Mother's Day Part III: If My Mother, Grandmother & I Ruled the World

                 Photos & Lyrics are Great on this Mother's Day Video

Thought for the day: I've always felt that the best gifts are either ones you make (or write) for someone or the gift of spending time with someone. If you are inspired by what I have been writing in this 3 part Mother's Day series please share your stories about your mothers & grandmothers here & with your loved ones. At the end of this short blog, I will post a list of other last minute gift ideas for Mother's Day.

My 4 Generations of Mothers Many Years Ago

In my earlier posts in this series, I told you about how the world would be if my mother (Part I) or grandmother (Part II) ruled the world. Today, I'd like to add my my twist on one of the lessons my mother & grandmother taught me which might help solve problems big & small. My mother & grandmother were not the only ones who believed that, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." As a therapist, I help people express all their thoughts & feelings. You may think I was not listening to or rejected the wisdom of that saying. I actually believe that I've added my own twist to that lesson. I would suggest that, "If you can't say something nice, find a nice way to say it." 

So if my mother, grandmother & I ruled the world through the three lessons I've discussed this week, what would happen? People would encourage their children to change the world by teaching them new ways to resolve conflicts. They would not only encourage them to lower their voices, but also to find creative sensitive ("nice") ways to talk about tough topics. In addition, they would use the new technologies which my mother would have embraced on facebook, twitter, Google+  & YouTube to build a strong world family of man better equipped to resolve all conflicts.

As Mother's Day approaches, I miss my mother & grandmother, but they are with me & continue to inspire me & my children every day. How are you, your mother & grandmother changing the world?  I'd love to hear your stories, too. We all can inspire one another! Let's lead the way!

As promised, here are some last minute ideas for gifts for the mothers in your life:

If you live in or near NYC or will be visiting soon, take your Mom to the Museum of Motherhood where they celebrate Motherhood 365 days a year. Or take them on May 20 (Sun) 11-5PM 9th Annual MAMAPALOOZA Outdoor Extravaganza at Riverside Park So. NYC with Summer On The Hudson, New York (entrance at West 68th St and the Hudson River) FREE.  More

While you are in NYC you can visit the MicroMuseum as well.

You might want to inspire the women who taught you to believe in your ability to accomplish your dreams by giving them books that will inspire them. You can order one of my books that contributes 1/2 of the profits to a cause your mother supports or one that supports mothers like Enchanted Makeovers, which uses handmade projects to makeover shelters for homeless mothers & their children. There are 21 amazing NPOs benefiting from my book. Type in the name of the nonprofit to find the book that supports your cause.

Other inspiring books  & a video to choose from by authors I have met since I published my book include: The Thin Threads Series (available online & in Hallmark Stores) including one on Mothers & Grandmothers, edited by Stacey Battat,  Mother Teresa, CEO, by Ruma Bose & Kathy Eldon's award winning video about her son, Don Eldon Dying to Tell the Story [VHS]. 

If you want to read more about my grandmother's inspiring story, check out her memoir, Stored Treasures.

Have a Happy Mother's Day!

Did a Doll Help You? Dolls Looking For Good Homes

 

Thought for the day:  Dolls are important to the mental health of children (both boys & girls). Has a doll ever helped you get through a tough time?

Today's blog is a bit different. It is about two projects that you may want to support. They reminded me of the importance of dolls. The projects are sponsored by two of the nonprofit organizations featured in my book, Enchanted Makeovers & Compass to Care. 

     I was first trained as a Clinical Child Psychologist & worked primarily with children & families for eight years before coming to Boston & completing my doctorate. Even though most of my current clients are adults, dolls, puppets & doll houses are still permanent residents of my office. When children are struggling with issues they play them out often with the help of dolls. Connecting with a doll is therapeutic for all children. Dolls, like good therapists, accept their "adopted parents" unconditionally & children can feel supported & loved by a doll.

The 1st project I'd like to tell you about is being sponsored by Enchanted Makeovers. They are asking artisans to donate handmade dolls to be given to children in shelters. The Doll Adoption Project was born out of memories that Terry Grahl, founder & visionary of Enchanted Makeovers has of herself & her dollies. It is her hope to give children in shelters the same gift of unconditional love that her dolls gave to her.

     The Project carries meaning for both the child & the creator. Adopting a doll gives the child the opportunity to nurture & express love.  The creator can sew herself & her story into heart of the doll. Each handmade outfit & hand embroidered face will tap into the creator's inner child, sending a message of love & support to a child in need. The precious eyes will help the doll maker to ''look'' back on what truly made them happy. The embroidered mouth will help let the child find their voice. The hair will remind them that no matter what their life circumstances, they can change it. The outfit will remind them that they are more then what we wear, they are powerful beyond ''measure.'' If you would like to help a child in a shelter, create & send a handmade doll to: Enchanted Makeovers 12663 Hipp St Taylor, MI 48180. Safety: Please only place items on dolls that a child will not choke on. Example: embroidered face or a painted face.

     The second doll I want to tell you about is the Dina Doll. The Dina Doll is named after Michelle Ernsdorff's sister, Dina, who shared many journeys with her when Michelle was dealing with cancer. Every difficult journey is easier when you have a friend by your side. The Dina Doll is more than just a doll, she’s a constant companion to bring the lucky recipient lots of smiles & to hold onto during the tough times. Compass to Care, a nonprofit organization founded by Michelle, helps families with the costs incurred when families need to travel to get treatment for children suffering from cancer.

Get a Dina Doll & help keep your child, or any child, company no matter where they are in their lives. Each doll has a special note placed in the pocket of her Dina Doll’s dress. There is also the Dina Doll story coloring book that comes with each doll.

Whether you choose to give the Dina Doll as a gift to your child or a friend, or donate one to a child with cancer, you’re helping families get their child one step closer to treatment because 100% of your purchase will be used to pay for traveling to the hospital.

A Doll That Helps Kids With Cancer

     Has a doll helped you through a tough time? I'd love to hear about your doll. My two favorite dolls were Snow White & the 7 plastic dwarfs that came with her & a ballerina doll with life like moving joints, toe shoes & a tutu.