Welcome Blog-hop readers! Today's Listening Post Interviews is Sassy Pants
Reported by Sis White
From the Editor: The barnyard is in quite a stir is as the second book in the Sassy Pants series is now in bookstores and online outlets everywhere good books are sold! You can find it on Amazon. Sassy Pants Makes Amends was just released on April 17th! That means it is now available in all the major bookstores and online sites.
We at The Listening Post thought it would be an opportune time to interview some of the main characters in the ongoing saga! Agila, one of our barnyard reporters, was first suggested to do the interviews, but she declined, preferring to remain the eyes and ears of the barnyard. She said when it came to talking she was nothing to squawk about! What a sense of humor! She suggested Farmer White’s daughter would be the perfect reporter since she seemed to know and get along with everyone, even grumpy old Billy Goat! You have already read some of her reports.
Some background on Sis: We’re calling her Sis since everyone in her family does, the only exception is that Farmer White sometimes calls her “George—his right hand man!” In the line-up of all those boys, she comes right after the biggest boy, Denny.
Sis: Hey, Sassy Pants! I’m wondering if it would be okay to just get some candid reactions to your story that’s out for the whole world to see. Are you excited? One of our own—in a book! How cool is that?!
SP: Well, I wouldn’t exactly say I am excited—a bit more like embarrassed!
Sis: Embarrassed? Why would you be embarrassed? You have really turned out well!
SP: Uhhh, ya, you said, “turned out” and that is important. That lets everyone know that I was not always the responsible barnyard resident that I am now. That time of being the barnyard bully is a time I would rather forget! So, ya, it’s embarrassing to have my past right out there in the story in black and white for the whole world to see! The only reason I consented to having my story written up was, if at all possible, I want to warn all kids to not follow my early example! That’s the only reason!
Sis: But Sassy Pants, you have such a message for the kids these days! I am really proud of you! Tell us in your own words, what would you like the kids to get out of reading your story?
SP: Two things from these two stories: The first is that choices have consequences—any choice you make will have a consequence. That’s the way it is. Some consequences you will like and some you won’t. So, kids, make wise choices. Think about the possible consequences. Really think about it—are those consequences something you can live with? Will you like it/them? If not, seriously think about a different choice!
The second thing: If you mess up like I did, ask for forgiveness. I did not like the consequences of my behavior. Apologizing and asking forgiveness is hard, no doubt about it. Making amends is even harder, but the results are worth all the hard work! It was quite a process to get to the place I am today.
Sis: So tell us Sassy Pants, just what is amends?
SP: I think Old Clyde said it best. “Amends is a way to fix a friendship when you are the one who broke it.” He was right on. Amends is just studying the friend whose friendship you broke until you find something that is really important to him or her. Then you make that become important to you too. You try to do something that will give your friend reason to trust you again. And you keep trying until trust is there!
Sis: Well that sounds simple enough!
SP: Simple, yes. Easy? No. Worth it? Yes! And, now you must excuse me, I hear the grain scoop calling! Farmer White is serving his famous Pig Soup and I don’t want to miss it!
Miss Molly's Note: When Sassy Pants was a bully she turned her sensitivity off, or tried to. She made her heart grow cold and it started turning to stone because of what she believed about what happened to her. Sassy Pants thought she had to get what she thought was hers whether or not it was! She didn’t notice or care how what she did affected others—until she was shocked out of the notion! That shock was a hard way to learn, but she learned! When we don’t understand the things that happen to us and around us we can believe things that aren’t true. We can come to a wrong conclusion. Now she is well loved and valued by everyone in the barnyard. Hers is a story of a misbehaving pig who worked hard to reform! It's a story of second chances, that should encourage us all!
You can share your story of having a second chance in the comment box below! I hope you do.
Also, be sure to hop over to the other site, click here, to leave your name and email address to enter the Giveaway drawing for a set of the Sassy Pants books or a set of the burden bearing books. The drawing will take place on the 15th after the blog-hop! We will contact the lucky winner to find out which set they want and ship them off. Then we will announce the winner! Some lucky duck will have something to squawk about!
Blessings, Miss Molly...meet you at the gate!
Showing posts with label trust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trust. Show all posts
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Goosie Goose
Welcome Blog-hop readers! Today's Listening Post Interviews is Goosie Goose
Reported by Sis White
Sis: Goosie Goose, thank you for agreeing to speak with us at the Listening Post about the your role in Sassy Pants' story! Our readers appreciate hearing from eye witnesses! Would you tell us what happened when Sassy Pants approached you and Gerald with this idea of making amends?
Goosie: Well, when the two of them found us our first reaction was to fluff and hiss! But then I thought better of it. That little pig was not worth ruffling my feathers over, so I put them down and Gerald followed suit. And then . . .
Editors Note: Goosie's response to the question was so extensive it would make another book! We encourage readers to get a copy of Sassy Pants Makes Amends and read the first hand account of what took place.
Sis: Tell us Goosie, do you think making amends is a good idea?
Goosie: Good idea? Oh, I think it is a wonderful way to repair broken relationships! Wonderful. It has more then repaired Sassy Pants friendship with Gerald. It has made it possible for Gerald to be the leader I always knew he could be, but I did not know how to help him over that rough spot! Sassy Pants amends has made it possible for Gerald to be a goose of destiny! One day Old Gander will be gone and Gerald will now be able to take his place as leader of the flock--thanks to Sassy Pants making amends!
Sis: Sounds to me like you have had a real change of heart toward Sassy Pants!
Goosie: Yes, I have. When Sassy Pants and Little Molly came that day, all I could think was: Why in the world was a sweet little lamb like her hanging around with that rebellious, rambunkous, ne'er-do- well, trouble making pig?! No good would come of it! But when I saw the results and realized how Gerald benefitted, I could just kiss that little pig, but geese don't seem to have lips so I guess that'll never happen. : )
Sis: Do you think Sassy Pants will be able to hold up? I mean, she hurt a lot of animals, do you think she will be able to continue making amends to everyone she offended?
Goosie: I think Sassy Pants is one spunky little pig. I think she made up her mind that this is the right thing to do and regardless of how hard it might be, I think she will do it. I'm cheering for her, that's for sure. She is a sterling pig as far as I am concerned!
Sis: So would you recommend others try to apologize, ask forgiveness and make amends?
Goosie: Yes, that is my recommendation. And my opinion is that it's the only way for lasting repair! The only way. It goes beyond "I'm sorry" and builds trust again. It's the best way!
Listening Post Editor: Our thanks to Goosie, and Sis White for this candid from the barnyard!
If readers have a question you would like to ask Goosie, Sis, Sassy Pants or Molly or any other story character, just put your question in the comment box and we will ask your question! Hop on over to my other blog, click here, to leave your name and email address to enter the Giveaway drawing for a set of the Sassy Pants books or a set of the burden bearing books. Someone is going to be a happy camper!
See you down by the gate....
Miss Molly
Reported by Sis White
Sis: Goosie Goose, thank you for agreeing to speak with us at the Listening Post about the your role in Sassy Pants' story! Our readers appreciate hearing from eye witnesses! Would you tell us what happened when Sassy Pants approached you and Gerald with this idea of making amends?
Goosie: Well, when the two of them found us our first reaction was to fluff and hiss! But then I thought better of it. That little pig was not worth ruffling my feathers over, so I put them down and Gerald followed suit. And then . . .
Editors Note: Goosie's response to the question was so extensive it would make another book! We encourage readers to get a copy of Sassy Pants Makes Amends and read the first hand account of what took place.
Sis: Tell us Goosie, do you think making amends is a good idea?
Goosie: Good idea? Oh, I think it is a wonderful way to repair broken relationships! Wonderful. It has more then repaired Sassy Pants friendship with Gerald. It has made it possible for Gerald to be the leader I always knew he could be, but I did not know how to help him over that rough spot! Sassy Pants amends has made it possible for Gerald to be a goose of destiny! One day Old Gander will be gone and Gerald will now be able to take his place as leader of the flock--thanks to Sassy Pants making amends!
Sis: Sounds to me like you have had a real change of heart toward Sassy Pants!
Goosie: Yes, I have. When Sassy Pants and Little Molly came that day, all I could think was: Why in the world was a sweet little lamb like her hanging around with that rebellious, rambunkous, ne'er-do- well, trouble making pig?! No good would come of it! But when I saw the results and realized how Gerald benefitted, I could just kiss that little pig, but geese don't seem to have lips so I guess that'll never happen. : )
Sis: Do you think Sassy Pants will be able to hold up? I mean, she hurt a lot of animals, do you think she will be able to continue making amends to everyone she offended?
Goosie: I think Sassy Pants is one spunky little pig. I think she made up her mind that this is the right thing to do and regardless of how hard it might be, I think she will do it. I'm cheering for her, that's for sure. She is a sterling pig as far as I am concerned!
Sis: So would you recommend others try to apologize, ask forgiveness and make amends?
Goosie: Yes, that is my recommendation. And my opinion is that it's the only way for lasting repair! The only way. It goes beyond "I'm sorry" and builds trust again. It's the best way!
Listening Post Editor: Our thanks to Goosie, and Sis White for this candid from the barnyard!
If readers have a question you would like to ask Goosie, Sis, Sassy Pants or Molly or any other story character, just put your question in the comment box and we will ask your question! Hop on over to my other blog, click here, to leave your name and email address to enter the Giveaway drawing for a set of the Sassy Pants books or a set of the burden bearing books. Someone is going to be a happy camper!
See you down by the gate....
Miss Molly
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Old Clyde
Welcome blog-hop readers! Today's character sketch is with Old Clyde.
Reported by, Sis White
Sis: Morning Clyde. What's on your to-do list today?
Old Clyde: Just talking with you Sis, swatting flies and nippin off some clover.
Sis: Ah, up and over by the walnut trees, eh?
OC: That's it. My favorite spot!
Sis: Tell us a bit about yourself Old Clyde. You know, how long have you been on the farm and where did you live before you came here?
OC: Well, I have been here longer than you have, Sis. As for where before that? I was born and raised on a farm over in Goat Hollow. My owner was a good man--had a face that looked like his mamma weaned him on a dill pickle! He looked pretty tough but he had a heart of gold as far as us animals were concerned. I heard him growl at some neighbor kids, but it was because they were playing in a pasture where his ornery old bull was. He didn't want the kids to be hurt. Sort of scared everyone and he got a reputation for being an old grouch. (chuckle) He didn't try to fix the misunderstanding either--figured it would be just as well, then the kids would not play there! He was a good man, but his heart couldn't keep up with all the hard work and he had to stop farming for his health. That was when Farmer White brought me over here to help him.
Sis: You sure seem to have fond memories of your former employer.
OC: He was a good man. Treated us well; he talked with us all the time--well, at least he talked with me all the time.
Sis: I thought farmers were men of few words.
OC: Well, they tend to be. But when my man had something to say, I generally heard it first!
Sis: In what ways have you helped Farmer White?
OC: Basically if there is pulling and hauling involved, so am I.
Sis: For example? I helped him plow fields until he got a tractor. That silly machine can work circles around me! Pulling logs out of the forest--whew that will work up a sweat real quick!
Sis: Tell our readers how that is done will you Clyde. We don't want someone to think you pushed over trees like an elephant!
OC: (insert a horse laugh here!) No, nothing like that! Farmer White cut trees down and then he cut them into logs about 12' long. Then he hooked a log chain on one and fastened the other end of the chain to my harness, said "heyah" and flicked the reins and I knew to pull like crazy. I would drag that log out of the trees to where he had a pile ready to take to the saw mill to become boards. It was hard work--they call it "log skidding", but, I'm sort of built for that kind of work!
Sis: You said it was hard work. Do you not do that anymore?
OC: No, these days I'm nearly retired. I help when it is time to put up the hay in the barn, pulling wagons hither and yon, maybe for a ride through the orchard in the fall, and a hay ride in the winter. Then there are always rides for the children.
Sis: A child rides on you Clyde? Your back is way to wide for a kid!
OC: Yes, I am not a riding horse as such, but children love to put a ladder up on me and five or six of them climb on! I really don't mind and it is a very short ride and the little guys are thrilled. It doesn't hurt that they give me an apple either!
Sis: Clyde can you tell us about Sassy Pants. How did you come to be such an important part of her story?
OC: When Sassy Pants was being such a pain and bullying all the little animals it really concerned me. Many times I tried to just be out in the open where I could see and walk into the middle of her meanness. I'm so big she would stop or at least move away and that would give whoever she was picking on the opportunity to run away. But when I dicovered her crying, I knew that it was time for Sassy Pants to find out what she was made of and who she could become. That's when I shared with her how to make amends.
Sis: What is amends?
OC: It is the way to fix a friendship when you are the one who broke it.
Sis: That sounds like something we all should know. How do you do that?
OC: You study the friend you hurt. You find something that is important to them and make that be important to you too. And you keep doing it until your friend can trust you again.
Sis: That sounds simple enough.
OC: Oh, it is--very simple. But easy? No. When you read Sassy Pants Makes Amends you will see what I mean! I do hope all you children will take it right from the horse's mouth, it is much easier to learn how to say kind things and be a loving, thoughtful friend than to have earn trust after you broke it!
Sis: Well, thank you Old Clyde for sharing your thoughts with us. Hope you find a good patch of clover with a nice breeze blowing so the flies don't come! You know readers, I don't believe I have ever heard Old Clyde say one unkind word. He can say it like it is, but he is never unkind. What a wonderful thing to be able to say about someone. And with that, we bid you adieu until another day.
Miss Molly here, kids. I would have to agree with Sis, it is a wonderful thing to say that you have never heard an unkind word from someone. And Old Clyde has a wonderful heart. He does not have a mean bone in his body! Which cannot be said about our next interviewee!
What are some kind words you readers have to say about someone? Put your kind words in the comment box and share with us. We love to read kind words. And, before you go, hop on over to my other blog, click here, and put your name and email address in the Giveaway box for the drawing May 15. We will contact the winner to see is they want a set of the Sassy Pants books, a prize worth $20 or a set of the burden bearing books, a prize worth 30.00.
Blessings, Miss Molly
Reported by, Sis White
Sis: Morning Clyde. What's on your to-do list today?
Old Clyde: Just talking with you Sis, swatting flies and nippin off some clover.
Sis: Ah, up and over by the walnut trees, eh?
OC: That's it. My favorite spot!
Sis: Tell us a bit about yourself Old Clyde. You know, how long have you been on the farm and where did you live before you came here?
OC: Well, I have been here longer than you have, Sis. As for where before that? I was born and raised on a farm over in Goat Hollow. My owner was a good man--had a face that looked like his mamma weaned him on a dill pickle! He looked pretty tough but he had a heart of gold as far as us animals were concerned. I heard him growl at some neighbor kids, but it was because they were playing in a pasture where his ornery old bull was. He didn't want the kids to be hurt. Sort of scared everyone and he got a reputation for being an old grouch. (chuckle) He didn't try to fix the misunderstanding either--figured it would be just as well, then the kids would not play there! He was a good man, but his heart couldn't keep up with all the hard work and he had to stop farming for his health. That was when Farmer White brought me over here to help him.
Sis: You sure seem to have fond memories of your former employer.
OC: He was a good man. Treated us well; he talked with us all the time--well, at least he talked with me all the time.
Sis: I thought farmers were men of few words.
OC: Well, they tend to be. But when my man had something to say, I generally heard it first!
Sis: In what ways have you helped Farmer White?
OC: Basically if there is pulling and hauling involved, so am I.
Sis: For example? I helped him plow fields until he got a tractor. That silly machine can work circles around me! Pulling logs out of the forest--whew that will work up a sweat real quick!
Sis: Tell our readers how that is done will you Clyde. We don't want someone to think you pushed over trees like an elephant!
OC: (insert a horse laugh here!) No, nothing like that! Farmer White cut trees down and then he cut them into logs about 12' long. Then he hooked a log chain on one and fastened the other end of the chain to my harness, said "heyah" and flicked the reins and I knew to pull like crazy. I would drag that log out of the trees to where he had a pile ready to take to the saw mill to become boards. It was hard work--they call it "log skidding", but, I'm sort of built for that kind of work!
Sis: You said it was hard work. Do you not do that anymore?
OC: No, these days I'm nearly retired. I help when it is time to put up the hay in the barn, pulling wagons hither and yon, maybe for a ride through the orchard in the fall, and a hay ride in the winter. Then there are always rides for the children.
Sis: A child rides on you Clyde? Your back is way to wide for a kid!
OC: Yes, I am not a riding horse as such, but children love to put a ladder up on me and five or six of them climb on! I really don't mind and it is a very short ride and the little guys are thrilled. It doesn't hurt that they give me an apple either!
Sis: Clyde can you tell us about Sassy Pants. How did you come to be such an important part of her story?
OC: When Sassy Pants was being such a pain and bullying all the little animals it really concerned me. Many times I tried to just be out in the open where I could see and walk into the middle of her meanness. I'm so big she would stop or at least move away and that would give whoever she was picking on the opportunity to run away. But when I dicovered her crying, I knew that it was time for Sassy Pants to find out what she was made of and who she could become. That's when I shared with her how to make amends.
Sis: What is amends?
OC: It is the way to fix a friendship when you are the one who broke it.
Sis: That sounds like something we all should know. How do you do that?
OC: You study the friend you hurt. You find something that is important to them and make that be important to you too. And you keep doing it until your friend can trust you again.
Sis: That sounds simple enough.
OC: Oh, it is--very simple. But easy? No. When you read Sassy Pants Makes Amends you will see what I mean! I do hope all you children will take it right from the horse's mouth, it is much easier to learn how to say kind things and be a loving, thoughtful friend than to have earn trust after you broke it!
Sis: Well, thank you Old Clyde for sharing your thoughts with us. Hope you find a good patch of clover with a nice breeze blowing so the flies don't come! You know readers, I don't believe I have ever heard Old Clyde say one unkind word. He can say it like it is, but he is never unkind. What a wonderful thing to be able to say about someone. And with that, we bid you adieu until another day.
Miss Molly here, kids. I would have to agree with Sis, it is a wonderful thing to say that you have never heard an unkind word from someone. And Old Clyde has a wonderful heart. He does not have a mean bone in his body! Which cannot be said about our next interviewee!
What are some kind words you readers have to say about someone? Put your kind words in the comment box and share with us. We love to read kind words. And, before you go, hop on over to my other blog, click here, and put your name and email address in the Giveaway box for the drawing May 15. We will contact the winner to see is they want a set of the Sassy Pants books, a prize worth $20 or a set of the burden bearing books, a prize worth 30.00.
Blessings, Miss Molly
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