Thursday, February 23, 2012

Power Mom could benefit from a Partner and love life

 Kate Gosslin on her own with 8 children does not complain about the children.  She shares that she ends her day alone. Tears well up in her eyes.  Yet I don't see a woman who is bitter or ready to throw in the towel.  She's committed to this life of child rearing and still manages to take good care of herself.  Would you just look at her on the Dr. Drew show?  My children are young adults and one teen.  Yet I still struggle to do that beauty thing.  Well...I'm not looking homely at least.  Way to go Kate.  You're giving motherhood a power image!!



Monday, March 16, 2009

MAY Performance Dates for MATERNAL DREAMER #2: LIVING the DREAM

MATERNAL DREAMER #2: LIVING the DREAM
A Wise Fool Production
Directed by Tanya Rubinstein of ProjectLifestories
Written and Performed by Ramona King

The familial cycle of sabotage and abandonment repeats itself until one person breaks the cycle conscientiously choosing the life preferred while embracing love and forgiveness. Experience an adventure of healing and power in this extended Maternal Dreamer Series.

SANTA FE PERFORMANCE
Wise Fool New Mexico
2778-D Agua Fria
Santa Fe, N.M. 87507
505-992-2588
www.WiseFoolNewMexico.org

MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND
May 8th, 9th, 10th, 2009
Fri & Sat @ 8pm
Sun @ 2pm
Tix $20 general audience
$15/Adult with Mother
$10/Elder 65years and up
$10/Student with ID

ALBUQUERQUE PERFORMANCE
The Orpheum Art Space
500 Second St. #2
Corner of COAL & 2ND
Albuquerque, N.M.
505-242-0834 (Info. about Show)

MAY 14TH, 15TH, 16TH, AND 17TH 2009
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Shows @ 7:30 pm
Sunday Shows @ 2pm
Tix: $20 general audience
$15/Adult with Mother
$10/Senior 65 years and up
$10/Student with ID

This is an excerpt from Maternal Dreamer as it was performed at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in March 2008 for the Women and Creativity Month Events. The premise of Maternal Dreamer is about empowerment and realizing dreams via taking a stand. I share how my daughter did this with me and how I had come around to accept her choice as there was no turning back.

THE ORIGINAL MATERNAL DREAMER Directed by Stefanie Willis. Performed and Told/Written by Ramona King


For Reservations Call: 505-242-0834

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Children Reading to Dogs

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Skateboarder has Become a Man

As you know my son Vincent is a very talented
skateboarder, chess player, tennis player, and
basketball player. To my dismay, skateboarding has
won out. Yet, I continue to support him. It's his
drive and I don't want to put a hault on something
that frees his Spirit. I just want his Spirit to
remember he's got a body to live in.

Vincent went to a skate boarder's demonstration at Los
Altos park. A number of Pro's came out. They can do
some fancy tricks that put my heart in my throat--"I
know some day my son is going to try that one".

I didn't go to the demonstration. It unnerves me.
Let's say I come real close to fainting. I figure
what I don't see my son try will do me and my heart
some good. My good friend's husband took Vincent and
his son to the event. Later in the day my friend's
husband visited me while I was attending dance class
and informed me that "There's Drama at your House.
Vincent broke his wrist during a funky skateboarding
Move"

Vincent's father, Tony, took care of everything. They
went to emergency and Tony got instructions about what
to do for his arm. I'm so glad he took care of
things. The nurse would have had to pull out the
smelling salt for me.

When I got home they had just arrived from emergency.
Vincent was all wrapped up with this big smile on his
face. I said, "Oh Vincent, are you alright? I heard
you broke your wrist." He chuckled and said, " Yeah,
I broke my wrist and arm in two place. Plus, I
chipped my elbow." To say the least I fainted.

He became an instant celebrity during the accident.
All the pros talked to him and shared their skating
injuries, he got free t-shirts and sneakers and the
pros signed his broken skateboard--I think he's gonna
frame it. He told me his sneakers are worth twice
it's value because of an autograph along the rubber.

He's entered the skateboarder's hall of MANHOOD--and
all I can think about is what manhood is going to look
like when the painkillers wear off and his arm itches
under the cast. And yes, how supportive of
skateboarding am I going to be during the
nursing-him-to-health period after we receive the
medical bill. All in all Vincent is doing fine. When
you get a chance would you drop him a "I'm thinking of
you line?"

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Bad Mothering Advice--Sometimes downright whacky

Worst Parenting Advice Ever Heard
Moms and moms-to-be on TheBump.com share some of the wackiest parenting advice they've ever had the displeasure of hearing.

Add page to favoritesBy Kaitlin Stanford


From The Bump
Prepare for possible emergencies
What to do when baby reacts badly to vaccine
Dealing with separation anxiety
If you feel like you got hit with tons of parenting advice the second you started sporting a bump, you're not alone. Moms-to-be often discover that everyone from future grandparents to the guy at the corner deli have plenty of unsolicited words of wisdom to share. Sure, some of the advice you get from well-meaning friends (or strangers) may turn out to be helpful, but sometimes it can also be downright crazy. Moms and moms-to-be on TheBump.com share some of the wackiest parenting advice they've ever had the displeasure of hearing:

Smack baby's gums?
"I was told to smack my daughter's gums with a spoon so I could tell if she's teething. I guess you'd hear a click if there are teeth under the gums?" --soon2beMrs.H

Our take:Ouch! We're pretty sure all this will get you is a screaming baby. Trust us, a spoon won't be necessary to tell you whether or not baby's teething -- you'll know. Some telltale signs include raw gums, constant crankiness, and over-the-top drooling. Most babies hit the teething stage between 4 and 7 months, so if this sounds like your tot, drop what you're doing now and stock up on teething toys, frozen washcloths, and baby pain reliever. You can run your finger along baby's gums to see if there are any teeth breaking through.

No car seat?
"My father told me to not worry about a car seat. He said, 'Your mother kept you and your sister on her lap on the ride home!'" --april 145

Our take: Do baby a favor and don't pull a Britney. Sure, Dad may mean well, but times have definitely changed since you were in diapers -- for the better. Car seats aren't an option; they're a must (legally speaking), and babies should never go for a ride anywhere unless they're properly strapped in. Make sure you have yours already inspected and set up in your backseat well before your due date. This way, you'll be prepared in case baby decides to come early. Wondering where you can get your car seat inspected? Go to SeatCheck.org to find a safety inspection station near you.

Playing with ice cubes?
"My sister's ex-husband felt it was okay to let the baby 'play' with ice cubes. When I pointed out that he could choke on them, he said, 'They'll melt, won't they?'" --faithe2009

Our take: In terms of potential babysitters, this guy deserves to be blacklisted. As a general rule, baby should never be able to grab anything that's small enough to fit through the tube of a toilet paper roll. Ever. When your little guy starts to crawl and later walk, he'll turn into an instant detective, wanting to inspect everything -- and babies often explore new items by putting them in their mouths. Make sure you keep anything that's small enough to be a choking hazard far away from his grasp and don't forget to baby-proof all of your cabinets and drawers. Ice cubes are fine in a mesh feeder, but otherwise? No.

Don't swaddle?
"I was told by my grandmother that I shouldn't swaddle my newborn because it'd cause her arms to be deformed and that she needed to be able to stretch her muscles." --silvurturtle

Our take: Sorry, Grams, but this one's just plain wrong. Swaddling has been practiced for hundreds of years as a way to keep baby warm and toasty, and the fact that it reminds her of being in the womb will also calm her down and help her sleep better. If you're not sure how to swaddle, ask for a quick lesson before you leave the hospital.

No cuddling?
"I was told that if you hold a newborn or infant too much, you'll spoil them." --Beaniesmommy

Our take: Surprisingly, we hear this one a lot, even though it couldn't be further from the truth. You don't have to be Dr. Sears to know that bonding with baby is hugely important -- especially in those first few months of development. Feel free to cuddle and hold baby as much as you want! Just make sure you still allow him some independence as he grows. If baby cries when you put him down, try rubbing a sock or small cotton cloth on your body and placing it near him. Your familiar scent can help calm him even if he's not in your arms.

LET'S HEAR IT: What's the worst parenting advice you've heard?

Also see: 5 rules your kids should break

© 2009 The Knot Inc. All rights reserved.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Children's Wisdom: A Science Test

Children’s Wisdom
E-mails sent by Eva Gate

Cute kid stuff! Kristen
Subject: Science Test
If you need a good laugh, try reading through these children's science exam answers
Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.
Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.
A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.
Q: How is dew formed?
A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.
Q: How can you delay milk turning sour? (brilliant, love this!)
A: Keep it in the cow.
Q: What causes the tides in the oceans?
A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature hates a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.
Q: What are steroids?
A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.
Q: What happens to your body as you age?
A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental.
Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?
A: He says good-bye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery.
Q: Name a major disease associated with cigarettes.
A: Premature death.
Q: How are the main parts of the body categorized? ( e.g., abdomen)
A: The body is consisted into three parts -- the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain; the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels A, E, I, O, and U.
Q: What is the fibula?
A: A small lie.
Q: What does "varicose" mean? (I do love this one...)
A: Nearby.
Q: Give the meaning of the term "Caesarian Section."
A: The Caesarian Section is a district in Rome
Q: What does the word "benign" mean?'
A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight.

LOVE THEM WELL

A few years ago Fred and Kristen Wilson of Stawberry/Muddy Wheel Gallery in Albuquerque New Mexico together created a necklace I saw in their shop. I was immediately drawn to it. Kristen said it's so appropriate that of all the necklaces she had in her shop I was drawn to the one that she and Fred made together. It was after witnessing the harsh abuse of a toddler by a frustrated mom that spurred on this creation. Kristen and Fred were in California doing one of their Pottery and Jewelry Exhibitions. The two of them were strolling through a California shopping mall when they heard a loud pow. Fred and Kristen saw that a mother had smacked her toddler sending him sliding across the floor in the mall. Kristen tried to calm the mom down as Fred checked on the crying baby. The mother was too infuriated to listen to wisdom and at one point she looked like she was going to smack Kristen. Fred and Kristen seeing she was out of control went to the mall security to send for help. By the time they returned mother and child were gone. Upon returning to Albuquerque Kristen and Fred made the necklace I saw. Pounding metal and framing objects in tears and sorrow for broken families, they named the necklace "Love them Well". I wear the necklace for family storytelling events. I will wear the necklace this weekend and next for the show, MATERNAL DREAMER: The Family "Addition".

_______________________________________________________________________________

Slow down for three minutes to read this. It is so worth it. Touching words from the mouth of babes.
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?'

The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think.


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'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.
So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.'

Rebecca- age 8


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'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.'

Billy - age 4


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'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.'

Karl - age 5


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'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.'

Chrissy - age 6


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'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'

Terri - age 4


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'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.'

Danny - age 7


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'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more.
My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'

Emily - age 8


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'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.'

Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)


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'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'

Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)


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'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.'

Noelle - age 7


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'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.'

Tommy - age 6


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'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.

He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.'

Cindy - age 8


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'My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.'

Clare - age 6


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'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'

Elaine-age 5


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'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.'

Chris - age 7


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'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.'

Mary Ann - age 4


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'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.'

Lauren - age 4


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'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image)

Karen - age 7


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This one
'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.'

Mark - age 6


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'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'

Jessica - age 8


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And the final one

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,

'Nothing, I just helped him cry'


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