It's About Time Mamaw: 04/01/2012

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Review & Giveaway: I CAN DO IT MYSELF writted by Diane Adams and illustrated by Nancy Hayashi

About the Author
I’ve loved books ever since my favorite grandma introduced me to Peter Rabbit and his wonderfully naughty adventures when I was just three years old. She also introduced me to impressionist art through a tiny book of paintings that featured a young girl about my age on the cover. I didn’t know until many years later that the painting was by Renoir and that the title was “A Girl with a Watering Can.” I just knew that I liked the little girl and that the book's small size fit perfectly into my three year old hands.

My mom bought me plenty of books too - many by a man named Dr. Seuss. I couldn’t get enough of his zany characters who found trouble wherever they looked. Maurice Sendak had a place in my heart also with Max and his mischievous ways in Where the Wild Things Are. Hmmm. Is there a pattern here?

Books have been a huge part of my life since I can remember, and I’m grateful that now I get to create books that may someday become a part of another young person’s life. Happy reading, dreaming, and creating!

Diane is the author of Zoom!, I Can Do It Myself!, Teacher’s Little Helper (Spring 2012), and Two Hands to Hold You (Spring 2013), and she is the illustrator of A Home for Salty. She holds an M.A. in English Literature from Cal State University,San Bernardino. Awards & Distinctions: Kirkus and School Library Journal reviews for I Can Do It Myself! Parents’ Choice Recommendation for I Can Do It Myself! Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award Nomination for I Can Do It Myself! Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List for I Can Do It Myself! Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List for Zoom! Minnesota Read Aloud Book Award Nominee for Zoom!

About Ilustrator:

Nancy Hayashi has illustrated seven picture books, including I Can Do It Myself!, Bunny Bungalow, which won a 2000 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award; Wanda's Monster, a CCBC Choice; and What Did You Do Today?, also a CCBC Choice. She lives in California.

About Book:

Emily Pearl can do lots of things by herself. But sometimes even resourceful little girls need help. Emily Pearl is a very big girl. She can pour her own juice. She can tie her own shoes. She can feed her goldfish. She can even curl her own hair. Whenever her mother tries to help, Emily says, “I can do it myself!”

But even a very big girl like Emily can sometimes feel a teeny bit small, especially at bedtime when dark shadows creep across the walls of her bedroom. Lucky for Emily, her mom understands and gives her a helping hand.

Young children will surely recognize themselves in Diane Adams’s delightful, rhyming story of one child’s determined quest for independence. Nancy Hayashi’s charming illustrations complement the text, colorfully capturing the chaotic ups and downs in the life of a preschooler.

I Can Do It Myself Activities

Write a story about what you can do by yourself.
Draw a picture of something that you still like your mom or dad to do for you.
Plan to try one new thing this week that you haven’t done before.
Share with the class your bedtime routine.

Where to Buy Book:

My Thoughts:

Emily Pearl is like many of our little girls and boys in that she wants to do everything for herself. Usually the problem at her age is that it is not done how we hope it to be done. Most of the time there will be a mess to clean up like in Emily Pearl's case. She gets it done and if her mom asks to help her she tells mom, "I can do it myself". Some of us may have heard or hear " Me do it!" or "NO!!! Me do!!".

Emily Pearl can tie her shoes, spread peanut butter, draw a picture and many other things. Just ask her and she will tell you "I can do it myself."

The author is so in touch with this subject and brought it to light in a fun way with her talented writing of the characters she created.

The illustrations are outstanding depicting the activities of Emily Pearl and the reactions of the mother presented by the author.

This is a darling book that our children will definitely relate to and so will all the parents.

I rated book

Disclosure:
I received a free copy of this book from Peachtree Publisher for review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

ENTER GIVEAWAY

To Win a Hardcover Copy of this Book

Provided by Peachtree Publishers
Sorry U.S. Entries Only

1. JUST LEAVE A COMMENT TELLING A LITTLE ABOUT A SIMILAR SITUATION WITH A CHILD IN YOUR LIFE.

2. FOLLOW MY BLOG on GFC, LINKY FOLLOWER or by EMAIL.

WINNER will be CHOSEN on MONDAY 4/30

Thanks to Peachtree Publisher, Diane Adams and Nancy Hayashi for bringing us this darling book.

Patricia aka Mamaw

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Jesus He Lived Among Us Free DVD

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Watch Trailer here

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Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie gets Stage Fright by Jamie Hope

Synosis: Baby Jaimie is in her first year of school. She has made a lot of friends and learned a lot of things. Now she will learn what it means to be a team player when she is in her very first play. Follow Baby Jaimie as she learns the lesson, there are no small parts, only small actors.

Author Notes: The third volume in the Baby Jaimie series was first written to be an exclusive e-book for Kindle. After I e-published it I kept getting asked if it would ever be available in book format. The problem was my illustrations were black & whites, which I thought would show up better on Kindle. My first Baby Jaimie book had black & white illustrations, but I really didn't want to do that again. Alex Baranov may have been the illustrator for this book, but the color was added by me.

Title: After reading this book you might think the subtitle isn't an exact fit for the storyline. On the surface you'd be right. The story does dwell more on the issue of Baby Jaimie being upset over the part she was given rather than nervousness. If you pay attention to the portion of the story just before the play you will realize she was nervous. This book, like all the others in the Baby Jaimie series was based on a real life experience.

To visit my kid friendly site dedicated to The Adventures of Baby Jaimie please click: here

Where to buy:
The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Gets Stage Fright has just been updated and re-released in black and white Kindle format. Introductory price is set for .99 to own and free to borrow for Amazon Prime subscribers.

Jaimie Hope is pleased to announce the release of her much awaited fourth volume in the Adventures of Baby Jaimie series. To celebrate the release of Baby Jaimie Gets a Crush Jaimie Hope. courtesy of Kindle Direct Publishing, is offering the Kindle edition for free download from April 6th until April 10th. After that time the book's price will be .99 throughout the month of April. It will then be raised to $1.99. Amazon Prime subscribers will have the option of borrowing the book for free any time after April 10th. Get your copy today!

About Author:
Jaimie Hope was born on November 3, 1976 in New York. It wasn't until high school that she decided she wanted to be a writer. This is when the ideas for the Adventures of Baby Jaimie started forming. This was also around the time she joined the newspaper staff. According to the author she was part of the staff for two years and really enjoyed it. Because the students weren't given assignments and were allowed to write on any topic on their minds. This gave Ms. Hope her first experience in freelance writing.

In 2003, she moved to Florida, where she was not only an active volunteer at the local library, but also in the historical society. During this time she also sang on a few demos at the local studio, wrote her first song, and ran a book club.

It wasn't until 2005, when she picked up The Adventures of Baby Jaimie and started working in earnest to get it done. It only took a month to finish the text of my manuscript. After several rejection The Adventures of Baby Jaimie was again shelved.

She didn't pick up the manuscript again until 2006. Ms Hope had moved back to New York and had lunch with a friend in the summer of 2006 who told her about a friend of hers who was a self published author. Ms. Hope contacted with him, and got advice on how to go about making her dreams of becoming a published author come true, and in November of 2006, AuthorHouse released The Adventures of Baby Jaimie.

After the release, Ms. Hope got busy trying to promote it, and as they say, life happened. Next she decided to try her hand at writing a novel. This proved to be a slow process as well, but not as slow as the first book.

In July of 2008, PublishAmerica released her first novel, Who Says You Can’t Go Home.
In June of 2010, Jaimie Hope became a two time PublishAmerica author with the release of her second novel, Bless the Broken Road. Her second children's book, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Goes to School also available courtesy of CreateSpace in the same year.

In 2011 three more books were published. An Autobiography, Roll with it, courtesy of PublishAmerica, and two direct to Kindle E-Books. The first one is the third installment of the Baby Jaimie series entitled, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie: Baby Jaimie Gets Stage Fright, and the other is my first Paranormal Romance, When You Come Back to Me Again. Both e-books are now available in book format courtesy of CreateSpace.

What Did I Think:
Baby Jamie is so excited to be in the school play. But thanks to her big sister teasing Baby Jaimie about getting stage fright then not getting the part she wanted, her excitement went from happy to broken hearted and dissappointment.

I have fifteen grandkids so this has happened several times with one or the other of the kids.
I thought I was listening to one of my daughters telling me about my grandchild. I wanted to tell the teacher why didn't she make sure Jamie understood and why didn't Mom see it coming. Do I sound like a defensive grandma? I Am ;0)

Baby Jamie wanted to be the star or at least co-star. Her sister needed an attitude adjustment. Also we should not encourage partent to yell at their children. But it is what happens most of the time. I know I do it then regret it later.

The author hit every scenario right on. The "I'm sick and can't go to school" is a real ailment. At least it was when I was a child. I could get physically sick from worry. But Baby Jamie's ailment was a little premeditated and very well planned.

If you want to know if Baby Jamie was in the play, did she freeze on stage or did she become star of the stage you will have to read this book. Of course you will want to read it to your kids and/or grandkids.

This story will teach the child to take pride in themselves no matter what part they take on stage or in their life.

I highly recommend this book!

I rated this book

Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book from the author for review. In no way was I compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Interview with Nicole Borgenicht author of The Kids of Dandelion Township

Let's make Nicole welcome

and thank her for joining us for this interview!

Interview Q&A

Q. It's rare today to find an author who does nothing but write for a living. Do you have a day job other than writing, and if so, what is it?

A. I've freelanced and often worked part time my entire life! Currently I freelance write for various magazines. I also work as a part time personal trainer, and as a Creative Writing teacher.

Q. What are some other jobs you've had in your life?

A. I video taped the news, game shows, talk shows, a little sketch comedy and won two Los Angeles Emmys for shooting the anchors of the LA Marathon. I also shot camera for the United Nations of the General Assembly and Security Council. I have directed and produced a little as well. I wrote a commercial spot that was produced and ran on NBC regionally in California for almost two years.

Q. Have they influenced/inspired your writing?

A. All of the arts, whether writing, painting, or camera have composition and story telling in common.

Q. Can you share some writing experiences with us?

A. Sometimes getting published has to do with subject matter not only talent or style. If you happen to hit the right topic, suddenly an editor will be interested. This has happened with several of my published short stories.

Q. Tell us briefly about your book and what you feel is the most important topic/sub-message you share.

A. The Kids of Dandelion Township is about friends who learn they have similar emotions and thoughts although they are from different backgrounds. They experience enchanted moments together and discover creative ways to do their homework assignments. The most important topic is to be open to learning about your differences and similarities in a positive way. Also to accept that if something magical or spiritual happens, it is sometimes best to sit with it rather than assume others will react in the same way at first.

Q. Like all authors you have had your fair share of rejection letters. You obviously did not let the letters deter you. How did you keep your determination without getting discouraged?

A. My mother was a literary agent many decades ago. She advised me that it only takes one editor to like your work and get published. She says the same thing about men “it only takes one” so I guess she has a point.

Q. It has been my experience, some things come quite easily (like creating the setting) and other things aren’t so easy (like deciding on a title). What comes easily to you and what do you find more difficult?

A. Sometimes I write fast and I like the story so much that revisions are minimal. Other times I edit a lot, and write a hundred revisions.

Q. Please describe to us your relationship between you and your editor. What makes an author/editor relationship a success?

A. To me an author editor relationship works when there is mutual respect. A successful experience usually derives from respect, each standing their ground when they are right, and each being flexible when there is room for it. In the long run, when the goal is to improve the story and marketability, we are one.

Q. What inspired you to write?

A. I began to put together words creatively when I was very young.

Q. Do you consider yourself a born writer?

A. Yes.

Q. Who is your favorite author and what is your favorite genre to read?

A. I do not have a favorite author or genre - there are many.

Q. When they write your obituary, what do you hope they will say about your books and writing? What do you hope they will say about you?

A. I hope they will find my writing universal and that it will bring the spirit of joy and compassion to any time period.

I hope they say my creativity gave the world some new areas to discover and expand.

Q. Where you have lived and what you have experienced can influence your writing in many ways. Are there any specific locations or experiences that have popped up in your books?

A. I have lived in New York City, Los Angeles, Madison WI (college) Palm Springs CA, and now Boca Raton, FL. I have spent summers and/or weekends in New Jersey, Connecticut, and a short stint in Jupiter FL.

While my stories are often inspired by memories in New Jersey, there are also experiences with friends in New York growing up and in Madison in college that have stimulated dialogue.

Q. Is there any particular book that, when you read it, you thought, "I wish I had written that!"?

A. No.

Q. Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? If yes, how did you ‘cure’ it?

A. At moments. My friend Patrick Horton does a great workshop in California that is very helpful to release any fears or blocks. Also Julia Cameron The Writer’s Way, suggests simply writing daily. I also went to a career counselor named Linda Buzzell who gave me the freedom to write. Sometimes we think it’s not our right - how funny is that?

Q. Have you had any training to become a writer?

A. I took courses in writing at Madison Univ of WI, then I took several workshops and more courses in various colleges to include USC and UCLA. I had inspirational teachers in high school too.

Q. What type of books do you mostly write?

A. My first book was a picture book, this book is a chapter book. I have two more chapter books under way and a young adult novel too. I like variety.

Q. Does your family and friends inspire any of your books, characters, or plots?

A. Absolutely!

Q. Can you share with us a little about your current book?

A. The book is about friendship and dealing with the challenges of sensitivities and wanting to do well in school and yet have fun. I share the benefits of being a kid while enjoying nature and freedom with a child’s sense of wonder. It’s very important that children enjoy their youth.

Q. What do you like most about writing?

A. The process of inventing characters who relate with one another in a story where the reader learns about a different way of looking at life.

Q. Do you find it hard to balance your personal writing time with your other job(s)?

A. Yes it’s always a struggle.

Q. Tell us about your writing space?

A. I have a great big desk which I rarely use. After purchasing a laptop I sit at my dining room table and enjoy a great view or foliage.

Q. Is there anything you'd go back and do differently now that you have been published, in regards to your writing career?

A. Nothing in fiction.

Q. Do you do first drafts on a computer or by hand?

A. Either - it switches around.

Q. How do you see the future of book publishing, both traditional, electronic, and print on demand?

A. I think we’ll be writing and publishing on holograms. I have no idea.

Q. What is your creative process like? What happens before sitting down to write?

A. I am usually in the middle of several stories. I may write notes, scenes or story outlines or I may just come up with a character and start writing what they are doing or saying first.

Q. Do you do a lot of research for your books?

A. There is always some.

Q. What voice do you find most to your liking: first person or third person?

A. Usually third so far.

Q. Do you participate in competitions? Have you received any awards?

A. I don’t often participate but I did revise a comedy routine in a book called Archangel Shecky by the great comedy writer Gene Perret, and won an Honorable Mention.

Q. What advice would you give to a new writer?

A. Like your style first, then sculpt it.

Q. Do you have any book signings, tours or special events planned to promote your book that readers might be interested in attending? If so, when and where?

A. I would love to but Lisa my awesome illustrator lives in New Hampshire. So at the moment we haven’t arranged any.

Q. Tell us more about who you are. Anything you want your readers to know. Where can we find your books, any blogs you may have, or how a reader can learn more about you and writing.

A. We will be up on Amazon books. There will also be links to the book on our websites,
www.nicoleborgenicht.com
www.lisamgriffin.com

There is more information about me and writing samples on my website.

I thank you for taking the time to share with my readers about being an author.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Spotlight on The Kids of Dandelion Township

Nicole Borgenicht is a children's fiction writer. Her most recent picture book is The Bridge published by Publish America. Some of Nicole's other kid's stories have appeared in The Los Angeles Times Kid's Reading Room section, Stories for Children Magazine and LadyBug Flights Magazine. Additional works comprise poetry and essays, short stories, one act plays or articles in magazines such as Arts and Entertainment Skyline and American Fitness.

About the Book:
The Kids of Dandelion Township is a story about new friends who in the process of discovering magic together, learn about their similar emotions and different cultures. All in the context of a child's day, the kids unravel mysteries of A students, and invent ways to be creative while completing their homework assignments. Preparing the way for children to receive magic, the kids of Dandelion Township wish all children will experience it one day.
Author Website: www.nicoleborgenicht.com
Illustrator Website: www.lisamgriffin.com
Blog Address: http://lisamgriffin.blogspot.com
Twitter URL: LisaMGriffinArt
Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1175304813
Facebook Fan Page URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-M-Griffin-Illustration/126529427398885

Places where book is available for sale: Amazon

World of Ink Tour Schedule for Nicole Borgenicht

April 8^th

World of Ink Network – Spotlight

http://worldofinknetwork.blogspot.com

April 9^th

BTR’s World of Ink Network: Stories for Children Show

Live Radio Interview at 2pm EST at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork

You can also listen on demand after the show airs!

April 10^th

MomnBaby Network – Book Review

http://momnbaby.com/blogs

April 11^th

Writers On The Move – Guest Post

http://vbt-writersonthemove.blogspot.com/

Coffee Addicted Writer – Review/Giveaway

http://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com

April 12^th

It’s Time to Read Mamaw – Book Review

http://itsabouttimetoreadmamaw.blogspot.com

Roth’s Inspiring Books & Products - Spotlight http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com

April 13^th

American Chronicle - Spotlight

http://www.americanchronicle.com/

April 14^th

Families Matter - Book Review

http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

April 15^th

Coffee Addicted Writer – Guest Post

http://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com

April 16^th

The Writing Mama – Spotlight

http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

Tidbits From A Mom – Book Review/Giveaway

http://tidbitsfromamom.blogspot.com

April 17^th

It’s About Time Mamaw - Interview

http://itsabouttimemamaw.blogspot.com

April 18^th

Home School Blogger - Book Review

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolbookreview/

April 19^th

Inspired by Savannah – Guest Post

http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/

April 20^th

The Writing Mama – Interview

http://thewritingmama.blogspot.com

April 21^st

Families Matter - Interview

http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com

April 22^nd

Stories for Children Magazine - Featured Guest Interview

http://storiesforchildrenmagazine.org/pastfeaturedguests.aspx

April 23^rd

The Maggie Project – Guest Post

http://www.themaggieproject.blogspot.com

BlogCritics - Book Review

http://blogcritics.org/books/

Writers and Authors – Guest Post

http://writersandauthors.blogspot.com

April 24^th

Writing to the Hearts of Children - Spotlight

http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com

April 25^th

1st Time Mums – Spotlight

http://1sttimemums.blogspot.com/

April 26^th

MayraSecretBookcase – Guest Post

http://MayrasSecretBookcase.blogspot.com

April 27^th

BlogCritics - Author Spotlight

http://blogcritics.org/culture/feature/mom-prefers/

The Crypto-Capers Review – Book Review

http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com

Blog Talk Radio Show – Stories for Unknown Authors at 1pm EST http://www.blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors

Roth’s Inspiring Books & Products – Book Review http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com

April 30^th

4 the LOVE of BOOKS – Spotlight/Giveaway

http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/

May 1^st

4 the LOVE of BOOKS – Guest Post

http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/

May 2^nd

Putting Words Down on Paper - Interview

http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/

May 3^rd

The New Book Review – Book Review

http://www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com

May 5^th

Author Nicole Borgenicht reads first couple of chapters of The Kids of Dandelion Township

May 7^th

Utah Children's Writer Blog – Guest Post

http://utahchildrenswriters.blogspot.com/

Saturday, April 7, 2012

CarryUsOffBooks Presents MY CLEAREST ME by Gueh Yanting Claudine

'My Clearest Me' is a children's picture book on self-discovery, understanding and personal heroism. When Wynn overhears his teacher saying that he is very quiet, and that he might have no friends or let Dreams pass, the six-year-old wonders if he ought to be a different boy to fit the crowd.

Wynn climbs out of his room into the big night-world, and asks the stars and Moon if they have ever felt the need to be 'amongst the crowd, the rowdy heap?'

The night sky creatures send their opinions and advice to being one's clearest self. Wynn likes it, but worries that other children might not like his clearest self. So he tries to join them in making loud music ...

Will he be able to make friends with his clearest self? Will this quiet boy let his dreams pass? What if one of his biggest dreams is to play in the crazy circus? Will he fit?

Wynn's journey is written in rhymes and accompanied by brilliant paintings. Children aged 5-8 will love exploring his introverted yet bold world.

Website:http://www.carryusoffbooks.com/my-clearest-me.html

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MY CLEAREST ME
that you probably didn't know about.

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Age 4 & up (Read-together); Age 5-8 (Read-alone)

Or a child of any age on a self-acceptance journey.

Available on iTunes {iPad/iPod Touch/iPhone} , Kindle , Nook and Sony.

CarryUsOff Books

Author Gueh Yanting, Claudine

We dream of making beautiful books for children:
books of stories and art that inspire a spirit for imagination and adventures,
and love for love, heroism, honesty and humour in our culture.

As of now, we have an excellent series of ABC books and learning cards for children between ages 2-4, and we are working on coming up with more books of stirring Stories and Art.

If you like our books and cards, please help us spread the word, and support us to go on
to our next book,
our next story,
our next mad dream!

We'd love to have you on our mailing list and Facebook.

My Thoughts

This book is about self-acceptance. Wynn a sweet six year old boy overhears his teacher say he is quiet and does not fit in with the other children. So he goes on an emotional journey to discover himself. He tries to figure out how he can fit in with the noisy rowdy classmates. Maybe, just maybe he can join in on their games and still be himself. I feel as if the story shows instead of him being traumatized by the comments made about him he analyzed his situation and overcame with flying colors.

This was a touching story about learning to fit in with the world but yet remain true to yourself. The illustrations clarified the story of this child's journey into the world of his peers. I loved this story.

Some of us are just introverts. I don't think it means we have some disability. It just means we are big thinkers. We can learn a lot about ourselves by interacting with others. It doesn't have to mean we loose who we are.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book

Disclosure

I received a purchased a copy of this ebook for review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Desperate for a Makeover

Okay guys I am desperate for a makeover!

Let me give you an update. I am 61 yrs old. More gray hair than not. Three years ago I was a size 12-14. Regretfully I am have to go to a size 16.

One problem is my hips and buttocks fit fine in a size 14 jean but my thighs and knees will not. urrgghh! If I get a 16 they gap big time at my waist especially in the back of the waistband.

Not sure how to handle this problem. I am sure I am not the only one with this problem.

One solution is to loose some weight but in the mean time I can't go out in my drawers.

I Went online looking for ready made tops/tunics

and found some really cute ones.

I only purchased one from Kohls.

Simply Vera Vera Wang

Floral Asymmetrical Tunic

sale $21.99
There are other color options.