Tuesday, December 31, 2013

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

HAPPY NEW YEARS! I want to thank all of you, for your love & support through this year! And making a difference in a Child's life. As we get ready to welcome the new year and say good bye to 2013! Let's not forget, how special reading time is with a Child! Much love to you! Wishing you & yours the Best in 2014! Peace!

Friday, November 29, 2013

The Season of Gratitude

Friends and book lovers! During this special season of gratitude, it’s important that you know how thankful I am of you! I appreciate your business & am humbled. Thanks for recommending me to your family & friends! Warmly, Carmen

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Five Books that will Boost the Confidence of a Child with Special Needs

Five Books that will Boost the Confidence of a Child with Special Needs Humbled and pleasantly surprised to find this in my email box this morning, sharing that my books are on this list! thank you all for your support! much love to you! ♥ By Lorna d'Entremont: Often it is difficult to find a gift for a child that his parents will also approve of. Children’s books are always appreciated by children and parents alike. A beautiful, picture book is “a gift that keeps on giving”. Some of my own children’s favorite bedtime story books were those my parents had bought for my siblings and me. When I had children my mom brought these books to our house for my children. Now when my grandchildren visit, I still bring these fifty year old favorites out and we have hours of fun with books that are entertaining a third generation! A book is a gift you can open again and again. Books that Teach Lessons.
The following books are a great addition to any home or classroom with young children. These books all have a moral or a lesson to teach the reader and are great discussion openers to reinforce tough to grasp lessons. Caregivers can harness the power of storytelling to improve their child’s behavior, build character, and foster empathy and compassion. The books I recommend allow most children to identify with the characters, many who have a special need. So many great things happen when you share a good book with a child. One way children learn is by seeing how others act or what they say in certain situations. Sharing books with your children or students is a great way to learn without any work involved! 1. Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” by Margot FinkeHoratio Humble Beats the Big “D” –by Margot Finke An adorable picture book that explains to parents and best of all to their child what dyslexia is all about.Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” can open the door to serious discussions with your child or students about different abilities and needs and different ways of learning and doing things. The proactive teacher can use it to discuss the cruel comments some bullies use to torment other students who are different or do things differently. Margot Finke’s upbeat message to children with dyslexia will prove to them it is not their fault they have problems. It will show all children that some students have different needs and sometimes they have to have extra time with a specialist to help them. This will go a long way to remove the stigma attached to kids going to special education classes or receiving extra help in the classroom. Read complete review of Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D” 2. Howard B. Wigglebottom Blends in Like Chameleons: A Fable About Belonging by Howard Binkow Howard B. Wigglebottom Blends in Like Chameleons: A Fable About Belonging -by Howard Binkow This book is to help children understand learning differences in others. It shows children that most kids want to fit in and have friends. Children will learn tips on how to be a good friend and how to make and keep friends. This story also lends itself well to teach about sympathy and empathy using the saying, “Don’t judge the book by its cover.” When Howard got to know Joey better, he started to like him a lot. All children want to belong, to blend in, and to be part of a team and this book opens the door to great discussions on that topic and on respecting social rules. Parents, teachers, and other caregivers will greatly appreciate the two pages at the end, Suggestions for Lessons and Reflections. The authors show how this book can be used to show learning differences. A discussion with children pointing out how Joey learned compared with how Howard needed calm and quiet to learn can also include how others learn by looking at pictures, and some children learn best by stories and songs. Read complete review of Howard B. Wigglebottom Blends in Like Chameleons 3. I Believe in You: A Mother’s Message to Her Son with Learning Differences by Kristen DebeerI Believe in You: A Mother’s Message to Her Son with Learning Differences -by Kristen Debeer In each grade level there are students facing challenges that need to hear Kristen Debeer’s encouraging message. Like Jack, the character in her book who has learning differences, many students are struggling even though they are trying their best. Knowing that parents and teachers “believe in them” and will work with their strengths to help them along is the most important thing to these children. Reading I Believe in You followed by a frank discussion on learning differences will surely be helpful so other children appreciate the fact that we all have strengths and learning preferences. Parents of exceptional children will benefit from seeing in writing Kristen Debeer’s suggestions and solutions. Even if their child is struggling in some areas by celebrating small gains and using their child’s interests they can build on their child’s strengths and in turn it will build their self-esteem. Like the expression, “Nothing Breeds Success Like Success!” Read complete review of I Believe in You 4. Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes by Stacey MarshallCaptain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes -by Stacey Marshall Effective communication is a life skill that if mastered serves you well in all walks of life. This picture book on confident verbal communication is written by a speech-language pathologist and public speaking coach to help students who are shy and experience social anxiety at even the thought of addressing their peers in class or asking for help at the cafeteria. Children between the ages of 4 -11 will enjoy and benefit from Stacey Marshall’s valuable tips on communicating well with others. Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes is the perfect teacher resource for helping children learn to speak with poise and confidence. It also helps children with speech and language problems and with building confidence and courage. Details in each illustration and the realistic expressions of the characters will facilitate comprehension and keep the readers/listeners attention. At the end of the book you will find a colorful, illustrated poster called, “Captain Courage and Katie’s Top Three Tips to Speak with Confidence.” Read complete review of Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes 5. Patch Land Adventures – Children’s Books About Wearing an Eye Patch by Carmen Swick Patch Land Adventures – Children’s Books About Wearing an Eye Patch-by Carmen Swick There are now two books published in the Patch Land Adventure series: Fishing with Grandpa and Camping at Mimi’s Ranch. Children who have vision problems which necessitate wearing an eye patch will love this series of books! Wearing an eye patch is not painful but it can surely bring attention to the child. Reading about other children who have problems that can only be fixed by wearing an eye patch is very helpful to the child himself and beneficial to his peers to understand why the eye patch is needed. Ms. Swick’s books put a positive spin on wearing an eye patch and should prevent unkind comments from classmates once they understand the reasons behind eye patching. The illustrations by Joey Manfre are adorable and help the story come to life. When young readers join Preston and Beau on their fun-filled adventures, they will feel like they are there with them, cheering them on as they overcome their vision challenges. Read complete review of Patch Land Adventures Series Have a great book? Share it in the comments below. Top Photo Credit: Global Partnership for Education

12 Books of Christmas book signing

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Interview Post

Humbled and pleasantly surprised to find this in my email box this morning, sharing that my books are on this list! thank you all for your support! much love to you! ♥ http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/11/08/five-books-that-will-boost-the-confidence-of-a-child-with-special-needs/

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Radio Interview

Tune in this morning, at 10:07, as I talk with Eric and Angel, about the up coming book event on Nov. 13Th, at the Rock Restaurant in Aurora. The show airs on AM 560 KLZ, online at www.ExperiencePros.com . Great award winning authors of different Genres! Drink and food specials, raffles

Friday, November 1, 2013

Book Signing

Put this date on your calendar! Wed. Nov. 13th! Looking forward to a great evening, with some very talented, & award winning authors! Looking forwarding to seeing you! —

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Thank you to all that came out for last nights book signing! & for those, whom could not be there in person, but with us in spirit! I am excited to share with you, Cookies that were made by, Diedra RaƩ, The front cover of 2! Thank you again Diedra Rae, they came out beautiful! And what a cute idea! I will have some cookies with me, at the next book signing!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Book Launch/signing

Book signing/Launching Patch Land Adventures (book two) “Camping at Mimi’s Ranch”. I will also be among four other, great authors! Dads & Dudes will be running specials, during the event! Can’t wait to see everyone! If you can’t make, and would like to order some books, you go to the author’s websites.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Award for Book 2!

I would like to share with you , That book 2 has won an award! I am so excited to see that the message is getting out there! & is being enjoyed by so many! Thanks Joey Manfre, my creative Partner, for continuing the wonderful illustrations,... & helping the story come to life! Thanks to Page Lambert my wonderful Editor. Big Thanks to all of you for your support! & believing in me, & my message! Tues. Sept. 17th I will have my book launch, for book 2! I will share the details soon! Peace! Patch Land Adventures Book 2 - Camping at Mimi's Ranch, a 2013 BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD Books for Kids-Health Challenges category

Monday, August 12, 2013

Beau and his unexpected find

Beau was spending time with us this weekend, at the mountain property, (Mimi’s Ranch) Like in book two. But his find, wasn’t so pleasant! Beau decided he would like to go and explore, as he always does, but unlike book two, he ran across a character in the book, stinky the skunk! Let’s just say, it wasn’t as pleasant for him as it was, in book two! In Patch land Adventures; Preston & Beau were enjoying their time on the four-wheeler as they passed, stinky the skunk, by the stump! This Sunday, Beau found himself to close to this little guy, and sprayed him all over his face! Not a very pleasant find or experience for Beau and for us on our ride down from the mountain. The drive home was about 2 ½ hours, of course with all the windows down. When we got home, Yorkk bathed Beau, with dish soap, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide! I have to say it did help; But Beau wasn’t crazy about it! On the upside, it was a nice weekend! While everyone else were busy, fixing fencing etc… Preston and I took the four-wheeler for a ride and we enjoyed such beautiful escapes! We really appreciate the beauty of the mountains! Preston and I also decided to go fishing! We didn’t find ourselves catching any fish, but the lake was so beautiful, and calming! This time bonding, priceless!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

My Interview, by the Denver Life Magazine

Denver’s Foundation Fighting Blindness: A Vision of Hope By Denver Life Magazine – May 1, 2013Posted in: Editor's Picks, Heart of Denver Corey Haas, like most rambunctious nine-year-old boys, can be found playing baseball or riding his bike. You wouldn’t know by looking at him, but Haas was previously blind. Now, this very active little boy serves as the poster child for the next wave of visionsaving gene therapies that are a result of various retinal disease clinical trials. Trials, such as the one that cured Haas’s Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), are a direct result of the work of Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB), which has helped to fund an upwards of 30 gene therapy research projects that improve the lives of individuals all over the country, including those in the Denver community. FFB was founded as the National Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation in 1971. Personally affected by retinitis pigmentosa, Gordon Gund, with the help of family and other supporters, began the foundation in order to research possible cures for retinal degeneration at a time when very little was known about these diseases. From its humble beginnings, the foundation has grown to become the largest non-governmental funder of retinal degeneration research in the world, raising more than $500 million in total funding. Carmen Swick, current president of the Denver chapter of FFB, is a seasoned veteran in the fight to cure blindness. Her son, Preston, was born legally blind in his left eye and diagnosed with Amblyopia, characterized by the shutdown of the pathways between the eye and the brain. In her search for help for her son, Swick came across FFB. Although FFB focuses on retinal eye disease and her son’s condition is neurological, she became involved with the foundation and was eventually asked to stay on as chapter president. “All children should be diagnosed at a young age,” Swick says, and this is one of the aims of FFB. As chapter president, Swick helps to raise funds that support not only the Denver chapter, but FFB as a whole. Proceeds support public health education, awareness and research to find preventions, treatments and cures. The diseases that the foundation strives to cure include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease and Usher Syndrome, among others. Each year, FFB hosts national events, which have raised more than $25 million in research funding since 2006. The Denver chapter also hosts several fundraising opportunities and donation events. This summer, Denver’s FBB chapter will host two incredible fundraisers. Taking place at Haggan Aviation, the Blind Taste of the Rockies fundraiser is on June 4 and includes wine and beer tastings, hors d’oeuvres and both live and silent auctions. Additionally, the next morning, Denver FFB will host its annual Scramble for Sight golf tournament at Arrowhead Golf Course. Both of these events are open to the public and directly help fund national and local research and clinical trials. These events, along with grants and donations from corporations and individuals, have helped the foundation create the Argus II Bionic Eye for advanced retinitis pigmentosa and develop treatments for Wet AMD and Gene Therapy for LCA. However, Swick believes that “volunteering doesn’t always involve a pocketbook.” In conjunction with raising funds for the foundation, the Denver FFB supports those affected by retinal diseases as well as their families. Monthly chapter meetings, blogs and online message boards all bring hope to those living with retinal diseases. Although the fight against blindness is ongoing, FFB hopes to one day hear that blindness has been cured and that they were a part of it. Get Involved In addition to her work with the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Carmen Swick has written two children’s books to help children cope with retinal disease and educate others about blindness. Learn more about Swick’s books at patchlandadventures.com FFB is hosting two amazing fundraisers this summer: The 5th annual Blind Taste of the Rockies on June 4 and Scramble for Sight on June 5. For more information on these fundraisers and other ways to support FFB, visit fightblindness.org/denverchapter . Tags: May-June 2013 Issue

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Beery the Black Bear

We have a new addition to our family! Beery the Black Bear! A character out of my Childrens book, with an eye patch. You can choose him with a eye color patch, blk, pink, or not with an eye patch. www.patchlandadventures.com

Monday, February 4, 2013

Gateway High School In Aurora Rises Above Tragedy « CBS Denver

Gateway High School In Aurora Rises Above Tragedy « CBS Denver

Although several years later! But still,So Proud to be a GHS Alumni! Remembering the hall ways, playing basketball on that court! What a beautiful tribute to AJ! Neal Patrick Harris did a lovely job narrating! Zach, so glad to see you Be Victorious over such horrendous act of one deranged person! MY hope for all these aurora victims & family & friends from this aurora tragedy,That your healing & love for life continues everyday!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Little four eyes contest giveaway!

Congratulations to Jaden & Ownen! the 2 winners from the contest giveaway! Just mailed you both each, Book one & Book two! Hope you enjoy the books!

Monday, January 21, 2013

Review from Amazon & blog Critic!

5.0 out of 5 stars CHARMING EDUCATIONAL BOOK!, January 21, 2013 By speak4languages (Centennial Colorado) This review is from: Patch Land Adventures book 2 Camping at Mimi's Ranch (Paperback) Do you have a child with a health challenge? Health challenges are by far the most difficult for most parents, especially if that challenge has to do with a child's vision. Amblyopia , which usually affects only one eye, causes blurred vision ,and if left untreated can lead to permanent vision problems. This serious condition is the leading cause of blindness in children. Award-winning author Carmen Swick, in her recent book Patch Land Adventures, Book Two: Camping at Mimi's Ranch, chronicles in a fun and easy-to-read fashion the importance of wearing an eye patch to help recover from amblyopia which is often called "the lazy eye." I love it when authors share about their own challenges for the benefit of others. Carmen Swick's son suffers from amblyopia ,and she wants to bring awareness so other parents can learn about the importance of wearing a patch. Oftentimes, children are embarrassed to wear a patch due to fear that peers may tease them. The main character Preston and his dog Beau share their imaginative world of fun with eye patching that will certainly enchant any child facing the same condition of amblyopia. What I like best about Patch Land Adventures, Book Two is that it puts a positive spin on having to wear an eye patch. Below is my favorite part of this charming story: "Preston, I just don't like my patch. It's not cool." "Tommy, my mom and dad bought me some cool ones. I got to pick them out. Ask your mom and dad to buy you some cool ones. Now put your eye patch on and let's go to the park!" We all may face challenges, but the way we go about dealing with them will determine whether we are victim or victor. Carmen Swick opted to be a victor and reading her book may show you how to overcome your own challenges, whatever they may be.

Our dog Beau

Our dog Beau
Preston's eye patch buddy

Preston and his eye Doctor

Preston and his eye Doctor
Eye Exam

Preston and Beau Eye Patching

Preston and Beau Eye Patching
Eye Patch Buddies