The New English Dictionary describes “joy’ as something that cause’s intense happiness!   I like the idea of "intense happiness" so how do I get to these "somethings" to experience joy?

 Remember the movie Oliver Twist? Young Oliver was still hungry after his first bowl of porridge.  He quietly rose from his seat and approached his keeper to say, “more please!”  Was it a joy for him to nourish himself with a simple bowl of porridge.  Did the joy of the experience (eating tasty, sustaining porridge) prompt the request for more or was it simply the need to fill his tummy with food?  

“Once upon a time not too long ago there were these two guys.  One guy was pretty big so he was called Big Guy. The other guy wasn’t so big yet so he was called Little Guy.  They were pals!  They loved to go on these adventures together and each time Big Guy brought his compass and Little Guy brought his whistle.  One day…………………….”

 

These words are taken from a relationship formed between a grandfather and his grandson.  They took shape through circumstance, imagination and love in a series of bedtime stories.  (We now share them as Big Guy and Little Guy Adventure Stories.)  They echo the joy of nurturing and the need for young boys to have a positive male role model. This relationship is an example of the unexpected that can happen to families at any time.  We can make plans but we can’t plan outcomes!  

 

As in most cases the outcome was a joyful experience.  Somehow, through the twists and turns of life, a father with grown children found himself as surrogate father figure to his grandson.  When a father helps rear his son and daughters there is an intuitive knowing the relationship will last a lifetime in some shape or fashion.  However, little thought, if any, is given to one day being a “father figure” to a grandchild.  Well it's happening!  

  

 

 

 

 

Like many others, on November 11^th, I took the time to pause, reflect and honor those who have gone to war.  I watched the ceremony on television and said a quiet "thank you".  What am I saying thank you for and why do I feel a sense of sorrow?

Obviously, I’m grateful to live in a democracy.  I’m grateful that I have not officially “had to go to war”.  Really, I have no idea of what front line battle feels like.  Or do I? 

I feel sorrow for the loss of life, for the families that have lived with that loss, for the soldiers that have lived with the first hand experience of going through a war.  I also feel a tremendous sadness, that despite the testimonials of countless active soldiers, veterans and their families reflecting on the futility of war; we are, in fact, still going to war.  

I watched the soldiers as they partook in the Remembrance Day ceremonies and wondered what it would be like if we did not have a need for soldiers or for the guns they carry.  What if Remembrance Day was a day for honoring the past and celebrating peace?  What if we lived in a world without distinction of borders, without a belief of “them and us”?

How would this be possible?  Many are “for peace”, attend peace rallies, and support peaceful movements.  Why have we not learned from the past and why does worldwide peace not exist?

 

 

A WORKPLACE WELLNESS SEMINAR 

Engaging & Retaining Staff Through Generosity at Work  

 

TwinkleTone Productions provides educational & entertainment resources

to homes, schools, communities and places of work.  Our Generosity Seminar reflects a growing desire in the business world to look beyond self interest & help others. In addition to being an increasingly important career building skill, the seminar enhances workplace culture by impacting teamwork, loyalty, productivity and community profile.  

 

 

In our ever-changing world, baby boomers are taking on roles and responsibilities they have never experienced before, such as, living in a time of rapidly advancing technology; re-energizing our environment and for some, parenting as grandparents.

Our goal is to provide accessible, quality resources to nurture family and extended family life in a spirit of enhanced generosity and resulting joyfulness. We’re dedicated to offering high quality multi-media resources for educators, employers and families, including children’s products.

TwinkleTone Productions is dedicated to offering high quality multi-media resources for educators, employers and families. We seek to ensure that all our products meet the highest of standards of corporate integrity, including fair trade practices. All TTP products are trademarked by agreement with Munky Man Promotions.

Not long ago a team mate passed away and I attended his funeral service. There in the chapel were members of the immediate family, close friends; those considered to be part of his extended family and of course, a minister to guide the service.  Dan had been a policeman and many former colleagues were there. I attended with a number of his team-mates.  We had played ball together.

 

My connection with Dan had been mainly “on the baseball field”, though we occasionally crossed paths in the workplace (no, he didn’t arrest me!).  He was a pleasant, easy going guy, well liked,  respected and a "clutch hitter".  He would make any family proud.  I had shared a portion of his life.  I felt a kinship with Dan and was fortunate to be at the service, a joyful celebration of his time here on planet earth.  We had connected.  Positively!