This Way?

 

February is one of my favorite months because my daughter was born in February and many people I love and respect were born during this month. Also, some of my dear friends had babies and my heart rejoices with them. Yayyy, more February babies! 🙂

I wrote a poem for my beautiful niece who turned 6, a couple of weeks ago and I thought, ‘Why not dedicate it to all of you February born kids out there, despite how old you are?’

This Way?

Which way should I go?
Which doors to open?
Which memories to keep?
Which ones to be forgotten?

What friends should I make?
What is a perfect time?
What path should I take?
In this little life of mine?

‘My dear, my friend,
You’ll listen to your heart!
Sometimes,  it is true,
It will be hard!

But just like a clock,
It will beat so fast,
It will tell you which way,
Which path is the best!

If that turns to be 
A little too hard,
Keep going my dear,
As long you have your heart! 

Your friends will be there,
I will be there too!
You just keep wondering, 
Until you find YOU!

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“It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.” Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland.

 

Ledia Bostic

Fun Days of May: The First Week’s Activities

MAY IS THE MONTH OF FLOWERS

TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT A NEW FLOWER EVERY DAY!

Here are some of the most important dates and activities you can have during these days.

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May 1st

May 1st is International Workers’ Day! If you think it is hard to find an activity to do with your children today here is one!

Take a piece of paper and write letters of the Alphabet. Ask your kids to find an occupation for each letter of the Alphabet.

Another fun activity may be that you ask your kids to draw a picture of what he/she thinks you do at work! It can turn into a funny one!

May 2nd

Leonardo Da Vinci died in 1519

Color a painting by Da Vinci.

Here is a link with free printable coloring papers

http://theportraitplace.co.uk/kids-free-educational-activities-coloring-davinci.php

May 3rd

First Airplane Landed at North Pole in 1952

Show a map or a globe to the kids and tell them where the north pole is and some characteristics of it.

May 4th

Space Day

Ask your kids to write a Space Adventure they would like to have.

May 5th

Cinco De Mayo, Spanish for fifth of May. It originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War,[8][9] and today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

Teach your child some words in Spanish and go eat Mexican food today.

Also May 5th is the day of all of the National Heroes that died in the Second World War in Albania, the country I am from.

Read to your child an interesting story about this war and why nations fought against Germany at that time.

May 6th

Sigmund Freud’s birthday 1856

Ask your children to tell you or write a dream they had in the past week.

May 7th

Birthday of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 1840

Famous Composer of Swan Lake.

http://www.historyorb.com/people/tchaikovsky

Play his music for your kids today or let them watch a part of Swan Lake Ballet.

 

 

© Ledia Bostic

 

 

 

HANDS (A poem for kids of all ages)

 

When you think you’re small and there’s nothing to do,

You think you’re too young and no one needs you,

Think twice little one and look at your hand,

Shake it with someone and be a good friend.

 

When you think you have nothing to offer today,

Have no money, no job only two hands to play,

Think twice little one and write a nice letter,

Give it to someone to make them feel better.

 

When you think you can’t help and feel bad,

You think you can’t care for your own pet,

Wipe the tears of someone with your hand today,

Let your soft touch brighten somebody’s day.

 

When you feel your hands are too small to fix a thing,

You can’t even reach the water to wash in the sink,

Then stretch out your arms, open them wide and big,

There’s more power in a hug than you’d ever think.

 

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Monday? YES Please!

Monday?!!! Noooo!!! This is what I read in most of the posts on Monday mornings! People like to post about how Mondays are the most hateful days of the week and how sad they get that another Monday is here. I read lots of complaints as well because they have to work and and can’t wait for the week-end. 

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Really? Sad? Okay, here are some reasons to love Mondays:

1. Without Mondays there won’t be week-ends! The week needs to start in order to end! So Enjoy this day!

2. Monday means work, yes, I know you don’t like it, but if you don’t make money you won’t have fun in the week-ends!

3. Mondays tell you if you like what you do or maybe it’s time for you to rethink what you do. Maybe it’s time to do something you like. 

4. My daughter and so many others were born on a Monday and always this day will be a special day to my family.

5. Moms work everyday, they even forget what day it is, so think that this week-end there will be people waking up early as usual making breakfast, changing diapers… to them Monday is as special as Saturday because they want to give the best to their kids. 

6. Enjoy TODAY! Don’t live your life for tomorrow or the week-end. Live joyfully today! Tomorrow you’ll be older. 

7. Monday means “the moon’s day”. Isn’t it such a beautiful name? Find creative ways to make this day count, don’t wait for another day.

Ok, do you guys have more to add? Now, don’t get me wrong, we can find so many reasons to hate Monday but when the next one comes around find a reason to enjoy and say: “Monday? Yes, Please!” 

 

My First Pecan Pie Recipe Because I Care About Your Happiness

My family got some fresh pecans and they asked me if I knew how to make a pecan pie. I said I never have made nor tasted one but… “Challenge Accepted!!!”

Yes, I did it on a Tuesday, I couldn’t even wait for the week-end because every day is a good day to have some pie. 😛 It turned out delicious according to the experts like my husband, my brother in law and his girlfriend and above all, my mother in law that is a queen of cooking!

Anyways, since some of my friends asked me to write the recipe and since I get more “likes” on Facebook on photos of food than deep inspirational writings according to me, below is the recipe. Now, I’m a great cook, I may share other secret recipes with you! Hahaha, so much for being humble! 

Okay, ready?

I combined two recipes together after I looked at many of them. 🙂

For the crust:

Click here to make your own 

Here comes the fun part of making the rest!

Click here and will bring you to the link

I put one cup brown sugar instead of white because I don’t like very sweet and I prefer brown more. I think next time I’ll put less syrup too or try maple syrup. But It was my first time and I didn’t want to experiment much. 

For Vanilla, you can use any type. 

I like the websites above because they tell you step by step what to do. 

And…. drum roll please!!!!! 

Here is mine! 

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For all my Albanian friends, even if you can’t find pecans, this will be just fine with walnuts as well. Also, instead of syrup, honey or melted sugar will work. 🙂 

I hope you enjoy this experience as much as I did! For me it was “LEGEND…wait for it…DARY”

Children Activities Parents Can Do This April

April is a great month! Here are some special events and also some special fun learning activities you can do with your children. I have worked with kids most of my life and I loved it! I’m so excited to help you make this month unforgettable bonding with your children. I will try to do this for every month.

April is Gardening Month and Volunteer Month.

April 1stApril’s Fool’s Day. Teach your kids what are good jokes and bad jokes to make on this day. Also laugh if they are trying to make you laugh today!

April 2nd – International Children’s Book Day. Hans Christian Andersen was born. He is my favorite writer as well. Read to your child about him. Also go to a library or a book store. Let your kid touch the books and choose one. Read it to them in a special corner that you both like. My daughter loves books. Barnes & Nobles is our place to go. Image

April 3rd – Find a Rainbow Day. Teach your kids how a rainbow is formed, when does it appear in the sky etc. If you can’t find one in the sky, just show them colored pencils, crayons, mom’s closet, nail polish bottles and tell your child/children to pick different colors that would make a rainbow.

April 4th – Walk around things Day. Take a walk to the park. Tell your children to walk around benches, each other, playground etc. Have fun with them, If walking is too slow then, run!!!

April 5th – Read a road map Day. – Show to your children the importance of a road map and explain some guidelines how they can read it. I would let my husband do this since I’m not good at this. I get so confused sometimes. Hahaha!

April 6th – Jump over things Day! – Kids love to jump! Be creative! Put toys or boxes around the house and tell your kids since it’s Jump over things Day, we’ll try to jump instead of just walking over.

April 7th – World Health Day – Explain to your children how important is to stay healthy and help them to understand that there are so many kids all over the world that suffer from diseases. Also, donate to an organization that is helping kids. I worked with poor kids for more than 10 years of my life in Albania and nothing compares with the joy of making a little child happy just because they get some gloves that are going to keep them warm.

April 8th – Go to the Zoo Day. – Find the nearest zoo and go! If not, get a documentary about animals or a movie about the jungle. If your child is less than 2 years old then read to them about animals.

April 9th – You name it Day! – Today just do whatever you want to do! I would call it “Stay in bed day” but with a baby that ain’t gonna happen!

April 10th – Siblings Day. – Make your own card, drawing and write nice words for the siblings. If yours is the only child then you make your own card for your siblings.

April 11th – Jackie Robinson Day. – He was the first black person playing baseball in the Major League. Google more about him and share some interesting facts with your child.

April 12th – Wind Day. – If it’s not windy outside just turn on the fans in your house and pretend like you are having a bad windy day! 🙂

April 13th – Scrabble Day. Teach your kids how to play scrabble. Fun!!!

April 14th – Reach high Day. – Today ask to the kids to try to touch things that are too high for them. Maybe top of the door frame, jump to get dad’s hat off his head, or high five!

April 15th – Leonardo Da Vinci was born Day. – Read to your kids about this painter and show some of the most famous paintings he has made to them.

April 16th – No stress Day. – Parents, let it go! If something brakes or get dirty, just smile and nobody should stress about it! If kids ask you what stress is just find fun ways to explain.

April 17th – My anniversary! – I know it’s not a fun day for kids but you can explain to them how important your marriage to their dad or their mom is to you.

April 18th – Pet’s Day. – Take your kids and your pet (if it’s a dog) for a walk and go buy them a special treat. My daughter loves her pet! First word she said was “Coco”! If you don’t have a pet, show to your kids the fun things and responsibilities that come owning one. Image

April 19th – Humorous Day. – Read or tell a bunch of jokes today and keep the humor up for your kids and family.

April 20th – Easter!!! – Read to your child the story of Easter and of course don’t miss egg hunting!!

April 21st – Kindergarten Day! – Show kids what kindergarten is about if you are homeschooling and if they already go to kindergarten tell them what a special place kindergarten is.

April 22nd – Earth Day. – Plant a tree or a cactus, a flower etc.

April 23rd – William Shakespeare was born. – Tell your kids what a great writer he is and that many theatrical pieces were written from him.

April 24th – Take your kids to work Day – It says itself! Bring your kids to work and show them what you do. If you are a stay at home mom like me, ask your husband to do that instead.

April 25th – Telephone Day – Show to your kids old telephones, maybe grandma still has one! If not go online and show them pictures.

April 26th – Hug a friend Day – Give hugs to all of your friends! Encourage kids to do that today!

April 27th – Tell a story Day – Ask your children to tell a story. If you want to include grandparents or other cousins and make a little theater while your kids tell a story would mean so much to your kiddos.

April 29th – Zipper Day – Show to your kids some clothes, pillows, etc that we put zippers on and how important they are.

April 30th – Honesty Day – Remind your children how important is to be honest every day of their life and start by being honest yourself to teach the best lesson.

 

Well, here they are! Leave a comment if they are helpful to you! Give your children a big kiss from me!

5 “Secrets” to a Successful Long Distance Relationship

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I never believed in long distance relationships until I met Daniel, my husband. Yes, we lived on two different continents, we loved each-other, we missed each-other and we made it! We didn’t lose each-other but got married and we are still very much in love even after 6 years and continue to be best friends. I know different couples who have asked us for some advise on this topic and I decided to share what made our distance relationship the closest relationship regardless of the two different languages, different cultures, high phone bills, travel costs, etc.

Well, here are 5 “secrets” that made us go beyond every difficulty:

1. Stay in touch EVERYDAY! A phone call, Skype (Thank God for this invention), txt, emails. Emails were one of my favorite. Daniel would write very nice things about me and I would read them over and over when I’d miss him during the day. He would write romantic emails to me because he knew I love reading romantic letters from him. 🙂

2. Phone conversations are for talking! I have heard many couples saying that they don’t know what to say sometimes during long phone calls and many times they just repeat the same words, “I love you!” or “I miss you!”. Don’t get me wrong… it’s OK to say all those words. I recommend to talk about different topics. Sometimes I would write interesting stuff or thoughts that I had throughout the day that I wanted to talk to him about because I knew I would forget. Also, we would read the same book or articles at the same time and discuss it. We still do! Oh how we love those nights by the fire reading “Le Miserables”, C.S. Lewis, the Bible, etc, etc. And… if you are from different cultures, share the differences and learn and laugh about them.

3. Trust each-other. I did
n’t know all of Daniel’s friends neither did he know mine but I trusted him. I knew he was a very respectable young man and I knew he loved me and was honest with me. I would go out with my friends and he wouldn’t get jealous. He trusted me and my friends. We still do!

4. Look forward to what you’re building! Now 4 years later we are still discovering how much that long distance thing has helped our communication. As I said earlier, we love to talk to each-other. We still want to spend all of our time together even after being married for 4 years. We have fun just sitting and talking sometimes or walking and talking. Remember, you are building a great foundation of strong communication.

5. Think positive and have fun with it! One day the distance will end. You will soon be together. Enjoy your friends and family and the things that mean a lot to you in your life now. One day there might be things you’ll miss from this period of your life.

 

Well, I hope this was helpful! Let me know from your experience if I need to add some more “secrets”. 🙂

First lesson I learned about blogging was from Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt is a great writer, communicator and blogger. He has so many following his website that all bloggers out there wish to have the same measure of success. Also he encourages and teaches new bloggers to be successful. My husband always would get Hyatt’s updates via email and we would read them together. Also, if I would get discouraged about blogging, my lovely husband would quote Michael Hyatt to me or say, “Read what Michael Hyatt says about this!” 

Well, the other day I subscribed to get his updates in my own email, and after a couple of hours, there it was! The first email from Michael Hyatt!!! This is what he wrote:

“I messed up…

Earlier this morning I sent you an email I shouldn’t have sent.
The email contained my latest post, but there was a problem…
None of the links in the email were working.

Rule #1 when you send an email: check the links!

Lesson learned.

The most important thing for me right now is to make sure you get the post.”  

Isn’t it great? Yes, we all make mistakes (even Michael Hyatt or someone from his team) but then we learn, apologize and move forward.

So always double check your emails or posts.

When I used to work as the editor of a children magazine in Albania or edit my own writings before my editor would see them, still I would find little mistakes even after checking several times. 

So, when you post on Social Media, send an email or write something like a poem, article, a paper, double check! If Michael Hyatt makes mistakes who are we to not make any? Hahaha! 

 

If you are interested to see what Michael Hyatt has to say you can go to his website HERE: 

New Shoes

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It was more than two years ago that I hadn’t bought new running shoes. I love walking almost every day and the old shoes were worn out. My lovely husband saw how old they were getting, took me shopping for new ones and I found some I like! Yayy! Only when I tried on my new shoes did I realize how old my other ones were. Sometimes we need some help from others to show us some things we need to change in our life. 🙂

This made me think that sometimes we continue to do our everyday things and are afraid to try something new because we don’t like to go out of our comfort zone. But how many things are out there waiting for you? New adventures, your dream job, trying a new hobby, writing a book, opening your own business etc.

Live the life you have always dreamed of and don’t be afraid of doing something you think is hard or impossible. Once you put on the new shoes you’ll see how great they’ll feel on you and how your walk in life will be more enjoyable.

10 Things Everyone Can Learn From a 93 Year Old

My grandpa, 93 years old passed away 13 days ago. It was a beautiful sunny day just like his beautiful heart. He passed away one day before his birthday and I still celebrated it with cake keeping his tradition bringing the best cakes to all of our birthdays. My heart hurts from the thought of not having him among us but soon I’ll meet him again!

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I want to share with you 10 things you can learn from a life of a 93 year old man:

 

  1. Wise man. He never got tired telling me the secret of a long life; work hard, eat well and rest even if you only close your eyes and not sleep. So, he would always ask if I am doing these things and if I said YES, then everything was going well.
  2. He never talked bad about others for the sake of harmony. If you would share a secret with him, he’d always keep it.
  3. He didn’t care who you were, what background you had, what was your occupation; you would be respected! Everyone loved him. Two minutes with him would turn a frown face in a smiley one. He was respected from kids to shop owners to even the policemen he would greet as he would do his daily walk. People unknown to me would ask me, “How is your grandpa?  We haven’t seen him in a couple of days taking his walk so
”  Yes, they knew me as Grandpa’s Granddaughter because even others would call him Grandpa.
  4. He saved money sacrificing his wishes just to be able to give to others. For my wedding he gave me money that I never thought my grandpa had.
  5. Always went on vacation with family. He loved his wife and family. He would walk holding hands with his wife and always brag about her. He would mention often how he still can’t believe that such a beautiful girl like my grandma would marry him. But grandma would reply,  “You had a very good heart!”
  6. Repetition was his big thing! He would repeat things to us. When I was little I didn’t know why he’d repeat stuff so many times, but now I know! I remember a lot of what he said!
  7. He was a veteran that had ideals for a better world. He fought against Germany in the Second World War. All of my grandparents actually. He was put in prison but then was let free. After the war ended he lived during one of the cruelest regimes of communism in the country of Albania. (I’ll write more stories about that since I experienced throughout  my childhood)
  8. From being an Atheist he started believing in the power of prayer and he’d pray with us. It all started at my wedding when my husband and I wanted for all to know the love and freedom you can find in Christ. After that, more questions were answered and he opened his heart to another world he didn’t know.
  9. Never gave up. He would read, learn about the world politics or news, he would just sit and think for an hour sometimes. In 2010 he wrote a little book detailing the history of our family. As the oldest living he wrote stories of the family roots and family tree.
  10. Dressed up nice. Even on walks he would put a hat on, a nice suit and later his cane. When we would go visit he’d put nice clothes on even though he didn’t have many. He found a reason everyday to dress nice for the people he would meet.

Well, there are so many more things I would share but I figured 10 is a good number to memorize and easier to learn. I hope you got to know just a little bit of how great a person my grandpa was.

Do you have more lessons from your grandparents to add?