Crying Helps Me Write Better {Giveaway}

It took me about 20 minutes... 20 minutes of tears and blank stares at the computer screen while my 8 month old continuously sobbed in the background to write this paragraph that I'm writing right now.

My son is going through an extremely needy separation anxiety stage where he requires an arm and a heartbeat to place his head on otherwise the world is coming to an end. I feel bad for my 4 1/2 year old because she gets the short end of the stick these days with mommy focusing 80% on her brother, 10% on her (most of which is during classes - my daughter is home-schooled at the moment) and the other 10% on work.
I would say that's an unfair ratio, wouldn't you?
I try and balance my days as much as I can for my children (they are 1st priority) and then work. My blogging has been on the back burner as I have not only lacked time, but also ideas and inspiration.

This hurts me as a woman that has prided myself on my writing and the amazing and loyal readers that I have built in the 2 years that I have been actively writing and sharing my life with the online world.
Blogging was my escape and my chance to connect with other mothers and women out there during times when I really just felt very alone and needed to hear that I was doing okay. Doing okay as a mother that chose to say good-bye to her successful career and focus on my most important job, motherhood.

It wasn't until I received a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul's Inspiration for Writers that I finally felt like invisible hands were lifting my broken pieces of creativity and slowly gluing them back together.

"Balancing Motherhood, family life, and writing is not easy. With the stress  and duties of daily life, it's hard to find the time to sit down and write. And I sometimes feel like the world has enough writers. We don't need one more. Nobody needs to hear my words. 
Because who am I? Why should my words matter?
Well, my words do matter. All our words matter. They tell us who we are.
But words will never see the light of day without discipline.
Devoting time. Putting the word "write" onto an actual schedule to give it validity.
Your words represent who you are, and sometimes the duties of life can hide that person."
- Good Pasta by Mary C.M. Phillips, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers

"I feel fortunate to have found something I am passionate about, something that allows me to escape into the magical realm of make-believe on a daily basis. Ever since I regained my creativity, I appreciate it much more. Creativity solves problems and inspires curiosity. 
Creativity unleashes big, beautiful dreams. Nurturing my creativity has not only made me a better write, it has made me a better person -- more optimistic, compassionate, and open to life's unending possibilities."
- How I Got My Creativity Back by Dallas Woodburn, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers


Just before writing this post, I had one of the best cries I've had in a while.
I really, really needed that.
It has been a really rough past few weeks -- horrible bouts of viruses and tears, the stress of work and deadlines, motherhood and everything else in between has finally kicked my butt.

I am so grateful for the support of my husband and family that have taken the time out of their day, to give me more time in mine. To allow me to exhale and work on nurturing my artistry.
And most importantly, to help me to discover who I am once again and why I started doing this to begin with.

I also am grateful to those that amongst their busy schedules, take the time to pour themselves a cup of tea or coffee (or wine!) and click onto my blog and actually read what my heart is saying translated into words.
Thank you for that. It means a lot more than you think.

I want to allow my readers, especially to those that understand what I'm saying in this blog post; those that are seeking a writing awakening and encouragement, a chance to get their hands on a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul's Inspiration for Writers.
This book has helped me immensely and provided the motivation I need to start really writing again.
I hope it helps you.

"You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage -- pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically -- to say "no" to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger "yes" burning inside."
~ Stephen Covey

I'm giving away 3 copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers - Budding or Bestselling - from Books to Blogs and all you have to do is to comment below telling me 
the reason WHY you started writing.
I'd love to hear it!

The giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents.
Ends Friday, June 14, 2013.

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Mastermind Toys Must-Have: The Janod Graffiti 3-in-1 Adjustable Easel & #Giveaway

It takes a village to raise a child they say.

Before I had children, I was always curious as to why this quote came about.

Sure children can be a lot of work but a village really?

Now I totally get it.

As kids get older and older, your role as a parent is not only to be their provider, comforter, kisser of boo-boos, personal chef, diaper changer (I can go on FORever), but also to do your part in making sure they continue to learn each day.

Molding their wings as I say.

As absorbent as these little sponges can be, they can also get quite bored if play is not part of their day-to-day activities.

So, finding the right type of toy that will keep your child engaged, learning and having fun is key.

When we purchase toys for our children, one of the things that we make sure is that we're purchasing quality products.  They're kids! Something will be bound to break or topple over putting not only them in danger physically, but *cough* putting dad and mom's wallet in danger too.

Do you know how much we spent on toys alone solely because of poor construction? What a waste!

My daughter turned 4 a couple of months ago and instead of putting her into JK, we made the conscious decision to home-school her for this year.

Another contributing factor to this was because our newly born son just happened to grace us with his presence the same week she was to start school.  It was very tough to accommodate both schedules at the time, so this truly was the best choice.

One of the best items we added to our pseudo-classroom in the rec room (aka children's playroom), was the Janod Graffiti 3-in-1 Adjustable Easel with Magnetic Dry Erase and Chalkboard from Mastermind Toys.

Going back to what I was talking about when I mentioned quality items, Mastermind Toys is just about the embodiment of top-notch toys.

They are a specialty toy retailer that provides educational toys, books, games and so much more!

They choose products that awaken creativity, encourage curiosity, enhance motor skills, develop imagination, challenge thinking and offer children hours of fun!

QUAL-I-TY.

So I began to incorporate our new Janod Easel into our daily "class" and it has really helped with engaging our little girl in her learning.

She enjoys writing on the chalkboard (it makes her feel like she's really in-class), doodling and writing on the dry erase board and another thing we love about this easel -- the top of the easel  has a paper roll that comes down so she can paint or draw and you can just cut it off and keep to hang.

There's so much included with the Janod 3-in-1 Easel including: adjustable easel with magnetic dry erase board and blackboard, box of 5 white chalk pieces and 5 coloured chalk pieces, 6 magnets, magnetic paper holder, roll of 18" easel paper, eraser, dry erase marker, 2 no-spill paint pots, removable red tray.

The only thing you have to watch for with smaller kids is the residue from the chalk. The chalk board and dry erase board need to be cleaned with a damp cloth often as it does tend to leave some leftover staining.

You'll have to check out the product on their website! To read more, click here.

The Janod Graffiti 3-in-1 Adjustable Easel with Magnetic Dry Erase and Chalkboard retails for $64.95 CDN but truly worth every penny.  It grows with your child and also a great keepsake.  

I think I'd even use it in the kitchen area after the kids get too big to write down daily menus, quotes, messages, etc. Just add a little of your own paint and there you go!

Cool idea, huh?! 

To learn more about Mastermind Toys, visit them at: www.mastermindtoys.com.

So, if the thought of running out and purchasing one of these babies aren't exciting enough for you, here's something that may help!  

Courtesy of Mastermind Toys, one lucky CAC reader is eligible to win a $50 Gift Card to Mastermind Toys.

To be eligible, simply enter via rafflecopter below.

**OPEN TO CANADIANS only**

Ends February 8th.

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