The LAUNCH of “Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery” and GIVEAWAY

Continuing from my last interview with Karen Tyrrell,  I am excited to be part of her blog tour launching her newest book “Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery”. It is the journey which followed “Me and Her: A Memoir Of Madness” that so many of us are very excited to read.

Mental health issues is becoming widely recognised as an illness affecting many children and adults. In her books, Karen shares her journey battling bi-polar depression in order to help and support others.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
To win an E-Book copy of “Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery” please leave a comment below as to why you would love to win this prize.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED – THE WINNER is “Kel McDonald”

KarenTyrrell-Me-And-Him-Cover-WebUse-3DIPAD-Lge

  1. 1.      How has your life changed since the launch of your first book “Me and Her?”

Me and Her launched a new life for me as a mental health advocate, author, motivational speaker and workshop presenter. I’m so proud to guide others on their journey to recovery and wellness.

  1. 2.      Was your new book “Me and Him” always part of your writing plan? Or was this again part of your continuing recovery from a mental health disorder.

I was always going to write A Guide to Recovery as a self-help book, sharing my tools for wellness. Recent dramatic events inspired me to write the tell-all memoir section of Me and Him.

  1. 3.      You share a lot of personal information in both of your books, not only about yourself but your family also. Was it a difficult decision to go ahead with the book’s release? How does your family feel about it? Did you have to edit much of your initial work, to protect yourself and your family.

I deleted over 5,000 words in Me and Her. The abuse from the parents at my school and my mania and madness were much worse than you could possibly imagine. I asked myself what do I really want the world to know?

Me and Him is about my husband’s personal history and his role as my carer. I choose my words carefully to protect him.

  1. 4.      What feedback have you received from those who have read your books and been touched by them?

Over whelming praise and support especially from mental health organizations, readers, teachers, writers and from those who’ve experienced a similar journey. In 2012, Me and Her won Finalist in the mental health achievement awards.

  1. 5.      What things have you done to help develop yourself as a writer, and also as an advocate for mental health?

To develop my Writing: I’ve completed two six month courses through Queensland Writers Centre. I was co-ordinator of Logan writers collective from 2009 to 2013. I lead a face-to-face writer’s critique group.

To develop my mental health advocacy: I research and practice tested mental health strategies. I deliver mental health workshops in psychiatric wards, wellness centres and in the corporate workplace. I write mental health articles for magazines and guest blog on international websites. I speak on *live* Blog talk radio around the world.

  1. 6.      Do you have any future book plans yet, or are you going to enjoy the success of your books for a little while longer?

Passionately, I write every day.  Later in 2013, I’ll launch a mental health picture book for kids. Next year, I’ll publish more mental health books for children, young adults and adults.

  1. It is a lot of work promoting your own book and sometimes it stretches us outside our comfort zones. What has been the most nerve racking experience?

At a RADF grant recipient ceremony, I was speaker #21, speaking to a non-sympathetic audience. I physically shook from head to toe. I love speaking to people who want to hear about mental health.

  1. 8.      I know how much support is needed to enable yourself to do what you do. Who would you like to thank who has supported your journey so far?

My number one supporter is my hubby, Steve: my carer watchdog, my soul mate. Without him, I would never have recovered or become a full-time writer.

Karen Tyrrell BEST  457 KBThank you Karen for your honest and heartfelt answers – I am sure there are many who can identify with your journey.

Special BONUS Offer

Purchase an eBook Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMMQ036 between March 10-17 and you’ll receive …

*FREE Me and Him audio book

*FREE audio meditation

*FREE mental health video

Email your Amazon receipt dated March10-17 to bonus@karentyrrell.com to claim this Special BONUS offer.

For more info: http://www.karentyrrell.com

“Parent Pack” GIVEAWAY ~ Happy Hero and Creative Parenting

FAMILY GIFT PACK

for 2 lucky winners...

Happy Hero and Creative Parenting love to help families learn new ways, feel good, be happy and keep a life balance.

We have joined forces and are both offering this ‘GIVEAWAY PRIZE’ to two exceptionally lucky families!

THE WINNERS ARE: “Erin Guerreiro” and “Dawnie Mac”- thank you for entering!

YOU HAVE WON…..THE PRIZES INCLUDE:

A copy of two books written and illustrated by ME!
“Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts!” and “Happythoughts are Everywhere…”
(aimed at helping ‘little worriers’ manage their worry thoughts)

as well as:

Two online programs from Creative Parenting
“Harmonious Homes” and “ROC Kids Combo”

Creative Parenting is passionate about supporting parents raising resilient,confident children. These programs are designed for all types of families giving practical ways to be a happy parent while managing a family of thriving children.

To enter this Giveaway:

1. Simply ‘like’ our Facebook pages Happy Hero and Creative Parenting

2. Leave a comment below as well as on Creative Parenting BLOG
(Each blog is giving away one prize package – so by leaving a comment on both blogs you will have double the chance of winning!)

Simply tell us why you would love to win this gift…  ”I would love to win because…..”

Entries close midnight Friday 7th December 2012 (EST)
The winners will be contacted by email on 8th December.
(Giveaway is within Australia only)

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Thank you for leaving your entry below…

Stay Happy :)

http://www.happyhero.com.au

I Love Lemonade ~ new children’s book

“I LOVE LEMONADE”
By Mark and Rowan Sommerset

A few months ago I read a fantastic blog post by Diane Tulloch “Patient Dreamer” where she interviewed author Mark Sommerset. It is a very insightful post and I highly recommend reading it. It was ‘meeting’ Mark through this excellent interview that I began my interest and admiration for Mark’s authoring journey.  Mark (author) and wife Rowan (illustrator) make the perfect team at Dreamboat Books.


With a list of highly successful published children’s books, Mark and Rowan have embarked on their journey of following their dream, (hence “Dreamboat Books”) creating a beautiful range of children’s books.

I follow both Mark and Rowan on Facebook, and when it was announced that their new book “I Love Lemonade” was available for purchase, I immediately jumped into the Dreamboat Books website and ordered my very own copy.

The parcel arrived quickly, but it was late at night when I was finally able to open it to see “I Love Lemonade” beautifully presented. I read the book and wiping tears from my eyes, I handed it to my hubby…..his laughter lasted for ten minutes. He would recover and then start laughing all over again. It really tickled his funny bone. We hadn’t even shown the kids, and he proudly labelled it “My favourite book” (*Ahem*…..second to my books of course!)

“I love Lemonade” is a very clever, mischievous  book about Baa Baa Smart Sheep, Quirky Turkey and a sneaky trick that backfires….My boys giggled too, when we (finally) read the book together, all the boys deciding “this is something Dad would do…”

Hmmm…..I wonder if they mean their dad is smarty sheep or quirky turkey?

I highly recommend this giggle-some book, it is a perfect Christmas gift for either adult or child!

Now, I am off to order “Baa Baa Smart Sheep”…….for my hubby of course!


**Books are available:

Dreamboat Books Online Shop

In Australia:
As of 1st November the books are available in ALL good bookshops – published by Harpercollins Australia (Yay!)

Mental Health Week 2012 – GIVEAWAY – “Me and Her – A Memoir of Madness”

Today is the beginning of a range of Mental Health Week 2012 celebrations. This a fantastic time of year that I love to use as a springboard to raise mental health issues in children, teens and adults.

Karen Tyrrell is an author, who like me, is an ambassador for mental health awareness. She is the author of Me and Her: A Memoir of Madness which is a personal story of her battle with bipolar depression, including how she managed to overcome and contain this illness.

I was first to purchase a copy of Karen’s book upon its release and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hold high regard for those who are willing to share their experience with mental health issues with the aim of inspiring, supporting and encouraging others, as well as to help rid of the ‘stigma’ that is often associated with mental health issues. It is a book that I found hard to put down, and often read until late in the night!

Simply leave a comment below, as to why you would like to win a copy of Karen’s book. Please ‘like’  Karen Tyrrell Author page as well as Happy Hero on Facebook (if you haven’t already!) to be in the draw for this prize. (Australian residence only)

The giveaway closes Midnight Saturday 13th October (AEST) which signifies the end of Mental Health Week for 2012. The winner will be drawn by Random.org and contacted on Sunday 14th October.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED AND THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED!
You can still purchase a copy of Karen’s book from her website below….

Learn more about Karen in an honest Q and A interview below:

1.   Tell us about yourself Karen Tyrrell…

I am a Brisbane motivational public speaker, pro-active multi-genre author, mental health advocate, teacher, experienced Toastmaster, workshop presenter and accredited speaker with SANE Australia. I have taught as a primary school teacher for over 20 years, specializing in Gifted and Talented classes. After parents at my school repeatedly harassed me to breaking point and beyond, I developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and severe bipolar disorder. I am now recovered, sharing my passions for writing and mental health, reclaiming my life.

In August 2012, I launched my free eBook, 30 Tools for Mental Wellness and my Resilience Training workshops in the corporate world.  My self-penned recovery life story appears globally in magazines, on guest blogs and live radio. I share my guide to recovery, tips for mental wellness and resilience skills, both locally and with the global community.

2. Tell us about your latest book “Me and Her: A Memoir of Madness

ME & HER: A Memoir of Madness narrates a teacher’s story of how parents unleashed repeated harassment, terror and abuse until I, the teacher went completely mad.  Police incarcerated me into a psyche hospital.

I’m proud to state that many people have labelled it “Brave and inspiring.” ME & HER is listed as a VIP resource on Sean Costello’s Memorial fund Bipolar Research site.

3. What was your inspiration for your book?

I wrote my story to help others but in the process I rescued myself.

4. How have people responded to your book?

Readers have embraced ME & HER in an extremely positive way, striking a chord with so many. Triggering others to rethink their views on mental illness and mental health.

5. When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

When I was manic, I developed an obsessive compulsion to write. I interviewed patients, doctors and nurses in the psyche ward. I couldn’t stop scribbling down my experiences with black manic dreams, a psychic connection with my psychologist and madness.

What other books/work have you written?

I’ve completed six books.  A super space kid sci-fi series, a picture book series and Sayonara, a crime faction.  I’m working on picture books and a Young Adult novel with mental health themes.

6. Who or what inspires you?

Everyday heroes who overcome tremendous challenges in their lives. Forward thinkers who instigate social change, speaking out for what they believe in.

7. Mental Health is an important topic, what other things do you do to be an advocate for raising awareness?

I blog, create magazine articles and speak on live radio on how I recovered from mental illness, sharing my wellness tips. I deliver motivational talks, present Resilience Training workshops and Life Writing sessions.

8. What is one piece of advice you would give to other writers?

Write what you’re truly passionate about. That positive energy will shine through in your writing.

9. What are you working on now?

I’m editing ME & HIM: a Guide to Recovery, a companion sequel to ME & HER. To be launched 2013

10. What is your favourite quote?

“Either WRITE something worth reading, or DO something worth writing” ~ Benjamin Franklin

11. Do you have a random piece of information you would like to share? (I bet you love to lick the beaters!!)

When I receive fabulous news, I leap up in the air and perform a happy dance. Then I sprint down the hallways, shouting out my news.

Karen can be contacted:

Karen’s Website

Buy Me and Her: a Memoir of Madness from Amazon as an eBook or a print book.

Download her FREE eBook *Top 30 Tools for Wellness* Healthy Mind, Happy Day

Celebration of Children’s Book Week – Giveaway!

In celebration of Children’s Book Week, I am hosting a special book GIVEAWAY!

I love all books that help children (and adults) understand what it is like to be a ‘little worrier’ – I have now added this book to my recommend list!

Darlene Wierski-Devoe is the author of “Just Like You” which is a lovely book about a young girl who struggles with the ‘anxiety monster’.

The story explains that the anxiety monster can be controlled, rather than always being in control. There are lots of detailed examples as to how different situations can create anxious feelings for some children. It is a wonderful book to share with little worriers to help them understand that they are not the only ones who feel anxious but also great for those who are lucky enough to NOT experience the anxiety monster to read also.

It is complimented by an additional ‘Toolbox’ that can be written and drawn in to help record feelings, and prompt different ways of thinking to help manage the anxiety monster.

It is fantastic to have another book that addresses anxiety and the effects it can have on us, and I will be giving away to one lucky reader, a copy of “JUST LIKE YOU” as well as the additional “TOOLBOX”.

To enter, simply ‘like’ Happy Hero Facebook Page and leave a comment below why you, your child, your family or friends, would benefit from winning this lovely children’s book and workbook.

**THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED** but feel free to leave your comments.

Get to know a bit about the author Darlene and how she came to write and publish “Just Like You”, as she answers my questions below….

Darlene Wierski-Devoe – Author of Just Like You

1. Tell us about yourself…
I am a mother of two wonderful children. I find peace and happiness in all that life has to offer. I love to write, create and learn.

2. Tell us about your latest book “Just Like You”
The story came from a desire to help other children (and adults) understand the complexity of a person who has anxious feelings. I wanted others to be able to see and feel exactly what being in that moment of panic feels like. “Just Like You” chronicles the everyday life of a girl named Brooke. It shows her struggles, her fears and most importantly highlights the concept that she is not a part of the anxiety –  the anxiety is separate.  She struggles with the “anxiety monster”.  With help and a supportive environment Brooke is starting to teach anxiety that she is in control not “it”.

To help the reader even further I have also designed the “Me” toolbox journal. It is a place where the readers can work through different ideas that are touched upon within the book. It prompts them to find out what their own “anxiety monster” looks like and how it affects what they think and believe about themselves and others.  At the end of each page is an affirmation that helps them to remember just how amazing they are. The journal gives children the opportunity to create a toolbox that helps them identify options for when they are feeling scared or worried.

3. What makes you Happy?
That’s a hard question -  there are so many answers: friends, family, quiet time to myself. I think I would have to say life itself; life makes me very happy. Each day is a new journey and along the way the things we learn and the people we meet make it all so interesting. I wake up every morning grateful to have the day ahead of me.

4. Do you ever worry? What do you do to beat the anxiety monster?
I do worry and I have battled my own anxiety monster for many years. In 2009 I had a break down myself. I took myself to the hospital certain that I was having a heart attack. I was sure that was the end. It turned out after numerous tests that my diagnosis was a really severe panic attack. For the next year my life went through a drastic change. Life as I knew it needed a bit of an overhaul. I could not leave the house, I was unable to drive, I couldn’t be alone in the house. Up until a few months ago I had always challenged my hardships and regarded them as some sort of punishment. With the release of “Just Like You” I now realize that everything I have been through with my own anxiety and that of my children has put me exactly where I am meant to be. Was it hard? Absolutely. However, I look at it as a gift. It is my chance to shed light on how debilitating anxiety can be for people; especially kids. If I at nearly forty years old had a difficult time explaining what I needed and how it felt, how on earth could we expect our children to find the right words without support and understanding?

After two years I have discovered what my triggers are and I am able to do some realistic thinking about the situation. I envision how I want the outcome to be and I embrace the good feelings in my body. I try to stay in the moment.  The phrase that I have found most helpful is, “I thank you body for these feelings but I know I don’t need them right now. I release them and let good feelings come into my heart and mind. I am good.”

I breathe. I mean really breathe from my core.

Most importantly I have surrounded myself with people  who understand when I am having a difficult time. They may not always know what to say but they are there for me unconditionally and they understand how hard it can be sometimes.

5. What type of writing do you do? (books, articles, topics etc…)
I have been chronicling our journey with anxiety since 2008 at the Raising Socially Anxious Children Blog. I have works of poetry published in several National Anthologies. One of my greatest passions and something that I do for myself is journaling. I think it is such a great way to bring forth your creativity and let go of any issues or topics that may be holding you back.

 I also am part of a great group of writers at Special-ism. I am their anxiety expert and I contribute articles on anxiety each month.

6. When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?
I have always wanted to write a book ever since I was little. There are many unfinished manuscripts in my closet.  As a child I would constantly be writing and constructing books. I distinctly remember one summer getting a huge pad of paper and vowing to write a story that would take up the whole  book. So for the next two months I brought that pad of paper everywhere and I sat each day writing my story. I believe it was about being locked in the school over the weekend with friends. I would love to read it now almost 30 years later but sadly it got lost in the shuffle over the years.

7. What books or authors have influenced your own writing?
I don’t think there is any one author that has influenced me. It’s a paragraph from here, a quote from there and a chapter from this or that book. It is a collaboration of everything.

8. What is the best thing about being a published author?
Having  children you don’t know walk up to you and tell you how much they loved your book. When I ask “what was your favourite part?” the sparkle in their eyes and the recollection of details is amazing. To have them interpret the book in their own words and through their own vision is truly euphoric. To know that my life’s experience has brought me to them and that my words – my simple words –  have resonated with them is breathtaking. It’s what life is all about. Life is all about making magical connections and through the book I have met so many beautiful people both young and old.

9. Who or what inspires you?
My inspiration for everything I do is a desire and passion to continue to grow and move forward. I am inspired by all that I see and hear. You never know where inspiration will come from unless you listen carefully.

10. What are some of your favourite children’s books?
Oh no..there are so many. Here are a few I absolutely love:

David Shannon – Alice the Fairy

Lisa Himle – Hands as warm as toast

Shell Silverstein – The Giving tree

Robert Munsch – Love you Forever

11. Are you working on another project?
The second book to “Just Like You” is already written, it just needs some fine tuning. I am also working on a toolbox journal but for older children.

I am looking into a different format for my toolbox that will hopefully be out in the Spring of 2013.

12. What is one piece of advice you would like to give to other writers?
The best piece of advice I would give is to follow your heart. Realize that a lot of people will give you their opinions and their ideas, however be true to yourself and let what’s in your soul guide you. Don’t ever give up on your dream.

13. Do you have a favourite quote?
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” Mary Anne Radmacher

You can follow Darlene:
Blog
Facebook Group: Parents Raising Children with Social Anxiety Disorder
Twitter: @socialanxiety
website

Don’t forget to ‘like’ Happy Hero on Facebook and leave a comment below to go into the draw to win a copy of “Just Like You” as well as the “Toolbox”…

Thank you Darlene for helping us celebrate Children’s Book Week and this giveaway!
The competition is available WORLDWIDE – so please share with anyone who may benefit from winning this lovely book to help ‘little worriers’!

*Competition closes Sunday 26th August @ midnight (AEST)

**THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED** but feel free to leave your comments

My artwork is now available on Etsy

I have purchased many hand-made, unique items from Etsy stores, yet, it wasn’t until someone asked me if I had my own Etsy Store, that I even considered using it as a way for people to access my work!

I am always busy making a range of Inspirational Quote Artwork, stocking other shops (Kids Style Hub), working on special orders as well as filming myself creating them!

You can see some of my YouTube clips HERE.

So welcome to my ETSY STORE “Nicky Johnston Artwork”

I will list only a few items at a time, and when sold, I will upload more. I am happy to make special orders for birthdays, births, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day (Grandmother and Grandfather too!) as well as unique gifts for those special teachers.

Never underestimate the power of positive thoughts. You can read my other blog posts about quotes and positive thoughts here and here.

Check out my store, I would love to hear what you think, and let me know what quotes or artwork you would like to see!

Stay Happy!
Nicky

http://www.happyhero.com.au

Helping Little Worriers – how you can help me.

When my eldest son was just 5 years of age, my family’s world was turned upside down when we discovered he was suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Not usually diagnosed in a child so young, I was still surprised by how little information and resources there were for young children relating to anxiety, the effects and useful strategies to help manage it.

My children’s books “Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts!” and “Happythoughts are Everywhere…” were born out of pure desperation to help my ‘little worrier’. Based on my son, his journey and the highly successful techniques we have used to help him learn ways to deal with his worry thoughts, these books have also changed my world – turning a dark, negative experience into a positive, hopeful and inspiring journey…..

Over the past 8 years I have worked with numerous professionals in the mental health field, learning and absorbing everything. What struck me the most, was the complete lack of books and resources aimed at helping parents with young children suffering anxiety. Since the launch of my books, I have found myself on an everlasting journey becoming an ambassador for children in the mental health field.

This path I am travelling has seen me develop as an author and illustrator, and also taken me on a huge learning curve in the business of book publishing, promotion, distribution, marketing and product development.

My biggest achievement to date isn’t the fact that over 11,000 copies of books have sold but, that I have been to significantly raise awareness of mental health issues in children, providing support, information and resources to thousands of other desperate parents and teachers searching for ways to help their ‘little worriers’.

I am delighted to announce that my books are a FINALIST in “Favourite Product of 2012″. This is a huge achievement and I would love to win this title to help further ‘spread the word’ about mental health issues in children.

WILL YOU VOTE FOR MY BOOKS?

If you  love my books and my mission (in supporting children and families) please vote for my books in “Favourite Product 2012″ HERE.

You simply sign in, click on PINK LIKE button underneath my photo. I would greatly appreciate your vote – I am hoping winning this award will significantly raise the profile of addressing children’s mental health through literature and the Arts.

As a sign of my sincere gratitude, I will send you this FREE Printable PDF of one of my hand painted inspirational quote artworks.(without the watermark!) Once printed it is suitable for any 6×8″ frame (or 8×10″ frame with mat board).

After your vote, simply email me ( nickyjohnston@optusnet.com.au ) for your ”FREE Quote PDF ” in the subject line so I can send you the FREE PDF of this inspirational quote. (*Email addresses will NOT be kept or used for any other purpose*)

Check out the YouTube clips recording the creation of inspirational quote artworks – HERE

I believe that by helping ‘little worriers’ early in their life we will help them grow into happy, confident and resilient teens and adults.

Thank you for helping me achieve this.

Little Book of Anxiety – a book about ME!

Rarely do I have the TV on in the mornings, but, on this day, I think the universe wanted me to see an interview with Kerri Sackville.

She was discussing her latest book “The Little Book of Anxiety”….of course at the mention of the word anxiety, my attention was granted…then, she started talking about how her anxiety affects her life. I immediately knew I had to buy the book….I was sure it was about ME.

The book arrived and I devoured it in about four days.

As an author I am constantly receiving emails and phone calls from parents who have purchased “Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts!” and “Happythoughts are Everywhere…” assuring me that my books are written about their own children, and they are so relieved to know they are NOT alone….

Well, I became one of those fabulous book fans, I did exactly the same thing. I wrote to Kerri, (probably like everyone else!!) thanking her for writing the book, that I think she wrote about my life, and now I don’t feel so alone. There is so much comfort in knowing that there are similar quirky, funny, illogical worries experienced by successful, clever, friendly people!

If you are a ‘worrier’ or you know a ‘worrier’, or if you want to know what it is like to be a ‘worrier’….then this book is a MUST BUY!

It is an honest, humorous and very well written summary of the life of an anxious child, teen and adult.

I loved it, and have already given to the book to someone else never to be returned loaned the book to someone else, who I know will love it as much as me.

Thank you Kerri Sackville for writing this book, (even though I am sure you must have spoken to my mum to have such spot on details of my life) You have instilled in me, what I try to instill in parents of ‘little worriers’, that there is normality in how we think, act and react, and that we are NOT alone!

I no longer feel the need to write a book about my life with anxiety as “The Little Book of Anxiety” is it!

You can follow Kerri -
Facebook
Twitter
Purchase her book 

What book have you read that has deeply resonated with you?

**You can follow me on FACEBOOK to keep up to date with lots of information about mental health and ‘little worriers’.

Igniting the imagination – The transition to small chapter books

In my family, I have a teenager, a tweenager, a junior school ager and a toddler (Basically one child in each definitive section of growing up!!) and while I find it great in one way, the complexity of being ‘present’ at each stage of development can get a little tricky! It would be very easy to simply grow with the eldest child, enabling the younger ones to grow up and adapt earlier than they would otherwise.

However, I am choosing to embrace each age group of my children, enjoying the progression milestones with each one, taking as many photographs, attending as many concerts and school assemblies and reading as many books as I did with my first child. (when I had SO much time!)

I recently wrote a blog post about creating a connection with older children by reading the books they are reading, sharing and discussing their topics of interest, story lines and issues that perhaps would otherwise go unspoken. It is definitely an investment in time and energy, but the connections made are more than worth it! (Investing….isn’t that what being a parent is all about?)

So, as a mum of four, not only am I committed to reading chapters from two different books each night (Mr 13 and Mr 10′s chosen books) I am also very conscious of embracing the journey of imagination of my 5-year-old as he steps up from reading illustrated children’s books to small chapter books.

As with my first two sons, I have begun reading to Mr 5 (son number 3) my own childhood favorite book, “The Adventures of the Wishing Chair” by Enid Blyton.  At first, he wasn’t that interested with there not being pictures on each page, but as I begin to read, with variety of intonations and range of character voices,  the delight on his face as the short chapters unfold is simply priceless.

This transition to reading older books, migrating from the world of full illustrated picture books, as an important mountain to climb. To unlock another door in a child’s imagination to release the excitement of ‘watching’ a story unfold, to be enthralled by what the next chapter will entail is vital progress to the next stage of independent reading.

Recently, I have been very ill, (hospitalised with Viral Meningitis), and it has taken weeks for me to recover (still recovering) and there was one night in particular, where I was completely depleted of energy after the exhausting ‘night time’ routine, and the very last thing I wanted to do was read another chapter of “The Wishing Chair” …..but then I saw his…..

ANTICIPATION * EXCITEMENT * IMAGINATION *  LOVE OF READING

How could I NOT embrace this?

I read Chapter 5 “Poor Lost Chinky”, with great enthusiasm, encouraging Mr 5 to predict the ending, laughing about how funny it would be if one of our old chairs grew wings……It was right then, I think I heard the unlocking of another door to his imagination. He fell evenmore in love with reading.

I collapsed back into my sick-bed. Job done.

What children’s chapter books do you read with your young children?
(I still have one son to go!!)

Sharing some positive messages!

I am a huge believer in my mantra ~  ”Change your thoughts to change your feelings”, and just LOVE finding, creating and reading a whole range of positive quotes and messages.
(My Facebook page HAPPY HERO always starts the day with a positive message!)

Some of my favorite quotes you can read on this BLOG POST.

For a few years now, I have been creating original “Inspirational Quote Artworks” that are fabulous to have placed around the home. For the moment in time that these positive words are read, the feelings inside you shift….lifting your spirits or changing the internal voices. Children’s rooms are a great place to display these, so they too can read and believe positive messages each day.

My “Inspirational Artwork Quotes” are available for purchase, set behind professionally cut mat board, ready to be placed inside any 8×10″ or 6×8″ frame. (Frame isn’t included because the artwork can be posted easily and economically!) I can also create custom orders, including special messages, names or specific quotes ~ such a unique, original gift idea.


I have more “Inspirational Artwork Quotes” on my website HERE…..

Recently, I decided to ‘show’ the creation as well as the finished individual hand painted/hand drawn  art pieces, so you don’t only get the unique artwork, but a visual experience as to how it was created!

Here is one of the finished artworks “I think I can; I knew I could” :

You can watch the artwork time-lapse creation VIDEO HERE. (YouTube)

Another finished artwork piece “Always Make New Mistakes”….

Watch the artwork time-lapse creation VIDEO HERE.
( I will be uploading more features to my YouTube channel “happyherobooks” as I finalise more of the videos!)

I have been having a lot of fun with these, sharing the creating of my artwork as well as illustrating positive messages to be enjoyed by everyone.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?