The Girl on The N Train Who Could Have Been Me
I met a girl on the N train. She had shaggy blue hair. She wore a navy dress with polka dots and clunky black platform boots. She had a septum ring. She was beautiful."Hey, where did you get your boots?" I asked her.I didn't care where she got them. I just wanted an excuse to talk to her. I wanted to know more about her life."Oh these? Trash and Vaudeville," she said. "But you could probably find them online.""Cool." I said "I can't wear heels because my feet are sensitive. I love platforms.""Where are you from?" I asked."Australia.""Really? You have no accent.""Yeah, I've been here since high school.""Oh, where did you go to high school?""LaGuardia.""Oh! Me too.""Oh yeah, what was your major?""Drama. Yours?""Art.""Yeah, you look like an art major."We laughed."All of my friends were art majors." I said."I hated LaGuardia." She confessed."Me too!" I said. "I felt like everyone was just as talented as I was. There was so much competition. But the administration stood behind people they believed could make it. I wasn't one of those people.""Yeah, totally." She agreed."Where did you go to college?""I didn't.""What are you up to now?""Well..." she began.She was 21. She was homeless. She [...]
“You’ve Heard of Peter, Paul and Mary?” “I’m Not So Much Familiar WithThe New Testament.” – Soul Doctor on Broadway!
Thanks to the lovely Holly at Culture Mom Media, my soul sister Donna and I went to see Soul Doctor on Broadway Soul Doctor is based on the true story of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. It's a musical journey that begins in Vienna. We follow Shlomo from the time he's a small child in Europe all the way to the United States where he transforms from a Rabbi into a rock star.Along the way, Shlomo meets countless women who change the course of his life. One of them is the one and only jazz singer Nina Simone. Simone and Shlomo form a musical bond from the moment they meet. Their connection transcends the lines of religion as Shlomo visits Simone's church and performs his music to her congregation.As Shlomo finds his way in the world his family doesn't quite understand his path. It takes Shlomo's father dying for his mother to realize who Shlomo is inside.Soul Doctor is about identity. It's about finding out who you are through music. As I watched Shlomo struggle with his inner self, I felt deeply connected to him. I know what it's like to question your life's path. That is the essence of this musical.In [...]
Win a Flexi Leash For Your Dog! Woof Woof!
My niece has a beautiful Portuguese Water Dog named Lucky. Lucky is the kind of dog that loves freedom. One day, Francesca (my niece) and I were talking, and he suggested that we write to the Flexi USA company to see they would let us try out one of their leashes on Lucky. Look at my little entrepreneur in the making. :)So together, Francesca and I wrote an email to Flexi USA, and I got a lovely response from Tori in the marketing department! She agreed to let us try out the leash and give one leash away!But first we took lucky for a walk on his new leash. He loved his new found freedom. Lucky enjoyed his freedom on the Flexi leash and Francesca remarked (on our walk) that it would be a great leash to use when she takes him to the park! Tori was nice enough to throw in some poop bags! And a super cool Flexi leash key chain! Do you want to win a Flexi leash for your doggy? Enter below! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Bloganizer- Organize Your Blog World
I've been blogging since 2009, and I have a confession to make. I'm disorganized. Yes, I write frequently. Yes, I read other blogs. Yes, I post on Facebook and Twitter.But I also do these things: Forget to read blogs that I loveForget to comment on those loved blogs Enter Bloganizer! Liza created Bloganizer in order to help Bloggers organize their blogging life. Trey is Bloganizer's V.P. of Connections. I met Liza at BlogHer13' in Chicago and we instantly hit it off. She's a Sagittarius! We literally spent an hour in the hotel lobby of the Sheraton talking about our theater backgrounds, blogging, our mutual appreciation for curse words, and our crazy children. When I got home to New York I decided to do something that people (especially those in social media) don't often do. I picked up the phone and called Liza. In this day and age where people mostly communicate through computers, I decided to kick it old school and speak to her on the phone like the humans that we are. Liza showed me about Bloganizer and how it works through a Google + Hangout. Let me tell you something, do not underestimate the power of Googe +. [...]
My Mother’s Smell- A Memory
I remember the smell of my mother's coat when she came in from outside in the cold New York City winter. It was mixed with cool air and her distinctive perfume. I loved that smell because it meant that she was home for good. I didn't have to worry. I was safe.Before I smelled that smell I would sit on the black leather couch and watch cartoons while I waited for her. Animaniacs, Batman the Animated Series, and Tiny Toons were some of my favorites. I would zero in on the television in order to escape the fact that she wasn't there. My mother was in a mysterious place called "work."I remember her old work phone number 644-8100. There was a receptionist named Nydia who worked there. I would call and say "Can I speak to Liz Fader please?" It was comforting to know that I could reach her at any time if I needed to. I would call her multiple times after I got home from school just to make sure she was still alive.My mother worked in public relations. She wrote press releases. She was great at what she did.The hours I spent anticipating her return home as [...]
My Dream and Reality
I'm 33 year-old and I haven't figured out how to accomplish my dream; to make money as a professional writer. The challenge is, I have two little mouths to feed.As I pursue my dream of publishing a novel, I need to have what society calls "a day job."It's a stupid term, really. I don't want a "day job," I want my "dream job." I love being around children. I enjoy teaching. I've worked as a substitute teacher for four years while parenting my children. I started subbing when Ari was one and continued to this day. I worked through my second pregnancy teaching in the New York City public school system. But I don't have my masters degree. I have one more year left to finish my M.S.ed, but it's not in early childhood education, it's in rehabilitation counseling.I don't want to work in Voc/Rehab anymore honestly, but I need to complete my masters degree. It will allow for me to earn more money and get a job that supports my family financially.I intend on returning to graduate school this year and completing my masters degree.This is all well and good, but what about my dream?I know I have to [...]
Cultured Kids: Top Museums for the Little Ones in London
The following is a sponsored post, which I have been compensated for. I love London! I have fond memories of my semester abroad there, and I would love to take Ari and Samara back to the U.K. to visit some day. If you're planning a trip to London check these museums out! I know I will 🙂 Getting the kids out and about is part and parcel of the summer holidays; they’re a perfect opportunity to break the normal cycle and enjoy some quality time with your kids that ordinarily, you may not get. While there’s often plenty to do closer to home, a trip to the Big Smoke could be just what you all need, with endless things to do that will suit all the family. Forcing them on a walking tour of London, to catch sight of all of the iconic landmarks, is one sure-fire way to make them cranky – it’s tiring for adults on sightseeing tours, let alone the young ones. Instead, plan child-friendly trips to attractions that appeal to the younger, inquisitive mind, such as the plethora of fun and interactive museums that the city holds. If you’re considering staying in the central London for [...]
When Someone Tells Me “You Can’t.”
When someone tells me "you can't" or "that's not possible" something inside my core ignites.I will prove that someone wrong.I can and I will.Oh, you don't know what you just did, someone.You thought you were discouraging me. Instead, you are egging me on.You thought you were telling me that you knew more than I do.Well you don't.Now, you've presented me with a challenge, not a road block.I can.I will.Step aside. By saying the words " Sorry, you can't accomplish that." What you did was make me 100 percent sure that I will prove you wrong.I will succeed.I'm stronger than your words.In fact, thank you for telling me "you can't." I'm going to take those words, put them in my internal gas tank and rev my engine so loud it will deafen your ears.I'll win the race.I will do what I set out to do.So keep telling me "you can't."Because I can.And I will.Watch me.
Circle Line Radio Disney Cruise – Win Tickets!
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote to Lindsey over at Circle Line Cruises and asked if she would be interested in collaborating on a Circle Line Cruise Giveaway. She said yes! The kids and I were excited!Lindsey provided me with tickets to the Circle Line Radio Disney Cruise for Saturday August 10th, one of Circle Line's many children's oriented cruises.In true Sarah Fader fashion, I was running late for the cruise, and we just made it as the ship was taking off from the dock! I quickly said hi to Lindsey and scurried onto the boat with my giant stroller 🙂 The kids and I were safely aboard and we set sail! Once we got on board, there were many exciting activities for the kids to partake in. But first, Samara had to put her Sophia the First crown on: I could hardly get it off of her. Even now that we're back on land, she wants to wear it all the time.There was a professional balloon artist aboard: There was music and dancing featuring the Disney Junior Show theme songs! There was also a magician, who the kids could not get enough of! And an amazing face painter! [...]
Two Scorpios and One Pitbull for Adoption
Today I set out to get a muffin at Blue Sky and I ran into this beautiful dog named Cookie: Cookie is being fostered by Saul and Mike, a lovely Scorpio couple who live in Park Slope. They were both born November 3rd! We spent 45 minutes standing in front of Blue Sky talking about their astrological charts. Anyway, I really wanted to adopt Cookie. But my dad would kill me. So instead I'm writing about her and putting her into the universe for someone else to love. If you want her, she's available! She's the best dog ever. Look at her! Cookie is about a year old and super sweet. If I had to guess her sign, I'd go with Cancer. Post a comment if you're interested in adopting her OR just tell me how cute she is!
Starting Shakespeare – Pyramus and Thisbe – A Bedtime Story
One day, I was looking at the Complete Works of Shakespeare that I've owned since my sophomore year of college. I kept getting this nagging feeling that I wanted to start Ari on Shakespeare, but I couldn't decide what play to read first.I'm an actress myself, and a graduate of Performing Arts High School (the Fame school) so Shakespeare has been an integral part of my life.I remembered hearing an audio version of A Midsummer Night's Dream when I was in the sixth grade. I've also seen multipleproductions of it, although I've never performed in one myself.My recollection of Midsummer was that it was a fun light hearted play with mistaken identity and lovers getting mixed up. There are also fairies. Kids like fairies.We started reading a scene a night. I stop during the scenes to explain what's going on.Today we read the scene where the players, Quince, Bottom and company are getting ready to perform Pyramus and Thisbe. Snug asks if he can play the lion because he's afraid to have real lines and he can handle roaring.I explained to Ari that Snug was going to be the lion and he laughed and said:"I can roar too! Roar!"We both [...]
What Do You Do When You Feel Sad?
Today I feel sad. I decided to take a "not glamorous" picture of myself because I feel sad.I look like a turtle in this picture. I'm okay with that.I don't feel depressed (as I have felt in the past) but just a little low.I'm not going to go into the reasons I feel sad, because they're irrelevant. I also have my period which (as you know) makes me feel less than great. I should feel happy, because Ari is cleaning the living room. But I'm sadI accept the fact that I'm sad.But I also want to do things to make myself feel "un-sad" or "better."Some of the things I do when I'm sad to make myself feel better are:1. Eat chocolate.2. Call a friend.3. Look at pictures of cats online.4. Watch a really funny movie.5. Write a blog post about how I feel.6. Do something productive like the dishes.7. Think about people that are less fortunate than me and feel grateful that I have a home.8. Hug my kids.9. Pet my cats.10. Draw a picture of a tree.11. Paint a picture.12. Punch a pillow.13. Hug a pillow.14. Hug a friend.15. Go out for tea with a friend.16. I sing! What do [...]
The Old Fireman By Ari
Ari wrote a story yesterday. As the Native Americans did, he recited his story aloud. My mom was there to record it: I felt it was important to document this momentous milestone (Ari's first story) here. So without further ado, I present The Old Fireman:The Old FiremanBy AriOnce there was an old man. He wanted to turn into a fireman. But he couldn't turn into a fireman, because he didn't have magic. He visited the firefighters and he told the firefighters and he said:"Can I be a firefighter?"The fireman said "You can't be a firefighter." The fireman also said "you can only be a firefighter when it is Friday. But today is Monday."So the old man went back to his old house. It was a dark time. The man was sleeping. And then it was morning time. The old man went to the fire station again. The old man asked the firefighter if he could be a fireman today.The fireman said "Yes, so put on your boots and put on your hat. There is an emergency!"Then everyone in the city was sleeping.The End.
Win a Copy of Unstuff Your Life! An Interview With Andrew Mellen, Professional Organizer!
Today I interviewed Andrew Mellen, professional organizer. I met him at BlogHer13' through Jason Mayo, who writes at Outnumbered.Andrew and I met at Four and Twenty Blackbirds, one of the best pie places in the universe. Our goals were to do the interview about organization and then eat as much pie as humanly possible. We accomplished both goals.Andrew talked about his organizational concept, the Organizational Triangle:1. One home for everything - Everything in your house has a place it belongs.2. Like with like - All cosmetics go in one box3. Something in, something out - Do not bring something into your home unless you know what it is replacing and where it will live.Want to know more? Watch my interview with Andrew below: Enter to win a copy of Unstuff Your Life below!a Rafflecopter giveawayAndrew is running a series of back to school webinars! Get organized before your kids go back to school! For more information, check out his site here.
Writer’s Block Can Be Fun!
I've been trying to write every day. But today, I have no idea what to write about. So I'll tell you a few random things I feel like sharing.I can touch my tongue to my nose! I have a lizard tongue!Also I did all the dishes today! I'm so proud of myself. My favorite color is green.I'm allergic to cow's milk, although I found that out recently.Look I'm purple! I'm good at a lot of things, but organization is not one of them. I am (however) good at editing things like term papers and college essays for other people.Do you like pie?I like pie sometimes. But I really like cake.I like cats because they're spiritual. I like dogs because they're friendly.I like you.Until you're mean, and then you'll make me cry.Bye!