Greetings to all in our wonderful hive. Thank you for joining us in. So much is going on for humanity, for nature, as well as for all of Jazianzza’s relatives. They’re all buizzzily gathering pollen, while it seems humanity is trying to figure out if we want to build walls or build bridges.
Jazi wanted me to both begin and end with some bee jokes this time. She felt that we’re all in need of some humor as we try to navigate our lives. I’m all for that, so here are a few of her favorites…
What do you call a bee that can’t make up its mind?? A maybe!
Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honeycombs.
Why do bees hum? Because they don’t know the words.
Ok, enough silly jokes for now! 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝
I had the great pleasure and honor of speaking with Dali Rivera, founder of the Diversity & Anti-Bullying Academy (#DABA) and host of the DaliTalks Podcast, about Bee-Coming Strong. I shared a couple of my experiences with bullying as a child and the importance of making sure that children have practical tools to overcome many challenges and learn to love themselves. During our conversation, we discussed:
🐝 why kids need to learn more about kindness.
🐝 the importance of breath work and emotional regulation.
🐝 how I dealt with bullying as a child
🐝 how BCS, as well as her workbook, can help kids understand others while encouraging empathy, and kindness.
Click your preferred link below to listen to the full episode. Please consider sharing it with at least one person. Thank you!
YT: https://youtu.be/DHK6tihQwPQ
APPLE:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dalitalks-podcast/id1613524529?i=1000701931998
SPOTIFY: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dalitalks/episodes/Bee-Coming-Strong-e310lk8
Dali is a strong, focused, and kind person. She has a brilliant workbook, which I referred to in the podcast, aimed at helping parents bully-proof their children. I’d highly recommend it if you know of anyone who is dealing with this tragic situation. Her examples are clear, and her suggestions are straightforward. During the podcast, I told her that I truly wished her workbook could be dropped from planes throughout the nation and the world. I know these teachings would have been a great help to me as a child. You can order it here…
Dali and I spent about an hour talking after the recording finished. She shared some of her personal stories, and I was left with a feeling of not only admiration for the strength of her character but also the depth of her empathy for others. I would encourage anyone who might be dealing with bullying in one form or another to contact her. You can schedule an appointment with her HERE. For estimates or appointments, you can also call 410-949-1133.
In the past, I have shared a link to free children’s books. Most recently, I learned about some delightful children’s chapter books that are not being offered for free. However, they may still sound like good books to share with the children in your life. They’re specifically categorized as children’s chapter books. Those children who are interested in science, math, or logic might enjoy the cute story about Finn, a young inventor who faces many challenges in building his model rocket for the Dublin science competition. Or maybe you’d love to read about the little squirrel named Willy and his many adventures. Are you trying to help your child learn to eat better? Lola Learns Healthy Habits might be just the book to inspire your young one.
We’ll still endeavor to bring you a good cache of free books in future newsletters, but to learn about these you can use the following link: https://books.bookfunnel.com/springchapterbooks/8txq4v3958
Our wonderful illustrator, Akiko Martinache, recently sent me a very professional video she made highlighting her work on the book. It was fun to see how little Jazi started in such a humble way and how Akiko and I were able to collaborate to bring Jazi’s true image to light. For anyone interested in illustrating or writing a children’s book, or for those who just love Jazi, I think you’ll appreciate this. https://youtu.be/_5KGq6I_y7A?feature=shared
If you live in Southern California, we’d love to have you join Jazi and me on May 10th for a book signing at the Tustin Library from 11-3. Organized by the Orange County Public Libraries, it will feature a host of children’s book authors, as well as speakers and activities for children.
All right, enough of all this! Let’s close with a few more of Jazi’s favorite bee jokes. And if you like us sharing these, please let us know and we’ll continue doing this!
All right, enough of all this! Let’s get back to a few more of Jazi’s favorite bee jokes. And if you like us sharing these, please let us know and we’ll continue doing this!
- What do bees like to chew? Bumblegum!
- How do bees get to school? On the school buzz!
- What kind of bee can’t be understood? A mumblebee!
Well, we think that’s enough information for today. We wish you a month of great joy. May you especially take the time to notice little joys, as well. After all, Jazianzza is little and has brought an awful lot of joy to many.
During these times when so many are struggling, let’s look for opportunities to uplift others in whatever ways we can. There is always time for the kindness of a smile. Until next month…
There is no ‘them’ and ‘us.’
There is only us.
Father Greg Boyle