Heading to Arkansas Children's Hospital

Rowdy and I will leave Friday for a trip to Little Rock for the Circle of Friends meeting at Arkansas Children's Hospital. I feel so honored to be a part of this wonderful group of volunteers that give of their time and money to raise funds for the hospital. This will be my first time to visit the hospital, and I'm looking forward to the tour. I hope I have the opportunity to let some children give Rowdy a hug and get a book mark.

Arkansas Children's Hospital has approved me as a partner to represent the hospital with Rowdy at fund-raising events. So a portion of the proceeds of the new book, Rowdy Raccoon and the Turtle Who Wanted To Fly will be donated to the hospital. I'm very exctied about this partnership. They are such a worthy cause! Plus I'm excited because the new book looks so great. I can hardly wait!!! It will be out in just days. You can pre-order a copy from Rowdy's web page or Amazon.com.
Later!
db
www.RowdyRaccoon.com
www.DonnaCBraymer.com

Courage

Courage
Character Column published on the NIE page of the Harrison Daily Times
Jan. 08

Are you afraid of something? One definition for courage is “the ability to do something that frightens one or to have strength in the face of pain or grief.”

Does giving a report to the classroom make you break out in a sweat?
Being nervous and afraid is a normal response.

When it comes to public speaking, the more prepared you are, the more
you practice, the better off you will be. It really will be easier.

I have a good friend that would be physically ill if he knew he had to
give a report to the class. Now he speaks in front of crowds all the
time, and loves it.

Just remember to be a kind listener and not laugh or make fun of the
person giving a report. Treat the person speaking the way you want to
be treated when it is your turn.

Sometimes it takes courage to stand up for what is right, and not
making fun of others is definitely the right thing to do.

Some fear is good. We should be afraid to play in the street because
we could be ran over. If your fear can be overcome, have the courage
to do so.

www.DonnaCBraymer.com

Respect

By: Donna Braymer

Copyright Harrison Daily Times
Published 12.9.08

A common word in character development for school districts is respect. It may be on everyone’s list to study, but it’s not seen inaction as often as it should be.

Some would call me “old fashioned” but I still feel people deserve respect when you call them by name. You can never go wrong calling someone, Mr., Mrs., or Ms. and then adding their last name.

If they want you to call them by their first name, they can issue that invitation. Respect can also be shown by the way you are dressed. Unless an event is listed as very casual, you should dress in your best, or at least the ‘good clothes.'

I remember when everyone had church clothes, play clothes and school clothes. If you are going into a court room, play clothes would not show the proper respect for the judge and the law.

When it’s time for a job interview, remember to show respect in how you speak, your clothing and actions. Chewing gum like a cow chews her cud does not make a good impression on a potential employer.

You can also show respect to yourself. Stay away from harmful activities, drugs and be a respectful life-long learner.




www.DonnaCBraymer.com

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Copyright Harrison Daily Times

Published 12.16.2008

One of my favorite television specials is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Creator Charles Schultz allows the main character to express his sadness at what Christmas has become.

Charlie Brown is disappointed that the girl he cares about does not care enough to send him a Christmas card; even with lots of hints dropped her direction.

His little sister wants to write a letter to Santa demanding cash divided into tens and twenties. Even Snoopy goes crazy decorating his dog house with Christmas lights.

Upon the advice of Lucy, he gets involved in directing a play aboutthe Nativity. He is determined to share the true meaning of Christmas, in spite of everyone’s focus in other directions.

Charlie gets frustrated at the gang and ends up shouting, “Does anyone know the true meaning of Christmas?”

Linus quietly steps forward and reads the true meaning of Christmasfrom Luke, Chapter 2, of the Bible. Charlie learns commercialism cannot ruin his Christmas.

Christmas is better when we remember the first gift given. Give yourfamily the gift of your time and talents. Read a book to an elderly friend. Clean out the car or your bedroom. Share the true meaning of Christmas.

www.DonnaCBraymer.com

Compassion

Compassion

Copyright Harrison Daily Times

Published 12.2.08

The needs and suffering of others are on our minds more during the Christmas season. But compassion for others is something we can feel, and act on, at any time.

Our community is known for helping others, whether it’s gathering newtoys for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, or helping a family with items after a fire, tornado or hurricane.

The definition for compassion includes understanding the suffering ofothers and wanting to do something about it. I may not totally understand all kinds suffering because I haven’t experienced it. But I can still be involved and help someone through their situation.

We can donate a new toy. We can drop some coins or cash into the Salvation Army’s red buckets. We can volunteer our time, pick up trash and help those in need.

In the classroom, we can help someone with a project that seems overwhelming or have compassion on a new student by showing them around and introducing others.

We can invite a new friend to play onthe playground, or eat lunch with our favorite friends.

When we think about how it would feel to be in their situation, we can feel compassion. But it’s even better to do something about it.

Donna Braymer


www.DonnaCBraymer.com

Patriotism

Patriotism

Copyright Harrison Daily Times

Nov. 11. 2008

Today we honor our veterans — men and women who have served our country to provide and protect our freedom.

I asked Kendra Rudd, a 17 year old Green Forest senior, to share her thoughts on patriotism. Rudd said, “Patriots believe that America is worthy of their protection, their love. Patriotism is found in many forms — a flag flying outside of a home, a ‘God Bless America’ bumper sticker or a star spangled red, white and blue cookie.“

But the ultimate symbol of patriotism is offering one’s life for the protection of America and her people. To sacrifice the comfort of home, the reassuring, physical closeness of family, friends and knowingly venture into danger is indeed an act of patriotism.”

The dictionary states a patriot is a person who loves their country and, if necessary will fight for it. Being patriotic is showing love for your country and pride in it.

We do live in the greatest nation in the world, in spite of our faults. We are a nation made up of imperfect individuals of all nationalities and backgrounds. The term “melting pot” describes us well.

Just remember, when we’ve been melted together into one nation, we are no longer separate entities. We become “one nation, under God.”


www.DonnaCBraymer.com

Discipline

By Donna Braymer

Copyright by the Harrison Daily Times

Published 10.28.08

The phrase “old-fashioned discipline” was said to me last week, and it stuck in my head.Why would doing the right thing at the right time be “old-fashioned?”

I guess because we live in a microwave society, we have lost the discipline of making ourselves “wait.”

Saving our money for something we want instead of using Mom’s credit card would be an example. Getting some extra jobs around the neighborhood to purchase your own iPod will make it even more enjoyable to you.

Going into the seventh grade, when I wanted contact lenses, my eye doctor said I had to earn half of the money myself, so I had to baby-sit like crazy that summer to earn $90. My parents could have paid for the whole amount; why did he make me do that? Because he knew if I had to work hard to pay for them, I would also have the discipline to take care of them and not damage my eyes.

The dictionary states discipline is “training to act in accordance with rules, or the activity, exercise or regimen that develops or improves a skill.” Let’s make discipline a popular word and activity again.

Donna Braymer
Business Editor
Harrison Daily Times
P.O. Box 40Harrison, AR 72602
http://www.harrisondaily.com/
870-743-0605 Direct Line
870-741-2325 HDT Office
870-741-5632 Fax
870-741-2313 After Hours Newsroom
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