tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1665911024225245172024-03-12T19:15:12.452-07:00Ordinary Moments... Extraordinary MemoriesTondra Denise- Living a life full of Gratitude and GraceTondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.comBlogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-18676803617407468822023-11-03T00:00:00.000-07:002023-11-13T07:51:15.106-08:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (The Dot)<div style="text-align: center;">Three years ago</div><div style="text-align: center;">we birthed something to...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">introduce stories</div><div style="text-align: center;">spark creativity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and</div><div style="text-align: center;">initiate conversations</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">between children and their</div><div style="text-align: center;">friends, parents or caregivers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllPxGBDzcq4gk8CahTETUr314_DXPxSMGObWuH-72xv2r1y5SPAWdSROBapEhT4LoE1XZEC__lDT0vxHeTeNmJ-ThgzIQYELwRabO-KFSjnnkoEUv4t5rRn7EbD0NKXI8_4qB59ueShTf93Qa12cbU4C6yIdR2G181Wb-0kcJ4AfOTagH34FtxQtpN-M/s2880/20231106_085453%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllPxGBDzcq4gk8CahTETUr314_DXPxSMGObWuH-72xv2r1y5SPAWdSROBapEhT4LoE1XZEC__lDT0vxHeTeNmJ-ThgzIQYELwRabO-KFSjnnkoEUv4t5rRn7EbD0NKXI8_4qB59ueShTf93Qa12cbU4C6yIdR2G181Wb-0kcJ4AfOTagH34FtxQtpN-M/w424-h424/20231106_085453%5B1%5D.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Join us in celebrating 100 episodes!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays-</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/-mF_7UgYQTA?si=qnjp0Wcm_rIy9GdS" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Themes:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Power of Embracing Creative Expression</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>"Just make a mark and</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>see where it takes you"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/-ZQMhdYJhsA?si=6IFyPMcrQhWHwn2M" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These song lyrics will inspire you to</div><div style="text-align: center;">"make a mark and see what happens"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">while reminding you that...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>to make it matter,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>all you gotta do is start</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/pRUo5zxCO6g?si=On84i4cG4JPYr1ig" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A red dot.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A purple dot.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A yellow dot.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A blue dot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of many dots in many colors...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This simple paint dotter activity is all about embracing creative expression</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the use of simple materials, exploration, and the power of imagination.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">What would you do if fear</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>no longer stood in your way?</i></span></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-14287777372965807482023-10-11T00:00:00.065-07:002023-10-11T09:46:50.441-07:00Unsubscribing from Hustle Culture<div style="text-align: center;">I didn't realize that unsubscribing </div><div style="text-align: center;">from the hustle culture mindset</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and becoming an advocate for...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">using what you have,</div><div style="text-align: center;">slowing down, and</div><div style="text-align: center;">honoring your personal rhythm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">would actually be this exhausting!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQrS_blJSVkHzO5_w-qjq7q8ZeIVTVR_Qy2KPMlC8SVIuynKmjxC8kCnhtE6OMApr5r5de7pOmGK9vo2PXmNoQA24DHAA6bW3xNQkigov9qpO3F6bd9K4Ztx5tZYf3rd4h6NBu9AcarEXezOMaK5rYCtkgZPwMAHiPurdqCsNu0xp7dkE40IXjNxb0MY/s1080/GratitudeandGracespace.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQrS_blJSVkHzO5_w-qjq7q8ZeIVTVR_Qy2KPMlC8SVIuynKmjxC8kCnhtE6OMApr5r5de7pOmGK9vo2PXmNoQA24DHAA6bW3xNQkigov9qpO3F6bd9K4Ztx5tZYf3rd4h6NBu9AcarEXezOMaK5rYCtkgZPwMAHiPurdqCsNu0xp7dkE40IXjNxb0MY/w404-h404/GratitudeandGracespace.png" width="404" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I mean, really</div><div style="text-align: center;">It all sounds so simple</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK66seqXqZkUVjO0MoS5aT_H-J1MxnwJrcxiHio3FIleyKUVDwV7uLELTmRKzbRtRnW2i7xRoM4b1dXvNfdW8f_XZP29a50_FXwXHZIylefEPo9LY0k5qHw_Rc5kwQtJBYag1o_WYt_bexPWXOAVQLSBoHqt2Q2J_I0Ezs0OBXiw2O-XzC2Ar9Pr-MNc0/s1080/Screenshot_20231011_090825_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1080" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK66seqXqZkUVjO0MoS5aT_H-J1MxnwJrcxiHio3FIleyKUVDwV7uLELTmRKzbRtRnW2i7xRoM4b1dXvNfdW8f_XZP29a50_FXwXHZIylefEPo9LY0k5qHw_Rc5kwQtJBYag1o_WYt_bexPWXOAVQLSBoHqt2Q2J_I0Ezs0OBXiw2O-XzC2Ar9Pr-MNc0/s320/Screenshot_20231011_090825_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">challenge your mindset</div><div style="text-align: center;">change your routine</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and stop</div><div style="text-align: center;">trying to do "all of the things"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(with only a "some of the things"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>amount of time and resources)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">simple.</div><div style="text-align: center;">logical.</div><div style="text-align: center;">straight forward.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and yet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After two years of</div><div style="text-align: center;">"preaching to the choir"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I often still</div><div style="text-align: center;">find myself...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">hands too full</div><div style="text-align: center;">heart racing</div><div style="text-align: center;">mind unsettled</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">holding things</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been handed</div><div style="text-align: center;">along the way</div><div style="text-align: center;">-------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This week's "unsubscribing" included...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO5gxql5smVPrK17NPrqW4-kqUE2droWANF5gl8r_ehTrqbwRigH3lDq_Ty2xLACkpm_IT3rnn9Dv8QWJCUkubBgdrP6cPnyzYrrlZMsCxx7HJA2niv-W0SkYnGNnqKQUU5FomJWsd3H6h1rWjOEsJ2Cit1BtOucdLNrCI7umYSdAXJiU9k_nv0lbmCg/s1357/IMG_20231004_141807_958%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1357" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO5gxql5smVPrK17NPrqW4-kqUE2droWANF5gl8r_ehTrqbwRigH3lDq_Ty2xLACkpm_IT3rnn9Dv8QWJCUkubBgdrP6cPnyzYrrlZMsCxx7HJA2niv-W0SkYnGNnqKQUU5FomJWsd3H6h1rWjOEsJ2Cit1BtOucdLNrCI7umYSdAXJiU9k_nv0lbmCg/s320/IMG_20231004_141807_958%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiio-dqYXAL44gTohWn12uDlp9M26pq5h3bBJIYCjc8PDs_t1Nv8j4s5i6o-6y25xsTzbAEp3i0CSWlAkHV1XbIVWlFJ6WTBk-fyKnJDuDV_TjIzHdDnLJh1u76VL9aYD_DqnYvZh7C0iRLhi6B90pu9cYKwz-FKtge90W0f7W85ZIXCtyI0FZ2wONSfgs/s1440/IMG_20231004_141724_433%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiio-dqYXAL44gTohWn12uDlp9M26pq5h3bBJIYCjc8PDs_t1Nv8j4s5i6o-6y25xsTzbAEp3i0CSWlAkHV1XbIVWlFJ6WTBk-fyKnJDuDV_TjIzHdDnLJh1u76VL9aYD_DqnYvZh7C0iRLhi6B90pu9cYKwz-FKtge90W0f7W85ZIXCtyI0FZ2wONSfgs/s320/IMG_20231004_141724_433%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">@Moonlight Bath Treats</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(enjoy the class, the product, and the experience)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br />Hand Whipped Body Butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">Library Books and Saunas</div><div style="text-align: center;">Adult Coloring</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sipping Green tea</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">slow start mornings w/</div><div style="text-align: center;">candlelight and records</div><p style="text-align: center;">-------------------------------------------</p><div style="text-align: center;">And the truth of the matter</div><div style="text-align: center;">is that although these </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>self-care moments </i></span><i style="color: #6aa84f;">may serve us</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #6aa84f;">they will not </i><i style="color: #6aa84f;">save us</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMLAscPX0FYjKb3iSI8Xs3QAJ0sYWWyMqriHdPgN3i6KQwzaGavPluUSpUzGi2B9lX2-gg8qhjPr3VHGQI2c0Zc19jvYLxwoY5TqdfttKQpysJDvtusyoOv2WcR__PraaaJPQmrb5tCmltcKoEvAHlQMszj6jBad8Le-JwcQecQRv6grncsGXgjMsx5U/s1080/Screenshot_20231011_090753_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1080" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMLAscPX0FYjKb3iSI8Xs3QAJ0sYWWyMqriHdPgN3i6KQwzaGavPluUSpUzGi2B9lX2-gg8qhjPr3VHGQI2c0Zc19jvYLxwoY5TqdfttKQpysJDvtusyoOv2WcR__PraaaJPQmrb5tCmltcKoEvAHlQMszj6jBad8Le-JwcQecQRv6grncsGXgjMsx5U/w450-h447/Screenshot_20231011_090753_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" width="450" /></a></div></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">as it will also require...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">repentance</div><div style="text-align: center;">recommitment</div><div style="text-align: center;">conversion </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(and conversing)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">with...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">daily renewed focus</div><div style="text-align: center;">and determination</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">to push back against<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">oppressive capitalistic systems<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">designed to keep us from true living</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">It is an entire mindset</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>and if we are ever to succeed in our attempt</div><div>to unsubscribe from hustle culture</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we must not only set the boundary</div><div style="text-align: center;">we must be the boundary</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1080" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJJHstilggkc-Pyl5ioNRAitYfgAUT_uBDYS-4K1P_ppfcUHadBiDSPD_22z0Q3ie5wNXJmF_UkHrzrFQaj6YclOnQbpJOMGkImr8LCGu57Mhpf9P-NwC0Xe3ZuKtHoA2VrWF1VUbwBHWqlN1ytpwVkD8xQTB2vea_GT0Y2SpwD_qsR8txrchcPFQVZI/s320/Screenshot_20231011_090818_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>What is God's purpose for your life?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>How will you unsubscribe from hustle culture?</i></span></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-55062697114308395852023-09-01T00:00:00.103-07:002023-12-03T07:59:50.724-08:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (I Love My Hair!)<div style="text-align: center;">It has been a journey for sure...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(longer for some of us than for others)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but we are finally here </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">ready</div><div style="text-align: center;">to playfully </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">explore</div><div style="text-align: center;">celebrate</div><div style="text-align: center;">and share </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the many reasons we LOVE our hair!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays-<br />A Story. A Song. An Activity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfVyKNxDxniU1lEwSf9fe_IOTSUit4RqawvxnccvvMBPSrCPyX0CZ00oXZwZrmMofk1yPjWTu_pr6noHV7udvNVlghe_6thKS6z4Pu5QHgj9lMBsZ5ORq-hAqGO0bS_erDaJe9uXr2MYDm0Ke16wxSwToWvTVA0VIJE1tlmusd0uLn7EpNTez6mF_3dY/s817/IMG_20210427_154105_446%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="817" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfVyKNxDxniU1lEwSf9fe_IOTSUit4RqawvxnccvvMBPSrCPyX0CZ00oXZwZrmMofk1yPjWTu_pr6noHV7udvNVlghe_6thKS6z4Pu5QHgj9lMBsZ5ORq-hAqGO0bS_erDaJe9uXr2MYDm0Ke16wxSwToWvTVA0VIJE1tlmusd0uLn7EpNTez6mF_3dY/s320/IMG_20210427_154105_446%5B2%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2932" data-original-width="2977" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvWHlJKREvmr5QZ30FfVNBWQqiI5G6eFgQdOrXIK6Z0xT84fcoBgWWXXlt5Vx8kkdT3MHpW2MrTQ9yYnlfotOfk_DHWcOUbyCGbQxc0v3ODPf0Xghjh062RxEvTicmP7PMYAS1_Vd1-O-9nEVMcIdheoX6xIvd0v9gO724GDfQIHRDNy8ukDhjhkjkns/s320/20230831_181138%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> A Story</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/m12ZFDlvj_k?si=87Vui06VuX1IgyYS" width="480"></iframe></p><div style="text-align: center;">Themes:</div><p style="text-align: center;">Hair Love and Self Expression-</p><div style="text-align: center;">Celebrating the Unique Ways<br />We Style and Wear Our Hair</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/enpFde5rgmw?si=P_l4PHnnPrhZ7Pq6" width="480"></iframe></p><div style="text-align: center;">Afro, curly, cornrows, straight...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Celebrate through song, as we uncover the beauty found<br />in the variety of ways we love to style and wear our hair</div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/KoOr86p_UY8?si=9yLLK1_gHOUQCHr8" width="480"></iframe></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Out of this World:<br /></b><b>Silhouette Hair/ Head Portraits</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Trace their outline to create silhouette portraits that</div><div style="text-align: center;">remind children their hair (and/or head shape) is unique,</div><div style="text-align: center;">worthy of celebration, and simply out of this world!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3400" data-original-width="2685" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A6vw6TKQQXa65LS4_w6yEAMaSjd4hsdi9BCIga8Ba_WahEKcnYfxxashhm3O5MiOi9TDl45WTjQECX7q0Epi5h6aww3qrnFc2vywPAGBKJJRgBSba3QeOMtafMWtyYvN98hmryPGdFrFdeCBnFPZTDXdnRgdUj6KFcZjpxdNOVNGOstsgYLosxJMtOs/w215-h272/20230902_112100%5B1%5D.jpg" width="215" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8D7yUUPO-k4kBX0PAvzZ4N-SXLimS0wWYQbm63nP9HLRJQpsrhcP_OSgNvKllyLg7kteyHDRRoe1n9xcPbafqIGXWgZwmzWtCiofRumZ5vcZvUKKp1eiBrzWay1-sO7FBKrLxY1uyzFKDOmTWA5ALXaUvybbrB-1j1fo2GCwZHwUThcnUM0T-I5m0m_M/w205-h273/20230803_152954%5B1%5D.jpg" width="205" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><u>You will need</u>:</p><div style="text-align: center;">Pencil and paper, a flashlight (or camera),<br />white paper, black construction paper,</div><div style="text-align: center;">liquid watercolor, glue, and scissors</div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-26519787105941275382023-07-07T00:00:00.184-07:002023-12-03T08:00:38.832-08:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Yesterday I Had the Blues)<div style="text-align: center;"> "First Fridays"</div><div style="text-align: center;">was created</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">as a tool to connect with</div><div style="text-align: center;">teachers, children, and families</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">to</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">provoke thought</div><div style="text-align: center;">initiate conversations</div><div style="text-align: center;">support learning</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">because</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">as Early Childhood Educators</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">our goal is not </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">to teach children what to think,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but to teach them how to think</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZbRhf3mLX-I7nSkmg5-6FCZdNzlj9hWE6yWdB1RGfvqFxEre99fhzrGyPKCatIDMxQOpT0uaJ0o8Ji46YGWka4-5Shp5w_M_Zhv-vzlIgb-wpv1ffALpM2lagF1T6TMY7fsF0yKLK3EdODvCcfqcpfXo2D_rGG0k3LN1YD3JwyFzCcHnQ0iAZu6AAlo/s4000/20230720_112849%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZbRhf3mLX-I7nSkmg5-6FCZdNzlj9hWE6yWdB1RGfvqFxEre99fhzrGyPKCatIDMxQOpT0uaJ0o8Ji46YGWka4-5Shp5w_M_Zhv-vzlIgb-wpv1ffALpM2lagF1T6TMY7fsF0yKLK3EdODvCcfqcpfXo2D_rGG0k3LN1YD3JwyFzCcHnQ0iAZu6AAlo/w292-h390/20230720_112849%5B1%5D.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So, this month we used the story, the song, and the activity</div><div style="text-align: center;">to reinforce the idea of using color to describe our moods</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays-</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw15owSKwf-UuPoW2UWBW3ctVfzGLA6gVxeqw5LipwieEp74p8Qds0J5K8-7p3LZGK0r00UrD6InrPenb-eJb-CzrQo7iv4Ikw3f5aTcYwJZBct6ruyu-tLmiPQWrj5Oe-eOIrQK9XbUDwpiC21jMABWr4MBMEdd_2Z5DsHy12RV3JN03tAycNYYO92Tk/s817/IMG_20210427_154105_446%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="817" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw15owSKwf-UuPoW2UWBW3ctVfzGLA6gVxeqw5LipwieEp74p8Qds0J5K8-7p3LZGK0r00UrD6InrPenb-eJb-CzrQo7iv4Ikw3f5aTcYwJZBct6ruyu-tLmiPQWrj5Oe-eOIrQK9XbUDwpiC21jMABWr4MBMEdd_2Z5DsHy12RV3JN03tAycNYYO92Tk/s320/IMG_20210427_154105_446%5B2%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/atMtQv7s7xY" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br style="text-align: center;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Theme: Embracing a Positive Growth Mindset</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Moods change from day to day, and you never know what</div><div style="text-align: center;">tomorrow will bring. But one thing's for sure: when you've</div><div style="text-align: center;">got love around you, the blues won't stick around long...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Children will enjoy this song</div><div style="text-align: center;">celebrating the "Colors of the World"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/nP7_B31UNP8" width="480"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dance, clap, sing along, and watch your mood improve!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUuk5xYWDNRPXCLrp8iNcFkr-FOHjsq64y_2zDLTaC9kdsD3RmfhvcMVhLmGIbFb5TRypEijt04B2h1-ZEcOHC7IXz6iDjNm1yXJoGDuv9IotoWJPB1ZQ2qn_4NE5fsHCrxMJT3vRI6pP7z_p6NBEaYAkCYJ1SfqB2v3RGzWqxoK8a1ar_8YGesJwpF8/s1080/Screenshot_20230707_154511_Google%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1080" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUuk5xYWDNRPXCLrp8iNcFkr-FOHjsq64y_2zDLTaC9kdsD3RmfhvcMVhLmGIbFb5TRypEijt04B2h1-ZEcOHC7IXz6iDjNm1yXJoGDuv9IotoWJPB1ZQ2qn_4NE5fsHCrxMJT3vRI6pP7z_p6NBEaYAkCYJ1SfqB2v3RGzWqxoK8a1ar_8YGesJwpF8/s320/Screenshot_20230707_154511_Google%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(link disabled- watch on YouTube)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/mN0dawGTjAE" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You will need:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Paint</div><div style="text-align: center;">Canvas</div><div style="text-align: center;">Squeegee</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bT4EMwOjzV3Iouboh4eO33icPTz8Zv5_MAxpbs2ddu0FN7QFk36BEN1GdMW5KX3weTmZ3Nd5HdMqLVBlPfO0IZoahvcnDCahASo25k5kQuLfb_t3EElDXFA-SSjeCYMXWlQSWncTDfoCzUZoYpoWrLzGT57V7_1fRV3QIY7tM1U0oGKBOdxGaj9QsEs/s320/20230719_075700%5B1%5D.jpg" width="240" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Provide time and a space for children to explore and discover how easy</div><div style="text-align: center;">it is to create a masterpiece using simple materials with controlled effort</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLfXHh-kGuAk1MzQDwthUlzXlVtNcM0fGf_dnxqnq4ps_0rAPcHnucy3ENNxt4XMgEtKn8yOpiWDADq1_C2uGFlIXojX8CqmOE6N6jEQkUPnN0JT_8eD04G4w2lnfZuolfT3hBRMDTI8khd0Au5fBX9afFoo4Rt7Kb90WaalLtxTQZlDaWg_6EUtd0QU/s736/Screenshot_20230725_083318_Yahoo_Mail%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="736" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLfXHh-kGuAk1MzQDwthUlzXlVtNcM0fGf_dnxqnq4ps_0rAPcHnucy3ENNxt4XMgEtKn8yOpiWDADq1_C2uGFlIXojX8CqmOE6N6jEQkUPnN0JT_8eD04G4w2lnfZuolfT3hBRMDTI8khd0Au5fBX9afFoo4Rt7Kb90WaalLtxTQZlDaWg_6EUtd0QU/s320/Screenshot_20230725_083318_Yahoo_Mail%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHr07F0oh2X9JHKieCnVe3gCUeppoi5cW1GZ_uo0SwAgqLXfKfkcgFWRhw0XvUHhd95BQlbrOQdyDg2Q-PGUUrphIF02JmgpfOG4HODuoTqwXcaUASllZHXOzYu5SencJP5QaqF0EiEpF0OpHFwbnkmXbFQy7XOtG7FDQKUZ0IIpk-KyIS63Wcq-HhXo/s2880/20230725_083835%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHr07F0oh2X9JHKieCnVe3gCUeppoi5cW1GZ_uo0SwAgqLXfKfkcgFWRhw0XvUHhd95BQlbrOQdyDg2Q-PGUUrphIF02JmgpfOG4HODuoTqwXcaUASllZHXOzYu5SencJP5QaqF0EiEpF0OpHFwbnkmXbFQy7XOtG7FDQKUZ0IIpk-KyIS63Wcq-HhXo/s320/20230725_083835%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>"Every child is an artist..."</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Pablo Picasso</div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-27169506403067667492023-02-22T00:00:00.009-08:002023-02-22T00:00:00.202-08:00How to Guard Your Personal Energy and Why it is Important<div style="text-align: center;">We are social creatures by nature</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">interaction</div><div style="text-align: center;">relationship</div><div style="text-align: center;">human connection</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the foundation </div><div style="text-align: center;">of our initial human development</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(think babies and how we are wired to get our needs met)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and even as...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">learning</div><div style="text-align: center;">growing</div><div style="text-align: center;">maturing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">adults</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we are still using behavior and the power</div><div style="text-align: center;">of human connection to get our needs met</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><div>which can be exhausting</div><div><br /></div><div>both...</div><div><br /></div><div>meeting needs and </div><div>getting needs met</div></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and so one of the things we've</div><div style="text-align: center;">explored during our pandemic pause</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(and subsequent <a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-slow-path-to-embracing-all-seven.html" target="_blank">Wellness Series</a>)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">is the importance of guarding one's personal energy </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc0RxRTV5wencgZ5xEwdjHcuOZtZT1EvvCVrlhjLdiJ4j5N4tfqjKlM46BmeHS5eJdRFClMkAosWubEqF68tZFDKTwZ2pnibTd09dwTd2zde5j4mgrKtzuyO-KyRxhNLGMFtXM2fVmTg-Z46vNtcRtm4IBYBLDhuSnmvVuiljXwGGVph3IwHiN7VO/w402-h402/GratitudeandGracespace.png" width="402" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When given more thought, we may find there are</div><div style="text-align: center;">three possible outcomes from every human interaction</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. You give more than you receive... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(you feel _______ )</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. You receive more than you give...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(you feel _______ )</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. You receive as much as you give... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(you feel _______ )</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(and within each of these three possible outcomes)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the variables</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">content</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(the what)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">context</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(the why)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">continuum</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(the where)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">contribute </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">to how we feel</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(refreshed, replenished, satisfied, shamed, drained, etc)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and how we proceed</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">which is the purpose of this post today...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">developing a deeper understanding of ourselves, how</div><div style="text-align: center;">we show up, the ways we attempt to get our needs met, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">AND...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">how we respond to others attempting to get their needs met</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It all matters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So perhaps you may also choose to begin by stopping to</div><div style="text-align: center;">pause, consider and identify the wellness path that works for you</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is what I have so far...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Guard your personal energy</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Set clear and realistic boundaries</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Honor your own personal rhythm</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Show grace (to yourself as well as others)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>How do you guard your personal energy?</i></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-55065853148047019172023-02-03T00:00:00.094-08:002023-12-03T08:01:21.187-08:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Black is a Rainbow Color)<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"> Red is a rainbow color</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Green sits next to blue<br />Yellow, orange, violet, indigo<br />they are rainbow colors too</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br />But...</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">My color is Black!<br /></span></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNF9frp5sQvOVzUanP7HBXinY-C5v8GoNuYUuneDxQ4QrRjJ7wdQjlAbVZ5vNX5Z49MeCdNQ6wSsuPgNw9tKEIUP6svcMd8JoGuXKRPlZToMaanAQyEXeY6mJ0kH1dhiDDemju357Xw0qQj4MCdaRk_KVM3RjhpucOLXeUeiTmCp145DOSrqJPbZA/s1063/Screenshot_20230215-084949_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1062" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNF9frp5sQvOVzUanP7HBXinY-C5v8GoNuYUuneDxQ4QrRjJ7wdQjlAbVZ5vNX5Z49MeCdNQ6wSsuPgNw9tKEIUP6svcMd8JoGuXKRPlZToMaanAQyEXeY6mJ0kH1dhiDDemju357Xw0qQj4MCdaRk_KVM3RjhpucOLXeUeiTmCp145DOSrqJPbZA/w396-h396/Screenshot_20230215-084949_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" width="396" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays-</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3vdcgwpHzRaPXolURyYsVjK60dP8AilIqcIJwSgDaIu9X8hA1nCg5hFjHS1mNEoV94Qp7_lsSz5-gyZn8LZ6l2FqTk8EIC3lSzL8vyui1ek3YgbgX53iGftRFB2Fg55wnOxhSIsJ6o-hXYm43qKvT4QDTaMRq0RhQ5NDxApA_dW98gG20KLAR8uSivc/s817/IMG_20210427_154105_446%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="817" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3vdcgwpHzRaPXolURyYsVjK60dP8AilIqcIJwSgDaIu9X8hA1nCg5hFjHS1mNEoV94Qp7_lsSz5-gyZn8LZ6l2FqTk8EIC3lSzL8vyui1ek3YgbgX53iGftRFB2Fg55wnOxhSIsJ6o-hXYm43qKvT4QDTaMRq0RhQ5NDxApA_dW98gG20KLAR8uSivc/s320/IMG_20210427_154105_446%5B2%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6OtSJM0RdRE1QsVmerDBUBtDddVWk1LruYrbjtuK15X7qH5Wza6dXLiFxYVsiuxXVpkeJukJJ8jFFbeHThUcdRuMpFRhLI7yiDmPrZcZqRGDlMbLxm14ufmt2jo3QV1FU_h4PJSBPfP5OGfq-O3zcspNvxoZjXKLPr_qzWDzeVwwNMI3oGTmKw6j/s320/20230110_171204%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Theme</u>:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Black- </div><div style="text-align: center;">The Color. The Community. The Culture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/N3lirAflxOQ" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Introduce children to this classic anthem that</div><div style="text-align: center;">serves to acknowledge, honor, and celebrate</div><div style="text-align: center;">the beauty and brilliance of Black Culture</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/RTGiKYqk0gY" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To Be Young, Gifted, and Black</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nina Simone</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">An Activity</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/9meeYG_7s3c" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Black is a Rainbow Color Art"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Black Glue and Watercolor</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Allow time and space in order to maximize</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>children's experiences with this extended activity...</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykVL3x0naMecG63L6N7AnhTSHKVv0ZJihWKXZ2rwQiixc-EQLCQRS351AGOBOUgzNrTZosDWobVUDVlPsMKmXMETgnNz4po0AClUbi9jaJNJLT3aic3-iQ9t5jHKXugMCPGw_5szyBvj5SZmZKL_5rOQAshC0cDzLHIr5Ru7FfT8jq40qZaHK-y0S/s2880/20230110_171620%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykVL3x0naMecG63L6N7AnhTSHKVv0ZJihWKXZ2rwQiixc-EQLCQRS351AGOBOUgzNrTZosDWobVUDVlPsMKmXMETgnNz4po0AClUbi9jaJNJLT3aic3-iQ9t5jHKXugMCPGw_5szyBvj5SZmZKL_5rOQAshC0cDzLHIr5Ru7FfT8jq40qZaHK-y0S/s320/20230110_171620%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>You will need:</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Black Glue</div><div style="text-align: center;">White Paper</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paint Brushes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Liquid Watercolor</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5EdPmKkEh6Q91o4vR9OPUlyhtc1uoaA-4YPOrfih8PXJndZXgmgsk-vwQ4h6rOYYDHNolLJduRom9rZlbsma6lfmxlAhEAf7GLyXRQJu80LlgRzZXWiIIkToblZwoBUCSqwipqCmJ6g60DfzqhahSg0l0X4_cWYiPh5zOWHkaVdSmbXtwgd_sgRj/s4032/20230112_102808%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5EdPmKkEh6Q91o4vR9OPUlyhtc1uoaA-4YPOrfih8PXJndZXgmgsk-vwQ4h6rOYYDHNolLJduRom9rZlbsma6lfmxlAhEAf7GLyXRQJu80LlgRzZXWiIIkToblZwoBUCSqwipqCmJ6g60DfzqhahSg0l0X4_cWYiPh5zOWHkaVdSmbXtwgd_sgRj/w372-h496/20230112_102808%5B1%5D.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*Activity Hack*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Purchase black glue or mix up your own</div><div style="text-align: center;">by using clear glue and black paint</div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-86838356287748183822023-01-23T00:00:00.039-08:002023-02-05T07:35:27.868-08:00How Honoring Your Rhythm Supports Wellness<div style="text-align: center;">Everyone has a personal rhythm...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but for YEARS</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wrestled with that reality</div><div style="text-align: center;">as life has a way of </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">constantly</div><div style="text-align: center;">consistently</div><div style="text-align: center;">conditioning</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">us to align ourselves to the</div><div style="text-align: center;">personal rhythm of others</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">fast</div><div style="text-align: center;">hurried</div><div style="text-align: center;">busy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But I am learning that you cannot thrive</div><div style="text-align: center;">when you are operating outside of the way</div><div style="text-align: center;">that God designed for YOU to operate</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">We are different for a reason.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Read that again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">We are different for a reason.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I read. I teach. I sing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">because those are the ways in which</div><div style="text-align: center;">God chooses to use me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">AND...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">my personal rhythm demands </div><div style="text-align: center;">that I do those things in a slower </div><div style="text-align: center;">more intentional kind of way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I need time to process at my own pace</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">AND...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">when I dishonor that</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I dishonor myself. I dishonor you. I dishonor God.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Read that again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">We are different for a reason.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One plants. One waters. God gives the increase.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So instead of getting pulled out of your personal rhythm...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Honor it. Note it. Celebrate it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And create a list of affirmatives</div><div style="text-align: center;">to support you as needed. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc0RxRTV5wencgZ5xEwdjHcuOZtZT1EvvCVrlhjLdiJ4j5N4tfqjKlM46BmeHS5eJdRFClMkAosWubEqF68tZFDKTwZ2pnibTd09dwTd2zde5j4mgrKtzuyO-KyRxhNLGMFtXM2fVmTg-Z46vNtcRtm4IBYBLDhuSnmvVuiljXwGGVph3IwHiN7VO/s1080/GratitudeandGracespace.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc0RxRTV5wencgZ5xEwdjHcuOZtZT1EvvCVrlhjLdiJ4j5N4tfqjKlM46BmeHS5eJdRFClMkAosWubEqF68tZFDKTwZ2pnibTd09dwTd2zde5j4mgrKtzuyO-KyRxhNLGMFtXM2fVmTg-Z46vNtcRtm4IBYBLDhuSnmvVuiljXwGGVph3IwHiN7VO/w402-h402/GratitudeandGracespace.png" width="402" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are mine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I am intentional with the time and resources God provides</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am in tune with my Spiritual gifts</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am where God has placed me for this moment</div><div style="text-align: left;">I follow the leading of the Holy Spirit<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My ear is attuned for guidance</div><div style="text-align: left;">My heart is open to correction</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am willing to learn and grow<br />I am complete and at peace with God here in this moment<br />I will not allow myself to be pulled out of my personal rhythm<br />I will not be rushed by fear, threat, or anxiety</div><div style="text-align: left;">I will communicate my boundaries calmly and clearly</div><div style="text-align: left;">I will leave space for grace</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am intentional with the time and resources God provides</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-----------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Cost of Interrupted Work</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><div style="color: black; font-size: medium;">UC Irvine's empirical study showed </div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium;">it can take over 20 minutes to</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium;">recalibrate after an interruption</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>read THAT again...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">then give yourself permission</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">to say no, </div><div style="text-align: center;">to go slow, </div><div style="text-align: center;">to honor </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">your personal rhythm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">in support </div><div style="text-align: center;">of your personal wellness</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(click <a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-slow-path-to-embracing-all-seven.html" target="_blank">here</a> to follow our Wellness series)</i></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-71284581551537090492023-01-07T08:00:00.021-08:002023-12-03T08:02:50.320-08:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (What the Road Said)<div style="text-align: center;"> How do I begin?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which way do I go?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where does the path lead?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Life is full of questions and answers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and sometimes...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we want to know exactly</div><div style="text-align: center;">where the road will lead</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we must each learn to </div><div style="text-align: center;">create and follow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">our own unique path </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">taking </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">one day </div><div style="text-align: center;">one step </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">at a time</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">as each new day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><br /></div><div>presents</div><div>a new opportunity</div><div><br /></div><div>to </div><div><br /></div><div><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">"Be a leader and find out"</span></i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoDeMkUbk1KLdw77Z69vQ0lNw_evPMhYBXuvfj7ZQZZ0MGTi3GnTA25Az3oun0G2tExcd5exTnQRHH8hfpVumGBU6oTBKTguyIZnLSMCqXTDWsvxIae7OsnuYNsrS7YG9J6_zZW9UEdz-T1Wfukakwwmxmh4Nx34WkCEH3Kuy1RYod3XCKhF-SgDW/s320/20221104_070523%5B1%5D.jpg" width="240" /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br />First Fridays-</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeD85FI7Za3dTsz7I1RqYJRJWBDUZi7kmWZq6-ZGPYOybPJy1_-PXV3mC9jaDjOLXDjpSItSEGmYiVaDeO0nkbc1we_t2urWJciUX2QjjTCkieKsi_T0AOIdJKF-P10MPHCBZc5uepgXEBgAkNt1GICNEvZhvWcMksQN4c2VXzNLcKDYtNh47HRyyN3I/s817/IMG_20210427_154105_446%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="817" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeD85FI7Za3dTsz7I1RqYJRJWBDUZi7kmWZq6-ZGPYOybPJy1_-PXV3mC9jaDjOLXDjpSItSEGmYiVaDeO0nkbc1we_t2urWJciUX2QjjTCkieKsi_T0AOIdJKF-P10MPHCBZc5uepgXEBgAkNt1GICNEvZhvWcMksQN4c2VXzNLcKDYtNh47HRyyN3I/s320/IMG_20210427_154105_446%5B2%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXo1-L19UxkFVAxav_4QK2OPamIgtptfzqSJCF3-UHxT-k5lnKY7oFv06dRcH3XDy9Pj9tr8jOf3pR7c2cN2iaU-Uro-t0Se3DcleKal3gb_baC6EguYWDKKVSxYjLro_iOPu0qQlIY7g27PqBOk1FjcV5IQxipJXUbGOojmfyxkAnRQ8YKUXViXYZ/s4032/20221209_103234%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXo1-L19UxkFVAxav_4QK2OPamIgtptfzqSJCF3-UHxT-k5lnKY7oFv06dRcH3XDy9Pj9tr8jOf3pR7c2cN2iaU-Uro-t0Se3DcleKal3gb_baC6EguYWDKKVSxYjLro_iOPu0qQlIY7g27PqBOk1FjcV5IQxipJXUbGOojmfyxkAnRQ8YKUXViXYZ/w300-h400/20221209_103234%5B1%5D.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Theme: Creating and Following Your Own Path</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/huq3FIXSAC4" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">"Don't you carry nothin'</span></i></div><div><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">that might be a load"...</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/uNKmKOjGUbw" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Wiz | Ease on Down the Road</div><div style="text-align: center;">Universal Pictures</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Turn up the music and dance along with this playful, </div><div style="text-align: center;">upbeat reminder to keep moving forward as you learn to</div><div style="text-align: center;">take one step at a time, stay on the path of your choice, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">ease on down the road!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sidewalk Chalk</div><div style="text-align: center;">STREET ART</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/aRPiFEbnWu0" width="480"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Grab your sidewalk chalk and head outdoors</div><div style="text-align: center;">to create a group chalk mural as children</div><div style="text-align: center;">design, draw, and learn to follow their own path</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*Sensory Hack*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cover the chalk with painter's tape or provide a chalk holder</div><div style="text-align: center;">to children who find the sensory feel of chalk off-putting</div><div style="text-align: center;">----------------------<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">AND...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so excited to announce our new partnership<br />with the Main Branch of the Inglewood Public Library</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08ngxHjmuh5s42v6roBsn0zpFgwwzb66_Yx74zuxpMFMeoJYx6oWhse7hV2XBtF4kxOShuux1l6z2L0eyOkcYcTs1v2HO0pVL0m70iuSEyjSfwsf6AcpZfDH0dK-ynOg9VZ1s4reFE-ljcsIVxUuesEZRsbUVGxmSXKPu_QM3gXpf5YihNMv1WhKS/s4032/20221209_103800%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08ngxHjmuh5s42v6roBsn0zpFgwwzb66_Yx74zuxpMFMeoJYx6oWhse7hV2XBtF4kxOShuux1l6z2L0eyOkcYcTs1v2HO0pVL0m70iuSEyjSfwsf6AcpZfDH0dK-ynOg9VZ1s4reFE-ljcsIVxUuesEZRsbUVGxmSXKPu_QM3gXpf5YihNMv1WhKS/w413-h310/20221209_103800%5B1%5D.jpg" width="413" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3xgFjcVR73n80CXH9W6fqHJg6W8hVO-xoy18q6eDEsomKApb7S9mVzdzlNfRJg97OAHNSwAyLju1KyFSp55VYscOXs-lzt9w-EjsGr6Z-SGifYtgnzNRoU4DE2e2Z9_Y2IZPO4qgTeqI5jnnfhYs-l1hyT6P6lA0OosfQwrCsJz034RJQmqkeJZr/s1309/First_Friday_W._Damitri_Boone%5B1%5D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1309" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3xgFjcVR73n80CXH9W6fqHJg6W8hVO-xoy18q6eDEsomKApb7S9mVzdzlNfRJg97OAHNSwAyLju1KyFSp55VYscOXs-lzt9w-EjsGr6Z-SGifYtgnzNRoU4DE2e2Z9_Y2IZPO4qgTeqI5jnnfhYs-l1hyT6P6lA0OosfQwrCsJz034RJQmqkeJZr/w538-h358/First_Friday_W._Damitri_Boone%5B1%5D.png" width="538" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look for our "First Fridays" book display, scan the QR code,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and snap a selfie for an opportunity to win special prizes!!</div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-79955386131859513092022-12-29T00:00:00.013-08:002022-12-29T18:58:39.140-08:00Self-paced Living During the Holidays<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"> If we've learned anything from the past few years... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc0RxRTV5wencgZ5xEwdjHcuOZtZT1EvvCVrlhjLdiJ4j5N4tfqjKlM46BmeHS5eJdRFClMkAosWubEqF68tZFDKTwZ2pnibTd09dwTd2zde5j4mgrKtzuyO-KyRxhNLGMFtXM2fVmTg-Z46vNtcRtm4IBYBLDhuSnmvVuiljXwGGVph3IwHiN7VO/s1080/GratitudeandGracespace.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc0RxRTV5wencgZ5xEwdjHcuOZtZT1EvvCVrlhjLdiJ4j5N4tfqjKlM46BmeHS5eJdRFClMkAosWubEqF68tZFDKTwZ2pnibTd09dwTd2zde5j4mgrKtzuyO-KyRxhNLGMFtXM2fVmTg-Z46vNtcRtm4IBYBLDhuSnmvVuiljXwGGVph3IwHiN7VO/w402-h402/GratitudeandGracespace.png" width="402" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">it's the value of health, personal wellness, and</div><div style="text-align: center;">the cherishing of the time we share with others</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So as the Holiday Season tugs at you with it's</div><div style="text-align: center;">consumerism, social activities, hustle and bustle</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">breathe.</div><div style="text-align: center;">slow down.</div><div style="text-align: center;">refocus.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and honor what really matters to you</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-----------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My top three... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>Honor your family with time</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the thing about time is that it is relative</div><div style="text-align: center;">to the experience of the moment</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">it flies.</div><div style="text-align: center;">it stands still.</div><div style="text-align: center;">it drags.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(and yet we know)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">there are exactly 60 minutes</div><div style="text-align: center;">within each hour!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But what if...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we shifted our cultural norm of </div><div style="text-align: center;">giving of "presents" into giving of "presence"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">by being full, present, and in the moment</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the ones we love</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">what if we...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">all learned to </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">SLOW DOWN </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and enjoy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the eyes</div><div style="text-align: center;">the smiles</div><div style="text-align: center;">the heartbeats</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">of those we choose to spend time with</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>Honor yourself with time</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">before/after it is all said and done...</div><div style="text-align: center;">take time to nourish yourself!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>Honor the Lord with your time</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">because honestly none of the other stuff</div><div style="text-align: center;">will matter if you neglect your soul</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tap into spiritual connection by</div><div style="text-align: center;">tapping into the source of strength</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and don't carry any of your</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">doubt</div><div style="text-align: center;">fear </div><div style="text-align: center;">or worry</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">into the New Year!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You are deeply loved</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are enough</div></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-59273275767974102402022-12-02T00:00:00.089-08:002023-12-03T08:03:47.965-08:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Color Dance)<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">What happens when you</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">mix red and yellow?</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqvLRr4bSmhlROd_3MHiLLJLGmxDsSqNasVZniksDjgFG3QHJ28hcNZ9oKD6-8UYTuktbMZTwE5p1WxqLScZ9__sws1RvReGrruBrCkEBYcmuBwKfmE0TfaVNXjRjGjgiyHg2GJ3zdR7YCjpCKVHN7ZRODuCmyLy45tutWUejKI_WpAa4bxQ0pCBhbiU/s4032/20221024_094800%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqvLRr4bSmhlROd_3MHiLLJLGmxDsSqNasVZniksDjgFG3QHJ28hcNZ9oKD6-8UYTuktbMZTwE5p1WxqLScZ9__sws1RvReGrruBrCkEBYcmuBwKfmE0TfaVNXjRjGjgiyHg2GJ3zdR7YCjpCKVHN7ZRODuCmyLy45tutWUejKI_WpAa4bxQ0pCBhbiU/w269-h358/20221024_094800%5B1%5D.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Come to the color dance and watch the dancers</div><div style="text-align: center;">They have the answers.. and so will you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHvV6mtdcrqeYz2_Qv5i-kMdqhf6th3ZYE8_kXlIxt86JqTFN-ZON0GxySrl6EL6DjQd1VxZHiPQziSpsuh_bwmkFrPd101QRZsEl9xCsjVjrjbuCqK1moMDU6sWtGkr9mOHysqgq31Uy6Rc5AKsxLXegpeqUg5S_vuDwEnq2o-G3U9WT39MDupFYnsU/s1075/Screenshot_20221213-105249_YouTube%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1075" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHvV6mtdcrqeYz2_Qv5i-kMdqhf6th3ZYE8_kXlIxt86JqTFN-ZON0GxySrl6EL6DjQd1VxZHiPQziSpsuh_bwmkFrPd101QRZsEl9xCsjVjrjbuCqK1moMDU6sWtGkr9mOHysqgq31Uy6Rc5AKsxLXegpeqUg5S_vuDwEnq2o-G3U9WT39MDupFYnsU/w397-h216/Screenshot_20221213-105249_YouTube%5B1%5D.jpg" width="397" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays-</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIELQYXYEoqTbGMdRm0oV74lu3wzBy9_QrM5XL3T8DV363oIFdoWUU6BtVQVXMBEzBaYaXsU5rUx-iS2ynqydrPElrDaT7bokEZLpABHDN-F3uT31eXVBUqmMN5M9bmZ4G6CUsNuX6H3wA4hd0mTCvi290Ypxu01ybfDBGEM__W3pnyGhImdGT95yO4s/s817/IMG_20210427_154105_446%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="817" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIELQYXYEoqTbGMdRm0oV74lu3wzBy9_QrM5XL3T8DV363oIFdoWUU6BtVQVXMBEzBaYaXsU5rUx-iS2ynqydrPElrDaT7bokEZLpABHDN-F3uT31eXVBUqmMN5M9bmZ4G6CUsNuX6H3wA4hd0mTCvi290Ypxu01ybfDBGEM__W3pnyGhImdGT95yO4s/s320/IMG_20210427_154105_446%5B2%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/kluAfBHyWyw" width="480"></iframe></div>Theme: Primary and Secondary Colors</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/yu44JRTIxSQ?si=WChN-WTZLWeoXAG-" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This catchy tune provides a fun and</div><div style="text-align: center;">colorful introduction to the three primary colors</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(red, yellow, and blue)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">while also giving children a visual of what happens</div><div style="text-align: center;">when the colors mix to make the three secondary colors </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(orange, green, and purple)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/ubpDzOrQVeM" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bubble Wrap Painting</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You will need...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">white paper</div><div style="text-align: center;">paintbrush</div><div style="text-align: center;">bubble wrap</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">non-toxic children's paint</div><div style="text-align: center;">(red, yellow, blue)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhamn5V5chAkpoyV5yDQVIwvrOfj6psMuUJCEIiFa7_GGjtogyZ18U9XG-iA5r9PFhnBnbYc6v7LKNhocJI-UHq-5DsVLceFZ0KH-uZdJDCk0MMQNkS8IlYTzTtESDWYfZOkwGrDW_CgF3HeX0u11eN-nY3gu3apCjGW0LM6S13U46zqTtHkHe5dYQh4/s4032/20221010_104918%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhamn5V5chAkpoyV5yDQVIwvrOfj6psMuUJCEIiFa7_GGjtogyZ18U9XG-iA5r9PFhnBnbYc6v7LKNhocJI-UHq-5DsVLceFZ0KH-uZdJDCk0MMQNkS8IlYTzTtESDWYfZOkwGrDW_CgF3HeX0u11eN-nY3gu3apCjGW0LM6S13U46zqTtHkHe5dYQh4/s320/20221010_104918%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQtLORwELGBfFE1_CKbsgMH11m1PvgzemFp7uzTToZHp3D8vUNuIVThWXSpJhowslpRAdIvDlmSjCAGetMuSbokJJrUK2Hb4zQym9CjUyRIRIPkVAc3LP2o1hiB4nf06fPjbEr6Rd4udA6HjDwYaIhr17X5hN9sJZ4543BpP3hPxZeqQ4fhE7oPNfjpU/s2880/20210904_080022%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQtLORwELGBfFE1_CKbsgMH11m1PvgzemFp7uzTToZHp3D8vUNuIVThWXSpJhowslpRAdIvDlmSjCAGetMuSbokJJrUK2Hb4zQym9CjUyRIRIPkVAc3LP2o1hiB4nf06fPjbEr6Rd4udA6HjDwYaIhr17X5hN9sJZ4543BpP3hPxZeqQ4fhE7oPNfjpU/s320/20210904_080022%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTkOrM2AVpbm3JDHmSdaeD_PTWiHqpO09TxWwNDqCj9eHQxtKt5r2i9hOInCFjNCtIZY2A8Ol3EYzPENlKLOVIW30vVVwohlIeGuqxbBwJMefFgDm0c9uwLfC4N-Y2yuh05ejaDM7BbazUf4-b_3kMmX8MZh3ZRWEoByo2lm-0__5mdkAqzzRo7mv3pU/s320/20221102_151546%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></div></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This easy bubble wrap painting activity is a fun way</div><div style="text-align: center;">to experiment with primary and secondary colors!</div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-81401201149723273492022-10-07T00:00:00.047-07:002023-09-15T10:10:57.445-07:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Listen)<div style="text-align: center;"> The world is a busy place...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But what if you just stopped, closed</div><div style="text-align: center;">your eyes, and LISTENED?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNqzCzUsDRQbU3w6vXS17TtDJVuLkCDye0uPHBDVigkdqlqQQjb-l3vliqR6xHPfZLUJbVAn2h3CWNElTcPWSPMDlcPUcwg6QD-DTr32-RAeSvdyA6DQxy6mXUKh_hcO3s1kFlgdwx24H0owCl9_2QKHjOMUWLBXMd25jCOI_23dV46Vkeau1l0S7aMY/s4032/20221021_125949%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNqzCzUsDRQbU3w6vXS17TtDJVuLkCDye0uPHBDVigkdqlqQQjb-l3vliqR6xHPfZLUJbVAn2h3CWNElTcPWSPMDlcPUcwg6QD-DTr32-RAeSvdyA6DQxy6mXUKh_hcO3s1kFlgdwx24H0owCl9_2QKHjOMUWLBXMd25jCOI_23dV46Vkeau1l0S7aMY/w346-h461/20221021_125949%5B1%5D.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays-</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/jQFwCUPLa-o" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Theme: The Value of Learning to Hear AND Listen</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/xZzDfgaqpOo" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">City Sounds| Cee Roo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/0tLRJiamKfk" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Three Ways to Explore Sound...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's take a sound walk, create a sound garden,</div><div style="text-align: center;">or recreate the sounds from the story's illustrations!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">How many sounds can you discover?</div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-15931491199791094352022-09-21T09:00:00.002-07:002022-09-21T09:02:34.154-07:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Dreamers)<div style="text-align: center;">Everyone has a story to tell</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Every parent...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Every child...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Every person...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and Yuyi Morales</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(the author and illustrator of this month's story)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">reminds us </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">as she shares some of her unique first</div><div style="text-align: center;">experiences after migrating to the US.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq7eumnjstcnou57Wwd9rCuvQIpyq9C2JPfD3iE70M5fShhrvRXaudFdZua1Id87Np3uYk_89b3H4WVJFA9xzQg0CwZuV0cWdFclcXJqPsCwVhKPRlVf8jJ5FNd3zfk96S7vhPtnTQ2qHhHxABUV33px33_R453ON4dpWFwbrSB6xhKTPejXdnDUo/s4032/20220815_131114%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq7eumnjstcnou57Wwd9rCuvQIpyq9C2JPfD3iE70M5fShhrvRXaudFdZua1Id87Np3uYk_89b3H4WVJFA9xzQg0CwZuV0cWdFclcXJqPsCwVhKPRlVf8jJ5FNd3zfk96S7vhPtnTQ2qHhHxABUV33px33_R453ON4dpWFwbrSB6xhKTPejXdnDUo/w185-h247/20220815_131114%5B1%5D.jpg" width="185" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ytc5WhTTM4IpQjZYDjPYZI1Q689O2UTLc7YvIH_PQhn89rXXssXFXpNL8Wgi6yiU6oix2pQAobe8MjpeMa-1vsz6t963RTjc-hugwf-sXsSJvzMKC6LoEeP7Bic71F9x7XZhLcwm6k7IhWPeiSSfanBm21JjbuE-d-R65FaCFPxQ1bQH1qvEdTrC/s4032/20220815_131120%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ytc5WhTTM4IpQjZYDjPYZI1Q689O2UTLc7YvIH_PQhn89rXXssXFXpNL8Wgi6yiU6oix2pQAobe8MjpeMa-1vsz6t963RTjc-hugwf-sXsSJvzMKC6LoEeP7Bic71F9x7XZhLcwm6k7IhWPeiSSfanBm21JjbuE-d-R65FaCFPxQ1bQH1qvEdTrC/w187-h249/20220815_131120%5B1%5D.jpg" width="187" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Her use of colorful words</div><div style="text-align: center;">and beautiful drawings </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">help </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"paint the picture"</div><div style="text-align: center;">while reinforcing </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the power of books and storytelling.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GveM5sQsU-tn8ffEIE1jsJ-SD60BJElC5VcJzt1hlaNfrfgYgqV5jwGG4qMUYRTfwdhE7MpU_3Ux3LTtKxkG7RfL0fjrnNNmygRaIoR0UDu01p5lM-sdEMAajwi15XKAPeZS8cnbNUwdCAmKPWgkuUXlBpsS6mwqGePX8FCsqboMvW4yTAvbwucx/s1079/Screenshot_20220904-094427_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1079" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GveM5sQsU-tn8ffEIE1jsJ-SD60BJElC5VcJzt1hlaNfrfgYgqV5jwGG4qMUYRTfwdhE7MpU_3Ux3LTtKxkG7RfL0fjrnNNmygRaIoR0UDu01p5lM-sdEMAajwi15XKAPeZS8cnbNUwdCAmKPWgkuUXlBpsS6mwqGePX8FCsqboMvW4yTAvbwucx/s320/Screenshot_20220904-094427_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays- </div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/jfcI8f6Xf54" width="480"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Dq-cHtWJPpY" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Library Song| What's New Today| Sesame Studios</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></div><div><br /></div><div>"Bringing Storytelling to Life"</div><div>with Paper Bag Stories</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/b7q_IGPu5pA" width="480"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We each have a unique story to tell, and we can learn</div><div style="text-align: center;">new things about one another when we share them! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRTSL6WpBWDVIe_3o--soIl6OKpWLNuEvfM51OwJG9Kp1hKTIVqfEcVzoOeY6wggUKQbwOd8LQIwjtzu09qLXhW0vJ4nefYbX70Nic5S45l1j4E5Bgwnak_QDnPnoRJiB7IseXYs6B_ZdA8t4GAGQ8c5mNIU5A9mY59StCMLfoI7Tv8WKXbgBpNpZ/s4032/20220812_082556%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRTSL6WpBWDVIe_3o--soIl6OKpWLNuEvfM51OwJG9Kp1hKTIVqfEcVzoOeY6wggUKQbwOd8LQIwjtzu09qLXhW0vJ4nefYbX70Nic5S45l1j4E5Bgwnak_QDnPnoRJiB7IseXYs6B_ZdA8t4GAGQ8c5mNIU5A9mY59StCMLfoI7Tv8WKXbgBpNpZ/w400-h300/20220812_082556%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Check out how we used simple brown paper bags to</div><div style="text-align: center;">showcase how creative and unique each of our stories can be...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi4WHmIfZ8VEwU_fWho--8p-UalSzbpScC4mysff6LBDxBFfgSOFS4__Xm4etCoWcEeklabitUVP09qddERvGKhZyFyNXcAsz0qPAQrVLAnZ24wojIhPW4NJ3UmtPnxUXHbJ82TDGEmocs9vvIRIlLbZb5fvnQIBrg7KjWgj0-BRrhDQmU9C5nFVp/s1080/Screenshot_20220904-094501_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1080" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi4WHmIfZ8VEwU_fWho--8p-UalSzbpScC4mysff6LBDxBFfgSOFS4__Xm4etCoWcEeklabitUVP09qddERvGKhZyFyNXcAsz0qPAQrVLAnZ24wojIhPW4NJ3UmtPnxUXHbJ82TDGEmocs9vvIRIlLbZb5fvnQIBrg7KjWgj0-BRrhDQmU9C5nFVp/w434-h428/Screenshot_20220904-094501_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Three thoughts to guide you...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>1. Use what you have</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Provide the materials</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Step back</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjVeYBg-wr8zcerOFVbG5XSHLQwrc5fGcQq-MnxE29Tcf3OFq2RHCDbVZnbXAqYIKotIYGJJEfXXaj8bMOZAG8FRUsYT-GWrDT2pYfQy8swNF7myQkZB1mEH2TXRewk9ar-DYB5p5lSpP8IOyR1ugGIS4ViqmX_c21cGVqjwEC0JbJY4F0DEyrh9D/s3396/20220812_083554%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3396" data-original-width="3019" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjVeYBg-wr8zcerOFVbG5XSHLQwrc5fGcQq-MnxE29Tcf3OFq2RHCDbVZnbXAqYIKotIYGJJEfXXaj8bMOZAG8FRUsYT-GWrDT2pYfQy8swNF7myQkZB1mEH2TXRewk9ar-DYB5p5lSpP8IOyR1ugGIS4ViqmX_c21cGVqjwEC0JbJY4F0DEyrh9D/w518-h582/20220812_083554%5B1%5D.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">Everyone has a story... what is yours?</span></i></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-20501862883055290932022-09-14T09:00:00.145-07:002022-12-28T15:57:56.224-08:00The Slow Path to Embracing All Seven Domains of Wellness<div style="text-align: center;">We've spent the last 3 years <br />focusing on wellness</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">researching...<br />learning...<br />leaning in...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">to experiences so</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">fascinating...</div><div style="text-align: center;">liberating...<br />humbling...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />we just want to discover</div><div style="text-align: center;">more and more</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">---------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grab some tea</div><div style="text-align: center;">Find a cozy seat</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and SLOW DOWN</div><div style="text-align: center;">with us here each week</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">for</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">resources</div><div style="text-align: center;">tools</div><div style="text-align: center;">tips</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">as we embrace the</div><div style="text-align: center;">slow path to supporting the</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Seven Domains of Wellness</span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Physical<br />Mental (Emotional)<br />Financial<br />Environmental</div><div style="text-align: center;">Grief and Loss<br />Spiritual<br />Social</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIvZvNrklr3ynOsTjJQvgpu6e0yENLujxKjEeWu-yUjSZy3NS7DvjpUlhRBkt7FSq41eVGvayFLQKLVigbAwSsiS2S2IUVW0KgFCc5O7jzbZbPmuscaNEHBjiHZGiuysjmZ44LiyvqwUkGq3UrFrKAQ00PkH5gockEx78G3j8mIFy_ms2BF7-QtvfJ=s2880" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIvZvNrklr3ynOsTjJQvgpu6e0yENLujxKjEeWu-yUjSZy3NS7DvjpUlhRBkt7FSq41eVGvayFLQKLVigbAwSsiS2S2IUVW0KgFCc5O7jzbZbPmuscaNEHBjiHZGiuysjmZ44LiyvqwUkGq3UrFrKAQ00PkH5gockEx78G3j8mIFy_ms2BF7-QtvfJ=w489-h489" width="489" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Prepping for the relaunch our 7-week Vitality series</div><div style="text-align: center;">presented through weekly Wellness Cafes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;">-----------------</span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Physical</b></span></p><div style="text-align: center;">the well-being of your body maintained by<br />the act of taking proper care of yourself physically</div><div style="text-align: center;">through the balance of diet, movement, and rest</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What this looks like to me:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(walking/weights/sauna/green juice)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">-----------------</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mental Emotional<br /></span></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the health and well-being of your mind as</div><div style="text-align: center;">it relates to the balance of your state of emotions</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What this looks like to me:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(mindfulness/meditation/creativity/self-care)</i><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">-----------------</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Financial<br /></span></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">feeling secure in the capacity/ ability</div><div style="text-align: center;">to meet your material needs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What this looks like to me:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(seeking balance/ "minimalist"-slow living</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>mindset/ consuming with intention)</i><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">-----------------</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Environmental<br /></span></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">well-being maintained through the understanding </div><div style="text-align: center;">of how your environment effects your overall health;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">being mindful of how past, present, future moments</div><div style="text-align: center;">intersect to bring either chaos or calm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What this looks like to me:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(candles/oldies records/ watching sunsets) </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">-----------------</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Grief and Loss<br /></span></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the ability to maintain health, consistency, and</div><div style="text-align: center;">well-being during the midst of uncertainty and change</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What this looks like to me:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(writing/ Biblical journaling; moments of pause/ therapy)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">-----------------</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spiritual</b></span><br /><div><br /></div><div>feeling complete and full of positive energy;</div><div>a sense of purpose leading to a deep inner peace;</div><div><br /></div><div><i>What this looks like to me:</i></div><div><i>(worship/prayer/Spirit connection)</i></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">-----------------</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Social</span></b><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">well-being as it pertains to your interpersonal</div><div style="text-align: center;">relationships; your support system and the joy</div><div style="text-align: center;">that friends and family can add to your life</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What this looks like to me:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(self-reflection/ setting boundaries)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">-----------------</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Join us as we dive in...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Social Vitality</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Benefits of Cultivating Adult Relationships</i></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-13847657001842164302022-08-05T00:00:00.049-07:002023-02-21T07:30:07.013-08:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (El Cucuy is Scared, Too)<div style="text-align: center;">Fears?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Worries?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Unsolicited concerns?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, we experience them all</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This gentle story</div><div style="text-align: center;">explores worry </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and reveals </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">how </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">comfort</div><div style="text-align: center;">bravery</div><div style="text-align: center;">strength</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">can be found through even</div><div style="text-align: center;">the most unexpected of friendships</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudrzUfM8Y1p-pJPhrhjzdsSXtpXDohyxwh5Y_5b1oUq8c64IJRw4NkY6VlpbCICoC_Ot0qO2cPUXz2RHNl42jo6Q9IrylKolZVEfhcJDfC3WxJ-xqjkmjhX05FsNpYmv25-DlVcYCvVmxPbHgAiKfU83UpnyLQukWGL-9AvGGHbjJP-olcXqWXHvT/s1440/IMG_20220805_111946_809%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudrzUfM8Y1p-pJPhrhjzdsSXtpXDohyxwh5Y_5b1oUq8c64IJRw4NkY6VlpbCICoC_Ot0qO2cPUXz2RHNl42jo6Q9IrylKolZVEfhcJDfC3WxJ-xqjkmjhX05FsNpYmv25-DlVcYCvVmxPbHgAiKfU83UpnyLQukWGL-9AvGGHbjJP-olcXqWXHvT/s320/IMG_20220805_111946_809%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Theme: Using Creative Strategies</div><div style="text-align: center;">to Calm Back-to-School Worries</div><div style="text-align: center;">-----------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays-<br />A Story. A Song. An Activity.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story<br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/3yXcq4mO6AY" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Turn up this traditional song of Mexico</div><div style="text-align: center;">as a reminder to "Sing, don't cry"...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/ezVpSH8PzZE" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cielito Lindo Lyric Video</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Melt Away Your Worries"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Salt and Ice Experiment</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/TqR1KQTVRV4" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKedKQ2cbzW_y6LMa6578QWvJWnJE-r0BCNO5ddP2yuOlQNLnc2G0vbxcDlvO69jVrl_y8FBR1pqt7x3VvKkmMKbTNTpuxTjKfSLcz7qpU879p2Y7vudMrhNkrvbD8zyFyFgTGT5C3L4Kkx-AZSy6FqeEr1Lycf_N4sPC3uZn7TOoBUYV3A-1U2qWj/s320/IMG_20220805_111848_546%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></div></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-14613398144940042722022-07-01T00:00:00.062-07:002023-01-11T07:38:15.228-08:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Layla's Happiness)<div style="text-align: center;">Climbing a tree...</div><div style="text-align: center;">wearing purple...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">eating spaghetti without a fork...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTquu6miVVZjN-iV_1ZNVyvFV5AEg7YOXlR3cxntMJ6Qb8t9qaG09BXjEO1hhs4d4RLjOlBPCvI1CsLasm3pxydqYgDnB27q3gdsTPPuNrwSNeVr6lyN1hvKYCxp08JPL6sRc9s0AqmXOxno8fV5eScUOktkhXs_1MAXVV8CicEwDv9471DASf3fWj/s320/IMG_20220701_112645_503%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These are things that bring Layla happiness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">What is happiness to you?</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;">Theme: Finding Happiness in the Simple Things</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays- </div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/qzTVQWJwm2A" width="480"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/mVhh0oATqBI" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Summer Song| The Singing Walrus</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Turn up the music and dance along as this month's song gets</div><div style="text-align: center;">children thinking about Summer plans with the simple prompt...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>What do you like to do in the Summer?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/njuIQeqwGfI" width="480"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Summer Happiness"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bucket List Challenge</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The weather is warmer, the days feel longer, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and school is out for the Summer!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbF7v1PSSDxizLfMxxPkR276TeborjbMlDTbqvNAWItpLHGUmA_8XWPbyG1ahV2ILFnnJUTGWUPl1HTCdxHNQsdPp65wST5hlPd4Y5rM6tzv61UcFFCxM6gn9ZnWwZoTs6BTh9q6JxMRXRq1mMpvNvYs7MjM39vmPJyYwNhcahy6RYwqKT0hAkzmz/s1070/Screenshot_20220721-093428_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1070" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbF7v1PSSDxizLfMxxPkR276TeborjbMlDTbqvNAWItpLHGUmA_8XWPbyG1ahV2ILFnnJUTGWUPl1HTCdxHNQsdPp65wST5hlPd4Y5rM6tzv61UcFFCxM6gn9ZnWwZoTs6BTh9q6JxMRXRq1mMpvNvYs7MjM39vmPJyYwNhcahy6RYwqKT0hAkzmz/w400-h400/Screenshot_20220721-093428_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Let's make a list of all of the fun things we would</div><div style="text-align: center;">like to experience before the season changes to Fall</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>What is on your Summer happiness bucket list?</i></span></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-37439132282731942362022-06-03T00:00:00.138-07:002022-06-03T00:00:00.186-07:00First Friday- A Story. A Song. An Activity (The ABC's of Black History)<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Black History touches our lives every day</div><div>and in an unlimited number of ways</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImzQpBM1sfPvTEjZJElpWINWnYU8mJ_sM6Y6R-cJhiVktI96Sp8hiqIeqyn_ObmnCpDILQG7LUpUR9qVUdxNkh0OrHOnkFh8SL13vA53IsmvIEhGwCi7xgHL-hZ9y5V7flBYmLmOyEo_hR2QeydAm9fliJ9cfh2BcGj_WybswJ9IykILOBpkoB-7f/s1074/Screenshot_20220602-091957_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1069" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImzQpBM1sfPvTEjZJElpWINWnYU8mJ_sM6Y6R-cJhiVktI96Sp8hiqIeqyn_ObmnCpDILQG7LUpUR9qVUdxNkh0OrHOnkFh8SL13vA53IsmvIEhGwCi7xgHL-hZ9y5V7flBYmLmOyEo_hR2QeydAm9fliJ9cfh2BcGj_WybswJ9IykILOBpkoB-7f/w360-h361/Screenshot_20220602-091957_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /></div><div>This month's story "The ABC's of Black History" </div></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Rio Cortez provides a glimpse into the richness of</div><div style="text-align: center;">Black American History while reminding readers that...</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Black History is not limited</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">to 28 days in February</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Theme: </div><div><br /></div><div>J is for Juneteenth- </div><div>A Celebration of Freedom and Hope</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCd77XDYwL0MA_dIVQTGcOJXMXZVPFMU4Ra0RJAouKTXhLv6aTxFQkgaMDLR1PCAzmv09e20hWzmL7d_nDajjuqp9mPNXQjU7BFiLVnAe8KU-6jSFIqNk-3SuS1utq_eucHxW8XQIddKO-D8-n_wQl7B-34ADDnoPGH2a6LpvkLlCCGo0g2bPaMaXW/s1077/Screenshot_20220602-093535_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1077" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCd77XDYwL0MA_dIVQTGcOJXMXZVPFMU4Ra0RJAouKTXhLv6aTxFQkgaMDLR1PCAzmv09e20hWzmL7d_nDajjuqp9mPNXQjU7BFiLVnAe8KU-6jSFIqNk-3SuS1utq_eucHxW8XQIddKO-D8-n_wQl7B-34ADDnoPGH2a6LpvkLlCCGo0g2bPaMaXW/s320/Screenshot_20220602-093535_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays-</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/YsAu9slp4pk" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YsAu9slp4pk/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">then...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">sing along w/ Elmo and friends as we learn the </div><div style="text-align: center;">history of Juneteenth, the cultural relevance, and the </div><div style="text-align: center;">significance of setting up a "red foods" snack table</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/aoarn6UPEJQ" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">J is for Juneteenth</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Juneteenth Celebratory Activities</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/5dn5tPzMSC8" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bring children, families, and your local community</div><div style="text-align: center;">together by hosting a Juneteenth celebration. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguKLcoshu_rxG49Km5dERa2oJ3RgB7EJ_HcqChSyNfPZPJrFkHeAE4ToH4FqT8bOzL6IbsCyspZVtTMPeuw5xlu49zKsRZzZOjcDdIDuKUkcn-1mlICB57bI_vs6Do3jLkYQiukUa3Rf9ts1KWTvMvmWrxXkMWSTXK3rS5qOlD0a1pPsJMn0NMTrP/s2880/20220602_095035%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguKLcoshu_rxG49Km5dERa2oJ3RgB7EJ_HcqChSyNfPZPJrFkHeAE4ToH4FqT8bOzL6IbsCyspZVtTMPeuw5xlu49zKsRZzZOjcDdIDuKUkcn-1mlICB57bI_vs6Do3jLkYQiukUa3Rf9ts1KWTvMvmWrxXkMWSTXK3rS5qOlD0a1pPsJMn0NMTrP/w455-h455/20220602_095035%5B1%5D.jpg" width="455" /></a></div>Check out the video for four things to consider:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The conversation</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The setting</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The music</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The food</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuZ7ymcsEHe0WKKyT_Ayp9WMD_rA0PBY7AJ58Hswmv0P9RSMhEcjDgO9xFJH7NvSPgO-DvL8b_Zw9_CRK_EYRymgcNd3bBdzHg4FTVQ-sAoPZKzDAf2pwUgReReGGNfWwbLT5rw26M9KI9vrTX9B6k86JI46gbWhTFYZAfOHd9wNWTt54Yp72PERX/s1093/Screenshot_20220602-093705_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1079" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuZ7ymcsEHe0WKKyT_Ayp9WMD_rA0PBY7AJ58Hswmv0P9RSMhEcjDgO9xFJH7NvSPgO-DvL8b_Zw9_CRK_EYRymgcNd3bBdzHg4FTVQ-sAoPZKzDAf2pwUgReReGGNfWwbLT5rw26M9KI9vrTX9B6k86JI46gbWhTFYZAfOHd9wNWTt54Yp72PERX/s320/Screenshot_20220602-093705_Instagram%5B1%5D.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">and since...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Black History benefits and uplifts us all,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we should ALL celebrate!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">How will you celebrate Juneteenth?</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-27229065519257635132022-05-06T00:00:00.071-07:002022-05-11T08:44:25.635-07:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (I Am Peace- A Book of Mindfulness)<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"> Sometimes the waves of life seem </div><div style="text-align: center;">as if they will overtake us and</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(during that feeling of overwhelm) </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we need an opportunity to</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stop.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take a Moment.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take a Breath.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF9hFbP2uUNRmyYQDvOg97t2gKaXXMo-v2Trk7I3DuX__Xn8FX7B8CKlxKSvZDrvvLw9Quxd-TB_eEw96etzn_6z4Juawh5CTSyukIDj2m1rkeIrXuVtbnwimOhBXNo3B9AJRmYGJVV59ZR2CIt0hKgTrMQZp1hvkzgLuPZ-P5shaG8UJ3OE2qY7B/s2792/IMG_20220506_190049_213%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2792" data-original-width="2792" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF9hFbP2uUNRmyYQDvOg97t2gKaXXMo-v2Trk7I3DuX__Xn8FX7B8CKlxKSvZDrvvLw9Quxd-TB_eEw96etzn_6z4Juawh5CTSyukIDj2m1rkeIrXuVtbnwimOhBXNo3B9AJRmYGJVV59ZR2CIt0hKgTrMQZp1hvkzgLuPZ-P5shaG8UJ3OE2qY7B/w393-h393/IMG_20220506_190049_213%5B1%5D.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Introduce mindfulness and deep breathing to children</div><div style="text-align: center;">as self-regulation strategies to use during moments of stress</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">First Fridays-</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story. A Song. An Activity.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/uI94lnIeX-Q" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcykoE4rqGjkS9e--aACpHPlIyj6MJK0EcaJ_m2Fka2Khxsm1buCgIMyJiCRoJPugLGMUcnXjqvTOHtbgXLunvS5hhH3r-6RltQq4AXp6y6bGUZAC_G0liRijoeq2fdfmNvpdu6lJpBXaWaa5e2wct22y2pEmRg4LFR8F8yj7QF0LgRxNRwOnQbz_l/s1386/Screenshot_20220506-090146_YouTube%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1386" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcykoE4rqGjkS9e--aACpHPlIyj6MJK0EcaJ_m2Fka2Khxsm1buCgIMyJiCRoJPugLGMUcnXjqvTOHtbgXLunvS5hhH3r-6RltQq4AXp6y6bGUZAC_G0liRijoeq2fdfmNvpdu6lJpBXaWaa5e2wct22y2pEmRg4LFR8F8yj7QF0LgRxNRwOnQbz_l/s320/Screenshot_20220506-090146_YouTube%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then share this short guided meditation</div><div style="text-align: center;">song with children for a calming experience</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/cYDbPUCDjLA" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Safe and Calm | Meditation for Children</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Learning Station</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/wX8G-ZRVg_E" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Float or Sink?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>Play Provocation Space</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>Use what you have to facilitate this inquiry based approach</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>to exploring density, weight/weightlessness and buoyancy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">"I don't need to worry about before or after. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">I am in THIS moment. I am peace."</span></i></div></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-66881749386022250752022-03-18T00:00:00.098-07:002022-03-18T07:26:57.936-07:00First Friday - A Story. A Song. An Activity. (The Doctor With An Eye For Eyes)<div style="text-align: center;">We take time each year in March</div><div style="text-align: center;"> to celebrate Women's History Month </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">noting...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">brave</div><div style="text-align: center;">amazing</div><div style="text-align: center;">innovative </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">contributions women and girls </div><div style="text-align: center;">have made all throughout history</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZlT2X-pwKP1ZQWiIvmKXOz2gWEYb2BfzbGWePqcwcKQrqxmiMYF8EzkSTMpqjmnfrXPWO3EvbeZAT2VsqD3QaWzphuAcQvaB4GDLnVIC0DJHV1aD_4m2GPyrClgDRw0V61xUTNFgv52kxh4DombXOFMPctfm_0O0R6WLxuNWEltUzbsA6oR7ur6bO=s935" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="935" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZlT2X-pwKP1ZQWiIvmKXOz2gWEYb2BfzbGWePqcwcKQrqxmiMYF8EzkSTMpqjmnfrXPWO3EvbeZAT2VsqD3QaWzphuAcQvaB4GDLnVIC0DJHV1aD_4m2GPyrClgDRw0V61xUTNFgv52kxh4DombXOFMPctfm_0O0R6WLxuNWEltUzbsA6oR7ur6bO=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's celebrate women and girls every day!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">First Fridays-</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story. A Song. An Activity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/S5JOJUqFqqQ" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/S5JOJUqFqqQ/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kidz BOP 2020 Vision</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Nc8W2EeHWOA" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An anthem for children who have</div><div style="text-align: center;">the vision to make the world shine!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/WncPeY5T070" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WncPeY5T070/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dr. Patricia E. Bath used her gifts to help the world see!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO1ieZlH8kF8na2_8iWaqm-44aAkJNJzlvcFciF0ZuU9jzUY5K6Qxegym0vkX26JAUqlczTuinF-bnzqtLpJCIEAQxLxr83t3iDX-LoqG_aN-ZnNWpNwmBsR1XjnlyAMoegOGtFP2ZOEn35SQ98lp-FH3pny-DD7Sa8BYtPRrc7Cz7zFya_6sZFJz/s4032/20220121_145918%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAO1ieZlH8kF8na2_8iWaqm-44aAkJNJzlvcFciF0ZuU9jzUY5K6Qxegym0vkX26JAUqlczTuinF-bnzqtLpJCIEAQxLxr83t3iDX-LoqG_aN-ZnNWpNwmBsR1XjnlyAMoegOGtFP2ZOEn35SQ98lp-FH3pny-DD7Sa8BYtPRrc7Cz7zFya_6sZFJz/w317-h422/20220121_145918%5B2%5D.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Invisible Art- Wax Resist Art</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Introduce this activity to bring together art and science,</div><div style="text-align: center;">amplify the message of female empowerment, and start a</div><div style="text-align: center;">conversation about using your gifts to change the world</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Be strong, stay focused,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">push forward, shine bright...</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">and you'll find all your dreams</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">will be well within sight!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-----------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Find additional stories and activities...</div><div style="text-align: center;">that highlight the work of Amazing Women Scientists</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJthAQvq9-LUs8bxDm5thd_9TuWGbS5oqAcRIoTwu6guX8ZnehTOEOV_7l-jSaDV4c6RfGqkgRY9AjKpcqzR6UMBhAZ89RIlXI61ksgcF0S-3jrcmGkkLW9xipuybmI0Rj31Tsu2JTBXaf5rhjq0Jq653tJWowzZmaHJ0yAGBKndjaTsEAmNPjbZD8=s2880" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJthAQvq9-LUs8bxDm5thd_9TuWGbS5oqAcRIoTwu6guX8ZnehTOEOV_7l-jSaDV4c6RfGqkgRY9AjKpcqzR6UMBhAZ89RIlXI61ksgcF0S-3jrcmGkkLW9xipuybmI0Rj31Tsu2JTBXaf5rhjq0Jq653tJWowzZmaHJ0yAGBKndjaTsEAmNPjbZD8=w402-h402" width="402" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazingscientists.com" target="_blank">amazingscientists.com</a><br /></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-63063003599573402752022-03-01T00:00:00.001-08:002022-05-14T07:44:56.717-07:00What? Why? How? (One Hundred Days of Grace)<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">One hundred consecutive days </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(my journey begins March 1) </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">of noticing...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">something</div><div style="text-align: center;">one thing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">each day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">---------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We let so many moments of grace slip past by </div><div style="text-align: center;">failing to see the beauty in our everyday lives</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>So...</div><div><br /></div><div>---------------------------------------------</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">How?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stop.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Appreciate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and when you see grace...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">take it in!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>---------------------------------------------</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>There's no wrong way to</div><div>start your journey...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwzU7h0UJmpIRvGYVWsdBlEJR0l4vBx3Y5CoW7EG3EVQ2QpD1mDn3btqDCfO0GwuJt67fU38fKIzpunFZI6MeH76TiCfmjbPC9iMl8DDDThi9c1i_pv5zjFjKDLnag4t93R7kEW6BSaY/s2048/IMG_20160331_123556%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwzU7h0UJmpIRvGYVWsdBlEJR0l4vBx3Y5CoW7EG3EVQ2QpD1mDn3btqDCfO0GwuJt67fU38fKIzpunFZI6MeH76TiCfmjbPC9iMl8DDDThi9c1i_pv5zjFjKDLnag4t93R7kEW6BSaY/s320/IMG_20160331_123556%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>(<a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2017/06/life-worth-living.html">follow mine</a>)</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">You may choose to document it with a photo</div><div style="text-align: center;">journal the moment, or share with someone else</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLxb8mv9l5UqY5XOJ8njk2FF9zLfJPqLEGP6qGXlnwTssJFGpzMggOQFXlG0SNOB1t2QwtvQsQb8adkjPNbGcRAL8LyvM4et8LVoRH2fmvDmctFrxv0xGl5Ir1NgOsYXIFE9KlyNNlMA/s1600/100+days+of+grace.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLxb8mv9l5UqY5XOJ8njk2FF9zLfJPqLEGP6qGXlnwTssJFGpzMggOQFXlG0SNOB1t2QwtvQsQb8adkjPNbGcRAL8LyvM4et8LVoRH2fmvDmctFrxv0xGl5Ir1NgOsYXIFE9KlyNNlMA/w386-h547/100+days+of+grace.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">One Hundred Days of Grace</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">March 1- June 8</div>
</div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-56575699314980185352022-02-06T00:00:00.021-08:002022-12-28T14:40:53.960-08:00A Return to Simple- Slow and Intentional Living<div style="text-align: center;">I felt...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">unsettled</div><div style="text-align: center;">uneasy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">pulled out of my natural daily rhythm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">so I...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">prayed</div><div style="text-align: center;">read</div><div style="text-align: center;">researched</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and was "gifted" a year and a half</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">to slow down, investigate and lean in</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(on my journey toward self-paced intentional living)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and within that time</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">what I learned to</div><div style="text-align: center;">embrace is that...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am built differently!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiok-4MRMqhYRSpM4za460nJGOhici_bdnFlRArrQMwOo5n2j1Are1TuXQKn6Q9aR17WzCrIEc8hUPC5340rGP4mc-WKuTISsCVUiQCiGMzJx_Fwio7VpPsX5ajb6LHh8KVb3eQb-k6GLQG-Irr92pIWRlRyq6a8827EUHGU66NaMhlzlrNyawh_C6A=s1068" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiok-4MRMqhYRSpM4za460nJGOhici_bdnFlRArrQMwOo5n2j1Are1TuXQKn6Q9aR17WzCrIEc8hUPC5340rGP4mc-WKuTISsCVUiQCiGMzJx_Fwio7VpPsX5ajb6LHh8KVb3eQb-k6GLQG-Irr92pIWRlRyq6a8827EUHGU66NaMhlzlrNyawh_C6A=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I am highly emotional.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I require more time to process information.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I recover with large blocks of uninterrupted quiet time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and at times...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I desire to move at a slower pace than others around me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">AND FOR YEARS...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I struggled with this</div><div style="text-align: center;">fought against it</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">forcing myself </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">to attempt </div><div style="text-align: center;">to adapt </div><div style="text-align: center;">to the energy </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">around me,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but finally, after slowing down, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I discovered my natural rhythm, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(the pace of life/ lifestyle that feels good to me)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">while delving deeper</div><div style="text-align: center;">into things that </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">nourish...</div><div style="text-align: center;">guide...</div><div style="text-align: center;">heal...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">--------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;">If this speaks to you, check out</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-slow-path-to-embracing-all-seven.html" target="_blank">The Slow Path to Embracing Wellness</a><br /></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-65620486532383986392022-02-04T00:00:00.144-08:002022-02-04T00:00:00.210-08:00First Fridays - A Story. A Song. An Activity. (A Place Inside of Me)<div style="text-align: center;">As we celebrate Black History Month,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">our selected story provides an opportunity to come</div><div style="text-align: center;">together, give voice to feelings, and heal. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Create a safe space to initiate </div><div style="text-align: center;">a healing conversation as... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"A Place Inside of Me"</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">A Poem to Heal the Heart</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">models how to use </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">creative expression as an outlet </div><div style="text-align: center;">for everything we may be feeling. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQcgMcPtsEvLdZQtsgie2Gw0uS-lmUKdW3vsSAJL8ua45S7UjMXzpnJxijr9y5SQaw0msQ2Vbv1csFvj5OVR4b2UbxkZzBefqeOLq0GKQ5x1heoTX2V0u_mAgLUgQW_xWEzks-9fep_k1xDsrMJOLYnYXza52UqMtzCzjZeVljZMSHQd6yb3u98umg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQcgMcPtsEvLdZQtsgie2Gw0uS-lmUKdW3vsSAJL8ua45S7UjMXzpnJxijr9y5SQaw0msQ2Vbv1csFvj5OVR4b2UbxkZzBefqeOLq0GKQ5x1heoTX2V0u_mAgLUgQW_xWEzks-9fep_k1xDsrMJOLYnYXza52UqMtzCzjZeVljZMSHQd6yb3u98umg=w462-h347" width="462" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joy, Fear, Sorrow, Anger, Compassion, Healing... and Hope!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/5u6ftkYfgKY" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Lift Every Voice and Sing"</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Black National Anthem</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/_xyAtPVOeYY" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This new twist to a classic tune encourages us to use our voice</div><div style="text-align: center;">in ways that promote unity, healing, and hope. As we celebrate</div><div style="text-align: center;">Black History Month, we stand together to declare peace,</div><div style="text-align: center;">love, and belonging for all children, everywhere</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/5X-pXBMviwg" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Create an opportunity for children to create their</div><div style="text-align: center;">vision for our homes, schools, and community.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Community Mural</span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTgOyRA3LODHi9zO1AxxaGrP7MeBM5gsukceEkJXeZeaqxmg9gUxdDExL-dnnpGH4Yp9V54RXwSBg11NTRvAg0Y55sGK5UmzRkw0NdQfFGMM-oQxB54MRLMrRvKW7UF3bUhjyv_bbO2WErR_CcVPswnbdED3gbbK8ypvThsylc65uRcaRaRMoKAHZB=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTgOyRA3LODHi9zO1AxxaGrP7MeBM5gsukceEkJXeZeaqxmg9gUxdDExL-dnnpGH4Yp9V54RXwSBg11NTRvAg0Y55sGK5UmzRkw0NdQfFGMM-oQxB54MRLMrRvKW7UF3bUhjyv_bbO2WErR_CcVPswnbdED3gbbK8ypvThsylc65uRcaRaRMoKAHZB=w397-h298" width="397" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcTSAHkS1ujAQ2cORZVW_yFvd6StaYSTUexGSYIZa3x6klaADi7OQfNo8R4Mdrzx4c6RASEwqBM8Uo7MMuC_JoXpgxFAzIhNZag7Aw2rgI8Oq-LefxYQRP3EFcDhfzohEU3kyRTmYeBzZ1P6cQKTbruE8kzBbH4c6ShNNxeUJxeWyNBy9prBtl1CqR=s2880" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcTSAHkS1ujAQ2cORZVW_yFvd6StaYSTUexGSYIZa3x6klaADi7OQfNo8R4Mdrzx4c6RASEwqBM8Uo7MMuC_JoXpgxFAzIhNZag7Aw2rgI8Oq-LefxYQRP3EFcDhfzohEU3kyRTmYeBzZ1P6cQKTbruE8kzBbH4c6ShNNxeUJxeWyNBy9prBtl1CqR=w409-h409" width="409" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaFSGSw-8f2Bb34EeMZv0vOl8wNhghWvKis-iZOjmFj26rF1Vi82IdH_thtoZ05MYZLbKzB2uhxGia4_y3swsGjJEwyXrwR-31BMvNPedbwbgEqPwXR4n_s4y6Wk3kMjCg6hhWlUG0fm7oyyohYitHdmMqiZ3W9rX_FXswzrNRqb6LmkdAApNGl_np=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaFSGSw-8f2Bb34EeMZv0vOl8wNhghWvKis-iZOjmFj26rF1Vi82IdH_thtoZ05MYZLbKzB2uhxGia4_y3swsGjJEwyXrwR-31BMvNPedbwbgEqPwXR4n_s4y6Wk3kMjCg6hhWlUG0fm7oyyohYitHdmMqiZ3W9rX_FXswzrNRqb6LmkdAApNGl_np=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Prepare the space and bring that vision to life </div><div>with a community mural and plan of action...</div><div><br /></div><div>because together we can change the world!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">"Against all odds my people have emerged</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>Strong, Triumphant, and Beautiful"</i></span></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-5603974895652814652022-01-07T00:00:00.182-08:002022-02-03T19:32:17.460-08:00First Friday - A Story. A Song. An Activity. (Your Name is a Song)<div style="text-align: center;">Stories can serve as both </div><div style="text-align: center;">"Mirrors and Windows" </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mirrors-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">reminding us </div><div style="text-align: center;">to look within</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(to see ourselves)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Windows-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">allowing us</div><div style="text-align: center;">to see outwardly</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(to see others)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>"Your Name is a Song"</div><div>by Jamilah Thomkins-Bigelow</div><div><br /></div><div>is a story of a young girl frustrated by constantly</div><div>having her beautiful name mispronounced</div><div> </div><div>She soon learns that her name is a song, </div><div>sings it to her friends and teaches them how to sing it as well</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCO1TtSxO3MYgvdk2brB37zVIMsRo2XdqZ1pVO8kh_nyF7j-VjMtCcbl3hKHNSB86UdelHvHNL--D4knoHHDIMGQ75Mef0-oGylRn8WeXNW-WgOXkDTKK-QAphCQPrvBY0LfIO-8F_q_rlD0QdbDND6pt2A7y6CHcFtXTAn-E23fOCGt2OH7QtGLWk=s2847" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2847" data-original-width="2847" height="487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCO1TtSxO3MYgvdk2brB37zVIMsRo2XdqZ1pVO8kh_nyF7j-VjMtCcbl3hKHNSB86UdelHvHNL--D4knoHHDIMGQ75Mef0-oGylRn8WeXNW-WgOXkDTKK-QAphCQPrvBY0LfIO-8F_q_rlD0QdbDND6pt2A7y6CHcFtXTAn-E23fOCGt2OH7QtGLWk=w487-h487" width="487" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays-</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/QaeUsGfFX08" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QaeUsGfFX08/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Turn up the music and encourage children to sing along with acclaimed poet </div><div style="text-align: center;">Maya Angelou featuring Elmo as we learn to celebrate our names</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/5jWHQYkCYbI" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/v1LDEmohDwU" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/v1LDEmohDwU/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Play Provocation Space</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">set up an area where children can explore, find the rhythm</div><div style="text-align: center;">in their names, and create their own unique name songs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Three thoughts to guide you...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Use what you have</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Provide enough time/space for exploration</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Set up, then step back</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2N13qLyoETXH1vI1gKAHhEoPG3-6HaKCu7qNjVL0dpMITfZhLoED3qo2Gok2BBRDB2dYtdzB3thVu4YJrweKoE9RSrwsZWayKZgWyM_B-vPivMFbLS7WmWQd5F80yxrzwnfUkRCaxdC5QGyfwSTzEgoyPvxgHuts-ZuUk1fBf_vfmXdxlPzswGaLu=s2778" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="2778" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2N13qLyoETXH1vI1gKAHhEoPG3-6HaKCu7qNjVL0dpMITfZhLoED3qo2Gok2BBRDB2dYtdzB3thVu4YJrweKoE9RSrwsZWayKZgWyM_B-vPivMFbLS7WmWQd5F80yxrzwnfUkRCaxdC5QGyfwSTzEgoyPvxgHuts-ZuUk1fBf_vfmXdxlPzswGaLu=w444-h444" width="444" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Made up names come from dreamers. Their real names </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>were stolen long ago so they dream up new ones"</i></span></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-17118018234063305892021-12-31T00:00:00.020-08:002022-01-03T09:31:05.538-08:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity. (A Year in Review... 2021)<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"> I just love it when an idea and plan comes together</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(which is exactly what happened this year) </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">with...</div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp_rlfZPf1ke2VXE5YlhD9Eeyhkpdt7vc0p8rdcsIYFNbHdD_vzXQXuGilv60O7unNKyx87ErHQ5t_0xZ70QlnoClJlzZhtylfuNuHDaRKxqdsULYFkNpkwDzTAqaqUw1wIctLlTRNJvdhar4SJY2Kf0Ks7Jfn1MSi7f3B0R4BbjQWebWBaOtXaoaf=s818" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="818" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgp_rlfZPf1ke2VXE5YlhD9Eeyhkpdt7vc0p8rdcsIYFNbHdD_vzXQXuGilv60O7unNKyx87ErHQ5t_0xZ70QlnoClJlzZhtylfuNuHDaRKxqdsULYFkNpkwDzTAqaqUw1wIctLlTRNJvdhar4SJY2Kf0Ks7Jfn1MSi7f3B0R4BbjQWebWBaOtXaoaf=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An idea scribbled onto paper</div><div style="text-align: center;">then mentioned to a team member</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">bloomed</div><div style="text-align: center;">blossomed</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and grew</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">into what has turned out to be</div><div style="text-align: center;"> an amazing opportunity to share </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">virtual stories, songs, activities,</div><div style="text-align: center;">with children and families in places </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we could have never known we'd reach!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBltBh4AFEDC5JseZj58YFR280or6C2I0M_Ap0FSyfd108xjCbK-x8CE9vbZG_ex6jhk9kIydV-8BsfsrPLKAYHxbUaqDpeLL88cCjaKYiQzqQUxPlbfNgjKT6DqR6KYq1DfOlU_7n6TT88jjbP4zquYiK7CYKSXPSysGCVDH95d7LggHX3MvLxMi8=s2880" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBltBh4AFEDC5JseZj58YFR280or6C2I0M_Ap0FSyfd108xjCbK-x8CE9vbZG_ex6jhk9kIydV-8BsfsrPLKAYHxbUaqDpeLL88cCjaKYiQzqQUxPlbfNgjKT6DqR6KYq1DfOlU_7n6TT88jjbP4zquYiK7CYKSXPSysGCVDH95d7LggHX3MvLxMi8=w456-h456" width="456" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(So here's to our first year in review)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/01/first-friday-story-song-activity-stone.html" target="_blank">January- Stone Soup</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we launched First Fridays </div><div style="text-align: center;">as we brought in the New Year</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/02/first-friday-story-song-activity-shades.html" target="_blank">February- Shades of Black</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">kicked off Black History Month</div><div style="text-align: center;">as we learned to celebrate </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">all of our beautiful shades,</div><div style="text-align: center;">tones, and undertones</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/03/first-fridays-story-song-activity-go.html" target="_blank">March- Go Away Big Green Monster</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we got a handle on our emotions</div><div style="text-align: center;">by learning to name (and tame) them</div><div style="text-align: center;">with Elmo, Common, and Colbie Caillat's</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">in their Sesame Street version of </div><div style="text-align: center;">"Belly Breathe"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/04/first-fridays-story-song-activity-not.html" target="_blank">April- Not Norman</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">celebrated our pets as we listened to a brass band, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and headed outside to blow bubbles</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/05/first-fridays-story-song-activity.html" target="_blank">May- The Napping House</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we excitedly released our new logo and </div><div style="text-align: center;">our First Fridays intro theme song!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/06/first-fridays-story-song-activity.html" target="_blank">June-The Little Red Hen and the Grains of Wheat</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we made non-toxic puffy paint while introducing </div><div style="text-align: center;">the concepts of hard work, dedication, labor and reward</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and then in...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/07/first-fridays-story-song-activity.html" target="_blank">July- Goodnight Moon</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we had a glow-in-the-dark party!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We offered our first "off site" recording to start</div><div style="text-align: center;">a conversation on validating our feelings </div><div style="text-align: center;">toward going back-to-school</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/08/first-fridays-story-song-activity.html" target="_blank">August- The Kissing Hand</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and joined the band with our</div><div style="text-align: center;">own DIY child-sized instruments</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">in...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/09/first-fridays-story-song-activity-best.html" target="_blank">September- The Best Mariachi in the World</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/10/first-friday-story-song-activity-rosie.html" target="_blank">October- Rosie Revere, Engineer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">was all about using what you have to spark </div><div style="text-align: center;">creativity as we created with cardboard,</div><div style="text-align: center;">welcomed a special guest, and "engineered a song"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">before bringing in </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/11/first-fridays-story-song-activity-we.html" target="_blank">November- We Are Grateful; Otsaliheliga</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">with gratitude</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and finally closing out the year...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tondradenise.blogspot.com/2021/12/first-fridays-story-song-activity-pete.html" target="_blank">December- Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">by celebrating 12 months of First Fridays with Pete the Cat's</div><div style="text-align: center;">reminder to keep moving along and singing our song!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(And although you cannot personally join us for cake and ice cream...)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I would like to say "thank you" to everyone who has tuned in,</div><div style="text-align: center;">shared with a friend, and/or allowed me to read to your child(ren)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I do not take being invited into your home/school lightly. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I appreciate our time together </div><div style="text-align: center;">and until we meet again...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">We hope to see you again on the next First Friday!</span></i></div></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-38414342758161178972021-12-03T00:00:00.222-08:002021-12-03T00:00:00.209-08:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity (Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes)<div style="text-align: center;"> I sat in a session with Eric Litwin</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(creator of the original Pete the Cat series)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">at a Child Care Conference a few years ago</div><div style="text-align: center;">and his message was simple... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Best way to engage children? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">turn up the music</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(and make it funky)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These past two years</div><div style="text-align: center;">have been a little funky, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the events</div><div style="text-align: center;">the encounters</div><div style="text-align: center;">the experiences</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we have all endured</div><div style="text-align: center;">have certainly taught us a lot</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">but grace has kept us, we've found strength in the storm,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and we continue to turn up the music and make it funky!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays- </div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Lqzapbb7JRw" width="480"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Song...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/zYeuZrqL6kc" width="480"></iframe></p><div style="text-align: center;">Meghan Trainer- Better When I'm Dancin'<br />One Voice Children's Choir</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Activity...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/6T1zy4WswMo" width="480"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Pete the Cat" Snack Activity</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In "Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes", Pete accidentally steps<br />into some things that change the color of his brand new white shoes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>But does Pete cry? </i></span><i style="color: #6aa84f;">Goodness, No!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>He just keeps walking along</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>and singing his song...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Use Pete's resilience to start a conversation on mindset</div><div style="text-align: center;">and recreate Pete's experience with this simple snack</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYEebD0CRF6AElnYZR1_-lFt7UEtLWtx5Xaih7tN8bzlJ9tu4nfO6M7072bxhpA-nsdWxXOk1ZaJOSiaJeXRhR3YF4u0lB6G-6jKPgMzHvO1QigM0PBRGPPsp6jsdhHwWNlR1TBpj_xc/s2048/20211122_103512%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYEebD0CRF6AElnYZR1_-lFt7UEtLWtx5Xaih7tN8bzlJ9tu4nfO6M7072bxhpA-nsdWxXOk1ZaJOSiaJeXRhR3YF4u0lB6G-6jKPgMzHvO1QigM0PBRGPPsp6jsdhHwWNlR1TBpj_xc/w437-h437/20211122_103512%255B1%255D.jpg" width="437" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Strawberries...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blueberries...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mud (chocolate)...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(or whatever the new year brings)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>Just keep walking along</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>and singing your song!</i></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-166591102422524517.post-84991655459439628532021-11-05T00:00:00.179-07:002021-11-05T00:00:00.210-07:00First Fridays- A Story. A Song. An Activity. (We Are Grateful- Otsaliheliga)<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Otsaliheliga </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(pronounced oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">is a Cherokee word used to express gratitude for the</div><div style="text-align: center;">blessings and challenges that each season brings</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvOMkR3Zehv3pwqxdGz42LlmM_MysTJ8ihL-6hzRWQUFF-YIlO6hJ1pzKHO9Vm0Px_WCw9zyOYokN8qDR8HxpjPLBVFsd3PjHIq8TVnZBTqt5WfYRYOdLBA1t-RmiMNx-tWUuhC8WEII/s2048/20211013_123522%255B1%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvOMkR3Zehv3pwqxdGz42LlmM_MysTJ8ihL-6hzRWQUFF-YIlO6hJ1pzKHO9Vm0Px_WCw9zyOYokN8qDR8HxpjPLBVFsd3PjHIq8TVnZBTqt5WfYRYOdLBA1t-RmiMNx-tWUuhC8WEII/w480-h640/20211013_123522%255B1%255D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Join us as we take a seasonal gratitude journey guided </div><div style="text-align: center;">through the Cherokee practice of Otsaliheliga</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First Fridays-</div><div style="text-align: center;">A Story. A Song. An Activity</div></div><p style="text-align: center;">Virtual Storytime</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Story...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/CToC27OgQ6U" width="480"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Song...</span></p><div style="text-align: center;">For family, friends,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the air we breathe...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we are grateful</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's think about what else we are thankful for</div><div style="text-align: center;">as we sing and dance along to this gratitude song</div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/YeSdQmO51Ps" width="480"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;">Thankful | The Juicebox Jukebox |</p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;">An Activity...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/BLJV_FfL2AI" width="480"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"I am Grateful for..."<br /></span></b><span>Seasonal Gratitude Collage</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's explore how to foster gratitude with children</div><div style="text-align: center;">(as well as within ourselves) through visual documentation</div><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiZHPegwUhpHfMFQ4CWjOKFZsEOvrc1wDcp2FEw5Py09JGNY3G0ZpKI6K3rnf0y7vMtt3rCGw0aXlcl1FovCYNakfi7meTd5IWLexF0h0kjizZcJ7rAeZYgNhRONfRx8lufUKFnpMlEk/s2048/20211013_125402%255B1%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiZHPegwUhpHfMFQ4CWjOKFZsEOvrc1wDcp2FEw5Py09JGNY3G0ZpKI6K3rnf0y7vMtt3rCGw0aXlcl1FovCYNakfi7meTd5IWLexF0h0kjizZcJ7rAeZYgNhRONfRx8lufUKFnpMlEk/w400-h300/20211013_125402%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><u><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Materials you will need:</u></p></u><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Child-Friendly Magazines<br />Scissors<br />Glue Sticks</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cardstock or Construction Paper<br />Colored Pencils/ Markers (optional)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtUinyyqJ2kXXEkJ-E-FKptpmbDqf9y-BnPpLCZLtumL8kHAeC7fEqNl-2VCeXkPDCYVU0w6e_6ZMgWLm_cwcMwu1ucVmJxEOKlPPzjFJrZ5IK2hUc6LH0F679K9dndNwL4bsaUaSmHs/s2048/20211013_125406%255B1%255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtUinyyqJ2kXXEkJ-E-FKptpmbDqf9y-BnPpLCZLtumL8kHAeC7fEqNl-2VCeXkPDCYVU0w6e_6ZMgWLm_cwcMwu1ucVmJxEOKlPPzjFJrZ5IK2hUc6LH0F679K9dndNwL4bsaUaSmHs/w608-h456/20211013_125406%255B1%255D.jpg" width="608" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">"Every Day. Every Season. We Are Grateful"</span></i></div>Tondra Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061667549872581095noreply@blogger.com0