The winners were all announced LIVE but if you missed it here is a replay that you can watch as often as you need a positive and uplifting message.
I also forgot to mention this but you can connect with Oscar
Instagram:Albert_the_albatross
Category: From The Desk of The Smart Cookie
#PoeticMuses: Interview with Living Lightly Authors Dale Curd and Kimberly Alexander
Authors Dale Curd and Kimberly Alexander authors of Living Lightly were nice enough to take some time out to virtually answer these interview questions so grab a cup of espresso and enjoy!
The Smart Cookie: Hello to both of you and thank you for sharing such a lovely book with the world. How do you define living lightly?
Dale C &Kimberly A:
The title is, in and of itself, a bit of a paradox. The more I look for light, the more I must work with everything that is in the way of that, being revealed. The more I let go, the more tightly I cling to what remains, it’s importance is revealed to me. The beautiful cover design is an indicator of what Living Lightly feels like, on the inside. Our outer landscape is as individual of an experience as each reader. We encourage readers to take in a ‘simple, not easy’ philosophy to cultivating the relationship with your self and with life. Living Lightly is who we are when we are at our simplest, most content relationship with ourselves.
The Smart Cookie: In your book, you mention how you now live on a farm full-time. How has living on a farm helped teach you about life in regards to the journey and our relationship with self and others?
Dale C and Kimberly A:
Our move from the city to a historic farm is a dream come true for us both. Before we met we were both looking to move into nature. While farm life isn’t everyone’s dream come true, we highly recommend the pursuit of a bucket-list dream! It is absolutely magical to be in the flow of making a dream come true, no matter how long it takes; the synchronicity, the learning, the people, all make a process we would describe as living lightly. Being on a farm, living in a rural community, and in nature, offers a slowing down that makes it easier to see my behaviours, patterns and habits. It has been quite a revelation, and much of it we share in the book! I start to notice how I am with people, I hear the voice in my head more loudly, I become aware of my breathing. Living in rhythm with nature; sleeping when it’s dark, slowing down in winter, being higher energy in the longer light of summer. Life and death are regular experiences with farm animals, and this is strengthening our capacity to love and blurring the lines of life and death. So there are opportunities for connection every day for all of us, and living on the farm makes it easier I think to grasp them.
The Smart Cookie: Nature does have a lot to teach us if we keep our eyes, heart and minds open to it. What drew you to writing a book?
Dale C and Kimberly A:
Well, we tried writing a timeless Christmas song but that is a lot harder than it seems.
The Smart Cookie: Haha song writing sure is a whole different beast for sure. What is the hardest part of being a therapist? What is the most rewarding part of being a therapist?
Dale C and Kimberly A:
We both were introduced to therapy as clients first, experiencing the life-saving benefits firsthand. It is heartbreaking to witness another’s pain, yet that sacred space between client and therapist is one of the most beautiful, intimate experiences we can have. Hearing a client speak their truth for the first time or reach a new awareness, is incredibly humbling. Our spirit can crumble limiting beliefs, old pain and blocks and it can happen in an instant, never to be unseen again. We write often about the value of listening and witnessing in our book, and our work is dedicated to a vision that one day we will hold this intimate, healing space for each other in daily living.
The Smart Cookie: Listening and witnessing pain and trauma first hand does create a very clear intimate space. This global health crisis is effecting everyone worldwide, and creating a sense of isolation that we have not seen in such a very obvious way. What is your advice to the people of the world dealing with the COV-19 crisis?
Dale C & Kimberly A:
We would not prescribe nor advise, rather we encourage people as we do in Living Lightly; to pursue our own truths and to be kind and empathetic towards others. History and this current situation show us that the basic elements of human connection are what have us come through our greatest challenges. Kindness and caring, empathy and resilience are innate and it is only our ego that betrays us in our true time of need. If we focus on what makes us human and humane exclusively, as if it is all we have, we will be rewarded by a rich and meaningful experience of ourself and of life, beyond our imagination.
Thank you for enlightening us and sharing your insights. May we all seek to Live Lightly every single day, especially now in this time of global health crisis and social distancing epidemic.
Purchase a copy of their great book here
#CookiesForACause: Now Benefits COVID-19 Relief
You can buy anything and it will help support the cause. My merch shop has always been CAUSE-BASED but now it benefits one cause until this crisis is over.
You can shop at the link in the menu or below
#PoeticMuses: Calling All Poets and Poetry Book Authors
The Smart Cookie Philes needs you!
Send me an email below or at smartcookiepr26@gmail.com and I will review your book for FREE during the month of April and also offer FREE social media promotion!
Happy National Poetry Month to any and all poets!
#SmartCookiePR: Albert Took Flight in January and made some new friends along the way…
Our wise friend Albert The Albatross reached new heights by making new friends and visiting similar locations but at new times. Sometimes the same town can become brand new if you visit it only an hour or so later or earlier than you did the time before.
Albert encourages young and old to keep a positive attitude in order to soar to heights they have yet reached, and to attract new friends to join them in this journey we call life.
This month, Albert visited a Fishing Tournament and a Block Party.
Both were in Sanford, FL.
The fishing tournament reeled in some brand new friends for Albert and Oscar.
The Block Party was incredibly lit. It was fun and friendly time to get down.
To be the first to know updates on where Albert will be through the rest of 2020, please stay tuned to The Smart Cookie Philes and Like Him on Facebook.
Happy Birthday To The Smart Cookie Philes!
To the unicorns, the stationary nerds, the writers, the wordsmiths, the poets, the musically inclined, the prestigious pipes, the dashbord drummers, the ballet slipper wearing dance to your own beat bookish souls, thanks for 4 years of support and love. Means everything to a girl who wears colorful hair and refuses to let anything get her down.
Love, The Smart Cookie
Say Happy Birthday with a purchase from my shop or by supporting these lovely affiliates!
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#SmartCookiePR: Block Party? That Must Mean the Whole Block will be there
For Immediate Release
January 14, 2020
Chelsea DeVries
Publicist
Albert The Albatross Taking Flight In Sanford, FL
Debut Children’s Author Appearing at Hometown Block Party for Book Signing
Oscar will be signing copies of his debut children’s book for children, parents, and grandparents alike at the Sanford Block Party on January 25, 2020 from 5 p.m.-10p.m.. Come out and let Albert teach your children the heights they can reach with a good and positive attitude, the power of kindness, and the great gift of friendship. The festival is open to all members of the community on Sanford Ave in Sanford, FL 32771.
About Albert The Albatross:
Albert the Albatross is on a journey sharing wisdom and Knowledge while traveling around the world.On the way he will meet and greet lots of his friends and we will learn what they do, and why they do it ( and what Albert thinks about it all )A rhyming story for the young and old !
About the Author:
Oscar Redden IV is the author of “Albert the Albatross: Attitude Equal Altitude”- a book developed to serve as a blueprint to teach and inspire the youth about the values of integrity and respect. Oscar grew up in Sanford, Florida- a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, and family is monumental. Oscar has a Master’s in Business Administration from Saint Leo University and has spent over 6 years in Logistics with Walmart Supply Chain. Oscar believes that a positive attitude, which is just as important as skill set, is the X-factor to achieving your dreams. He currently lives in Ocala, Florida with his fiancé and exotic plants. Please visit his website at https://www.amazon.com/Albert-Albatross-Attitude-equals-Altitude/dp/1095670603/ref=sr_1_1?crid=90QVZ1FXMNN0&keywords=albert+the+albatross&qid=1559749178&s=gateway&sprefix=albert+the+alb%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1
To schedule an interview with the author or to schedule him for a public appearance, please contact his publicist Chelsea DeVries at smartcookiepr26@gmail.com
Download this press release Block Party Press Release
#SmartCookiePR: Albert The Albatross Makes A Trek Across Florida
Released on April 23, 2019 Albert The Albatross is a bird with quite as much if not more wisdom than an owl. His words are short, they rhyme, and he speaks truth about life to both the young and old.
The author Oscar Redden IV returned to his hometown of Sanford, FL to do his first book signing at the Sanford Jingle Jam and saw a turnout of 5000 people. Following this, he and his pal Albert ventured over to Brooksville, FL to march in a Christmas parade which had a turnout of 3000 people. His final stop in Florida in 2019 was back in Sanford for the Food Truck Fiesta which saw around 2500 people.
Young and old were ecstatic to meet Albert and his pal Oscar especially being a hometown hero. Below you will see the author pictured before each event began ready to introduce the young and old to Albert The Albatross.
And here are some lovely new friends that Albert and Oscar made at each event. On behalf of the author, we are overjoyed and extremely grateful for the support of the message behind Albert The Albatross.
Look for new chances to meet both Albert and Oscar in 2020.
Aren’t in Florida or even the USA? Great news Albert can fly just about anywhere because he knows the heights you reach with a positive attitude. Get your copy available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Below you can see Albert even flew to a family in the UK. There is no distance too far for Albert because his attitude carries him very far.
Here is a comment that was shared by a new friend after meeting the author at the Food Truck Fiesta on December 21, 2019.
Albert The Albatross was recently recommended by Little Tykes and Tots Book Club.
#SmartCookiePR: Albert The Albatross Returns To Sanford, FL For Food Truck Fiesta
For Immediate Release
December 12, 2019
Chelsea DeVries
Publicist
Albert The Albatross Taking Flight In Sanford, FL
Debut Children’s Author Appearing at Hometown Festival for First Book Signing
Oscar will be signing copies of his debut children’s book for children, parents, and grandparents alike at the Sanford Food Truck Fiesta on Saturday December 21, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come out and let Albert teach your children the heights they can reach with a good and positive attitude, the power of kindness, and the great gift of friendship. The festival is open to all members of the community at 307 E 2nd St, Sanford, FL 32771.
About Albert The Albatross:
Albert the Albatross is on a journey sharing wisdom and Knowledge while traveling around the world.On the way he will meet and greet lots of his friends and we will learn what they do, and why they do it ( and what Albert thinks about it all )A rhyming story for the young and old !
About the Author:
Oscar Redden IV is the author of “Albert the Albatross: Attitude Equal Altitude”, a book developed to serve as a blueprint to teach and inspire the youth about the values of integrity and respect. Oscar grew up in Sanford, Florida; A place where your last Name meant something like a reputation. Oscar has a Master’s in Business Administration from Saint Leo University and has spent over 6 years in Logistics with Walmart Supply Chain. Just as important as skill is, a positive Attitude is the X-factor to achieving your dreams. He Currently lives Oscar in Ocala, Florida with his fiance and exotic plants. Please visit his website at Albert The Albatross Amazon Page.
To schedule an interview with the author or to schedule him for a public appearance, please contact his publicist Chelsea DeVries at smartcookiepr26@gmail.com
For more on the event, please contact Kim Colgrove at kim@ladies327.org
To download this press release, click Food Truck Fiesta Sanford, FL
Please share this graphic on social media!
#GiftGuide The Best in Books and Music in 2019
Christmas is two weeks away. I planned to have my annual gift guide up much earlier but it did not work out. Without further ado, here are the books and music items I recommend you get the bibliophiles and cineophiles in your life.
- P!nk’s Beautiful Trauma Emotional, raw, and vulnerable with P!nk’s signature belt-like vocals
- Love and Gelato: A fun YA centered around a girl who just lost her mom ventures to Italy to meet her father and learns that Italy is a romantic place and their gelato is one of a kind.
- Out of the Dark by Mandisa Did you just go through a dark period where you weren’t sure if the light would trickle in ever again? Are you currently in one? Listening to this will shine a light so bright in whatever darkness or trial you are facing that you will live to see another day.
- Meaning of Life by Kelly Clarkson: Emotional but dancy Clarkson came back strong with this one.
- #MusicMonday: Panic At The Disco’s Pray For The Wicked will take you to the church of rock and roll
- #GivingTuesdaySeries: Why I Chose The Christina Grimmie Foundation From Socks that benefit the Christina Grimmie Foundation, beach towels, and leggings, it’s pretty clear you should always espresso yourself and rock your socks off! with each and every moment you have.
- #MusicMonday: Happiness Begins 2019 saw the return of The Jonas Brothers. Rock out to their comeback album like they haven’t been gone for 10 years.
- Your Heart is The Sea by Nikita Gill Since this was released, she has come out with a new one but this one was helpful in the healing, realizing, and processing part of coming out a traumatic experience or experiences.
- Loved Mars, Hated The Food by Willie Handler Satire is a genre I never thought I was a fan of until I read both of Willie’s works. This year he released this second novel about a Toms River, NJ chef who gets stuck on Mars. It is equal parts funny and delicious.
- Mania by Fall Out Boy: Their seventh studio album doesn’t have one bad song on it. Despite much criticism for the new sound, they still rock n roll like legends.
- After Laughter by Paramore: Released in 2017 but since I’ve always been a fan I listened to this new work from the alternative rock band as they welcomed back their bassist and lead singer Hayley used this album to tell the story of her battle with depression.
- What You See Is What You Get by Luke Combs Following the success of his debut album, Combs releases the second that is a definite country music banger from start to finish. You witness the maturing of Combs’s sound and lyrics as he celebrates his recent engagement and winning a CMA this year for Beautiful, Crazy.
- Albert The Albatross by Oscar Redden IV A children’s book that teaches the importance of a good attitude. Beautiful colorful illustrations accompany Albert’s journey as he shares wisdom with the young and the old.
#GivingTuesdaySeries: Why I Chose Project Semicolon (New Merch Product Reveal) #EndTheStigma: Recently released on December 3 2019, this backpack 100% supports Project Semicolon, a charity that benefits people who struggle with mental health issues especially suicide prevention.
There you have it, another year in books and music. If I missed your favorite, share it in the comments below. As always you are welcome to find gift suggestions in both my merch shop and support any of my lovely affiliates.
Here is 2020 being the year you choose to ESPRESSO YOURSELF!
Happy Holidays!
and Merry Christmas!
The Smart Cookie Philes 