Meet the
Author
Michael J. Murphy
"Popsicle Fish" Tales of Fathering
 interview & FREE excerpt "Big
Boys Do Cry"
  Dr.
Michael Murphy has written a wonderful book called "Popsicle Fish" which is an
anthology of many of life's lessons and we have the privilege of asking Dr, Murphy a few
questions about himself. He is a licensed psychologist and is certified as forensic
psychologist. He has worked with men’s groups for ten years and his work has been
included in an anthology of the best of the award-winning Family Therapy Networker
magazine and in the best-selling book Chicken Soup for the Soul.Rock
Paperweight & Handprints
These projects would make great gifts and a special rememberance for mom, dad
or someone special as a holiday gift or keepsake. These two crafts include a way to transform a
simple rock and also how to make a special handprint craft.
World's Greatest Dad Tee Shirt
Here's a handmade gift that dad is sure to
love. He can wear it all year long and be reminded of how much he is loved! It is a great
gift for Christmas, Father's
Day, or when you just want to make that special keepsake
treasure that you know dad will use.
Father's Day Gift
Idea
Treasure Boxes & Memory Boxes
This idea comes from Carolyn Holm's book, Everyday
Art for Kids. Keepsakes (or travel snapshots) can rest in a decorated box.
Start with a sturdy box with a good lid. If it does not have an attractive background
color, paint it with white primer. This can make a great gift for Dad on Father's Day.
ChiliUSA
 Make Dad some chili !!
We have a load of great chili recipes that you can whip up for Dad including some old
family recipes.
Egg Skillet
Treat Dad like a king with this egg, potato, and bacon
dish. Egg Skillet is simple and easy to prepare and the kids can help. You can cook the
bacon yourself or buy one of the new pre-cooked bacon products.
Photo Frame
 This week's Craft of the Week features a great gift for Dad on Father's Day. These Photo Frames will keep the
kids close to Dad even when he is at work. This is a unique and fun gift for the kids to
make for Dad.
Oatmeal Soap on a Rope
Ever wonder what to do with those
little pieces of soap, those hotel bars of soap your kids love to bring home? Well,
this is the craft for you! You can add oatmeal to create an old fashioned oatmeal
soap or if you use cornmeal (in the same amount as the oatmeal) you'll have a pumice soap-
great for those tough skin areas!! This would make a terrific gift for Mother's Day or Father's
Day!
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones area great way to immortalize
your child's art and make a great keepsake for Mother's Day and other holidays.
A Child's Footprint
This craft features a great gift for Dad on Father's day or Mom on Mother's Day. This Footprint Craft includes
both the child's footprint, a nice momento, and a wonderful, touching poem. Write
the poem in the shape of a large footprint using waterproof marker. Using
watercolors or watered down tempera paints paint the child's foot and print it over the
written poem a couple of time. After all is dried laminate the piece of paper and attach
string on the back for hanging.
Lollipop Plants
Grow a lollipop plant ! Whether you are a teacher, mom,
dad or kid who loves crafts, this is the
perfect for you. It's very simple and you don't even need dirt. This is great as both a
festive decoration and treat holder. You can
use any kind of lollipops- Blow Pops, Tootsie Roll Pops or the traditional non filled
pops.
The 7 Secrets of
Effective Fathers
by Ken R. Canfield
 
Five years of research conducted by a noted national research and counseling
organization form the basis for this insightful, applicable book. Drawing on profiles of
over 5,000 fathers nationwide, The 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers presents valuable
guidelines for fathers to strengthen their family roles. Using techniques that have worked
effectively in other families, fathers can overcome barriers in relationships with their
children and understand themselves in relation to other fathers. The essential insight and
counsel found here will help a man become the father he wants to be for his children.
The Sibling
Society
by Robert W. Bly
also see
Books for REAL men
Poet and storyteller Robert Bly takes the baby boomers to task in this highly charged
exposure of midlifers' values. Having become jaded by the abuses of authority, the boomers
of North America have torn down the traditional hierarchy within their families and within
their communities. What's left is a "cultural flatness," says Bly, where adults
cling to self-absorbed adolescent values, television talk shows have more clout than
elders, children are spiritually abandoned to fend for themselves, and in the place of
community we have built shopping malls. As always, Bly relies on mythology, legends, and
poetry to illustrate the morals of his stories. Ultimately this is a hopeful piece of
work, nudging midlifers to take on the responsibilities (and therefore the rewards) of
adulthood. |
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