Fear is a paralysing Emotion

okay - so i need to get this out. . . . . . last fall i went throu gh a scary time in my life - the slow economy had definitely affected my business and although i have been through tough financial times before, never a time like last fall.   Not only did fear enter my psyche but i lost my HOPE!  Hope has been the mainstay of my life's journey since i was a child growing up in a dysfunctional home.  I always believed there would be a better day - HOPE!   Losing hope was a devastating and new experience for me.   Time and self talk and encouragement from others helped me to move beyond that experience.  And now i find myself asking "what was the lesson".   Perhaps, it was to give me understanding and empathy for others who have lost HOPE.   To me, losing  hope is one of the most traumatic events that a person can go thru - it is absolutely paralyzing and i think of those many americans who have for one reason or another . . lost hope.   I now understand the importance of the phrase "keep hope alive"   - it truly is the lifeline to be able to move forward in one's journey.

where have i been for the past year?

Wow - it's been almost exactly a year since i last posted and where have i been?   It's been a good albeit busy year - managing two shops (one long distance) has proven to add to my work load considerably but what fun!  We are in the process of giving the shop in Covington a new face by adding items for "big girls" to our current inventory.  My good friend and associate added Cheerful Giver candles to the mix together with some other fun items.  It was the year that i purchased my very own sewing machine and began to take my new sewing challenge seriously.   What fun creating with such beautiful and colorful fabrics.   It was the year that i decided to offer children's birthday parties in my backyard (my very own secret garden) - Since i made the decision late summer, i only did 5 parties but they were fun and i will be developing more party plans for this summer.  But more about that later . . . . .

Stoney's Gifts to open second location at St Simons Island, Georgia

Watch for the opening of the new All Things Princess and Fairy at 123 Pier Village Mart in St. Simons Island, Georgia - scheduled to open March 1, 2011

Or visit our original location at 323 West 6th Street, Covington, KY 41011

Or you can order online at www.stoneysgifts.com -


859-655-9571
.

Brightly colored gorilla fairies arrive in MainStrasse Village in Covington, Kentucky to celebrate Christmas!!

a sense of accomplishment - finally . . . well almost . . . maybe . . . .

spent many hours over the last four days working on my website - i had a goal of getting it up and running no later than november 20 and i think basically with a few tweaks i can almost say it is up and running - still need to finish adding visa/mastercard capabilities - one can currently only purchase thru paypal - but that should be finished within a couple of days.  I feel like i am learning a lot about merchandising, photo's and websites and it comes hard but is fun nonetheless.   so . . . you can go to my website and order online as of TODAY -  so far i have only 50 items online but there will be more to come sooner or later.    you can also get to my site by going to www.stoneysgifts.com and clicking on the top photo - okay -  enough about me . . . how is everyone?

next project . . . .

 READY FOR A RAINY DAY IN HER KIDORABLE RAINCOAT FROM STONEY'S

with a deep sigh, I look back over the last six months with a view to where i've been, where i've come to and where i am going next.   April 2010 saw me recovering from a car accident and broken back while at the same time reinventing myself 'one more time'!  I had the idea to convert my shop to a fairy/princess gift shop experience by building a new look, a new theme and a new inventory.

- Stoney's Gifts,  All Things Princess and Fairy is now a reality and my shop boasts such lines as Kidorables, Charmits, Bobux, Melissa and Doug\, Eeboo, LeVan Toy and many more exciting collections.   Of course, since one is never finished, i am still adding inventory to my collection but if i may brag a moment, i think it's 'an adorable little shop'.   If you live in the Cincinnati area, please stop by.   You will find a carefully selected inventory of little girl gifts  chosen for their educational, self esteem enhancing, fun and unique qualities.

In my spare time, I was knee deep in plans for the Second Annual Wee Fairy Folk Fest held on October 2, (a huge success, even considering the showers that developed mid-day).   This year Doors of MainStrasse Village partnered with Children Inc. in our first Wee Fairy Folk Raffle to raise money for the Doors of MainStrasse Children's Scholarship fund.  (to learn more, go to www.thedoorsofmainstrassevillage.blogspot.com)



If you don't live in the Cincinnati area, check out my online shop www.stoneysgiftsallthingsprincessandfairy.com - it's my next project and is not completed yet but i have a good start on it and if you see something you like, it can be shipped to you - just email me at sstonebraker1616@aol.com

Second Annual Wee Fairy Folk Fest. ,. . .magic and wonder comes to the Village again!

Well, our Second Annual Wee Fairy Fok Fest was once again a day of kids in costume, fun, music,  drummers and dancers, fairy vendors, balloons, and a cinderella horse drawn carriage carrying the fairy princess and her court! From the opening with children in costume dancing in a circle around the Fairies favorite mayor, Mayor Bowman to the sounds of "It's a Small World After All", to the horse drawn carriage led parade that persevered in spite of the rain, it was magical fun for everyone!!   This year, the sponsor of this event "The Doors of MainStrasse" partnered with "Children Inc." for our first Wee Fairy Folk Raffle.   We raised money for our Children's Scholarship Fund and will keep you updated on kids that we will be sending to various art programs, etc.  

Next year's date!!!!   October 1, 2011 - put it on your  calendar now - we are.

SECOND ANNUAL WEE FAIRY FOLK FEST - OCTOBER 2 - 12 NOON TO 5 PM

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE FIRST SATURDAY IN OCTOBER YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS ALL THE FUN  HAPPENING ON THAT DAY IN MAINSTRASSE VILLAGE!

The Lineup of entertainers includes:


M & ANASTASIA OF DRAGONFLY AERIALS
BRIAN GILL AND HIS COOL CRITTERS
DAVID KISOR
GREG HARPER
BETTY FINNEY & OOMPH!
 MAYAN RUINS & ZAHARA
 PHAROAH’S DRUMMERS OF CINCINNATI
 PICKLE BROTHERS FIRE EATERS COMEDY TEAM
 HONEY HILL PETTING ZOO
 TALULLAH’S DANCE TROUPE
 CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW
 VERONICA’S ENCHANTED CASTLE

Plus . . . Children Inc. and Doors of MainStrasse join hands for a Giant Raffle with many opportunties for you to win fabulous prizes - raffle tickets are available at Wee Fairy Folk Headquarters at 323 West Sixth Street, Covington, KY 41011 859-655-9571

2010 Happenings at the Home of the Happy Heart Princess

Well, once again, it's been a long time since I posted - I really admire you people who are able to post on a daily or even weekly basis!!   Seems I just don't get to it!   Well, lots has happened since I last posted.   On my way home from my Island retreat in February, i tangled with a semi in Orangeburg, North Carolina.  A broken back, hospital stay of 5 days and body cast later, i was on my way home with my beloved sister at the wheel of the rental car.   My car of course, was a bit 'wrinkled'.   February and March were a bit of a blur but what i will never forget is those good friends and family (my son and his wife and kids) who gathered round to take care of me!   I am so blessed!    In March,  there was a change in my shop inventory as the consigned inventory was moved to another store location and I began the challenging task of reinventing my shop.   Actually, it has turned out to be so much fun!   Stoney's is now Stoney's Gifts, All Things Princess and Fairy and I have gathered together a wonderful inventory of gifts and toys for little girls!    I am currently working on an onstore shop so stay tuned - in the meantime, you can go to www.Stoneysgifts.com and see some of the items.   Also getting busy here on our Second Annual Wee Fairy Folk Festival.   More about that later as I need to get my shop open . . . . have a great day!!!

2009 - A Crazy, Busy, Mixed Up, Wonderful Year!

It's been a long time since I have posted - the past 8 months have been a bit of blur - although very productive time.   Beginning in May 2009, i initiated a project in our village with a goal to bring about a spirit of unity and working together while working towards promoting tourism in our village.   The Doors of MainStrasse (fairy doors that is) can now boast approximately 60 decorated fairy doors tucked away on  restaurants, shops and residences.   Doors of MainStrasse also sponsored four successful events during 2009.   It was a lot of work but very rewarding in terms of recognition and appreciation from village residents and business owners.    You can learn more about this project by going to: www.thedoorsofmainstrassevillage.blogspot.com


When January arrived, I realized how spent I was from all the extra projects I had been involved in over the past 7 months.   And so, it was off to my condo at St Simon's Island, Georgia.   It is my little piece of heaven on earth where I am able to slow down and listen to the waves on the shore as I celebrate my gratitude for this wonderful interlude from my busy life in Covington.     It seems that inspiration and creativity is abundent on the island and walking along the shore with the ocean breeze in my face is a feeling i tuck away deep inside me to carry back home with me.

Tiny doors are appearing all around the Village of MainStrasse - Could it be we are being visited by tiny creatures who intend to take up residence ?

Whereas the Good Witch of the West has declared that MainStrasse Village is a thriving, happy, harmonious and beautiful place to live, munchkins, fairies, pixies and gremlins are returning in droves to establish themselves throughout the village. Village residents and business owners are busily helping to welcome these wee fairy folk by decorating and installing tiny doors all over the village.

Village business owners and residents are so proud that the wee fairy folk have chosen our Village that they are inviting everyone to come and see the fairy doors for themselves. Maps are available to locate the doors and you will be able to read a short story of the magical creature living behind each door. The maps and additional information are available at ( http://thedoorsofmainstrasse.blogspot.com )

In order to officially welcome the Wee Fairy Folk, a Fantasy Fest is planned for October 3, 2009 in MainStrasse Village. Craft booths, children’s activities and strolling artists are scheduled from 12 to 5 pm. A fairy parade beginning at 5:30 pm will be led by the Queen Fairy Princess in a horse drawn carriage. Dancing fairies and strolling musicians, unicycles and other street artists will make their way down MainStrasse to Leapin Lizard Gallery where the Razzamatazz Gala will be held. An Auction of Fairy windows decorated by children working with Baker Hunt will be the main event.. There will be a cash bar and light hors d’ouevres.

Funds raised by this event will go toward establishing a scholarship fund at Baker Hunt for children to participate in summer workshops.



FB: Doors of MainStrasse
Blog: http:/thedoorsofmainstrassevillage.blogspot.com

Sandi Stonebraker
859-655-9571
Sstonebraker1616@aol.com

"FIRST, THE BOOK IS JUST SO DARN CUTE"

Rave Review From Happy Healthy Families.com

“On Being a REAL Princess, Secrets of the Happy Heart Princess by Sandi Kidder-Stonebraker

There are many reasons why I fell in love with this book instantly. First the book is just so darn cute. As soon as you see the beautifully illustrated cover, you want to open it and look inside. This is a good thing when it comes to motivating young girls to read. The book is light colorful and fun looking and like I said, soooo cute looking that even my 11 year old daughter couldn’t resist picking the book up as soon as she saw it and read it.

When you open the book you are immediately drawn in by the beautiful illustrations that fill up page after page. I cannot imagine any little girl not being delighted just looking at the pictures. The colors are vibrant and the scenes are beautifully detailed. But beyond the gorgeous illustrations, comes a very important message about young girls and self esteem.

Girls learn that it is the inner qualities that make someone special. There are 16 princesses to meet inside the book, and each shares a secret of being a Happy Heart first, and a Princess second. And the princesses are drawn as everyday girls living all around the world and doing everyday things. Personally, I believe that as adults, one of the most important responsibilities we have is to instill and build self esteem in our children. That will be their foundation for building a happy healthy life, and we should embrace every opportunity available to do this.

With that said, I have to say my favorite part of this book are the Journaling Activities for children which are on every page where a new princess is introduced. Children are asked questions about their feelings and thoughts, as related to the princess they just read about. There are beautifully lined pages for journaling their answers and thoughts. There are also spaces provided for children to draw pictures as well. The discussions that adults and children can share from these journaling activities are wonderful – so many issues relating to self esteem can be discussed using these activities as stepping stones.

This is a beautiful book and perfect for a parent and daughter to curl up and read together. And I was delighted to read that Brave Heart Prince, a self esteem book for boys will be available soon!

On Being a REAL Princess, Secrets of the Happy Heart Princess IS AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM AND WWW.HAPPYHEARTPRINCESS.COM

SELF ESTEEM BOOK FOR YOUNG GIRLS NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

ON BEING A REAL PRINCESS, SECRETS OF THE HAPPY HEART PRINCESS SAMPLE PAGES


On Being a REAL Princess, Secrets of the Happy Heart Princess is now available on Amazon.com GO TO AMAZON.COM AND GET YOUR COPY TODAY!!!!

from the Freshair Fund

http://freshair-newsrelease.com/

Happy Heart Princess

Oh to be a PRINCESS! – It’s a dream of most little girls. The challenge of inspiring these little would be princesses to give the same attention to inner qualities as they do hair, makeup and clothes is one that many parents know all too well. The challenge becomes to define the princess world in terms that a young girl can not only dream but LIVE!

This challenge was the inspiration for Sandi Stonebraker when she wrote “On Being A REAL Princess, Secrets of the Happy Heart Princess”. This book is about how to be a princess from the Inside-Out! It’s about how it feels to be a princess.

Featured in the book are sixteen princesses from around the globe who dance into your world with affirmations and messages on what it means to be a REAL Princess. They understand that a REAL Princess is strong, smart and kind. She knows how to think for herself and is proud of who she is and what she believes in. She dreams big and knows that she can make her dreams come true. She understands that everyone is different but each person is special.

The book includes interactive journaling activities dealing with values, self esteem and decision making. It is a useful tool for parents, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers to open a dialogue with little girls on all those important issues they face as they grow up in an increasingly complex society.

The author feels that it is never too early to begin the discussion on these simple values and feelings and although the book is targeted to ages 6 to 12, all ages seem to feel it’s power in reminding them of what it is to be a REAL PRINCESS!

If you are a parent, grandparent, religious leader, teacher or just someone who has a special little girl in your life, this book is a must!

TO ORDER MY BOOK GO TO:
HTTP://WWW.HAPPYHEARTPRINCESS.COM/HHP_HTML/
Quantity discounts available
Happy Heart Princess, A Creation of FairyTale Kids
http://www.happyheartprincess.com/
859-655-9571
Technorati Profile

Newborn Happy Heart Princess

So many of you have asked me to do a painting for a newborn and I finally got around to experimenting - the photography is pretty pathetic on this one and doesn't show the beautiful true colors but use your imagination and let me know what you think!

Happy Heart Princess, A Creation of FairyTale Kids

A few samples of paintings I have done for clients:

The Beauty of an Ice Storm

This ice storm has wreaked havoc across the southeast and many are without power even now. However, the view from my windows is beautiful. The beauty of it all.

One Of Life's Best Kept Secrets!!!!

One of life's best kept secrets.
Don't even try and act like you already knew this either.

I had to go into the kitchen and check this out for myself. Whoever looks at the end of your aluminum foil box? You know when you try to pull some foil out and the roll comes out of the box. Then you have to put the roll back in the box and start over. The darn roll always comes out at the wrong time.

Well, I would like to share this with you.

Right there on the end of the box is a tab to lock the roll in place.

How long has this little locking tab been there?

I looked at a box of Saran wrap and it had one too!


I can't count the number of times the Saran wrap roll has jumped out when I was trying to cover something up.

I'm sharing this with my friends. I hope I'm not the only person who didn't know about this.

CAMPAIGN FOR A COMMERCIAL FREE CHILDHOOD
Reclaiming Childhood from Corporate Marketers


The CCFC is a national organization devoted to limiting the impact of commercialization on childhood.


"On February 15, the Toy Industry Association will present their annual TOTY (Toy Of The Year) Awards. On February 12, in recognition of the industry that has led the way in commercializing childhood, CCFC will offer its first annual TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children) Award for the worst toy of the year. Who will win the dreaded TOADY? It's up to you.

From thousands of toys that promote violence and/or precocious sexuality and/or push branded entertainment and electronic wizardry at the expense of children's play, we've selected five exceptional finalists. The nominees for the 2009 TOADY are:


* A doll that does everything so your kids don't do anything.
* A video game from one of the most trusted names in children's toys that promotes junk food and violence to preschoolers.
* A toy car that rides roughshod over family budgets and the environment.
* An exercise bike/video game system for preschoolers that makes trips to the park - and parents - superfluous.
* A doll that combines two classic symbols of gendered stereotypes into one unbelievable toy.

Who are these nominees? Find out and cast your ballot at: http://commercialfreechildhood.org/actions/toady.html. Voting is open until February 8. All voters can enter a drawing to win a copy of Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood - a brand new film from the Media Education Foundation featuring the CCFC staff and Steering Committee

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood
www.commercialfreechildhood.org


Support CCFC. We rely on our members because we will not compromise our commitment to children by accepting corporate funding. To make a tax-free contribution, please visit http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/donate."


Tell Hasbro: Don't Use Sex to Sell Toys to Six-Year-Olds


Action: In Fall, 2006,, Hasbro planned to start marketing - to girls as young as six - a line of dolls based on the Pussycat Dolls, a real-life burlesque troupe turned pop stars famous for their sexualized lyrics and dance routines. According to The New York Times, the dolls were designed to mimic the group's "playfully risqué style."


Status: On May 24, 2006 - less than 48 hours after CCFC launched its campaign - Hasbro announced that they were canceling their planned line of dolls based on the Pussycat Dolls, a real-life burlesque troupe turned pop stars famous for their sexualized lyrics and dance routines . Thanks so much to all of you who sent letters - it was your efforts that made the difference."

In September 2008,CCFC mobilized over 5000 parents to request that Scholastic discontinue their line of Bratz products. Happily, CCFC prevailed and Bratz products have been discontinued from the Scholastic offerings.

. . . . . . . . . . . . The morning after. . . . .

Now that inauguration day has come and gone, the real work begins. But first, I have a message for those of you who were unhappy about the election results and who are feeling angry, skeptical, or critical towards our new administration. I ask that you stop for a moment and think about the message that prevailed throughout this election process. Whether you agree with President Obama's 'politics and policies', can you not agree with the premise of nonpartisanship or if not that, can you agree with the concept of unity, of brotherhood, of the power of love of mankind, of the beauty of diversity, the concept of agreeing to disagree. It is so much easier to smile than to frown, to love than to hate, to compliment rather than criticize, to try to understand rather than judge. It is not a matter of sacrificing your principles, it is a matter of listening to others'. I pray that we can all move toward working together to make our country strong. God Bless America!

FairyTale Kids Paintings

Give the gift to last a lifetime. . . . an original painting created just for your special someone and signed by the artist. You choose a theme, colors, caption and any special touches for your acrylic on canvas painting. A painting will be designed just for you.

Hint: grandparents love to give this gift and little ones love to get them. For examples of paintings, go to www.happyheartprincess.com

Thoughts from my friend John at Wild Goose Studios in Clinton AR

Just a Thought!!!...a personal one

......with remembering an old word from a great book..

"that truth sets you free.



Good morning,to each of you. Here's this neat Wild Goose Quote:

"Often, the loudest sound heard by the talented and energetic is that of machetes being sharpened, and it is loud in the land."

But keep on keeping on. Do everything you're here to do, regardless of the naysayers.

Have a great week!

Now read some of my...thoughts

Truly what a day...!!!!.. today and then tomorrow.

Celebrate it.!!! .

A Man that had a Dream that One day, with Black and White Children that would hold hands and walk as one....

and

Now a President...

President Barack Obama that reminds me of the times, I was so excited in my youth when John F Kennedy became our President.

"We can change the World with our actions."

As you know, I have been an advocate the most of my life,and you may ask why...because:

I can remember the bombings in Mississippi and the Cross burnings when I was in high school. The abuse of words said to so many.

I remember my Black and dear friend Sammy that was scared. I remember the beatings I had behind the sugar cane.

I remember the father that disowned me in court for a stand.

I remember the marching and the sit ins as youth and trying to make a difference and then even the arresting....yes even me.

We all have choices in life.Today and tomorrow so many in Washington will forever remember and I believe that the children today, will make a difference.

We have to Believe that Change can be made. I see it and have in my life even with all the struggles.

We can't give up. Get involved in your community. Politics....Petitions.

I love each of you and I challenge you to make a difference. We don't have to riot,trash buildings and businesses or over turn vehicles.

We can do things "peaceful".

In this life,many have asked me, why John do you share so much...about ..."This life in the making"

I learned from two great men,that I met in my life, Dr.Ted Smith a Black Professor from New Orleans that walked with MLK and then in 1981 President Jimmy Carter.

No one is a stranger, we only make them...

Take care my friend. and as My Friend,Stevie Wonder said, " We are only as big as we think".

Just me,still trying to make a difference.

What will you do!!!!!..Meet someone today...

just me,

john on the side of the road with these personal thoughts at

Wild Goose Studio

1888 Hwy 65 North

Clinton,AR 72031

Speaking of Gratitude!

I am so very grateful to be alive and able to experience this moment in history as our new President prepares to take office. There are so many dimensions to my gratitude. . . . . . First, after feeling like a child of a parent who believed in "children should be seen and not heard" for eight years, I once again feel as though I belong and that I do have a voice and that my thoughts, hopes and dreams are valid. As a 66 year old, I remember visiting a small southern town in the 60's and having an elderly black woman jump off the sidewalk into the gutter in order to let me, the white woman, pass by. The election of Obama to me is a symbol of the distance we have come with regard to race relations and yet I understand the distance we have yet to go. That said, it is such a pivot point for our country and is palpable. In my little town, I feel the sense of hope, optimism and determination that we will get thru this time of challenge and be a better people for it. I do believe that this feeling of hope and determination is contagious and so I challenge each of us to spread it wherever we can. This is an opportunity that goes beyond the norm and again, I say "Thank you God, that I am alive to see this day!

Tip Junkie: Word of the Year 2009 & Giveaway

Tip Junkie: Word of the Year 2009 & Giveaway

My Word for the 2009 Word Contest: "Happiness"

Happiness! What time in our current history would the word "Happiness" be more appropriate and needed! I love the word because it truly is a choice and attainable by all. It's a matter of perspective. Have you ever gone to bed at nite worried about a particular issue and then the next morning, you woke to find it not quite so worrisome. What changed? the situation is still the same but your perspective changed. To me that is what happiness is all about. A conscious choice to look at the bright side, to be hopeful to see the glass half full. Personally, I find it difficult to talk about Happiness without mentioning "gratitude". Gratitude has propelled my happiness factor and I believe it is life changing! Gratitude begins with the little things . . . for me it's good coffee beans and sunlight and cloud formations and pretty orange pumpkins and smiles on little childrens' faces and watching my animals play together and hummingbirds at the feeder and my daffodils pushing up thru the cold soil and sunsets and music that resonates inside me and rainy days on a screened in porch and feeling the crunch of a fresh apple and being able to see birds fly and parades and soft breezes blowing thru my hair . . . . . . . . .well you get it - the list is long . . . . . . .

Gross National Happiness

The Happiness factor seems to be getting a lot of attention lately. Author, Arthur Brooks, recently published "Gross National Happiness, Why Happiness Matters for America and How We Can Get More of It". Although the book makes the comparison between Democrats and Republicans happy quotient, Brooks makes some important points for us. One item that struck me, while money does not contribute to happiness, people who "give" are more happy by a substantial percentage. I would take the liberty to interpret giving as more than monetary. We have so many opportunities during our day to "give" whether it is a kind smile, taking the time to listen, words of encouragement, compliments. How many more "GIVES"can you think of that do not cost us money! I think it is worth thinking about!

What's so BAD about GOOD News?

I use to always say that if I ever became independently wealthy (might not happen but that's okay), I would publish a newspaper that only offered GOOD NEWS to it's readership!. Although I am a person who feels a responsibility to follow the news (they might get out of control if I'm not watching) from time to time I go on hiatus from the news in order to save my sanity. But when I do hear a heartwarming positive news clip. . . . . Wow! it adds a happy moment to my day.
So, please send me your "Happy News" stories and I will post them here! Thank you