WINNER: Dream Big, Little Pig! by Kristi Yamaguchi

Before I left for my trip to England I posted a giveaway of Kristi Yamaguchi's children's picture book Dream Big, Little Pig! There were 15 entries! I loved reading everyone's big dreams and hope they become a reality (even the unicorn!). Unfortunately, I can only make one dream of winning this book come true ...



Congratulations, Ali!

GIVEAWAY: Dream Big, Little Pig! by Kristi Yamaguchi

I remember watching Kristi Yamaguchi win gold at the 1992 Winter Olympics for women's figure skating. She was simply stunning out on the ice. All of her dreams were coming true in the last seconds of her final program, but you could see in her eyes that she was a girl who was determined to make all of her dreams a reality.

Kristi's dreams didn't stop at the Olympics. She went on to have a successful career touring with Stars on Ice. She was started the Always Dream Foundation in 1996. In 2003, her TV special, Friends and Family aired on NBC and ran has run annually for four years. Most of you might remember that she won ACB's Dancing With the Stars in 2008. On top of all this she is happily married with two daughters. Now, she is embarking on a career as a children's picture book author with the debut of Dream Big, Little Pig!

I received a copy a few weeks ago of Dream Big, Little Pig! and every night since Princess D has asked that I read it to her! Like the character Poppy, my daughter has her own big dreams of becoming a teacher, or a chef, or an actress. I encourage her to dream big and have always said that hard work and determination will help her make her dreams become reality. This book reminded me that it is important to have fun while working hard on making your dreams come true! It is the "fun" that gets you through the stumbles and falls.

If you have a child who has big dreams you should get Dream Big, Little Pig!by Kristi Yamaguchi. You can enter to win a copy of the book ($16.99 value).

THE RULES:
For this contest, there is one official entry and one bonus entry available. The deadline to enter is April 10, 2011 at 11:59pm PT. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winner via email, so I MUST have a way to get in touch with you. If the notified winner has not responded within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. The contest is open to US entrants only.

OFFICIAL ENTRY:
You MUST leave a comment below telling my you or your child’s big dream.

BONUS ENTRY:
Bonus entry #1: Follow me on twitter and tweet "Win a copy of Dream Big, Little Pig! by @kristiyamaguchi from @redlotusmama: http://tinyurl.com/4raxg8r #giveaway". Bonus entry will count only if you leave another comment below with a link to the tweet.

*****************************************************************************************

Sourcebooks provided the copy of Dream Big, Little Pig!. I was not asked to post about them or the book. All statements are my opinion and my opinion only.

Writing Challenge #9: Looking Around

A couple of months after I walked away from my marriage my parents took me to Maui for some much needed sun, sand, and much needed sleep. I reached out to the interwebs to recommend a good book for me to read to help get my mind off things. A non-self help book, but something that would "move" me. The overwhelming suggestion was Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert.

The interwebs were right. Eat, Pray, Love was the perfect book to read at that time in my life.

I was so conflicted. I married for love, but I was no longer "in" the marriage. I didn't want to be a divorcee with a young child, but I knew it was time to walk away. I felt guilty and was tired of feeling guilty when I knew I had done everything I could to provide and support my husband. It was supposed to be forever, but after 8 years had felt like forever had come and was long gone. I needed an answer to why I felt the way I did. Then I read it:

"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.

A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master..."

As an English major I have read a lot of books. Fiction, non-fiction, biographies, self help. I have been moved by some incredible writing, but no book has ever given me that "ah ha" moment like this.

By Elizabeth Gilbert's definition he was my soul mate. Because of him I learned how to be juggle a full time career while being a single mom, that I need passion that challenges and listens to me, that I nag way too much if dependability and responsibility by my partner fails, I can communicate well when not responded with pouting and excuses, I deserve time alone to be creative and brain dead, that my life has to not have extremes in order for me to feel serenity. He shook up my life and belief in myself. With him I lost control of me because I tried so hard to control him.

I was making the right choice to leave in order to let the light shine in and for my heart to open up. Let the transformation begin.

********************

This post is an exercise for {W}rite Of Passage. This is group of writers seeking a challenge, getting critique, and finding community. Feel free to join us!.

Share|

NaBloPoMo Day 20: The Tao of Pooh - Not a Fool

I really am finding The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff to speak more and more to me. It explains the most complicated life problems in the simplest way. For example:

The wise know their limitations; the foolish do not.
It has been a brutal work week for me. Not because I don't understand the work, but because I have an outrageous amount of it. I have been working the minute my laptop turns on until I go to bed. I had back to back meetings forcing me to cancel therapy and acupuncture appointments. Work has crushed me.

I know my limitations. I know the hours in my day I can work vs. when I spend time with my daughter. I would be a fool to allow those two worlds blur into each other too much. She is my priority.

One day she said "Mama, I really want you to play with me. You work too much." It crushed me. From that day I made a promise that I wouldn't turn my laptop on until she goes to bed. I never want her to feel like she is less important. I don't think of her as the cause of my limitation because there is no limit to loving and parenting your child. My limitation is the number of hours I have in my day. I can't physically create more hours. I would be a fool to think I could.

So, this weekend I am turning work off and focusing on my Princess ... and I can't wait!

Share|

NaBloPoMo Day 13: The Tao of Pooh - Inner Nature

As I mentioned last week my therapist has me reading The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff. So much of this book speaks to me. I am not necessarily looking a life differently, but more clearly.

"When you know and respect your your own Inner Nature, you know where you belong. You also know where you don't belong. One man's food is often another man's poison, and what is glamorous and exciting to some can be dangerous trap to others."

Many people who know me are familiar with my neurotic compulsive organizational skills. Everything has its place in my home and office. I am more calm when my world is organized. I like schedules and being on time. Kids work adapt and thrive on schedules. Budgets only work with planning. I am already planning out 2010 in order to get my finances in order without having to deprive me and Princess D from living.

I am also creative and passionate about culture. I love writing and reading. I love photography and the arts. I love traveling to different countries to experience amazing sights, tasting different foods and meeting new people.

My X is the complete opposite. So, I started to over compensate or lax. This stresses me out constantly. I get headaches when I start to over compensate specifically on the right side of my head. My logical side starts to constrain my creative side. I lose my focus when I get lax which quickly makes me stressed out and I start to over compensate again. With him I lose my balance.

This creative side of me is what balances out my OCD. Its my Inner Nature.

Share|

NaBloPoMo Day 6: The Tao of Pooh: Music & Living

My therapist has me reading The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff. It is a great read and I am learning a lot of great stuff from it. I thought I would share some of it with you. Let's start with the concept of:

In a similar manner, instead of struggling to erase what are referred to as negative emotions, we can learn to use them in positive ways. We could describe the principle like this: while pounding on the piano keys may produce noise, removing them doesn't exactly further the creation of music. The principles of Music and Living aren't all the different, we think.

The other day I heard this song while I was driving in the car. I hadn't heard it in quite some time, but the lyrics spoke straight to my heart. I reminded me how much my life has changed in the past year.

Alanis Morissette ~ Head Over Feet

I had no choice but to hear you / You stated your case time and again / I thought about it / You treat me like I'm a princess / I'm not used to liking that / You ask how my day was

I remember once being called a princess and I hated it. I am everything but.

I was living paycheck to paycheck with debts piling up. After 6 hours in the office I would pick up my daughter and go home to a messy house. I would cook dinner, do the dishes, give Princess D a bath and put her to bed. My evening hours were spent putting in 2 more hours of work until I could go to bed. I would average about 6 hours of sleep before I had to get up to get D ready for school and do it all over again.

I can’t remember ever having a meal brought to me in bed. I can’t remember ever getting to sleep in. I can’t remember feeling secure.

You've already won me over in spite of me / Don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet / And don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are / I couldn't help it / It's all your fault / Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole / You're so much braver than I gave you credit for / That's not lip service

I had felt invisible for years. I trusted so few people. You were the very last thing I expected to come into my life. I was so determined to close my heart off until I knew I was whole again. You never gave me doubt about your friendship, intentions, or generosity. You spent hours listening to me cry and scream. You told me your story to help me with mine. You have been through so much and I get my strength knowing that you made it through.

You are the bearer of unconditional things / You held your breath and the door for me / Thanks for your patience / You're the best listener that I've ever met / You're my best friend / Best friend with benefits / What took me so long

What we have seems impossible to so many people, but I wouldn’t change anything. I know this has happened for a reason. I know I never have to bottle up any of my feelings due to fear of your reaction. I know you will listen with open ears and an open heart to any of my problems. You respect my interests and encourage my creativity. You challenge the way I think and see the world.

I've never felt this healthy before / I've never wanted something rational / I am aware now / I am aware now

Happy birthday, honey!

Share|

100 Random Things About Me: Books & Movies

I have two topics that I wanted to write about that seem to be going hand in hand. So this week for my 100 Random Things About Me I am giving you a 2fer ... books & movies!

More often than not a movie based on a book is no where as good as the book, but there are instances when the movie is very complimentary. This past weekend Miss took me to see Twilight. I have heard mixed reviews of the books so I wasn't in any rush to buy them, but I was interested in seeing the movie. As a huge Harry Potter fan I was interested in seeing Robert Pattinson in a different character. After seeing the movie I have put the Twilight Collection on my Christmas wish list and actually want to see the movie again! Yes, folks I have jumped on the Twilight bandwagon of squealing teenage girls. Ok, I won't squeal in the movie theater, but I couldn't help but swoon when I saw this brooding face:



I can't say that Twilight is one of my favorite movies or will be one of my favorite books, but for now it seems to be what I want to sink my teeth into!

There are some books turned into movies that are on my "favorites" list:

6 & 7) Harry Potter - The books are incredible. I never thought I would get so sucked up into them like I did. The movies don't compare to the books, but they have found a place in my heart. I love watching them over and over again like my daughter watches Enchanted. I am so excited for the next movie to come out and I can guarantee that I will be reading the book again the week before I see the movie.

8 & 9) The Commitments - I saw the movie long before I read the book. The soundtrack is fantastic. Then a class in college had me read Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha by Roddy Doyle. I loved it and proceeded the rest of his novels. I have seen the other movies based on his books, but none of them are as good as The Commitments.

10 & 11) Emma and Sense & Sensibility - I have a BA in English and my focus was British Literature. Jane Austen is my favorite author. These two movies bring two of my favorite novels to life with incredible casts.


My two favorite movies that are not based on books are:

12) 50 First Dates - Romance, humor, family, and Hawaii ... what is there not to love about this movie. Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler are so natural together. I can watch this movie over and over again.

13) Sound of Music - This movie brings back so many wonderful childhood memories. I love being able to sing along to every song.


My two favorite books that have not (yet) been turned into a movie are:

14) Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert - There are rumors that a movie is in the works starring Julia Roberts. I have mixed feelings about this. I like Julia Roberts, but I am not sure if a movie would really capture what this book signifies for me.

15) She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb - A voice of a woman incredibly written by a man. I laughed and cried when I read this book. That doesn't happen very often with me.

So, tell me are there any movies or books you love?

NaBloPoMo 9: The Answer

Six years ago today I stood on a beach in Maui and pledged my love and life to a man that I was deeply in love with. I saw a future that was filled with potential, success, and balance thanks to hard work. So, what happened?

I have been wondering that since I filed for separation. There are so many things that contributed to my decision, but I am not going to share them out of respect to Hubs and our family. This is not the place to "air the dirty laundry of my marriage." During many conversations (or fights) Hubs and I have had over the past few months he has mentioned "You knew who you were marrying." I know that I did not marry him to change him. So, what happened?

Before I left for my Maui R&R vacation I asked my Plurk friends to recommend a book I could read sitting on the beach while drinking a Mai Tai. It had to be a non-self help and not depressing. The incredibly insightful Donna Daritan suggested Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I had seen this book on the shelf while walking through the bookstore, but I never knew what it was about. So, I Googled it and found that it is about the author's journey to find herself, inner peace, happiness and spirituality after her difficult divorce. I bought the book that afternoon.

I love this book. It felt like Elizabeth Gilbert was writing my life, my dreams, my heart, my needs. But, there was one specific passage that answered my question:

"I have a history of making decisions very quickly about men. I have always fallen in love fast and without measuring risks. I have a tendency no only to see the best in everyone, but to assume that everyone is emotionally capable of reaching his highest potential. I have fallen in love more times than I care to count with the highest potential of a man, rather than with the man himself, and then I have hung on to the relationship for a long time (sometimes far too long) waiting for the man to ascend to his own greatness. Many times in romance I have been a victim of my own optimism."

Six years ago today I was looking into the eyes of a man I knew Hubs could be. I was in love with his potential. I took to heart his dreams and promises. It is not his fault that he did not, or has not, fulfilled my expectations. It is my own fault that I set them and fell in love with them. I know I can not make him become what I think he can be. I realize now that I should have been in love with who he is so that if he excels it would be "gravy."

As I wrote before, I am not sorry about my separation. I am sad. It was my own optimism that broke my heart.

my big kid

Yesterday Delaney and I were at Target picking up a few toiletries and a new book. As expected she wanted the first Disney Princess book she saw. It was a large hardback book with thick sturdy cardboard pages displaying large pictures of the princesses and their best friends. I told Delaney that we should walk around a little more to see if there was another one she might like better. On the next aisle she spotted another Disney Princess book. This one is a paperback book with 5 stories about each princess. The book is for beginner level reading.

I told Delaney she could only have one book and that she needed to choose the one she wanted. After a few seconds she handed me the first book and said "I don't want that one because it is for babies. I want this one because it is for big kids."

Since we got home from Target we have read that book cover to cover three times! I am so proud of my big kid!

UPDATE: If you are interested in the book it is called Princess Story Collection (Step into Reading)

quesadilla

After school I took Little 'Ny to the bookstore as promised. We did our usual routine of reading ALL the Dora the Explorer books and playing with the train set. After about an hour I realized it was time to grab some dinner.

The hot day yesterday turned into a very pleasant evening outside, so we headed over to Rubio's to pick up some food. If you have never eaten at a Rubio's you must eat at one if you ever visit San Diego and have a fish taco. You will be very happy you did. Little 'Ny loves their quesadilla and beas, but when you ask her if she wants a quesadilla she corrects your pronunciation: que-sa-DI-YA.

We ate our dinner by the fountain in the shopping center courtyard. Little 'Ny loved watching the ripples in the water. She played with some of the other kids there jumping off the rocks, running around the fountain, splashing the water and running away from the bees.

It was a very relaxing afternoon.

"zen"ing out

My desperate search quest to find the perfect diet led me to find this interesting article about Zen eating. I liked the concept that there are no real guidelines, but to remember that food is to nourish the body. We shouldn't be filling it with processed, fatty foods.

I am going to have to pick up Halé Sofia Schatz's If the Buddha Came to Dinner.

two posts in one

Choo chooooooooo ... that is the sound of the Potty Train going at full speed!

Saturday's accident might have given me some anxiety, but is sure did not slow down Little 'Ny. She is still not telling me she needs to go potty, but I just keep asking her every 15 minutes if she has to. The big news is that last night and tonight she went #2 in the potty. You heard me people! Neither of these times were simply by chance. Both times I asked her if she needed to go to the potty and she responded with "Mommy, I poo poo in the potty?" And, boy oh boy, did she ever! Yesterday, she got a lolly pop ("yoyy pop") as a treat for this milestone. Tonight she asked for one M&M. We are just so proud!

*** *** ***

Thanks to Dora the Explorer and the cook at her school Little 'Ny has been picking up a little bit of Spanish:

buenos dias = good morning
abre = open
por favor = please

Tonight we were reading Dora Loves Boots. On one page Dora ask for help to count the strawberries in Spanish. Before I could even get the words out of my mouth Little 'Ny was saying "uno, dos, tres, quatro, cinco". I was speechless. As annoying as Dora can be she certainly does work!

nablopomo day 7: bookworm

I am an only child and growing up I spent a lot of time alone so books became the best way to pass time. I love reading. I love soaking in a great story until reality washes away.

My parents loved going on road trips when I was a kid. Seeing the country at their own pace. While they soaked in the landscape I sank into a book. It drove my mom crazy!

This passion for reading carried over into my college career. I got my BA in English and spent a summer in London studying Shakespeare. Along with this passion came all of the books I didn't want to get rid of. Those books reside in my parents new house ... driving my mom crazy!

farewell, harry ... for now

I never thought I would get caught up in the hype of Harry Potter, but as an English major and an avid reader I did!

A few years back, during a Thanksgiving vacation in the Lake Arrowhead, I was sitting by the fireplace in our cabin and picked up the first Harry Potter book that one of the guest's 4 year old son brought. By chapter 8 I was addicted. I just had to continue on reading. I found myself getting sucked into this magical world J.K. Rowling had created. My imagination would run wild and I would get lost in the beauty of the stories.

Then my daughter came along the day book 6 arrived on my door step. I attempted to read, but the lack of sleep would get the best of me every time. My girlfriend told me once my kid turned 2 I would finally be able to read a book again.

She was right … and just in time for book 7 to come out! So, like a crazy “muggle” I was determined to read book 6 and 7. After late nights and neglecting my work I did it! It took me a week to read book 6 and 4 days to read book 7!

The morning I finished book 7 I found myself having mixed emotions. I was thrilled to complete the series and know how Harry Potter ended and knowing that I could get on with my life. But, there was sadness too … I would never feel the thrill of opening up a new Harry Potter book or having a reason to let my brain take a break from everyday “muggle” life!

Thank gawd for the movie! I found an excuse to delay the good-bye. I reopened book 5 … it had been 4 years since I read it and I figured that it was important to refresh my memory before seeing the movie. I took my time rereading this book, savoring every word.

Two weeks later I was ready to see the movie. My husband and I went to an early bird showing. I left the theater reeling with the differences between the book and movie and what I liked about the movie. Again, the flood of relief and sadness filled me. But, there is hope … Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the movie is yet to come!