Category: Arkansas Activities

Listen to You Mother {Sunday, April 29 at the Walton Arts Center}

Listen to Your Mother

Written by Angie Albright

Pop culture and decades of women’s magazines, and oh yeah, centuries of Western culture, have painted motherhood as a rather saintly business. What children and mothers alike have known all along is that we are made of regular human stuff, and canonization is an unlikely scenario for most of us (though playing the part of martyr on more than one occasion, no doubt). In other words, June Cleaver, Carol Brady, Shirley Patridge and Mother Theresa we ain’t. In spite of all our imperfections and flawed humanity, mothers and the children they love still manage to experience great joy, triumph, and even a miracle or two.

To celebrate motherhood and in honor of Mother’s Day, Ann Imig, creator of Listen to Your Mother (LTYM), produced the first event for bloggers and online writers in Madison, Wisconsin a couple of years ago. LTYM is now a national series of live readings by local writers on the subject of motherhood in celebration of Mother’s Day. The mission, according to its founders, is for each “production is to take the audience on a well-crafted journey that celebrates and validates mothering through giving voice to motherhood–in all of its complexity, diversity, and humor.” Cities with LYTM productions include New York; Chicago; Austin; Madison; Washington, D.C.; Spokane, Wash.; San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Last year NWA writer and blogger Lela Davidson heard about LTYM and was determined to bring the production to NWA. She applied last fall on behalf of the region and found out in November, 2011 that NWA had been selected as one of only ten locations in 2012 and that Davidson herself would be the show’s producer and director. She added another local blogger Evolved Mommy’s author Stephanie McCratic, as assistant director. A call went out for submissions in February, and after two rounds of screenings, fourteen writers were selected to appear in NWA’s inaugural event.

I am thrilled and honored to be among the writers chosen, and I think I can speak for the other 13 in saying that we are excited and nervous and just a bit giddy about this opportunity. I’ve heard all the stories. Attendees (and it will eventually appear on YouTube) will be blown away by the hilarity, emotion, and heartache. These fourteen stories represent the full range of motherhood, and the writing is fantastic.

Oh, who are we kidding? Let me say what I’m really thinking. It’s just so freakin’ cool to have this show in Northwest Arkansas! And it’s just so freakin’ cool that our local writers have a new and unique forum in which to tell their stories. I can’t believe I get to be a part of all this!

Join us on Sunday, April 29th at 2:00 pm for a great afternoon of celebrating motherhood. Get tickets from the Walton Arts Center box office, and bring a tissue or two with you.

The 2012 cast includes these terrific voices:

Meet One2One Network and BlissDom Co-Founder Barbara Jones

PRSA Arkansas is bringing Barbara Jones, founder and CEO of One2One Network and co-founder of the really popular BlissDom women’s blogging conferences, to Little Rock. She will speak to the PRSA group on Friday, July 15 at the Little Rock Club.

She is going to meet local bloggers the evening before, Thursday, July 14, at 6:00 p.m. for drinks and chatting. How very cool is that!

If you are interested, contact Natalie Ghidotti at natalie@ghidotticommunications.com, she will give you more information.

Barbara Jones Bio:

Barbara Jones is the founder and CEO of One2One Network, a leader in the women’s word-of-mouth marketing space.

Barbara developed the concept for One2One Network in 2007 when she noticed a lack of resources to reach adult women and moms through her marketing efforts for Columbia Records. The mother of three decided to venture out on her own to achieve her goal of reaching women like herself where they really were. In January 2008, Barbara established O2O to give women an opportunity to share information about new products and services with their friends, family members and colleagues.

One2One Network is made up of women in the U.S. and Canada between ages 18 to over 55 from various backgrounds and in a wide array of life stages – from career and entrepreneur newbies to seasoned corporate veterans, from first-time mothers to mom ‘experts,’ and from the simply computer savvy to social media mavens. The common bond between the 12,000+ members is their love of discovering new products and deals combined with the innate desire to share information.

Prior to founding One2One Network, Barbara spent 20 years in marketing, sales and distribution in the music industry creating successful campaigns for a wide variety of artist and soundtrack projects. Her prior positions included senior vice president of marketing for Columbia Records and senior vice president of marketing for Warner Bros. Records among others.

Barbara is also the co-founder of one of the top women’s blogging conferences called BlissDom. Located in both the U.S. and Canada, BlissDom is a partner in the integrated brand agency, Blissful Media Group.

Arkansas State Parks License Plate

Hello Ladies, The Park Wife here. We need a little help to make a great idea become reality.
For years, people have asked why Arkansas State Parks doesn’t have it’s own vehicle license plate. Well, the first step, Act 292 (legislation required to move forward) has been passed. Woohoo!

Act 292 states that “The fee shall be deposited into a cash fund to be used by the Department of Parks and Tourism for the following purposes: (i) Sponsoring college scholarships related to the field of conservation; and (ii) Providing conservation education programs. Supporting Arkansas State Parks and education, what a deal. Plus, the fee for the tag will only be $25 (over your regular tax payment based on Department of Motor Vehicle and DF&A requirements).

This plate will demonstrate your support for the unique beauty and critical importance of the amazing 52 state parks in the natural state. How cool is that?

Now, the next step:

This legislation requires proof that Arkansans are really interested in having these plates. So, we have to get a petition signed and yes, they want your tag number to show that you are actually eligible to purchase one. By law, the petition has to be viewable. We got permission to use an online petition and it does show your plate number and name (your email address is hidden if you choose, recommended).

So that’s the story, as soon as we get this petition done we can get the plate designed. If you like the design, you can get one, if not, they expect to have a new design next year. Please share this with your friends so we can get this done. Vote Here: Arkansas State Park License Plate Petition. Go do it now, yes now, I know how busy we all are, let’s not put this off.

I appreciate everyone hopping on board and supporting YOUR Arkansas State Parks.
The Park Wife

Duck Duck Goose – Get in the Pond EARLY!

Attention Mommy Bloggers, Moms who blog, and bloggers who are moms, or grandmas, or anyone else that likes to buy stuff for kids!!!

Duck Duck Goose Children’s Consignment sale is offering a media pass to any Arkansas Women Bloggers who would like to come and check out their Little Rock Sale. The media reception is Wednesday, March 9 at 11am. This is a great opportunity to check out the sale, get some great deals, and blog about it. Here’s what you need to do:

Go HERE to print out your media pass
Write your name and blog address on the back of the pass
Take it to the Duck Duck Goose sale and show it to the security guard
Give your pass to Lynn Beardsley, DDG’s media contact. Let her know you are an Arkansas Women Blogger. She can give you a tour and answer your questions.
Write a post on your blog about your experience at Duck Duck Goose.

You can use your pass throughout the day on Wednesday, but keep in mind that consignors and volunteers will be shopping starting at 12:00pm, so it will get very crowded! If you do arrive late, you still don’t have to wait in line! Just go straight to the security guard at the entrance and show him your pass!

For more information on the sale, go to http://duckduckgoosesale.com.

Spring Time in Arkanas

Spring has sprung! As I drove home from Little Rock today I was amazed at all of the blooms on the Bradford Pear trees. Everything has that wonderful green glow to it. The warm weather and the soft rain showers have been encouraging all the tender plants.

My husband and I took a walk through the orchard this morning and admired all of the little buds, some about to flower, and said a little prayer that we won’t get a late frost that will kill them off. I really look forward to having some pears, peaches and apples later in the year. As I sit here typing there is even a lone mosquito buzzing around the room! All signs point to the immanence of spring – one of my favorite times of the year. Besides all of the planting, pruning and gardening and besides all of the spring cleaning and the repairs that need to be made to the chicken coops there are a ton of wonderful, outdoor activities to participate in here in Arkansas.

A favorite activity in our house is attending the horse races at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Let me tell you that the horse races are so much more than gambling! Sure I’ve been known to place a few bets here and there and even won $100 once when I had no idea what I was doing. But the horse races are a really great, family-friendly, activity even if you never place a single bet.

Before the race begins the horses are brought into the corral where you can view them up close and personal. You get a chance to see their size and their color. This seems to be a favorite viewing spot of the children in the crowds. When it is time for the race to begin make your way outside to the stands. It is really easy to get right up to the fence for a front row view of the start and finish of the race. But sometimes the excitement is on the track so you may want to climb the bleachers to get a full view of everything that is going on. Each race is quick and full of excitement. Bets start as low as $2.00 but even if you don’t bet you can pick out a favorite horse and cheer it on to the finish line.

Another great part of the races is the corned beef sandwiches that they serve in the concession stands. They are a little pricey (sandwiches and sodas for three people was about $30.00) but are oh-so-good and are just part of the experience. If you have never been to the races I would highly recommend it! Live racing will continue every Thursday – Sunday until April 16th. Saturday post times are usually at 1:00 and it is usually 1:30 on the other racing days. You can visit http://www.oaklawn.com for more information.
Now it is your turn! What is your favorite spring time activity in Arkansas? Send us an email at arkansasbloggers@gmail.com if you want to contribute a story to the blog!

Need a MOMcation?

We have two boys. I homeschool them. We do not have any family close. They are with me 24-7. I adore them and love our life, but seriously, a sister needs a break.

Last year, I ran away from home for a MOMcation. MOMcation is the brainchild of my good friend Fawn over at Instead of the Dishes. It is a vacation for Mom, away from the kids, with the goal of relaxing, renewing, and repairingmom so she can be an even greater Mom when she returns home.

After frantically cleaning my house, making sure all the laundry was done and food was prepped in the fridge for the Buckaroos (it was not in this shape when I returned), I set out under a weather advisory to drive 2 ½ hours to Heifer Ranch. I like to think I am adventurous but storm chasing is not my thing. Well, and I don’t think I would like to bungee jump, skydive, or climb Everest. O.k. maybe I am not the adventurous type.

Oh wait, I am a mom to two little boys, yea, that is an adventure all its own. Sorry, I get a little sidetracked, be thankful you are not in my head all the time, whiplash honey. ANYWAY…I love a big storm as long as I am wrapped in a comfy blanket on my couch, driving in it is a different story. My knuckles were white most of the time in anticipation of this huge storm that was supposed to hit. But, I was fortunate to not run into any bad weather until Murphy showed up. As I drove up and was getting my bag out to go inside the lodge, oh mercy, the sky opened up. I freaked for a minute because I had dressed cute and fixed my hair because all you women know that we are each others biggest critics. So, I opened the door looking like a drowned rat but the warmth and laughter radiated from the room.

Of the 18 women attending, I only knew Fawn. Is that scary and intimidating? Heck yeah. But, by the end of the weekend, I had made some wonderful new friends. We had cooking demonstrations, yoga class, a tour of Heifer Ranch, book discussion, jewelry making, a bonfire, and so many more wonderful activities. Let’s not even talk about the karaoke, some things that happen at MOMcation need to stay at MOMcation, got it girls?! My favorite part was just sitting on the couch talking to the other women, hearing their stories, learning from them, commiserating with them, and enjoying getting to know them.

This year’s MOMcation will be held April 29-May 1 at Heifer Ranch near Perryville, Arkansas. Join us in connecting with and learning from other Moms as well as enjoying some quiet time alone in self-reflection. For more information on this professional development opportunity for your most important job – being a Mom, visit momcation.org.

I hope to see you there,
The Park Wife

Free Creative Writing Workshop

Global Writing Arkansas is a grant funded initiative that will allow 32 Arkansans (ages 18 and up) to participate in an overnight creative writing workshop April 8-9, 2011 at Heifer Project’s Global Village in Perryville, AR. In addition to simulating daily life in the Global South, participants will have the opportunity to reflect critically about key literature from developing regions and to experiment with creative writing (fictional and non-fictional narrative, poetry, drama, blogging, etc.) that draws from their Global Village experience.

Overnight accommodations at the Global Village, the workshop, and transportation between Perryville and the UALR campus is free to the participants.

This initiative is funded in part by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. It has also been made possible through the cooperation of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Heifer Project International.

For more information and to register, contact Dr. Erin Finzer at esfinzer@ualr.edu. To ensure a space, register early! Registration closes on March 7, 2011. An informational meeting will take place on March 8 (Time and Location TBA).

Vote for the Union Pacific Steam Train

The Union Pacific Railroad will be running a special steam train along the one of four possible routes that receives the most votes from visitors to its website http://upexcursion.com/. The “Little Rock Express” which will begin in Kansas City and stop, among other places, in Bald Knob, Arkanas before ending in Little Rock is currently in 2nd place in the voting. Visitors to the website must register and then may place one vote per day until the deadline which is set for January 17. After registering (they will send one confirmation email only) you can earn extra points by sharing the link on your facebook and twitter accounts. Sign up today to help bring this rare Steam Train to Arkansas.

Online Writing/Blogging Classes Available in NW Arkansas

The following two classes are being offered by writer/blogger Lela Davidson in Rogers, AR this month:

Blogging Basics: Article Writing Workshop

Writing online content is not difficult, but there are a few tricks to creating content that gets read. Whether your goal is getting paid to write, or making your personal blog more engaging, learning how to write solid blog posts and articles will help you succeed. This 3-hour course teaches students how to generate and structure the top 10 types of articles, or posts, that online editors are looking for. This is the content that is most likely to bring traffic to websites. Students also learn the difference between current events and evergreen content, and why most websites benefit from a combination of both. This is a hands-on class where students practice the methods taught and leave class with work plans to advance their own projects or blogs, and a draft of one type of article. This class is designed for writers of all experience levels who are new to writing online content.

Class fee: $59

Held at John Brown University Rogers Campus, 2807 Ajax Avenue

Thursday 1/20, 6-9pm OR Saturday 1/22, 9-noon

Each class stands on its own – the content is the same in each class.

Beyond Blogging: How to Make Money Writing Online Content

Writing online content is a great way to hone your writing craft, get published, and make money. Lela left a traditional job to begin writing online in 2006. This 3-hour course covers the basics of where to find writing jobs (and determine if they are legitimate or a scam), how to write the most common types of web content, apply for work, and find your niche. Students also learn about the various types of revenue streams available to online writers, as well as how to use free blogging software as an online resume of your work. This class is designed for beginning and experienced writers.

Class fee: $59

Held at John Brown University Rogers Campus, 2807 Ajax Avenue

Thursday 1/13, 6-9pm OR Saturday 1/15, 9-noon

Each class stands on its own – the content is the same in each class.

To register for either class, email Lela at ldavidson98@gmail.com. For more information, visit http://leladavidson.com/speaking/.

Lela Davidson has been writing website content since before there was such a thing as a professional blogger. She is the editor of ParentingSquad.com and the parenting columnist on top rated HubPages.com. Lela also writes for regional parenting magazines across the country and speaks regularly on writing and social media. Locally, Lela writes After the Bubbly and Chasing Date Night for Peekaboo magazine.

LUNAFEST – A First in Arkansas

Stroller Strides, together with LUNA Moms Club, is bringing LUNAFEST to Little Rock for the first time. Stroller Strides owner, Susan Robinson, along with LUNAFEST co-chair Nicole Walberg, hope to make LUNAFEST an annual event in Little Rock.

LUNAFEST is a distinctive touring festival that honors the talents and stories of women everywhere through a series of short films that will visit over 150 cities throughout the 2010/2011 season and screen in front of an estimated 20,000 people. The films, made by, for, and about women, include stories of reflection, hope, and humor from around the world.

Each screening of LUNAFEST raises funds and awareness for local women’s nonprofit organizations. With a vision of uniting women through film, LUNAFEST was established in 2000 by LUNA, makers of the whole nutrition bar for women, to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support worthy women’s nonprofit organizations. All proceeds from LUNAFEST are donated to charity. Eight-five percent of net profits from LUNAFEST Little Rock will benefit the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. Meanwhile, the remaining fifteen percent will benefit the Breast Cancer Fund, LUNA’s primary cause partner.

LUNAFEST will be held Thursday, February 3^rd at 7:00 pm at the Riverdale 10 Theater. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Admission includes a welcome reception and silent auction in addition to viewing the films.

Attending LUNAFEST? Buy Your Tickets Now

If you are on Facebook you can visit the event page to RSVP and invite friends.

Susan Robinson, Certified Health Education Specialist and Stroller Strides franchise owner, resides in Little Rock, AR. As a mother of two, Susan keeps busy both on and off the beaten path pushing a stroller to get fit. A specialist in pre and postnatal fitness, Susan has been featured on Fox 16 and MidDay Arkansas as well as the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Her blog is http://littlerockfitnessformom.wordpress.com.