Mindful, Happy Adults

Ever wondered how to blend art, history, and storytelling?

In this episode of 'Mindful Happy Kids', hosted by Dr. Elisabeth Paige, children's book author Ann Marie O'Brien discusses her journey as a writer, her love for dogs, particularly Borzoi, and the inspiration behind her middle-grade novel 'Lara's Gift'. O'Brien shares her experience working in Russia during the late 1980s, her fascination with Russian culture and history, and how these influenced her writing. She also talks about the challenges she faced in her writing career, the importance of persistence, and her goals for the future, including her ongoing projects and personal aspirations. The conversation touches on her blog about dog books and her commitment to authenticity and detailed research in her storytelling.You can find Dr. Paige's website at :www.mindfulhappykids.com

Navigating Writing and Publishing with Book Coach Julie ArtzIn this episode, Elisabeth interviews Julie Artz, a seasoned book coach and author who assists writers crafting empowerment and justice-driven stories. Julie discusses her journey from technical writing to book coaching, her services, and the importance of finding the right critique partners and support systems. She also introduces the WYRD Writers Collective, a community for writers to gain craft knowledge and peer support. Julie emphasizes the importance of writing communities, sharing experiences, and navigating the publishing landscape. She offers insights into her own writing process and aspirations, providing valuable advice for both budding and experienced writers.00:00 Introduction to Julie Artz01:04 What is a Book Coach?01:34 Motivating Writers and Overcoming Challenges03:28 Julie Artz's Journey to Becoming a Book Coach08:14 Finding the Right Authors to Coach10:39 The WYRD Writers Collective19:26 The Importance of Critique Groups24:29 Writing Conferences and Retreats29:23 Personal Insights and Advice for Writers32:44 Diversity in Publishing34:48 Final Thoughts and AdviceNYou can find Dr. Paige's website at :www.mindfulhappykids.com

Join us as we wrap up Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with an insightful interview featuring children's author, Nicole Chen and Elisabeth Paige. Amidst Covid-related tensions, Nicole shifted her focus to portraying Taiwanese families, aiming to dismantle Asian stereotypes. Her debut, "How We Say I Love You," emphasizes actions over words in expressing affection across cultures. From challenging misconceptions in "Lily Xiao Speaks Out" to defying familial expectations in "It's Boba Time for Pearl Li!," Nicole advocates using privilege to uplift others. Embrace Nicole's narrative journey, anticipating more enriching literature ahead.You can find Dr. Paige's website at :www.mindfulhappykids.com

Yoga and mindfulness are helpful for anxiety, depression, strength training and exercise for both children and adults. Audrey works as a yoga and mindfulness practitioner with both adults and children. She talks about her own yoga practice and her teaching.You can find Dr. Paige's website at :www.mindfulhappykids.com

In this exciting and energetic interview, #1 NYT best selling author Dan Gemeinhart talks with Dr. Elisabeth Paige about his writing journey, each of his five middle grade books, his upcoming books, and his advice for authors. You can find Dr. Paige's website at :www.mindfulhappykids.com

Dr. LaRocca's joy and brilliance are obvious as we take a deep dive into her award-winning middle grade novels and her picture books. Her books capture her love of medicine, Shakespeare, cooking, baseball, math, and her SE Asian heritage. She confronts tough issues like cancer, anxiety, and loneliness and fun topics like magic and music. I can't recommend more highly her books for kids of all ages.You can find Dr. Paige's website at :www.mindfulhappykids.com

Jerry Craft, #1 NYT best selling author and only winner of the John Newbery Medal for outstanding contribution to children's literature for a graphic novel as well as other awards speaks with Dr. Elisabeth Paige about his life, his writing and publishing journey, and his work. He wrote over 30 books, primarily for African American kids that were, in his eyes, less about what you usually see in children's books targeting African American kids such as single parenthood, gun and police violence and slavery, and more about other issues confronting African American kids such as fitting into primarily white schools, differing socioeconomic statuses, parental relationships and friendships. As he hoped, the primarily African American characters in his trilogy, New Kid, Class Act, and School Trip have become iconic characters in kids lit. He began his adventures in children's literature by starting his own publishing company where he published like-minded almost exclusively African American authors. You can find Dr. Paige's website at :www.mindfulhappykids.com

 Picture book author and illustrator Steven Salerno has written and illustrated 5 books and illustrated an additional 32. His books range from initiating a conversation about death to a fashion designing carrot. He illustrated a book on the history of Hershey's chocolate and a Ferris wheel as big as the Eiffel Tower. His future plans include writing nonfiction books, but so far, the books he has written are fiction. He has illustrated many nonfiction books. We take a deep dive into the process of picture book illustrating, his classes with Maurice Sendak, and many of his books. He also gives us a peak into what we can expect of him in the future. You can find Dr. Paige's website at :www.mindfulhappykids.com

In this engaging conversation between Dr. Elisabeth Paige and Chris Baron, Chris talks about his middle grade novels addressing sensitive topics such as body image, anxiety and other mental health concerns, eczema, and selective mutism. He writes in verse, narrative and multi-media. Any college student would love him as a professor.You can find Dr. Paige on her website, "www.mindfulhappykids.com".

In this Simple Petting Petitation, created and recorded by Dr. Elisabeth Paige, you will stroke your pet to a count of ten and then repeat for 3 minutes. If you lose count, don't worry about it, just start over. Even short meditations can help with health, mood and relationships.Music was composed and recorded by Steve Gruskin.

In this conversation between Dr. Paige and Lisa Fipps, Lisa talks about what it was like to be a "fat" child and all of the bullying that kids and adults go through when  they are different. Her book is beautifully written in verse, interesting for a children's book. Lisa talks about her process and why she chose this technique.Find Dr. Paige at her website www.mindfulhappykids.com.

 It's finally here....My new website: https://mindfulhappykids.com/. You will find: links to the podcasts and the YouTube channel; links to the PDFs of my children's books; Petitations (upcoming); book reviews of children's books featuring mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, yoga, and a diversity of cultures; and the pets of the month. If you would like to feature your pet, just send me an email with a picture.The first video/podcast for the new website is an interview with Kristin Hartness, executive director of Canines for Disabled Kids. They provide scholarships for kids who need service dogs and provide education about service dogs and emotional support animals for kids with disabilities. It's a tremendously interesting and engaging interview. Kristin talks about the differences between service dogs and emotional support animals, the different types of service dogs specifically for kids, how the dogs and the kids are taught, and how the dogs are integrated into the classroom. I learned a whole lot. 

In this conversation between UC Davis freshman and Dr. Elisabeth Paige, Robi is inspiring as he talks about his journey as a classical pianist and violinist along with his interest in international politics. He even plays a piece in the interview. 

November is here and along with it is a time for thinking about all we are grateful for, especially in this time of turmoil. The Gratitude Petitation helps to facilitate gratitude. Recorded by Dr. Elisabeth Paige and with music composed and recorded by Steve Gruskin. Enjoy!

 In this Petitation™©, The Pet Scan, you sit with your pet and touch, smell, and listen from their head to their toes in an effort to stay in the present moment with your pet. Created and recorded by Dr. Elisabeth Paige.Set to music composed and recorded by Steve Gruskin. 

Colleen talks about and reads from "The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem". This children's book won several awards and has many layers. It starts in 1500 and finishes with poop problems today. Nonfiction writing is explained and she describes the research that went into "The Great Stink." The interview is with Dr. Elisabeth Paige. See more information on her website Petitationsplus.com by October 7th, 2022.Tune in the first week of October when Dr. Paige will be uploading the second Petitation set to Steve Gruskin's music, The Pet Scan. 

Each month I will be making available a Petitation for you to practice with your pets set to music composed and recorded by Steve Gruskin. For more information, visit my website Petitationsplus.com or "The Petitation Companion" on amazon.

In this interview, Jennifer Gennari talks about two of her books for 8-12 year olds. One is about the life of a little girl who is fighting her town's unacceptance of her mother's impending marriage to a woman and the other is about a girl with sound sensitivity. She also talks about writing and teaching. By August 22, 2022 you will see her profiled on Dr. Gruskin's webpage: Petitationsplus.com. Enjoy

In this interview, JJ reads his book, "Worm Loves Worm," as adorable book where two worms get married. According to JJ enjoy the process and everything else will follow. Within a week a profile of JJ Astrian will be found on Dr. Paige's website www.Petitationsplus.comEnjoy,Dr. Elisabeth Paige

All you've ever wanted to know about poetry. Georgia explains poetry in beautiful ways from anthologies to list poems to portrait poems to heart mapping. She has done extraordinary work in the schools and established poetry centers.  A wonderful interview with Dr.. Elisabeth Paige.

An incredible interview with the lawyer turned children's poet Janet Wong. She has written and edited many children's picture books, poetry books, anthologies for both adults and children and creative writing books and worked with children for decades. She also teaches poetry to adults and facilitates publication through her publishing press Pomelo Books. She is also the winner of many writing awards. She is Korean-Chinese American and talks a bit about what that is like in the age of Coronavirus. A must listen to! You can find her on her website, Janetwong.com. Interview by Elisabeth Paige.Enjoy! Best, ElisabethLink to all the Mindful, Happy Kids Podcasts belowhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1012396

In this extremely informative and interesting interview, Emma talks with Dr. Paige about all aspects of publishing and editing from her experiences working for the top five publishing houses as a VP, as an editor, a publisher, and as a consultant in her current publishing firm Drydenbks. She worked on over 1000 children's books and wrote one of her own with Rana DiOrio: What Does it Mean to Be an Entrepreneur? 

In this fascinating interview with Robert Castillo, you will learn all about storyboards for TV, movies, commercials and even music videos. Robert started his career creating storyboards for The Sopranos and has since worked on some Marvel movies, TV shows, commercials, and much much more. He is a professor focusing on storyboard creation in Georgia. Another must listen to.Interview with Dr. Elisabeth Paige

In this interview, Dr. Elisabeth Paige and Carolyn Marsden talk about Carolyn's journey as a writer, her work on multi-cultural historical fiction and her teaching of writing. She has published over a dozen books so far. Her work is incredibly informative and engaging.Enjoy,Elisabeth

In this musical interview you will hear about the life and work of Buddhist/mindfulness teacher Eve Decker. Eve has been a musician all her life and incorporates her music into all of her work. She works with adults and children. A must listen to.Enjoy,Interview by Dr. Elisabeth Paige

In this interview April talks about her children's poetry, books for kids about the Jewish holidays, young adult poetry, her meditation practice, activism, and raising turtles. Fascinating interview.The interview was conducted by Dr. Elisabeth Paige

In this interview, Donna talks about writing her super hero series, working with authors and her new podcast. Music composed and performed by Natalie Hagwood on the cello and Casey Lipska on the string bass.

In this interview, Donna talks about her work on a series of animal superheroes books, her editing, and her podcast.Interview by Elisabeth PaigeMusic composed and played by Natalie Hagwood on the cello and Casey Lipska

In this interview with Gael Belden, meditation and compassion teacher, she talks about her work with the UCLA mindfulness research center, FBI agents and first responders. She was trained by Thich Nhat Hanh in his monastery for many years along with many other teachers. Her approach toward nature is interesting as is her meditation practice. I hope you enjoy the interview. The interview was conducted by Dr. Elisabeth Paige and the music was composed and recorded by Natalie Hagwood on cello and Casey Lipska on string bass.

This interview explores Susan Vollmer interesting journey worldwide as a French horn player and instructor. If you would like to get in touch with her for lessons, she can be reached at svollmer2001@yahoo.com. I can vouch for her patience and abilities as a horn teacher.

Another one from the archives for Thanksgiving....By Elisabeth Paige and illustrations by Zanne deJanvier

I'm downloading this one again for the holidays. It's from the Petitation Companion by Dr. Elisabeth Gruskin and Joanne Leslie. Enjoy! Elisabeth and Joanne

This book about gratitude is perfect for Thanksgiving. If you've never seen it, the illustrations are amazing. Enjoy! Happy Holidays....

Pippi the Schipperke Puppy learns to be kind to herself and others. She has to learn to clean her toys, deal with her grumpy brother Norman and learn to pay attention during obedience school. She uses meditative and self compassion tools.The story is read by Dr. Elisabeth Paige and the music is composed and played by Natalie Hagwood on cello and Casey Lipska on string bass. Some of the material is based on the work of Kristen Neff.For more information about the Pippi and Pago books visit the website at petitationsplus.com. And, if you would like the other books, contact Dr. Paige at petitations@gmail.com.

Is this chapter of The Petitation Companion, written by Dr. Elisabeth Paige and Joanne Leslie, you will be introduced to some mantras to help give you space between stress or emotion and reaction.  The music was composed and recorded by Natalie Hagwood on cello and Casey Lipska on string bass.

In this book, written and read by Dr. Elisabeth Paige with illustrations by Zanne deJanvier, Carly the cello begins her journey in a pawn shop with the other unwanted instruments. All she wants is to play beautiful music again. Tune in and see if her wishes are granted.Music is composed and played by Natalie Hagwood on the cello and Casey Lipska on the string bass. To get copies of this book or the other Pippi and Norman books, email Dr. Gruskin at Petitations@gmail.com. Please visit my website at petitationsplus.com.

During these times, getting out and walking is even more important. This Petitation guides you through walking outside and being in the moment. The chapter is read by Dr. Elisabeth Paige. The book can be found on Amazon. The music was composed and played by Natalie Hagwood on the cello and Casey Lipska on the string bass.

In this interview, you will hear about mindfulness based stress reduction, coping with coronavirus using mindfulness, mindfulness and parenting and much more. The music was composed and recorded by Natalie Hagwood on cello and Casey Lipska on the string bass. The interview was conducted by Dr. Elisabeth Paige.

Corey Strange is a drummer and visual artist. In this interview he talks about the beginning of his art, working with his wife and getting through the pandemic. If you are interested in seeing his art or his teaching, you can contact him at corey.strange@gmail.com and his print stores are: Cmstrange.comInstagram is @cmstrangeFacebook.com/cmstrangeI will also be putting up links on my blog petitationsplus.com.The music for this podcast was composed and performed by Natalie Hagwood on the cello and Casey Lipska on the string bass.

Hometown for the Holidays, a virtual night of music on December 12th at 7pm pst benefits the Plumas Performing Arts programs, the musicians who are performing and the Quincy Town Hall Theater. The genres vary widely and are all kid friendly. Get your tickets, sliding scale starting at $5 each from plumasarts.org.Hear the music of Natalie Hagwood and her father Jeff Kepple to start off the promotion.

Happy Day of Thanks! In this Gratitude Petitation from "The Petitation Companion," written by Dr. Elisabeth Paige and Joanne Leslie, you will learn a form of a gratitude meditation. I hope that you and your pet(s) find time to do this some time within the next couple of days. The music was composed and recorded by Natalie Hagwood on the cello and Casey Lipska on the string bass. The Petitation was read by Elisabeth Paige. You can visit her on her website at Petitationsplus.com and purchase "The Petitation Companion" on amazon.

This interview features 12-year-old Laya Sy, an extremely bright and talented young lady. She plays sports, music, has read since she was 3, and even does magic tricks among other things. She is also a member of the Sy family along with brother Danny and Jacob and mother Serene. It's a very enjoyable and upbeat podcast. Music was composed and recorded by Natalie Hagwood on the cello and Casey Lipska on the string bass.

If you haven't already voted or even if you have and you want to hear live music, please go to your voting places on election day. In this podcast, Natalie Hagwood recorded the Star Spangled Banner on cello, one of many pieces she'll be playing at the Coloma Community Center, 4623 T Street, noon to one on election day. Please join us.

In this Petitation, you will learn how to mindfully make a decision about something that is troubling you with the help of your pet. The book was written by Dr. Elisabeth Paige and her mother, Joanne Leslie. Music has been composed and recorded by Natalie Hagwood on the cello and Casey Lipka on the string bass. The book, The Petitation Companion is available on Amazon. To learn more about Dr. Elisabeth Paige, visit her website Petitationplus.com.

In this wonderful interview, you will hear from Jacob and Danny's mom. She is, as their cello teacher, Natalie puts it an "awesome performance mom." You will find the family's music on my website, Petitationsplus.com in the coming days. The music for the podcast was written and composed by Natalie Hagwood on the cello and Casey Lipska on the string bass.

In this delightful interview, Jacob Sy (brother of Danny) speaks about his experiences as a child musician up until the age of 16. He also talks about what he thinks adults should do to support kids. You can visit Elisabeth Paige's blog petitationsplus.com soon to hear his music. Music was composed and recorded by Natalie Hagwood on the cello and Casey Lipska on the string bass.

In this interview between Dr. Elisabeth Paige and Katherine Parker a dietitian, nutrition therapist and exercise physiologist, she will share the relationship between nutrition, exercise, activity and mindfulness. She talks about the importance of all three in different illnesses. She also addresses things to take into consideration during the pandemic.The music was composed and recorded by Natalie Hagwood on cello and Casey Lipska on string bass. For more information on Dr. Elisabeth Paige see Petitationsplus.com.

In this interview, you will hear all about Danny and his musical instruments. He started playing guitar when he was four and by the time he was seven, he was playing cello, violin, guitar, and piano. He also talks about why he thinks it's important for kids to be able to play instruments in the schools.If you would like to hear his music and learn more about him visit Elisabeth's website, Petitationsplus.com. The music was composed and recorded by Natalie Hagwood on cello and Casey Lipka on string bass.

In this interview, cellist Susan Lamb Cook talks about her teaching, her childhood as a musician, and creating performance groups for kids and adults. You can hear her music on Spotify if you search for her name. Or you can find out more about it on my website Petitationsplus.com. the music for this podcast was composed and recorded by Natalie Hagwood on cello and Casey Lipska on string bass.

In this interview, 12 year old Giulia talks about being a musician. The music was composed and recorded by Natalie Hagwood on cello and Case Lipka on string bass. If you want to read my blog or to hear Giulia playing her cello, visit my website at petitationsplus.com. Enjoy!