Dated September & October, 2004
Issue #007

We've Moved!

We have spent the last couple of months getting settled in Houston, Texas. Actually, we are just southwest of Houston in the Sugar Land/Stafford area.

All these changes have resulted in a delay in our newsletter. Thank you to all our subscribers to "Sugar For My Coffee". Not a single subscriber left us during this transition.

We're glad "The Coffee Shop of Make-Believe" is OPEN again.

If you like this e-zine, please do a friend and me a big favor and "pay it forward". If a friend DID forward this to you, and if you like what you read, please subscribe by visiting here.

* Monthly Mentor - The Coffee Shop of Make-Believe
* Perspective - Girl's Gone MILD!
* Journey With Jessica - Great Ideas For You
* Couples Corner - Victoria's Secret DISCLOSED!

Welcome to the segment I like to call, Sugar For My Coffee!

Here we discover the individuals with whom this author would be most honored to sit across from and enjoy a coffee break. I close all my writings with this entrance into The Coffee Shop of Make-Believe to introduce my readers to another Success Mentor for life empowerment. That person's presence at the table would be Sugar For My Coffee!

He said, "Many people live as if life were a dress rehearsal for some later date."

We will meet our guest in a moment. But first, let me ask if you ever catch yourself living for events?

Our lives take on so much more meaning when we learn to stop living for events and learn to enjoy the journey. This is just one of the many important messages taught by today's guest of The Coffee Shop of Make-Believe.

Today's coffee break guest: Dr. Richard Carlson

Dr. Carlson has become a worldwide phenomenon. His books appear in over 100 countries, resulting in over 40 million people worldwide reading one of his books. In 1997, he was chosen by People Magazine as one of the most intriguing people to watch in the world and has been a popular guest on shows such as The View, Oprah Winfrey, The Today Show and CNN.

Richard Carlson, whose Ph.D. is in psychology, is considered one of the foremost experts in happiness and stress-reduction around the world. He is the author of fifteen popular books.

Some of his works are:

* Slowing Down to the Speed of Life
* You Can Be Happy No Matter What
* You Can Feel Good Again
* Handbook For The Heart

In this life, the chances are slim that I will ever get to sit with Dr. Carlson for coffee. But somewhere in eternity I hope to thank him over a cup for the light he allowed his life to shine to the world and for one of the best life assistance websites on the Internet. I especially love the segment "Richard's Column" with its archive full of insight.

Those of you who are familiar with this segment of my work know that you can join us for this coffee break any time you wish. You only have to grab a cup of coffee, pull up a seat at the table and get to know our guest. You can get to know Dr. Richard Carlson's message and everything he has produced for your empowerment by visiting the following Website on the INTERNET.

For Dr. Richard Carlson: Visit here.
For more about me visit here.

Did someone say, "Pass The Sugar, Please"?

This is the area of our newsletter where we try to take perspective of things.

A new window will open allowing to to return here without losing your place, so please enjoy Girls Gone Mild

This segment helps us add a bit of estrogen to the testosterone mix of our newsletter.

Hi everyone! Jessica here!

I came across something that made me think about breaking the rules of parenthood.

If I have your attention for a moment, I want you to read the following article. This approach to parenting and life touched me and I find myself putting it into practice with my children.

Enjoy!

Vacations are fun ! Weekends with the family are nice. But, Late Night Adventures are "simply marvelous". If you really want to shine in your child's eyes on a more regular basis-- try some late night adventures with them.

By late night I am talking about adventures that start from 10pm on.
Shouldn't kids be in bed at that time? - yes
Shouldn't parents keep structure? - yes
Don't parents need to set an example? - yes
Aren't kids only young once? -- YES and that is the point.

Take time to be magical in your child's eyes. I applaud organized, structured family systems. I think it can be quite difficult for many families today that are over worked, tapped out, and stretched as far as time will allow for cramming in activities. Yet, since your kids are only young once-- why not give it a shot and build a couple memories as the coolest parent on the block.

Here are a couple ideas that won't take up much time or money but go a long way with kids:
** Wake up and watch a lightening / thunder storm at 11pm
** Grab a skateboard and hit the pavement at 1am
** During a snow freeze on the driveway and street out front-- ice skate in athletic shoes at 2 am
** Go to bed early and make a run for Denny's at 3 am
** Watch the sun rise together while eating Krispy Kreme donuts and drinking milk at 6 am
(or even add homemade fortune cookies so you both have something cool to open up with a positive outlook pronounced on your day ahead)

The difference with late night adventures with your children vs. weekends or vacations is simply that late night adventures are novelty, costing less money and more quality attention. Your kid will be the envy of the other kids-- because what other parent do you know that does these things?! Believe me, the kids in our neighborhood still can't get over some of the things my son tells them we do. In fact, they want to come along.

Every now and then, go on and forget about the adult in you and join your child in being a kid. Regain your sense of wonder and enchantment. Throw rules to the wind and have some innocent fun. If you do, I promise you will shine in their eyes and fill both your hearts with rich memories that will last your life time.

Until next time--- all the best,
Kate

About the Author: Kate Hufstetler is a well established personal and relationship coach. She offers coaching services via email and phone consultations. Visit her at http://www.comedreamwithme.com/start_today.html

In this segment, we will share timely thoughts and articles on relationship building.

Please enjoy the special article from this issue, Victoria's Secret Disclosed

Let me have it, right between the eyes. Please reply to this e-zine. I'd love to hear from you. Just reply to this e-zine and tell me what you think. Email me here.