I joined the National Board of Mothers for Family Values Cinema

I was beginning to think I was the last parent alive that took an interest in what my kids were watching, as finding a family-friendly movie has become somewhat of a rather time-consuming sport. And winning really big is when you not only find a flick without 60 plus f-words and graphic sex or violent scenes, but a very entertaining one as well.

Apparently, there are other parents (you, of course!) that are tired of using "the blanket". As I mentioned in the post "The Blanket", Kids-in-Mind.com has been a great help in plucking out the weeds.

I've recently joined the National Board of Mothers in reviewing movies for Family Values Cinema. They have created a DVD movie club service that provides quality family movies with good morals delivered straight to your door. (I've added a link to the site; check out the free movie offer!)

So, I get the chance to feel a little bit like Roger Ebert and Dana Carvey as the Church Lady combined, and I admit, I kind of like it. When I score big and come across a great family movie, I'll be sure to let you know!

Over 2 million couples will file as married on this year's tax form,

for the last time.

____________________________________________


That is, until they get married again, and risk an even greater rate of divorce. (67%)

More people file for divorce the day after the federal tax deadline than any other day of the year.

The United States has the highest divorce rate of any country, by far.
(Sri Lanka is the place to go for everlasting love.)

The good people of Phoenix, AZ have a strange sense of humor;
the day they file for most divorces is February 14th.

I'll place a bet that I don't need to name the state with the highest divorce rate.

And last, but by far not least:

This year, over 1 million children will witness the division of their family,
and their worlds will change as they know them.

www.tamaraschmitz.com

Mind, Body and Conscience Wars

On today's routine jog through the neighborhood, I stumbled upon a little change purse lying in the middle of the road. My brain's first reaction was that it was dirty, to let it be. But my body did not obey, and it quickly picked it up. Then my conscience butted in and asked, "What if there is money in that purse?" I quickly answered it, and said that I would put it back where I found it, in case someone retraces their steps in an attempt to retrieve it. Again my conscience persisted, "What if there is a rather large sum of money in that purse?" An image of a new coat popped into my head without effort, then an image of a grand beach vacation. "I didn't mean to think that," I told my conscience, while secretly, to myself I was thinking, "What would I do?" I turned the little purse around and it read "I Love My Dog!" I looked inside.

It contained dog poop, wrapped in a bag. My body kicked in again and swiftly tossed it back out into the street while simultaneously my conscience laughed it's smart little head off. I smiled for the rest of the jog, with the warm sun in my face, fully appreciating the poetic justice of life!

Write, don't call!

People who know me, know that if they really want to get my attention they need to email me. Contacting me by phone is usually a lost cause. I'll call them back in about a week. I loath the tele, and typically avoid it's use.

Unless I have a book proposal in to a publisher... it then becomes an accessory. I literally wear it.

However, when it rings, I really don't want it to be my husband informing me that he's going to be late for lunch. (Although it is very considerate of him.) Nor do I want it to be the principal calling to inform me that my son's been in a fight. I don't even want it to be my mom, (Mom- I'm just trying to be funny.) and I especially don't want it to be a sales call!

I want it to be the publisher with some cute little New York accent proclaiming that she loves my book. I want her to ask me how quickly I can finish writing it so that the world can be a better place.

Then, I can get back to the business of my life, which most definitely does not include the phone.

Writer on Steroids

After a wine-inspired and therefor enlightened writing session, I resolved not to rely on a drug to help me write. It felt a little as if I was an athlete using steroids.

I sit here now, however, with a very serious macchiato.

I always want to cry when I see how tiny a portion of a shot of espresso is. However, when done right, each sip lingers longer than it is dark. Its heat warms my gelid hands, enabling them to type. It's rich burnt-caramel color inspires a creative surge. It's caffeine awakens my writing moxie.

"It this allowed?" I ask myself.

Without any further ado, I sip, and write on.

If there's no Santa, what about God?

My son, ever so matter-of-factly, informed me that he has known for several years now that there is no Santa. That night, the common follow-up question arrived. "Is there any proof that there is a God?" he solemnly asked.

With all my heart and soul, I told him that the proof was looking me right in the eyes. His immediate smile, beaming as bright as Bethlehem's star, was proof to me that I was right.

Merry Christmas!

Seventeen magazine not suitable for girls

I received my daughter's first copy of Seventeen magazine in the mail today. I searched online before I ordered to make sure that it's content was appropriate for a 15 year old, and found most reviewers to say that it was just fine for 14-20 year-olds.

Well, it's fine if you want your daughter to have a new hook-up manual mailed every month to your home. There is definitely a tone of "What the heck, have sex, it's fun! But here are some tips on doing it with style..."

I called the magazine and they gave me the correct number to call to get a refund, in this case a school magazine fundraiser company. They promptly said I could switch to another magazine.

I'm glad I took the time, which like you I have little of, to have a curious and caring eye. Never underestimate the influence you have over your kids. Doing nothing in this case would have been doing something. It would have sent the message to my daughter that I agree with the content of that magazine, which I most certainly do not!

Tyler Perry's 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself' is No. 1 in weekend box office!

Speaking of movies for the family, (this one PG13) Tyler Perry has done it again topping the box office sales for opening movies this weekend. If you are not familiar with Madea my friends, it is time to make up for lost time. Go to the theaters and enjoy!

The Blanket

Ask anyone in my house what "the blanket" is, and you're sure to get a smile. When I'm caught off guard as we watch a movie together, and an inappropriate scene is bestowed upon us, I quickly cover the screen with my blanket. Between not getting to the T.V. in time, and the lack of desire to fund hollywood's moral decay, I had to find a better system.

And that I did. It is the website called "Kids in Mind". (www.kids-in-mind.com) It gives comprehensive reviews for parents interested in what their kids are watching. It rates three categories, Sex & Nudity, Violence & Gore, and Profanity on a scale from 1-10, and gives detailed descriptions. In fact I often check out movies that I am to watch without the kids, as I am less inclined to rent or go see a movie with 57 F-words. (What's that about!)

So pop some popcorn, grab your favorite couch or spot on the floor, and if it's a hot summer night, you can skip the blanket!

2009 New York Book Festival Honorable Mention

I am tickled to say that I just won an Honorable Mention at the New York Book Festival!