Reading Lady -- Book Pack Ideas

My friend Megan is a 5th-grade teacher. She posted information on her facebook that she had been busy creating book packets for her students.

Listen to this… well, read this:

Megan said:

I teach fifth grade, and what a teacher friend and I do is give the students a
selection of books. The students put down their first three choices. Stacey
(teacher friend) and I make sure each student gets one of the three choices.
Then the students are placed in their "Book Club."

The packet is a student guide of activities for the students to complete each day in Book Club. They have to find two words a day they don't know, summarize, and discuss with each other. The teachers are simply there to monitor and make sure students are on track. Also, we have students gain a deeper understand of the content they are reading through asking deeper level questions.

I love how Megan is getting students to read. Hope the children are having fun with it.

Megan also suggested an amazing web-site that I didn’t know about: ReadingLady.com

Megan has a blog and resources created for teachers. Think recreational therapists working with children may find use with her blog. She has various assessment tools for teachers. Haven’t had time to review all of them myself. Hope there is something a recreational therapist could use to help children. Of course, as you already know, biblio-therapy (therapeutic use of books) is one of my favorite facilitation techniques.

Will keep you posted when I learn more from Readinglady.com and how it can be useful for recreational therapists, too.

http://www.readinglady.com/

Here is a link from the readinglady for a literature group session.

It has some self-awareness questions that could be use for group activities:

http://www.readinglady.com/mosaic/tools/Lit%20Circle%20Roles%20student%20booklet.pdf

World's smallest library

Technology is causing some things to go bye-bye.

In example: There are less phone booths today becuase so many people have a cell phone.

There are less magazines and newspapers and books being sold because many of them can be download online. I've purchased less [hard-cover or paperback] books since I got an Amazon kindle. I simply download them online.

Here is some good news. Red phone booths and books may decreasing, but a guy in England purchased a Red phone booth for (1 pound, I beleive). and he uses it as the world's smallest library. It had a major line of people.

Very pleased to read about this unique idea. Love it. Of course, I don't want paperback books to completely go away. Some books are so good you've just got to get them in hard-cover.

Here is the source for the Red Phone Booth Library

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/33XZw5/www.offbeatearth.com/quiet-at-the-library/

Ways to Do Good

As you already know, I'm a big advocate of "doing-good."

There was a full chapter on doing good in my best-selling book.

CNN.com had a list of amazing ways a person could do good after the earthquake in Chile.

Check out these sites:

How you can help:• ADRA International• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee• American Red Cross• AmeriCares• British Red Cross• Chilean Red Cross• Church World Service• Direct Relief International• Doctors Without Borders• Global Giving• Habitat for Humanity • International Medical Corps• Operation Blessing International• Operation USA• Oxfam America• Oxfam Great Britain• Salvation Army• Samaritan's Purse• Save the Children• Shelterbox

Largo, FL Career opportunity

Have receieved several emails with job posts.

Been posting them here for you:

Title: Recreational Therapist - NCTRC & CPI Certified

Job Category: Allied Health: Recreational Therapy

Location: Largo, Florida

Note: Click the location link above to see a map of this location.

The best available map will be displayed depending on if a real City name and Zip Code are posted.Position Is For: Regular Full Time EmploymentPosition

Posted By: Company: Largo Medical Center - Indian RocksClick

The Link Below To See The Complete Posting And Contact Information:http://www.healthjobsusa.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?action=display&ID=65858816&source=jsa

Rec Therapist Job

Received this email today:

Title: Life Enrichment Assistant Job Category:

Allied Health: Recreational Therapy

Location: Boulder, ColoradoNote:

Click the location link above to see a map of this location. The best available map will be displayed depending on if a real City name and Zip Code are posted.Position Is

For: Regular Full Time EmploymentPosition

Posted By: Company: Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

Click The Link Below To See The Complete Posting And Contact Information:http://www.healthjobsusa.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?action=display&ID=65816917&source=jsa

Reproducible activity sheets

The complimentary workbook for my best-selling self-improvement book has tons of reproducible activity sheets.

You could use this for individual or group sessions. Theses sheets are designed for education, self-improvement and motivation.

There are 12 chapters that are full of valuable sheets, including:

self-concept/ self-awareness
therapeutic journaling and success journaling
biblio-therapy and reading for self-improvement
modeling successful
people
obtaining a personal coach or mentor
cinema therapy
happiness
and feeling your best
social support/ building a network
doing good/
volunteering
health and wellness
motivation
techniques

you can order a copy of the book from Amazon.com

you can search inside the book on Amazon, too.

Go here:

http://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Revealed-Complimentary-Journal-Becoming/dp/1442180684/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267246295&sr=8-3#noop

100-year-old physician

Watched an inspirational video at CNN about Dr. Watson.

He’s a 100-year-old who is still practicing medicine.

CNN claims he’s America’s most eldest known practicing physician.

His work-ethic is inspiring.

Believe that keeping active and doing something a person loves are secrets to keeping a person youthful. Think retiring early is the worst thing a person can do unless they have something to do.


Here is a link to the CNN video:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2010/02/25/natpkg.100.year.old.doctor.cnn?hpt=C2

Rec Therpay Job California

Title: Recreational Therapist-Inpatient Rehab-Herrick*

Job Category: Allied Health:

Recreational TherapyLocation: Emeryville, CaliforniaNote:

Click the location link above to see a map of this location.

Position Is For: Regular Full Time Employment

Position Posted By: Company: Sutter HealthClick

The Link Below To See The Complete Posting And Contact Information:http://www.healthjobsusa.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?action=display&ID=65752433&source=jsa

Be a Super Hero!

Be a Super Hero.

Jimmy (my brother) and I have always loved super heroes as far back as I can remember.

We each had our favorites. We’d run around the backyard and the house with our favorite toy character. Mine was batman, this was before the (1989) Michael Keaton (Batman) and Jack Nicholson (Joker) movie was released. My brother’s favorite was Spiderman.

Watched a preview for a new Super Hero movie called “kick ass.” Regret it has that title because I provide services for children and wouldn’t take the children to see that movie with the language in it.

Here are a few lines from the preview:

How come nobody’s ever tried to become a super hero?

Well, I don’t know probably because it’s impossible.

Putting on a mask and helping people, how is that impossible?

Of course, I imagine it is illegal to wear a mask, but anyone can help others.

Saw a sign along the interstate somewhere that said “be a hero” and donate blood or donate to a certain charity or to do something. Can’t remember what it was advertising for, but I do know it was for “doing-good.”

Doing good is important to me (an idealist/ healer). I’m aware that not everyone has the same type of beliefs as the idealist/ healers do. Suppose it is my own Pygmalion project to encourage other people to become more altruistic and idealist. Imagine rationales can’t stand people like me, but not certain.

Who are real life super heroes today?

In the past, we’ve had Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Suppose the Tibetan monk, the Dalai Lama may be our real life hero today.

He may be the only person alive today who fulfills that type of role.

Decided I am going to be a Super Hero. Now I need a name. Super Danny?

Hah, reminds me of an art project a boy created in one of my expressive art groups. He drew himself as a comic. He had written a nickname that used part of his name after the word “Super.” I asked, why didn’t you use your real name? of course he said, “because I didn’t want to give away my real identify.”

Think it is best go do good deeds without attaching name to it. Putting a name on a good deed seems to be doing it for ulterior motives.



Anne Frank said, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” She is one of my personal heroes. She inspires me to go out and do good things.

Would like to invite you to do something good for someone else today.

And here is a youtube link for the preview to the movie, Kick ass, which, I’ll be going to see.

FREE E-Book of Motivational Quotes!

Download my FREE E-book.

It's called: Magical Spellbinding Quotes for Motivation.



http://www.hiddensecretwisdom.com/magic <---

Who is your favorite author(s)?

Here is a question for your journal: who is your favorite author(s)? Explain why.

Asked my friends on facebook to share their favorite authors.

Are you seeking a book to read? If so, here are some authors that my friends recommend:


Lindsay Hambric Williams's favorite authors are:
Charlaine Harris and Nicholas Sparks...I am a sappy and supernatural book lover!
Thu at 7:05pm ·

Beth Ann Cohen's favorite authors are:
Nicholas Sparks, Mitch Albom, and Harlen Coben.

Tessah Camille McKenzie's favorite authors are:
Lois Lowry... Ayn Rand

Danny P.: I want to read one Louis Lowry book. It is about the Holocaust, but I can't remember the title. Read "The Giver" last year.


Sarah Ardella Green's favorite authors are:
Francine Rivers


Charlie Whitt's favorite authors are:
Col. Charles Whitt Sr.Dan Brown


Shannon Kelly Hughart's favorite authors are:
Nicholas Sparks ♥

Danny P. comments: at one time, I had read every Nicholas Sparks book. Regret to say I've not read several of his recent books.

Jane Lonschein's favorite authors are:
jodi picoult

Yolanda Ruiz's favorite authors are:
Khalid Housini

Jil Reece's favorite authors are:
joe hill, carlean thompson, john saul, erica spidler...

My own comment:
Reading James Patterson's Max Ride Series right now. on book 2... so Patterson is my favorite now.


Eliot Parker's favorite authors are:
John Steinbeck, Pat Conroy, David McCollough, Homer Hickam, John Irving.

Danny P.: Enjoy seeing Homer Hickam on your list. He's from my home state of West Virginia.

Kristen Johnson's favorite authors are:
JK Rowling! She's genius. I hope she writes other stuff cause she is amazing.


Raeanna Edwards's favorite authors are:
Patricia Cornwell! I love all of her books!

Derek Lewis's favorite authors are:
I like Hunter S. Thompson and Chuck Palahniuk. But I have many many favorite authors.

Wendie Houston Alderman's favorite authors are:
Patricia Cornwell... I love the Kay Scarpetta series.

MeriBeth C. Underwood
's favorite authors are:hawthorne, Poe, Plath, I love the classics! LOL

I [Danny Pettry] am from West Virginia and I regret to say that I've not read Plath who was born in W.Va. Her "Good Earth" is on my list of books to read.


Tayon Mccrary made a joke and said:
Arthur Fonzarelli????

Jennifer Marie Johnson said:
You [Danny Pettry] have a book selling at Empire Books, right?

My reply: the book is no longer on the Amazon best-selling list, but you can still get a copy of "Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom."

Cynthia Moore- Pierce's favorite authors are:
Nora Roberts


Carley Gray's favorite authors are:
Nich Sparks and Sophie Kensella.....she is a hoot!


Leslie Frimer 's favorite authors are:
Francesca Lia Block, Armistaud Maupin


David Austin's favorite authors are:
Bill Bryson


Pam Mancuso's favorite authors are:
James Patterson, John Sanford and my most recent, and maybe my favorite of all, David Baldacci

You’re smart and wonderful.

Here at the Wisdom Revealed blogspot – it is understood that our readers are smart.

They’re seeking wisdom and they’re actively reading – blogs, websites, e-books, and more.

Your intelligence is giving you a leading edge. You’re going to have more knowledge compared to those people who don’t read.

As someone who is interested in reading, learning, personal growth and development, success and fulfillment, I know you’ll be interested in this FREE e-book.

Yes, it’s absolutely free. It’s the workbook for my best-selling book, “Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom.”

This workbook had been made exclusive to intelligent people like you who are seeking self-fulfillment.

Be wonderful and do one favor. Email a copy of the link for the workbook to everyone you know. Send it to co-workers, family, friends, and anyone else who you think could benefit from it.

Here is the link for you to download it and be sure to share the link with everyone. Share it on facebook, twitter, myspace, by email, text messages, etc. Give it to everyone:

http://www.hiddensecretwisdom.com/wisdom_revealed.pdf

Who Else Wants $5 Off?

Want to get $5 off of the best-selling book, Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom?



Use this discount code: GH4SRJMA at the checkout for this link only and you'll get $5 off the book:

Hurry, this offer ends soon.

Go here:

https://www.createspace.com/3376051

Still not sure? Check out all the FREE Bonuses that you'll get with this book. You'll get access to download tons of stuff! Go here:

http://www.hiddensecretwisdom.com/specialbonuses

The War of Art <- one of my favorite books!

Steven Pressifled is the author of one of my most-favorite books on creativity, The War of Art: How to Breakthrough your inner creative battles. It’s a wonderful book.

Pressfield had written in his blog that he is thinking about writing a part two to this book! How exciting. Sure hope he does.

Here is what Publishers Weekly said about The War of Art:

Novelist Steven Pressfield (The Legend of Bagger Vance; Gates of Fire) goes self-help in The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle. Dubbing itself a cross between Sun-Tzu's The Art of War and Julie Cameron's The Artist's Way, Pressfield's book aims to help readers "overcome Resistance" so that they may achieve "the unlived life within." Whether one wishes to embark on a diet, a program of spiritual advancement or an entrepreneurial venture, it's most often resistance that blocks the way. To kick resistance, Pressfield stresses loving what one does, having patience and acting in the face of fear.

Read more about it at Amazon:

Book Recommendation: 5 Keys to the Great Life!

I love books as you already know.

Always want to read the newest self-improvement books, especially ones on the topics of greatness!

There is a book that is being released on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 that I’ve already pre-ordered from Amazon.

As you already know my book, Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom: A Recreational Therapist’s System on How You Can Become Great at Anything was designed to help you to become great. Believe that hidden secrets on success are buried in books. However, you must be an avid reader to discover all the wisdom in books.

You CAN experience a truly GREAT life – Dr. Bryan and Dr. White show you how.

“The 5 Keys To The Great Life” is for anyone who has ever asked themselves: “Is this REALLY all there is to my life – is THIS as great as it gets?

This book will totally change your perspective on your world and on the field of self-change … and open your eyes to just how great you and your life can become!

Don’t miss out on your chance to get it at this terrific introductory price … along with all the great gifts they’ve set aside for you.

Get all the details on Feb. 23, 2010, at this link:

http://www.the5keys.com/promo

Or, if you can't wait -- like me, then go ahead and pre-order your copy from Amazon today:

Rec Therapy is in the Middle East

TR is in the Middle East.

Did you know that? I wasn't aware until now.

This is exciting.

Received the following email today:

Hi Danny, I have been working in the hospital and pediatric rehabilitation center in the middle east as therapeutic recreation assistance-II for 7 years up to present .

I am looking forward the opportunity to earn the certification from the NCTRC through taking some online studies.

Could you help me to be in a right way to pursue the therapeutic recreation certificate? Would you mind to give an advice to me on how to avail some therapeutic recreation or recreational therapy courses in the purpose to earn more knowledge /education and most the certification as therapeutic recreation therapist/specialist.

What are the particular requirements should i prepare to meet the criteria?

- Rhanet.

Here was my response:

Dear Rhanet, Thanks for writing.

Glad to hear that you’ve worked as a Therapeutic Recreation Assistant-II for the last 7-years. It sounds wonderful.

I wasn’t aware that these types of services were provided in the Middle East until your email. I've worked with pediatrics in a psychiatric setting for the last 7-years and am interested in physical rehab someday, too.

Glad you’re thinking about certification and hope I can lead you in the right direction. The courses that I offer online through my web-site http://www.DannyPettry.com site are for post-degree continuing education only.

There are several places that provide distance education/ online learning in the profession. Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana) offers a Master’s degree program in Therapeutic Recreation that can be completed online. Here is a link: http://www.indiana.edu/~iutr/

Charlie Dixion’s Therapeutic Recreation Directory online has a web-site with a list of colleges and universities that offer distant education programs in the field. You may want to send an email to the contact person at each of these colleges to see which school may have the best program for you. Go here for the link: http://www.recreationtherapy.com/distant.htm T

he National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) requires an internship under the direct supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Do you know if there are any CTRS in the Middle East? I hope so. If not, maybe you could become the first. I’m a CTRS, but I’m not an official spokesperson for NCTRC. You may want to contact them regarding internship in the Middle East. Here is a link with their contact information: http://www.nctrc.org/contactnctrc.htm

Please keep in touch with me – to let me know about your progress. As always, I’m very pleased to hear of others who are interested in continuing their training in our field. I think what you're doing is very exciting.

Your friend,

Danny

P.S. Posted your question and this answer at the TR forum so other people can post comments, too. Go here to view it: http://recreationtherapy.com/forum/index.php?topic=87.0

Journaling Prompts for Children

Jill Schoenberg shares 43 of her favorite journaling prompts for children.

Think any recreational therapist could benefit from her journaling promps -- regarldess of the population you provide services for. These prompts could be interesting for adults and elderly, too. Check them out here:

Click Here to get it.

WVTRA seeking presenters

The West Virginia Therapeutic Recreation Association (WVTRA) is seeking presenters for their fall 2010 conference.

2010 WVTRA/WVRPA Conference November 2-4, 2010Canaan Valley State Park

Have served as the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) representative for the W.Va. branch for the last several years.

Current president of the WVTRA association and conference chair, Brent Sturm asked me to help find presenters.

Why You Should Present?

Well, you’ll get to go to Canaan Valley State Park in West Virginia. If selected to present, we’ll provide you with meals, lodging and travel expense. You might want to check out the park online: http://www.canaanresort.com/

Here are some expertises areas that I’d like to see at this conference:
State Licensure for Recreational Therapists
Evidenced Based Practice
Public Policy and Advocacy

Please email me: danny@dannypettry.com if you’d be interested in presenting.

Student Seeking Rec Therapy Internship

Debbi Hutchins is a professor at Slippery Rock University, PA.

Their school has a good Therapeutic Recreation/ Recreation Therapy program based on the many students who I've met from their school at conferences.

Debbi sent me the following email:

I have a student that is looking for an internship this summer. She lives in the Washington Pa area so we are gathering information on potential sites in the northern West Va area (such as Weirton). I have not been in touch with anyone from this area for awhile so thought you all might be able to give me an update on potential sites in the area with a CTRS. Thanks for any suggestions that you might offer.

Let me know if you're aware of any sites.

Thanks,

Danny Pettry

Jaycee Dugard kept a journal. Was it therapeutic?

Jaycee Dugard had been kidnapped and sexually abused for years. She is a person who I care about. Hope she has a better life.

Have provided recreational therapy services for children ages 7 to 12 who’ve been abused for the last 7.5 years. Feel passionate about this type of work. Interested in Jaycee’s story and how she has survived.

CNN reported that Jaycee had kept a journal during this time. Believe that her journal may have been a therapeutic tool to help her survive during this time.

James Pennebaker has an interesting book called, “Opening Up,” which discusses the healing benefits for keeping a journal about thoughts and feelings.

Some of her journal comments were posted on CNN. Jaycee had written about thoughts and feelings as evidenced by statements like, “I feel like I am sinking.”

It still angers me a lot that the abusers had done this to her. Hope she gets the treatment and services she needs to help her heal.

Source:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/02/11/jaycee.dugard.journal/index.html?hpt=C2

Empire Books

Empire Books and News is my local bookstore in Huntington, West Virginia.

Pleased to say they’re now carrying my book, “Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom.”

Went to Empire books today and asked if they could get my book. In the past, they were not able to obtain it. Didn’t think they’d carry it now, but I asked anyway. The cashier told me that she’d order a few copies for the shelf. That is very exciting. Empire books will be the first bookstore that I’m aware of that have the book on their shelf.

This is wonderful news.

Picked up two books while I was at Empire today. Got a copy of James Patterson’s graphic novel version of Max Ride. I love the Max Ride series. Find them to be hypnotic. Also found a copy of Motimer Adler’s “How to read a book” by accident at Empire. It is a rare, hard to find book. Had been looking for it for sometime and discovered it by accident. How amazing is that. Went ahead and picked it up. The late Jim Rohn who had passed away in Dec. 2009 had recommended Adler’s book in one of his seminars that I had watched on DVD. Can’t believe I found this book.

Here is Empire Books and News Webpage:

http://www.empirebooksandnews.com

Kym Moore reviews my book

Kym Gordon Moore has a neat blog called, "From behind the pen."

She shares book reviews from various authors.

Feel very pleased that she had included a review of my book at her blog today.

Go check it out here:

http://frombehindthepen.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/author-danny-pettry-ii-discovers-the-hidden-secrets-of-wisdom/

NCTRC -- Speciality Certification Program

Received the Therapeutic Recreation Directory Feb. 2010 newsletter in my email today.

It’s created by my mentor and good-friend, Charlie Dixon, MS, CTRS. He lives and works in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Every recreational therapist should know about Charlie Dixon and his e-newsletter. His web-site: www.recreationtherapy.com is in my opinion, the best, and most complete and informative site for recreational therapists online. You’ve probably been to his page before and may not realize it.

Mr. Charlie posted something regarding NCTRC that I felt was worth repeating here. I hadn’t heart this news until now.

Here is what Charlie had written:

NCTRC - 2-9-10NCTRC announces an exciting addition to their certification program. NCTRC is planning to launch a new specialty certification program during the next few months. The primary purpose of NCTRC specialty certification is to acknowledge the CTRS whose practice has reached an advanced professional level, and to provide formal recognition of competence beyond the CTRS credential. NCTRC specialty certification will provide an additional level of assurance to patients, consumers, and employers regarding the delivery of quality recreation therapy and therapeutic recreation services.

NCTRC plans to award specialty certification in the following five areas of practice:
· Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation
· Geriatrics
· Developmental Disabilities
· Behavioral Health
· Community Inclusion Services

The Specialty Certification Program is currently undergoing final testing using a pilot group of CTRSs. Stay tuned for future announcements about this exciting new program.

How I Applied Rubin's Happiness Project!

See the new desk, chair, and shelves. I put them together myself. It took about 3-hours.

I kept an empty shelf -- just like Rubin. Please note that I put about 500 books in three large grey rubber storage containers, too. They're put in the closet. Only books I need for my business and quick reference are kept in my office.

How I Applied Rubin's Happiness Project to my own life?

Lessons I Applied from Rubin’s Happiness project:

• 
  
  
  Rubin is a big time reader. I admire that in her. My goal is to read more books this year. Naturally, I share the same passion as you already know if you’ve read “Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom.” My philosophy is that wisdom is hidden in books and people can discover secrets by reading. Naturally, I plan to read more books this year than I did last year. My mother was the champion in the family. She had read 67-books in 2009. I had read 59. Mother did read the book that I had written among those 67-books. Unfortunately, my father, sister, and brother don’t share the same reading habit. Dad read half of my book in 2009. His plan is to read the second half in 2010. He said I’d write my next book before he finishes it.



• 
  
  
  Had read in Rubin’s book about de-cluttering. January was my month to de-clutter. Started in February. I even left an empty shelf just like Rubin had (except mine is on my book shelf. Will eventually put some books on shelf. Had filled three large trash bags full of good clothes, shoes, and even my old high school book-bag which was in excellent condition. Had taken all of these to the local good-will to help people in need. As a reminder. My book, “Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom,” has a chapter on “doing-good.” As a reminder, I recommend doing a spring cleaning and donating to people in need. You could do the same. Clean out and give thing away that you no longer use. What good is it going to do sitting at your house?
  
  
• 
  
  
  Also, decided to buy myself a little something nice. This was one of the things Rubin suggested, too. She had purchased herself things related to blue birds. So, I splurged and bought a new computer desk and a chair. Big difference, I know. It took me about 3.5 hours to assemble, but did it myself and feel proud. My office space looks a lot nicer with a real desk. The chair gets an A+ for comfort. I feel so happy with my new home office space! This is amazing.
  
• 
  
  
  Sent out Valentine Day cards. Rubin said she sent cards out in February opposed to during Christmas-season because she had more time and money. I picked up a pack of cards and sent them to:



• 
  
  
  Donna, a woman who I’d love to date, but she lives two states away from me and she has shown no romantic interest.



• 
  
  
  Bryony Matthewman – a woman who I watch on YouTube. She’s an artist and she makes comedy videos. She lives in England. She’s a person who I admire. She says she’s going to create a review for my book, “Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom,” sometime. I won’t hold my breath. (Laugh aloud).



• 
  
  
  Zlata Filipović – author of Zlata’s Diary. Her book has had a strong impact on my life. I’m a big fan of hers. She lives in Ireland. Had sent her a copy of my book last month.



• 
  
  
  Gage – my nephew. He was the primary reason I picked up the V-Day cards. He’ll turn 3-years-old this month. Put a little bit of money in the card so his parents can get him a fun toy.



• 
  
  
  And of course, my mother of course because she is wonderful and I thought she’d enjoy getting a Valentine’s Day card in the mail.



• 
  
  
  My sister because she is wonderful, too. Wanted to let her know that I was thinking about her.



• 
  
  
  Had one extra card from this pack of 8-cards, so, I opened my address book, flipped the pages and it landed on my friend Chris, so, I sent one to him and his wife Julie. They won’t know what to think when they get a happy Valentine’s Day card from me. (Laugh aloud). Thought it would be a nice way to let ‘em know I care about my friends who live far away.

================

Received $18.00 store credit for Empire Books and News in Huntington, West Virginia! This is very exciting. Don’t know what book I’ll get next. Empire will buy back used books.

Plus, people can buy used books at better prices.

It’s amazing.

This is the first time that I’ve done this. I received $18.00 for returning these books:

a.) Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness Project [hard cover]

b.) Unsweetined by Jodie Sweetin [hard cover] c

.) Dear John by Nicholas Sparks [hard cover]

d.) And two paper back Debbie Macomber books that my mother had read. Had recently read Swettin and Rubin’s books. Had had Sparks book on my shelf for a long time -- not is a perfect time to return it with the new movie. Wow -- $18.00, what will I buy next? It must be a keeper because I don't buy books unless they're keepers now that I have a kindle.

Also – put together a tote-bag full of books that I’m going to take to a group home for teenage girls in the area. Believe they’ll fine this collection of self-improvement books, novels, and various books to be of interest. I am big on giving - - especially books. Why am I getting rid of books? a.) to get store credit from Empire for the ones I knew they’d accept b.) to do good by helping others.

What is needed for a positive attitude?

Writing a chapter on having "positive attitude" for an upcoming book. Goal is to complete the chapter by Feb. 12th. or sooner.




Seeked advice and tips for the chapter from my friends through the use of facebook.

Had posted this question:



What is needed for a positive attitude? Please post your comments.

Here are the comments that I received:

• Danny P.-- [My comments: Gratitude, Forgiveness are two that I suggest. Of course, no person is positive 100% of the time. This would not be authentic. It wouldn't be real.


• Brandi D. -- Gratitude, Forgiveness, Resilience, selfllessness (is that a word? lol) and an open mind


• Amanda K. -- To roll with the flow; accept what you can and cannot influence, smile. Even if you live to be a hundred, you'll be dead alot longer, so make the most of every day!


• MeriBeth U. -- be humble, be gracious, be kind


• Jenni C. -- Gratitude - you can't be negative when you're focused on being thankful


• Alisa W. -- Red Bull. -- Its pretty instant - just drink half your first time!!! Another tip, Smile, its contagious and when you do it you forget about things that irritate ya!!


• Lisa S. -- an open mind


• Donna W. -- A healthy perspective


• Brian N. -- Sleep


• Angela D. -- By surrounding yourself with positive people! :D


• Elizabeth -- Lots of chocolate


• Robsosky J. -- humble yourself. be conscious and thankful of what you have.accept the things that are not in your control. give your pity to others and not your self.be humble


• Tayon M. -- Eliminating negative folks from you life!!!


• Kevin W. -- wheaties,sleep,and a great wife.........i just need some money for the wheaties.


• Todd K. -- the better you think you look the better you feel and the better your attitude.


• Courtney E-H. -- To surround urself with positive people and to wrap ur mind around the fact the fact that u urself cannot change people or outcomes.. u can only control urself therefore u'll stress less and b more laid back and openminded... in my opinion at least...lol

If you haven't done so already -- check out my book, Discover Hidden Secret Wisdom. Click on the cover of the book below for more information.

your friend,

Danny

Want to Discover the Secrets to Real Motivation?

HAd Read Daniel Pink’s new book, Drive, last week. Couldn’t put it down. Read it in two days.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi would say that I was “in the flow.”

Believe Pink’s book is a must-read for recreational therapists.

Several recreational therapists work in psychiatric settings so a book on psychology and motivation would be appropriate. Other recreational therapists work in physical rehabilitation, skilled-nursing units, long-term care, parks and recreation, in-home services, group homes, nursing homes and other places. Often, recreational therapists are faced with getting patients, clients, individuals to become motivated.

Based on my experiences as a recreational therapist, I’ve seen several people attempt to motivate children or adolescents with “the sticks and carrots approach.” Pink would called this Motivation 2.0. It is old-school. It is no longer applicable in many settings today. This older approach was designed by B. F. Skinner. It attempts to reward people for doing a certain behavior in order to encourage more of it. It attempts to punish or give time-away from the stimulus in order to decrease other non-desirable behaviors. Alfie Kohn says in his books that this approach might be best suited for a family pet, but not a child. After all, Skinner did all of his research on animals.

Motivation 1.0 was described by Pink as the first motivator. It was humans needs to meet basics: food, shelter, clothing.

Today, Pink reveals that Motivation 3.0 is the most appropriate.

You’ll need to read his book to learn more.

I highly recommend it.

Notice: Using Pink's book as the text for the Theories on Changing Behaviors Course.

Check it out here:

---> http://www.DannyPettry.Com/Courses.htm <---

No more coloring contests

Judges of coloring contests are like dictators.

A dictatorship is a government fully controlled by one single individual.

Dictators have the power to make choices without the consent of the people.


Child began crying at an undisclosed school. Child was upset because he didn’t “win” a coloring contest. The boy had put a lot of time and effort into his picture. He felt that he should have won. Not sure what the winner of the contest had won. It was something the boy had wanted to win.


Contest rules: Each child was given five different coloring sheets. The child could submit one of her or his favorite sheets for the contest. The judge had to pick one out of 12 entries for the winner. Submitted entries included colored: dogs, cats, heart designs, angels, and various others.


Here are my concerns:

1.) Who says the judge of the contest has the ultimate opinion on what is good in art. It is only an opinion. What the judge feels is “good” may be a lot different from what I feel is “good.” It’s like music. I enjoy country music and would prefer it over many other types of good. Naturally, I’d pick a country song over a heavy metal song any day if 12 songs were submitted. Does that mean the other songs aren’t winners? Not quite. Believe they’re winners for going out and creating something.

In order to win a prize, a child could conform to the judge's one opinion of what is good. If a judge loves cats and hates dogs, then the child could learn, color a picture of a cat -- despite your own interest.

[CONTESTs Need A Warning Label]

Daniel Pink in his 2010 book, Drive, said, “that if you promise a preschooler a certificate for drawing a picture, that child will likely draw a picture for you – and then lose further interest in drawing…. We’re bribing students into compliance instead of challenging them into engagement.”

2.) Art should be done for the internal rewards. Color because it is something fun to do. Paint, create music, scrapbook, or do anything creative for the pure internal joy. It shouldn’t be done for something external. An artist who produces something heartfelt with passion and meaning will create something that is real. A person who creates something just to win a prize or to get money may produce something that is superficial and fake. Take a short cut to get to the award.

Here is one of my favorite books by Alfie Kohn: No Contest: The Case Against Competition. Basically, Kohn argues that competition destroys self-esteem and character.

Comments:

My friend Sarah replied. Here is what she had to say:

The children of employees were the contestants in the coloring contest, and the residents judged their work. I couldn't believe how critical they were of the art work, even though they knew that children had colored the pictures, and that they were all under the age of 10. A big one was if they "colored outside the lines". How sad that we live in a world where "coloring outside the lines" is an actual concept! Like you stated, what may look like a mess to one person may be beautiful art to the other. Why have we created this idea that everything has to be the appropriate color and be inside the lines? Sad.

Failure... is Good.

Love this video and think you should watch it, too.

Failure is a step in the right direction.

Worked as a rec thearpist for children at a psychiatric hospital for 7+ years.
Many children will say, "I can't" or won't try... becasue they're afraid they'll "mess up." They only do the things they know they can.
They'll pick an easy children's book with pictures of a chapter book.
They'll color a simple picture opposed to drawing something amazing.
They'll a pre-schooler board game comopared to an older kid's board game.

Do my best to encourage children to mess up a little -- especially in expressive arts group. Invite them to try it out. Just have fun and make a few mistakes.

Have heard that some great discoveries were found by accident such as vaccine.

Watch this video to learn why failure is so wonder...

Shoshana Johnson is still standing (book)

Shoshana Johnson is finally getting her story released. Her book, “I’m still standing” is to be released soon.

Shoshana Johnson was in the same convoy with Jessica Lynch who had been captured by the Iraqis during the 2003 invasion.

Johnson suffered two gunshot wounds to her legs and beaten.

Despite a war, it is good to remember that there are still nice people in the world, even in places like Iraq. Johnson said that a doctor did surgery, which saved her legs, hence, the title of her book, “I’m still standing.” One doctor had even whispered in Johnson’s ear to let her know that another woman was still alive, probably referring to Jessica Lynch.

I’m certainly going to get this book and read it. Stories like this inspire me.

More Comments:

Jessica Lynch received a lot more attention during 2003. Jessica was only 19-years-old at the time. Johnson was 30. I’m not certain why Johnson’s story didn’t get the same attention because Johnson. I wonder if it had anything to do with hometowns.

Lynch was from West Virginia. She tells about coming home to West Virginia. People from the town kept coming up to talk to her. I believe Jessica’s story may have started there, but I’m not certain. I think it could have been like “The Tipping Point” as discussed by Malcom Gladwell.

The tipping point according to Wikipedia 2010 is: the levels at which the momentum for change becomes unstoppable. Gladwell says it is when "messages spread like viruses." Still not certain why Johnson’s story didn’t get the same media attention. Can’t wait to read her book.



Source:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_pow_memoir

Last WWI Vet Turns 109-years-old.

Frank Buckles turned 109-years-old.

He is the last U.S. veteran alive from World War I.

Buckles is an American and he is from West Virginia.

Buckles is fighting to get a WWI memorial in mall in Washington, D.C.

There is a memorial for all other great wars of the century at the mall.

Here are two YouTube videos on Buckles when he was only 106-years-old.



Part II



Here is a link to the CNN article on Buckles:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/02/01/last.world.war.one.vet/index.html?hpt=C2


Here is a book in my personal library.

Maoshing Ni's Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100

Check it out at the Amazon link below...