Do You Love Reading Children's Books?

Do you enjoy reading books for children? Not reading children's books to children for their education, entertainment, and enjoyment. But do you - the adult-like reading them?

Several years back, my spouse and I contemplated the idea of writing books for children. We even had ourselves tested to see if we had the necessary skills and aptitude. We were looking for a means of earning income while working from home and caring for our young children and thought this might be a viable solution. The test results were persuasive, so we decided on this path to pursue our financial goals. We will never know if we would have been as successful as the author of the Harry Potter books. After a few manuscript rejections by various publishers, we turned our efforts to more practical, more immediate, income-earning opportunities.

Although no longer interested in writing books for children, I discovered something about myself that I did not know. I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in children's books. Not reading them to my children or to children, but I like reading them for myself. Yes. It's an indulgence.


Many books for children, adolescents or young adults are about 100 to 250 pages and are a quick read. Those marvelous children's picture books with their exquisite illustrations are even shorter reads; about 25 pages, pictures included. But what a wonderful distraction they are from the daily grind of work, housework, grocery shopping, and other mundane chores. They're so adventurous and other-worldly. Reading children's books actually refreshes and energizes me.


During the course of our failed attempt at becoming children's book authors, I found numerous writers in this field that I wish I had been introduced to when I myself was a child. I had never heard of many of them and yet they were award-winning, outstanding, notable, respected authors. Laurence Yep, Katherine Paterson, Madeleine L'Engle and Jane Yolen are four such writers.

So, if you're wondering what would be a guilt-free indulgence to set yourself free from your daily routine for just a few moments, try reading a children's book. Choose books by the authors mentioned above, or if you don't know where to begin, visit Al's Book Club for Kids. Oprah also publishes a Kids' Reading List. Although these lists were created with children in mind, they are perfect for those of us who want to indulge our inner child.



References:

• Paterson, Katherine. Rebels of the Heavenly Kingdom. New York: E.P. Dutton, 1983. Print.
• L'Engle, Madeleine. A Wrinkle in Time. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1962. Print.
• "Jane Yolen." Fantastic Fiction. Web. 27 Apr 2011.
• "Al's Book Club for Kids.", TODAY.com: Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Ann Curry, Al Roker, Natalie Morales, TODAY Show Video, News, Recipes, Health, Pets. Web. 27 Apr 2011.
• "Kids' Reading List - Oprah.com." Oprah Winfrey's Official Website - Live Your Best Life - Oprah.com. Web. 27 Apr 2011.
• "Author Katherine Paterson After Bridge to Terabithia - Oprah.com."Oprah Winfrey's Official Website - Live Your Best Life - Oprah.com. Web. 27 Apr. 2011.
• "FIND A BOOK: L'ENGLE, MADELEINE." Anita Silvey's Children's Book-A-Day Almanac. Web. 27 Apr 2011.

Suggested link: Children who have published books and have made an impact on the world of literature. Click this link to read Literary History: Children Authors. It's fascinating!


Original Source
( NOTE: Full article previously published a YAHOO Voices.  YCN website shut down.  Portions of republished various places around the web. )


Browse books by the authors:
Laurence Yep
Katherine Paterson
Madeleine L'Engle
Jane Yolen

Enjoy Art and Dreaming? Ever Combine Them!

I love dreaming.  Don't you?  What would our world like be if we could not fall asleep and dream? But for all the dreams I've dreamed, I was never fortunate enough to dream of myself being an artist.  I do so wish I had the talent to be an artist.  I don't even dream of being painted or sculpted by an artist.  I also don't read in my dreams.  But that's a completely different discussion.  Staying on topic.

Do you enjoy art and dreaming? Just curious.

Image: Dream Forest Journal

The Dream: "In His Sleep He Saw Love, Glory and Wealth Appear to Him," 1883 ~ Pierre Puvis de Chavannes...

Do you have a dream that you dream often?    ♥♦♥♦♥♦♥

• How to Stop Sleep Paralysis and Turn It Into Lucid...

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Save Money Shopping Online Using Chrome Browser Extensions

Best Shopping Tip Ever!

Do you shop online?  Would you like to find deals, discounts, bargains, coupons, and/or get cashback??  It's super easy!

Google Chrome has several browser extensions that are awesome for people who shop online.  There are lots of extensions; but I recommend you try:

SwagButton
(Rated 4 out of 5 stars with half a million users.  People like this extension because Swagbucks offers a lot of other ways to make money; and not just by shopping.)

Rakuten: Get Cash Back For Shopping
(Rated 5 out of 5 stars with over 3 million users)

Capital One Shopping

(Rated 5 out of 5 stars with over 6 million users)

Once extensions are added to your browser, whenever you browse at various shopping sites, the extensions will alert you to coupons, discounts, cashback, etc. You can save a lot of money.

IF those 3 extensions don't work for you and you want to find more browsers extensions, just do a general search of the Chrome Web Store. Use "cashback, coupons" in the Search Box, click the dot for "Extensions" and several browser extensions will pop up in the results.  Find one that works for you!

Whether you shop online frequently or infrequently, these extensions will help you get good deals and save money!

Hope you find this tip helpful!

If you have some free time please visit my partner blog Go Shopping Bees.

Wedding Night! Where Brides Can Shop for Sexy Lingerie

In the USA, June is a busy month for weddings and brides are often shopping for sexy lingerie.

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Top-Five Lingerie Brands by Zoe Pallister

Women enjoy feeling sexy, and what better way to initiate that feeling than with new lingerie? Check out these top picks for lingerie online stores. That sexy look is only a few clicks away.

By Lucarelli (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

♥ ♥ ♥

The picks

• Victoria's Secret

Nearly every woman is familiar with this store, usually glazed and bedazzled in pink. However, Victoria's Secret also offers womens lingerie on their online website so that you can make your lingerie selections without having to leave the comfort of your own home.

Also, the website has many options that are not always carried in your local store. Victoria's Secret online is a great choice for women who want a store where they already are familiar with the sort of merchandise available.  (NOTE:  A selection of Victoria Secret products are available via Amazon.)

Victoria's Secret Lingerie Merry Widow Corset Garter Bustier Light Pink 36C

• Fig Leaves

Fig Leaves offers bras in a wide variety, from size A all the way to size J, with everything in between. The site is easy to navigate and even has an outlet section where you can buy underwear for as low as two dollars per pair. (NOTE:  Sadly this company went out of business Feb 2021.)

• Bare Necessities

Bare Necessities provides many selections needed for more of an everyday use rather than those special occasions when you want to light a spark. Bare Necessities sells the sort of lingerie that will leave you feeling sexy but comfortable and covered so that you won't be embarrassed if someone walks in on you while you're changing.

• Cameo Intimates *

For lingerie online that's still made "from scratch" and available as a custom order, you'll want to check out Cameo Intimates. Cameo offers a wide variety of selections reminiscent of a time gone by, and if you find that you can't fit into any of the standard sizes available, the intimate items of your dreams are only a special order away, as this company will custom fit any pattern to your order. Shop away!

* BurlyQLady. "Remembering Cameo Intimates Lingerie." Vintage Lingerie Blog. N.p., 03 July 2013. Web. 30 May 2017. . "Cameo Intimates lingerie was a truly unique Canadian company that made hand-made *custom* vintage reproduction lingerie. They made the most beautiful, unique lingerie at a very affordable price. Finding one of their pieces is a rare thing. There was a seller on eBay (Maxhen Liquidations) that sold the last of the lingerie stock that sat in storage back in 2012. ..."

Be sure you shop around before you settle for the nearest retail store as there are a wide variety of websites today specializing in women's lingerie. Choosing intimate items to wear can be fun and enjoyable when your selections are just a few clicks of the mouse away.

About The Author:  Zodee is Australia's leading online retailer for women's designer lingerie including Ambra Lingerie & Bodywear . We also stock a large range of bonds baby, children's clothing, boys wear & baby clothing. Shop with confidence and select from major brands including Elle Macpherson Intimates, Bonds, Seafolly, 2 Chillies and more! The author invites you to visit: www.zodee.com.au

(Source: ArticleCity.com
- REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION)  Publication Date:  May 31, 2013

♥ ♥ ♥

“Mary, Did you Know?” - incredible acappella version by the Pentatonix

Diary Note: Today is November 21, 2014. Woke up this morning, charged up and ready to face the day. Checked my eMail and my husband's aunt had sent me this. Gotta admit it made me slow down, take a deep breath, and START MY DAY ALL OVER AGAIN!!!  Ever heard of this website. GodVine? I never heard of it. Know it now! :)

Blessings to all!!
Here Is One A Cappella Song That'll Give You Chills. THIS Is What CHRISTmas Is All About!

* * * 

That's Christmas To Me ~ Pentatonix

Glittering Xmas tree from glitter-graphics.com

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Idiot’s Guide to Power Tools (Great Gift Idea!)

Thinking of buying a power tool as a gift?  Only … can’t tell a jigsaw from a drill, can you?  If you picked up a grinder you’d probably saw your own arm off.  Right?  But you know a “Bob Vila wanna be” and want to get the perfect gift for them.  This guide for the absolute beginner outlines the various tools available, their capabilities and what to buy.

 

An Idiot’s Guide to Buying Power Tools

Book Review: The Signature of God (and Other Book Reviews)

Wrote some book reviews a few years back. 

Sharing the links.  The first is actually my favorite; published 2013.  

How do we know that God wrote the Bible? Simple! He signed it!

Book Review: The Signature of God by Grant R. Jeffrey

The Handwriting on the Wall - St Benedicts Catholic Church | Source: Wikimedia Commons

● ● ● ● Other Book Reviews:

• A wonderful book for children written by Miska Miles, which was published in 1971: “Annie and the Old One”.

• "Unstoppable Me!: 10 Ways to Soar Through Life"  ~ Dr. Dyer's first children's picture book where he lays out a plan that encourages children to achieve their dreams.

• If you like true stories, mysteries that are finally solved, and ever wondered about ships that set sale and then disappeared - here are four books about Ships Lost at Sea that tell the tales.

• Into classical literature?  Voltaire's "Candide" has been deemed his most significant work.  I disagree.  But that's just me. Brief Bio of Voltaire and Intro to Candide.

The Seven Kings of Rome

The Seven Kings of Rome

There was once a group of villages on seven hills which grew into an empire. But how did it happen?

If your curiosity is peaked by this brief presentation of the history of ancient Rome and wants to learn more, you will find two book recommendations at the end of the article.

Budget and Survival Skills versus In Sickness and In Health

The alternate title for this post is:
“Am I being callous, insensitive, lacking empathy, unsympathetic, cruel and unkind?”


Perusing my eMail Inbox and quickly glanced at a question in one of the messages that made me chuckle. It was about what your knee-jerk reaction is when faced with financial problems.

• When experiencing financial difficulties does your instinct immediately prod you to cut back?

 
Well? I guess so! But more than likely my “cutbacks” happen because there's no money! Not sure my “instinct” was necessary. ((O.o))

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ 

 

On a serious note, the question provoked my memory recall. A while back, was watching a popular talk show once and it was rather disturbing. It's disturbing that people who do things that don't make sense are always “ill”. This woman supposedly had an “illness”. She would buy stuff she didn't really need!

• If you're filthy rich and you have large barns to store all of your worldly possessions, then it doesn't matter. You would be called a “shopaholic”.
• If you bought a load of crap and had the decency to give it away because you realized you weren't really using it, you'd be called “charitable”.

But when loads of crap are piled up in your house to the point that the place is a junk heap and you and your partner can barely see the bed you both lie down to sleep on and you're making your mate physically ill … then you're sick!

A team was sent in to clean the place up and the team actually got sick from breathing in toxic stuff – dust, spores, mites, who knows what! - from piles of clothing, etc. that had been lying around the home for years. Items bought from the store that still had the price tags on them!!!
 
Listening to the interviewer questioning this woman as to why she was buying things she didn't need and her response was … (not an exact quote): “Because the blouses were on sale and there were different colors available, so I bought one in each color.” 
 
The interviewer turns to question the husband and it seems he gave her credit cards for her spending purposes. You know? Grocery shopping, health and beauty needs, wardrobe necessities, things for practical living, and maybe an occasional gift or guilty pleasure luxury product.


Started thinking to myself. Don't know who the sick person is. The wife or the husband? Seems to me the CURE was taking away the credit cards. YOU CAN'T BUY NOTHING IF YOU AIN'T GOT NO MONEY!!!


It really perturbs me, that people do dumb stuff and get to write it off as an “illness”. OR … am I being insensitive to this poor woman who is clearly not poor because she can afford to buy things she has no need for, has no place to put them, and never even blinked at the thought about making a donation to a charity!!


(Just a rant. Thank you for letting me shout it out.)


* * *

P.S. After shouting it out, friends in my social network told me that I was being a little bit callous and insensitive and that it was NOT OK.  If so, then I apologize.

May is Mental Health Month and That's OK!

Top 5 Essentials For Every Cyclist (Guest Post)

Serious cyclists never leave home without these 5 essentials.

1.Water Bottle:

Water is the first most basic thing for humans. One can live without food for several days but not without water.

A Water Bottle is a much-needed one especially when you are involved in physical tasks like Sports, Cycling, and Jogging. In order to keep water level stable, drink at least a cup of water (200 ml) each and every hour.

Try to refill a water bottle whenever the source of water is available.

You may have to face heat strokes if you are hydrated.

2. Food:

Food is the second most basic thing.

For Vegans, I recommend going with Veg Sandwich with Peanut butter and a salad.
For Non-Vegans, I recommend going with Bread Omelet with a salad.

(I don’t recommend anyone to energy drinks as they contain preservatives.)

Note: If you need any drinkables then consider taking milkshakes.

3. Tissues or Hankies:

To wipe out the sticky waste particles tissues or hankies can be a better choice.

At the time of buying consider giving more preference to wet tissues over hankies, as they have moisture inside.

Note: In the case of wet tissues, have it inside the packet only. Never take and store them separately. If you do so, the tissues may lose some percentage of Wetness.

4.Smart Phone:

A smartphone is the much need one as they also linked with safety and communication.

• To capture the interesting moments as a video or photo. (Use Digital Camera for the best quality)
  
• To contact someone when you are facing trouble.
  
• To enjoy cycling with pleasable songs. (Don’t forget to take Earphones)
  
• To take notes for future references.
  

Because of these things a smartphone is a much-needed combo.


5. Backpack:

To keep all the above things safe a backpack is needed. Ensure to buy a backpack with top quality so that you won’t face any problems in the middle of cycling.

Now that you have equipped yourself with the essentials for cycling, are you up for the challenge of mountain biking? If so, there are a few more things you will need. To start, you'll need a really good mountain bike.

Mountain Bike Reviews

"A Mountain Bike is the abbreviated form of MTB. The Mountain Bikes are exclusively designed for traveling on uneven surfaces like footpaths of hilly regions and for stunt performers. There are more differences between the ordinary bicycle and a Mountain Bike. ..."

* * *

Author Bio:
Abishek is an Electrical and Electronics Engineer by academics and a blogger by passion.  Visit Zzoomit, his official blog for information about electrical and electronics engineering.

NOTE: Originally published at Go Shopping Bees, August 24, 2019 

Sous Vide Cooking Tips | Scoop.it

Credit is being given to the French for Sous Vide (pronounced soo-veed) Cooking, which is a method of preparing foods by vacuum sealing and cooking packed foods in controlled temperature water. 

I've seen Ming Tsai use this technique and he was trained as a chef in France. 

No matter. When it comes to cooking, if the French say we can do it, we can do it! 

Furthermore, according to my thinking, when Ming Tsai says two thumbs up and shows you how to, you've run out of excuses.  Because Mr. Tsai knows the best to cook anything! Hey! I'm a loyal fan! :) 

See on Scoop.it - My I Like Eating Channel

Sous Vide Cooking has become increasingly popular over the years. This is an easy, effective method of cooking that preserve nutrients and deliver on flavor ...

See on sealthatfood.com   


* * * * * * *


Simply Ming One-Pot Meals: Quick, Healthy & Affordable Recipes

 

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EES shares recipes, cooking tips and all things foodie!

Everyday Exotic Spices
Shop for gourmet spices and cooking ingredients.

Food Ways Presented by EES
Follow our foodie blog.

© Photographer: Oleksandra Naumenko | Agency: Dreamstime.com

Which film did you first see the lovely Julie Andrews?

The Sound of Music OR Mary Poppins?

Fell in love with Ms. Andrews, when she was “a problem” to the sisters at a convent in Austria; she was cast as “Maria” in “The Sound of Music” (Release Date March 2, 1965).  But she wasn’t really a problem.  In fact, she was just an ordinary young girl, who … married a rich widower, became a good stepmother to his children from a previous marriage, and fast forward … together the entire family – all being extremely talented singers organized themselves as a singing group and escaped from their country which was taken over by the evil Germans.  The movie was based on a true story.  But let’s face it!  Sometimes real life is just not all that.  Not to a 10 year old anyway.  It was the sound of the music that won me over.  “Climb every mountain … follow every rainbow, ’til you find your dream”.

By contrast, became fascinated and fixated on Ms. Andrews when she arrived on the scene, by way of umbrella, as “Mary Poppins” (Release Date August 26, 1964); an extraordinary nanny with amazing powers who could do all sorts of wonderful things. Must confess, never bothered to learn the meaning of that famous word or break it down.  

Figured “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” must be describing who she really was or something she was able to do. (O.o)  It was an accomplishment for me, just to learn how to spell the word. But now I know what it means too and I like it! :)

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Meaning

Shopping and Gift Ideas Courtesy of

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My Shopping Channel is an Active Member of Alignable.com

Several months back I was invited to join a community aimed at promoting small businesses, connecting local businesses to each other, providing a means of referring customers and clients to each other, and other support.  It was a good sense decision to join this community.  I have been a work-at-home professional since 2007 and was invited to join by Heather McLaughlin from Performance Marketing Group.  

Can you believe it?  They found me and extended me an invitation.  It wasn't hard to find me.  I have a public LinkedIn profile.  But someone looked!  ☺  I'm glad they did reach out because I have had nothing but positive dealings with all of the community - the staff and the members.  

• If you would like to know more:  Alignable: The Small Business Network: Our Story.

View my business profile on Alignable.com:

  My Shopping Channel

Most of the time I exchange business information (like passing out a business card) and post links for new products available at my various online shopping sites.  Occasionally I am asked to participate in a Q & A forum with other businesses so that we can trade ideas with each other and figure out some "best practices" routines that might work for everybody.

One of the questions I provided a response to was:  

Why should prospective customers choose you?

Asked by Stephie Pahlavi Zan on Nov 03, 2017

•  19
 
•  130
 
•  1390

This was my response.

I'm an affiliate marketer working at home. Folks don't have to shop via my site. They can shop at the sites of other WAH marketers. It's a bazillion of us out there trying to swim to the top and get noticed so we can earn commissions from sales of products by people who came to the vendor's site via our website. 

Our site visitors can always just can skip over our site and go straight to the vendor. Either way, the goal is for you to end up with a quality product for yourself or a lovely gift that the recipient won't re-gift or return. :) 

Just started a new shopping blog on Tumblr: Go Shopping Bees. It shares my affiliate referral links, links from fellow affiliate marketers, and cool stuff found around the web. Consider it my shopping wish list for you. Happy Shopping!! :)

That's my response. Here are my online shopping sites. Hope you visit and find something you like.

• My Shopping Channel – Feng Shui Gifts for Home and Garden
• My Shopping Channel – Just another online shopping site.
• The Other Shopping Channel

My Shopping Channel on Social Media:

• Facebook
• Google Plus
• Pinterest
• Twitter
• Tumblr

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Updated My Twitter Profile (@goshoppingbees)

After listening/reading to all the doom and gloom business reports about Twitter not being likely to survive and maintain its place among the social media giants, I decided to ignore them. Just updated my Twitter profile for one of my niche Twitter accounts. It's for shoppers, shopaholics, wish listers, and such like.

My Shopping Channel on Twitter

@goshoppingbees

~ http://shoppingchannel.webs.com
~ https://blogjob.com/shoppingchannel
~ https://www.pinterest.com/cmoneyspinner/
~ @EverydaySpices @FoxMarks_ATX@cmoneyspinner
Texas, USA
~ webnuggetz.com/author/cmoneys…
Joined Twitter October 2015

* * *

My followers are in USA(52%), UK.(8%)
Get your free map https://t.co/7OcMmIkkbo pic.twitter.com/Uwd8Y3GGyj

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) October 27, 2017

* My Shopping Channels on Facebook and Google Plus:

Tweets about @goshoppingbees

Gift Shopping? Shop for Gifts in My Gold Mine

If you enjoy online shopping, this site might be of interest to you.  The site is Webnuggetz.com. The site owners describe their site as a place where you can find “gold”. This is a statement from their “About” tab:

“Nuggetz are tidbits of gold you find on the internet.”

The members or web page publishers are mainly of home-based business sellers who have their own stores on Zazzle, Etsy, eBay, etc. and affiliate advertisers or marketers like me.  Feel free to visit my Nuggetz. I have been an active member since 2014 and have published 50+ web pages.  Below is a sampling of some of my suggested gift ideas and a link for you to subscribe to my web page updates. Hope you like what you see in “my gold mine”. :)

All I Got For Christmas Was a Lousy Christmas Stocking! :(
Kits to make your own Christmas stockings. Isn’t that fabulous idea? 
The product manufacturer contributes to various organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Gwinnett County Women’s Shelter, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the United Way.

• Gretta Curran Browne believes she was touched by angel.  She was raised in an orphanage and one of her caretakers, a nun, was certainly her guardian angel.  She gives her credit for becoming a writer because the sister taught here the art of telling a story.  She started her career writing short stories.   Dark Days, Dark Nights : Intro to the Writings of Gretta Curran Browne

• Don't know many people who don't enjoy the writings of Charles Dickens.  But these two books are murder mysteries that are quick reads which follow the Dickens tradition.  In other words, if you like Dickens you can't help but like these books!   Dickens Junction Mystery Series

• Gourmet food gifts are on my wishlist every year.  No matter what the event:  birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day.  Give me a food gift to make me happy.  Especially gourmet cheese.  Gourmet Food Gifts : Specialty Cheeses

• In my house there need not be a season to be a reason to drink tea.  But according to a designated "tea aficionado", he seems to think that one should drink their tea according to the season of the year.   Hmmm?  He might be on to something!   Is a Season Your Reason to Drink Tea?

Top 10 Artists in February | ArtFinder.com (Update Aug 2017)

Each month, this site features their top selling artists.  This post links to the notification received via eMail for the best artists for February 2014.

Top 10 Artists in February | ArtFinder.com

I receive notifications via eMail.  Of the Top Ten, Helen Wells is the artist I fancy.  The image below is called “Happy”.  Isn’t it lovely?  It has been added to my Pinterest board collection of ARTISTS I FANCY.  To date, my board has over 100 pins.  I’m taking my time finding the artwork.  What’s the rush?  It’s like a pleasant eternal afternoon spent walking around an art museum.  My first visit to our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. and to New York, New York, I made it my mission to visit art museums or galleries.  These days, I don’t get out much.  But via the Internet, I let my imagination take me wherever.

• Direct link to the Shop of Helen Wells

  • Like Helen Wells, Artist on Facebook 

ArtFinder.com fancies their site as an “affordable art marketplace”, a great place for shopping, where you can buy direct from independent artists and galleries.  To date they boast over 2000 artists from 60 countries.

UPDATE:  Reported on this marvelous art find in 2014.  Fast forward to 2017.  Found another captivating artist.  Gordon Bruce, based in the UK.  Shared info about him at my other blog "Joie de Vivre Magazine".  His artwork is also available at Zazzle.  (See below.)  Enjoy!

Chinese lanterns Winter landscape Gordon Bruce
by gordonbruce

Northern lights aurora borealis painting poster
by gordonbruce