The Most Important Things

Story of a young Amerasian girl. ( by Rick Smolan, photographer)

2012-02-07T02:37:00.000-08:00

I am inspired by people who do not pass by the people who need help. They start projects that affect the minds and hearts of people. And bring this project to the end. Deeds, not words adorn the human. Let's learn to do the projects! And our lives are filled with meaning :)

The new book "The Adventure of a Water Droplet Pally"

2011-11-14T02:49:00.000-08:00

A new concept in paper quilling is a children's book with quilling artwork illustrations!

Quilling, also known as paper filigree, it has been around since the Renaissance age, but I was only recently introduced to it by my friend. This art of cutting and curling narrow strips of paper and laying them on edge to form intricate filigree designs sparked my interest and I found it fun and pretty relaxing.

When Karina, the young artist, suggested making artwork illustration in paper quilling for our ecological fairytale about water drop, I was happy. But I cannot even imagine what a talented artist can do with just a few colorful strips of paper.

To see the fairytale with quilling artwork illustrations one feels like a MIRACLE!

I’m a fairy taller and the author of the numerous children's books but I haven’t seen the illustrations for the children books as impressive as quilling artwork illustrations made by Karina. They are really magic, fairy and brilliantly introduce the conception of the book.

Quilling artwork illustrations give the book a magnificent look! These artwork illustrations for the children book take quilling in the whole new level.

This is the first our children book illustrated by the talented artist Karina. Now she is at work on the next book "The Golden Bee" about healing property of honey, and I can't wait to see her next artwork.

with love, author
Alexandra

Personal Photo books for orphans

2011-11-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

Cover of the photo book.

I want to share with you one idea. Last year we thought that we should make personal photo books for orphans. But we could made only one book for one child - Sasha Ismailov, I wrote about him below. But I think it's a great idea! It's amazing present for child! not only for the orphans but for any child. We want to describe different parts of life of the child, may be use old photos from his childhood (if child has them), also include there photographes made by me and things this child is interested in.
You can see below a few pages from the photobook we made for Sasha. We put there his fairy tales (wrote on lessons of the Fairy tale therapy with Alexandra), Sasha's song ( we ask our friend wrote music for Sasha's poem), also we wrote inspiring words especially for him.

This book size - 20 sm x 20 sm, 38 pages. Name - "The beginning of a long journey".
Only problem is money. Such personal photo book is not chip. But we're looking for the donations and we plan to make such photo books for orphans in future.
P.S. Sasha Ismailov lives in Republic of Adugea (Russia) and this photo book are also there ))

Page with Sasha's fairy tale. We scanned paper with fairy tale and his picture.

Sasha, people from his orphanage and inspirational quote

Sasha learns in the Cossack Cadet School and we put there photos with cossacks

This is another fairy tale by Sasha ( again his own picture)

The notes for Sasha's song ( there is only part of song here)

Page with our wishes for Sasha and his future.

A few words about the art exhibition in our town.

2011-10-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

I wrote below that 2 Masha's paintings were bought there. And now, about exhibition! "The world through the eyes of countryman". People from our region show their paintings and other artworks.

Organizers of the exhibition took 5 of Masha's artworks.

Also there were some of Masha and Alesia' books.
Masha is always happy to show her artworks. And it's so nice that people like them.

Paintings and books

The art exhibition was placed here

Two paintings were bought at the exhibition )

2011-10-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

We were so glad! One lady opens new ecological center for kids and bought two paintings with trees and flowers for it. It's great! Paintings will take their place and will please people.

Trees' dance

Fantazy

Video clip about Masha and Alesia' project "Kind books"

2011-10-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Not so long ago Masha and Alesia have got a proposal became a TV heroes :-)) It was so fast and unexpectedly that we do not have time to wind up! Our city held a competition between broadcasters from Moscow Region. All participants should made a short video clip in a few hours. It was named "From the wheels". And one camera crew chose storytellers from town Vidnoe ( Maria and Alexandra).

This video contains a lot of video clips, and video clip about us begins from 10:20 min. It's in russian, of course.

FILM "EVERLASTING MOMENTS"

2011-10-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

"EVERLASTING MOMENTS"

Penetrating story about a talent which hidden in everyone! we should just give a chance this one...

In a time of social change and unrest, war and poverty, a young working class woman, Maria, wins a camera in a lottery. The decision to keep it alters her whole life. It's a good, touching film.

I like films which give me food for my mind )

This movie made me strong emotions... About life, human choice, destiny, talents, wishes, opportunities... In short I suggest you look it!

Photo studio for children "The Light" in the Orphanage #24. Moscow.

2011-10-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

I started work in the orphanage and yesterday I spent my first lesson there. I worried very much. I prepared. Red books, red my own diaries and notebooks. And think, think and think! What I should to do, how I should talk to children and in which manner? It’s not just lessons for them and for me. It’s very important. I wish my photo lessons will be “fresh air” for them! They need attention to their personality very much. And I want to help them open their mind. I want to show them freedom, real friendship, kindness, respect and DESIRE TO CREATE. They should have desire to create not only photos but their life and themselves!

Many ideas I took from book by Johannes Itten “Design and form: the basic course at the Bauhaus”. It’s a great book for designers and artists. And there Itten describes his teaching method. I reflected a lot about Itten’ method and I try to make these ideas a reality in my photo studio. By the way I called it “The Light”. Now I have 2 groups of teenagers (11 children in each one) and 1 group of children of secondary school age (8 children).

I planned teach children to be open to the World, to feel their responsibility for that planet, society and themselves. Every week I will give them “food for thought”, I want to wake up their Personality, their Mind. And I will do it through The Photography. They all are at the beginning of their life and I know that I can change their lives. I hope… You can connect with me if you want to do the same things. We could help each other by our experience and our ideas. It will be very interesting for me!

Also I want to share with you Johannes Itten ideas:

1. Above all the Teacher should release and enhance the imagination of pupils. Release their creativity.

2. Respect for people is the beginning and the ultimate goal of any education.

3. See natural gifts and temperament of people and reveal them.

4. Person must develop harmoniously. All sides: physical, spiritual, intellectual, sensual.

Photo by Romualdas Rakauskas

Book presentations. Novgorod.

2011-10-16T01:17:00.000-07:00

Book presentation in Veliky Novgorod took place 8/10/2011. Our friend Zhenia organized two meetings, in children' library and book shop "Bukvoed". It was not ordinary trip, really! We went there by our car - 9 hours with one stop for 30 minutes rest. And as result - I was half asleep, but it was worth it.
People got kind books and inspiring words. Alesia had very nice speech. She told about humanistic education, about exiting ways to teach kids, showed all her books, they include different subjects: music, ecology, morality, wise fairy tales from all over the world, healthy food, mathematics, short tales, tales about animals, professions and another subjects. All of these are important themes for children, for their good education. And these books are a great help for parents! ))
Information about Alesia and Masha' books heard the people who needed it, I think. And I was glad to feel it. And also it was a great pleasure to met our friends. We ate wonderful dinner and we talked about deep spiritual matters. I feel myself full of warm, sunny thoughts after such meetings! And, of course, photo report:

Children library

Masha sings her song "Little ships", Alesia shows painting "Magic lights".

Masha and Alesia' Kind books ))

Lady describe her thoughts about Masha's painting "Magic lights"

Book shop "Bukvoed"

This young lady is reading fairy tale "The most important things". It's really exciting and full of sense.

See kind books by Masha and Alesia in english here >>

And this is our dear Zhenia !

A tit in the hand !

2011-10-11T04:51:00.000-07:00

“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” This proverb is a very popular warning, widely used in many English-speaking countries. But in Russia it sounds " A tit in the hand is worth a crane in the sky".
And today Alesia gets in her hand pretty tit! ))) But this one was obstinate and grabbed Alesia's finger. But nothing serious...))) It was amazing. This tit flews into her room and landed on the aloe.
I think it was Yellow-breasted Tit. You know, such happenings aroused my interest to birds!
It's like ecology lessons for me! And now I know who is singing in my garden ))

Yellow-breasted Tit grabs Alesia's finger ))

Such happenings show me how we can teach kids ecology. Children will support Nature and all creatures around them if we touched kid's hearts by ecology lessons.
I want take book "In Harmony with Nature" like basis ( there are a lot of information about our planet, about trees, flowers) and also "Funny Animals" ( about different animals). There are games, questions and tales...Such lessons are interesting and useful not only for kids but also for adults. We can combine these books with our wishes and imagination. And... It will be great, I think!
It's Good Idea to start ecology lessons with your children!
How we can teach kids to love Nature >>

Photo study group. Orphanage.

2011-10-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

Wednesday. 5/10/2011.
It was my first visit to the orphanage where I will start my photo circle for children... I was like little rabbit. I'm not a professional teacher... But I took myself in my own hands! And say: Be strong!
There was nice atmosphere and I hope, everything will be good.
It was Teacher's Day and I took photos.

Music was from film "Step Up". 7 class.

Danila is very talented. He was like a professional dancer ))

Magic portrait and old door ))

2011-10-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel myself boring…I don’t know what exactly I should to do, but… I start to looking for something new. And I ask myself: What do you want? I sort in my head all activities I know. One day I feel that I have great wish to try paint on glass. And these photos represent my first efforts in this field :-) I used acrylic paints for glass.

This is Masha and her Inspiration ))

This is our old door. I try to refresh it ))

"In harmony with nature"

2011-10-03T04:58:00.000-07:00

"In harmony with nature"
The first contacts with Nature is the most IMPORTANT as it will stay in his memory all his life. Thus, The First Books on Ecology shouldn't be dry and push-off.
The stories and poems tell the children things how beautiful and valuable Nature is.
Aim of this book: Formulating in children an understanding of the mutually dependent relationship between humans and the surrounding natural world.
Overview:
1. Every human being is responsible for nature.
2. Nature needs my care and attention.
3. I can lend nature a helping hand.

We offer you stories about flowers and tress: Nature's Beautiful Gifts. Each story in friendly and entertaining form introduces children with scientific knowledge of a role of trees and flowers in ECOLOGY of our planet:
- how they grow;
- how they look like;
- how they cooperate with people and with the World of animals and birds.
The aim of these stories is to cultivate love for the nature, so that the child would feel himself as inseparable part of the Nature. And will learn to benefit from its healing and life-giving forces that people of today are so much in need.
By losing connection with Nature, we are losing our health - physical and spiritual. Hence, we need to realize it before it is too late! And we must do our best to make our children closer to nature, to help them to feel nature and together with them take care of Ecology of our Planet Earth!
See this book here >>
The authors would be pleased to receive any comments you may have!

Painted fence

2011-09-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

This week we prepare our house and our garden for the Wedding! Alesia's son will marry on Saturday. It's a great day! Then I and Masha decided to paint our fence. We did it in our abstract, free style :-))
I don't know...May be you will like it or not...But we tried as best we could!
Masha has her painting "Blue tulips" and we use this motive in our work.

OUR INSTRUMENT ))

BEFORE...

MASHA IS READY...))

We used instrument with sandpaper at first.

Masha at work...) Actually it was really nice, I like such activity.

AFTER...)

Our gate ) I think it's cheerful !

I hope guests will rate our work...Why people do not make multi-colored fence? It's much more cheerful...)

Summer "Good habits camp" for children

2011-09-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

If you’re interested in children education, worry about morality, want to teach children ecology and healthy way of life and so on….If you want to teach kids good way of life….Then there is a great idea to open camp (summer, winter, autumn and spring). And there you can set your rules, good and right rules! You as Director show good example and….I think you know – all depends on the head!

In yellow T-shirt (behind Sasha) - Vladimir ( The Director of this camp).

And we ( I, Alesia and Masha) were in such camp. Vladimir ( The Director) can’t get over the fact that all the smoke around, drink, say terrible words and do nothing… And he decided to open “Good Habits Camp”. Vladimir and his crew show children healthy, active and interesting way of life. This camp is not large (maybe 30 kids). All depends on money…It’s not easy. But it’s a great pleasure and profit for these 30 kids!

Sasha Ismailov likes it very much. And also it’s good for him to have normal social contacts. This camp placed near Moscow. But we could wish to see not only one but a great number such places)) Ordinary educators in camps look after physical conditions but not moral and creative ones.

It was the meeting with parents. Only one time at the end of 3 weeks' period

Sasha took part in the play ( Lion :-))

Acrobatic ))

Patronage of orphans

2011-09-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes miracles happen… I think so when I remember one boy, Sasha Ismailov. Alesia met him in Adygea, the republic of Russia, in 2010. This was orphanage. Sasha immediately impressed Alesia. He was 14 years old. He grown up in terrible conditions, but he wrote kind, sensible poems and tales. Sasha opened himself in fairy tales which he wrote in Alesia’s project “Fairy tale therapy”. Alesia and Sasha became friends. After Alesia came back from Adygea they continued communication and… He comes to us in January 2011. It was amazing holidays for him! He was nowhere except for his small town… Alesia prepared a great interesting program for all 10 days. We showed him our way of life, shared our thoughts. He knew only one way of life… not good… But we try to give him a chance for better life. He’s already adult (15 years old), we can’t change him, but we can help him to do the right choice.

Sasha visited us again this summer. We talked about everything; he’s so clever and smart! Also he was in summer camp for 3 week. It was very interesting, I talk about it later.. ))

Alesia and Sasha. Summer 2011, Moscow

It’s a great idea to help such teenagers! They have no support from parents. We are not parents but we could become real good friends for them! They just start their life and we could help them don’t do silly mistakes.

About hobby...

2011-09-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

"We can do more than imagine, we can create."

Any action suppose two steps: imagination and creation. One of these can't be without another one... A lot of people can only imagine ( it's already great! ) but human beings are created in order to create. And through this creative process we open our inner skills and talents, it gives sense to our life. If we have sense we are not empty. The Sense gives us Happiness. And we are created to be happy!

I will show you the beautiful talents of my friends. I hope you will share their happiness with them. Maybe it will inspire you to do something in your way! ;-))

Painted Glass Bowl

Irina paint on glass her marvelous patterns

Irina

I caught the idea....

2011-09-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

Today we were in the park. Actually, this is Sukhanovo estate, an architectural ensemble of the late 18th-early 19th centuries. But nowadays …just wild park. And there is a Spring with pure (…I hope…) water.

There we meet one interesting person. Old man with an armful of leaves. He swept ground near the spring. Also he asked us to put something into the bird feeder. This man gave me Good Ideas!

We can always have a package with bread or cereals in our bag to feed up animals.

We can put everything in order, take away garbage everywhere we are (town, forest and so on)

Bird feeder

Masha and bottles with spring water

An armful of leaves and package for garbage.

What Silence Says

2011-09-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

This short tale is for Dima.

So...Dima special. Of course everybody are special in their way, you say...But he is very kind, soft, sensible, reasonable and calm. Yes, he knows what Silence Says...

What Silence Says

A teacher let his pupils out to play at break time and went off to eat his lunch. Everyone ran out the school. Danny was the last boy to go out, but someone had locked the door.
When the students came back to school, Danny was sitting in his seat.
“Why didn’t you climb out the window?” one of the students asked.
“I didn’t want to – I was listening to the silence,” Danny replied.
“And did you hear much?” someone giggled.
“I listened to the specks of dust rustling as they brushed against the sunbeams. Our tables creaked from tiredness, and whispered sadly.”

“You are lying! What a storyteller,” the students cried, but the teacher stopped them.
He told everyone to sit down and said:
“Now we’re going to listen to the silence. We’ll sit ever so quietly and listen to our hearts, so they open up to let the silence in, and become huge.”
Everyone was quiet for a moment, and it was as though the school was empty. A minute later, the students started to say: “Oh, I heard my heart beating.”
“And I heard the song mum used to sing when I was small.”
“I heard the wind whistling through the window.”
The students were quiet again, and the teacher said:
“Silence speaks volumes. In order to hear it, you need to have a heart as big as Danny’s.”

see more "Wise Short Tales"

Have you ever listen to the Silence ?

I do...))

“Life is a daring adventure, or it is nothing”

2011-09-20T06:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes some people say "I can't....this is not for me..." or " I can't change my life! There is no escape from my situation..."

People like fleas in a jar... But you can change everything if you're still alive!

“Escape the circus and live beyond the limits of the imaginary lid”

How To Avoid Failure & Criticism

To reach for the Stars...

2011-09-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. Harriet Tubman

This wonderful photo was made by Alex Cherney. It's so strange and unbelievable but...this is The Milky Way! The star arcs represent 100 minutes of Earth rotation.

Fragment from "The Most Important Things" in Polish

2011-09-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

DLACZEGO ZACHÓD SŁOŃCA BYWA SMUTNY (WHY THE SUNSET IS SAD)

Niebo ciemniało i ponad lasem można było dostrzec pierwsze gwiazdy. Zanim Rudogrzbietka znalazła sobie miejsce do przycupnięcia, słońce zniknęło za jeziorem, a niebo wypełniło się ognistym pomarańczowym kolorem. Jaśniał on na powierzchni wody i odbijany tu i tam od drobnych fali utworzył ścieżkę prosto do myszki, która patrzyła zdumiona.

- Nigdy nie widziałam nic piękniejszego - pomyślała Rudogrzbietka. - Nigdy w lesie nie było takiego nieba jak tu. Przypomina drogę światła biegnąca wprost do nieba. To jezioro jest pełne magii.

- Cześć - powiedziało pomarańczowe światło.

Rudogrzbietka otworzyła ze zdziwienia oczy i ten sam jasny kolor zajaśniał w nich.

- Witaj i żegnaj - odezwał się znów głos. - Promyk słońca prosił, aby powiedzieć ci ‘Cześć’.

- Wiedziałam - stwierdziła Rudogrzbietka. - Zaraz po tym, jak cię zobaczyłam płomyku wiedziałam, że musisz być przyjacielem słonecznego promienia. Powiedz mi jednak, dlaczego twój kolor sprawia, iż czuję się wewnątrz odrobinę smutna i troszkę przestraszona ?

- Jestem zachodem słońca, mała myszko, a zachód słońca jest wtedy, gdy słońce mówi ‘do widzenia’. Mówienie „żegnaj” jest zawsze trochę smutne. Za każdym razem dziwisz się, gdy widzisz ponownie swoich przyjaciół. Słońce jednak zawsze wraca.

- Rozumiem - kiwnęła głową myszka. - Jest smutno, gdyż kończy się dzień i ten dzień nigdy już nie wróci, ale jest też radośnie, ponieważ zawsze nadchodzi kolejny nowy dzień.

- Jesteś bardzo mądra, mała myszko. A jest tak, bo uczysz się od słonecznego promienia. Niektórzy myślą, że jutro nie nadejdzie nigdy. Oni są niemądrzy i jest mi ich żal. Boją się, iż to będzie ich ostatni dzień.

- Ja też jestem niemądra, ponieważ to mnie przeraża. Być może ten dzień będzie moim ostatnim ?

- Jak coś, co nie ma końca, może się skończyć, mała myszko ? Sądzisz, że światło i miłość mają swój koniec ? Wszystkie żywe stworzenia żyją dzięki słońcu – jak mogłoby ono pozostawić ich w ciemności ?

- Słońce może rozzłościć się, bo nikt nie chce dowiedzieć się o świetle i może wtedy nie przyjść.

- Światło nigdy nie złości się, mała myszko. Światło może jedynie świecić, o czym dobrze wiesz. Nie obawiaj się. Przed tobą jest nieskończenie wiele początków i końców.

Gdy zachód słońca zabłysnął ostatni raz na niebie i ogrzał serce Rudogrzbietki, nastała ciemność.

Myszka uzbierała trochę liści i wróciła do jaskini. Szybko zasnęła w nowym domu, ale zdążyła jeszcze powiedzieć perle „Śpij słodko, mój mały skarbie i o nic się nie martw. Jutro wstanie nowy dzień.”

Fragment from the translation of "The Most Important Things"

Fairy tale therapy in Spain. (Seminar)

2011-09-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

Last year in Spain was held seminar "Fairy tale therapy as a method of creative development of children".
I publish the article about this event wrote by Valentina Mironova, a teacher of Russian language and literature of the Association of Russian culture name F.Dostoevsky.
This article in Spanish. Fotos de Natalia Saiápina

"Alesia produced a very interesting seminar in game form, where parents and children were not only students but also direct participants. And it is not surprising, as it is very important for Alesia is co-creation of children, parents and teachers."

It was very interesting! Seminar was held in Russian. Some of kids know russian good, but some of kids a little. And there were also parents and different teachers....But seminar should be interesting for everybody!
It's not easy...))) But Alesia did it very well.

"The song by Maria Skrebtsova "Little ships" inspired children and adults began to build his dream boat, again believing in miracles and fairy tale. Dozens of white ships with the name of the captain went on board on that Sunday to the country of Fantasia, and faces lit up with happiness."

Seminario «Terapia mediante cuentos de hadas

como un método de desarrollo creativo de los niños»

El soleado domingo del 10 de abril en la Escuela “Azbuka” de la Asociación cultural rusa F.Dostoievski (cuya responsable es Irina Gorkova), con el apoyo del Ayuntamiento de Salou, tuvo lugar el muy esperado seminario “Terapia mediante cuentos de hadas como un método de desarrollo creativo de los niños”. El hecho es que ya desde el invierno esperábamos la visita de una escritora de libros infantiles de Moscú llamada Alexandra Lopátina que junto con su amiga, la pintora, poeta y cantautora María Skrebtsova, escribe buenos y sabios cuentos de hadas y libros sobre la educación moral y creativa.

Read this article and see photos! >>

Book Presentation

2011-09-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Now I want tell you about book presentation for children. Alesia and Masha write books for children. So… presentation also should be for them! I think it’s reasonable )) And little readers discuss different themes from books, asking a questions, tell their opinion, play games and so on. And also read their favorite poems from these books. I think it’s really interesting because children should study to have their free opinion and they should feel that it is significant and interesting for adults.

Also Masha sing a songs and we show a few paintings. Then the event is becoming more diverse and interesting. Presentations are held in book stores, schools, libraries.

Another book presentation will soon be held in Veliky Novgorod (08.10.2011). Our friends Zhenja and Gordon helped us organize this event! We thank them ! ))

Boy is reading a poem

Autographs...)

Book presentation in "Biblio Globus" Moscow book store.

Masha sing a song for children. ( Book presentation in "Biblio Globus" )

Autographs ))


Book presentation in "Molodaya Gvardia" Moscow book store.

Book presentation in "Molodaya Gvardia" Moscow book store.

Advertising one of the presentations

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on

2011-09-16T03:55:00.000-07:00

Regina Brett
Originally published in The Plain Dealer on Sunday, May 28, 2006

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Book Fair in Moscow

2011-09-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

It was book fair in Moscow in September 2010. Alesia and Masha presents their books are published by Russian publishing trust “Amrita-Rus”.

It was my first time when I was in such place. A great number of people read, buy books, sell books, advertise ones and….I understood there – Publishing is a really great business. And nobody thinks about clever and deep literature, the most of publishers think only about their business, about easy books which could be sold very quickly… Hmm-mm

But we need people who can work for the Idea :-))

Fairy Tale Therapy.

2011-09-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

Studies was in the library

What can do author of fairy tales in the orphanage ? Of course to help children dream and write different fairy tales! Alesia worked with children of the one moscow orphanage from Oktober 2010 to May 2011. I know for someone fairy tale therapy sounds not so seriously. But they are wrong.

Fairy tale therapy is a unique method of psychological, moral and spiritual support for children. Such therapy considers fairy tales as a way of character education, as opportunity for discussion and solution of psychological and social problem of any person, as a way to develop positive and socially active thinking. Fairy tale therapy helps children understand themselves, and thus creates a sense of psychological security and allows children to develop their inner creative abilities and vital resources.

Children and their educators.

The “Fairy Tale Therapy” project is dedicated to the future of the children. The first step of this project was to offer children to write fairy tales on the topic “Secrets in My Name.” For the home children it’s fun and simple but for the orphans….With some children need long time to establish contact, so they just listened to you. And only after a few months children start to believe you. Some 7 years old children can’t write, can’t concentrate and said their opinion.

Fairytale's discussion

Fairytales with illustration written by kids

Of course such educating process is difficult and educator should be patient and kind, considerate and strict… he/she should be the good example in everything… But it’s very important thing not only for these children but for all mankind.

If a child grows in goodness and kindness then he becomes a decent good person. And on the contrary….

	There are a great number of orphans in Russia and their life is full of sadness. But we hope that the situation will be better in future.

The Blog for Stronger Men: Pay it Forward

2011-09-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

The Blog for Stronger Men: Pay it Forward: “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” -Mother Teresa After watching the movie of the same name (don't know whether to...

The Blog for Stronger Men: Make Someone Laugh

2011-09-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Blog for Stronger Men: Make Someone Laugh: "I'm a people's person. To see happy people makes me happy" -David E Mercer Most of the time, people are bored out of their minds. Someti...

The Land of Giants™ The pylon-figures in Iceland.

2011-09-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

It's impressed me very much!!!! I think you too....!

Electrical pylons became the statues and a wonderful example of technical art.

I respect this design studio for their amazing project! Because I think that it's important for the people to make not only "useful" things but also artistic, creative and good-looking! We all need a pleasure for our eyes. ))

I hope you will agree with me!

See more about Choi+Shine Architects

Beautiful portraits of children with Down syndrom

2011-09-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

"To argue that people with Down syndrome - the Angels, I would not like. But watching them, I dare to assume that after the Angels - they are as follows." Vladimir Mishukhov, russian photographer.

This is wonderful project named "Very close ones".

Vladimir made beautiful portraits of children with Down syndrom.

I think it's very good for the our society! People should see the beauty in such persons! And such wonderful photos are the great help in that.

I think such exhibitions make our society more humanistic!

According to statistics from the World Health Organization, one of the 700 babies in the world is born with Down syndrome. This ratio is similar in different countries, climates and social strata. It does not depend on the lifestyle of parents, their health habits, nutrition, education and nationality.

In Russia, 2,500 children are born each year with Down syndrome. With 85% of families refuse them, even in the hospital. Families, in which children grow up with Down syndrome, lack of social support.

Man with Down syndrome can live a life as a person without symptoms. Especially if you grow in an atmosphere of love of his family and feels positive attitude of the society.

My project " Open yourself " for the orphans.

2011-09-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

Children impressed by their photo albums )

I started this project with one russian charity. We want to help orphans open theirselves. I showed kids their beauty and unique personality. Many orphans react to pictures of themselves with surprise and delight because they have never seen such a thing before. We try to make every child feel that he is the center of attention, that he himself is someone important, someone needed, someone beautiful and capable of laughter. These children need to believe that their future will be better than their present. We always tell them, “You do have a chance. You can do anything because you are the best!”

Every child has his own photo album.

Teachers and educators in such places make photo albums but only for their stastistics and don't give photos to children. Sometimes they don't want, sometimes they don't have money for that. But children need it very much. And also these kids have nothing in their life. And child feels happy to have his own beautiful photos in his own album.

One kid's album for example

Masha is working on her second disc

2011-09-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

Masha and Pasha are working on the melody of the song

Two years ago Masha with our friends produced her first album "Songs for the Soul". This disc contents 22 songs about mother's love, beauty of nature, angels, life of a soul. Music and poetry authored by Masha.
She expressed herself in these songs! They are so touching, so sincere! Masha's songs make people cry. I think because these songs call to the deep part of our nature, to our childhood memories.

Pasha is writing notes for the masha's melody

The process of the recording. Masha, Pasha and Dima.

I have to say that the process of the recording is rather difficult work! Again and again Masha have to sing the one song. And again and again Pasha play the one melody....They want make the best they can!
And I wish them good luck ))) Probably the new disc will called "The Flying Angel".

We made clip for the song "Flowers of love" ( the one from the first album)

Room in soft pink color.

2011-09-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Dear friends! I’m again write about Masha’s paintings because I like them very much ) And I share with you interior photos. It’s very good example how artworks make the interior reacher, more interesting and special.

These paintings are the central part of this interior and they make atmosphere, they join all details together. The basic colors here are soft pink and white.

I think everybody heard about chromotherapy (color therapy) and you know that our mood sometimes depends on colours around us. And color Pink is the color of universal love. Emotional love of self and others, friendship, affection, harmony, and inner peace. Pink encourages you to be kind, gentle, compassionate and approachable. If you are in want of these things then you should have soft pink around you. And paintings with soft pink and white will help you.

Actually this is my room ))) I feel here quietness, immunity and optimism. It’s easy for me to concentrate and think in this room.

Pink has always been thought of as a traditionally feminine color, but the truth is that pink can actually be very versatile. And my room is not the one for a princess )))

"Winter flower" (left) and "Triptych with red tulips".


"Triptych with red tulips"


Artwork "Winter flower".

Masha's artworks in interior.

2011-09-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

Some time ago we start to sell Masha's artworks, not only originals but also copies and posters. And I want to show you photos ( I mean what is like...)))) I feel that artwork make any interior reacher and more interesting. Painting is like a window, it widen apartment's space. It's like a medicine for our soul and mind. And everybody should find his own...

Artwork "Winter tree"

Artworks "Penetration" and "Two Birds"

See all Masha's artworks

Luminous textile from Eindhoven, Netherlands

2011-09-08T03:38:00.000-07:00

Whatever you say, but everything inside you should be beautiful and all around you should be the same! Or I said in another way, if you have harmony inside you then you should have harmony and beauty around you (include your home ). That’s why I paid great attention to design and interior. Maybe for someone it sounds funny, but…for me it’s important. My thoughts are more pure, clear and creative if I have beauty around me!

Luminous textile from Eindhoven, Netherlands

Also I like all this interior very much!

It's like miracle...)))

Funny hand made

2011-09-08T03:11:00.000-07:00

Our dear Masha is the painter, I think, you know that. But as creative person she sometimes do artworks not only on canvas but on furniture and flowerpots! It’s really funny to make hand made things and also they have absolutely unique energy. Hand made artworks through their colors, style, materials open to us inner essence of the creator! Show me what you do and I said you who are you! ;-))

It was old wood table...

And we decided to give him the new beautiful life )))

Our table. After... Masha has her own style, and use this one in the work.

Flowerpots also became more new, fresh and funny!

And I think plants also liked their new flowerpots very much. )

"Our angels"

2011-09-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

This short tale we devote to our dear friend Anna, Alesia's sister! She is wonderful, active and creative business woman. She's strong. But even if we are strong sometimes we need help. where...? from above! Our angels help us even if we don't noticed it...

"Our angels"

“It's a hard life. I try find out how to live a satisfying and great life despite the fact that life is hard. It's a long hard fight,” thought one man.
He has had a hard time it and cried in despair:
“Where are you, my angel? Help me!”
Angel flew down to him and filled his heart with love.
“O welcome, my Angel, white-handed hope,” said the man. "I am overjoyed to see you, but why you haven’t been here when I lost my way in the darkness."
“You couldn’t see me in the darkness but you felt my breath in the gentle breeze. You heard my whisper amongst the rustle of leaves. You were kissed by my lone snowflake. I was always around you, all the time, in the very air you breathe,” responded the angel.
“Then why you don’t take away my darkness?” asked the man.
“I live forever in your heart and lead you through the darkness,” replied the angel.

"Wise short tales"

Have you ever feel angel near you?

Maybe you saw him in a dream? Or angel helped you in a situation?

Response about "The World of Fruits"

2011-09-06T06:08:00.000-07:00

I have a young daughter who my wife and I do our best with when it comes to making healthy food choices for her. There are a lot of unhealthy choices out there and even more bad influences teaching our children poor nutritional habits. There aren't enough positive resources available to help parents educate their children about how to make healthy food choices and why they should! To find a book like this one feels like a MIRACLE! This book brilliantly introduces fruits in fairy-tale like stories that holds my daughters attention the entire time (mine too!) And at the same time the author is giving my child an education on healthy eating through these entertaining stories, games and recipes. A highly recommended resource that every parent should have for raising children in today's unhealthy society.
Tim Tierney Author, "The Personal Training Sales Education Textbook"

About bikes

2011-09-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today after jogging I’ve thought about Russian conditions for living…. Why there no bicycle tracks here? Anywhere I tried to jogging or ride on bike – I felt myself annoyed and sadly…. There are dogs or cars. It’s scared to hear grinding of dog’s paws and bark behind me! There are no conditions for a riding on bike… Bad roads filled with cars, high borders and angry drivers ! Drivers can stop their car for a few minutes and tell you a great heap of terrible words about “who you are..” and “where you should go…” ! Unfortunately a great number of Russian people think that bike is for fun, kids and sportsmen. I wonder who buy bikes here and what for?

I saw absolutely different situation in Holland. Everybody use bikes, from birth till death…It’s not a joke! It was amazing and unbelievable for me! Beautiful tracks with special traffic lights for bikes. I like it very much! And it’s so healthy and good for environment. I think this example with bikes only a little part of a not good social situation in Russia. But sometimes I think only I am disturbed by wild dogs, terrible roads, absence of bike tracks and state’s system “not for human”. I calm down myself with thought : “Someday I will visit Holland again and can feel fresh air, look at clean forests and will ride on bike in any time and anywhere!

Amsterdam. 2011. red track for bikes.

Amsterdam.2011. Square in the center became a place for parking

Bikes everywhere...! ;-))

Birds in our house ))

2011-09-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a happening in our house. A little bird struck the window. Alesia picked up this little creature in her hands and waited until he felt himself better and after that he flew away. But we made photoset)) It’s interesting because last year was the same story. Birds like our house ;-)) Maybe they feel something attractive and tempting in atmosphere near our house and garden? Black swift was visiting us last year. And Alesia like a mother-bird fed him with larvae of ants!

Unfortunately we don't know the species of this bird..

Alesia admires the bird )

sunny ))

Black swift

Black swift has a great long wings and he cant to go (only to fly)

"The Adventure of Little Drop of Water" ( illustrations)

2011-09-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

A few week ago we got very interesting letter from lady Karina ( Kharkiv, Ukraine). She made design and illustrations for the first section of Alesia & Masha's book "Environmental education of preschool children".
It was her diploma work in Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts. Book with illustrations was named "The Adventure of Little Drop of Water". Karina's work received the highest raiting examiner. Illustrations were made in technique Quilling
We are so glad that Karina chose exactly this book ;-)) You can see below a few pages with these wonderful illustrations:

"It's never late to learn"

2011-09-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

This new short tale I want to devote to my dear mom! Her name is Galina. She’s 46 and she’s student ))) She is studying state and municipal administration. It’s not ordinary for our country to be the student in that age. But why not ? It’s never late to learn. I’m very proud of her. She makes her world wider, she improves her skills, she meet new people. It doesn’t important how old you are! Nowadays I think we should leave our prejudices in past. They hinder us to live. And this is scientific fact your brain will stay healthy if you use it actively. You will stay young and many diseases you don't touch if you will study! ;-))

It's never late to learn.

When a new pupil arrived in the music class, all the children burst out laughing.

“You’re in the wrong place, granddad!” someone shouted.

“Quiet, children. Meet Mr Boo – I used to teach his children. They grew up a long time ago. Now Mr Boo no longer has to work, and he wants to learn the flute himself,” the teacher explained.

“Can old people really learn?” the children asked in surprise.

“It’s never too late to learn,” the teacher replied.

To begin with, the children sniggered at Boo, but soon the old man learned to play the flute better than any of them.

Two years went by. Flutist Boo, as they had now begun to call him, was invited to play at lots of concerts, even though he was still just a pupil.

“This year, instead of a final exam, the best pupils will perform in a flute concert in the capital,” the teacher announced one day.

“Is Mr Boo coming too?” the children wanted to find out.

“Of course, he’s our best pupil. It will be his exam to become a musician. The King will be an honorary guest there. He has prepared the prize for the best musician – a golden flute.”

When Boo’s turn to play arrived, no one wanted to let him on the stage.

“You’re in the wrong place, granddad – this is a competition for pupils!” they told him.

“And I’m a pupil!” the old man replied proudly.

Boo cast a spell over the entire hall when he played. At the end, even the king was on his feet, applauding him.

When Boo was presented with the golden flute, his teacher declared:

“It’s never too late to learn.”

"Wise short tales" A.Lopatina & M.Skrebtsova

And what subject or proffession do you dreamed to learn? May be it’s not to late to open a new page in your life? Or, if you are a brave person and do what you want immediatly – tell us your story! May be it will help somebody!

Art exhibition and music improvisation.

2011-09-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

This art performance took place in The Central library hall (town Vidnoe, near Moscow), in the March 2010. Our friend and young composer Tatiana Shatkovskaya with her student Marijka played their improvisation on piano inspired Masha’s paintings. It was really wonderful and amaizing! Marijka and Tatiana showed us in their compositions mood of different Masha’s paintings, they put artwork’s spirit into unique music. Also Masha answered guests’ questions about her artworks and told about conception of her work. Tatiana Shatkovskaya is a daughter of music educator Gregory Shatkovsky. He created the unique new teaching method for children and adults. He told that everybody can play, music is language and if you can speak – you also can play. www.shatkovsky.ru

Alesia is talking with Tatiana and Marijka.

Masha is telling about her artworks

Marijka is plaing improvisation for the painting "Blue tulips"

Marijka - young talented student


Tatiana Shatkovskaya - young moscow composer and music educator.

"The Art of Cooking"

2011-08-31T06:06:00.000-07:00

In our blog we deside to post short tales from Wise short tales regularly.

And this first short tale I want to devote to our dear Nicole, Masha's niece. She is great in cooking ! )))

And she showed us that cooking can be exciting and charming occupation !

Sushi, pizza, cakes, fish, barbecue and so on....Everything will be delicious!

THE ART OF COOKING

One day, a group of philosophers were arguing about which profession was the most important. One of them said:
“Teachers are the most important. Without access to education, children would not acquire knowledge, and that would put an end to progress.”
“The human race needs builders most of all,” another philosopher declared. “Without builders, people would have no shelter and there would be no beautiful buildings.”
“Musicians, artists and poets make our lives special. Art separates people from animals,” the third philosopher chipped in.
The friends had just started to discuss which professions could be viewed as proper art, when they were interrupted by one of the philosophers’ students.
He was a servant in the house where the philosophers had their meetings, so the owner of the house let him attend lessons for free.
“Highly respected scholars, you have forgotten to mention cooks,” the student said.
“How dare you interrupt our conversation? Being a cook is not an art. Go into the kitchen and make lunch,” the host said angrily.
The student silently left the room. That day, the pupil disappeared before lunch, and the host had to cook the meal himself. When the philosophers had finished eating, they didn’t feel very well and made their way home.
The owner of the house found a new servant and cook. Time passed, and the philosopher at whose house the meeting had taken place noticed his friends had stopped visiting him, and he had also lost the ability to sit and think deeply about things after dinner. Eventually, the philosopher decided to get rid of the new cook, and he sent his old cook and student a note with the words: You’re right: being a cook is an art, not an occupation.

Soon the philosopher’s friends started to gather in his house to discuss their thoughts once again. Their discussion was only interrupted by lunch, prepared by the student.

“Being a cook is indeed an art, not an occupation,” the host said after lunch, and everyone agreed with him.

And what do you think ? Cooking is an art ?

Response about books (from Poland)

2011-08-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

My name is Marta, I am 48. I live in Cracow (Kraków), Poland (Polska). I work as a librarian at primary school and I teach English (children 6-9 old).

I have got a 20-year old son and I know what it means to bring up a child in wisdom, creativity and respect to the world.

While working at school and taking care of my own son I have found a great lack of wise and moral books to support the teachers and the parents in their responsible work. Accidently some days ago I found kindbook.com in English. It was like a miracle or enlightment.
I discovered another wonderful way of educating that is based on the old style Masters of pedagogy, wisdom of nations and religions.

I like very much your ideas of opening the child mind and soul.

Nowadays it’s very difficult to raise a human being. In Poland most of children spend their time at home, in front of their computers and TV. Their souls do not develop properly.
I believe that thanks to your books teachers and even ordinary parents get to know how to raise a child and how to help them understand the true values of life.

History of moral education in Russia.

2011-08-30T05:04:00.000-07:00

"These books are a mine of wisdom, of parables and legends, in which all the world's wisdom is concentrated," said Lena Morozova, a 26-year-old primary school teacher at Public School No. 26 in St. Petersburg. "They prepare the children for the future, for all problems of life that people must deal with."
Ypu can read more about moral education in Russia here:

www.kindbook.com/educationhistory.htm

"We believe it is not possible truly to educate children unless there is a moral basis underlying the process," said Ms. Lopatina, saying that attempts merely to teach "knowledge" -- such as science, mathematics, and history -- become a fruitless exercise in memorization unless the students see a purpose for learning.

"Teachers spend years of their lives and millions of nerve cells on getting children to assimilate knowledge, while the children make every effort to repulse that knowledge, and resort to squirming out of work and trickery and whatever else it takes avoid lessons they neither like nor understand," she said.

The Beginning!

2011-08-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

From what should I start ? :-)) I think - from the begining of our story...
It happened many years ago, I was in early childhood when two persons desided to start their great project!

Alesia Lopatina & Masha Skrebtsova

They desided to collect kind and moral stories which can touch hearts, make children sensitive. Also they head aim rewrite mathematics, languages disciplines, world of nature and another school subjects in easy and interesting way. Alesia and Masha wanted to help children feel the beauty of Knowledge. It was in 1991.

And now they have more then 80 books and total amount more then 1 000 000 copies!

Their way was difficult with many obstacles. Masha and Alesia have to promote their books by themselve. They conducted seminars in more them 200 cities in Russia, Ukraine, Belorussia, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan. Now their books are sell in a lot of book shops in many countries. Some of books was translated into different languages.

I think it's amazing and inspirational story! From what they started and where they are now ?!

Here I see that if you really want something - you can do it ! Whatever you want!

And if your wish is good and useful - someone or something will help you!