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Fall Tribute, “Summer to Winter” New Song Video

October 15, 2014 in Creative Adventures, TSN Therapeutic Projects

Hi Friends,

If you are in an area where you are enjoying the fall, it has been so awesome this year. A friend of mine said his Vermont fall was unbelievable and much better than recent years. He said pictures could not capture it all.
Fall makes us all feel so alive and also gives us a little twinge of reality that winter is on its way yet again. Hopefully we will all stay healthy and safe.

♥ On a somber note…It is so sad that the Ebola situation is here in America and of course it is sad for the other countries it is touching as well.
♥ Just a reminder to remember to wash your hands often and if you hear someone coughing & sneezing, don’t be embarrassed to move away from them or pop a face mask on.

Back to “fall” again…Many of you know that not only do I sing fun kid songs but I also sing with my husband. Fall will be at its peak soon and I wanted to share my most recent creation. I have created a song video with photos that I have taken from my neck of the woods; water, leaves, awesome moon, sunsets and a few NYC pics. Some pictures are from family & Facebook followers too.
Happy Fall & Healthy Winter to you.

Link to Fall Tribute, Song Video

More info “Transitions” music project

“Summer to Winter”

“Summer days are almost gone,
pretty fall days don’t last that long.
Old man winter, will chill you to the bone,
Hope spring arrives soon,
in the corner of our little home….”

Stop by TheSingingNurse Music page and take a look around to see if there is anyway that we can make your health lessons more fun and engaging.

And if you missed getting our free download of “The Hand Washing Activity eBook” make sure and  get your copy here.

A cool bonus just because I like you and want you to be healthier than ever this year. Fun Flu Quiz post and more on Colds/Germs.

For Happy Healthy Kids,
Dawn

**follow TSN on Pinterest 😀

Subscribe to post, news and FREE Hand Washing eBook 

How does the beauty of #fall touch you? Does it make you feel sad, in awe, overwhelmed? Comment below…no spam and off subject comments please.

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Music is Therapeudic, Set your Stage

June 11, 2014 in Music with Kids, TSN Therapeutic Projects

A Merry HeartHow many of you enjoy music? I am a great music lover and really enjoy finding new music. It amazes me how many gifted people are out there that none of us will ever hear about. Music can help you feel sad when you need to work through grief. A special song can make you feel brave in a difficult situation. Beautiful melodies will move you to tears and pull your guts out, especially if stringed instruments are involved . You get the point, it is an awesome and a powerful medium that influences the way we feel. I believe music is therapeutic, a gift to us.

Today I wanted to introduce you to some great music I have come across in the last couple years. These songs have encouraged me and brought me out of some down times. So, as you may expect the songs I am introducing you to today set a “Happy” mood. We know how much we all need some “Happy”, as the song by that name has topped the charts.

When my little patient rolls out one of those big crocodile tears because he is either bored or notices his able bodied brothers heading for a walk outside, I cheer him up with some great songs with encouraging happy lyrics. He responds…

Songs and music can help set the mood of your home, your classroom or an event. Please check out these great artist, I did all the reviewing for you…

Cathy Heller-I found one of her songs used in a video and said,”I have to have that”! I discovered a treasure chess full of “happy & sunny” songs.

Cathy Heller, FoundFound–itunes link

Best Days of OurLives

I Will Follow You

Joy

The Sunshine is Callin’ me

 

Cathy Heller, Breaking FreeBreaking Free–itunes link

Gonna Make a Change

Let Your Colors Shine

 

 

 

CathyHelleritunes.170x170-75

itunes link

I Love You More Than Sunshine

itunes link

You Make Me Happy

 

 

Cathy Heller, Imagine NationImagine Nation-EP itunes link

Mr. Sun

Love and Be Loved

 

 

 

Cathy Heller, You're Home to MeYou’re Home to Me-EP itunes link

Gonna Be Happy

So This is Love

 

 

 

Cathy Heller, Turn the Sunshine OnTurn the Sunshine On– itunes link

Turn the Sunshine On

 

 

 

Video Song–

(I made it in this one, see if you can find me)

 

Jamie Grace-I’m not sure how I found Jamie but she is similar in style to Cathy Heller with a little more soul. I like the whole album, kids like her songs too. Happy, upbeat, fun! Her CD comes from a Christian world view.

Jamie Grace, One Song at a TimeOne Song at a Time– itunes link

 

 

 

 

 

Josie Nelson-I found Josie on YouTube. This is a great song for a rainy day. Her style is also similar to Jamie Grace and Cathy Heller. She has made her presence know via Youtube doing originals and cover songs. Check out her Youtube channel sometime.

Josie Nelson, SunshineSunshine itunes link

 

 

 

 

 

Khristian Dentley-I can’t remember how I found Khristian but you may have heard him in the group Take 6. The style is definitely pop jazz and my favorites are his upbeat songs. The last song I list is an awesome worship song. His CD has a Christian world view for sure.

Khristian Dentley 3.0– itunes link

Khristian Dentley 3.0It’s Time to Fly

My Happy

Cliche

Chocolate Chip Rocket Ship

Breath of Life

 

Pomplamoose-I was introduced to this duo by my brother, they have loads of really creative videos. They are known for their great editing and multi screens visuals. “Most” of them are appropriate for the whole family, Fun, upbeat…really, go check out their videos, you’ll get hooked, watch them on your smart TV, then take them with you via itunes downloads.

Pomplamoose“Happy” Pharrell Mash-up- itunes link

“Wake Me Up Before You Go Go- itunes link

 

 

 

 

Wake Me Up Before You Go Go…Fun YouTube Vid!

 

Go Fish-A really fun group of 3 guys who do a lot of VBS and Sunday School songs for kids and with kids. Really delightful catchy tunes, makes you want to sing and dance. Christian world view.

Go FishChrist the Lord is Risen Today- itunes link

 

 

 

 

 

Mercy Me- Definitely not new to the music world but worth a mention. I just came across their new video(I’m on their mailing list) “Shake”…Love, love, love it. If you have a reason, or need a reason to sing and dance this will get you moving for sure. Check it out here.

I play all of these songs for my little patient and if he does not like a song he will cry. No crying here with all of this great music, he has good taste. Why not support these artist today and go download their music. It takes hours, weeks and months to produce great songs and music for all of us. Let’s keep the music coming…go ahead spend a buck or two or ten today.

For “Happy” days even if it’s raining outside,

Have a Great Summer

Dawn

 

Dawn’s recent CD with husband/pastor itune link

 

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International Women’s Day Song Tribute

March 12, 2012 in Creative Adventures, God - Faith - Hope - Love, TSN Therapeutic Projects

“Woman of God, thank you for being a friend.”

I was straightening up my bedroom recently and found a letter from a dear friend. You know the kind, the friend that will stick with you through it all. The friend that nails the situation perfectly and helps you see things the way they really are. The kind of friend you can trust your very soul with because you have never heard her utter a gossip, so you know your most vulnerable self is safe with her. These are the kind of friends that develop over time as you experience their actions and words. These are the kind of friends my father-in-law has said, in your life time, you are a rich man if you can count true friends on one hand.

Well I reread the letter written by her and the first words that came to mind, and out of my mouth with an affirming “yes” fist in the air were,  “Woman of God”. Her words were truthful, easily entreated(kind, but cutting), you know the kind that are selected carefully after praying and asking God if you should share them.

The words in her letter resonated a bit different this time because some time has lapsed, the tough time is fading and healing, and she, a few others and God have been part of that healing. Sooo, all this to say, this “Woman of God” inspired this simple song I would like to share with you.  She is a true woman.

             

Woman of God

Woman of God, seeking His face

Pour out your heart sharing His grace

Woman of God, thank you, for being a friend

                    

Sharing the truth, always in love

Simple kind words, even when they’re tough

Woman of God, thank you, for being a friend

                     

Strength and honor, wisdom and kindness

And a woman, who fears the Lord

Let her be praised, let her be praised     

                     

Though others may doubt, you lift me up

You remind me, in God I am free

Woman of God, thank you, for being a friend

                      

Your words are like oil, healing my soul

You are so full and you overflow, on me

Woman of God, thank you, for being a friend

Dawn Ginese, 3/9/12

Click below for PDF of word only and lyrics with chords

             “Woman of God” by Dawn Ginese 3/9/12

I would that all of us would strive to be a true friend to someone.

Tell us about a true “Woman of God” in your life.  Please tell her too.  Comment below and pass along this post to a few of your true friends.
One of His,

Dawn

Original Painting in Video by Erin Dertner

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Candy Wrapper Valentine Craft

February 12, 2012 in Creative Adventures, TSN Therapeutic Projects

I’ve been thinking of posting the projects I’ve been creating in the home care setting over the years. You may be some sort of health care worker and just can’t think of what to do with your young patient to make things interesting and to help perk up their day. Many of our patients are home bound and life can get a little boring when the teacher, OT, or PT are not showing up on any given day. I know you can think of things to make, let’s put our heads together, look around and let those creative juices flow. Many of my ideas incorporate bringing the outside in using the objects of nature, creating simple songs with a small keyboard, recycling medical supplies and household items. I might even share some animation ideas that are simple to create from the projects you will make.

Valentines Project:

One of my co-workers brought in some candy from her homeland so I saw the shiny little wrappers and thought oh, we can make something with that. I know if any preschool teachers are reading this post, they may think, wow, I always think like that. I do refer to myself at time as a preschool teacher with the nurses hat because of my creative tilt. Prek teachers are some of the most creative recycling people you will meet and their closets of saved items will attest to this, lol.

So I started saving the wrappers that will be part of our heart creation. Don’t forget to speak with your patient about your plans, draw them into the creative process. They love to hear about and begin anticipating what might become of those shiny little papers.

Chocolate wrappers

Create a pattern from paper then trace it to a cardboard box flap(this is recycling boxes from the shipping of medical supplies) Make sure and let the child watch as you cut the cardboard, hearing the sounds and seeing the fragments dropping are fun and great sensory activities.

make a pattern

Cut up shiny candy papers to smaller pieces and paste them to the the cardboard heart. Use liquid glue, my little friend loves watching the glue fall to the heart and feeling the sticky slimy texture on his fingers.

add glue and papers to cardboard heart

After completing one side let it dry on a piece of wax paper,  flip it over and do the back side, wrap papers around the edges as well to create a completely covered heart.

cover both sides and wrap around the edges

Add a hanger to the back so your project can be hung on the wall. We did some bending to a paper clip and attached it with some duct tape and glued a piece of paper with a valentine message.

attach a hanger to the back of heart

Finally, glue your child’s picture to the front of your valentine heart. We glued a piece of red construction paper on first so our picture would have a nice border. Adding a heart shaped paper lace doily would look great too.

add your child's picture

Hope you enjoyed our recycle and creative project in the home care setting.

Please sign up to receive more fun project ideas.

Always for Happy Healthy Kids

Happy Valentines Day!

Ms. Dawn

Other stuff you may like to check out.

The Singing Nurse Music        Making Greeting Cards        Simple Picture Frame

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Dad, I’m a lot Like You

June 15, 2011 in Chronic Illness - Disabilities, God - Faith - Hope - Love, Nurturing the Child, TSN Therapeutic Projects, Uncategorized

All the Things You Like do, Yes Dad, I’m a Lot Like You

Go outside feel the sun on my face, I like feeling the wind blow my hair

Sit on the deck watch the birds fly by, squirrels in trees, they catch my eye

All the things you like to do, yes Dad, I’m a lot like you

Can’t go in a boat on a lake like you, but I love when you bring me a fish or two

I can’t skip stones or throw a stick, but I love the site of our dog chasing it

All the things you like to do, yes Dad, I’m a lot like you

I can’t walk but you carry me, to the tub or to the deck, Dad, I love your kisses on my neck

I know dad that you have deep thoughts, of things that could be, but now are not

All the things you like to do, yes Dad, I’m a lot like you

One fine day we’ll sit down and discuss, all the cares here and all the fuss

I’ll hug your neck, I’ll kiss you back, yes dad, we’ll look forward to that

All the things you like to do, yes Dad, I’m a lot like you

Love you Dad, Happy Father’s Day,

Kian

D.G. 6-7-11

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Walking Song Video Complete

August 20, 2010 in God - Faith - Hope - Love, News - Updates, The Singing Nurse Music, TSN Therapeutic Projects

Walking Song Video Complete-“I’m Gonna Walk Again” by Jenna and Ms. Dawn

“I wanna walk again, I’m gonna walk again, yes I am, I am,

well the doctor said I never would, but I am, but I am, but I am.”

Jenna and The Singing Nurse, Ms. Dawn, that’s me… have completed our walking song video. We wanted to create this video to encourage others and to educate people about the courage and struggles of those dealing with disabilities and rehabilitation.

PT, OT, ST, supportive parents, brothers, nurses, doctors, friends and family each have played an integral part in Jenna’s progress thus far. Little by little each person has nurtured hope in Jenna.

The dictionary describes progress as a forward or onward movement (as to an objective or to a goal) and in this journey, Jenna would be the first to thank all the people working with her who have encouraged her to keep trying. She especially appreciates her greatest cheerleaders, her parents, for their love and continued support towards her life and progress.

The dictionary describes hope as desire, with expectation of obtainment the end product. All of the encouragement Jenna receives and gives helps to extend and nurture the hope in others. Jenna is looking forward to the future and working to accomplish goals and fulfilling her purpose. Jenna wants to encourage others and asks that you share her videos with your friends who may be going through tough times too.

In Jenna’s videos she passionately reminds her viewers that “you are who you are with or without a wheelchair and that her faith in God sustains her with ‘every step she takes'”.

To read more click on:   About Jenna Jenna’s Story

If you have a question for Jenna, you can go to our contact page or

email us @ TheSingingNurse@gmail.com

 

 

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Global Health Songs: Songs for Life and Healthy Living!

May 19, 2009 in Children's Health Education, News - Updates, The Singing Nurse Music, TSN Therapeutic Projects

05/19/2009

————About Global Hafrican mom and childealth Songs

My last project is now complete. Three Rice students found my website while looking for health songs and contacted me about writing some songs for their Beyond Traditional Borders program, and “Global Health Songs, Songs for Life and Healthy Living” was born. They really enjoyed “Babies are Beautiful” and asked me to write some songs to go along with their reproductive health curriculum which encourages families to visit the local clinic where they can receive medical help and education. My hope is that “Global Health Songs” will be a vehicle to connect needy families with competent health care givers in their community.
The Song titles are:
1.“Won’t You Come to the Clinic”, a song with Latin beats encouraging families to come to the clinic where the doctor and nurse are there to help them.
2.“See Your Doctor Nurse and Friend”, a gentle Rap song encouraging families to visit the clinic where they can “see your doctor, nurse and friend, they can give you medicine.”
3. “Everyone is Healthy!”, is harmony filled acapella song that starts with fear of the health care providers and turns to reasons why “The Doctor helps your baby, the doctor helps your little child”. Josh enhances this tune with harmony and echos back in Spanish.
4. “Go to the Doctor”, with flutes and hand drums give this song a Native American feel which shares “go to the clinic, come to the clinic, everyone there is friendly and nice”. I think this one is my favorite.
5-8 are all the same songs sung acapella using simple rhythm instruments which provides examples to health care givers who may use the songs in remote villages with electricity unavailable.
Hope you enjoy and let your medical missionary friends hear.
God Bless, Ms Dawn, The Singing Nurse


Photo by Amelia/CAFOD 8/04

05/08/2009
Global Health Songs CD is complete.

Let me know if you are interested and I will get you the info about purchasing a copy for your health programs working in villages and small communities. Written to connect families and their health needs to competent health professionals. TheSingingNurse@gmail.com

Beth and kate04/18/2009
Rice student connection-Global Health Songs Underway!

I am very excited to be working on 4 songs for 3 Rice students, two of them pictured here. The songs will help to promote the health program the students are working on for Guatemala and Botswana. They are attending Rice University and involved in the program BeyondTraditionalBorders. I did some preproduction yesterday and like the way the songs are coming along. One of my music friends Josh, is going to help by adding some spanish words and vocals to the recordings.

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Writing walking song with disabled friend Jenna

March 19, 2009 in Chronic Illness - Disabilities, TSN Therapeutic Projects

Jenna answers questionsJenna is a very sweet 17 year old and a typical teen in every way.  Because of her many illnesses, surgeries and the loss of a younger brother, Jenna has developed a genuine compassion for others. Jenna ended up having scoliosis and while they were correcting the scoliosis, a tumor was dislodged which caused a partial stoke. Jenna is now a partial paraplegic and was told by the doctor that she would never walk again. Jenna has baffled many doctors and medical professionals over her life time which has added to her resolve to walk once more. To encourage this hope we wrote a song sharing her struggles and victories with a pinch of finger wagging in the face of those who might have unknowingly stolen her spark. The lyrics proclaim “I want to walk again, I’m gonna walk again, yes I am I am, well the doctors said I never would, but I am, but I am, but I am”.

**The Writing Process

Jenna has some learning disabilities so we took it slow, I had the chorus idea and showed it to Jenna, she loved it. I asked Jenna to give me some words that would describe her desire to walk, how she feels about being in a wheelchair, what are the difficulties of learning to walk and what has inspired her to keep trying. We took those words and went to the rhyming dictionary and found all the words that would help Jenna tell her story and wrote the lyrics together. I asked Jenna to give me a little melody that was different from the chorus and what we finally came up with was a collaboration of notes, musical ideas, fun times and hopes.

**The Recording Process/Media Project

My son, two young musician friends, guitar player husband and I are waiting for the final mix to be complete. It will be interesting to see how it all falls together. I have been doing some short video clips of Jenna working with her PT, OT, and our recording sessions. I am excited about the finished product, how it will encourage Jenna to keep climbing her mountain and how it might provide inspiration to other young people who have their own set of difficult circumstances.

We have a pipe dream of the Jonas Brothers(Jenna is ga ga over them) singing it at one of their shows and having Jenna and other young people with disabilities part of the production.

Some of the words

When I wear by braces,

I see the look on your faces

When I get up, it’s really tough,

The prize for me, is at the end

So I try and I try and I try again

Stay Tuned: If all works out, it will be available for viewing @ The Singing Nurse YouTube channel.

Anyone have any connections to the Jonas Brothers ?

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Jenna’s Story

February 28, 2009 in Chronic Illness - Disabilities, TSN Therapeutic Projects

02/28/2009 (updated in part Jan 2017)

Hope you all have endured the cold winter, I am sooo.. looking forward to the warmer weather. March is one of those iffy months where the temps and conditions outside can be unpredictable. Just to encourage you, the warmer weather is just around the corner.Jenna 12 days of Christmas and walking 014

I have known Jenna for about 14 years (update 18 yrs) and this young lady and her family have endure many set backs. I was Jenna’s nurse when she was 3 years old and she has had health issues all of her life. Jenna was born premature and over time the family discovered Jenna had other issues which have impacked them greatly. I don’t want to let too much out of the bag because I want her tell the story. She is full of faith and I know she will encourage you with her unbelievable zest for life. If you have any comments or would like to ask a question, put Jenna in the subject and send us an email to: TheSingingNurse@gmail.com

(When you listen & watch the “Walking Song Vid” You will find a lot of videos on YouTube where Jenna shares her story. ***Jenna went to be with the Lord in 2013, her family and friends will miss her greatly)

Check out Jenna’s videos @ www.YouTube.com/TheSingingNurse

How we wrote the song? Click below

Writing walking song with disabled friend Jenna

Ms. Dawn, The Singing Nurse

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