Louise Masin Sattler

BLINK…

Published on June 6, 2011June 6, 2011 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

I blinked and all the kids in my family and neighborhood grew up! For the most part they are now either in the throes of college life or have entered and are succeeding in the workforce! How did the “kids” in my life grow up when I stayed the same age? Wasn’t it just “yesterday” when I was the one going on Spring break, looking for the Summer job and deciding how to decorate my dorm room?

And as long as we are talking about things that happen when you “blink” I have a few more questions. First, who took all the names I recognized of celebrities in PEOPLE magazine and switched them for those I don’t know? And why are all the clothes that I use to own in the 1970’s back on the racks in stores, again! And please, explain to me what is the difference between a vanilla latte and plain ‘ole coffee with milk and a shot of vanilla flavoring? And is that the kid who I helped learn to count to ten back in 1997 now working as my barista?

I’ll be ending my blog now as I search for the fountain of youth. Or at least so I can look in the back of my closet for the original peasant dress I use to own and my PEACE shaped necklace.

Thanks for reading.

When Did RUDE Behavior Become Acceptable?

Published on June 3, 2011 by LouiseSattler3 Comments

I have heard more people complain about the rudeness of others in the last week than I can ever remember (And unfortunately have been an eyewitness to my share!) People who won’t move out of the way for a mother with a baby stroller, another who wouldn’t open a door for an elderly man, and someone who got all “snippy” instead of attempting to use common everyday logical problem solving techniques. So, I ask.. where did we go wrong or is there some cosmic explanation?

Now I like to think that I am one of those people who see the good in a person before the bad. Maybe as a psychologist I have seen really dark sides to some people, so others pale in comparison. And this is not to say that rudeness is common to only one age group or demographic. Nope. It seems to be rampant among all age groups, lately. Except for babies, they get an exemption.

I am not sure I have an answer to how we combat rudeness and put common courtesy back in to our everyday skill set. So, please help me out and let me know how you stop pervasive rudeness / bullying among those who should know better.

Thanks for reading. Please feel free to leave a polite and considerate comment below.

~Louise

p.s. If you wish to listen to my interview this past Tuesday with Susan Ferris, click here for your listening options. Transcript will be posted later today on this blog.

Summertime Learning for ADULTS!

Published on June 1, 2011June 1, 2011 by LouiseSattlerLeave a comment

Today as I am writing this post it is a hot (95 degrees) and humid (90%) day in the greater Washington D.C. area. Don’t make any mistake in thinking that this is a “dry heat”. So, I am especially grateful to Willis Haviland Carrier, who purportedly invented the air conditioner. This little piece of trivia is new to me and I will add it to the list of “things” I learned during 2011.

I was raised in a home where education ruled supreme. And after watching and reading commentary about OPRAH‘s tribute to her by the Moorehouse University graduates who she supported, I gather that we were not the only ones. But, if there is one thing I know for sure- it is that one should never stop learning or you just mentally wilt. (You can watch Oprah’s surprise here)

So, here is my list of things that I want to learn the Summer of 2011. (And add yours to the comments below!)

1- Zumba. Yes, I want to learn more about this form of dance. Would love to hear from others who have tried this dance and exercise form.

2- Learn about HTML. That is a computer term and program “thing” – for those who may need to brush up on it, like me.

3– Read more. I want to read about a random topic. I haven’t picked it out – yet. That will take a trip to the library. And thank the goodness we still have libraries!

4. Learn how to play Mahjong.

and lastly… 5. Learn more about how to operate my “fancy” camera.

TAG – YOU’RE IT! What will you learn this Summer?

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NEWS:

Follow me on TWITTER: [twitter-follow Louise_ Sattler =’wordpressdotcom’]

♦Missed my debut radio segment which airs during the 411 Voices- Arts, Entertainment and the Business of it ALL! show? I was privileged to interview Talent Manager, Susan Ferris from the Bohemia Group. Here is the audio- Listen Here

♦Want to learn American Sign Language later this Summer? SIGNING FAMILIES will be offering ONLINE COURSES starting August 2011. Here is what we will be rolling out…

Just for Kids– a basic sign class geared for kids and taught by kids!

Just the Basics- A Sign Class for anyone who wishes to learn, with emphasis on those who are in the hospitality, restaurant, vacation attractions, hotel and business industries.

Adaptive/ Functional Sign Language– A course designed to teach children, their families and educators within the special education communities.

Sign language for medical and dental personnel.

READ SIGNING FAMILIES JUNE NEWSLETTER HERE (ASL Signs and a GIVEAWAY included)

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!

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.

Educators Contest- Win Free ASL Products for Students!

Published on April 19, 2011April 20, 2011 by LouiseSattler26 Comments

SIGNING FAMILIES™ has a new sign language series of materials ready to roll from our place to you home, school, hospital or organization. Throughout the next few months we will be announcing contests to give away FREE products to few lucky winners. Today we announce the EDUCATOR CONTEST- A CLASSROOM SET OF American Sign Language (ASL) Materials…. details are here:

To be eligible simply comment below or on the SIGNING FAMILIES FACEBOOK page by May 1, 2011 (6 pm EST) on why your classroom, your child’s teacher or some educator you know would love to get the ASL classroom set (enough for twenty students). This will include sets of the SIGNING FAMILIES™ new ASL- English and Spanish folder , bookmarks, ASL charts and a free DVD (either Baby, Toddler and Preschool Sign Language or Sign Language for Emergency Situations). The value of this prize is well over $150.

I also will randomly pick two other educators to win a free set of bookmarks for their class and SIGNING FAMILIES DVD.

→ A few rules:

You may submit only one comment per person. But, if you are really clever, you can have friends, family and co-workers comment on your behalf!
You also may comment on the SIGNING FAMILIES Facebook website found here: SIGNING FAMILIES ON FACEBOOK
We ship only in the United States and Canada for this contest. Please make sure the educator who is to receive the gift is in the US or Canada.
Homeschool educators are eligible and encouraged.
Parents may enter on behalf of their children’s teachers (or for themselves if they are educators)
Grandparents also may enter
Your dog may not enter unless they are donating the prize to their obedience teacher
The WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THIS BLOG and THE FACEBOOK PAGE ON MAY 1st and for a few days after. PLEASE CHECK BACK to see if you are a winner!!

If you do not win and wish to learn how you can take advantage of the deep discounts offered for the new product line please go to our website – SIGNING FAMILIES or email me for details.

info@SigningFamilies.com

Check out the photos of some of our SIGNING FAMILIES products (the folder is so new- no image available yet!) Also, below the photos are some COOL ANNOUNCEMENTS….

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NEWSWORTHY-

WOW- thanks to all who read my last blog about why I think James Durbin should win American Idol! I know some new readers visited so welcome and thanks!

Thank you to all who voted for SIGNING FAMILIES™ as part of the Start Up Nation 2011 Leading Women in Business Contest. There are just a few more days of voting, so please if you have a moment- VOTE–

I will know next week if I was one of their Winners…. http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/contestant/10186/index.php

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I am so excited to have joined 411Voices. The 16 women (and growing) are incredible talents. All with unique skills. All experts in their fields. This week alone we had the following 411Voices get national recognition and I would love to give them a shout out here with hopes that you will follow them and the 411Voices group collectively. (We would love to have you join us on Twitter @411Voices and FACEBOOK)

Meet Jenna Riggs (Mommyonashoestring.com).. She is a finalist in the NBC/Universal Green Creativity contest and we hope she will appear on the TODAY SHOW very soon with her adorable Jump Rope Markers!

Meet Shara Lawrence- Weiss.. here is her great television appearance for her company Personal Child Stories. I love how she discusses the practical uses of “everyday objects and photographs” as a way to enhance learning with young children. Watch by clicking the link:

teach-your-kids-through-your-family-history-and-photos

And you will LOVE this video by Liysa Callsen, aka codadiva. If you do not know what a CODA is I won’t give up the surprise.. just watch and be prepared to LAUGH!

So You Think You Can Sign?

Published on February 21, 2011 by LouiseSattler3 Comments

ASL sign for COMPLAIN. Make this sign with a CLAW handshape and don't forget to scrunch your face!

The I LOVE YOU hand! I don't know how long it took for me to learn that this sign was comprised of three letters of the ASL alphabet.. I, L and Y...

ASL sign for PARTY. Of course, as a college student this was a must learn beginner's sign!

I have been asked on numerous occasions to recite the reasons why I learned American Sign Language (ASL) thirty-something years ago when I was a student at the land of Blue Hens- The University of Delaware. And I laugh each time. You see, way back when I met some really groovy gals in my dorm complex who were taking up this “sign language” for fun and to suffice their college language credits. The first word they showed me in sign was COMPLAIN! Yep, I learned to kvetch in sign before anything else. I was fascinated of the prospect of using this silent language in addition to the few other spoken languages I knew. So, I started to take sign classes/ workshops/seminars… and haven’t stopped since.

Now not all of my sign language training was pretty. I started by learning something called SIGNING EXACT ENGLISH (SEE). Nowadays, I admonish any student that uses SEE in my ASL classroom, although I maintain a healthy respect for it’s applications as a teaching tool when it comes to the instruction of language arts and reading in the elementary years. It should come to no surprise that I have learned to shop ASL, too. Which explains the countless bookshelves of my huge collection of sign language dictionaries, signed movies and even a stamping set to make cute little ASL notes.

Which brings me to present day. As fate would have it, I was able to meld together my love of sign language and developmental psychology in to one company- SIGNING FAMILIES. I would like to think that my little company is one that helps to build communication bridges one SIGN at a time. It gives me great joy to see people of all ages and abilities learning to use their hands for communication. Maybe one day it will be you?!

Enjoy learning my “first” signs (above) and visit SIGNING FAMILIES on FACEBOOK or the website to learn many, many more! For more information on sign language, SIGNING FAMILIES and a whole ton more.. visit SIGNING FAMILIES.. http://www.signingfamilies.com

PAY ATTENTION... there is a somewhat important message here....

AND NOTE: If you are a mom or dad blogger and wish to preview our new materials for educators, healthcare staff, rescuers, disaster relief shelter workers and more- please contact me via our website or Facebook page. THANKS!

Hang’in with My Tweeps

Published on February 4, 2011February 4, 2011 by LouiseSattler5 Comments

I know that thousands of people use Twitter everyday. And they “follow” people who have like interests, fun tweets or are “somebody famous”. As a person who tends to follow more than be “followed” (what can I say I am friendly)… it was a pleasure to meet a number of tweeps on my recent trip to California.

I had a great time learning about Caring.com (an organization to assist people who are caregivers to their aging family members) from @SmileyChica (Denise Graab). What fun we had hang’in out in San Fransisco at a classic 50’s diner..

Then I got to meet my pals from Education.com (@JustAskEdu and Education_Com). These two gals (Kat Eden and Alex Bickerly) have energy to spare! And the work they do on behalf of students, teachers and parents worldwide is exceptional. We broke bread with a “fellow” JustAsk contributor, Annie Fox (@Annie_Fox). I must admit we all had more then our share of belly laughs over platefuls of yummy food!! And we managed to get some serious idea exchange during dinner, too. The best part of Twitter is that there seems to be a continuous ebb and flow of ideas and biz support among those who you learn to trust and respect. (We all agreed that “brain suckers” are not worth the follow- these “what’s in it for me tweeps ” can stay away from my twitter stream.)

I was so amused by @BabyStayAsleep (Beth Gagne). She is so full of festivity that I couldn’t help but feel that I met my San Fran twin! BTW- her product is brilliant. As is the one that was demonstrated at MACWORLD- the Papershow. @Assistivetek (Brian Friedlander) made a splash with his demos and videos! Bravo to all at Macworld… And thanks to @CoachBrilliance (Astrid Stomberg) for brightening a dreary rainy day by bringing her gorgeous daughter to meet and greet me!

After five wonderful days at MacWorld, I left San Fransisco and traveled a little south to meet the gang from the Chronicles of EMS (@ChronicalesofEMS). These friends know how to make a non-EMS person very welcome, especially in the pouring rain! Thanks to @SamBradley11 and @Setla (Ted) I was fortunate enough always to have a warm cup of java in my hand. @TheHappyMedic (Justin Schorr) kept me laughing through the taping of the three segments of the Chronicles of EMS breakout show- A Seat at the Table. We loved chatting about communication including sign language and I even got to mention on the air some of my fave communicators including @CodaWann (CallVRS- Keith Wann) and #CansonPapershow.

My twitter road trip ended in Southern California where I got to switch from ASL to Spanish with @Momtomadre. Connie Goldin is one dynamic lady and I must admit that I enjoyed playing “musical chairs” with her so she could have her shade and I my sunshine! I look forward to our continued brainstorming of future projects. And it has been a blast shopping, dining and laughing with my favorite gal-pal, mi hija, @NatashaSattler. I am amazed how much she has accomplished in such a short time since she moved to LA. Auditions, new headshots and filming!

I leave California in 12 hours and will be welcomed at LAX by #SWA (Southwest Airlines).

It sure has been nice tweeting all my new tweeps. And if ever you doubted the power of Twitter or social media in general – well, I believe that I am one of many success stories as to why entrepreneurs need to network with others. However, one must adhere to a few important rules- give more than you take, play nice, don’t stalk and be constructive – not negative. These rules of course are #IMHO*

TTYL. And thanks for the #FF**

*In my humble opinion.

** Either Friend Follow or Friday Follow….depends on who is using it and what day