Archive for April 2011

Even Princesses Get Bullied

At a time when there is an extreme amount of focus on Kate Middleton’s gorgeous dress and impeccable style, here is what I most admire about the new princess: Kate Middleton is a very vocal proponent of bullying prevention.  The now-celebrated, confidant young princess was bullied as a child.  Universally, middle school is when bullying... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 29, 2011 at 4:31 pm • 

A Little Bit Christian for Easter

I was wondering when Katie would begin ask.  About twice a year, specifically right before Christmas and right before Easter, she starts dropping hints that she should honor her birth religion.  Yes, we are Jewish, and Katie’s birth mother is Christian.  For those of you who are new readers to Portrait of an Adoption, here... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 24, 2011 at 7:26 am • 

My Favorite Giant by Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca)

Peter Mayhew, the actor who played lovable Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy, has written a new anti-bullying book for children.  Beautifully illustrated by artist Terry Naughton, the story is told through a frank conversation between Katie Johnson and Peter Mayhew.  Who was Katie Johnson?Katie Johnson was a little girl who loved Star Wars. ... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 22, 2011 at 5:30 pm • 
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When Children's Books and Movies Misrepresent Adoption

On Friday night, I climbed into bed next to Katie for story time.  Although she’s a big kid who enjoys reading chapter books to herself, Katie still loves being read to at night.   We are currently making our way through Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. The book is told from the point... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 18, 2011 at 9:35 pm • 

They're Almost All Home

As of today 59 of the 64 families adopting from Nepal have received visas for their children. The majority are home in the U.S., while the others finalize the paperwork. The first families that I met while in Nepal are all home safe and sound. The moms and dads are figuring out the dynamics of... Read more »
By Powerofone,
April 15, 2011 at 8:34 pm • 

Tangled Up In Tangled

Tangled Up In Tangled
If you haven’t seen Disney’s newest movie, Tangled, here is a brief synopsis, followed by my thoughts as an adoptive mother and a woman.  The story is about Rapunzel (but it is not called Rapunzel because many boys would immediately refuse to see a movie that is so obviously about a princess; instead, the name... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 11, 2011 at 10:06 pm • 
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Star Wars and Bullying: The Makings of an Educational Film

Star Wars and Bullying: The Makings of an Educational Film
For several months, I have been in talks with the folks at [Motivational Productions](http://www.motivationalpro.org/about.htm), a Texas-based company that is the largest producer of Character Education videos in the U.S. They are in the process of shooting a new video called Stand Together about bullying prevention, and the video will be seen by school children across... Read more »
By Carrie Goldman,
April 6, 2011 at 10:14 pm •