Emmy Blue's Happy World

Bright and happy activities for children after tragedy strikes

emmy — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:50:10 +0000

A tragic event most commonly leaves us adults feeling confused, sad, angry and fearful. And if we cannot make sense of a tragedy or if our fears have been triggered, then imagine how children feel. If adults feel fearful after tragedy or its the aftermath, then how do we keep our children feeling safe?

With my background in the expressive arts and folklore, I’ve worked with traumatized children in a variety of settings. After receiving questions from a few parents and clients this past week, I decided to compile a quick list of the creative activities that I most commonly utilize. These activities have two main objectives:

1.) To make sure the child feels safe enough to open up and talk about anything with a parent or an adult

2.) To make sure the child knows that the parent or the adult will do everything possible to keep him or her safe in this world

While we may not always have the power to control what happens in the world around us, we do have the power to give children constructive tools to help them deal with the problems within the world as well as to show children that the world is still BRIGHT HAPPY and MAGICAL.

Before I list my activities, I would like to mention the importance of not creating a fearful environment for children. Children are extremely sensitive to the news and to adult reactions. If adults are walking around saying “How could this happen?” or “What an absolute tragedy” or if adults are fixating on the television, then this is creating a fearful environment for children. Try limiting your own news intake and read this post about creating a positive environment. It’s good to let children know that feeling scared or sad is perfectly acceptable as long as we offer some tools to cope with the feelings. Just make sure that our own fears are not creating a fearful environment and make sure that the environment is appropriate for a child’s developmental stage.

Here is a list of creative activities to help children work through a tragedy:

1.) Creative Writing and Storytelling. Telling and writing stories are not only excellent outlets for emotion, but they also help children process a tragedy, even when their creative story may not seem like it’s related to the event. For example, I often hear tales of superheros and children born with special powers after a tragedy occurs. Even if the characters aren’t engaging with the tragedy itself, it is soothing for children to believe in the safety these legendary people offer the world and it is empowering for children to believe that they have special abilities in a world where they may feel powerless.

Let children create their own stories regardless of the themes that may arise–they are inserting their concerns and feelings into the story. If themes of violence or tragedy do occur, then play a mutual storytelling game where the child tells the story first, then you either tell, reenact or use puppets to retell a modified version of the story. Throw in fun and magical twists as well as positive tools or messages to address any issues that appeared in the first tale. (Keep messages simple, “I love you,” “I will do everything to keep you safe,” “There is so much good in this world,” etc.)

2.) Art. A variety of art materials should always be available to children. Sometimes children don’t want to talk about what they have seen or heard about a tragedy. Chalk, crayons, markers, colored pencils, paints, finger paints and clay are all excellent tools to help your child express their conscious and unconscious thoughts. When your child is finished, ask questions about their artwork and really listen to their answers as well as acknowledge their feelings. Try not to push them into talking, just ask a few questions and let them lead the conversation.

3.) Creative Play. Children often process the world around them by engaging in play. Encourage children to use their imaginations to explore situations and outcomes. Try not to correct them if violence or scary themes arise, just gently redirect them to more positive ideas and solutions for resolving their anger. (Remember, we want to encourage children to open up and talk, so if we scold them for violent thoughts, they are likely to keep their ideas to themselves.)

A sensory table can also be therapeutic for a child. Fill a container with brightly colored sand or Kool-aid dyed pasta shapes and allow your child to use his or her toys (miniature humans, animals, houses, trees) for creative play. Pay attention because the child most commonly will use the toys to represent their needs.

And finally, interacting with puppets or offering some stuffed animals for comfort and anger release are also great tools to inspire creative play. Here is a quick tutorial on how to make your own puppets:

4.) Go to an uplifting movie or to a storytelling event. After a tragedy (especially a tragedy that directly impacts a child), it may be difficult for children to believe that the world is a bright and happy place and that there is an infinite amount of positive experiences just waiting for them. Experiencing uplifting, inspiring or even just silly stories often shifts this negative outlook. I specifically write and perform my stories to not only make children smile and feel magical, but my stories also keep them feeling empowered, inspired and hopeful. Engaging in positive stories can be key to helping children cope with tragedy.

5.) Focus on the good. Take a trip around town looking for all of the hardworking and caring people in this world. You can even design a scavenger hunt for younger children and include things like a police car, a police person, a fire truck, a fire person, a paramedic, an ambulance, healthcare workers, a teacher, a trained guide dog, a school, etc. By showing a child that there are lots and lots of positive people who care for this world, you are offering him or her hope and reassurance.

I do hope that this post offers you some ideas to help create a brighter and happier world for the children around you. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like me to address a specific issue in a blog post.

Lots of love and an extra magical hug,

Event: Tell Your Story Day

admin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:28:13 +0000

On April 27th, with the purchase of regular museum admission, community members will have the opportunity to learn how to preserve family photos and stories by attending “Tell Your Story Day” at the Washington County Museum from 10am to 3pm. The day includes learning how to collect oral histories, scanning family photos into the museums’ digital archive, tips on curating family heirlooms and objects, and a workshop on incorporating more storytelling into our daily lives.

At 10:30am, Beth Dehn, museum folklife and education director will talk about the museum’s oral history collection and will share information on how to collect and preserve family oral histories.

At 11:30am, the Hillsboro Community Youth Choir will give a special performance of historical songs and readings.

From 11am to 2pm, Lindsay Zaborowski, museum archivist will help visitors scan up to five family photos so the museum can add them to the Washington County Heritage Online digital photo archive for future generations to enjoy. She can also give advice on how to store family photographs.

At 12:15pm, Karen Lange, museum deputy director will share a short talk on curating family stories with family heirlooms and objects.

From 1pm to 2pm, local storyteller Emmy Blue will present a workshop on the art of storytelling. Participants will explore the important role storytelling has within communities and families. The workshop also includes an interactive information session, a tale or two from Blue’s Appalachian heritage and fun exercises to help incorporate more storytelling into our daily lives. This portion of the day is appropriate for people 15-years-of-age and older.

“Tell Your Story Day” is being held at the Washington County Museum’s Exhibitions and Educational Programs space located in the Hillsboro Civic Center Plaza Building, 120 E Main St. in downtown Hillsboro next to Starbucks. Admission is free for members; non-member admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, students, children 18-and-under and active military. Children age 3 and under are free.

Visit www.washingtoncountymuseum.org or call 503.645.5353 for more information.

Custom tales for you by Emmy Blue!

admin — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:31:00 +0000

Are you looking for a unique gift? Emmy Blue offers custom written magical tales staring you, your child, your family or your friends!

This exclusive package includes a digital and a hard copy of your one-of-a-kind story and illustration as well as post cards, bookmarks and magical stones.

Writing and polishing the perfect 1,000-2,500 word tale and illustration can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. Emmy Blue will send the story via email for you to proofread as soon as it’s finished. (As with all of her programs, satisfaction is 110% guaranteed.)

Interested? Contact Emmy Blue at emmy(at)emmyblue(dot)com with any questions and your time frame. The only thing needed to start the writing process is for you to fill out a brief questionnaire and e-mail a current photograph of the child. Then Emmy Blue uses her unique method to create the perfect story!

This gift will surely make your child feel like the magical shining star he or she truly is!

Birthday Parties at WCM

admin — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 21:07:07 +0000

Emmy Blue is now doing birthday parties at the Washington County Museum! Themed parties can include entertainment by Emmy Blue, managed activities and games as well as arts and crafts. For more information, write emmy(at)emmyblue(dot)com. Here are a few photos from Fiona’s magical birthday party at WCM:

When life feels like a mess, make a mess!

emmy — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 19:34:49 +0000

Hello, friends.

It’s been a rough couple of days here in the enchanted treehouse as my grandfather passed away yesterday and my husband has been working out of the country (amongst a few other life stressors). Times like these really confirm the importance of keeping your thoughts positive and spirits as high as possible. This can be difficult, especially when you are feeling sad.

But for the last two days, I’ve been pushing myself to keep my mind and body moving. While I haven’t felt like dancing, I’ve been walking walking walking outside in the fresh air. And while I haven’t felt like my high energy social self, I did spend quality time with a few friends at the park where we watched our dogs and children run and play freely in the sunshine. I even texted with a friend about nothing special, but just the connection itself put a smile on my face. These activities have done my heart good and have kept my mind balanced.

With my background in education, folklore and expressive arts, I know that any imaginative activities involving a variety of creative processes are the most effective and efficient ways to move through sorrows, stressors or even just a case of the blahhs.

So today I am going to make a creative mess!

Sometimes I just pour paint onto paper or canvas and smear it around without any artistic expectations of the final product. Sometimes I like to spray paint everyday items with the brightest colors I can find. And sometimes I’ll just go outside and make some sloppy mud sculptures or paintings!

It’s more about the action of the process than it is about the art form or the outcome.

For example, awhile back, two of my dearest grad school friends came over for a visit. We were all feeling stressed that day, so we ended up creating some masterpieces together.

I had seen this art project on a blog (though I couldn’t remember where I saw it, so we had no directions to follow). But nevertheless, we had fun squeezing and swirling our paints…

…exploring new ways to move the spiraling colors around…

…and watching the rainbow rivers flow before our very eyes.

It wasn’t about the final products, it was about the creative process. And that creative process calmed our minds and lifted our thoughts (as well as induced lots of laughter).

So the next time you are feeling blue or out of sorts, try making a creative mess to get your mind and body moving again! Who knows, maybe you will end up with a beautiful masterpiece:

I hope you have a magically messy day! Lots of love! Xx

A magical interview with Petrene Soames!

emmy — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:00:29 +0000

Today I have a very magical surprise! I am posting my interview with superstar visionary Petrene Soames!!

Petrene is not only the brightest, happiest and most intelligent person I know, but she uses her unique and, not to mention, internationally recognized skill set to help people attain their brightest and happiest selves! (I can attest to this because I’ve experienced Petrene’s talents first hand– yes, even Emmy Blue needed help unleashing her inner bright and happy magic, you know.)

Just take a look! She’s a star burst of bright and happy magic, right?! Rainbow hair! A glowing smile! WOW! How inspiring!

And here is my favorite photo of Petrene with her beautiful and magical rescue horse, Sky Blue. Yes, you read that correctly, Sky BLUE! (By the way, Petrene also uses her amazing abilities to heal and rescue abused and neglected animals.)

If you are unfamiliar with Petrene’s work, her award-winning books and methods are used all around the world. She has developed her own unique techniques designed to clear away and heal from any blocks that prevent us from being who we truly are and to unlock our true potential. Her gentle and simple tools and exercises have guided thousands to lead happier lives. And what makes Petrene’s methods so unique is that she empowers and teaches us how to connect to our own inner wisdom so that we can heal ourselves and live the lives that we were born to enjoy!

You are in for a HUGE treat because Petrene just wrote another fantastic book called The Process. The book takes you on a 21-day personal journey guided by Petrene’s positive affirmations and multidimensional artwork from the brilliant artist Amazing Tree (AT). Petrene includes her very own exercises and supportive words to help you along your way.

After my own 21-day journey, I was so excited over The Process that I asked Petrene for a magical interview (or should I say, “Inner View”).

Lucky for us, she said YES!!

So without further ado, I present to you my magical interview with visionary Petrene Soames:

1.) I’ve called you an expert metaphysician, a healer, a mentor, a therapist and a multidimensional living expert because I haven’t found a word in our language that identifies what you do. Before we talk about The Process, could you explain what you do for a living and shed some light on this often misunderstood and misrepresented field?

Hello Emmy. Well, all of the titles that you used are true because they are all parts of who I am and what I do. A more specific explanation of what I do is that I look at people to see who they are, where they are, what is stopping or blocking them from being happy, from expressing themselves and from getting the things they want. Over the years, I have developed unique sessions and therapies to help people remove, clear and overcome those blocks. As a sensitive, I can see and feel beyond the everyday and the obvious in order to pinpoint what is really going on and to know the easiest and quickest ways to resolve things.

I have come to understand that we need to heal the emotional, mental, and physical self and that this is absolutely possible no matter who you are or where you come from. The therapies that I developed and use include Healing, Rebirthing, Regression, Progression, and Digression. Even if you have heard these therapy names before or feel like you understand them, my techniques are completely unique as they are my own. (For example, I do not use hypnosis because it’s just not necessary.) While I understand someone’s hesitance because my methods are not mainstreamed yet, what I offer is more than common, ordinary and safe. And since I am a sensitive, I have the ability to follow everything through and get the very best results. Feel free to check my website to read my articles and learn more about my methods.

The misunderstood word, I suppose, is “Psychic.” Sadly, I understand that many people say they are psychic or use the word psychic, when perhaps they are not. So, unfortunately, it’s a word that may not be highly respected or even understood. And yet, if more people experienced a bona fide psychic’s true worth by receiving genuine help, there would not be such misconceptions. I am a real and genuine psychic. I use ESP and I do not rely on cards or other mediums to connect with an individual. I only need an individual’s name, his or her voice, or a photo to link with someone’s own unique vibration. Of course, I also teach other people how to connect with and develop their own psychic and healing abilities, too, because it is a lot simpler than people realize.

Above everything, I do my job because I love, love life. It’s amazing! And I know that each and everyone of us is also amazing, so I have a huge desire and commitment to help people love their lives, see how amazing they really are and be all they can be.

2.) What prompted you to create The Process?

The Process came about when I was in Taiwan with one of my students whose Chinese name translates into English as Amazing Tree (AT). I was teaching a series of workshops and she was having her first public art show. During this trip, we discussed how, on one level or another, everyone in the world needs help. We identified the need for more retreats for people– retreats where people can really work on themselves and get outstanding results. We understood that money and time is a big obstacle for most people, but we didn’t want this to stop what needed to be done. So, together, we devised The Process, which blends AT’s New Dimensional Art and my words and Positive Thought Cards with journaling for a 21-day period. Now, with little cost and only a few minutes a day, people can get even better results than they could on a retreat.

3.) What is The Process?

The Process is a simple and, yet, a wonderfully magical system presented in a colorful, easy-to-follow guidebook that creates positive changes. The placement and order of AT’s paintings and my words, as well as the page colors, the fonts and the use of my Positive Thought Cards, all work together to make up The Process. The book has been meticulously calculated to create very real positive shifts in those who use it.

4.) Did you have a particular population, age group or person in mind when creating this book?

I did not have a specific age group in mind for The Process. It really does work for everyone. If you can read (or have someone read to you) and see the paintings, then it will work for you. It works for individuals who feel lost or stuck (perhaps even for a long time) as well as individuals who feel they don’t have any problems. Since I work with children, I made sure that younger people can also use The Process. (Before ten-years-old, I recommend doing The Process with an adult’s help).

Overall, The Process will bring more positive change, goodness and benefits into every individual’s life regardless of age, background, lifestyle, etc.

5.) What types of transformations can one expect upon completing The Process?

Transformations will, of course, be varied. Since its release, we have received a wide variety of amazing feedback from people who have used The Process.

Often, those who need the most help or who are open to change, get the most benefit. Just remember: Anything is possible! I ask that users keep this in mind and be open to being amazed. I have had reports of people receiving money in the mail when they were at their very very lowest point, meeting the love of their lives, going ahead and doing something that they always wanted to do and having it working out great beyond expectation.

We all have something that we want or need such as more self love and awareness, more self confidence, more people treating us in better ways or even just more people hearing us. There are so many possibilities that can and will happen as a direct result from using The Process. I have even heard from people noticing real change and real results in the first few days of starting the system. We can’t wait to hear how The Process worked for you and we post responses and results on our website as we receive them.

6.) Is there a message or a theme in The Process that you want readers to truly grasp?

Yes– You can change your life no matter how unlikely and impossible it might seem. All you have to do is change your thoughts, get on a different vibration and go with a different kind of flow. The Process was designed to help you with these steps. It truly helps you connect with yourself and as you do this, you enter the magic of transformation. You really can do anything, and indeed anything and everything is possible.

In a section of the book titled “No Excuses,” I talk about all of the different ways that you can move forward and use The Process. So even if you find it hard to start or hard to finish The Process, you will always receive benefits. No matter how you utilize The Process, there are always positive outcomes.

7.) Lastly, do you have advice for anyone who may want a brighter and happier life, but who may feel stuck or confused right now?

My advice for people who feel stuck and down is:

Try The Process now
Visit Emmy Blue often for color, magic and inspiration
Stop by my website to read uplifting articles and top ten tips lists
Wear color and think in color
Get outside when possible
Breathe deeply and stretch your body
Get more sleep
Have something to look forward to
Love someone or something in your life
Write or doodle because self expression creates movement and movement is key to transformation!

I am also available for personal sessions to give real help, real answers and real perspectives. Help is there, all you have to do is reach out.

Thank you Emmy Blue I love you, love your work, love the website, thank you for making the world a better brighter and happier place. I look forward to hearing from you and your readers.

If every person reading this blog would practice getting in touch with themselves each and every day, the world would literally be a much brighter and happier place! The Process has the potential to improve your life on multiple levels. So whether you are looking to add some more fun and smiles or if you need to shift into healthier and happier life patterns, please check out Petrene’s groundbreaking book and connect with her on Facebook!

Have a bright, happy and magical day! Xoxo

Lots of love,

P.S. Here is Petrene’s contact information should you have questions for her. Xx

Make the world sparkle

emmy — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 05:40:55 +0000

It’s hard to believe that it has already been FOUR weeks, but alas, this is the fourth and final February Sparkling Saturday blog post.

This week’s Sparkling Saturday theme is about what I do to help make the world a sparklier place. Originally, I was going to post a video of me doing my job (I recorded a storytelling program), but I had some technological difficulties. Once they are sussed out, I will post the video, but for now, I hope you enjoy this written post.

Five ways I make the world sparkle:

1.) Sharing my inner magic.

As a storyteller and children’s entertainer, I share my inner magic nearly every day. But opening up by sharing creativity and inner magic does make me vulnerable to others. And this can be scary! (Performing wasn’t always easy and if I’m honest, I still get shy and insecure once in awhile.) For me, what helps is knowing that the world needs ALL OF OUR inner magic more than anything right now. It’s our own unique selves that makes this world sparkle, so everyone needs to let their talents flow free and far! If you’re not sharing your own inner magic, take a deep breath and just release some of your own sparkle into the world!

2.) Smiling and laughing.

Have you ever seen a person who doesn’t sparkle while smiling or having a good hearty laugh? Just watch how a room lights up when a child giggles freely or smiles over simple and happy things! Spreading smiles and light-hearted humor is easy and fun. Everyone (even the happiest of persons) needs to let go and lighten up, so I like to spread smiles and laughs as much as possible. Try making at least five people smile today with heartfelt compliments and random acts of kindness! You will instantly feel the sparkle!

3.) Self-caring.

After a series of long and hard lessons, I had to reprogram my brain to take better care of myself. I cannot make the world a sparklier place if I am not sparkling inside and out. I now make sure I slow down to get plenty of rest, play time, creative time, self-care time, love, nutrition, exercise–everything– before I work and fulfill other responsibilities. It’s not always easy and I sometimes need reminders when I get busy, but self-care is essential to making this world a sparklier place! Try taking a nap without guilt or bypassing chores for couch cuddles this week. We all need to practice taking care of ourselves on a daily basis!

4.) Donating my time.

While I don’t have money or time to donate to all of the causes that I want to support, I regularly donate my children’s programs to various institutions and organizations. Spreading my own inner magic encourages others to embrace and express their own inner magic. The best way to make the world a sparklier place is not to overextend yourself (or your wallet), but to find fun ways to spread your own inner magic in ways that fit you. So if you are low on free time try finding an easy way to spread your inner magic, such as donating knitted hats to soldiers or baked goods to food banks.

5.) Being present.

Sometimes I don’t need to say or do anything at all because simply being present adds sparkle! Have you ever noticed how your mood is lifted when a cat sits next to you or a dog naps at your feet? Your presence is just as magical as an animal’s presence! Just being present and listening to those around you truly is the best way to spread sparkling feelings. You are magical, so let others feel your inner sparkle!

How do you make this magical world sparkle? Make a list on this Sparkling Saturday and spread your own magic!!

Lots of love,

P.S. I have been receiving emails about comments on my blog posts this month. Unfortunately, I lost many comments while updating this website and I’m not sure how to recover them. My sincere apologies to those of you who commented on the posts this month.

I’m also sorry to the subscribers who have not been receiving post updates since January. As of today, this problem has been fixed. Thank you for your patience! Xx

P.S.S. Follow the sparkling trail to more Sparkling Saturday blog posts written by my sparkletacular friends…

In alphabetical order…

Yota Schneider: Seasons of Change Master Coach, writer, speaker, retreats facilitator , mindfulness meditation practitioner, mom, wife, friend, ever striving gardener and finder of beauty and peace in the little things. Blog Facebook Website

Lynda Shoup: School librarian, children’s writer and poet with a sparkle in her eye and plenty of fairy dust to share. Blog Facebook

Kat Wynne-Brown: Creator of KatWB, an Online Holistic Arts Center! Enjoy her virtual classes, holistic coaching, a holistic blog, KatWB TV and resources for nutrition, sustainability & self-help. Blog Facebook Website

Inspiration for when you feel less than sparkly

emmy — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 18:41:58 +0000

As I sit here to write the third Sparkle Saturday blog party post, I feel less than sparkly today.

The reason why I don’t feel like my sparkly self is lack of sleep. Two of our three fur beasts are special needs animals and often need help throughout the night. Last night both fur beasts were sick, so I lost a full night’s rest. Not only does this make me feel less than sparkly, but not getting enough sleep changes my positive thinking.

Since I believe my thoughts create my day, I immediately seek inspiration to turn my negative mindset around. Regardless of the problems I am faced with, every single day is a sparkling day filled with magical surprises just for me –if I believe it!

So who do I turn to for inspiration?

YOU.

It’s true, every single person in this world inspires me to sparkle. Everyone from the wonderful parents that I interact with whilst working to the person who cuts me off on the highway inspires me. I spend time thinking about all of the individuals I meet in order to see the positive inspiration they have to offer (and it is always there!).

Sometimes finding inspiration is easy…

In my job, I meet many unique parents. The one thing they all have in common is that they inspire me to sparkle. The parents that I meet are usually sleep deprived and overworked. And yet, they still love and care for their children the very best way they can. How can anyone not be inspired by that?!

Often, parents are too busy to see how wonderful and inspiring they truly are! After storytelling programs, I hear them making self-depracating jokes and sarcastic comments about their parenting or criticizing themselves for various things. Parents: I’m watching you do a fantastic job! Tune out the latest parenting theories, the negative parenting jokes circulated by social media, and don’t label anything as “good” or “bad” parenting. Your way of doing things is absolutely perfect and that inspires me on the days I lack both sleep and sparkles!

But sometimes finding inspiration can be challenging…

As for the drivers who cut me off on the highway, they inspire me because I am grateful for their reminders to stay on my own slower path and continue to be positive because this world needs more positive people who move to their own flow of life.

We create our own reality. This means that if we believe we are running late, if we believe we are rushed between work and family life, or we believe that we are surrounded by terrible drivers who are angry and rushed, then we are making those beliefs true. If we believe they are true then that is the reality we experience.

But guess what? These are only thoughts and we have the power to change our thoughts! The next time you get into your car change your thoughts to positive ones and tell yourself that you will easily travel to your destination safely and arrive at the perfect time. Let the angry speeding drivers inspire you to create and live in your own positive reality on this Sparkly Saturday.

Inspiration to sparkle is all around us! Try looking for the positive in every single person you meet this week! How can your own daily interactions with the world make you sparkle?

Happy Sparkly Saturday!

Lots of love,

P.S. Follow the sparkling trail to more “I Sparkle” Sparkling Saturday blog posts written by my sparkletacular friends…

In alphabetical order…

Lynda Shoup: School librarian, children’s writer and poet with a sparkle in her eye and plenty of fairy dust to share. Blog Facebook

Throw a creative Sparkling Saturday!

emmy — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 06:05:13 +0000

Hello, everyone! This is post number two from our Sparkle Saturday blog party! Enjoy! Xx

We all need to practice being more positive every day! Thinking positive leads to feeling positive and feeling positive leads to being the sparkling people that we truly are!

The following bright and happy exercises are perfect for inspiring children and adults to sparkle! The exercises are perfect for adults because we need to express our imaginations and open ourselves up creatively in order to feel happy, grounded and more childlike.

The exercises are perfect for children because children need to establish positive habits that will help them be happy and healthy for their lifetimes. (Children are constantly acquiring tools from us to help them in their futures.) Also, it is essential that children see adults caring for ourselves by playing and being creative because it makes growing up a more positive and exciting experience.

And most importantly, these are perfect exercises to do together because everyone needs to work as a team in order to build a positive foundation for ourselves, our families and our communities!

Emmy’s creative activities for feeling positively sparkling:

1.) Create positive affirmation bracelets as a family. These can easily be made with paper and crayons, but if you are feeling particularly crafty try making a collage, or use found objects, felt, beads, a cut-up old t-shirt…anything works, really! Let the bracelets serve as positive reminders throughout tough times or stressful days.

2.) Blast your space with uplifting color! What colors make you feel sparkly? Let your child decorate your space (office, kitchen desk, a color shrine) with these colors. Then help your child decorate his or her space with their favorite colors. Surrounding yourself with your favorite colors is essential to feeling sparkly. If you aren’t ready to make a permanent change, just hang colorful pictures on the wall using tape or sticky tack. You will be amazed at how positive you feel when surrounded by happy colors!

3.) Draw, paint, color portraits. Sit down with a child and ask the child to draw a portrait of sparkling you! (Trust me, the child sees so much more sparkle in you than you can see). While he or she is drawing you, you make a sparkling portrait of the him or her! Don’t think about it. Just let what makes them sparkle flow onto your page. And never ever judge your artwork, it is absolutely perfect!

Be sure to post your portraits somewhere visible so that you can be reminded to sparkle whenever you need to! Seeing your sparkling portraits will help you both feel more positive as well as help with building a better self-image. You are also teaching your child the important lesson of taking the time to love and care for himself or herself in a fun and creative way.

4.) Try out storytelling. Take turns telling one another about your most sparkliest memory ever. Perhaps it was your child’s birth or the big Valentine’s Day snowball fight with your brother. Relive the sparkly moment by acting it out with your voice and your body.

Storytelling is an exciting way to pass along family fun and personal history so that your child knows where he or she fits into the big family picture. This strengthens and secures a child’s self-esteem and self-worth. Storytelling is also important because it shows everyone that their lives are valuable and worth sharing with others.

5.) Create a sparkly snowflake out of paper. We are all unique and special just like magical snowflakes. What better way to honor our individual sparkly selves than to cover a window or to hang sparkly snowflakes in your home. You can even write what makes you brilliantly unique on the back of the snowflakes, so as they flutter around in the air, they spread your unique sparkling magic throughout your home.

Well, I have tales to tell and you have lots of creative fun ahead of you today! If you are in the giant snow storm, please stay snug and safe. Happy Sparkly Saturday! Xx

Lots of love,

P.S. Follow the sparkling trail to more “I Sparkle” Sparkling Saturday blog posts written by my sparkletacular friends…

In alphabetical order…

Lynda Shoup: School librarian, children’s writer and poet with a sparkle in her eye and plenty of fairy dust to share. Blog Facebook

I Sparkle!

emmy — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 10:23:35 +0000

Hello hello my bright and happy friends!

Today is a very exciting day, for it is the FIRST Saturday in a Sparkly Saturday blog series! Each day in February my sparkling friends and I will be posting a new blog about a Sparkly topic! We may all live in different areas of the country and we may all have different professions, but the one thing we have in common is WE SPARKLE!! So when you are finished reading this post, please read their sparkling posts by clicking on the links below.

I Sparkle!

I am a bright and happy person, but feeling sparkly is the magical frosting on my bright and happy life.

Today’s post is a list of ten things that I do to sparkle each and every day! Please make time today to create your own lists!

1.) To be happy, I wear bright and colorful clothing that makes me shine! To sparkle, I simply add some sparkle to my ensemble. This can be done easily and inexpensively with a pair of sparkly shoes, a sparkly headband or a sparkly scarf. Sometimes material items can enhance our imaginations and help ground us in who we are. When I look at my feet, I remember that I am a sparkly person who loves to sparkle…and sometimes I even do a little dance to celebrate sparkly me!

2.) To be happy, I drink plenty of delicious filtered water. To sparkle, I take the time to enjoy the visual beauty of how crystal clear water sparkles in a clean glass! This takes seconds and I feel like drinking the water is a luxurious treat for my body!

3.) To be happy, I exercise at least 20 minutes a day (even if it’s just easy yoga stretches or a walk where I can breathe in fresh air). To sparkle, I turn on music and dance dance dance in my own sparkling world free of self judgement.

4.) To be happy, I incorporate creative play into my daily life. To sparkle, I explore new creative activities and express myself creatively with my friends, family and community.

5.) To be happy, I get plenty of sunshine. (But I live in Oregon, so this is rarely possible in the winter months.) So to sparkle, I close my eyes and imagine myself immersed in sunlight. I imagine the sun entering my body and traveling into every single cell until I feel like I am shining as brightly and as sparkly as sunbeams. This gives me infinite energy to sparkle.

6.) To be happy, I fill myself up with a rainbow of fresh fruits and vegetables. To sparkle, I take the time to absorb the beautiful colors and smells of the fruits and vegetables that sustain me. I thank the farmers, the fruit trees, the gardens, the sunshine, the rain…everything that has contributed to my food. To make my meals even more special, I will set a nice table with colorful linens and special dishes. Eating clean and respectfully makes my body and mind feel sparkly!

7.) To be happy, I love myself and spread love to those around me. To sparkle, I nourish myself by spending time with my love, Andrew. We adore one another! Feeling loved is the sparkliest feeling of all.

8.) To be happy, I make the time to care for myself because I am no good to others and my life suffers when I do not set enough time for self-care. To sparkle, I spoil myself by doing an activity that I love without any feelings of guilt, regardless of what I “should be” doing. (e.g. Choosing kitty snuggles over morning exercise, hehe.)

9.) To be happy, I am spontaneous and follow my heart instead of routines because routines make life stale and boring. To sparkle, I allow myself to let go and play, laugh and be free. Our lives are ours to live, after all.

10.) And when in doubt or stuck in a less than sparkly situation, I stick to the basics: Positive Affirmations. Our lives reflect exactly what we think! If we think we are sparkly, then we are sparkly! I look at myself in the mirror and say “I AM SPARKLY!” or “I LOVE MYSELF BECAUSE I SPARKLE!”

As you can see, there is nothing revolutionary or mind blowing listed here. Don’t ever underestimate simplicity.

Happy Sparkly Saturday everyone! Xx

P.S. Follow the sparkling trail to more “I Sparkle” Sparkling Saturday blog posts written by my sparkletacular friends…

In alphabetical order…

Lynda Shoup: School librarian, children’s writer and poet with a sparkle in her eye and plenty of fairy dust to share. Blog Facebook