
Learn from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make them all yourself.
The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow.
If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all.
Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs.
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Subject: DEBT CLOCK
http://www.toptips.com/debtclock.html
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<*> Article
History is Boring (shared by EP Parent Cindy)
JOAN'S Note: I truly tried for half an hour to find the author's name. Do you know?
Next time you're washing your hands and the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500s.
Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor.
Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children -- last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."
Houses had thatched roofs -- thick straw -- piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the dogs, cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the
roof -- hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could really mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence
The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt, hence the saying "dirt poor."
The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on the floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they kept adding more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway, hence, a "thresh hold."
In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes the stew had food in it that had been there for quite awhile. Hence the rhyme, "peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old."
Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man "could bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat."
Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with a high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning and death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.
Most people did not have pewter plates, but had trenchers, a piece of wood with the middle scooped out like a bowl. Often trenchers were made from stale bread which was so old and hard that they could be used for quite some time. Trenchers were never washed and a lot of times worms and mold got into the wood and old bread. After eating off wormy, moldy trenchers, one would get "trench mouth.."
Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "upper crust."
Lead cups were used to drink ale or whiskey. The combination would sometimes knock them out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a "wake."
England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house" and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they thought they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the "graveyard shift") to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be "saved by the bell" or was considered a "dead ringer."
And that's the truth. . . (who ever said that History was boring)?
==============
Enjoy
Http://www.bordergatewayprotocol.net/~jon/humor/web_animations/may02-smilepop-soapbox4.swf MAKE SURE to get the entire address!
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Lowering the Finance Cost on Your Next Vehicle Purchase
© 2002 by Kyle Busch, author of: "Drive the Best for the Price ..."
Before making a purchase, especially a large one, most buyers ponder an equation that goes something like: What is it going to cost me, and will that equal what I am going to get?
Consider that equation when buying your next vehicle. Naturally, you want to get the most vehicle for the money you spend. Here are several tips that will help you to lower your transportation cost.
First, and foremost, consider eliminating some of the steep depreciation cost incurred during the first few years of vehicle ownership by purchasing a 2- to 3- year-old used vehicle. The price can be further reduced by paying cash. However, if you need to finance your next vehicle purchase, consider doing the following to keep its cost closer to the "as if you were paying cash" figure.
- Take the time to carefully identify your current and your future transportation needs, and choose an appropriate vehicle.Transportation represents different things to different people. For some drivers, it represents status in society. Other drivers place greater emphasis on reliably just getting from point A to points B and C. The more closely that you match your driving needs with the vehicle you buy, the more driving pleasure you will experience and the more likely you will want to hold on to the vehicle. When you reduce unnecessary vehicle trades, you save money. If you can't fully identify your transportation needs or the vehicle that can best satisfy them, consult the April issue of Consumer Reports at a public library. The publication groups vehicles into categories, provides frequency-of-repair information for many vehicles, and gives vehicle price information. It is a good idea to identify 2 or 3 vehicles in a particular category that meet your transportation needs.This enables some latitude when shopping for the vehicle.
- Identify how much you can afford to spend per month on transportation. A rule of thumb suggests that the cost to rent an apartment per month should not be greater than 25 percent of your monthly net pay. The cost of an auto loan should not exceed 10 to 12 percent of your monthly net pay. In some instances, leasing a vehicle could be a better option than taking out a loan.
- The vehicle down payment should be the largest possible, and the amount of money borrowed the lowest possible. In addition, barrowing money for the shortest period of time (i.e., a 24-month loan rather than a 48-month loan) will reduce the overall cost of the loan.
- Identify the various loan sources such as banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and national lenders. For example, go online to Ask Jeeves.com and specify "automobile balanancing sources." In regard to national financing vs. local financing, it can be useful to determine what the cost of a loan would be from the national sources, but accept a loan from a local source if the loan cost is comparable or nearly comparable between the two. Compare the APR (annual percentage rate) that each of the sources will charge for the loan. The cost of a loan is negotiable. Therefore, be certain to inform each source what the others have to offer. In addition to the loan's APR, remember to also compare the other costs associated with a loan, such as loan insurance and loan processing costs.
- Be certain to read and understand any fine print contained in the loan contract. Insist that the loan contract gives you the option of making payments early and that the payments will be applied on the loan principle with no penalty or extra cost if you payoff the loan early.
- Do not settle for a vehicle that does not entirely meet your transportation needs because of low dealer or manufacturer incentive financing.Sometimes dealers or manufactures offer extremely low APR financing on vehicles that the dealer is having a hard time selling. That's why it helps to have initially identified the correct vehicle before encountering the sales pitches and other influences of buying a vehicle.
Kyle Busch is the author of Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money. He has over 300,000 miles on his 1986 Volkswagen Jetta-a used vehicle that he bought in 1991 for $2,600. For more information call:1 800 839-8640 or visit: htto://www.drivethebestbook.com The web site accepts all transportation questions.
=================
I THINK YOU ARE A KEEPER!
I grew up in the fifties with practical parents -- a Mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it...
A Father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones. Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, dishtowel in the other.
It was the time for fixing things -- a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, reheating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.
But then my Mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more. Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to return.
So...while we have it...it's best we love it.....and care for it.....and fix it when it's broken.....and heal it when it's sick. This is true.....for marriage.....and old cars.....and children with bad report cards.....and dogs with bad hips.....and aging parents.....and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.
Some things we keep.
Like a best friend that moved away -- or -- a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special.....and so, we keep them close!
=================================
War cannot be humanized, it can only be abolished.
-- Albert Einstein
The ultimate oxymoron: "Holy War"
===============================
FEED THE HUNGRY:
http://www.thehungersite.com
http://www.heifer.org/
FOR PEACE ON OUR PLANET: We are not going to be able to operate our
Spaceship Earth successfully nor for much longer unless we see it as a
whole spaceship and our fate as common. It has to be everybody or nobody.
-Buckminster Fuller
NEXT ISSUE: More of the best I can find for you, dear Parent. And those EP
Bulletins will continue, if sporadically.
* . (\ *** /) * . *
. * ( \ (_) / ) * Guardian Angel * .
. (_ / | \ _) . * .
* . /____\ * . . *
In the meantime, here is an angel sent to watch over you for me.
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FROM BILL: We are Angels born with but one wing,
In order to fly we must embrace one another.
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Till next time, don't forget -- Parenthood is Wonder-filled!
Fondly, Joan
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DISCLAIMER: The Empowered Parenting Ezine is intended to increase your knowledge of the opinions and options in the fields that we cover. There is no guarantee of validity or accuracy. Its contents should not be used to replace professional advice. Empowered Parenting assumes no responsibility for injury and specifically disclaims any warranty, express or implied for any products or services mentioned. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, services of a competent professional should be sought.
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© 1999-2003 Joan Bramsch/JB INFORMATION STATION.
All rights reserved worldwide.
ISSN: 1526-2154 - Library Of Congress, Washington DC, USA
Permission to download text is for personal use only. It is illegal to reproduce or transmit in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, any part of this copyrighted text without permission in writing from the publisher.
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http://www.EmpoweredParent.com
All material copyright © Joan Bramsch 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 (unless otherwise noted)
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