Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Yesterday was my first wedding anniversary. We had a fun day at the beach with my family followed by drinks on top of Ocean Lodge with a view of the ocean. Then the guys grilled steaks and we ate more of the one year old wedding cake which I can not believe was still good. That alone is just crazy to me.
Our first year of marriage was surprisingly easy for a first marriage for a pair of 40 somethings. We had bumps in the road like the stress of buying and remodeling a house while surviving a miscarriage and 2 out patient surgeries and a 4 month legislative session. Recently, we went to a marriage seminar at the church we attend when in Atlanta and not only were we the oldest ones there! But, we realized we did not have many of the issues the leaders were discussing because we lived the message of Princess Bubble and we had had complete lives before we married and knew who we were going into the marriage. I would not suggest for other women to wait as long as I did to marry; but I found someone worth the wait and there are positives to being an older bride. If you have not read my book, Princess Bubble, the message is that true happiness is not found in a prince but in helping others, loving God, liking who you are already. The conference we attended spent a lot of time trying to heal or correct the issues couples had when they entered the marriage expecting their spouse to make their lives perfect or rescue them.
I spent so much time trying to empower girls and share with them the message of Princess Bubble and knew the message was important for women to also remember...But, then I got caught up in all that was happening in my own life and put the message aside for a while. Now I am reminded of the importance and how every woman and girl needs to be encouraged to remember how special they are and how we need to take responsibility of our own happiness and not expect someone else or something else to make them happy.
So girls-remind your girlfriends, teach your daughters, and tell yourself that happiness is attainable for all of us start your own happily ever after today! Today I start on year two of my marriage and love my prince but plan to live happily ever after with him instead of because of him.
www.PrincessBubble.com
Our first year of marriage was surprisingly easy for a first marriage for a pair of 40 somethings. We had bumps in the road like the stress of buying and remodeling a house while surviving a miscarriage and 2 out patient surgeries and a 4 month legislative session. Recently, we went to a marriage seminar at the church we attend when in Atlanta and not only were we the oldest ones there! But, we realized we did not have many of the issues the leaders were discussing because we lived the message of Princess Bubble and we had had complete lives before we married and knew who we were going into the marriage. I would not suggest for other women to wait as long as I did to marry; but I found someone worth the wait and there are positives to being an older bride. If you have not read my book, Princess Bubble, the message is that true happiness is not found in a prince but in helping others, loving God, liking who you are already. The conference we attended spent a lot of time trying to heal or correct the issues couples had when they entered the marriage expecting their spouse to make their lives perfect or rescue them.
I spent so much time trying to empower girls and share with them the message of Princess Bubble and knew the message was important for women to also remember...But, then I got caught up in all that was happening in my own life and put the message aside for a while. Now I am reminded of the importance and how every woman and girl needs to be encouraged to remember how special they are and how we need to take responsibility of our own happiness and not expect someone else or something else to make them happy.
So girls-remind your girlfriends, teach your daughters, and tell yourself that happiness is attainable for all of us start your own happily ever after today! Today I start on year two of my marriage and love my prince but plan to live happily ever after with him instead of because of him.
www.PrincessBubble.com
Thursday, April 01, 2010
http://chickspeak.com/blog/2010/03/30/childrens-books-with-a-healthy-dose-of-chick-power/Children’s Books with a Healthy Dose of Chick Power
March 30, 2010 by Jasmin Charters
Do you remember when you were six and you cared for nothing else in the world but running through the sprinkler for hours, and then finishing it off with a lime popsicle?
Back then boys were gross, your energy was at full-blast 24/7, and your hero could be anyone from your mom, to Sailor Moon, to that lady you saw on TV go up into space.
Of course, back then also meant that going to bed would never, ever, ever happen unless your parents read Angelina Ballerina to you four times in a row. That was the time when speaking French just like Madeline, and dressing up just like Miss Piggy were your only concerns in life. Those were the days.
As we get older, we start reading the classics. Mary Lennox, Anne Shirley, Elizabeth Bennett, Jo March, these girls had an incredible understanding of the time in which they lived, and a blatant disregard for what that time expected of them. They were individuals with minds of their own.
But these days, things have changed. In a time when Bella Swan’s unlikely dilemma takes center stage, and Hollywood starlet autobiographies make the New York Times bestseller list, it’s easy to see why we lose touch with those initial female role models we all aspired to be.
So let’s get back to basics, back to when Arthur was always on TV, and The Berenstain Bears were hugely popular. Today we’re focusing on the books that were headed by strong female protagonists, the little girls of storybook land who infused in us a little dose of girl power, and a keen sense of self. Were we aware that these were the kinds of girls that would help shape us into the women we are today?
Before you get lost in responsibility, commitments, relationships, papers, and deadlines again, take a deep breath and pick up your favorite children’s book from when you were a kid. Cindy Lou Who, Matilda and Princess Smartypantswant to remind you of something.
Check out this list of children’s book super-girls:
Princess Bubble, A Modern Day Fairy Tale for All Ages by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Web
The message in Princess Bubble is timeless, relevant, and true because she, our princess and our hero, reminds us that “we are special, ‘As Is! Prince or no prince.’” As authors Johnston and Web convey to their readers, “our value is not determined by our dress size, age, or marital status.
The book’s unique message of hope speaks to school-aged children claiming their own identity, to college graduates struggling for direction, and to divorcees mapping out an unexpected “plan B” for their future.” Princess Bubble reminds us that breaking convention, learning about different cultures, and about ourselves in the process, is a good thing. After all, you’re the author of your own happy ending, prince, or no prince.
Eloise by Kay Thompson
Eloise is a free spirit, something we should all aspire to be. After all, isn’t that what being a kid is all about? As Kay Thompson so brilliantly put it, “Henry James would want to study her. Queen Victoria would recognize her as an Equal. The New York Jets would want to have her on their side. Lewis Carroll would love her (once he got over the initial shock).” The girl has inner resources, and a mind of her own. She is curious, and loves to explore. She loves everything about life, and it’s admirable. As adults, we lose that side of ourselves and Eloise helps us find it again.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Sure Charlotte is a spider, but she’s the loveliest spider I have ever met. She’s compassionate, and non-judgmental, while Fern, who also helps save Wilbur from an untimely end, is a courageous young girl with a heart of gold. Charlotte’s Web is still read by children in schools all over North America, praised for its sensitively, intelligence and ability to inspire. Charlotte reminds us to be kindhearted, and considerate. When Wilbur judges Charlotte for the way she eats (by capturing and snaring flies), he becomes scared of her. Charlotte helps us to remember that we must try not to judge anyone by his or her appearance, or by what they do, or in Charlotte’s case, how they eat. First impressions are almost always wrong. Meanwhile, Fern reminds us to be a friend to all, including the pigs and spiders of the world.
The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch
The Paperbag Princess was born from a simple question conversationally asked by Munsch’s wife Ann: “How come you always have the prince save the princess? Why can’t the princess save the prince?” The rest, you might say, is history. So, the moral of this story is this: bite the bullet and take the bull by the horns. Do as the Paperbag Princess did and do what’s unexpected of you,because you’re a girl. I dare you!
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Olivia is a pig with an overabundance of energy, and like any little girl, she puts it to creative use. In each of Olivia’s books, she embarks on some kind of adventure, whether that’s taming lions, becoming an amateur detective, starting a band, or building a skyscraper out of sand. She’s always getting into mischief, and she does it in style. Olivia reminds us to do what makes us happy, even if it means trying on a few hats before we find what it is we’re looking for.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
In an article by Tiina Meri, Pippi Longstocking is heralded as a “Swedish rebel and a feminist role model” for kids all around the world. Pippi is a strong, level-headed girl with a knack for story-telling and a penchant for swimming. She has faith in her own abilities, and is incredibly intelligent, despite the adults around her who beg to differ. Pippi is not concerned with how she looks, and dresses the way she likes.
And instead of giving into an advertisement asking “Do you suffer from freckles?”, Pippi scoffs the idea that she suffers from anything, and embraces her freckles proclaiming “I like them!” Pippi that reminds us to be who we are, no matter what anyone says, that sharing and respect are of the utmost importance, and that having fun is just as vital in life than playing by the rules.
Hey Chick’s, who would you add to the list?
For more information, check out the Amelia Bloomer Project for a bibliography of books for young readers with a feminist message.
March 30, 2010 by Jasmin Charters
Do you remember when you were six and you cared for nothing else in the world but running through the sprinkler for hours, and then finishing it off with a lime popsicle?
Back then boys were gross, your energy was at full-blast 24/7, and your hero could be anyone from your mom, to Sailor Moon, to that lady you saw on TV go up into space.
Of course, back then also meant that going to bed would never, ever, ever happen unless your parents read Angelina Ballerina to you four times in a row. That was the time when speaking French just like Madeline, and dressing up just like Miss Piggy were your only concerns in life. Those were the days.
As we get older, we start reading the classics. Mary Lennox, Anne Shirley, Elizabeth Bennett, Jo March, these girls had an incredible understanding of the time in which they lived, and a blatant disregard for what that time expected of them. They were individuals with minds of their own.
But these days, things have changed. In a time when Bella Swan’s unlikely dilemma takes center stage, and Hollywood starlet autobiographies make the New York Times bestseller list, it’s easy to see why we lose touch with those initial female role models we all aspired to be.
So let’s get back to basics, back to when Arthur was always on TV, and The Berenstain Bears were hugely popular. Today we’re focusing on the books that were headed by strong female protagonists, the little girls of storybook land who infused in us a little dose of girl power, and a keen sense of self. Were we aware that these were the kinds of girls that would help shape us into the women we are today?
Before you get lost in responsibility, commitments, relationships, papers, and deadlines again, take a deep breath and pick up your favorite children’s book from when you were a kid. Cindy Lou Who, Matilda and Princess Smartypantswant to remind you of something.
Check out this list of children’s book super-girls:
Princess Bubble, A Modern Day Fairy Tale for All Ages by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Web
The message in Princess Bubble is timeless, relevant, and true because she, our princess and our hero, reminds us that “we are special, ‘As Is! Prince or no prince.’” As authors Johnston and Web convey to their readers, “our value is not determined by our dress size, age, or marital status.
The book’s unique message of hope speaks to school-aged children claiming their own identity, to college graduates struggling for direction, and to divorcees mapping out an unexpected “plan B” for their future.” Princess Bubble reminds us that breaking convention, learning about different cultures, and about ourselves in the process, is a good thing. After all, you’re the author of your own happy ending, prince, or no prince.
Eloise by Kay Thompson
Eloise is a free spirit, something we should all aspire to be. After all, isn’t that what being a kid is all about? As Kay Thompson so brilliantly put it, “Henry James would want to study her. Queen Victoria would recognize her as an Equal. The New York Jets would want to have her on their side. Lewis Carroll would love her (once he got over the initial shock).” The girl has inner resources, and a mind of her own. She is curious, and loves to explore. She loves everything about life, and it’s admirable. As adults, we lose that side of ourselves and Eloise helps us find it again.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Sure Charlotte is a spider, but she’s the loveliest spider I have ever met. She’s compassionate, and non-judgmental, while Fern, who also helps save Wilbur from an untimely end, is a courageous young girl with a heart of gold. Charlotte’s Web is still read by children in schools all over North America, praised for its sensitively, intelligence and ability to inspire. Charlotte reminds us to be kindhearted, and considerate. When Wilbur judges Charlotte for the way she eats (by capturing and snaring flies), he becomes scared of her. Charlotte helps us to remember that we must try not to judge anyone by his or her appearance, or by what they do, or in Charlotte’s case, how they eat. First impressions are almost always wrong. Meanwhile, Fern reminds us to be a friend to all, including the pigs and spiders of the world.
The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch
The Paperbag Princess was born from a simple question conversationally asked by Munsch’s wife Ann: “How come you always have the prince save the princess? Why can’t the princess save the prince?” The rest, you might say, is history. So, the moral of this story is this: bite the bullet and take the bull by the horns. Do as the Paperbag Princess did and do what’s unexpected of you,because you’re a girl. I dare you!
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Olivia is a pig with an overabundance of energy, and like any little girl, she puts it to creative use. In each of Olivia’s books, she embarks on some kind of adventure, whether that’s taming lions, becoming an amateur detective, starting a band, or building a skyscraper out of sand. She’s always getting into mischief, and she does it in style. Olivia reminds us to do what makes us happy, even if it means trying on a few hats before we find what it is we’re looking for.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
In an article by Tiina Meri, Pippi Longstocking is heralded as a “Swedish rebel and a feminist role model” for kids all around the world. Pippi is a strong, level-headed girl with a knack for story-telling and a penchant for swimming. She has faith in her own abilities, and is incredibly intelligent, despite the adults around her who beg to differ. Pippi is not concerned with how she looks, and dresses the way she likes.
And instead of giving into an advertisement asking “Do you suffer from freckles?”, Pippi scoffs the idea that she suffers from anything, and embraces her freckles proclaiming “I like them!” Pippi that reminds us to be who we are, no matter what anyone says, that sharing and respect are of the utmost importance, and that having fun is just as vital in life than playing by the rules.
Hey Chick’s, who would you add to the list?
For more information, check out the Amelia Bloomer Project for a bibliography of books for young readers with a feminist message.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Let Your Princess See The Importance of Self Esteem
February 18, 2010 by Chris
About The Book
You know how the story goes—Prince Charming, “Happily Ever After,” The End, right? Is this the ONLY option today’s moms want to share with their young daughters? Two successful girlfriends are offering parents an updated
version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince!
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” the book reveals, “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!”
“We are definitely not anti-Prince,” said Webb. “We just believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem—messages that focus on the outside rather than what’s within. We want to change that message.” Johnston, recently married, said, “Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as independent, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston Hamrick and Kimberly Webb have crafted a new generation of fairy tales that celebrates singleness and self worth. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that many youth face.
Three most common disorders in girls: low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders
In 2003, breast implants tripled from 3,872 to 11,326 in girls under age 18
Girls ages 12 to 19 spent over $8 million on cosmetics in 2005
(Source: Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls,2007)
“I adore sharing the Princess Bubble message with my daughter because it teaches her that happiness comes from within,” said Kim Daniels, mother of two.
ABOUT PRINCESS BUBBLE and BUBBLE GUM PRESS: The Princess Bubble message,
cleverly articulated by former Delta flight attendants Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, seeks to find an alternate ending to “happily ever after” and change the notion that life begins and ends with finding your Prince
Charming. Looking to bolster the poor self-esteem of female youth and the stigma that many single adult women carry, Johnston and Webb believe“this is a book for women of all ages, a story they can believe in and share with their children.” In upcoming adventures, Princess Bubble will travel to distant
lands where the knowledge of every new culture will enrich her flourishing life.
My Take On The Book
I am the father of two daughters and everyday I worry about the external influences which will make them feel that they must act or dress a certain way. This message within this book was one that I plan to read over and over to my girls as they get older. The message that a girl can choose the life she wants and that she does not need a man and money to be happy is what young girls need to hear today. Princess Bubble allows girls to see that there are many other ways to achieve happiness.
The illustrations within this book were great and helped my girls understand the message that was being shared. I liked the idea that a “happily ever after” doesn’t have to be the kind that you see in the movies. Instead it is more important that they create their own “happily ever after” no matter what that may be.
I received a copy of this book as a review, but it did not effect my review of this book.
About the author:
A father of two who works to balance working full time in college administration along with trying to regain his kingdom on a daily basis. Exploring the joys and challenges of being a father, parent and husband, you can explore the divadom with him daily at http://dadofdivas.blogspot.com
Tags:
February 18, 2010 by Chris
About The Book
You know how the story goes—Prince Charming, “Happily Ever After,” The End, right? Is this the ONLY option today’s moms want to share with their young daughters? Two successful girlfriends are offering parents an updated
version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince!
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” the book reveals, “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!”
“We are definitely not anti-Prince,” said Webb. “We just believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem—messages that focus on the outside rather than what’s within. We want to change that message.” Johnston, recently married, said, “Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as independent, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston Hamrick and Kimberly Webb have crafted a new generation of fairy tales that celebrates singleness and self worth. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that many youth face.
Three most common disorders in girls: low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders
In 2003, breast implants tripled from 3,872 to 11,326 in girls under age 18
Girls ages 12 to 19 spent over $8 million on cosmetics in 2005
(Source: Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls,2007)
“I adore sharing the Princess Bubble message with my daughter because it teaches her that happiness comes from within,” said Kim Daniels, mother of two.
ABOUT PRINCESS BUBBLE and BUBBLE GUM PRESS: The Princess Bubble message,
cleverly articulated by former Delta flight attendants Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, seeks to find an alternate ending to “happily ever after” and change the notion that life begins and ends with finding your Prince
Charming. Looking to bolster the poor self-esteem of female youth and the stigma that many single adult women carry, Johnston and Webb believe“this is a book for women of all ages, a story they can believe in and share with their children.” In upcoming adventures, Princess Bubble will travel to distant
lands where the knowledge of every new culture will enrich her flourishing life.
My Take On The Book
I am the father of two daughters and everyday I worry about the external influences which will make them feel that they must act or dress a certain way. This message within this book was one that I plan to read over and over to my girls as they get older. The message that a girl can choose the life she wants and that she does not need a man and money to be happy is what young girls need to hear today. Princess Bubble allows girls to see that there are many other ways to achieve happiness.
The illustrations within this book were great and helped my girls understand the message that was being shared. I liked the idea that a “happily ever after” doesn’t have to be the kind that you see in the movies. Instead it is more important that they create their own “happily ever after” no matter what that may be.
I received a copy of this book as a review, but it did not effect my review of this book.
About the author:
A father of two who works to balance working full time in college administration along with trying to regain his kingdom on a daily basis. Exploring the joys and challenges of being a father, parent and husband, you can explore the divadom with him daily at http://dadofdivas.blogspot.com
Tags:
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
The Monday after I graduated from college I began a career as a flight attendant traveling the world and having a wonderful time. My college friends began to marry off and I made new friends who also married off. So, I made more friends who mostly married off as well. By this point, I had been in 17 weddings and maid of honor in six of those. I went to visit a friend and was playing Barbie with her daughter when I was informed by this 6 year old that Barbie could not be happy without a prince. I said, "Of course she could! I was happy! I loved my family and had seen the world." But, this little princess told be it could not be done and she had all the fairy tales to prove her case. All princesses only ended up happy when they found their prince!
On my flight home, I thought about this conversation and decided fairy tales must change! I was not anti-prince. Just anti-damsel in distress. I wanted girls to marry because they found the love of their life after they loved their life. Because I knew even a prince could not make a miserable person happy. True happiness comes from within and from helping others.
So, I wrote a book Princess Bubble and published it with a friend. We cashed in our savings and decided it was worth the expense to empower girls and remind them they are a princess with or without a prince. Word got out about our message and we appeared on The Today Show and CNN.
But right in the middle of spreading the meaning of "Happily Ever After" my world crashed and my father suddenly died. We were thick as thieves and I was holding back tears of pain while making TV appearances about how to be happy. I still believe my message but missed my sweet daddy.
Meanwhile, my mother told me she had someone to fix me up with. A State Senator,Bill Hamrick, who had been at Auburn the same time I was and who was also in his 40's and single. I did not think much about this but thought it was worth meeting him. Bill's mother was also working on Bill encouraging him to call me and he had even less interest in meeting someone his mother suggested. But, one night he had a dream and remembered a girl he had seen in college who smiled at him and he did not have the never to approach. The next day, Bill clicked on the link to my CNN appearance to see who this girl was his mother wanted him to meet and saw I was the girl from his dream the night before.
We met, fell in love and were married 6 months later. Our wedding day, I shed a few tears and looked up at the sky begging God for a sign from my daddy. Shortly after we said our vows a double rainbow appeared across the sky and I know it was God and my father smiling down on us!
First, I found happily ever after. Then I found a prince to share it with!
On my flight home, I thought about this conversation and decided fairy tales must change! I was not anti-prince. Just anti-damsel in distress. I wanted girls to marry because they found the love of their life after they loved their life. Because I knew even a prince could not make a miserable person happy. True happiness comes from within and from helping others.
So, I wrote a book Princess Bubble and published it with a friend. We cashed in our savings and decided it was worth the expense to empower girls and remind them they are a princess with or without a prince. Word got out about our message and we appeared on The Today Show and CNN.
But right in the middle of spreading the meaning of "Happily Ever After" my world crashed and my father suddenly died. We were thick as thieves and I was holding back tears of pain while making TV appearances about how to be happy. I still believe my message but missed my sweet daddy.
Meanwhile, my mother told me she had someone to fix me up with. A State Senator,Bill Hamrick, who had been at Auburn the same time I was and who was also in his 40's and single. I did not think much about this but thought it was worth meeting him. Bill's mother was also working on Bill encouraging him to call me and he had even less interest in meeting someone his mother suggested. But, one night he had a dream and remembered a girl he had seen in college who smiled at him and he did not have the never to approach. The next day, Bill clicked on the link to my CNN appearance to see who this girl was his mother wanted him to meet and saw I was the girl from his dream the night before.
We met, fell in love and were married 6 months later. Our wedding day, I shed a few tears and looked up at the sky begging God for a sign from my daddy. Shortly after we said our vows a double rainbow appeared across the sky and I know it was God and my father smiling down on us!
First, I found happily ever after. Then I found a prince to share it with!
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