Feb 242010
 

Huh?  OK, confession.  Sometimes when I can’t make up my mind I make up a word.  Help me out here.

A palindrome is a word, phrase or sentence that ‘reads’ the same backward or forward. They can be simple like ‘race car’ or ‘deed’ or ‘madam.’ Or, more complex, like ‘A man, a plan, a canal, Panama!’

An antonym  is a word opposite in meaning to another, like ‘fast’ and ‘slow.’

Which is this?  (Watch it all the way to the end before you decide.)

Whatever you decide to call it, I bet you’ll call it ‘amazing.’

Nov 042009
 

That’s not a question too many parents ask.  But bullying may be on your daughter’s mind.  You might be able to steer to some good information (for bullies and for victims) by directing her this quiz    http://www.girlshealth.gov/bullying/quizzes/quiz.bullying.cfm    on the Girls’ Health site sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The site is dedicated to helping girls between the ages of 10 and 16 make healthy, positive choices.  In addition to bullying, topics include health, fitness, relationships, substance abuse prevention, nutrition and the future.

The site gives girls reliable information about the issues and pressures many of them encounter as they become young women. 

Many teens are unaware that giving someone the silent treatment, calling names, gossiping or texting to spread rumors are all forms of bullying.  Taking the quiz together may be a great way to open a conversation – to find out what your daughters think and how they feel about victims and perpetrators.  How do they relate to those who are different?  Those who may be less popular or less powerful?

The Girls Health tagline is “Be Happy. Be Healthy. Be You. Beautiful.” Imagine a site devoted to showing our daughters that being themselves is what makes women truly beautiful!

Aug 252009
 
Brown Bag (without staple)

Brown Bag (without staple) (Photo credit: Jeffrey Beall)

 

 

 

A couple of years ago, I attended a publishing conference in California.  One of the highlights was meeting a wonderful daughter-father writing team  — Anne Marie and Al Parisi.

 

After cancer treatment left Al disabled, the stay-at-home dad and former executive decided that, his outlook needed adjusting.  Rather than focusing on the things he could no longer do, Al gave himself a promotion and a new title.

 

As CEO of Parisi Enterprises, Al found renewed joy in his family.  He and his colleague/daughter Ann Marie later penned “Lunch Bag Notes” – documenting some of the loving communication and guidance he provided during her teen years.

 

That was followed by “More Lunch Bag Notes – Everyday Advice from a Dad to His Son,” a book co-authored by son Anthony.

 

Both are stories of healing, family and faith.  Who knows, maybe you will decide to write a few lunch bag love notes of your own!

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