We have to change our collective thinking...

Hi all,

Our world has changed…. just like that we are in the movie set of The Contagion… or any number of films like that.

So… the question is not when will this end…or how it will end…BUT WHAT WE WILL DO… AS COLLECTIVE TO CAUSE THAT!

During these many weeks now… and I am sure most of you will acknowledge that although it is just weeks… it feels like a whole pardagim shift… days … weeks… months that to many feel far longer than that.

I read an article yesterday that asked can you remember what you did the day the world shifted??? To me, that was March 10. The day the NBA acknowledged a player tested positive… that the whole league was going to cancel it’s season… the days that came after that felt like a Tsunami washing over us all.

I like to make meaning out of events, I like to problem solve and look for solutions… yet as this all began to roll itself out… I could not find the answers I was looking for.

I found a lot of sites that provided information… that shared statistics… that hypothesized about what/ when/how… yet none had THE answer.

And as time has passed, and facts have been observed, and discovered, and as more data becomes available… it appears to me that the only way out of this is to go through it, and to decide how we do that as a collective. A collective of all peoples… everywhere.

During this time, I have taken to watching Governor Cuomo’s news conference each day. At first, I watched because our oldest daughter and her family live and work in NYC… and needless to say, I was exceedingly concerned for her family… physically, emotionally, and fiscally. She and her husband are both business owners in food. She has a cheese business, and her husband has a rare breed meat business. They lost 80% of their business as soon as restaurants and bars were told to close.

Each day I watched to learn and be informed. Governor Cuomo leads with facts… he makes me laugh when he refers to the analogies he uses and his 20 something daughters tell him no one will get it… but “just the facts”, everyone gets that even if you don’t know who Joe Friday is.

Today, he talked about what NYC and it’s many coordinating departments will do to keep the subway and public transportation clean for essential workers. As we all know, we need them to keep going to work, not just in NYC, but everywhere. They are essential, because without hospitals, food, gas, police, EMT’s etc, our society could not function.

So, in listening to his plan today, it made me realize that the only way we all get to a new normal… as he says “build back better” is to work together as a collective. No one has even undertaken cleaning the subway system, along with the bus and transportation sector every 24 hours… BUT THEY ARE GOING TO DO IT!

We can not accept “NO” as any answer. We have to all shift… look to thinking outside the box.

The way we all get through this is to seek “HOW” and look towards that as the only acceptable answer to any question asked.

We can not as a nation and a world collective accept anything less.

COME ON PEOPLE…. LET’S FIGURE OUT HOW!

Until next time,

Pam

Where do we go? What can we do? How do we get out of this????

Hi all,

I am sure like everyone of you, that at times you’re going a bit batty.

I never watched any of the scary movies about contagions and what happens… I feel like being scared is not something I would welcome! Actually, given the type of person I am, I actively seek ways not to be scared.

However, right now, that can be a bit of a task.

Prudence, not panic, is a phrase I like to use… (yet I am finding that challenging on any given day….)

With Covid 19 … well I think that’s a plan that will get us out of this.

I am not ANY sort of expert. I do spend a bit of each of my day now, trying to look at the latest updates, and also have a done a variety of research on sites that are purely numerical… modeling, I guess, is the right word.

As we get further into this, and start to see the actualities and facts of the science associated with this new virus, we will have a better picture of what we need to do and how we will find our way out.

I have learned through what I have been researching, that the predictability of this can’t be pinpointed… but there is a range that can be seen from areas that have been in this further.

I don’t know about all of you, but I need some sort of hope. I need some fact based best of what I should be and could be thinking.

I was thinking about trying to provide a series of ideas here as an assist through this process. BUT… I actually can just provide my own opinion and share information that I have found.

So, to that end… here are some sites that have provided facts with numbers and modeling that I have found useful.

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries

http://www.healthdata.org/

https://www.kinsahealth.co/

I am an information freak… especially in times when I feel like I truly have no control, or very little control over a situation.

So…. hang in there. And if this information can help you, like it helps me, I am glad.

Until next time,

Pam

What to do?

Hi All,

I haven’t written for a while… that thing called LIFE has gotten in the way.

We personally have a lot of stuff going on, but then again who doesn’t?

All 3 of our kids are now full fledged grown ups… so although I thought life would get simpler when your kids are grown, the answer is… IT DOES NOT!

When our kids were little we were all busy in one way… that type of busy is usually more physical than when your kids are grown… until they have kids of their own, your wonderful grands! Then you get physically busy again, and hopefully you’ve given yourself the chance to stay in shape … so you can do all that physical stuff!

I am trying now to figure out what to do.

I bet a lot of you are too.

With all that’s going on in the world, I think trying to figure out what to do takes up a lot of time!

First, I have been trying to figure out how to get all the stuff in our house organized… and there’s a lot of stuff… 25 years full of stuff, as we are selling our home to a wonderful new family…

Second, I am trying to figure out how to take my authorship to a new level, as I have been offered a traditional publishing contract from a small start up company…

Third, I am trying to figure out where to go, after we close on our home…

Fourth, I am trying to figure out exactly what stuff I need to take with us, and what I don’t

Fifth… in the midst of all this is this new virus…. WHAT TO DO????

Sixth… and then there’s the election … WHAT TO DO??? I think I have this one figured out, at least for myself.

I guess the bottom line here, is that as I go through this wonderful journey called life, the question of what to do is always present.

So, while we are all deciding what to do, let’s also decide to enjoy the ride, and remember to take time for life…

After all, in all the doing we do, we don’t want to forget to do the things we love best!

Until next time,

Pam

Be the right teacher....

I was just looking through some older blog posts that I wrote.

One jumped out at me…

The idea of bullying. And… more importantly how to address it.

My post was about kids bullying kids… but what about adults bullying kids? What do we do about that? How do we empower our children to know what to do and to care for themselves?

It’s hard when you’re a child. The intrinsic design of being a child, means you don’t have any power… ok, when you’re a baby you might because your needs often dictate the house schedule. :)

But… after that, and especially once kids are in elementary school, they encounter and interact with a lot of adults.

Now, there’s a line I know between disrespect and empowerment. However, how does that line of disrespect look for adults as well… adults disrespecting kids?

We all know adults like this, unfortunately. The type who are adult bullies.

I was thinking a lot about this. What are some tips, some words, some actions we can give to our children?

I am thinking we all need to have more conversations with our kids, and the kids in our lives, about just that.

Strategies… actions and words that they can use. And the most important thing, a trusted adult that they can count on NO MATTER WHAT!

Beyond the regular things we teach our kids… we also need to teach them how to know when they are not being respected by the adults in their lives. Kids… they deserve our best efforts.

I know none of us are perfect, but we need to be the people our children can trust to help them understand how to care for themselves well, and they are valuable.

Take the time to have a conversation, and please model the behaviors you want the children in your life to emulate.

Until next time,

Pam

Learning and flow...

Hi All,

I am listening to a webinar right now while I write this…

And.. I have just learned two new things:

I am continually trying to multi-task which is not necessarily a good thing, and that my technical skills still need help.

I thought I was being all cool and would write this while I listened, but the webinar stopped… maybe that was me?? Who knows, I thought I could do both..

Oh well…

What I am really thinking about is that learning and flow… the idea of trying on new roles, and new tasks is truly important to each of us. Throughout every life stage, learning I think keeps us involved and motivated. I am inspired and excited when I learn new things!

Sometimes the learning is relatively easy, and sometime its a lot more challenging!

I don’t know about all of you, but sometimes when I think “I’ve got this” … it might not actually be true, except in my own mind! BUT… that’s ok with me, because if I think I can, I usually do!

As I am continuing on this author journey of mine, I find there are moments and times of great energy… lots of creativity and exciting flow!

Then, there are the opposite times…

I have to think that each person who’s trying to create, or make something, has these moments. I watch all of my family… and yes, I think they are pretty spectacular… and that’s ok for me to say! If I don’t think they’re spectacular… well, that’s sad! :) Moms , you understand.

My family is of a creative and entrepreneurial nature. Not one of them works in what could be considered a traditional setting.

We have cheesemongers, consultants and creators of new ways and programs for schools to work better… filmmakers, cameramen, beer makers, technology leaders in livestock feed, , creative studios… well… as you can see no one is working at an office!

I guess when I am talking about all of this, it’s to say that each of us has the opportunity to continue to learn, change our flow, decided how we want to enjoy and design this part of of lives.

I just think that learning, changing your flow, trying new things is so valuable to not only the quality of your life, but the quantity of your life!

So… be BOLD… try new stuff…

If it doesn’t work out, try something else.

I had to do that just now, I was humbled by the fact that I COULD NOT do both the webinar and write at the same time…

Oh well…. I wanted to write a Blog post today!

Until next time,

Pam

Where oh where have I been?

Hi All!

I hope this finds everyone well.

My husband and I have been traveling around the country, he for his work, and me for my books. It’s been busy and a blast. I started using the hashtag..#billandpamsexcellentadventures….. this caused some interesting and funny reactions!

It’s such fun to get the opportunity to see a variety of people who love books, and enjoy bringing fun stories to children.

In September we went to the ARSL Conference in Burlington Vermont. It was such fun! I had never been before, and so was excited and nervous about the event. It turns out that working with a group of librarians and libraries, makes everyone smile. I met so many nice people… and from that who know where I might go?

What have learned and continue to learn as I travel around, is how similar people are. Its been interesting spending time in smaller, and more rural communities. I have spent more time there lately than in larger cities, and I am appreciating the nuances of each community I get the opportunity to visit.

I realize as we travel that its exhilarating to try new things and meet new people.

Someone said to me recently “Wow…you’ve started a whole new career path and you’re in your 60’s!”

I paused for a minute… not knowing if that was a compliment or not, and then decided to take it as one!

Why waste a moment of life? I have spent my fair share of time worrying and lamenting and that never does me (or anyone else) any good!

So… now its off to new places, pausing to come back to where I love… and always taking time to visit my peeps… now all over the place!

We’ve been a lot of places… now we’re pausing… and enjoying that time. I do realize that now as we are on the move more, that I enjoy it. I need time to pause, and recharge…but then I am ready and interested to see what’s next!

Why Not?

Who knows where #billandpamsexcellentadventures may lead!

Until next time,

Pam

We're resting... but only for a while! :) #billandpamsexcellentadventures.

Hi All,

What a fun few weeks Bill and I have had… busy, but fun.

We traveled across the Midwest between book and library events, and meetings with farmers.

A few years ago, I talked about the idea of Rebooting, not Retiring. I think our age group is redefining how this part of life looks.

Friends and people we meet along the way, talk openly about being engaged in life.

I remember I was at a Book Conference a number of years ago, and the term “Rebooting” was first used. I loved the idea… because as time passes, and you get the chance to try new things, it’s so exhilarating and rewarding! Yes, exhausting too… but a ton more fun than just hanging out and relaxing.

Maybe we actually get the chance to do what we’ve really wanted to all along! I always wanted to write, and knew that was a goal of mine… but never truly found the time. I suppose I could have, but between all the parts of raising kids, teaching, and doing the regular life stuff… time passed quickly!

Now, Bill and I get to design most of what we do. That is the best part! Yup, it has been fraught with challenge sometimes, and loud words…. cause the best type of change occurs when you talk a lot…even if some of it is louder than others!

I would highly recommend trying new things and new experiences … truly all along the paths of our lives!

It seems to me that the Millenials already figured that out… so now why not us Baby Boomers too!

Here’s to adventures … for every age group and stage of life!

Until next time,

Pam

Bill and Pam's excellent adventures...

Hello All!

This is going to be short and sweet….

If you follow my Social Media accounts, you know that Bill and I have been traveling around!

Last week alone, we were in 5 different states in 5 days…

I am writing books, and visiting libraries… Bill is working with seaweed for livestock and visiting farms and farmers.

What a blast we are having!

If you had told me we would be doing this at this time of our lives, I would have laughed! But… this is exactly what we are doing, and what a gift it has been and will continue to be.

I have loved the opportunities to meet so many wonderful people in small and rural communities. I haven’t spent a lot of time in these types of area in the past years, and so it’s interesting and educational to see life from this other side.

So… keep an eye out for my new #…. #billandpamsexcellentadventures…. my cousin left me a note and read it as bill and pam sexcellent adventures… HA!!!!! Although that could be an interesting angle too! JK…. :)

So stay tuned…. we leave again tomorrow!

Until next time… who knows where we might be?

Pam

Independence Day....

Hi all!

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful sense of friends, family and fun to celebrate Independence Day…

It never seems like a holiday, especially a summer holiday without grilling … and so we made sure and did that. What can be better than a grilled hot dog… not sure if it’s actually real meat… but I don’t care. It’s a delicious piece of tasty goodness to relish!

I was actually thinking about independence as our family was off in a variety of places. Bill and I took the week to celebrate our anniversary and the holiday on our own in the Keys… Our son Bill, and his family celebrated in their new home and had a lovely sense of Americana… bike parade, pool and neighborhood grilling! Our daughter Anne and her family were on their family vacation out west… they celebrated in California… and our youngest Megan, and her husband celebrated separately as they are in the process of moving, timing up loose ends and organizing for their big drive to Texas.

So I thought that the Theme of Independence was specifically appropriate this year. Each of our main family units were off independently celebrating. And, this is the reality of life as our children grow and become their own adult persons, with their own adult families and responsibilities and joys!

Yet, my husband and I spoke with each of our children one way or another that day… technology truly is a gift in that regard. No matter where everyone may be geographically, you can still be in touch and connect. Connect and share and smile… together.

Independence is a fact of life… we wanted it, our kids want it, and so do peoples everywhere.

Yet, again, independence is sweetest when it is also surrounded by love. Love of the people that matter most to you… and in that love allow you and encourage you to become your best self.

So, I hope on this past Independence Day, each of you did just that!

Enjoy the rest of this Holiday weekend… independently and surrounded with love…

Our lovely granddaughter… Rocking out and celebrating independently, and surrounded with love.. a perfect example! If I am technically able, I’ll share it…

Until next time,

Pam

Oh the Fun!

Hi everyone!

I hope the summer has arrived in each of your geographies, and that it is treating you well. Here in the Northern Hemisphere…. I know it’s been a long wait for some!

Last weekend I got the chance to visit a lovely warm spot in northern Florida. There is a fabulous Indie Bookstore that I have the privilege of working with in Tallahassee. It’s called Midtown Reader.

What a wonderful place it is. The way the store is designed, along with the gorgeous colors and warm inviting space it provides, it is a truly welcoming space. For anyone who loves books, it’s a must see. I met a couple who had done just that last weekend… they were in town on other business, but love to find beautiful Indie Bookstores to enjoy during their travels.

I have to say, that every time I am fortunate enough to get to provide a Story time event for Midtown Reader, it’s a treat.

The store is fun, the staff is fun, and the environment is so user friendly for young children. They have the added plus of a delicious cupcake vendor sharing their space… which is brilliant! I saw as many adults as I did children smiling while leaving with a tasty treat.

So, anyways, I just want to remind everyone to have fun. I think reading books, and providing fun story time experiences for young children is fun… so that’s what I love to do.

The point is though, that I wanted to make is this… JUST HAVE FUN!!!

Thanks Midtown Reader for letting me have such a fun day last Saturday!

I hope that everyone who reads this, finds a way to enjoy their fun… today. Actually, try and have a little fun every single day… cause why not?

Life is moving fast… take time to smile, have fun reading, enjoy stories, share a cupcake or whatever it is that is fun for you!

Have Fun!

Until next time,

Pam