WordProverb

Family Fun at the Texas Renaissance Festival

2009-11-11T17:10:00.003-06:00

This past weekend my family and I attended the Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, TX. According to their website, it is one of the nation's largest and most acclaimed renaissance theme parks. I believe it, although I can only compare it to King Richard's Faire in Carver, MA, as these are the only two renaissance theme parks I have visited. Both are a blast!

Expensive though, the price rivals a Disney park. However, when I asked the kids later which they enjoyed more, the renaissance festival or Disney World, the answer was a resounding, "I don't know."

So, there you have it. The Texas Renaissance Festival is a fun-filled day of excitement and pretend, royalty and peasants, entertainment and shopping, and more. And it's a day that rivals Disney World in family fun (but not all attractions and shows are necessarily kid-friendly at the festival).

I sure hope we make the Texas Renaissance Festival an annual tradition!

BTW - The crowds were sparse this year compared to prior visits and I wonder if that was due to the weather or the economy?

Making the Most of Your Parent-Teacher Conference

2009-11-05T18:00:00.000-06:00

Having just completed a parent-teacher conference, these tips are fresh in mind to help make the most of your conference time.

First off - go. I've heard some parents claim they do not need to have a parent-teacher conference because their child is doing so well in school. It may be true that you won't have a lot to talk about then, but not going at all sends the wrong message to the kids (and their teachers). Schooling your children is a joint effort between teacher and parents, so at the least, the parent needs to show up.
Talk to your kids first. Find out if they are experiencing any problems at school, whether it be in the classroom or outside, or if they have any questions or concerns.
Make a list. Write down questions you want to ask the teacher as you think of them and prior to the conference, then take the list with you. The teacher has set aside this time to talk to you specifically, so make sure you get all your questions answered.
Be on time. I can't tell you how many times I've had to wait for my conference because the teacher was behind schedule. This is usually due to someone being late for a conference earlier in the day, setting the whole schedule behind.
Make an action plan if necessary. Make sure you leave the conference with a clear understanding of any action you need to take at home to reinforce your child's learning at school.

Like most of us, teachers are busier than ever. Planning in advance will help maximize your time, as well as the teacher's, helping to ensure the best education for your child.

What are some of the things you do to prepare for a parent-teacher conference?

Book Review - Groundswell by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff

2009-11-04T16:04:00.000-06:00

For those of you interested in a business book review and discussion on Social Media, please visit New Business Pipeline where I recently posted my review of Groundswell, winning in a world transformed by social technologies by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff. Here is the link.

Social Media Effects on Filling the Pipeline « New Business Pipeline

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Kids and Social Networking - What's the Right Age?

2009-11-02T13:21:00.004-06:00

Although social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have reported flattened growth (perhaps due to more choices and users getting picky), there is no doubt that social networking is flourishing. Just like the telephone changed the world, followed by email, now we have numerous more ways to connect and communicate.

Most social networking sites have minimum age requirements for setting up a profile. Facebook requires it's users to be 13 years old, and MySpace has similar requirements. But more and more users are ignoring those requirements and setting up profiles at younger ages.

So what's a parent to do? My own kids ask about opening an account. I tell them they need to wait until they meet the minimum age requirements, all the while their friends are socializing on these sites. I figure there must be reasoning behind the minimum age requirements, but is there? Is there some inherent risk to having a Facebook profile that is no longer prevalent when the child turns 13?

Here are some interesting articles on social media growth and statistics, and kids usage of these networking sites.

STATS: Facebook and Twitter’s Growth Flattens

Social Networking - ProCon.org

Social networks and kids: How young is too young? - CNN.com

Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Ever Deserve the Bad Parent Award?

2009-10-23T18:47:00.005-05:00

Parenting is hard work, and we all make mistakes. This week, I truly earned and I deserve the bad parent award. Let me tell you what happened.

It was late arrival day for middle school, but instead of sleeping in, my daughter had Girl Scouts. I dropped her off for her meeting, and then headed home. She left her backpack in the car so she would have it for school, and I left the garage door open when I got home since it was a quick turnaround. I only had about an hour before I needed to leave to pick up her cousin for school, and then back to the Girl Scout meeting to get my daughter.

Once home, I settled in for a chat with my mother-in-law, who is visiting from Boston. We made a fresh pot of coffee and enjoyed talking about various current events as reported on the morning news. Then I retreated to my office to begin my day, starting as I usually do by responding to email. Gradually I finished that up, and began making my new business calls.

I could hear my mother-in-law moving about and getting ready to take the dog on a walk. She got the leash out and the dog jumped around in excitement. The home phone rang a time or two, but as always, I let those calls go to machine since I was on my business line and on client time.

Later, I took a quick shower to get ready for a lunch out with my mother-in-law. It was in the shower that it dawned on me. I FORGOT THE KIDS! I jumped out of the shower, wrapped a towel around me, and ran down the hall dripping wet. "I forgot the kids," I yelled repeatedly.

My mother-in-law must have thought I was a nut, standing there dripping with only a towel, but I had to find out right away if they made it to school. Fortunately, my sister had plumbing problems that morning, so she was home from work and took her son to school (sorry to say that was fortunate, Sis, but they say things happen for a reason). My own daughter was dropped off at school by the Girl Scout leader, who also kindly gave her paper, pen, and lunch money (remember, her backpack was in my car).

What a horrible mom to forget her kids. I felt awful, and still do. When I dropped the backpack at school, my daughter's first words were, "Where were you?" She was so upset. I apologized, but what could I say? It was stupidity and forgetfulness on my part. While she was clearly displeased, she did seem to forgive me somewhat when she heard that I had forgotten her cousin too. At least it wasn't just her I forgot!

I had worried everyone, and for this I am truly sorry. I have no excuse, although some say it is because I keep too busy a schedule.

I love my children so very much, and would never do anything to hurt them. So, how bad a mom am I? I honestly can't think of much worse than forgetting to pick up your kid. How long before I can reclaim good mom status? Has anything like this happened with you? Please share your stories in the comments.

Our Kids and Self-esteem

2009-10-22T08:00:00.003-05:00

This video has been around for awhile, but I think it says a lot. It's amazing the powerful effect of marketing and advertising, especially on our kids. My gymnast daughter works out approximately 15 hours per week, and has worried that certain clothes make her look fat. Believe me, she doesn't have an ounce of fat on her!

We are surrounded by a world of flawless beauty - TV, billboards, magazines, the internet. How do you combat all these messages portraying "perfect" looks and help build self-esteem, particularly in our pre-teen and teen girls?

A Blog Re-Welcome Message

2009-10-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome new readers and returning visitors!

If you are reading this post via email or a reader, I invite you to visit the actual blog site. You'll see it's changed. Many of you know that I've frequently struggled with exactly what WordProverb is about, and even posted on it here. Now I've made some major changes (both in format and focus).

WordProverb has a new face and a new emphasis - on family, raising kids, spirituality and quality of life. I hope you will engage with me in conversations about parenting, imparting values, spending time together, what works and what doesn't in building relationship, religion and more. Book reviews will also continue to be a part of this blog - after all, reading is setting a good example for our kids. I'm open to anything wholesome and good for building relationships and family.

What's in it for you? Hopefully entertainment, community, useful information, and a place to share ideas. I would add wisdom to the list, but alas, I'm no expert and am on the learn as you go plan. Which is all the more reason for you to add your voice. And I hope you do.

Again, welcome! Please let me know what you think.

Halloween Fun for the Family - Make a JibJab eCard

2009-10-06T13:22:00.005-05:00

Fun to make and hilarious for the family to watch. Here's the link to the JibJab website where you can make yours, http://sendables.jibjab.com/.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - A Good Family Flick?

2009-09-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a review I recently read about the new animated movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. I'm hearing a lot of good things about this movie, along with surprise by adults that it's enjoyable and very watchable.

Nothing cloudy about meatballs chance of success

Have you seen the movie, or do you plan to see it? What are your thoughts - is it a good family flick?

Book Review – Death by Dorlana Vann

2009-09-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Excellent – a very quick and enjoyable read. Death is really two books in one. First is Jaclyn's Ghost, which I had read pre-publication, loved, and blogged about it here. This is the story about fashion model Jaclyn Jade, who has to find the reason she doesn't make it into Heaven after her untimely and murderous death. She enlists the help of a psychic that can hear ghosts, as well as a mysterious and intriguing ghost named Logan. An exciting adventure ensues and one that is sure to captivate readers – it did me!

The second story is Passage to Mesentia. Here, Dorlana Vann surprises the reader with twists and turns that test Wade and Bella's relationship as they search for answers to the murder of Bella's archeological parents. A mysterious and surreal stranger named Ben solicits their help in finding an ancient Egyptian artifact believed to be the reason behind the murder, all the while pulling in Bella with his romantic and tragic past.

Dorlana Vann is a newly published author, fellow member of the Humble Fiction Café writers group, and a friend. Read the book if you get a chance, and watch for more of her novels in the future.

HFC/Good Books in the Woods - Author Event

2009-09-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is just a quick courtesy reminder about the exciting author event being held this Saturday at Good Books in the Woods. While I haven't yet been to Good Books in the Woods, it looks like an interesting and fun bookstore to visit and was featured in the Lifestyle section of the Houston Chronicle on Mar 24, 2009. I will be there along with several other members of my writers group, Humble Fiction Cafe, between 12-3:00 p.m. If you already have Split, bring it along to have it signed by some of the contributing authors, or you can purchase your copy there. We will also have contests to give away books, plus you can listen to poems and short stories being read by the authors.

Since this is my very first book signing ever, I'm really excited and am hoping for a great turnout. Please tell you friends in the Houston area to stop by!

For those who have attended (or hosted) book signing author events, tell me... what should I expect? Any tips/tricks or recommendations to help make it more successful?

Humble Fiction Cafe: An Author Event Not to be Missed!

Book Review - My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

2009-09-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jodi Picoult is an author that writes complex characters and isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects. She has an ability to get into the heads of her characters and make them come alive. And so it is also with My Sister’s Keeper.

My Sister’s Keeper is the story of a family in turmoil. From her birth on, Anna spends time in and out of hospitals as a donor for her sister Kate, who has leukemia. In fact, Anna’s whole existence resulted from preimplantation genetic diagnosis because her parents sought a donor match to treat Kate’s medical condition, and this role became Anna’s life within minutes of her birth.

The story starts when Anna is thirteen and seeks medical emancipation from her parents. In the process of discovering who she is and her role in life, Anna makes decisions that dramatically affect her family. My Sister’s Keeper explores family dynamics, motivations, emotions, and morality, and it does not disappoint.

I loved this book and was pulled in at it’s opening sentence,

“When I was little, the great mystery to me wasn’t how babies were made, but why.”

It is a novel that actually brought me to tears, so real the emotions.

Have you read My Sister's Keeper or other Jodi Picoult books? What did you like/dislike?

Do You Read Christian Fiction? Then I need your help. « from Hope and Faith

2009-09-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Do You Read Christian Fiction? Then I need your help. « post from Hope and Faith

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An Author Event You Won't Want to Miss!

2009-09-05T07:31:00.005-05:00

On Saturday, Sept 19, members of Humble Fiction Cafe will be at Good Books in the Woods. The event is from 12:00-3:00 p.m. and will feature author readings, book and e-book giveaways, and more.

Click here for more information.

Click here for a map.

Hope to see you there!

Book Review - A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt

2009-09-03T20:46:00.001-05:00

A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt

Warning – this review contains spoilers.

This is the story of a U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumper, Joel Montgomery, coming to grips with his broken past and helping a sick child get his most desired wish – that of a family.

While this Christian fiction story is heartwarming, it is also predictable. Joel fulfills the wish of a child with cancer by parachuting into the kid’s schoolyard, and then proceeds to fall for his beautiful teacher, Amber Stanton, who is trying to adopt the sick child. Joel and Amber each must overcome issues from their past before they can truly move forward.

This debut novel was an easy read with a happily-ever-after ending, but I prefer more flaws that provide depth and dimension to characters. Certainly they were Christians, but Joel and Amber seemed too perfect to feel real. Everyone was nice, polite, prim and proper, and that part felt contrived.

Disney World Rocks Again!

2009-08-24T19:32:00.005-05:00

No doubt about it, Disney World is a great family vacation spot! It rocks and few places compare! We had a great time, but I'm glad to be home because the parks are exhausting!

Every Disney trip has been different for me. As dinks (double-income-no-kids), my husband and I preferred Epcot. As a family with kids, I think we most enjoyed Magic Kingdom.

This trip we tried the optional dining plan for the first time. It's a challenge to eat all the food it includes and lots of fun trying! Don't do Disney without it. Plus it will save you a lot of money if you are eating in the parks.

It was also my first time to Animal Kingdom. My expectations were not high, I didn't expect much. Boy, was I surprised and pleased. My favorites at Animal Kingdom were the Safari, Mount Everest roller coaster, and the Yak and Yeti restaurant.

Highlights of the trip included getting autographs from many characters on the t-shirts my youngest daughter made for everyone. My oldest daughter decorated pouches we were able to use to keep our valuables so that we didn't have to carry pocketbooks.

The picture is of the family in front of a waterfall at Epcot.

Bye Mickey & Minnie, Goofy, and Pinocchio. Hope to see you again soon!

Blog Reader Feedback

2009-08-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

While I am away on vacation, I thought it would be a great idea to invite a fellow writer/blogger to guest post on WordProverb. But then I started thinking, what do they write about? What exactly is WordProverb? What do you most like to read here?

I’ve troubled myself with this for some time. I’ve studied the analytics, but it’s confusing and discrepant between sources. For instance, if you go by Post Rank Publishers (which you can view on the right sidebar), my most popular posts have been:

• Hooky Day – A Mother/Daughter Tradition (family/parenting)
• Announcing a New Blog (announcing a new business blog)
• Nine Reasons I Love to Work At Home (work/lifestyle)
• Lest I Forget Friday (misc information incl local events & blog info)
• A Week of Giving (family/parenting)
• Have You Read it Yet? (book review related)

According to Feedburner, the most popular posts are:

• Have You Read it Yet? (book review related)
• Psalm 100 for a 100th Post (spiritual)
• Book Review – Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer (book review)

And finally, Google Analytics has a complete different view, with these listed as the most popular posts:

• Jesus Didn’t Tap – A Sermon Remembered (spiritual)
• I’m an INFJ – What about you? (life/writing)
• Upcoming Book Reviews & Contest! (book review related)

So what’s a blogger to think? I’ve decided the best thing to do is go directly to the source – you! You tell me, what is it that you most enjoy reading on this blog and what kind of posts would you like to see more of? Feel free to post anonymously if you would like, my hope is to get lots of good feedback that will help me to make this blog more enjoyable for you.

I look forward to reading your responses when I am back from vacation!

Learning to Be Grateful

2009-08-08T09:58:00.009-05:00

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe everyone has been charitable at some point or another. People give to those in need in huge numbers. Perhaps you donate to a favorite cause, or you've prepared a meal for someone who has experienced loss, or you adopt a family over the holidays and buy gifts they otherwise wouldn't have. Or maybe your giving is the gift of time as a volunteer, tithing to the church, preparing food at a soup kitchen, or simply comforting and talking to the lonely. We've all “been there, done that” - just some more than others. But what happens when you are the recipient of all that giving? Have you been?

Blessed with friends and family that are unbelievable at lending support and help, recently, I’ve been heavy on the receiving side. My friend had a household item repaired for me – something she knew wasn’t a priority in my current financial situation, but something she knew I would love to have fixed. The Chevy I am driving belongs to my parents – they loaned it on pretense and immediately began calling it mine. Even businesses I frequent have bartered. And there’s been more. It’s been an incredible journey throughout this period of under- and unemployment.

What I wasn’t prepared for was the barrage of emotion that would go along with these gifts and acts of kindness.

Most obvious, of course, is the direct joy and pleasure resulting from these expressions of love. To know that people care, and care so deeply, is undeniably mind-boggling. It is a true reflection of fellowship and community, and of complete selflessness and generosity.

But on the flip side, and where I’ve been surprised, are my conflicting sentiments. I feel beholden, that I need to repay these offerings, but how? What could I possibly do to repay all this bigheartedness? Am I a charity case, and when did that happen? Do I talk too much about my personal situation? Am I accountable for this assistance? And what about moving forward?

In a nutshell – I’m feeling guilt when I should be feeling gratitude. Which, by the way, makes me feel shame. However, I am truly thankful too. It’s confusing to say the least.

So what about you? Have you received something that has left you with conflicting emotions? How did you work it out?

More Good News from Humble Fiction Cafe

2009-08-05T22:17:00.005-05:00

I just have to brag some more about the talented writers of Humble Fiction Cafe. You already know about the book success of Dorlana Vann and Susan H. Miller, and the acceptance of Kelli Meyer into the esteemed Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop.

Now Chrissa Sandlin has a poem entitled The White Market in Sorcerous Signals (http://www.sorceroussignals.com/WhiteMarket.html). Check it out!

It is wonderful to be able to share all this good news!

The Novel Start to Hope and Faith

2009-07-29T08:19:00.004-05:00

Check out the opening to my novel, Hope and Faith, and weigh in with your comments. I've posted the beginning to the novel on my Hope and Faith blog. Does it grab your interest? Do you care about the characters? Should it be a Prologue or a Chapter 1? Do you want to read more? Your comments are appreciated!

Saving Money on Your Food Bill

2009-07-27T10:48:00.004-05:00

Over the past few years, my husband and I have experienced both un- and under- employment situations. We've had to tighten the belt and curtail spending like so many Americans these days. We can do little about taxes. Saving on utilities is marginal, and only with some effort. So our focus now is on saving on our food bill. Groceries and dining out account for a fairly large proportion of our overall spending, so here are some of the things we are doing to save.

In no particular order – 10 easy and practical ways to save on your food bill each month.

This one is a no-brainer. Eat before you shop. Hungry tummies prompt you to buy more.
Plan your meals ahead of time, and buy just what you need. The easiest way to do this is to make a list and stick to it! Wait...I think this one is two ideas.
Shop alone, or at the least, without kids. The more shoppers, the more eyes to land on tempting point-of-sale displays, which results in impromptu buys.
Use coupons. While it may take a little more time, the money saved makes it worth it.
Grow your own. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs are fun to grow and provide unmatched taste, along with cost-savings. Growing healthy foods might even entice kids (or adults) to try them.
Match coupons to grocery store sales. Find the best deals and save the most money by using coupons for items already on sale. The Grocery Game is a subscription site that helps you do just that. For more information, visit www.thegrocerygame.com. If you decide to sign up, I'd appreciate if you entered me as the referring member. They give 12 free weeks for every three members referred. Use this email address: Sheryltut (at) Comcast (dot) net.
Buy generic if you don't have coupons for a particular item. Often there is little difference between the name brand product and generic equivalent.
Frequent shopping trips often result in more money spent. Even though you may only plan to pick up one or two items, it's too easy to add more. Try shopping just once weekly.
Cut out the junk food. Highly processed foods typically cost more because they have to pay for all that...well, processing (duh). Cutting out junk food will not only save you money, but provide you with healthier eating choices too.
Eat at home versus eating out. Keep it interesting by trying different menus. Have your ingredients for meals on hand (from the list you made in item 2), but have a few easy meals ready also for those evenings when cooking isn't an option.

What do you do to save money on your food bill?

Please share your tips and tricks in the comments. I'm looking forward to reading your ideas on saving money on the food budget!

How to Manage Multiple Social Networking and Communications Accounts

2009-07-20T08:27:00.005-05:00

Social networking is all the rage, and if you're like me, you've jumped onto the social networking bandwagon and signed up for sites like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. You probably have at least one, if not more, IM accounts, and multiple email accounts too for personal use, work, or hobbies. It's fun to be connected and to so easily share information.

But there is a downside, a huge drawback, and that is how overwhelming it is to manage all the conversations. Whew! It's enough to make your head spin.

Well, I'm happy to share with you an excellent tool I found to help manage all the social sites (OK, it was my friend Victor who found the tool, a fellow writer and Producer/Director). The tool is called Digsby and it's great!

No, I'm not being reimbursed or compensated in any way for mentioning Digsby. It just helps me out so much that I have to share it with my readers. (I previously posted on handling twitter tweets, Handling all those Twitter Tweets – TweetDeck versus Seesmic and will try to share more helpful/handy tools as they are discovered).

Digsby very nicely ties everything together for you so that you don't have to spend all your time logging in and out of accounts and checking for updates yourself. It merges various IM accounts into one manager, alerts you of new events in your social networking sites, and manages multiple email accounts as well. And it's free!

With some very handy icons on my bottom right toolbar, I can glance down at any time and see if new mail has arrived or if there are message alerts on my social sites. With a click, I can open an email or delete one, set my facebook status, IM my buddy, and more. You can visit the site and download Digsby here.

Digsby is a great tool that I highly recommend. What are some of the tools you use for handling all your social sites and communications?

And the Winners of the Book Giveaway Are...

2009-07-17T07:26:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to the book giveaway winners!

I'm not sure why more people didn't enter the contest for the book giveaway, but it sure made the odds better for those that did!

The custom random number generator pulled:

#1 lreaves
#2 DG

Lreaves, please let me know which book is your preference. DG, I will send you the remaining book. Both books will be autographed (Death by the author, Dorlana Vann, and A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II by one of the contributing authors, Susan H. Miller). Dorlana and Susan are members of Humble Fiction Cafe' writers group.

Winners, please contact me by email before 10pm Central Time on July 27, 2009 with your address so that I can get the books sent out. You can click on the email icon in the left sidebar. If you have any problems, let me know in the comments to this post.

Again, congratulations to the winners. I would love to hear how you liked the book when you are finished!

Final Day to Enter and Win a Free Book!

2009-07-16T08:38:00.005-05:00

Today is the final day to enter to win one of two free books, Death by Dorlana Vann, or A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II. Details posted here (previous post):

Upcoming Book Reviews and Contest!

Great reading by two of my writer friends!

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Upcoming Book Reviews and Contest!

2009-07-10T03:00:00.005-05:00

Great news! I've received my copy of Death by Dorlana Vann (containing Jaclyn's Ghost and Passage to Mesentia) and A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II with a story by Susan H. Miller. I first mentioned these books in my post, WordProverb: Writers Group News and Success!

I'll be posting full reviews in the future!

In the meantime, I am pleased to announce my first ever giveaway/contest on this blog!

Da-ta-ta-da!! What will you win? ...drum roll, please

There will actually be two lucky winners. 1st place winner receives their choice; Death by Dorlana Vann or A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II. Second place winner will receive the remaining book. I'm working on getting the books autographed too, but can't promise that yet!

I'm so excited and I hope you will be too, because it is so easy to win. To enter, just leave a comment (yes, that easy). Here are the rules:

Comments are eligible for the contest until midnight, July 16, 2009 Central Time zone.
I will use the Custom Random Number Generator to pick 1st and 2nd place, and announce the winners on this blog on July 17.
The winners will need to contact me by email before 10pm Central Time on July 27, 2009 or another winner will be selected.
Sorry, only residents of the continental U.S. and APO/FPO and Canadian addresses are eligible.

Please note - to be eligible, your comment must appear on this post on the WordProverb blog. If you are reading this on Facebook or elsewhere, please visit the actual blog post to add your comment.

Thank you and good luck!