Hi everyone-
As many of you know, my family and I have moved from Wiesbaden, Germany to Fort Campbell, KY.
I will begin counseling at our new installation next week.
The family had a safe flight and we are getting set up in our new home!
Thanks for all the well wishes along the way.
Marc
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
SMS mentioned in Root and Sprout magazine!
Long Distance 411: Six Unique Ways to Keep Families Together When They Live Apart
By Karen Nowicki
Whether it is due to a divorce, job requirements, military assignment, education or even incarceration, many families in our society today are living farther and farther apart.
Depending on which perspective you choose to view this situation will ultimately shape how well you and your child cope with the distance.
A “poor little Johnny” attitude will likely rub off on him and have him feeling like somehow he got the short end of the stick. Even if the living arrangements are out of your control, you will serve yourself and your children well by focusing on ways to make what you think is a bleak situation bright.
Embrace the change and seek to find the gold in the separation. Think about this as a comparison, why do millions of children grow up with a single parent or guardian and feel loved no less than a child with two parents? It is because they experience love and connection on a consistent basis. The same can be said for long distant parenting too.
Keep your relationship strong by regularly communicating. Do the best you can to have a scheduled plan for phone calls, emails, written letters and visits. This will give them a sense of routine and consistency, just as if you were coming home from work each night.
Beyond the agreed upon “family times”, surprise your child as frequently as you can with spontaneous phone calls, emails, and written letters. Include age appropriate trinkets every once in awhile. A sticker sheet, photo of you, souvenir or picture (drawn by you) will go a long way to help close the gap in distance.
Here are six unique ways to keep families together when they live far apart. Some are free and some require a purchase; but, either way, they all add a spark and personal touch to your long distance relationships.
FRIENDSHIP STONES are a novel and perhaps unusual way of coping with long distance for both parents and children. Small enough to be carried around in one’s wallet or purse, it is a powerful reminder of one’s love during times when two people are apart. The Friendship Stone is a meaningful, give-back gift, a keepsake expressing one’s love, appreciation and gratitude. It also is a metaphor for how one looks at life, reminding each person that life is about choices and to be positive.
MINDSIGNS CARDS In 2001, Ron Ball was seeking for a way to help his daughter deal with the challenges of high school — all the studying, tests, peer pressure and difficulties in growing up. About the same time, his father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Although Ron was a busy executive, he wanted to show he was thinking about them and cared about their well-being. Ron originally created a book of affirming thoughts and empowering questions and titled it “Mindsigns”. Now, MindSigns are colorful greeting cards that are available to everyone. Each week, someone you choose receives a new MindSigns card, not once or twice, but up to 52 times a year. It’s a gift that they’ll always remember came from you.
SHUTTERFLY SHARE SITES are free, personalized websites created to share, connect and collaborate with friends and family. You can all post pictures, have a calendar, journal, etc. “Share Sites are a fun and easy way to maintain a private and secure site just for you and your loved ones,” shares Fiona Chan, Account Coordinator for Flashpoint PR.
SURVIVING MILITARY SEPARATION: A 365 Day Activity guide for the Families of Deployed Personnel Author Marc Maxwell is a former Army Ranger who is currently stationed in Germany working as a guidance counselor for the Department of Defense. He saw a need for a fun, engaging activity book for the military community that spouses and families could use together during a deployment of a loved one. His book fills just this gap and offers a wide variety of daily activities to help family members get through the tough deployment period.
BEAR MY HEART greeting bears foster a sense of security for children, inspire creativity, promote play and help with language development. You design the bear yourself and then personalize it with special fabric on their shirts to include a handwritten message or artwork with special markers included. A special voice message recording is just the right finishing touch to let your child know you care.
SKYPE WEB VIDEO CHAT PROGRAM Free calls, video calls and instant messaging over the internet. Plus great value calls to phones anywhere in the world. Recommended by Lisa Hanock-Jasie who says, “Skype is THE answer to keep in touch with your children who live far away. The Skype program allows us to “visit” with our daughter live. Although we’re not there with her, we are, in a sense, with her there.”
Prior to opening her own coaching business, Karen Nowicki was a teacher, asst. principal and vice president for public and charter schools. Karen is the founder of the Snuggle Deep Retreat and the author of Maddie Moonbeam’s Garden. Karen lives in Chandler, AZ with her husband and three children. For more with Karen, sign up for her free newsletter at http://www.apeacefulintegration.com/.
Whether it is due to a divorce, job requirements, military assignment, education or even incarceration, many families in our society today are living farther and farther apart.
Depending on which perspective you choose to view this situation will ultimately shape how well you and your child cope with the distance.
A “poor little Johnny” attitude will likely rub off on him and have him feeling like somehow he got the short end of the stick. Even if the living arrangements are out of your control, you will serve yourself and your children well by focusing on ways to make what you think is a bleak situation bright.
Embrace the change and seek to find the gold in the separation. Think about this as a comparison, why do millions of children grow up with a single parent or guardian and feel loved no less than a child with two parents? It is because they experience love and connection on a consistent basis. The same can be said for long distant parenting too.
Keep your relationship strong by regularly communicating. Do the best you can to have a scheduled plan for phone calls, emails, written letters and visits. This will give them a sense of routine and consistency, just as if you were coming home from work each night.
Beyond the agreed upon “family times”, surprise your child as frequently as you can with spontaneous phone calls, emails, and written letters. Include age appropriate trinkets every once in awhile. A sticker sheet, photo of you, souvenir or picture (drawn by you) will go a long way to help close the gap in distance.
Here are six unique ways to keep families together when they live far apart. Some are free and some require a purchase; but, either way, they all add a spark and personal touch to your long distance relationships.
FRIENDSHIP STONES are a novel and perhaps unusual way of coping with long distance for both parents and children. Small enough to be carried around in one’s wallet or purse, it is a powerful reminder of one’s love during times when two people are apart. The Friendship Stone is a meaningful, give-back gift, a keepsake expressing one’s love, appreciation and gratitude. It also is a metaphor for how one looks at life, reminding each person that life is about choices and to be positive.
MINDSIGNS CARDS In 2001, Ron Ball was seeking for a way to help his daughter deal with the challenges of high school — all the studying, tests, peer pressure and difficulties in growing up. About the same time, his father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Although Ron was a busy executive, he wanted to show he was thinking about them and cared about their well-being. Ron originally created a book of affirming thoughts and empowering questions and titled it “Mindsigns”. Now, MindSigns are colorful greeting cards that are available to everyone. Each week, someone you choose receives a new MindSigns card, not once or twice, but up to 52 times a year. It’s a gift that they’ll always remember came from you.
SHUTTERFLY SHARE SITES are free, personalized websites created to share, connect and collaborate with friends and family. You can all post pictures, have a calendar, journal, etc. “Share Sites are a fun and easy way to maintain a private and secure site just for you and your loved ones,” shares Fiona Chan, Account Coordinator for Flashpoint PR.
SURVIVING MILITARY SEPARATION: A 365 Day Activity guide for the Families of Deployed Personnel Author Marc Maxwell is a former Army Ranger who is currently stationed in Germany working as a guidance counselor for the Department of Defense. He saw a need for a fun, engaging activity book for the military community that spouses and families could use together during a deployment of a loved one. His book fills just this gap and offers a wide variety of daily activities to help family members get through the tough deployment period.
BEAR MY HEART greeting bears foster a sense of security for children, inspire creativity, promote play and help with language development. You design the bear yourself and then personalize it with special fabric on their shirts to include a handwritten message or artwork with special markers included. A special voice message recording is just the right finishing touch to let your child know you care.
SKYPE WEB VIDEO CHAT PROGRAM Free calls, video calls and instant messaging over the internet. Plus great value calls to phones anywhere in the world. Recommended by Lisa Hanock-Jasie who says, “Skype is THE answer to keep in touch with your children who live far away. The Skype program allows us to “visit” with our daughter live. Although we’re not there with her, we are, in a sense, with her there.”
Prior to opening her own coaching business, Karen Nowicki was a teacher, asst. principal and vice president for public and charter schools. Karen is the founder of the Snuggle Deep Retreat and the author of Maddie Moonbeam’s Garden. Karen lives in Chandler, AZ with her husband and three children. For more with Karen, sign up for her free newsletter at http://www.apeacefulintegration.com/.
Check out the website at http://www.rootandsprout.com/archives/1355
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Book Discount!!!!
Wow !!!!!
That's all I have to say.
I just found out that my publisher is giving a 50% discount for bulk orders for all groups: spouses, FRG's, scouts, and so on.
We just had an order from a group in Germany. They ordered 250 copies and asked the military chain of command to use unit funds.
Most commanders are happy to do this because the book is a resource that can help families through the deployment.
The group bought the books for 50% off and paid for shipping as well which worked out to be pretty inexpensive since they ordered a ton of copies in bulk.
If anyone out there wants to purchse our Surviving Military Separation book in bulk, please shoot me an email at survivingmilitaryseparation@yahoo.com
I can then put you in touch with our publisher's marketing director so you can work out the details.
Thanks a ton-
Marc
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Parents need help too!!!
Have any of you ever thought of how many parents send their kids off to college each year. All the worries that a parent feels when their high school graduate leaves the nest to go off to State College or State U.
Well if you think it's stressful to see your baby go off to college, then can you imagine what it is like to see your child go off to War!!!
I was contacted yesterday by a military wife and mother who is going through her 4th deployment. She has been separated 3 times with her husband and has already had 1 other with her son going to Iraq. God bless you!
She writes a blog that was a finalist for Military.com's best mil-blogs of the year and is a great resource for Parents going through the struggles of a Military Separation. Click here when you have a chance ParentsZone.org
She also asked if my book had a section for Parents. I gladly informed her that my Surviving Military Separation title was not only for spouses and children, but for any family member that is going through a deployment separation.
Here is a quote from an Army SGT on this topic:
** “This book is not just for spouses. Girlfriends, boyfriends, cousins, aunts, uncles, ext. can benefit from this activity book”. SGT Arthur HowardUS ArmyVeteran: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Parents, we know you need help too. Hopefully these two resources can help you THRIVE during your separation.
Good luck!!!
Marc
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Military.com's SPOUSE BUZZ comments on SMS book!!!
Hi everyone -
I woke up this morning and saw a blog on SPOUSE BUZZ about my book Surviving Military Separation. It was posted yesterday. Thanks Andi for mentioning it.
Click here to check it out.
Have a great day!!!!
Marc
I woke up this morning and saw a blog on SPOUSE BUZZ about my book Surviving Military Separation. It was posted yesterday. Thanks Andi for mentioning it.
Click here to check it out.
Have a great day!!!!
Marc
Friday, March 6, 2009
Calling all Poets!!!
The Sacramento Poetry Center (established 1979) presents 1st Annual Poetry Book Contest.
• Submit a manuscript of 48-70 numbered pages of original poetry in any style in English. The manuscript must not have been published previously in book form, although individual poems appearing in print or on the web are permitted. Simultaneous submissions OK, but please let us know ASAP if your manuscript has been placed with another publisher.
• Entries will be judged blind. Submitted manuscript must contain 2 title pages: Name and contact information (including email address, if possible) should appear on first title page only. Name should not appear anywhere else in the manuscript.
• Manuscript should be typed, single-spaced, paginated, and bound with a clip.
• The Sacramento Poetry Center will also consider publishing additional manuscripts from this competition.
• Check for $20.00 US per entry (multiple entries OK) should be made out to The Sacramento Poetry Center. Paid-up members of the Sacramento Poetry Center may enter the contest for a reduced fee of $15. Please note that members of SPC will not receive preferential treatment in the judging process.
• Include a table of contents page and an acknowledgements page for magazine or anthology publications.• Will read entries postmarked between January 1, 2009 and March 31, 2009.
• Enclose an SASE for announcement of the winner.
• Winning manuscript will be published by The Sacramento Poetry Center. Winner will receive a prize of $1000.00 and 50 free copies of the winning book.
• Staff, volunteers, or executive board members of the Sacramento Poetry Center (or their relations) may not submit manuscripts for consideration in this contest.
• Manuscripts cannot be returned.
• Entries should be mailed to The Sacramento Poetry Center, Poetry Book Contest, P.O. Box 160406, Sacramento CA 95816.
• SPC supports the CLMP Code of Ethics and will adhere to its precepts regarding contests.
All other questions can be addressed via e-mail to tnklbnny@mongryl.comorbuchanan@saclink.csus.edu
• Submit a manuscript of 48-70 numbered pages of original poetry in any style in English. The manuscript must not have been published previously in book form, although individual poems appearing in print or on the web are permitted. Simultaneous submissions OK, but please let us know ASAP if your manuscript has been placed with another publisher.
• Entries will be judged blind. Submitted manuscript must contain 2 title pages: Name and contact information (including email address, if possible) should appear on first title page only. Name should not appear anywhere else in the manuscript.
• Manuscript should be typed, single-spaced, paginated, and bound with a clip.
• The Sacramento Poetry Center will also consider publishing additional manuscripts from this competition.
• Check for $20.00 US per entry (multiple entries OK) should be made out to The Sacramento Poetry Center. Paid-up members of the Sacramento Poetry Center may enter the contest for a reduced fee of $15. Please note that members of SPC will not receive preferential treatment in the judging process.
• Include a table of contents page and an acknowledgements page for magazine or anthology publications.• Will read entries postmarked between January 1, 2009 and March 31, 2009.
• Enclose an SASE for announcement of the winner.
• Winning manuscript will be published by The Sacramento Poetry Center. Winner will receive a prize of $1000.00 and 50 free copies of the winning book.
• Staff, volunteers, or executive board members of the Sacramento Poetry Center (or their relations) may not submit manuscripts for consideration in this contest.
• Manuscripts cannot be returned.
• Entries should be mailed to The Sacramento Poetry Center, Poetry Book Contest, P.O. Box 160406, Sacramento CA 95816.
• SPC supports the CLMP Code of Ethics and will adhere to its precepts regarding contests.
All other questions can be addressed via e-mail to tnklbnny@mongryl.comorbuchanan@saclink.csus.edu
Saturday, February 28, 2009
All-American Spouse: Jenny is here!
Hi everyone -
If you are looking for a reason to smile today, then check out Jenny. Comic strip creator Julie L. Negron has given spouses a chance to look in the mirror. Fantastic is all I have to say!!!!
Click here to visit her website.
Happy reading.
Marc
If you are looking for a reason to smile today, then check out Jenny. Comic strip creator Julie L. Negron has given spouses a chance to look in the mirror. Fantastic is all I have to say!!!!
Click here to visit her website.
Happy reading.
Marc
Friday, February 20, 2009
Help is all around!!!!!
Hello everyone-
I wanted to let you all know of a free counseling assistance program for family members, service members, and DOD civilians.
For some reason, there is a negative stigma in the military community about getting help and going to counseling. Some are afraid that records will be kep about a counseling session that may be used against them later.
No worries now!!!!!!!
The DOD understands these concerns and has hired a contractor with certified counselors to give SIX FREE sessions.
The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) recognized an emerging need to provide information support to Soldiers and families in addition to resident counseling services at installations. The Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) Program uses licensed clinicians with Masters Degrees and at least five years experience in Social Work, Counseling, or related clinical discipline. Consultants are trained on military specific topics including basic orientation to the deployment cycle, military culture, the chain of command, and reporting requirements in accordance with Military Family Advocacy Program.
MFLC is an military program designed to provide anonymous, confidential support to Soldiers and their family members, especially those returning from deployments.
How Can MFLC Counselors Help?
MFLC Counselors can help you and your family problem solve with issues resulting from deployment, reunions, reintegration and other times of change including:
Marriage and Relationship Issues
Family Issues
Stress and Anxiety
Depression
Grief and Loss
Anger management
Parent and child communication
Soldiers and families are entitled to six prepaid, face-to-face counseling sessions.
CALL: 1-888-755-9355
You can also reach them at their website: www.mhngs.com
Please utilize this free function!!!!!
I wanted to let you all know of a free counseling assistance program for family members, service members, and DOD civilians.
For some reason, there is a negative stigma in the military community about getting help and going to counseling. Some are afraid that records will be kep about a counseling session that may be used against them later.
No worries now!!!!!!!
The DOD understands these concerns and has hired a contractor with certified counselors to give SIX FREE sessions.
The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) recognized an emerging need to provide information support to Soldiers and families in addition to resident counseling services at installations. The Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) Program uses licensed clinicians with Masters Degrees and at least five years experience in Social Work, Counseling, or related clinical discipline. Consultants are trained on military specific topics including basic orientation to the deployment cycle, military culture, the chain of command, and reporting requirements in accordance with Military Family Advocacy Program.
MFLC is an military program designed to provide anonymous, confidential support to Soldiers and their family members, especially those returning from deployments.
How Can MFLC Counselors Help?
MFLC Counselors can help you and your family problem solve with issues resulting from deployment, reunions, reintegration and other times of change including:
Marriage and Relationship Issues
Family Issues
Stress and Anxiety
Depression
Grief and Loss
Anger management
Parent and child communication
Soldiers and families are entitled to six prepaid, face-to-face counseling sessions.
CALL: 1-888-755-9355
You can also reach them at their website: www.mhngs.com
Please utilize this free function!!!!!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Once A Marine
Hello all-
Just wanted to let you all know about a great book that hit the market a few months ago and is now getting national media attention.
Once a Marine http://www.onceamarine.com/ author Nick "Gunny Pop" Popaditch--a former Marine tank commander and Silver Star recipient who has only 8 percent vision remaining in his left eye, with the other gone due to combat wounds in Iraq was interviewed on the Fox News Channel show Red Eye last Thursday and the response has been overwhelmingly positive!
Please take five minutes and watch the interview here http://www.foxnews.com/video-search/m/21814156/once_a_marine.htm#q=red+eye
We all think we have men and women in our families that are heroes, but Nick is the real deal.
I know it is sometimes hard to read or watch or listen to what is going on downrange, but I really think Nick's story needs to be heard. He is a true American hero!
Check out his website: http://www.onceamarine.com/ when you get a chance.
All the best -
Marc
Monday, January 12, 2009
Call it a Day!!!!! Storytelling game.
If you are looking fora great board/card game to help pass the time until your service member gets home, check this game out.
My wife and I played it with a few close friends two nights ago.
Laughs all around the table.
Call It A Day http://poplinpress.com/ is a stroytelling game that can be played with 2-8 players for ages 8 to adult.
Check it out. A great game!!!!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Scholarships for Military children!!!
Even more scholarships!!!!!!!!
Check out the link below. The 2009 application is now open!!!!
http://www.militaryscholar.org/about/about.shtml
Take care,
Marc
Check out the link below. The 2009 application is now open!!!!
http://www.militaryscholar.org/about/about.shtml
Take care,
Marc
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