It happens every year, doesn't it? You promise yourself that you are going to get your holiday shopping done early, then, the kids are back in school, there are meetings and sports and before you know it, it's Halloween. The thought of Thanksgiving and making plans starts to set in, then you realize "YIKES" I haven't started that holiday shopping yet!!!
This year is particularly hard on a lot of us because the economy has effected jobs, job security and income. Things are not what they were just a few short years ago and, quite frankly, that may be a good thing!
Time like this forces us to waste less, be more discriminating and better "shoppers", and if we look at it in the right light - more grateful for all the wonderful things we do have! I for one, am not convinced that our current situation is a bad thing.
In an effort to help out our customers and share the optimism, Flip Art Fonts is offering FREE SHIPPING on all holiday orders (between 10/16/09 and 12/31/09). Which means you can stock up on all your favorite FAF items, such as Holiday Gymnastics and Cheer Cards, Personalized name signs, and even Valentine cards!
Remember, when you sign up for our email subscription, you'll get a FREE GIFT (downloadable sketch by Angelique) and a special introductory offer (no limit)!
So hurry on over to Flip Art Fonts and start shopping for your favorite gymnast or cheerleader! And remember, if you have special requests or any questions, you can email us at:
Well, I have been sharing a lot of what we have going on over at Flip Art Fonts right now, but I wanted to take a break and tell you about some of the great ideas I have found around the internet for parents and kids.
If you have children, you know how easily they "lose" things. I have worked at several gyms and, quite frankly, it's amazing how much clothing gets left behind in a very short period of time. Now, I will say that after watching an HBO special on child safety back in the 1980's, I AM NOT A FAN of putting a child's first name blatantly on their jackets or back of their shirts. The point here is that a stranger could, upon seeing their name, come up to them and say "Hi, Suzie" and give the child the impression that they know them...gain their trust and ...well, I don't want to elaborate or scare anyone. But, the concept made sense, so what to do about losing valuable clothing?
As a gymnastics team coach, it gets a little impossible out on the floor at a meet, when first year gymnasts take off their warmup outfits, all of which are exactly the same, and ... you guessed it, no name on the tag. Same thing when kids go to camp or even school!
So, I found a great item recently that seems to address this problem. It's called LABEL DADDY. Washable and they have great packages for great deals.
Another issue that I have seen in the gym in particular, is parents waiting with one child while the other child is taking their class. It's hard to find things to keep kids busy, but, one great idea that I remember from my own childhood, is Highlights Magazine! Remember how we couldn't wait for it to arrive? So, I'm just throwing this idea out there, if you hadn't thought about it in a while. Check it out again.
And finally, for today... I must share with you a wonderful program by one of my favorite authors and speakers, Dr. Wayne Dyer. When I heard him say, "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change"... it literally changed my life. I know he is not the originator of that quote, but the information he shares in his books and programs is always uplifting and inspiring. So, what better way to get our children on the path of "I Can Do It"... than a program from Dr. Dyer, himself, father of 8! I have seen his program "No Excuses" several times and can't say enough good things about it. So, check it out for yourself and for your children's unlimited success!
I hope you have found something of value here today. Please feel free to leave a comment or suggestions of your own! Here's hoping your day is filled with joy and inspiration!
Well, it's hard to believe, but, it's that time of year again! The kids are back in school. Mom has had a week or so to catch her breath (ha ha ha) and it's time to start thinking about ghosts, goolies and goblins.
Did you ever wish that Halloween was not so "candy-driven"? Well, a few years ago, I was working at a gym and I had a lot of students. Some parents don't allow their children to have candy and as a gym instructor it seemed contrary to what we were trying to teach them to be handing out candy. Now, that being said, I hate to admit that candy seems to be one of the true motivators of kids. The things those kids would go through for a "skittle" was pretty remarkable. But, when faced with the prospect of finding treats for a hundred students and not wanting to just hand out another piece of candy, I came up with my little "Flipper Treat" cards, a play on "Trick or Treat".
Of course, I thought they were adorable. But, quite honestly, even the parents didn't get it. What did it mean? Hmmmmmm...is it me, or were they reading too much into it? So, I came up with another card, that didn't have to be interpretted.
"Happy Halloween" says it simply. I used all five Flip Art Fonts alphabets and no one questioned, "What does it mean?" It was just a nice way to share something with the children who for a variety of reasons were not allowed to have candy. And for those who could have candy, I attached a small lollipop. It didn't break the bank and it was something they could keep if they wanted to.
A little side note, here. You can sign the back of these cards or put your gym stamp on it, with your name address and phone number. If you want to make them even more lasting, you can visit a craft store and get plastic sleeves with magnets to stick on lockers or the refrigerator!
Kids like candy, but, isn't it nice to give something with a little more lasting value? I think so! Happy Halloween!
Simply put, Flip Art Fonts is a collection of very unique alphabets created by Angelique Oteri that we use to make very special name signs for gymnasts, cheerleaders and collectors of fairies.
Angelique drew her first girls gymnastics alphabet at the age of 16 while an exchange student in Germany. You can read more about her story here.
As soon as I saw these wonderful drawings, I scanned them and started making name signs and note cards with them. She has since created four more alphabets and countless sketches and drawings. (click on the names to see samples)
So, if you are looking for a terrific gift to give to your favorite gymnast, cheerleader or coach, from pre-school through team, please check out our growing selection of gifts at our main web site:
Have you ever turned on the radio (usually in the car) and the songs just seem to "talk" to you. Like that particular song was on that particular station just so you would hear it at that moment? It happens to me. Coincidence? Maybe..
Well, the other day I got in the car and was flipping through the stations and happened to hear a man talking about eBay and selling things online. It was John Tesh, of all people. Then, he started talking about a site called Etsy! Etsy is a shopping site where talented people from all over the world can buy and sell handmade items. It's like an internet craft show and let me tell you some of the items on that site are amazing. Most are wonderful artist creating remarkable products.
I feel like Flip Art Fonts is one of the best kept gymnastics gift secrets on the internet, not that we want to be, but, after being on the first page of the google search 2 years ago, I can't seem to find us anywhere. So, Etsy seemed like just another way to get the word out that we offer this wonderful service in personalized gymnastics gifts.
If you are and artist or a crafter and are looking for an outlet for your creations or if you just like shopping for unique hand made items, you should check it out! (Please start with our Etsy shop - Flip Art Fonts at Etsy.
They also have a very cool feature for linking to your FaceBook account and you can create widgets like this one!
...The things you look at change. - Dr. Wayne Dyer
I love listening to Dr. Dyer. He has been sharing his wisdom and what he has learned for many years. I can't remember when or where I first heard him, but, I catch him on PBS a lot. Recently, I caught his program, "Excuses Begone!"(Wayne Dyer Excuses Begone Specials!) and earlier this year purchased a DVD called "Ambition to Meaning" which I believe is now called, "The Shift"(www.DyerMovie.com) . It's all good inspiring material, But, this one quote sticks with me, and when I find myself in a mood or situation that is "uncomfortable" or "not in alignment" I go back to this thought and try a new approach.
Case in point, when I moved here to Florida recently, I knew my friend had a dog. A beautiful Siberian Husky, named "Mystra". Mystra is strong and powerful and can't be left in the back yard because she'll jump the fence, so, she needs to be walked two or three times a day.
I have never really been good with pets, so I limited my "pets" to fish who can take care of themselves. I raised my kids which was 24 hours a day for many years, a wonderful experience, however, I didn't really want to have that kind of responsibility with a pet. But, my friend was given the animal and she has been a good friend and companion for him. He works a great deal and the one thing I knew would be helpful, and keep her from making mistakes in the house, was to walk her.
But, I didn't like it. I kept thinking to myself, "I would never have a dog. I don't like walking the dog. What an inconvenience. She is HIS responsibility." I felt myself building up resentment and resistence to this little task that needed to be done. I would begrudgingly put on my shoes and get the leash and take her a block, up to the small park and tell her that was it. She didn't seem to mind, but, don't kid yourself, dogs are smart. She knew how I felt, and she had a few issues with me, too.
When my friend and I would go out for a while, Mystra would find something of mine...something she knew was mine and chew it a little, and leave it in a very particular place on the floor in the living room. She would get scolded, but, she knew what she was doing...if I left the bathroom open, she'd take my toothpaste. She even took my eye drops and chewed the bottle. The day after I got my composter, she grabbed the bag of compost starter and deposited it, always to the same exact place in the living room. It was her little protest toward me and my stuff...the things she associated with me. Jealous, maybe.
One day, after spending a few days working on my web site with my face in the computer in HTM(hel)L, I needed to get out and MOVE. Then it dawned on me, I needed a walk! I needed some exercise. What a wonderful opportunity for BOTH of US!
So, I got my MP3 player, put on my shoes, put Mystra on her leash, turned on some energetic music and we went for a walk. Breathing, walking a little faster than usual, walking farther than usual, really enjoying being outside for a while. Feeling the sun, getting a little tan. It was wonderful! Mystra enjoyed it too.
I realized that somewhere in that moment, I had changed the way I looked at our daily walk. It was no longer a drudgery, it was something to look forward to. I don't always listen to music, now I listen to Dr. Dyer, or sometimes just sounds, like rushing water or other meditative type recordings. It's a very stop and go kind of exercise as Mystra has to stop and go... but, mostly she loves to sniff almost everything, makes me wonder what is it that she is sniffing for? But, I feel that I took command of the situation and instead of resenting it, I truly look forward to it.
So, I don't mind the daily walk any more and Mystra, for the most part, has stopped looking for my personal items to display, half-chewed in the living room. She knows, when she hears me putting my shoes on, reaching for my Mp3 player and my keys that "It's time!!! "
This is just a small example, and reminder to me...that "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."
I recently found myself in a lively discussion about green, recycling, global warming and carbon footprints. Of course, my position is pro-recycle and reduce carbon emissions, my opponent's opinion was that carbon emissions don't cause global warming and that since his local recycling program had been accused of not actually recycling the recyclables, that he didn't have time to be bothered with it. Furthermore, he stated that Al Gore's carbon footprint is huge, thereby rendering Al Gore and his position "full of crap".
Wow.
I participated in the first Earth Day back in the 1970's. We all walked to school, which was about 7 or 8 miles including a long trek up Tunnel Hill Road. The experience made an impression on me and over the years I have been an advocate of Earth Day, recycling, composting, tree hugging, etc. I explained to my friend that the green movement has been around for a long time and really has nothing to do with Al Gore and has more to do with taking care of the earth.
It just makes common sense that we should reduce our waste so we don't have to clean it up. And thinking that it doesn't have to be cleaned up, is (forgive me) ignorance to the highest degree. Case in point, a child's bedroom...or the dishes in the sink. These things don't just take care of themselves, someone has to clean them up and the same logic applies to pollution, trash and carbon emissions. Lord knows Mother Earth is doing her best to keep up with our mess, but, at what point to we acknowledge that Mom is exhausted and can't keep up ( any mom will tell you, that has been a problem for years).
I remember a few years ago, I was at a street fair along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania where there was a Native American woman sitting imparting her wisdom. She showed many traditional items and explained how her ancestors' deep connection with the Earth and nature would not allow them to waste any part of an animal that had been killed. They used the meat for food, the skin for clothing, the bones, claws and even stomach were turned into useful or decorative reminders to honor the spirit of the animal who died so they could live.
How have we gotten so far away from this very spiritual connection to the earth and everything that sustains us? Don't we think it's better to TRY to recycle than not? If only for the simple logic of trying to keep our big ugly piles of trash that we call "landfills" smaller.
I'm not a scientist, I'm just a mom trying to understand the logic behind this disposable lifestyle we've been taught to accept and I'm not buying it. Even if Al Gore has some work to do on his carbon footprint, why should I let that stop me from trying to reduce my own? And why would an otherwise reasonably intelligent man like my friend, adopt an attitude that it's all BS and it's "not worth it"?
Well, I would like to add here that after a few glasses of wine, the conversation turned silly when I mentioned the pollution in China as evidenced during the Olympics, and he said it was from everyone smoking cigarettes! We all laughed and called it a draw.
I have always believed in the law of attraction. When I was younger, it wasn’t called that, but, somehow I knew that I could make things happen. I always had “beginners luck”, I’d try something for the first time and could do pretty well at it. I wanted a guitar and found that if I sold 88 packs of American Seeds, I could get one, so I did. I’d set goals and accomplish them, I wanted something, and would not stop until I had it.
I will tell you, I set small goals. They were good goals, but, small. I ran into some trouble as I got older. I was introduced to a network marketing opportunity (now called MLM or Multi-level-marketing). I saw the opportunity, networking seemed so obvious, I loved the products (many were biodegradable and environmentally friendly back in the 60’s and 70’s) but, I couldn’t seem to do anything more than sell a few products, I might have sponsored in one or two distributors, but, couldn’t seem to get things rolling.
I even enjoyed going with my sponsors to the pep rallies, probably referred to as leadership conferences or some such. I listened to wonderful motivational speakers and others who were doing it and I knew that I could do what they were doing, building a large network, helping people and making lots of money. But, when I got home, the reality of “I don’t have a lot of money” and “I don’t have a network” would set in, and eventually, I stopped trying. I know now that that these were just my limiting beliefs and thinking about “what is” that stopped me from going where I wanted to go.
Interestingly, just yesterday it dawned on me that in my adult life, it seems that it has taken me 20 years or more to “come into alignment” with many things that I have wanted.
For example, a little over a year ago, I was between jobs. I had a job lined up, Originally thought I would start working as soon as I finished my current job and settled into my new home. But, what actually happened, was that I ended up with a month off between jobs. I had a little money saved up, so, I enjoyed having the time off and decided that I should take a little “vacation”. Who knows why, perhaps because I was living in NE Pennsylvania at the time, I suddenly realized that Herkimer, NY was only a few hours away. Herkimer, for those of you who do not know, is the home of the Herkimer Diamond Mines, which I had heard about in the mid 1980’s. “Herkimer diamonds” are actually double-terminated quartz that form in pockets in the rocks in this particular area of New York. This is a somewhat rare occurrence, to have points on both ends of a piece of quartz.
I had heard stories from people who had gone, found rocks and cracked them open and found lovely little gems that fell out of their ancient homes and into the hands of these modern day miners. I mentioned to my partner at the time how I would love to go there with a sledgehammer and crack rocks open looking for these precious little gems. He raised his eyebrow, sort of laughed and really never gave it another thought.
So, here I was, 20 years later, with no partner to stop me, and an opportunity to possibly take a ride to New York State and see what this was all about. I researched it a little bit on the internet and thought I would take a few days and go up there, if the weather would co-operate. Around that time, a dear friend came to visit me for Memorial Day weekend, and between our yard sale-ing and natural gourmet food snacking I mentioned that I was thinking about going to Herkimer and that I had wanted to do it for 20 years. She said, “Let’s go!” I looked at her in amazement, “Really? Now?” “Sure! Let‘s Go!”, she replied. And that’s all it took. Later that day we were on our way to New York and first thing the next morning we were at the mine cracking rocks. We even brought a few rocks home with us, and just for the record, I did crack open one of those rocks and found two beautifully formed Herkimer Diamonds. It only took 20 years to manifest that! And there are other examples. When I was in high school I wanted to be a teacher and a gymnastics coach. I was talked out of it by my guidance counselors and my step father, who told me that there was a surplus of teachers and that I should go into music rather than phys ed. I realize now, that they were just giving me the advice that they thought was good, but, 15 years later, I found myself coaching my own gymnastics team which is in itself an intense form of teaching. Very rewarding, but, training involves the mind, the body, the heart and soul of a young athlete and the coach’s job is to bring out the best in each of those areas in each gymnast, and sometimes to face the inevitable or obvious, that without all of those parts working together for that dream or desire, the athlete can and will only go so far. Not everyone will climb the mountain, and that’s okay. But, I continued to coach at several different gyms with a great deal of success for about 15 years. That only took 15 years to manifest - without a degree.
These days, I find myself in a wonderful relationship with a man that I fell in love with almost 30 years ago. He admits now, that he fell in love, but, was afraid of the commitment to anyone or anything, at the time, he “pushed” me away and we went our separate ways and lead our separate lives. Now, here we are 30 years later, happily together. I would like to add here, that I am not sorry about the 30 years, I have three wonderful children that could never imagine living my life without. I believe it’s all as it should be, and that only through our individual life experiences are we able to feel so free about this relationship and friendship. But, the realization keeps coming up that it has taken me a long time to manifest these happy events in my life.
To be fair, I’m sure that there are many things that I have manifested much more quickly. But, the one thing that I have been working on all my life, and have nearly come close to breaking through on is freedom and prosperity.
Ah, that wonderful word, freedom. Prosperity, in the financial sense, releases the worries that hold us down. Money gives us the freedom to give, and go and do things without limits. So, it is this area of limiting beliefs that I still require the most work on releasing resistance. I believe this applies to most people. Since I have been working on this one for about 50 years, I think it is time. “Let’s go!” “Really? Now?” “Sure! Let’s Go!”
I am a gymnastics coach, mother of three, singer, songwriter, dancer, Green enthusiast, Food-lover, Law of Attraction Student, gardener, Beatles Fan, Sunrider Believer (yes, I'm a believer), tree-hugger, metaphysical babble taking, straight shooting, honest, one-man woman. Among other things. LOL
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