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Dear Friend,
School's out, summer's almost here, life is
great, but... You've got a problem. It's a great
problem to have, but it still challenges you. You've got a kid
who's not so easily entertained. You've got a kid who asks
the big questions, like "Mommy, are we really on a planet
flying through space at 67,000 miles per hour?" Well, ahm,
let me check... Hmm... yes, I believe that we are...
It's not easy keeping up with them, is it?
You want to keep them busy but not just "babysat". You
want them to be truly engaged and
interested in what they are doing.
I've got a kid like that too. Heck,
I'm basically still a kid like that! Which is why I invented
the Magical Educational Fun™ system of play.
No more ordinary, boring toys and games. No more bored
kids. Based on 4 core values of Creativity,
Consciousness, Invention, and Exploration, Magical Educational Fun
toys and games are selected with your kid in mind.
To help you get the most use out of the system, you'll get
5 emails with 5 special offers in the
coming weeks. In the first we'll ask you to provide us some
information on how we're doing and what you'd like to see
done differently. In the next 4 we introduce the 4 core values of
this system, and provide you with specific ideas about how to help
your child develop in that arena. Each email will
contain an offer that is available only to you as a newsletter
subscriber.
If you've been over to www.playfairtoys.com lately, you
might think I've gone crazy. The new look's just a little
bit - out there - isn't it? What's with the made
up words in the masthead? What are we up to? Well,
I apologize, but I just don't think that staying in the bounds
of spelling and grammar is as important as giving kids every
possible opportunity to develop their creativity and
talents. But not just any kids. Kids whose imaginations
are huge. Kids who push the limits of your ability to keep them
interested. Kids with talents and gifts. You know who I mean -
your kids!
I'm really excited about this chance to share the Magical
Educational Fun™ system with you. I hope you love the special
offers we have coming your way. I'm so glad you don't have
to just be satisfied with ordinary toys and games any longer. This
month's feature article is about my own child, about how he
revealed his extraordinary gift as a naturalist to me when he was
just a baby. I hope you like hearing about it.
PS - don't miss the end of this message! It has a very
special offer.
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A Toddler Reveals a Profound Gift |
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It's a summer night in our old farmhouse,
smack on the 40th parallel where Boulder meets the
prairie. My son, not yet 2, sits in his high chair. He is still,
his eyes open but elsewhere. I call his name to get his attention,
somewhat alarmed when I got no response. Waving my hand in front of
his face elicits no immediate response. His head finally turns and
he looks at me, big blue eyes wondering what the fuss is all about,
chubby toddler cheeks aglow with wonder. Are you OK? What were
you doing? I ask.
I was listening for the Great Horned
Owl, he replied in his tiny, high voice. I may win
the prize for only mother in the world with an owl-fascinated
toddler, but I know that you also have at least one child in your
life who astounds you at times.
We could all write a book about the wonder of
our children, about the astounding moments when they revealed their
various gifts to us. You have or know children with gifts and
potential as deep as the ocean and as individual as each
one.
As my business involves hanging around a toy
store, I meet talented children who astound me in various ways
every day. A recent joy was the preschooler who came in with his
mom looking for an oryx, his mother clearly humoring him -
"Sure honey, we'll ask…" - what fun to see the
look on her face as I found one for them. The child, of course,
never doubted. We do claim, after all, to be a magical toy
store.
But it's not just PlayFair Toys that's
magical. It's you! You have gifts, talents, and dreams that go
far beyond the ordinary. The Great Horned Owl is a profound symbol
in many cultures. It is believed to be a messenger of change, and
to have the power to hear things not present to the ear but having
objective reality. So how fascinating that my toddler was listening
to hear what it had to say, things I had forgotten to even listen
for.
I don't have any special hearing or knowing
power - so I have to ask you directly what it is that matters most
to you. My job right now is to listen - to listen to the wise owl
in my life - you. I want to hear what you think, what you hope for,
what you are looking for, and what change you'd like to see
happen.
Thank you being a part of our circle and for letting me share my
memory of my son's toddlerhood. I promised to tell you how that
moment changed by life. It made me realize that being a
parent was going to take me places I'd never imagined, and that
I was going to have to work hard to keep up with a child who was
clearly extraordinary. Trying to do that has been a
constant joy and a challenge, all at the same time. The adorable
toddler has become a handsome young man. He's about to embark
on his third National Outdoor Leadership School course.
That makes my mama heart very, very proud. He may be almost 6'
tall, but he'll always be my baby.
It is an honor to work with you - someone else who wants their
child to have every opportunity, every possible advantage to be a
success. I'm here to help you in that endeavor. Here's to
you and your family in summer 2009 - to making memories, having
fun, developing talents, and to listening.
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The Personal Corner |
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One goodbye and one congratulations
There was a big change at PlayFair this month as our manager of
the last 3 years, Sol Benson, took a temporary leave that she
decided should become permanent. She is very very busy getting lots
of rest and working with dance and movement, her true loves. She is
very missed, but we all wish her well as she develops her true
passion.
Congratulations to Alison Paddock of Loveland who won a $200
gift card in the May sale drawing. We promise more chances to win
for all of you.
As a matter of fact, here's a chance right here...
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Challenge! |
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Write Down a Memory
Would you like some free toys? Write me a childhood memory that
I'm allowed to share on my blog (http://sciencetoys.blogspot.com).
I'll identify you by first name only. The memory can be from
your own childhood, or it can be something about your child,
grandchild, niece, nephew, student, or other child in your life. If
I get at least 10 responses, I'll randomly pick one to win a
$10 gift certificate good at PlayFair Toys. If I get at least 100
responses, then the certificate will be for $100. So tell your
friends! The more who enter, the more chances to win. To enter,
just email me the memory that you
want to share.
Don't wait! Writing down a memory helps you experience it
again, brings it back into focus. Well, and there's the $100
you might win! I'll accept entries up through midnight on June
28th. Why not dash off a quick email to me
right now, before you forget and lose a chance to win $100?
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In Conclusion...
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Don't forget to keep your eyes open
for the series of emails I'll be sending you. I hope they bring
you value. Most importantly, I hope they make good on their promise
- to give your child an advantage. And to be 100% truthful, like
all email writers, I hope you read them all! I know how busy you
are, how many different things pull at you, demanding your precious
time and attention. So I'm going to offer a little
extra incentive.
Respond to all 5 emails, and I'll
send you a FREE copy of  Memories of a Lifetime: How to Collect
and Share Your Personal and Family Experiences. This journal
will help you discover, create, and chronicle your family history,
reawaken memories long dormant, and remember important family
stories to be shared for generations. It sells for $14.95, but what
you create with it will be priceless to your children and
grandchildren.
Each email will have a response box
asking you to answer 2-3 questions. Answer those questions and
you're on your way to receiving your FREE GIFT that will help
you cherish and save your memories.
I value you and hope you feel the same way about
PlayFair Toys. If you do, please
forward this email to a friend who
might enjoy knowing what's happening at PlayFair. I
really appreciate you and your support!
Sincerely,
Marilyn Walker, Owner
PlayFair Toys
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PlayFairToys.com will gift wrap your toys for free!