Who Knew? I HAD NO IDEA!

My sole motivation for writing 'Preschool Friends A-Z Around The World (Together In Peace And Harmony, Book 1)' was to expose young children to diversity in an environment that was both inviting and safe. What else could fit those criteria more appropriately if not a preschool classroom? In my new release, children of different ethnicity, culture, and race are viewed doing everyday activities that your little ones perform all the time. One child is playing with a dolly, two are enjoying a snack, two boys are dressing up as 'dads', and one girl is on the playground swinging to the sky. When children witness others playing the way they do, strong bonds are formed, and differences are totally ignored.

By teaching preschoolers to embrace rather than fear diversity, we are actually putting them on the path to reaching world peace in their lifetime. You may think this is a huge overreach, but I adamantly believe that this seemingly impossible task will only be achieved one relationship at a time. And when youngsters learn that difference is beautiful,they will be more drawn to it. I truly hope that the children of tomorrow will live in peace and harmony, and that perhaps I helped contribute to their phenomenal future in some small way. I could then leave this world a very happy lady!

But something unexpectedly happened with the writing of this book, something I had no idea that it could effect. Since I dedicated it to my youngest grandson, Gabe, and to all the children of the world, I sent the first copy to him for his third birthday. My daughter said he carried it around all day asking her to read it at least 712 times! Now I know she was exaggerating, but Gabe is one of my biggest fans, so she probably wasn't that far off the mark!

That evening while all the kids on the street were riding bikes, catching ball, and pretending to be woodsmen, my daughter presented 'Preschool Friends' to the neighborhood moms. After leafing through the pages, they started a serious discussion on how little if any diversity was present in their own elementary and high school experiences. Most stated there might have been one or two African-
Americans in their classes when they were teens, but none when they were in grade school. Forget about any kids of Spanish, Indian, or Russian descent, they simply were a non-entity.

The ladies talked about how unfortunate they felt not having the opportunities to make friends with folks of different ethnicity, culture, and race. They speculated on how much they could have learned and how much more enriched their lives could have been if only diversity were a part of their growing up years.

After we finished our phone conversation,  I thought about what I'd just heard. My little children's book wasn't just for kids as I'd originally believed. 'Preschool Friends' is a must read for parents as well. The adults have just as much to learn about diversity as do their children simply because as children they, too, were never exposed to diversity in an inviting and safe environment. By reading it over and over again with their youngsters, they'll come to the conclusion that it is their responsibility to connect with others of diverse backgrounds for the sake of everyone involved. They will realize that they have the duty to educate their sons and daughters to embrace diversity rather than fear it. By doing so, the parents as well as their children can feel good about being forerunners in the quest for living together in peace and harmony!

Who knew? I HAD NO IDEA!


                                                                                                    http://tinyurl.com/gldu7mw

HAPPY NATIONAL PET DAY, SHADOW!

On December 10, 2002, we hit the lottery big time! We went out into the country and rescued a mixed lab-terrier from an unscrupulous woman who cared nothing about dogs and everything about money. After paying her $60. I placed the furry, black speck of a pup in the palm of my hand and we drove home with her shaking all the way. When we arrived, I carried her into the kitchen and put her down on the floor. She waddled over to the carpet by the sink and peed. Right then and there we were absolutely convinced we won the pet lottery which meant more to us than if we had the winning ticket for millions!.

Fast-forward thirteen years and Shadow has been our constant companion every single day. She has been there for the birth of our seven grandchildren. She has been there during the loss of many dear family members and friends. She has celebrated every holiday with us, been on almost every vacation, and been part of every get-together we've ever had in our backyard.

Shadow guards us and our property with loud and long barking, sniffs everybody who enters our home, and protects every family member as if each was one of the puppies she never had.

Her face is getting whiter, and her step, a little more tenuous. Yet the vet says she's very healthy for her age, has very little arthritis, and could live many more years.

Although Shadow is our pet, and on this National Pet Day, we wish her all the best, she has been and will forever be more than a pet to us. She is our baby, daughter, sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend to everybody that has ever had the good fortune to come into contact with her. She is gentle, loving, and tolerate. The kids can roll on her, pull her tail, or poke her eye. She has never retaliated except to move away when they rough house, only to return to them seconds later for a soft word and a tender pat.

Shadow will show her displeasure when anybody, including myself, tries to take her treat or mess with her dinner. I don't blame her since I pretty much get irritated when someone tries to take my treat or mess with my dinner, too!

I could go on and on about our dear, sweet, Shadow, but as they say, ' a picture is worth more than a thousand words,' so her she is, SHADOW LINDY STAR! ISN'T SHE LOVELY?

Blog, Blog, Blog, Blog, Blog!

Usually I enter a post on Mondays, but I got so caught up in revamping this blog that I lost track of time. Now I've got to do a million other things and don't have time to jot down some insightful or inane musings depending on my mood and mental capacities.

However, I do think I've added pertinent info. that was either missing or confusing to my
loyal readers. My profile was non-existent, so I spilled my guts and told you everything about my career and what I've been doing since I retired.ee

I inserted the image of Book 1 for all three of my series which by clicking on it you'll be able to access my author's page. Additionally I made a list of all the books contained in each series.

I also added a gadget whereby you can email me easily and vent your frustrations or accolades regarding any of my posts. I look forward to your comments no matter the tone or word selection.

I think I've covered everything I've done over the past two hours and although it might seem trivial to you, I really don't care. I'm not a page designer or techie, so what may take others minutes, takes me an excruciatingly long time and a myriad of foul expletives!

I better quit now before I start using those @#7&$+*{?> again. You might just be able to interpret what I've just typed!

Blog. blog, blog, blog, blog!

Before I Leave

A while ago I wrote 'When Grammy Goes Away,' a children's book explaining loss of a loved one in terms youngsters could internalize and understand. It's dedicated to Brady, the first of my grandchildren, who is now a teenager. When it was published, he wanted to know why his book dealt with death. I told him since he was the eldest of the seven, he would be the one who could best comprehend my message. Brady has since come to terms with my decision, but doesn't like to think about the day when his grammy won't be in his world. I don't like the idea either.

My youngest grandson, Gabe, who will be three next month, is now obsessed with this book. He insists his mom read it every night, and knows if she tries to shorten it by skipping pages. The best part for Gabe is to get to the end and see my face smiling back at him.

With each passing year, I get closer to the end of my journey. Oh, don't get me wrong, I have no immediate plans to leave this world. As a matter of fact, I've set the number of my existence at 102! If I make it, I still have 30 more wonderful years to go.

www.amazon.com/flobarnett

Oftentimes my family asks what I want for Mother's Day, my birthday, or Christmas. I usually pick something both my hubby and I could enjoy together like a favorite restaurant gift card, or a replacement for an item that has bit the dust during the passed year. Lately though, I've been thinking what gift would make me the happiest I've ever been. And believe it or not, I actually have come up with an answer.

Before I leave I want to experience peace and harmony in the world with my children and their families. To me that means there would be no more war, no more hatred between races, no more senseless killings over petty issues, no more lying to achieve selfish goals, no more bullying others for the sake of self-indulgence, no more negativity in the media to up ratings, not more ugly words exchanged between neighbors, no more familial estrangements, not for one more day, not for one more minute.

And I've found the simply answer to making my dream a reality. Start with the young! Teach your children from the get-go that difference is beautiful, that diversity is to be embraced, not feared, and that living together in peace and harmony will bless them in every way, making their lives heaven on earth. Youngsters are like sponges, they sop up every word you say, every feeling you convey, every message you send.

My newest book, 'Preschool Friends A-Z Around the World' is a little contribution to helping you and your children explore diversity in a fun and factual way. In this story,  you and yours will meet 26 children who come from all parts of the world with strange names and different physical appearance. But what's the same is that they all attend preschool, do the same things like playing dress-up, building with blocks, swinging on the playground, and using their imaginations to make glorious creations. These activities bind children together no matter what creed, color, or culture they've been born into. When you expose children at an early age to difference you become the conduit through which their understanding is solidified. You give them the unique opportunity to be facilitators of peace and harmony in their preschools, their homes, their communities, their workplaces, and most importantly, their world.

You don't know me,but if you start teaching your children now to embrace diversity, you'll be gifting me with what I want most in life before I leave,the chance to witness everybody living together in peace and harmony throughout the world.

Hey, I believe you'll do it, after all, you still have 30 years before I plan to kick the bucket!

Coming this April to Amazon

MARCH MADNESS!

It's that time again when all there is on TV is basketball. They call it 'March Madness' and I must confess I'm mad about it! No, not mad that all you can watch is basketball for the next two weeks, but mad, like crazy about it, can't get enough obsessive, out of my mind possessed with it!

I've loved this sport since I made the first-ever girls' team at Vincentian High in 1959. In those days there were six players on the court which was literally divided into two sections, one for the three offensive players, and one for those on defense (3). Neither group was permitted to cross the center line. I was a defender since I couldn't hit the side of a barn when it came to scoring points. However I was a scrappy player who fought like mad to steal the ball and throw it to the other side where the shooters were waiting patiently for their chance to make a bucket.

Sounds weird to you, doesn't it? Actually the game had its highs and lows just like it does today. Taking the ball away from the opposing team and heaving it to my teammates was just as exciting then as it it now. The fans in the bleachers howled with delight, knowing their team had another chance to put two more on the scoreboard. When points resulted, we, the defenders were elated that our efforts made it possible even though those on offense took the bows.

Girls' high school teams didn't look like they do now for another reason, too. We didn't wear the cool tank tops and silky shorts that they jump around in these days. Ours was a one piece cotton suit that zipped up the middle and showed as little skin as possible. I think the shorts came down to our knees, and we wore socks that stretched almost to our knees, so the only body parts showing below the waist were our knee caps! But we weren't embarrassed since that was the look of the times, and we were just proud to be wearing the coveted uniform of the Vincentian girls' basketball team.

I have no idea whether or not we ever played in a championship game, but my guess is we didn't. But what was important then was that I got the chance to play the game I loved. Just being on the court representing my high school gave me such a high, one that if I close my eyes now, I can still remember with pride and satisfaction. Being part of the team gave me such a feeling of belonging, and the opportunity to form bonds with the other players that existed long after the wins and defeats were in the history books.

I suspect that the teams going into the NCAA 2016 Tournament experience similar emotions. Every player truly loves the game because if they didn't they wouldn't put themselves through all the grueling practices and travel that basketball demands. They wouldn't expose themselves to possible injury and humiliating defeat. The sense of belonging and the ties that bind forever are much more important than what the score columns show. Yes, winning this year's NCAA tournament would be a dream come true for any of the participating teams, but basketball provides so much more than winning the final four, it prepares you for life and supplies you with friendships and memories that will live on in your heart long after the lights on the courts are dimmed.

Of course I've filled out my brackets and am hopeful the team I've selected to win it all will succeed. However I'm not going to reveal my choice to you at this time. You'll just have to wait and see.

Go __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __   __ __!

The 'Spotlight' On SPOTLIGHT

Last week my hubby and I decided to see an afternoon flick, and since it won the Oscar for best film this year, we chose SPOTLIGHT. Now we knew about this movie's content, but as Catholics were still very interested in the facts of the Boston Globe's 2004 investigation into child abuse by priests. What they exposed was a horrific cover-up by the church's leaders that went on for decades, and sadly continues today.

Although the statistics presented were staggering, only about 6% of the clergy from around the world are known abusers. Please don't think I'm trying to minimize what these children have had to endure at the hands of the sexual predators, because I'm certainly not. What is critical though is that we understand the facts and be fair in our judgement.

I'm not going to reiterate what SPOTLIGHT so skillfully depicted because I could never do it justice, and if you are so inclined, you can see it for yourselves.

After the movie, my hubby and I discussed it at length. Again I won't impose our views on you, but we concluded that the best action the diocesan bishops could take would be to have every parish priest offer his congregation a time to get together to discuss this matter honestly with no holds barred.

And as if by divine intervention, the very next Sunday, it happened!

Because of our own pastor's failing health, a visiting priest had the Mass we attending. The gospel was the story of the Prodigal Son. It's one most known for the unconditional love a father has for his children no matter who or what they've become. To make a long story short, one of this man's son's leaves home, lives a life of debauchery, while the older son stays by his father's side doing what is expected of him. When the wayward boy returns, his father accepts him with open arms, calling for a great celebration to be held in his honor. The loyal son is disturbed by his father's generosity, asking for an explanation. You have been with me always and for that I'm certainly grateful, but your brother has come back, has asked to be allowed to lie down with the pigs to make reparation for his unsavory deeds, and for that I'm also grateful was the gist of this father's comments.

Although the celebrant never once mentioned the movie, his sermon hit right to the heart of the matter regarding sexual abuse in the Catholic church. He invited us to picture the father, God, standing in the middle between those of us who have greatly sinned much like the predatory clergy, and those of us who though sinners as well, have tried to walk in the way of Christ to the best of our abilities. As we approach Our Father from both ends of the spectrum, He extends His loving arms and offers forgiveness and compassion to all. Having been cleansed of our wrong-doings, God celebrates our return with food and drink by inviting us to partake of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

His sermon put everything into perspective for me. No matter what horrible actions we're guilty of, God will always forgive if we only ask. I'm not saying that the abusive clergy shouldn't be held accountable because they definitely should be. Their actions were and are criminal, and they must take responsibility for them and suffer the consequences. Long jail sentences and stringent rehabilitation are certainly in order for these offenders. Their priestly duties should be terminated, never being allowed to celebrate Mass, hear confessions, or be in contact with children again. Those who were involved in the cover-ups should be stripped of their powers so they may never be instrumental in the continuation of these horrific atrocities.

But as far as our judgement of these priests, we are not without sin and therefore do not qualify to make them. Only God, Our Father, is both judge and jury in this matter. And only when these sexual predators sincerely ask for forgiveness at the foot of the Cross, will they be welcome back to the Father's home.

What we can do is evident, keep an open-mind and pray for not only the leaders and priests of the church, and the abused and their families, but for all congregations who are appalled and confused by what they've seen and heard. Mostly we need to pray that we refrain from judgement lest we be judged as well.

Should Young Adults Vote?

After reading the morning paper today and saw a picture of a young girl sporting a sign in support of Bernie Sanders, I had to ask myself, 'Should Young Adults Vote?' Now I assure you I have nothing against young people nor do I necessarily view Sanders as unfit to run our country.

I guess I question how much this generation of voters knows about the process itself, and more importantly, how much they know about the candidates seeking nomination and the tactics they use to win. When I became eligible to voice my opinion for the first time, I did so mostly to boast that I'd voted. Secondly, since my family had always identified themselves as 'Democrats', although I don't remember, I'm sure I voted Democrat. Thirdly, depending on who my friends believed to be the best man for the job, had to have greatly influenced my own decision.

College kids now are certainly more informed. Politicians make it a point to visit campuses across the country. The internet provides these newbies with debates, current poll ratings, and who others their age view as worthy of their impeding vote. Economics, law, and political science classes have given them historical knowledge as well as up-to-date facts. No doubt all of this is beneficial when the time comes to act.

But what is missing, and in my humble opinion more critical than all the debates, polls and camaraderie put together, is life experience. Only when you've lived through countless elections and been terribly disappointed with what the candidates promised and what they actually achieved, do you scrutinize their speeches with rightful concern. Only when they are on top of the polls because they've assured you that your taxes will not be raised, yet knowing full well that they will be, do you question their veracity. And only when these casually-groomed politicians gather with families and friends in coffee shops and school gymnasiums making for great photo ops, do you see through their shallow attempts to make you believe they actually care about you and yours.

Perhaps instead of attending rallies, listening to planned debates, and talking to folks of similar age, young adults might learn more from their parents, grandparents, and veterans who have risked their lives to make sure our right to vote stays intact. After giving their elders a chance to help them understand the ins and outs of the political process and what effect it has on everyday living for the American people, would they be better armed to make their decision on primary and election days.

Yes, young adults should have the opportunity to vote, but only after they've exercised their duty to become well-informed by folks who have their best interests at heart, WE THE PEOPLE!