Saturday, November 14, 2020

Fleeting Encocunters

I have a dear friend that has just compiled a new book. It's called Fleeting Encounters. She has collected stories from loved ones, including me, that will brighten your life as we continue to social distance from others. This is just what we all need to remember that our connections matter--even though they are brief.

It will brighten your life.



This collection of heartwarming stories shows how a brief encounter with a stranger can brighten someone’s day or even change their life. The encounters might be fleeting, but each leave behind a message of hope that will not soon fade away. 

Here are additional links, including Amazon to purchase the book.

https://www.amazon.com/FLEETING-ENCOUNTERS-Drienie-Hattingh-ebook/dp/B08N16R53D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YWING1LDS8CW&dchild=1&keywords=fleeting+encounters&qid=1605367781&sprefix=Fleeting+en%2Cspecialty-aps%2C209&sr=8-1



Tuesday, November 3, 2020

 Stand Up to Sexting

This is my latest book. Heather Boynton and I co-authored this to help parents and kids open a conversation to navigate the possible pitfalls of social media. It's a great conversation starter with lots of example that kids will be able to relate to. 


If kids get involved in sexting, it can lead to:

  • Anxiety and depression.
  • It has become the new cyberbullying.
  • It can begin with kids as young as twelve.
  • Sexting messages and photos are not uncommon among middle school youth.
  • Sexting has been linked to impulsive, risk-taking behavior.
Keep your kids healthy and happy. Keep your family conversations open.

For more helps, read these new blog posts.





Friday, July 24, 2020

Love Comes from Small and Simple Things


We show love through the small and simple things we do. Think back on your day. What small and simple things have you done today to show love. Maybe they’re so seemingly insignificant you didn’t even notice them.

  • A glass of water for a child.
  • A touch on the shoulder for someone you love.
  • Wearing your mask to protect those you love.
  • Cooking the vegetables for dinner—just right.
  • Wave to a neighbor, walking their dog.


Giving those around you a chance to explore their world.







Love begets love.

Make the world a better place.

Share some love.












Pictures by Kya Boyd













Saturday, April 25, 2020

How Can I Comfort Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones to Covid 19?


Nothing could be worse than to know you are dying and not be able to have your loved ones around you!

What a lonely feeling for those near death!

What a helpless feeling for loved ones!



What can we do to comfort those grieving?

Stop and think before you talk!
You can’t fix the situation with placating thoughts or ‘griefisms’ like: “You’ll get through this.” “Give yourself time.” “Find the blessings in this.” These statements, though meant kindly, shut down communication and drive the grieving person away.



Listen
It’s comforting to be able to share feelings and know someone hears our sorrow. Don’t offer suggestions. Each person grieves in their own way. Trust enough to know they will find their path through their burden.

Empathize
Understanding bonds us to each other. Being left alone with no one who will ‘hear’ the depth of our grief gives us the feeling of isolation—of being imprisoned with our own feelings.

Hug
Touch in times of sorrow can be healing. Right after my husband died, a neighbor stood on the doorstep and gave me a hug. Oh, how I needed that hug. I will never forget it. Touch rejuvenates and connects us in our loneliness.


Sunday, March 29, 2020

The Pandemic Has Taught Me



Compassion for those suffering.
Empathy for grieving loved ones left behind.









Understanding about the fragility of existence.
Insight into myself and my purpose in life.


















To slow down and enjoy quiet moments.
To make a phone call to say ‘I love you.’



Remember moments of connection.
To feel the beauty of the sunshine






Smell the newness of Spring.
To express gratitude for life.

Monday, January 6, 2020

50 Read Heroes for Boys

New Book

I loved writing this book. I hope everyone is inspired by the real life heroes in this book as I am.


I am inspired by Jackie Robinson standing with his team mates on  the baseball field amidst the jeering fans to be come one of the best players in the history of the game.



I cheer Mary Manning on as she continued to find fossils to help us understand prehistoric creatures even though she got no credit because she was a woman.



I laugh with Jim Henson and his lovable puppets that entertained and changed the world.



I admire Dav Pilkey who stuck to his dream of becoming a children's author even though teachers ridiculed him as a youth.

The book is available on Amazon


and through the publisher