Louise Masin Sattler

Give Yourself Permission

Published on May 7, 2011May 7, 2011 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

Lately, I have noticed a number of friends and acquaintances struggling with “big decisions”. Should I take a new job/ go back to college/ change careers? Should we move? How will I pay for my child’s college? Should I get married/divorced/ pregnant? This is heavy “stuff”. I have no magic wand or the ability to predict the future. However, I do know that sometimes you need to give yourself permission to take a time out from making heavy decisions and enjoy the present.

You are probably thinking I am a nut case right now. Take time off from making a decision that maybe you feel needed to be decided yesterday instead of tomorrow? Yes, take a rest. Regroup. Spend 24 hours enjoying the sunshine, a hike, retail therapy, whatever it takes to recharge your emotional batteries so you CAN make a decision with a clear head versus a heavy heart. And then once you have more ability to think clearly write a list of PROS and CONS. Place the list away for a few hours or days. Then come back to your list and check it over. You will probably have the answer(s) you were seeking.

And what to do if you don’t? How should you proceed if you are more confused than ever? Perhaps that is the time to get “outside help”. I have listed below some great websites to help anyone who is seeking some expert advice or just information. And if you need more than is here check out 411VOICES.com Ask the Expert page or Education.com JustASK feature!

I truly hope you will find answers, solace and happiness – sooner than later.

Thanks for reading! ~Louise

♥ Here are great websites I recommend – I could easily have listed dozens more… Feel free to add a website that you have found to be of great value, too!

Disaster ASL Signs

Published on April 28, 2011April 28, 2011 by LouiseSattler5 Comments

Fans of SIGNING FAMILIES™ connected with me today. They asked for me to post disaster related signs to assist those who were impacted by recent tornados, flooding and other weather related damage. Of course we will be happy to upload ASL, English and Spanish photos to help First Responders in states such as Alabama and Mississippi assist those who use sign language or Spanish as their primary mode for communication.

Here are the signs in a slideshow presentation.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

For more information about SIGNING FAMILIES and our DISASTER PREPAREDNESS and ASL PROGRAMS please go CLICK HERE

For information about SIGN LANGUAGE FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS CLICK HERE

42 is a GREAT Number!

Published on April 27, 2011 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Today I found out that my company, SIGNING FAMILIES™ came in 42nd out of the hundreds of mom owned businesses that entered the StartUpNation.com competition for Leading Mom Business. Now ordinarily 42nd place is not one to cheer about, but honestly, I am overjoyed!

I started SIGNING FAMILIES “officially” in 2006. I didn’t expect it to grow like it has from a regional sign language instructional business to one that is now selling sign language products internationally. I am most proud that we have helped hundreds, if not thousands, of people to learn sign language. I love receiving notes from parents, educators, and caregivers who share with me their stories of how sign language helped someone in their home, school or center to communicate easily and effectively. Also, to help a child with Autism, Down Syndrome, or other medical or developmental disorders to communicate fills me up with tons of “warm fuzzies”. And to know that there are whole groups of First Responders who are able to use basic sign language in the field, is deeply satisfying.

I personally want to thank everyone who voted for SIGNING FAMILIES™. We are a small company. So small that my living room is my warehouse. Come visit our website or FACEBOOK page.

And know that I truly am grateful that you read this blog and support my goal to build communication bridges- one SIGN at a time.

Have a groovy day~ Louise

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NEWSWORTHY….

411Voices OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES THIS MONDAY, MAY 2nd.

What is 411Voices- read here: WEBSITE

411Voices have a FACEBOOK page? Yes we do..join here for updates: FACEBOOK

What is the TWITTER PARTY where prizes will be available to lucky winners who participate? (Go to our website for DETAILS!!)

Who are the 411Voices- Here is the list:

Can I listen to 411Voices Radio- Yep, sure can! Click HERE

Will 411Voices have ASL, too- You bet! Our goal is to have many languages represented! Stay tuned!

Do you need a 411 VOICE?

Published on April 25, 2011April 25, 2011 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

I love the movie The Sound of Music. Really. When much younger I would pretend with friends that we were one of the Von Trapp kids. Despite my better judgement, I thought that wearing curtains as clothing would be fun. This movie also will be an eternal “top pick” as one of my favorite sayings is quoted by the star- the beloved, Maria- “When God closes a door, he opens a window.” That is how I feel about 2011. In some regards, there have been doors closing here and there this year, yet, many beautiful windows also have opened- WIDE.

In essence, 2011 and all the open windows lead me in a new direction which was to join a wonderful group of creative, educated and amazing women known as- 411 VOICES (see our website and below for our members). To date, we have over 16 women “Voices” from the fields of business, education, parent -child counseling, astrology, entertainment, social-media and more. Each of us have resumes that demonstrate our levels of expertise from nationally recognized guest speakers, to award winning authors, to gurus of social-media and top entrepreneurs. Most importantly, through our collaborative efforts we strive to make this world a better place, through helping others by giving the “411” to those in search of a little guidance.

Here is why I LOVE being part of the 411 Voices team and am so excited for the MAY 2nd OFFICIAL LAUNCH –

If you have a question about parenting, education, starting or growing a business, social-media, how to get much needed PR, how to stir your creative talents, or other general topics- then let the dozen+ experts try and help you! You can connect directly to us through the ASK THE EXPERT tab to post your questions. We will try our best to answer any questions promptly or give to you resources to help steer you in the right direction. (No names needed for the ASK THE EXPERT feature)
We are multi-dimensional– we blog, conduct TV, radio, and online interviews, are national guest speakers, and collectively can speak nearly a dozen languages and with American Sign Language being part of our repertoire. In a few days our welcome message will be in English with captioning and ASL!
Want to listen to a variety of topics through online radio or iTunes? Then check out the ever growing list of radio shows by clicking HERE. Our first show with Dara Blaker will premiere TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 26th at 11:30 am EST. Listen LIVE HERE.
Are you planning an event where you are looking for knowledgeable, dynamic and fun speakers? Check out our SPEAKERS feature. Many of us talk about topics such as special education, bullying, mom entrepreneurship, health and safety, communication and more!

How can you learn more about 411 Voices? Please join us here:

MEET OUR VOICES

Anne Dunnewold

Annie Fox

Astrid Stromberg

Beth Engelman

Britt Michaelian

Dara Blaker

Jenna Riggs

Kristin Andress

Liysa Callsen

Louise Sattler

Lynne Kenney

Marianne Russo

Margaret McSweeney

Shara Lawerence-Weiss

Sharon Davis

Wendy Young

RUN. RUN! RUN?

Published on April 22, 2011April 23, 2011 by LouiseSattler2 Comments

RUN. An easy word with so many meanings. And a nightmare for anyone who desperately is trying to learn the English language. Think about it. How many different meanings can you list for this little three- letter word?

Of course there is the obvious.. “Watch Dick and Jane run.” Or given the season, The ____ (fill in your favorite baseball team name) has scored another homerun.

I have taught American Sign Language (ASL) to hearing students for a zillion years. And with my advanced classes I always try to show them how RUN can be signed a multitude of ways. When we are done with this exercise we are all practically sweating. Keep in mind that these are mostly English- speaking students learning ASL. Imagine how hard this is for my students who do not have English as their first language? They often struggle learning the numerous meanings of one little ‘ol word, let alone all the other words in the English language that have multiple meanings.

Yet, for some reason, this particular word seems to really be a stand out for me. So, here are all the uses of the word RUN that my students and I have put on a list. Any others? Feel free to add below in the comment section.

Runaway

Run in a woman’s pantyhose

Running water

Running off with ones’ mouth

Runny nose

Run for ones’ life

Running brook, stream, etc.

A run for a political office

Running a temperature/ fever

Run the risk of….

Feeling “run – down”

Run- off

Running out of steam

Being give the – Runaround

Now your turn- add any uses of the word “RUN” below or add a comment about another word that just seems to drive you a bit crazy……. Well, I’m running out of time for this blog… Thanks for reading!

Newsworthy-

Just want to point out that my American Idol pick- James Durbin is still in the competition. Just say’in. He may just “run away with” the competition, afterall.

Why I Think James Durbin Should WIN American Idol™

Published on April 14, 2011April 15, 2011 by LouiseSattler4 Comments

wallpaper_james_durbin_1024x768 — James Durbin, American Idol Top 10 Contestant

If you are not a fan of American Idol (AI) you are probably thinking that this blog is not worth your time because you have NO idea who the guy in the photo is? And… if you are an AI fan you are gearing up to either agree or disagree with me about why I think James Durbin should WIN American Idol. So, here it goes.

I feel that James Durbin is an original and refreshing talent that the likes of never before has been seen on the AI stage (and no he is NO Adam Lambert). He can rock the audience with heavy metal as easily as he demonstrates great finesse to sing a ballad. WOW! And… (drumroll) whether he wants to be or not he is a champion for anyone who has lived with or loved someone with Asperger’s Syndrome or Tourettes Syndrome– both “traits” which he proudly wears on his sleeve.

As a School Psychologist I have had “the diagnosis talk” with parents when their child showed evidence of either Asperger’s or Tourettes Syndrome. Many times parents ask if their child would be able to do activities like “normal children”. I tried to muster countless positive and hopeful examples. NONE are as powerful or may have the impact as the example set by a certain young singer-performer from Santa Cruz, California who happens to be vying for the top spot on the number one reality show of all time. James Durbin- thank you!

Moreover, I have had the great fortune to know, work with and be friends with many people who have Tourettes or Asperger’s Syndrome. Some of my smartest college students were members of these “groups”. I learned more from them than they ever learned from me. And to this day I support great causes such as Jaylen’s Challenge, Our Journey Thru Autism and the Spirit of Autism– because these groups show the positive, hopeful and realistic side of Tourettes and Asperger’s Syndrome. I also feel that parent forums on Twitter such as The Coffee Klatch– give an outlet for parents and experts to chat together in order to help each other and exchange information and guidance. Please feel free to check out all of these websites for more details and resources.

Lastly, if James should be eliminated before the final showdown, my money is on Scotty McCreery– as the country voters may just reign supreme- and that will be all right, too!

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If you are looking for more information from experts who work with children who are experiencing learning, behavioral or physical challenges- please check out 411VOICES.com

MEET Natasha Sattler... She sure would love for you to visit her new page on FACEBOOK.. and also on IMDB.com

Natasha can bee seen in the upcoming movie (opens April 29th)- LEBANON-PA with Josh Hopkins, Samantha Mathis and introducing Rachel Kitson.

A CASE OF IDENTITY THEFT

Published on April 11, 2011 by LouiseSattler5 Comments

I have been the victim of identity theft. Not the kind that steals your bank account numbers or my pay pal account, but that which has taken me.. the person. You see Mr. #$%! Cancer decided to steal my identity about the same time that I had to divulge having Mr. #$%! Cancer, at all. From that moment on my identity was not mine, but his. Now I am the wife/mother/sister/daughter/friend/co-worker/ etc. with cancer. DAMN!

So, I am going to do something about it. I have decided to now declare that I am DONE being a cancer patient. It is gone. The beast has been zapped out of me with high doses of radioactive iodine. Only remnants of this nightmare is an impressive case of laryngitis and a scar. Oh well… they are my war wounds. Now please.. permit me to have my identity back and stop staring at my neck. I really want to revert back to the “old me”. The one where I get to tell bawdy jokes, shop til I drop, eat lots of chocolate and watch more movies in a weekend than most critics with my family. I want to walk freely without my scarf and not have to explain each time I pick up the phone who I am and why I sound so “sultry”. And most of all I don’t want to breathe another word about Mr. #$%! Cancer to anyone who doesn’t get paid to hear my woes.. so that means only Top Doc and I will be discussing the identity stealer and everyone else can stop.

WHEW.. that felt good.. Now know that I thank each and everyone of you for letting me rant this week. And if you ever wonder how you can help others who are fighting the beast here are few tips that I have generated and I also have had received from others who had their identities stolen, too…

1- Help the person who has had their identity stolen by offering services. Flowers are nice and welcome but also consider giving of your time such as driving the kids home from after school events, grocery shopping or picking up prescriptions.

2. Don’t talk about the person with Mr. #$%! Cancer in front of them as if they aren’t there. And, please don’t talk about all the people you know who have had to deal with Mr. #$%! Cancer or who have died. Seriously.. everyone I have connected with who has been fighting the beast has said that they are not helped by hearing other war stories. Especially when the outcomes were not good.

3. Don’t do nothing. I have been really lucky that so many people reached out to me and helped me through my process. Other people, however, tell me of their experiences which are far less “blessed”. I have heard stories of friends who stop calling because Mr. #$%! Cancer was just too sad for them to deal with and calling to offer help was too hard. (Well isn’t being a true friend about taking the good, bad and the ugly?) I advised these people to press the “Delete” button with these so called “friends”. And that means to delete them on Facebook, too. Friends who don’t come to help you during troubled times don’t deserve to be privy to your life .. at all.. just saying.

4. Get help. You can’t do it alone, so reach out to those who can help you and share similar experieces. I was lucky to have connected with a super organization called Dear Thyroid. They helped me in a way no one else could. I am indebted to them. Each person with their own situation should reach out. Your family and friends can only do so much.

5. Lastly, laugh, learn and leave the anger behind. Keep your eye on the end of the tunnel and don’t get stuck mid-way. It is sooo easy to get stuck because of feeling the perpetual feeling as if you have been robbed. You can only be a victim if you allow others to treat you as a victim. I refuse.

Thanks for reading and helping me to get my identity back. Now go have a groovy week….

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Newsworthy: Thank you all for voting for me on StartUpNation as a 2011 Women Owned Business to Watch!

SIGNING FAMILIES has been “on fire” now! But, we need to continue to ask for votes as we are still trying to gain as much attention as possible in order to help families and children who use ASL to communicate. To vote, simply press on the ICON below. THANK YOU!!

Week in Reviews- KIBOOMU Scores Grand Kudos for NEW Apps and CD- Geared for the Mini-Generation!

Published on April 6, 2011April 27, 2011 by LouiseSattler3 Comments

Products Reviewed in this blog are for KIBOOMU are their amazing new apps: ABC Song Piano and Toddler Sing and Learn . In addition, I reviewed their CD Learning Songs. I LOVED THEM! Teachers, parents and daycare providers.. keep reading for at the bottom of this blog is a way for you to WIN you own app or CD download from KIBOOMU, too!

My own children (now adults) will attest that their mom loves to play with children’s games, toys and now apps far more than probably most adults or even kids! Typically, it was me that you heard cooing and “ahhing” during the opening of children’s presents at birthday parties or holiday events! I often would marvel at anything new and different. It was this same sense of wonderment and joy I felt when I “unwrapped” and found the Kiboomu apps ABC Piano and TODDLER SIGN and LEARN! ( I will discuss their great CD in a minute.. )

These two apps are genuinely great fun and educational! I first played with ABC Song Piano while waiting in a doctor’s office. I waited a long time which was good – because then I could play longer. I must admit that I had a blast creating music, learning tunes on their very user-friendly piano and even checking out how other instruments were incorporated on their creative option – Freestyle Mode. I would have broke out in to Karaoke (another option), but I didn’t think the other patients would have enjoyed my singing! This app rocks (and rolls) literally educationally sound songs to help with spelling, learning the alphabet and other great pre-readiness skills. Clever – YES! If I had a score card for the ABC Song Piano app I would give it a resounding 10!

Now on to Toddler Sing and Learn… Again Kiboomu hits it out the park with this great “stepping stone” app for early learners. Fun and interactive are the terms that come to mind when I played with this one. Have to love an app that has songs, coloring capabilities and a puzzles feature all at your child’s fingertips! And I liked how all the entries were just the right amount of time for toddlers who are not quite ready to sit for long periods of time. A large variety with easily 30 different tasks for your toddler or even preschooler to enjoy! Both apps had very creative artwork, especially this one. Again, another 10 would be on my scorecard!

OK- now for the Kiboomu CD – LEARNING SONGS that had me rocking in my desk chair! I swear after hearing some of their catchy tunes I wanted to GO TO THE LIBRARY or join CIRCLE TIME! Great songs with an upbeat tempo that had me enjoying the CD not once, but twice! Teachers- this CD is perfect for your preschool classrooms or even kindergarten settings! LOVED IT!

It is noteworthy that all the Kiboomu products are terrific additions to homes, classrooms and daycare centers. Not only are they fun and interactive but they also fill a void left by school and private industry budget cuts. Music can be enjoyed through a variety of their offerings and early readiness skills can be reinforced by parents and teachers through their budget friendly apps and downloads! The apps are ipod, iphone and ipad compatible. And of course, you can purchase the CD or download.

All of the KIBOOMU apps and CDs are available on their very nice website and of course, iTunes. Full of great content, blogs and of course, their products. Lots of information as well as downloads to choose. Also, don’t forget to check out their website where you will see a whole host of AWARDS that they received!

I need to thank Shara Lawrence-Weiss from MommyPerks.com for introducing me to Kiboomu and glad to pay it forward by introducing them now to all of you.

****** WIN A FREE APP or CD DOWNLOAD FROM KIBOOMU here:

Comment about this blog review of Kibbomu.com below and we will pick THREE LUCKY WINNERS from our COMMENTS section by using RANDOM.com The drawing will be APRIL 15th – a reason to look forward to tax day!

THANKS!

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Also, thank you for all your votes for StartUpNation.com Please consider voting again or perhaps for the first time for my company SIGNING FAMILIES. We provide affordable and often FREE materials to help people to learn American Sign Language and to promote literacy. Here is where you can vote: http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/contestant/10186/index.php

Have you discovered 411VOICES yet? Collaborative experts here to help YOU.. http://www.411voices.com

I do not receive any monetary compensation for this review. Just the fun of dancing in my chair and singing along with their groovy apps!

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A Week for Reviews….

Published on April 3, 2011April 3, 2011 by LouiseSattler1 Comment

I am often asked to review products and websites. Many of them are “up my alley”.. meaning educational or kid-friendly. Most of the time I will be happy to review products if they are able to be donated to a school or charitable organization. For example, last year I was able to donate about a thousand dollars in back to school products to an area elementary and middle school. This year I hope to do the same. So, please join me as I introduce to you from time to time some groovy products and websites.

Let’s start with a very pleasant collection of “feel good” music by Jeff Gold from his ESCAPES, CD. I needed to relax this past week and Jeff’s music was just the ticket. Fifteen tunes fill this compilation CD, all a bit different, none boring, and very much relaxing. I really liked the song, Hanalei, which was a bit upbeat and fun!

Soon, I will be taking ESCAPES “on a walk” as this CD is the perfect soundtrack for a hike or walk about the neighborhood. I also believe that this set of tunes would be great for school environments. Very calming for “quiet time” or “work time”. Yoga instructors will love this music, too! No heavy drums here.. just soothing music.

Also, when researching a bit about Jeff I found out the following from his own website (which I consider the “juicy” part of his bio) – “Jeff composes and arranges all of his own music, playing the guitars and pianos, and creating other instrumental sounds by computer. He also does his own mixing, mastering and editing; a skill he perfected as a television editor for shows like MTV’s “Making the Video,” “Baywatch,” “MadTV” and “The Office.” – Now we are talking! This guy can “speak television”.. A bonus in my opinion.

A+ Jeff Gold for a great set of relaxing music which helped me get through my crazy week and I am sure will benefit many more people in years to come! Thanks for sharing.

To read more about Jeff Gold visit his website a JeffGoldMusic.com

Visit Jeff Gold Music on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/jeffgoldmujsic

The ESCAPE CD is sold on his website for a very reasonable $15 or as a download!

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NEWS…

**Do you believe that kids can do amazing things and teach adults great lessons? Then meet the kids at Kids are Heroes Too! (http://www.Kidsareheroes.org) This organization is having a fundraising campaign to bring awareness and raise some well needed $ to help spotlight great kids who are helping to make this world a better place. Please consider helping them, too!

**411Voices.com will have a many formats including Blogs, Voice/ Radio and American Sign Language VLOG. Visit us on Facebook for news and great information!

Still not too late to vote for SIGNING FAMILIES on StartUpNation.com Help us to provide affordable or free products to kids who have learning or communication challenges. Thank you!!!

Do you have a product or website you want reviewed? Please send me a “quick pitch” at info@signingfamilies.com

Note not all products or services “pitched” will be reviewed. And some requests may be shared with ReliableBloggers.com

Thank you and have a groovy day!!

~Louise