Hi Folks,

It is always exciting to explore new directions -  so I am particularly pleased to present this new cd -

Fables, Folktales & Fantasies

This is an album of stories ... stories that will entertain the whole family, be it in the car, in the livingroom or at bedtime - six stories in 46 minutes that will leave you smiling.

I am offering a pre-release special, before it is listed on the other selling venues:

9.00 each and free shipping.  I know you will enjoy this cd!

Love,

Madeline

Hi Everyone,

Many of my songs are stories set to music - it is an approach that appeals to me.  Likewise, story telling is an art form that has always interested me, and so I joined the Florida StoryTellers Association a little while ago.  Now I am hooked on reading stories, collecting stories, learning stories and telling them too.

Last night I came across a true gem.  I listened to the great, late story teller, Kathryn Windham, at the age of 92.  She told of the wisdom of her father, who taught her "what mattered in life was the 4 Ls" and that these four things should be practiced every day:

Listen - pay attention to what others say,

Learn - try to learn something each day,

Laugh - not at someone, but with someone and at yourself too,

Love - fill your life with love and let those you love know you love them ...   simple but inspiring thoughts presented in the form of story.

Now, as you might have guessed, next on my agenda will be StoryTelling Videos and a cd of Bedtime Stories for Children.  So, in between having more fun than peanut butter and jellly, and practicing the 4 Ls, I will keep you posted on my progress and release dates.

Love to you all,

Madeline

 Hi Folks,

School starts everywhere over the next few weeks.  Tonight, where I live,  children are laying out their "first day of school" clothing, packing lunches, and for the most part, are excited to be returning to class tomorrow. 

One sad note on this joyous eve, is the knowledge that funding for the arts in our schools has been dramatically reduced.  In fact, the average public school child receives so little instruction in these areas that it breaks down to mere minutes per child per week.  Additionally, this statistic flies in the face of proof that children who study music show higher achievement in mathmatics and reading skills.  In fact, learning to read music or play an instrument activates a part of the brain that is otherwise dormant.

So, what can we do as parents to help the situation?  Well, I know that most household budgets do not include allowances for private instruction, nor are most parents musicians ...  but there is absolutely no reason to leave all  music-making to the professionals.  Children love singing.  It is natural and  easy to encourage.  They love experimenting with sounds.  If you know how to play an instrument, share that with your child, even if your skills are minimal.   Teach them your favorite songs.

Today I am writing to urge you to make music with your kids.  Listen with them and make music a regular part of the day.  It doesn't have to be a traditional class or a formal lesson.  It can be spontaneous and joyful.  There is a proverb from Zimbabwe that says:  "If you can walk, you can dance.  If you can talk, you can sing."  Everyone has music in them .... have the confidence to share it with your children.

 As always, with love,

Madeline