Happy Kansas Email Support

It is such a profound joy to open my email (or Facebook, or blog, or snail mail) and be the recipient of kind feedback. When I think of someone taking the time & energy to convey their support, it genuinely amazes me. As we all gear up for another exciting year of school, we fill our pencil boxes with bright new sets of crayons and other happy supplies. At the same time we [both teachers & parents AND children, too!!!] open our hearts to all of the potential & possibilities that new students, new classes and a whole new year together afford. Look what was in my in-box today. It is truly the best possible "back-to-school" message for me to ponder and what a glorious message it is to be able to share:

Debbie,
I was packing my daughter's lunch and was trying to think of something I could write on her napkin. Knowing that she knew the words and actions from your book allowed me to tell her she is wonderful, marvelous, beautiful, magical and filled with curiosity and dreams. She couldn't wait to show her friends. I really enjoyed your presentations in Kansas.
Lori

A heart felt thank you, Lori...... and "you're welcome" too!!

What are you writing on the napkins of your loved ones? What are you reading to those that you love? What are you telling the most important people in your life? I hope that it's all full of affirmation & encouragement. Here's to another great school year ahead.

Fanclub Fun

Tall Giraffe Fun

Morning Keynote 2

Keynote Continued

More Wonderful-ness

Isn't it cool, how my power point was projected on the screen behind the audience?? I could see what the participants were seeing -- in this case one of the illustrations from my book.

You're Wonderful

Keynote Kinesthetics

What a joy. What a pleasure. We are gathered together in the sanctuary that is literally state-ofthe-art. I have a cordless mic that has an ear piece -- like the big stage performers. I have a sound system that links into my boom box. I have a remote for my power point, projected on multiple screens. I have a full-time dedicated tech person -- for the ENTIRE day. They had a supply of batteries on hand, that were changed between presentations. Pinch me. I'm in heaven. The keynote consists of many of my greatest hits. We start with 'Celebrate'...... from there to 'Glad I'm at School' and on to 'Lion Prowl'.

Day #2: Let's Get it Started!

How many women does it take to pull together all of the gazillion details necessary to run a two day training event for over 1100 participants with fifty-seven presenters? (Plus a warm-up day for directors only..... so that sounds actually like three days to me!)

Well here's the answer: In color-coordinated & synchronized t-shirts, declaring the conference title: "Kid's Matter," here are the nine amazing wonder women who pulled the 41st annual conference together. They had presented me with my honorary t-shirt the day before. I had it hanging from my microphone on Wednesday. We took this sorority girls picture at 6:58 a.m., right after we'd had our morning breakfast together. With a morning tip-off of my keynote at 8:15, this team actually starts to assemble at 6:00 a.m!!! Talk about dedication. Talk about amazing. Talk about friendships forged in the midst of it all. With laptops humming and with plunger in hand -- we get underway.

We spoke over breakfast that my journey to their event began a full 21 months earlier, when we met one another at NAEYC in Chicago. They were attracted to my booth and mini-performance in the aisle, but alas, our workshop was already over by that point. So they marked their dance cards to be certain to see me in action the following year @ NAEYC in Dallas. And that's when we began making specific plans. Drum roll please. I finished my new vest last night a stroke before 10:00 p.m. (I did all of the hemming by hand in my yummy Hyatt suite..... oh, and do you like my little socks adorned with feathers??) Let the day begin!!

Day #1 Conclusion

It's a very special type of teacher who purchased my book on the first day of this conference, because I didn't include it in any of those workshops. It was to be the highlight of my keynote presentation on day #2. So either the teacher was drawn to the colors, or they quilt, or like Marilyn above, they just are kind, generous and willing to support a fellow early childhood professional. (Or maybe she's just a saavy shopper and wanted to avoid the long lines?? LOL) In any case, there was plenty of time to sign & personalize her copy.

Goldie Goldfish Finale

The June Taylor dancers join together to bring my very, very first song to life: "Goldie Goldfish." That's some serious 'shakin' going on in those first couple of pictures. The very easiest of my songs. Infectious. Then just a taste test of "Little Birdie." These pictures were snapped in the worksonp entitiled 'Songs and Fun for Everyone.' A combination of my work for the very young, for those with special needs, for teachers with less confidence is music (read -- easiest) or all of the above.

Monkey Fun

Count those monkeys: Monkey Fun!! Then a great big, rousing dance number in "Everybody, All Together." The always favorite, 'perfect transition' song, clockin' in at two minutes 34 seconds total. Perfect for the itties, perfect for the very capable.

Jazzy Friends: Midline

Music, Movement & Motivation: Take 2. Over the course of the two day conference, I have the assignment of giving each of four different titles two times each: six workshops and two keynote presentations. Here we are with the second set of attendees. Look carefully & you'll see the 'brain hemisphere' exercise.... positioning of a pointer finger pointing forward and a thumb on the opposite hand pointing up. Then just switch those two positions around. Certain to entertain your friends and neighbors. A quick reality check on crossing the midline, what a preschooler feels like when we ask them to demonstrate the 'wipers on the bus.'