Singing with your Child

By Diane Forrest

Sing.
Sing a song.
Sing out loud, sing out strong.
Sing of good things, not bad.
Sing of happy, not sad.
Sing.
Sing a song.
Make it simple to last your whole life long.
Don´t worry that it´s not good enough for anyone else to hear.
Just sing.
Sing a song.
La La La La La La
La La La La La La
La La La La La La
Sing. Sing a song.
Let the world.
Sing out loud.
Sing of love there, could be.
Sing for you and for me.
Sing a song.
Make it simple to last your whole life long.
Don´t worry that it´s not good enough for anyone else to hear.
Just sing, sing a song.

This song was recorded by the group the Carpenters, and it is one of my favorites.  I love to sing, I began singing in church probably as soon as I could talk.  I have always been a part of a school or church choir.  One of the first performances I remember was in a program for my kindergarten class.  I sang a solo, a tisket a tasket, a green and yellow basket. 

So it was no wonder when my son was born that I would sing to him too.  From the time he was born until the age where he didn't want to be around his mother, we would sing songs together.  Even now we will occasionally sing a rounding version of Little Cabin in the Woods.  He still laughs when I do all the hand gestures.

Singing with your child is a wonderful way to bond and bring the family together. 

March is Sing with Your Child Month.  According to musictogether.com, When we take the time to sing and make music as a family, we form everlasting bonds, which ultimately allow our children to feel safe and secure as they grow, putting them on the road to future success. In addition to the bonding that occurs when parents sing and make music with their children, the children grow into confident music-makers who are able to participate with joy in the music of their culture. And, music learning supports all learning by promoting creativity, personal expression, and social interaction.

The beauty is that making music with children does not require special skills or “musical talent.” In fact, this may be the one time in your life when the audience (your children!) will always be thrilled with your participation — and want more! These experiences will live in your children’s memories for the rest of their lives and help them develop the necessary qualities to grow into loving and confident adults.

The impact of singing and making music with your child is immeasurable, and the rewards of this simple act will help us make the world a much better place than it is now. Sing a song, grab a drum (or even a plastic bowl and wooden spoon!) and join us as we celebrate Sing With Your Child Month.

(All Images from Google) 

Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

(Google Image)

By Diane Forrest

When my brother was in high school, he acquired a fondness for drawing.  He took an art class in school, and became quite good at drawing flowers and fruit and still life.  I on the other hand have trouble staying within the lines while coloring a picture.  I love art, and I get thrilled when someone I know is artistic, I consider them like a rock star.  My cousin's daughter is 13.  She has developed a talent for painting and drawing.  I take a certain amount of pride in her achievements since I gave her one of her first sets of colors.

Art can be found everywhere.  Art is not just drawing or painting.  Art is music, acting, photographs, anything that pleases your eyes, ears and other senses.

While I can't draw, I love to sing.  I participated in the school and church choirs since I was small.  As I grew older, I sang in my church's choir, and continued singing until my husband became disabled.  He would love to watch me sing, and would tell me I looked like an angel.  I haven't been able to make it back to the choir since his death, but I am hoping to ease my way back.  Music is so emotional for me, and I sometimes find myself sobbing during particularly moving songs.

(Google Image)

My son is so entertaining.  When he was younger he could produce tears at the drop of a hat, and the next instant be rolling with laughter.  I always told him he should be an actor, and he participated in a few skits at school and church.  He has a rare gift of making people laugh.

Since my father retired he spends alot of time in his wood shop.  He has learned how to make beautiful furniture and turn wooden pens on his lathe.  A local reporter recently published a five page article and pictures of his works, and that article has drummed up alot of "business" for him.  He doesn’t sell his works of art, however if someone wants something he makes, he will "sell" something for a donation to the local Children's Home.

(Google Image)

Today is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day.  Art can be found everywhere you look...whether it’s a painting, photograph, music or architecture. Even the worn lines in a person's face or the pink cheeks on an infant, all of these will bring a smile to your heart or tears down your face.  So, today, take some time to look around you, take a stroll down your town's downtown area, and look at the buildings.  If you have a museum, walk around there and take a look around. Maybe you will even be inspired to show a little of your artistic side.  It’s never too late to get started, after all, Grandma Moses was in her 70's when she started painting, and she became one of the country's best selling artists!  Find your inspiration today.