Baby
by Emily A. Filmore, blog.withmychildseries.com
Baby
Soft, Cuddly, Sweet
Kicking, crawling, walking
Love growing with each big strong step,
Child
All Rights Reserved by Emily A. Filmore. 2007.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Be Still Little One (Haiku)
Be Still Little One
by Emily A. Filmore
Be still little one
There’s much to hear in quiet
Listen to the world.
All Rights Reserved by Emily A. Filmore. 2007.
by Emily A. Filmore
Be still little one
There’s much to hear in quiet
Listen to the world.
All Rights Reserved by Emily A. Filmore. 2007.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Finding balance between spoiling and gratitude
I waited until the eve of my 30th birthday to give birth to my child. This wasn't always my intention. I pictured myself a young mommy, frolicking with my child with endless energy to match hers. Life doesn't always work out as planned. Now I am thankful to have had such time (and hopefully wisdom) under my belt before I became a mom - BUT - once she arrived all of my years of yearning for and dreaming of her culminated in a mommy who just CAN'T say NO!
Well, OK, that is a bit of an exaggeration. I can say, "No, honey, that is dangerous" and "No, sweetheart, you don't need more candy before bed." But when it comes to giving her all of my love, attention, time (all good for her) and buying her every new princess toy, book, kitchen accessory, cute clothes, shoes (maybe not always good)... I struggle to find balance between spoiling her and teaching her gratitude.
Your answer might be to say to stop buying for her. I've tried that. It's no fun - for me or for her. And while I have trimmed back I am trying more to show her how to be grateful and to truly enjoy all the gifts of her life.
A couple of the things we have done are to have her give a toy to toys for tots at Christmas and to take food to a food pantry. But this is not enough. So we talk about the things we have and how fortunate we are. We teach her about loving other people and giving gifts of words as well as material things. We talk to her about how hard people have to work and that we should be thankful for every meal, every minute together, every toy we have. We also talk of respect: respect for others, respect for our belongings, respect for ourselves. We talk about the connected-ness of all people and how our actions can affect others. We try to show her through our own treatment of each other (and others) what it means to live a life of love. But I am sure there is always room for improvement.
I'm doing my best. But that doesn't mean she never throws a tantrum in a store over a toy I won't buy. And it doesn't mean that I don't cave on occasion when I know I shouldn't buy her something new. We are a work in progress but maybe that is what parenting is about after all - learning with your child and growing together.
What do you do to show your child how to be thankful? What do you do to find balance between spoiling and gratitude?
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Well, OK, that is a bit of an exaggeration. I can say, "No, honey, that is dangerous" and "No, sweetheart, you don't need more candy before bed." But when it comes to giving her all of my love, attention, time (all good for her) and buying her every new princess toy, book, kitchen accessory, cute clothes, shoes (maybe not always good)... I struggle to find balance between spoiling her and teaching her gratitude.
Your answer might be to say to stop buying for her. I've tried that. It's no fun - for me or for her. And while I have trimmed back I am trying more to show her how to be grateful and to truly enjoy all the gifts of her life.
A couple of the things we have done are to have her give a toy to toys for tots at Christmas and to take food to a food pantry. But this is not enough. So we talk about the things we have and how fortunate we are. We teach her about loving other people and giving gifts of words as well as material things. We talk to her about how hard people have to work and that we should be thankful for every meal, every minute together, every toy we have. We also talk of respect: respect for others, respect for our belongings, respect for ourselves. We talk about the connected-ness of all people and how our actions can affect others. We try to show her through our own treatment of each other (and others) what it means to live a life of love. But I am sure there is always room for improvement.
I'm doing my best. But that doesn't mean she never throws a tantrum in a store over a toy I won't buy. And it doesn't mean that I don't cave on occasion when I know I shouldn't buy her something new. We are a work in progress but maybe that is what parenting is about after all - learning with your child and growing together.
What do you do to show your child how to be thankful? What do you do to find balance between spoiling and gratitude?
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Asking for help...
Sometimes being a mom means realizing (and accepting) your limitations. For me, this week, that means letting others help me take care of Sage when I am sick. I am undergoing monthly IVIG to try to fix my immune system which causes me to be pretty sick for a few days following the infusion.
It is hard to let go of control and admit you can't handle something but sitting back and assessing yourself is part of being the best mom you can be. For instance, I have found that during the week following my treatment I have less tolerance for being touched, bounced on, wiggled on, tugged on, talked to and whined at. These are all things that I gladly accept any other time, but during this time, they are very hard for me to handle. It has to do with nausea, but the point is that if I am not at my best I am not being the best mom. I am less tolerant, less loving, less thoughtful of her needs, more self-absorbed, more self-ish. Instead of keeping her around during these days and trying to muscle through taking care of her myself I ask for help.
So this week I had great help from my aunt, my step-dad (papa), my friend, my 2nd mom, my friend again, my mom and step dad, and, finally, my husband. This tag team parenting saves me from being crabby with her, gives me much needed rest to make it through the awful week, and gives her the feeling that even if mommy isn't all the way on the ball today, she has back-up.
Asking for help is a win-win for us. And while in the past I would have seen it as weakness, today I understand it as the greater strength: putting my daughter's needs to be well cared-for above my prideful need to be the only one to care for her.
Namaste!
Emily
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
It is hard to let go of control and admit you can't handle something but sitting back and assessing yourself is part of being the best mom you can be. For instance, I have found that during the week following my treatment I have less tolerance for being touched, bounced on, wiggled on, tugged on, talked to and whined at. These are all things that I gladly accept any other time, but during this time, they are very hard for me to handle. It has to do with nausea, but the point is that if I am not at my best I am not being the best mom. I am less tolerant, less loving, less thoughtful of her needs, more self-absorbed, more self-ish. Instead of keeping her around during these days and trying to muscle through taking care of her myself I ask for help.
So this week I had great help from my aunt, my step-dad (papa), my friend, my 2nd mom, my friend again, my mom and step dad, and, finally, my husband. This tag team parenting saves me from being crabby with her, gives me much needed rest to make it through the awful week, and gives her the feeling that even if mommy isn't all the way on the ball today, she has back-up.
Asking for help is a win-win for us. And while in the past I would have seen it as weakness, today I understand it as the greater strength: putting my daughter's needs to be well cared-for above my prideful need to be the only one to care for her.
Namaste!
Emily
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Monday, May 24, 2010
It's a Beautiful Day for a Swim - How things sometimes work out better than planned
As the sun made its appearance last week, so did Sage's expectation of swimming. Sunday was the day we agreed to go swimming at the indoor pool in our gym.
We arrived, checked in and got changed before I realized that the kiddie area of the pool hadn't opened yet for the day and all that was available was lap swimming. As one would expect, Sage was upset - but she has been talking a lot lately about learning to swim (like, for real swim, without floaties). Once I was able to get her to calm down enough to listen to me, I explained that we could use the time to practice learning how to float, hold her breath to go under water, etc.
Even though I am not a real swimmer and even though I am not a swim instructor...I am her MOM and I know her best - so we got to work. We practiced her holding onto the wall and putting herself underwater. Then we practiced pushing off from the bottom (still holding the wall). She really got creative and decided to yell "Surprise!" at the top of her lungs as she came popping out of the water. Then she began trying to move along the wall putting hand over hand. She let me help her float, something that really scares her, and she worked on treading water. We also discussed the role of the lifeguard and the importance of water safety. In the 45 minutes we were there, I saw her confidence build as well as her respect for the water. This was an intense learning time with just the two of us working for a shared goal - which made it really special.
The ultimate highlight of the experience for me, though, was something she said while she was hand-walking along the wall. "This is fun mommy - I really like swimming. I like spending time with you!"
My heart jumped for joy. "I like spending time with you too sweetie," I responded as I choked back tears. There is nothing better than having your child put something like that into words. This moment would not have happened if the kiddie area was open and she had been playing boisterously on the slide and in the water sprayers with other kids. So today I am thankful for changes of plans and my ability to be flexible with those changes.
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
We arrived, checked in and got changed before I realized that the kiddie area of the pool hadn't opened yet for the day and all that was available was lap swimming. As one would expect, Sage was upset - but she has been talking a lot lately about learning to swim (like, for real swim, without floaties). Once I was able to get her to calm down enough to listen to me, I explained that we could use the time to practice learning how to float, hold her breath to go under water, etc.
Even though I am not a real swimmer and even though I am not a swim instructor...I am her MOM and I know her best - so we got to work. We practiced her holding onto the wall and putting herself underwater. Then we practiced pushing off from the bottom (still holding the wall). She really got creative and decided to yell "Surprise!" at the top of her lungs as she came popping out of the water. Then she began trying to move along the wall putting hand over hand. She let me help her float, something that really scares her, and she worked on treading water. We also discussed the role of the lifeguard and the importance of water safety. In the 45 minutes we were there, I saw her confidence build as well as her respect for the water. This was an intense learning time with just the two of us working for a shared goal - which made it really special.
The ultimate highlight of the experience for me, though, was something she said while she was hand-walking along the wall. "This is fun mommy - I really like swimming. I like spending time with you!"
My heart jumped for joy. "I like spending time with you too sweetie," I responded as I choked back tears. There is nothing better than having your child put something like that into words. This moment would not have happened if the kiddie area was open and she had been playing boisterously on the slide and in the water sprayers with other kids. So today I am thankful for changes of plans and my ability to be flexible with those changes.
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Friday, May 21, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Self-Publishing Information
I've been asked to talk about how to self-publish your books.
I should start by saying that it takes a lot of work, self-discipline, and a good bit of financial commitment. There are lower cost options in which you work with an author services company, but since I didn't do that I can't really tell you how it works.
But in terms of traditional full self-publishing here is an outline of the process as I did it:
1. Write, Write, Write! Find something you are passionate about to write about because you will be stuck with it a VERY long time!
2. If you are doing a children's book find an illustrator or start drawing!
3. Read other books in your genre to see if you are consistent with the type of book you want to put out in terms of the number of pages, size of the physical book, etc. Make a list of what you like about other books and don't like. Think about how you want it to feel in your hands, how big, square or rectangle, etc.
4. Have every one you know who is willing to read the manuscript. Take their advice and check it against your internal gut check, after all you are the writer. Use what fits, don't use what doesn't. Then, hire a real editor: a PROFESSIONAL editor. You can have a copy edit or a content edit or both. (Content assesses if the story is on the right track, Copy corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.) I keep hearing, you need a professional editor even if your best friend was an English major. This is true, an editor knows what needs to be done and can often put the text into the file for print. So have your friends read it and make suggestions first, then hire an editor for final copy.
5. Hire a Designer (mine is a graphic artist). You will need a cover image as well as someone to put the text into the file and if it is a children's picture book there will need to combine your illustrations and your words. If your editor doesn't do text formatting (on non-picture books) the designer may be able to.
6. Start getting printer quotes. Ask about time lines, shipping charges, terms, decide where you will store your books. Ask about quantity discounts/price breaks. Tell them up front you are new to this and ask them for guidance.
7. Purchase ISBNs and Library of congress number, name your publishing company and get business licenses (get legal advice for this part), get an address for your business, build a website, look into if you are going to hire a distributor, look at listing your books on amazon, set up a paypal account, join the local publishers association and go to their meetings, get business cards made...
8. Go over your work with a fine tooth comb, ask questions, don't take anything for granted.
9. Get ready for the books to get delivered!
10. Sell sell sell. Now the real work begins!
Good Luck!
Emily A. Filmore, Author
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
blog.withmychildseries.com
I should start by saying that it takes a lot of work, self-discipline, and a good bit of financial commitment. There are lower cost options in which you work with an author services company, but since I didn't do that I can't really tell you how it works.
But in terms of traditional full self-publishing here is an outline of the process as I did it:
1. Write, Write, Write! Find something you are passionate about to write about because you will be stuck with it a VERY long time!
2. If you are doing a children's book find an illustrator or start drawing!
3. Read other books in your genre to see if you are consistent with the type of book you want to put out in terms of the number of pages, size of the physical book, etc. Make a list of what you like about other books and don't like. Think about how you want it to feel in your hands, how big, square or rectangle, etc.
4. Have every one you know who is willing to read the manuscript. Take their advice and check it against your internal gut check, after all you are the writer. Use what fits, don't use what doesn't. Then, hire a real editor: a PROFESSIONAL editor. You can have a copy edit or a content edit or both. (Content assesses if the story is on the right track, Copy corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.) I keep hearing, you need a professional editor even if your best friend was an English major. This is true, an editor knows what needs to be done and can often put the text into the file for print. So have your friends read it and make suggestions first, then hire an editor for final copy.
5. Hire a Designer (mine is a graphic artist). You will need a cover image as well as someone to put the text into the file and if it is a children's picture book there will need to combine your illustrations and your words. If your editor doesn't do text formatting (on non-picture books) the designer may be able to.
6. Start getting printer quotes. Ask about time lines, shipping charges, terms, decide where you will store your books. Ask about quantity discounts/price breaks. Tell them up front you are new to this and ask them for guidance.
7. Purchase ISBNs and Library of congress number, name your publishing company and get business licenses (get legal advice for this part), get an address for your business, build a website, look into if you are going to hire a distributor, look at listing your books on amazon, set up a paypal account, join the local publishers association and go to their meetings, get business cards made...
8. Go over your work with a fine tooth comb, ask questions, don't take anything for granted.
9. Get ready for the books to get delivered!
10. Sell sell sell. Now the real work begins!
Good Luck!
Emily A. Filmore, Author
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
blog.withmychildseries.com
Interview for Show Me St. Louis
Had a great time this morning! Here are a few pics:
My part of the interview
Sage gets her turn, Daddy and I watch
Walking in the rain
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Your Song by Emily A. Filmore
Your Song
By Emily A. Filmore
Life is a song written by you,
Sometimes things go badly I know this is true.
But more often than not things will go right,
Be thankful for what you have and make your future look bright.
At times you may think “I just can’t go on”,
But always remember you’re writing your song.
The tempo can be slow, sweet, exciting, or busy,
It can even be so fast that you run ’round in a tizzy.
But the best beat for life, although it sounds sappy,
Is the one that you write that makes you feel happy.
So in good times and bad, keep a song in your heart,
To help get through rough times until fun times re-start.
Your life is YOUR song, you’ve got control.
Get started, you’ve got this...Sing from your soul!
Emily A. Filmore
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
blog.withmychildseries.com
Copyright 2010 by Emily A. Filmore. All Rights Reserved.
By Emily A. Filmore
Life is a song written by you,
Sometimes things go badly I know this is true.
But more often than not things will go right,
Be thankful for what you have and make your future look bright.
At times you may think “I just can’t go on”,
But always remember you’re writing your song.
The tempo can be slow, sweet, exciting, or busy,
It can even be so fast that you run ’round in a tizzy.
But the best beat for life, although it sounds sappy,
Is the one that you write that makes you feel happy.
So in good times and bad, keep a song in your heart,
To help get through rough times until fun times re-start.
Your life is YOUR song, you’ve got control.
Get started, you’ve got this...Sing from your soul!
Emily A. Filmore
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
blog.withmychildseries.com
Copyright 2010 by Emily A. Filmore. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
First TV appearance
I am so thankful that I am going to have the opportunity to share my books with the audience of Show Me St. Louis.
The interview is scheduled to air on Friday May 21, 2010 at 3pm on St. Louis's KSDK Newschannel 5!
The interview is scheduled to air on Friday May 21, 2010 at 3pm on St. Louis's KSDK Newschannel 5!
Monday, May 17, 2010
We bought two more great books for Sage
The Little Soul and the Sun by Neale Donald Walsch
Inside All by Margaret H. Mason
We love them both!
Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Inside All by Margaret H. Mason
We love them both!
Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Saturday, May 15, 2010
I love being a mom!
Sometimes you just have moments where you see your child's inner light shine through.
I find that the more I expect of her and the more I encourage her to be loving towards others - the more she rises to the challenge (usually). The challenge for me is remembering that she is just four years old even though she sometimes acts older; otherwise I can risk expecting too much maturity out of her. We have days (and it seems - sometimes weeks) where it feels like we are butting heads against each other and nothing goes right...but then one of these shining moments comes along.
It is a good reminder to make time to look for your child's inner light and give him or her chances to shine.
Peace!
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
I find that the more I expect of her and the more I encourage her to be loving towards others - the more she rises to the challenge (usually). The challenge for me is remembering that she is just four years old even though she sometimes acts older; otherwise I can risk expecting too much maturity out of her. We have days (and it seems - sometimes weeks) where it feels like we are butting heads against each other and nothing goes right...but then one of these shining moments comes along.
It is a good reminder to make time to look for your child's inner light and give him or her chances to shine.
Peace!
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Every day as a parent is a beautiful day, but...
...let's be honest, some days are harder to take than others.
My daughter is intelligent, empathetic and intuitive; but she is also only four and sometimes she can be insolent, argumentative and throw tantrums! I am totally in love with my life and being a mommy and I work hard to make our experiences and interactions positive; but I am only human so sometimes I don't succeed and I yell, complain and stomp my feet.
I think the main, well-intentioned, part of me sometimes has trouble reconciling with the part that makes mistakes. While I can't expect my four year old to be perfect I can teach her about self-control. And try as I might, I know I'm not perfect. ***Gasp! Mom, Dad - here is your chance to "write it down."*** So somehow I think (and hope) there is value in showing her that we all can/do make mistakes (as long as they are not hurtful or dangerous) and that life goes on.
I guess it is a good reminder that when the day is not going as well as one would hope, we can each step back take a breath, look at the big picture and try to celebrate our successes and love instead of lingering on the individual negative incidences.
AND believe me, I know it is not always easy.
How do you cope with the not-so-beautiful days? What do you do to regroup and move on?
Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
My daughter is intelligent, empathetic and intuitive; but she is also only four and sometimes she can be insolent, argumentative and throw tantrums! I am totally in love with my life and being a mommy and I work hard to make our experiences and interactions positive; but I am only human so sometimes I don't succeed and I yell, complain and stomp my feet.
I think the main, well-intentioned, part of me sometimes has trouble reconciling with the part that makes mistakes. While I can't expect my four year old to be perfect I can teach her about self-control. And try as I might, I know I'm not perfect. ***Gasp! Mom, Dad - here is your chance to "write it down."*** So somehow I think (and hope) there is value in showing her that we all can/do make mistakes (as long as they are not hurtful or dangerous) and that life goes on.
I guess it is a good reminder that when the day is not going as well as one would hope, we can each step back take a breath, look at the big picture and try to celebrate our successes and love instead of lingering on the individual negative incidences.
AND believe me, I know it is not always easy.
How do you cope with the not-so-beautiful days? What do you do to regroup and move on?
Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Hangin' Out with my Kid!
Sometimes hanging out with my daughter is as easy as sitting together reading a book or cuddling or drawing....This morning she wanted me to come to her room and play. Then when I told her it was too early for me to be up she said I could lie in her bed to watch her play. Well that turned into some sweet cuddle and talk time, until she got up and played princess make-up (still allowing me to stay in bed and watch).
BUT then after a few minutes she was tired of that and it was dress-up time. Parents: Ever try to put a princess dress on an adult body? Ha, I don't recommend it. She gave up and had me put a princess skirt on my head and called me Mama Odie!
I enjoy these times when we let her imagination be our guide and we play by her rules. She likes to be in charge and I like to watch her work through her thoughts!
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
BUT then after a few minutes she was tired of that and it was dress-up time. Parents: Ever try to put a princess dress on an adult body? Ha, I don't recommend it. She gave up and had me put a princess skirt on my head and called me Mama Odie!
I enjoy these times when we let her imagination be our guide and we play by her rules. She likes to be in charge and I like to watch her work through her thoughts!
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Real conversation with Sage
Mommy: Sage, I love you so much!
Sage: I love me too!
Mommy: That's great! What do you love about yourself?
Sage: Everything! Like I'm 4, and I'm tall, and I'm pretty, and I am nice, and I am useful!
Mommy: What does USEFUL mean?
Sage: It means I have friends and am nice to them and can do stuff by myself.
Mommy: AWESOME!
Teaching a young child self-love is a big challenge because the concept is so abstract. I try to always tell her the positive things that I observe about her, but it is really cool to see her internalize them. I think this new dawning of awareness was helped by two things we've added in the last few days. 1) We purchased and downloaded the first lesson from Neale Donald Walsch's "School of New Spirituality" about love and 2) we purchased Dr. Wayne Dyer's children's book "Incredible You!" She is so interested in learning about her connection to others right now and both of these lessons addressed her need to understand herself.
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Sage: I love me too!
Mommy: That's great! What do you love about yourself?
Sage: Everything! Like I'm 4, and I'm tall, and I'm pretty, and I am nice, and I am useful!
Mommy: What does USEFUL mean?
Sage: It means I have friends and am nice to them and can do stuff by myself.
Mommy: AWESOME!
Teaching a young child self-love is a big challenge because the concept is so abstract. I try to always tell her the positive things that I observe about her, but it is really cool to see her internalize them. I think this new dawning of awareness was helped by two things we've added in the last few days. 1) We purchased and downloaded the first lesson from Neale Donald Walsch's "School of New Spirituality" about love and 2) we purchased Dr. Wayne Dyer's children's book "Incredible You!" She is so interested in learning about her connection to others right now and both of these lessons addressed her need to understand herself.
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dancing by Emily A. Filmore
(in a sing-song upbeat voice)
Sometimes you just have to clap
Or dance a silly jig
Sometimes you want to tap your foot
Or swirl in circles really big!
However music moves you
It’s probably sincere
For music brings emotions out
On things that you hold dear.
Whenever I hear a cheery beat
I get a funny feeling
And if I’m really into it,
You’ll have to peel me off the ceiling.
So Dance and Dance and Dance some more
You cannot get enough
Tap your foot and clap your hands
You’ll feel like a Hundred Million Bucks!
Copyright 2007. Emily A. Filmore. All rights reserved.
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Sometimes you just have to clap
Or dance a silly jig
Sometimes you want to tap your foot
Or swirl in circles really big!
However music moves you
It’s probably sincere
For music brings emotions out
On things that you hold dear.
Whenever I hear a cheery beat
I get a funny feeling
And if I’m really into it,
You’ll have to peel me off the ceiling.
So Dance and Dance and Dance some more
You cannot get enough
Tap your foot and clap your hands
You’ll feel like a Hundred Million Bucks!
Copyright 2007. Emily A. Filmore. All rights reserved.
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Monday, May 10, 2010
A Beautiful Day for a Hike!
For Mother’s Day, I wanted two things, a couple of new plants in the backyard and to spend some special, quality time with my husband and daughter. Scott and Sage planted my Wisteria and Mandevilla plants last weekend so they have already started growing and we were free to enjoy ourselves this weekend.
For our special Mother’s Day activity we decided to go for a hike at Powder Valley Nature Center. I loved watching her explore nature as she stopped to look at many trees and plants, borrowed my camera to shoot photos from her own perspective (including one of Daddy and me), watched for animals, stomped her feet on the wooden bridges to make “music sounds” and skipped rocks with Daddy! We brought our backpacks complete with our field journals and one of the pictures shows her recording her observations (of a tree, rocks and the stream going by them) in her journal. Many times during the 1.2 mile hike I stopped to soak up the experience because the joy I felt was overwhelming. When I told her I was so happy my heart was singing, she quietly nodded and said “I love you too mommy!” What a sweet girl and what a beautiful day!
Sage recording her observations
The three of us on a bridge
A great big hug of love
Pausing to enjoy the scenery
Sage's photo of us
Posted by Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
May you enjoy your special time today - basking in the glow of your beautiful child(ren), gathering hugs and kisses galore, maybe even stealing a little bit of "ME" time!
Namaste!
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Namaste!
Emily A. Filmore
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Friday, May 7, 2010
Mommy, You can be a dancer too.
Last week at ballet, Sage had the opportunity to observe some professional dancers in action after her class had ended. To say she was inspired was an understatement. She was in AWE. I think it was the first time she saw dance as something more than child's play. Standing there in the lobby something clicked. She said, "Hmmm, I want to be a ballerina when I grow up...HEY...Mommy, you love to dance, why can't you be a ballerina too?! When we get home, I'll teach you." (I love that the many times she has seen evidence of my clumsiness haven't detracted from her faith in my ability to be graceful!)
Thirty minutes later my little "teacher," armed with a sheet of stickers, a notebook of scribbles, and a sweet, coaxing voice began my DANCE LESSON in our family room. We sang Blackbird (her recital song) as she showed me how to do the routine, she held my hand to steady me as we did Arabesque, she adjusted my feet for me as we did plies. And then of course, we had to get two of my scarves for the all-important scarf dance.
I thought it was especially cool since I've already written "It's a Beautiful Day for Ballet" on the exact premise of the child teaching the parent ballet. What's more, what was really great about it was that we shared some sweet moments, got some exercise and built on her excitement about ballet and her love of movement. It truly was "a Beautiful Day for Ballet".
Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
www.withmychildseries.com
Thirty minutes later my little "teacher," armed with a sheet of stickers, a notebook of scribbles, and a sweet, coaxing voice began my DANCE LESSON in our family room. We sang Blackbird (her recital song) as she showed me how to do the routine, she held my hand to steady me as we did Arabesque, she adjusted my feet for me as we did plies. And then of course, we had to get two of my scarves for the all-important scarf dance.
I thought it was especially cool since I've already written "It's a Beautiful Day for Ballet" on the exact premise of the child teaching the parent ballet. What's more, what was really great about it was that we shared some sweet moments, got some exercise and built on her excitement about ballet and her love of movement. It truly was "a Beautiful Day for Ballet".
Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
www.withmychildseries.com
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Passing Creativity on...
I am often asked how I get work done while still being a full-time, present mom. It is really hard but I try to turn my work into bonding time. If I am writing, I try to get her involved in using her learning computer or drawing/writing; if I am drawing I get out her chalks.
One of my favorite moments of the last couple of weeks was when I was doing a three canvas oil painting last week; I put her easel next to my work table, gave her a paint pallet and brushes and said "let's paint together." Out of this shared experience she had the opportunity to:
Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
One of my favorite moments of the last couple of weeks was when I was doing a three canvas oil painting last week; I put her easel next to my work table, gave her a paint pallet and brushes and said "let's paint together." Out of this shared experience she had the opportunity to:
- experiment with oil paints on canvas for the first time,
- explore her imagination as she told a story with brush strokes,
- feel the joy of creating a picture for daddy and seeing his reaction later,
- envision herself as an artist,
- share a feeling of accomplishment for both her painting and mine,
- learn about teamwork as we "helped" each other by looking at and encouraging each other's projects, and
- spend two beautiful afternoons singing, talking and bonding with me over our shared love of art.
- learn a little more about how her mind works,
- marvel as she worked out the mechanics of colors and brush strokes,
- watch her imagination and creativity blossom, and
- add new precious memories that I will always keep with me.
Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
To be a present parent you have to be able to be present alone...
Photo by Emily A. Filmore 2007. All Rights Reserved.
What will you do today to be better to yourself? What will you do today to find your own present moment alone?
Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Giggles Feel Great
Giggles Feel Great
by Emily A. Filmore
Giggle, Tickle, Snort and Hoot
Crack up, Cackle, Chuckle, Toot!
Snicker, Hee-Haw, Shriek out loud
Come on and laugh, you’ll feel so proud!
Bellies jiggle, heads will wiggle, tears may even fall,
Go on! Just let it go! Your heart will have a ball.
Anything can start it; it could be in your head,
Where ever it may come from, it will chase away your dread.
Your eyes will light, your lips will grin,
Your hands will move, as will your chin.
Don’t feel silly, embarrassed or scared
Giggles feel great up to your hair.
Giggle until it hurts and don’t you ever stop,
Laugh with glee until you think “Oh My! I’m Going to Pop!”
“Will I really pop?” you ask. Oh no, my dear, you won’t,
Giggles feel great, I promise you, even…in…your…toes.
So the very next time you’re feeling down
Have a big laugh and forget to frown!
You don’t believe me? I’ll tell you what,
Give it a chance and flee your rut!
Giggle, Tickle, Snort and Hoot
Crack up, Cackle, Chuckle, Toot!
Snicker, Hee-Haw, I think you should,
Roll on the floor, you’ll feel so Good!
Copyright 2007. Emily A. Filmore. All rights reserved.
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
by Emily A. Filmore
Giggle, Tickle, Snort and Hoot
Crack up, Cackle, Chuckle, Toot!
Snicker, Hee-Haw, Shriek out loud
Come on and laugh, you’ll feel so proud!
Bellies jiggle, heads will wiggle, tears may even fall,
Go on! Just let it go! Your heart will have a ball.
Anything can start it; it could be in your head,
Where ever it may come from, it will chase away your dread.
Your eyes will light, your lips will grin,
Your hands will move, as will your chin.
Don’t feel silly, embarrassed or scared
Giggles feel great up to your hair.
Giggle until it hurts and don’t you ever stop,
Laugh with glee until you think “Oh My! I’m Going to Pop!”
“Will I really pop?” you ask. Oh no, my dear, you won’t,
Giggles feel great, I promise you, even…in…your…toes.
So the very next time you’re feeling down
Have a big laugh and forget to frown!
You don’t believe me? I’ll tell you what,
Give it a chance and flee your rut!
Giggle, Tickle, Snort and Hoot
Crack up, Cackle, Chuckle, Toot!
Snicker, Hee-Haw, I think you should,
Roll on the floor, you’ll feel so Good!
Copyright 2007. Emily A. Filmore. All rights reserved.
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
Monday, May 3, 2010
Butterfly Wing on Your Cheek
Butterfly Wing on Your Cheek
by Emily A. Filmore
Did you ever sit and wonder
What it feels like to have the flutter
Of a butterfly wing on your cheek?
It’s kind of like the wind
You feel when you stand and spin,
But then again…
It’s a little like a blade of grass,
That tickles you while you watch the clouds pass.
It might feel like the gentle touch,
Of someone who loves you very much.
It could be like the tickle of a hair,
But when you go to brush it away it isn’t really there,
It’s somewhat like a kiss,
On your cheek from someone whom you’ve really missed,
It is definitely like the snuggle,
You feel when you have a family nuzzle,
It is probably very simply,
Anything you can imagine it to be.
Especially if it makes you
smile
and
giggle.
Copyright 2007 Emily A. Filmore. All rights reserved.
Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
by Emily A. Filmore
Did you ever sit and wonder
What it feels like to have the flutter
Of a butterfly wing on your cheek?
It’s kind of like the wind
You feel when you stand and spin,
But then again…
It’s a little like a blade of grass,
That tickles you while you watch the clouds pass.
It might feel like the gentle touch,
Of someone who loves you very much.
It could be like the tickle of a hair,
But when you go to brush it away it isn’t really there,
It’s somewhat like a kiss,
On your cheek from someone whom you’ve really missed,
It is definitely like the snuggle,
You feel when you have a family nuzzle,
It is probably very simply,
Anything you can imagine it to be.
Especially if it makes you
smile
and
giggle.
Copyright 2007 Emily A. Filmore. All rights reserved.
Emily A. Filmore, Author
blog.withmychildseries.com
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
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