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

On Being a REAL Princess, Secrets of the Happy Heart Princess

Now that my book has been available for almost a year, sharing some of the great feedback I've gotten seems appropriate. From 5 year old Emma's mother, "Emma looks at the lovely pictures in the book and then goes to the world globe to find the country that each one comes from. From Megan's mother, "Megan took her book to show and tell - she loves the lovely pictures of all the princesses". "Sara keeps the book on her bedside table and looks thru it every nite before she goes to sleep". From a mother "The journaling activities in your book have helped to open many conversations with my preteen about values and decision making". From a therapist "your book has really helped one of my young clients to sort out her feelings and talk about them". From a school teacher who used the book in an after school program, "the girls loved this experience - the simplicity of the book is its beauty!" If you are interested in purchasing my book, just go to www.happyheartprincess.com

OMG - Do you know how happy I am!!

I got my posts back!!!! YAYYYY! After a good nite's sleep and a determination to 'figure this thing out', I followed instructions and did it! Pretty empowering for this technology challenged grammy! My special thanks to Jeanine who encouraged me and made me think that there might be an answer somewhere!

When we learn our lessons the hard way!

Okay - it's not the way I wanted to begin 2009 but I just lost all my postings for my blog - Where is the lesson here? I come from the generation that felt that as long as they had a file cabinet, why would they need a computer! But this 66 year old is struggling to keep up with you youngsters and I think I had a pretty nice blog going - well, it just went down the toilet! So, I'll pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again, right? Because that is what a princess is all about, strength, persistence, challenge and confidence.