The Sugar Pop Cafe

New Project: Mindful Parenting Magazine

2012-01-31T17:25:00.003+11:00

It's been a while since my last blog entry. I've been busy!

I am launching a brand new magazine this year called Mindful Parenting. I've found a way to bring things I am passionate about together through the vision of this magazine.

Mindful Parenting is a new lifestyle and parenting magazine that will provide parents with information that is inspiring, uplifting and authentic. We hope to bring parents stories that cover aspects of life that are relevant to the "stay at home" or working parent.

We are currently welcoming unsolicited submissions for articles covering, but not limited to:

- Parenting

- Children's Literacy/Book Reviews

- Natural therapies

- Inspirational stories that empower parents

- Eco Living

- Family

- Education

- Wellbeing (for adults and/or children)

- Holiday destinations and activities

- Art and Craft

- Cooking/Recipes

We are also looking for writers for a regular column or for our "Ask Our Experts" section. Interested writers with a niche/expertise in relevant fields are welcome to send a pitch via the Submission Form on the website. If you have something to contribute we want to hear from you!

For submission guidelines please visit the website for more information: www.mindfulparentingmag.com.au

Follow Mindful Parenting on Facebook or Twitter.

Mindfulness & Motherhood

2011-09-09T23:20:00.000+10:00

My article on Mindfulness and Motherhood has just been published on Happy Child, an online parenting magazine.

Do you practice mindfulness and does it help you get through the 'challenges' of parenthood?

MG & YA Craft Intensive

2011-09-07T22:50:00.004+10:00

A little while ago, I attended a Picture Book Craft Intensive online webinar with Mary Kole, Literary Agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Writing a brilliant Picture Book manuscript is no mean feat in a highly competitive market, and Mary's webinar really gave me some extra direction as well as some valuable tips. It was so nice hearing someone talk so passionately about picture books too! Mary has a blog that's full of great information for children's writers - be sure to check it out if you haven't already.

This month Mary's holding a Middle Grade & Young Adult Craft Intensive. If it's anything like her PB webinar, it will be worth it's weight in gold to the aspiring children's writer.

On the writing front, I've been working on my PB and MG works in progress and I have just had an article of mine put forward for a main feature in a UK Parenting Magazine due for publication in November, which I'm thrilled about!

WriteOnCon - Online Writing Conference!

2011-08-16T10:30:00.001+10:00

WriteOnCon is a free online conference that started today and finishes on Thursday, August 18.

The conference is predominantly for picture book, middle grade and young adult writers although it's not just limited to kidlit writers.

You can participate in online critiques, Q&A sessions with literary agents, and live events!

Be sure to check it out... You can find the schedule here. Have fun!

Engaging children = love of learning

2011-08-03T20:56:00.001+10:00

I find it really interesting how children learn from what their parents do. Take my six year old as an example. He's seen me at the computer, working on my stories and he's decided to write one himself. It's called The Space Story. It's about a magic school bus that takes children into space, tranforms into a racing car and races around the planet Uranus. I can see where he's picked up his inspiration.

He's now in the process of illustrating some pictures to go with the text. I came across a fantastic website called Tikatok which allows you to create books by uploading pictures. Brilliant concept. If anyone knows of any others, I would love you to share them with me.

The topic of space has been a highlight in our home for several months now. It all started with some You Tube videos I showed him of the solar system. He was totally mesmerised by them. Noticing how enthralled he was, I hired a DVD on the solar system. He sat through the entire thing without a break in concentration.

After that we read numerous books on the solar system, we googled together and we wrote sentences about the planets. We took him to the planetarium. My six year old now knows more about the solar system than I do.

We shared our experience with his teachers and we worked on a solar system model at home. We wrote down lists of what we'd need, and we documented the features of the planets in an exercise book.

This is what we came up with.

From the work we've been doing on the solar system - which really hasn't felt like work at all... rather it's exploring and spending quality time together doing things we all enjoy, I became aware of how enthusiastic and driven my son became because he was able to pursue what was interesting to him. He came up with so many ideas about what we could do, what he wanted to read and what he wanted to write. All around this central theme of space. We've been very lucky to have the teachers at my son's school embrace this also. It makes a huge difference to their education experience, where the children cannot do anything but thrive in my opinion!

I look forward to sharing my son's storybook with you once his masterpiece arrives!

Learning can be fun

2011-07-28T22:26:00.004+10:00

My son started school this year and it's been an incredible six months with so much learning and development going on.

Something very touching and positive happened at my son's school today. A large gift box was positioned in the middle of the room waiting to be opened at the morning gathering. A few students opened the box, whilst parents and children were surprised and delighted as helium balloons filled the room to reveal paper plates and party hats underneath. At the end of the day the children enjoyed cake.

The occasion? A celebration of their first 100 days of school.

These lucky children have a wonderful journey ahead of them in such a positive and innovative environment. Where learning is encouraged and celebrated. I really think this is the key. Children need to develop a love of learning to engage and thrive. If we can tap into children's interests we make this possible.

Reading can be fun. Writing can be fun. Learning can be fun.

"Why is school not as exciting as Disney World?" asks Richard Gerver, educational expert and author of Creating Tomorrow's Schools Today.

It could be. And wouldn't it be wonderful if it was.

The Power of Words

2011-07-25T21:54:00.002+10:00

I came across this thought provoking video recently and thought it was so beautiful that I wanted to share it.
It really illustrates the power of words. Also true for writers, it's often not what we say, but how we say it, that can really make all the difference.

I hope you enjoy this clip.

National Year of Reading

2011-07-20T21:58:00.002+10:00

I thought it might be nice to spread the word about the National Year of Reading.

Next year, events and programs will be held around Australia through partnerships with government, libraries, writers, schools and a host of other organisations and book lovers.

It's bound to be a brilliant year for the world of books and literacy!

I think I can, I think I can...

2011-07-11T22:30:00.005+10:00

One of our most treasured books is the story of The Little Engine That Could could by Watty Piper. We have read it countless times, and my children know this book off by heart.

As a result, we often quote those magical words of "I think I can...", whenever one of us is having trouble doing something we think we can't do.

If someone is having a hard time tying a shoelace or drawing something a little difficult, a gentle reminder such as "what do we say when we think we can't do something?" usually provokes the response: "I think I can", after which I usually comment,"I thought I could!"

I find this fun way of encouraging my children helps push them beyond the regular boundaries of what they believe themselves to be capable of. And it's a wonderful thing to watch, because more often than not, they go on to resolve the task, or accept the help, knowing that together we can learn to achieve things.

I was really excited to see that The Little Engine That Could has come out on DVD. The movie features narration by Jamie Lee Curtis and Whoopi Goldberg. My little ones are going to love it!

There's so much to learn from this classic children's story. Confidence, belief in oneself, optimism, caring about those in need and being kind to one another. The very qualities and beliefs many of us are trying to instill in our children.

"I don't know how you do it"...

2011-07-08T21:45:00.010+10:00

Neither do I sometimes.

I often receive comments like this. People seem to look at me as a full time working mother of two young children, and wonder how I 'do it'. There's nothing to say it's any easier being at home full time with young children. I can't honestly say I don't feel the stress of having to juggle working and family life. I'm sure I would feel it regardless. I have my days and weeks just like everyone else. I do try to prioritise, find balance and ditch the guilt and resentment about working outside of the home whilst my children are still so young.

What I can share with you are some of the things that I have found that help me keep it together.

Live in the moment. We can use mindfulness to help us with stress relief and it can help us strengthen a deeper connection between ourselves and our children. Soak in the beautiful sounds of their laughter, and look into those beautiful eyes when you speak with them. Notice how big their hands are becoming. Look at the drawing they've just shown you, I mean really look at it... What is it telling you? Take notice of the moment when the letter d stopped being written as a b. Don't let precious moments like these pass you by whilst you're busy mopping the floors.

It's in the mindful moments that I often feel overwhelmed with love, you know the kind of love you feel when you bring your new baby home from hospital and are in awe kind of love. Those times when nothing else matters, it's just you and your baby and your baby sure doesn't care about the mess, or the washing, or that pesky list of to-do's you have in your head.

Children have an incredible way of looking at things. It takes skill and conscious effort for many adults to do this - but if you can allow yourself to become a child again and see life from a little person's perspective this can be a very special thing. Children notice everything, and then they put it all together in the most incredible ways. We can help them make their connections with life more meaningful and empowering if we take more notice of these things.

Feeling grateful for the beauty and wonderfulness of what you have, can sometimes get you through a tough moment. Equanimity. What a beautiful word. I find it very difficult to express frustration and impatience with my children if I just practice lifting my head and shifting my gaze to look them in the eyes. By stopping what I'm doing I can more easily focus on what's actually needing the attention.

One book that puts all of this together in a nice tight bundle for mothers is Sarah Napthali's Buddhism for Mothers. She'll make you feel more human by the time you get to Chapter 2. Oh, and if you're one of those busy mothers that wouldn't have time to sit down and read it, it comes in audiobook format too.

I took a step today

2011-07-07T22:07:00.003+10:00

I did it. Today I sent off the manuscript for my picture book for an assessment. In a way it feels liberating. Soon I'll really know what someone thinks of my work. That's reassuring. Now we wait. And in the meantime I'll keep working...

Are you in your "element"?

2011-07-05T12:39:00.017+10:00

They say time flies when you're having fun, but time generally flies for me whether I'm having fun or not. Caught in the daily grind of life as a working mother of two, I often find myself caught up in this merry-go-round of life that just never seems to stop.

I've been reading a book called The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything, by Sir Ken Robinson. I can't speak highly enough of this inspirational book.

Sir Ken Robinson is a creativity and educational expert, who refers to the passion within us as The Element. This book was like music to my ears in terms of becoming aware of how to nurture and embrace The Element in my children's lives.

Upon careful reflection, what really came to the forefront of my mind were a couple of things.

Personally, it took me years to realise where my passion lies. I suppose that's the case with many of us. Sometimes life presents us with a different path to follow. If you're on that path, then this book might help you recognise your true passion.

I love writing. Writing is a creative outlet for me.

I've always wanted to write books for children. I started writing children's picture books some time ago. I've always felt at home in a library or bookshop and my favourite part of the day is when I spend time reading with my children. I love how the magic of books can transport you to wonderful places and how words and illustrations on pages can evoke incredible feelings and emotions. Our house is filled with children's books and we cherish each and every one of them.

Years ago I started writing about my life in Italy and this manuscript is still patiently waiting to be brought to life again ten years later.

My children's book manuscripts are at a really good point and it's time for me to move forward with them.

My other passion is education and child development. I love children. I'm inspired by the wonderfulness of childhood. What I'd really like to do is finish my education degree and see what that leads to. Hopefully something that can connect education and literacy.

So what's your passion? Are you truly living in your "element"?

Check out the "Cup of Inspiration" link on the left sidebar to a video on You Tube of Ken Robinson. I really hope you enjoy and allow yourself to be inspired.

I think I'm back!

2010-10-06T20:41:00.006+11:00

It's been a while since I last checked in. Funny how life just slips away sometimes!

I have discovered the beauty of a KitchenAid Artisan Mixer. Since cooking is a must, my little pink gem is being put to good use. She has inspired me to venture into the big wide world of baking from scratch.

A recent trip to Italy has inspired me to take a step back and enjoy the simple life. Replicating Italian life over here is somewhat of a challenge. What's much easier is to enjoy the passion the Italians have for food and the preparation of it. Bread making, pasta making, pizza, sausages, salami and tomato sauce. Yum!

Fresh Dress for a Summer Day

2010-02-03T18:06:00.004+11:00

There's nothing like the smell of fresh lavender and the warmth of the summer rays (assuming you've got 30+ UV protection, a hat on and are not in the sun between 11 and 3).

Sorry to put the downer on it, but this pretty little number just reminds me of lush green meadows, sunshine and freshness. Fabric is by the talented Lila Tueller and I just tweaked a pattern for a peasant top to make it into a dress and then I added the sash.

After all my hard work, my two year old refused to wear the dress. Once I finally got it on her, it occurred to me that she has had a major growth spurt and this dress won't see another summer. Oh well.

Thank You Erin!

2010-02-02T16:03:00.002+11:00

Not so long ago I stumbled upon Designer Blogs and I liked what I saw. I ordered a custom blog and voila! Huge thank you to Erin who captured the exact style I was looking for. Somewhere to share my thoughts and findings.