NEW SONG for End-of-Year Slide Shows & Graduation: Kleenex ALERT!

PINCH ME!!! Look what happened! 

I made it back into the recording studio!!!

Believe in unicorns and pixie dust and happily ever after too! 

I am so very excited. I have BIG news!

My dear sweet husband said, "Yes."
He gave me the most incredible gift. 

The rest is history. 

A couple of years ago I wrote a little poem -- 

as a tribute to teachers.

• I wanted to say thank you in a tangible way.
• I wanted to express my appreciation. 
• I wanted to acknowledge your hard work.
• I wanted to affirm your many feelings. 
• I wanted to offer support.
• I wanted to recognize the milestone.
• I wanted to attempt to capture the emotions in saying good-bye. 
• I wanted to give you a new tool for your toolbox.
• I wanted to contribute to your closure.

So much happens in a school year.

Starting with early fall's delight over new supplies and potential, 

{twinged with just the slightest apprehension of the unknown....} 
There's an onslaught of pumpkins and reindeer,
candy hearts, leprechauns and bumblebees

*****BLINK***** 

and it is all over!  

The ending of a school year is so very poignant.

When the finish line is tangible, 

every moment goes into hyper-drive captured in 'forever' mode.

#Bittersweet

#Memories 

#ExhaustionElationExaustionElationExhaustion 

#Feelings

#Overwhelm
#Touching
#Meaningful

#Good-Bye
#Significance

#Reflections

#Growth
#Sentimental 
#Endings
#Finality
#Graduation
#BoomDropTheMicDone
#Legacy 

People downloaded my poem. 
They thanked me for articulating their experience. 
They told me they cried when they read it.
They tagged their friends.
They were grateful.
They printed it. 
They sent it home. 
They shared it.
They used it. 
  
Then someone said, 
"I wish it had a melody so that I could sing it." 

That one line of feedback started the ache. 
She planted the seed. 
It could be MORE!
It could be a song. 
Songs have legs.
Songs get play-time.
Songs stick with you.
I write songs. 

And a year went by. 
And then another. 

The feedback and gratitude accumulated. 
Like a gnawing water drip.....
so did that one request
ring over and over and over in my head. 
"I wish it had a melody so that I could sing it." 

Going into a recording studio with a poem on a piece of paper is expensive. This last couple years of my personal and professional life, we haven't had the 'extra' to even contemplate considering what it would take to go back into the studio. That's a long complicated story that is mostly sad, where we are still awaiting the triumphant conclusion. BUT......... stay the course long enough and the tide begins to turn. Have faith. Trust. Believe. Pray. Give thanks. HALLELUJAH.

So I squinted and in my best smiling wifey voice, I asked my dear sweet husband if this spring we were in a position to take on a new project. Hubby Allen said, 'yes.' 

Turns out that our efforts over at WobbleSeat.com could provide the financial resources necessary to answer her request to turn my little poem into a song. 

And with that go-ahead I got the nerve to talk to my UBBER talented producer-friend Ronn. His talent is legendary and his heart is even bigger. Ronn would have to agree to work for peanuts, or more accurately for peanut dust.... not even a minuscule fraction of his worth and value in the real world. The man has created brilliance in Nashville and Detroit. I thought he might be willing. I hoped. Just because he's the best. Just because he knows that for me to ask a favor -- it must be worthwhile. And Ronn said yes! 

And with that go-ahead we had to rope in Dan, the owner of the studio. It would take all three of us to bring this little idea to fruition. He too would have to be willing to make me the 'deal' of the century. Just because. As a friend. As an acknowledgement of our nearly two decades of projects together. Dan-the-man has a heart of gold. It would be fun to have the three of us under the same roof at Amerisound.  And Dan said yes! 

TRIFECTA. All three. Everyone on board. Tic-Tac-Toe!

So began the real work by Ronn to create the arrangement out of thin air. That is his specialty. We talked over the role of the song and how I envisioned it being used. We talked over the tone. We talked over poignancy. And then I gave him permission. Create. Use your gifts. Stay out of his way. 

I just had to get myself back to Columbus, Ohio. That's all. We left Vero Beach, FL just over three weeks ago.... driving to Green Bay, WI where I had the keynote. First must make stops in Augusta, Columbus, Cleveland, Green Springs, Ft. Wayne, South Bend and then actually arrive straight on to the Tundra Lodge in Green Bay. After that immediately down to Chicago for two days of work in Schaumberg at their library. Return to Columbus directly, to take the first flight out BACK TO FLORIDA! 

Return a couple days later to Columbus. Final annual school visit of the year in Westerville. Hugs. Hugs. Hugs. Hugs all around. Some of my VERY favorite people in that big road trip loop-di-loo. Some of my oldest and dearest friends.

Then time to drive to Amerisound Studios. TA DA. I could get there blindfolded.

While I was busy traipsing back and forth across the the country, Ronn was in a VERY serious car accident. Just mere days before our scheduled recording session. He testifies that it was his seat belt that saved his life. Angels watching over my dear, talented friend. How close do we come to our mortality on a daily basis? Sobering. 

What a back-drop to creative studio work. To say that we were all just a bit frazzled would be a slight under-statement. So when Ronn started playing his arrangement, it was no surprise that I was an immediate blubbering mortal. I just sat there and cried and cried as he added each track from his keyboard to the studio console. They weren't even the least bit surprised at my response. 

Time to blow your nose and sing, Debbie. It is at that point that I wish I am Celine. Alas. 

The song version required some slight reordering of my poem's origianal stanzas. This is now the completed song lyric sheet. It is in Pdf format in the zipped file that is now available over at TeachersPayTeachers. 

I have decided to make the digital file available for free for right now. HURRY over to get it for FREE!!! 

Pay it Forward. Gratitude. Appreciation. Random Act of Kindness. Anyone that still has school after Memorial Day deserves an extra serving of support. I can't wait to hear your feedback. It would be very kind if you would leave your supportive thoughts at TpT after you download it. 

From the very beginning, I thought that the song version could be used in your slide show overview, as part of the sound track to photographically reviewing your year. Then my friend Maggie, suggested that it could be used as a "Kindergarten Graduation March." I'm excited to hear how you might put it to use! 

Teacher Appreciation End of Year Sale + FREEBIE Download Poem

Teacher Appreciation Week! 

The finish line is in sight! 

Coming down the home stretch! 

Time to say thanks to those working so hard on behalf of learning!!!

I wrote a little End of Year Poem that you can download for FREE! 

I have it in pdf format over at our Early Education Emporium. 

I have two songs that are each used for End-of-Year Performances. 

I have YouTube videos to introduce you to the sign language that supports the song. 

This first one is "You're Wonderful" and is available in a digital download at TeachersPayTeachers.

My song, "Red, White and Blue" is especially appropriate to add patriotic flair. It too is in a zipped file and available for digital download at TpT.

I have put my store on sale at 20% off 

in time to have you take advantage of the site wide sale! 

Remember to use the check out code: 

THANK YOU to save an additional 10% off!

Five Year "Cancerversary" = Observations and a SALE

When there are 'no words'...... offer encouragement: please share the image!

Today's an amazing day in my life. I'm typing from the Orlando airport terminal at Gate 125 on my way to CALIFORNIA! From sea-to-shining-sea! All in one day! I'm headed to an amazing PK1 event to give a 'mini-keynote' on Sunday! AWESOME! Celebrate! WhooHoo!!!

Today is also my dad's birthday! He's 86 and VERY much at the helm of this four generation family. Spending time with my parents just a couple of weeks ago puts 'everything' in perspective: time and legacy woven together as one. The fact that dad shares this day with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. makes it that much more special. I have written about that overlapping previously.

YET, even more than all of the above, is the landmark which becomes my own personal reflection when I see the fifteenth of January on the calendar. 2015!

TODAY IS MY FIFTH CANCERVERSARY (from my second diagnosis.)

{Yes. It is a tad bit challenging when the clock has stopped on two occasions with an early stage Breast Cancer diagnosis, trying to keep the 'versaries straight and marking the milestones.}

FIVE YEARS in cancer-land is a big deal! FIVE YEARS TODAY!
A special shout-out to ALL of my Team January sisters, each marking their 'fifth' this month. What an amazing support system we've developed. It has been such a joy to meet several of you "SISTAHS" in my travels! 

Think of all that I have experienced in the last five years. WOW! Or go way back and start the clock from the original diagnosis and I am nearly 8 years out! But FIVE is particularly special in the land of survivors. Five years and you get to exhale. And mean it. At least kinda-sorta. As a two-timer, I realize there are no guarantees, no matter the math involved.

So many emotions. 

So many on Earth are called to 'survive' the unthinkable. Situations that we never dream could unfold, do and there we are suddenly starring as the heroine of the unforeseen. There are times when words fail. How do you offer support to someone in the midst of the 'surviving?' What was meaningful to me? What continues to be meaningful. A few thoughts.

1. Offer your presence, no need for presents. Be there. Even when you have no idea what to say... or especially when words fail. Being there is a very big deal. 

2. Offer to hold the situation up in prayer. I continue to be grateful for those who offer to hold me up in prayer. When I was on the daily roller coaster, I could gather my wits when reminded others were holding me in their hearts and prayers.

3. Remind the 'survivor' to take EXTRA lengths at 'self-care' in the midst of the storm: healthy foods, extra sleep, allowing MORE time for the simplest of errands. 

4.Offer to pitch in with the mundane, while the big issues are being dealt with else where. Coming home to find the sidewalk shoveled can be just the boost needed in a time of crisis. How amazing if you can do something nice in an anonymous manner. 

5. Smile and share some uplifting, comical relief. Even in the midst of a disaster, it is helpful to have a foundation of light-hearted reminders that this is just but a season.

6. Share a favorite Bible verse. Here's my "Go-To" for the tough stuff. 

Full article over at this image's source. 

To celebrate, I am wearing my newest happy socks. Thank you musical brown eyes. I am going to put ALL of my digital materials on sale! For the next several days! Help me celebrate! Use my songs. Create some smiles! Kick up your heels and do a little jig. Give someone else a compliment. You never know what the person next to you in line is facing, or may face. 

I'm wearing my new HAPPY SOCKS today and they are bringing me good luck!

P.S. For years and years in the BCO chat room, when I didn't know what else to type, I'd type: "Strength and courage. Strength and courage. Strength and courage." Like a signature of sorts. At the time our pastor had a way of saying things three times and I liked that sort of repetition. 

Just last week I left this little trinity of words for a sweet friend whose extended family has just been in a dramatic car crash. Just after I made the graphic today, while sitting next to this tarmac, I received the message that my simple typed cyber words were 'heaven-sent' in their arrival, in her life at that moment, and are actually repeated three times in the Bible's book of Joshua. 

 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

There are times in every journey when we must rely on others to help in the manufacture of new and additional strength and courage. Recognize those times will come. Reach out. Tell folks what you need: a hug, a call, some cheer leading. Home baked cookies. Whatever you want. 

In the words of Stuart Scott, in the midst of his acceptance speech for the Jimmy V award: 

"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer," Scott told the audience. "You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live."

It takes strength to face the unknown. It takes courage to realize that you can NOT control the circumstances now unfolding. It takes a village when times are tough. 

Author-Illustrator School Visit with Debbie Clement: Preschool!

WAIT TILL YOU SEE ALL OF THIS AUTHENTIC ART!

There are author-illustrator school visits and there are AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR SCHOOL VISITS!!!! 

Much of the success of my time spent directly with children is a reflection of the preparation the teachers have done with the children. 

Pinch me. Squeeze me. This was one of those days when I just thank the heavens for the opportunity to be me! These photos are just the iceberg's tip of awesomeness with a cherry on the top and I think every teacher for directing this creative effort! 

THE DEBORAHS! 

Yes. We're both Deborah. Yes. We're both P.K.'s. {that would be "pastor's kids."} YES! We were both excited at the prospect of being together in PERSON. In fact we have a whole lot more in common. 

Deborah is the assistant director with the vision to interject some 'Debbie Clement' into her program, after we met at a Frog Street Press conference. Deborah had the BRILLIANT idea that I could give her teachers some staff development via SKYPE!!!! 

Her program is my first ever 3 hour SKYPE PD session! 

Now take a look at the 8 class quilts created in response to my picture book illustrations! Let's start with the wee ones.  

Debbie Clement Teams Up with EduCents! Deep Discounts!

Educents + Debbie Clement TEAM UP! 

Clement Songs: Digital Download Mini Bundles on DEEP Discount!

BARGAINS!!! I've begun another new endeavor! I am now officially an 'affiliate' for the brilliant concept of bargain educational materials -- known as "Educents." I have my own affiliate code, badge and everything! And to launch this new relationship? I am teaming with these brilliant ones to offer my digital songs at DEEP DISCOUNT prices! What an incredible way to get acquainted with my materials. 

I have 3 'Mini-Bundles' that are each offered at a DEEP DISCOUNT off the product-by-product download price. My Mini Bundle #1 features the digital download, zipped files of the three songs that went on to become my three picture books. If you are considering having me come to your school and make an author/illustrator visit, that would be an ideal bundle for each of the teachers in your program. 

My zipped files always include my original songs for children in their digital Mp3 format. The songs in mini-bundle #1 include 2 Mp3s per song: both the sung 'song' version as well as the instrumental version of the song as well. These three songs are often 'performed' for others in a concert setting: end-of-the-year graduation, Mother's Day and Memorial Day events. 

Bundle #1 contain Pdfs of the sign language to support the songs as well as a chart of simple music notation and the chords. There are a variety of support materials included in the zipped files. 

Bundle #2 is my "School Friendly" Mixture of Songs that are 'active' in their presentation and make terrific 'brain breaks' and songs of affirmation for the classroom. This set of songs establish an upbeat attitude toward school and are certain to become personal favorites.

If you *REALLY* pressed me, I'd have to say that my all time favorite 'dancie' song of mine is, "All Together Now."

 

For Bundle #3 I've gathered up my songs that feature 'creatures' as a common denominator. This group has Piggies, Pollywogs, Monsters and Flying Creatures. This is a terrific bundle to add song and movement to your curriculum and day-to-day fun at home! 

Here's a closer look at the Pollywog Digital file. I created numerous 'fine motor' support Pdf's for this zipped file. It would be PERFECT for spring! METaMORphoSIS! 

There's also a *MASTER Bundle* of all three smaller packs. 
That's where the savings is the deepest.

When you get the ENTIRE deal you are saving over 60% off of the 'individual' prices. 

Tell your friends! 
Can you give a shout-out via your FAVE social network?
I'd be VERY appreciative.
This is the absolute best, rock bottom deal I've ever offered. 
It is the very BEST way to get acquainted.  

"Dinosaur Romp" Active Song goes DIGITAL!

"DINOSAUR ROMP!"

YIPPEE!!! I have translated another of my original children's songs into DIGITAL format! In the zipped file you get an MP3 version of the song, a powerpoint format of the lyrics and some Pdf's for some fine motor dino fun. 

The song has a hard-driving beat. 

Think AC/DC goes to PreK.

Think T-REX on wailing guitar. 

You're going to need your air guitars for this one! 

Let me demonstrate my AIR Guitar for you. 

That's how you really wail. 

Throw back your shoulder and it howl. 

That's a dinosaur hat on my head from the dollar store....

so be on the look-out! 

Here's another Dinosaur hat variation. 

I remember finding this on a vacation trip in a novelty store. 

Be on the look out. 

As I ALWAYS promise you: 

"If you put something on your head, you will have more eye contact from the kids!" 

The best way to go on a Dinosaur Romp is to think of playing "Follow the Leader." 

YOU get to be the leader -- unless you invite me! 

Here is a classroom of PreK's with their air guitars 

and following along as we stomp through the prehistoric swamp.

Dinosaurs make the PERFECT art project. 

They lend themselves to 'interpretation.' 

Take a look at an entire Bulletin Board full of handpainted and PERSONALIZED Dinosaurs in the Preschool setting. 

True Confessions................ 

The zipped file is not quite zipped up. 

We have safely arrived in sunny DENVER!!! 

Got back here to Clement central around 'our' east coast midnight. 

Still need to get this together, but the RockieWonders are monopolizing my heart. 

Maybe later today?

Or more likely..... tonight after they go to bed! 

Yes. That's the plan.

Zip and upload after they hit-the-hay!