Meet Frippy Bird!

Today I’ll be talking about Frippy Bird, yet another one of Hampy’s friends! What Frippy stands for is something that is elusive, just when you think you have him, he flies away! He’s a bit of a mystery, you can never really catch him, and he’ll always remain elusive! He’s certainly a strange one isn’t he?

So can you think of any stories that Frippy Bird makes you think of? Stories of elusiveness, of things you can never really catch but are always chasing? I think a great symbol of Frippy in real life is the Northern Lights! You never know when or where they are going to appear, and some people put so much effort into trying to find and see them! They’re so amazing to see, and the chase is certainly worth what you see in the end! Here’s a picture, aren’t they amazing?

So what are your elusive stories? Did you manage to catch what was elusive in the end? Did it make you feel Hampy? Post them in the comments section below! I’m sure we can get some great stories! :D

A Day in The Kitchen With Hampy

Hi everyone! I had a small gathering with a few friends over the weekend and I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to make some of my favourite “comfort foods.” I love comfort food not only because it’s healthy, but also because it’s delicious! As an appetizer, I put together a Caesar salad made with Lo’s special dressing made with real ingredients. Following the salad, the main dish (which I think is the star dish!) was Mammie’s (Lo’s mom) meat tomato pasta casserole with yummy cheese oozy throughout the pasta and meat (you can add as much as you want). Ragfuss got a little treat as I put a little water with the drippings of the saucepan and poured it over his food. He went nuts! Lastly, a meal is never complete without dessert. I baked my very own banana loaf based on Lo’s sister Nelz’s recipe, which I served right out of the oven. It was moist and flavourful. With just a touch of butter, it was absolutely amazing! My guests were raving about the meal all night long and were begging for seconds! You can find the recipes of these dishes on my website, and you can even submit your very own recipes! Remember, sharing recipes is as fun as making them!! Hampy cooking! http://www.hampy.ca/hampy/hampyrecipecentral.html

Time Heals All?

There is an idea behind all hurt that time will heal the wounds and the pain will ease. However, is this true, or does it just help us move forward?

Holding onto pain from emotional hurt only harms yourself. Finding something positive to set your sights on prevents emotional suicide and damage to every other relationship in your life.

Time does heal the wounds which are created by these events, but it does leave behind a scar that allow us the opportunity to reflect on it, forgive where possible and move on with our lives, hoping the next event will be happier.

If someone dies the hurt does not become “easier” just livable. It is important, no matter how hard it is to move forward and value life. Death affects all of us, and no matter how hard we try it cannot be stopped. Time cannot heal the wounds caused by death, but it can give us the opportunity to honour and value the life that has been lost.

Time never stops for us. Bad things happen, we learn from them and we can teach from our experiences. Wisdom comes from mistakes, without mistakes we never learn.

Focus on something that makes you “Hampy” and take you mind away from what drags you down. Nobody says it is easy, but it can happen.

Hampty Grampty

A new character has been created for my author’s next book. His name is Hampty Grampty and symbolizes one of Lo’s former college professor. Her reason for calling him like this because of the first day she met him in her marketing 101 class, he advised the students that his nickname was “Humpty” (due to hair loss at a young age, which he had a great sense of humour about). The association “Grampty” is his newly found role as a grandfather, and no doubt “hampy” about that. A mastering of a mix on names. Lo wanted to pay tribute to this gentleman, named Brent in real life because he believed in her talents since she was 18, continued to give her encouragement, and truth be known, really wanted to see the character she created in that first year of marketing courses come to life. So now, with his belief and Lo’s determination to follow his advice; look at me, I became famous! Trust in people, like Hampty Grampty’s belief in Lo, is something amazing that can be really helpful, don’t you think?

I am glad that I will have a new comrade in the next books. Do you think we are going to be friends or do you think he will try to steal my thunder? Truth is, there is room for all characters in life. J And what did you think about the previous blog: “the importance of true friends”? I’d really like to hear from you.

Introducing Ragfuss!

Today I’ll be talking about Ragfuss, Hampy’s dog! Hampy and Ragfuss first met when Hampy moved to the countryside. Ragfuss showed up at Hampy’s door, and he was lost, cold and wet. Hampy took him in, and let him sleep in front of the fire.

While Ragfuss was asleep, Hampy prepared a meal for both of them. He enjoyed the company of a Ragfuss. From that day, the two were great friends, and they spend a lot of time together! The great thing about Ragfuss is he’s really loyal. He’s a reflection of all the dogs that the author has had; he’s loving, kind, and as I said, loyal!

So, what do you think of Ragfuss, and his friendship with Hampy? Wasn’t Hampy really nice to take him in while he was in need? It’s great to hear such heart-warming stories like these; they really make you feel Hampy! Have you got any similar stories from your life, which you’d like to share? Post them below in the comments section, and maybe we can all help make each other feel a bit more Hampy! 

Hampy Halloween!

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween and got lots of candy! I sure did! I had to hide my bag or else Ragfuss would have gotten to it and there wouldn’t have been anymore left! This year I had a difficult time deciding what to dress up as. I had silly ideas such as a turtle, a bumblebee, a prince and even Harry Potter! But a few days before Halloween, The Wizard of Oz was playing on the television and I really enjoyed the song “If Only I had a Brain,” sung by Scarecrow; it was really catchy! In that instant, I knew what I wanted to be, Scarecrow! Check out the picture below of me in my costume! It was nice to know that in the end, he is given a brain and is considered a very sharp individual. He is even appointed to be the kin of the Wizard’s place. He is an inspiration to others that anything can happen. People shouldn’t underestimate you because of the way look or your intelligence. Everyone is unique, each in his or her own way!

Publication of Hampy book

Hey, guess what?

My author just published a book about me! It is called: “Hampy” and cost only 20$. Some of my adventures are described in it and you can learn more about me, my dog Ragfuss and Frippy bird. The book is dedicated to children between 6 and 8 but grownups can also appreciate it since the message is for any age! There are also two more coming in 2011!

Laurie and her followers are starting to make me become a celebrity!I am on Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, and many more sites, where I actually am the moderator and share thoughts and ideas about how to make this world a “Hampier” place. I’m so hoping she will bring me to the Montreal book show in the next years. Montreal is my birth place. In developing the awareness of my book “Hampy, Introducing Hampy” through social network, word of mouth, or events with the presence of the author, I could easily become as famous as “Boule et Bill”, or even Barney.

But in your opinion, which methodcould be the best solution to sell the books? Do you think Amazon.com could be a good way? Should Laurie (also known as Lo in the comic strips where I get to converse with her and also ask her for what I like) follow the traditional route of finding a publisher? So far she’s been doing it herself and I think that is really cool. She told me she learned a lot from this process. But the more help you can give her, the better. Lo believes in mentors and feedback. So, your thoughts?

Animation Today

While man's greed for bigger faster and stronger continues to fuel, technology has left our pasts to seem even more historical.

Technological advancements have a strong effect on perception and production. What seemed so real yesterday on our TV screens, can seem quite ridiculous today. Even our TV screens yesterday seem quite ridiculous in design today. So how can one tell an old story using modern day instruments? The faster our advancements are, the more challenging it becomes to revert to an older setting.

Animators try to manipulate shapes to make them seem as realistic as possible. The standard for animation productions today for kids, has become 3D. Children are not exposed to the same type of drawings we are. Although when we see older cartoons or movies they seem outdated to us, for kids that might not be the same. Their perception to media is not as experienced as ours.

It is essential to help children extend their media perception in order to understand the differences in quality, image, and use of each form of media.

Hampy tries to delivery an old school representation of the children's book through the eyes and fingertips of an extraordinary woman would like to share her experiences with us.

The drawings represent true manual art form, and help aid the authenticity of this production.

We look forward to future additions and hope many parents can see how important this book can be to help their children broaden their imagination.

Trust yourself!

If you are like Hampy, you dont like like talking in front of people... Why? Because you do not trust yourself enough. Then you have to be more self confident! Here are several types that can help you to improve this:

1/ Do not avoid people eyes! You have to look at them in the eyes. Communication is not only verbal!

2/ Try to make a profit with your fear! If you are nervous, do not panic and stay in a corner. Use it to go to talk with people, to move, to laugh. Recycle your fear!

3/Link with others. Talk with people, even if it seems hard for you, go ahead. Everyone is nervous when they have to talk with someone they dont know!

4/Dare. Dare doing things that seem impossible for you. Discover new places, have some new experiences, and you will become more able to adapt in unknown situations!

5/ Do not imitate others. You are unique, look for your own way of expressing.

6/”I am the best”, say to yourself that you are the best, that you CAN do it. Even if the positive thought do not always give results, it does not cost you anything to try.

7/ Affirm yourself. Yes, speaking low is not a sign of self-confidence. But it helps to affirm yourself. And it’s certainly more efficient than talking with your hand in front of your mouth.

8/ Stop trying to reach impossible objectives. Your lack of self confidents might come from your feeling of failure. Be realistic, cut your objectives into several small parts, it will help you to reach your goal, and be reasonable.

9/ Use your mistakes. We all make mistakes because we all are not perfect. Try to use your mistakes to move forward.While doing this, you can improve.

10/ Do sport. and try to engage people who are at the same level as you. You will enjoy the taste of victory!

Good luck to everyone guys, it is not always an easy path to find ourselves!

My Vacation!

As you all may already know, I was on vacation, traveling around and exploring! I wanted to share with you all my time at Niagara Falls. It was my first time visiting the place and it was amazing! The view of the horse-shaped falls was quite a sight from the ledge up high, but it was a beauty from below as I took a trip on the Maid of The Mist boat. I got drenched, but luckily Ragfuss wasn’t there; he wouldn’t have liked getting wet. I roamed on the street busy with attractions. I went into the Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars, The Fun House, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum. I ended the day at the Fallsview Dining Room where I enjoyed a plate of herb linguini and to top the night off, I enjoyed a slice of warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream! I stayed the night at the Sheraton on The Falls and I had the most stunning view! The bed was very comfortable and I had the best sleep in a very long time. I didn’t want to leave, but I had to come back home to Ragfuss. I missed him very much.

The Importance of True Friends

What defines a “true friend” for you? Could it be the person you trust and rely on? The person who makes you laugh, that it hurts? Or is it the one person you can confide in?
When we were young our friendships were built on fun and games, but as we get older our friendships build a sense of self worth and trust between others. Our social skills and sensitivity are built on by our friendships.
No matter what a true friend means to you they help you in many different ways, and in a manner which you may not realise. True friends have that little extra that makes them the person you choose. Never judged, never questioned and they are helping hand through life.

“A true friend is a lifetime companionship, close or far away, that when you are with them, for the majority of the time they bring a smile to your face....they make you Hampy...they are the helping hands through life!” –Laurie Campbell

Who is Hampy?

Today I’m going to be introducing the main character of the Hampy book series, unsurprisingly called Hampy! Hampy’s name is Hampy because he has a hump on his back, but he doesn’t let it get him down; he’s happy all the time!

Hampy is very special; in fact he’s got a gift for making other people happy. He always uses this gift in selfless ways, because just seeing other people being happy makes him happy! As you’ll see if you read his books, Hampy helps people such as a rebellious girl, and another girl whose parents are divorcing. In each book he touches the heart of the people he interacts with, making them feel happy.

In his adventures, Hampy is followed by his friends, including his dog Ragfuss, and Frippy Bird. We’ll talk about them in future blogs, so stay tuned! He also interacts with Laurie, his creator, who we heard about in the previous blog.

So how does Hampy sound to you? Post some comments below, maybe talking about a “Hampy” who makes others happy! Want to know more about Hampy? He’s even got his own facebook, twitter, and website!

· Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hampy/369606011139

· Twitter:

http://twitter.com/Hampycanada

· Website:

http://www.hampy.ca/hampy.html

So feel free to visit, these sites are great places to keep happy! And let’s face it; life is too short to be anything but Hampy. J

Informations about my author

Hi guys,

I’m sorry, it’s been a while that I’ve not written anything but I’ve been away to investigate the world and the people in it, it was amazing!

This morning, I realized that I’ve never talked to you about my creator: Laurie. She is a wonderful woman who designed me when she was only 18. She is really dynamic and thinks about me all the time. She even told me that I’m a passion for her… isn’t that great?

What are you passionate about?

I love animals, particularly my dog Ragfuss, he is so funny, and Frippy bird is hilarious because I finally found him in my comic strip after a lot of looking. Laurie (I call her Lo or Laurz) finally felt bad that I was so intrigued and searched so much for this mystery bird, that she introduced me to him in a comic strip (you can comic strip story at www.hampy.ca/hampy.html) . Frippy comes and goes, free as we as humans would love to be all the time. I believe freedom comes by following that passion you have and to turn it into reality. Agree? I won’t be offended if you disagree, but please post why.

In your opinion, what kind of pedigree is my dog? Nobody finds out, maybe you will!

What does handwriting say about you?

I'm Hampy's creator and I was amazed when I looked back when I was writing about Hampy and who he was at the beginning of the book how the words were written. Now, if I were to write those same lines they would be so different in shape and form. As a grapho-therapist now (handwriting analysis and how to help you change your handwriting to change your life an attitude), I find this fascinating that Hampy started on that first page with the classic signs of low self esteem. Stay tuned for his writing now!! And what characteristics of the above writing show the low self-esteeem and other characteristics!

It's Nice to Help

Yesterday I went to the old brewery mission with my school there were so many hungry people. It makes you wonder how they got there I the first place. What happened that they ended up on the street with nowhere to go and nothing to eat? I wish that there was something I could do about it. Some way I could help them. I guess this is the way to do it.

Why don’t more people volunteer and help their community?

Let me know what you think

Some people think I'm timid...

Some people think I'm timid, however I prefer to use the term tranquil.

It is definitely not something that should be taken advantage of. In fact, it's probably not a bad thing at all: let me explain. 

I will never be that HIGH pressure used car salesman nor that insurance guy that will instill fears beyond your imagination. 

But sometimes people make fun of me. Bullying. It can happen...to anyone! Don't feel ashamed. SPEAK OUT. Tell a friend, a family member, a teacher, etc. 

...and remember, if your bully feels such a need to put you down, they are probably not all that self-confident themselves. 

 

For more information on what constitutes bullying, read it's description here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullying 

It can be something SO minuscule, that you might even overlook it as bullying. 

So let me ask you.. what is bullying?

MORE STRESS TIPS!

Lo was talking to me the other day about her days in school. She thought they were totally stressful, but then she got into the real world. She realized that all this is a test for what you have to deal with when you get out there.

Study & Stress Tips

Lo has nightmares to this day about not showing up for class or exams. Strange thing is she did great in school. She showed up and got good grades. It's just a symptom of stress of doing well. She was a procrastinator to some degree, and even spent nights talking into her tape recorder and then playing the tape all night before an exam. She aced it every time. But before she did go to sleep she listened to her music that made her happy. Then she slept with her headphones on with all her study notes and hoped for the best. Crazy thing is it worked.

Anxiety

Lo has been suffering from anxiety attacks lately from her studies in handwriting analysis and also her having to close a business. Counseling is one option, but her choice is to go to her mentors and ask them what they would do? Mentors are awesome. They are what you need if you want to start a new business, or even if you get a job. They guide you because they already know. Like Brent for Lo. He's always been there for her, as has Alan, and many others. Lo just goes to them and asks "what now?". Sometimes they have the answers, sometimes not, but they're always funny and make you laugh, and laughter is the best medicine. It is the sunshine in our life, it is magical.

SCHOOL STRESS & ANXIETY

Seeing as how the semester is coming to an end for many of you students I thought it would be appropriate to discuss stress and anxiety. School can become very stressful, especially towards the end of the semester when everything feels like it’s inconveniently due at the same time.

I myself have experience major anxiety during exam period. Thankfully I got help for my anxiety and would like to share some tips for recognizing anxiety, ways to deal with stress and most importantly deal with everything as calmly as possible.

STUDY & STRESS TIPS

A great way to deal with the schoolwork and stress piling up is ORGANIZATION. Check out your course outlines early in the semester and write everything down in your agenda (often offered for FREE by your school). This way you will be able to stay up to date with upcoming due dates.

Another tip is making a STUDY SCHEDULE, time allocation is important especially when you have a bunch of chapters, assignments and papers to do for more than on class. Creating a study schedule will allow you to manage your time and even include a relaxing lazy day where you can sleep in, go for a walk and just focus on yourself.

ANXIETY

Recognizing the difference between nerves and anxiety can be crucial to your academic career and most importantly you grades. As a student I experienced major exam anxiety and would often black out during exams even though I was totally prepared! This happens to a number of people and thanks to a counseling department at my school I was able to recognize this and get help with stress coping skills. Don’t be ashamed of feeling so nervous that you cannot perform at your best. Your school, colleagues and professors are there to help you. Here are some stress coping methods I received;

1. Before entering your exam, picture yourself sitting in the examination room (try visiting the room before hand so that you can accurately do this).
2. When anxiety starts and you feel that tightness in your chest, heart palpitations, etc. focus on regulating your breathing. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold for a few seconds and exhale through your mouth. Continue this process until you’ve regulated your breathing.
3. Once you are in your exam, when you get to a question you don’t understand MOVE ON and go back to it later. Its best to focus your energy on questions you are most prepared for. Once those are completed, go back to the questions you weren’t sure about.

I hope these tips were helpful! Everyone handles stress differently, if you feel you are experiencing anxiety that is keeping you from performing your best seek out help from a counselor at school.

Sometimes it’s important to be reminded to BREATH!

Depressed?

We all have our moments when life doesn’t go the way we want it to go. But there always is a way out and it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Go to close friends and to those who mean a lot to you such as family. Seek a listening ear and talk your heart out. But most importantly, laugh. It is in laughter that you forget your fears and worries. Laughter and more laughter has helped so much people go through pain and struggle. It cures faster and more effectively than medicine.

Here is a list of shows to get some laughs:

· Shrek

· Ace Ventura

· The Simpsons

· Friends

· Meet the Parents

· The Jerk

· Seinfeld

· For a quick laugh check my YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/user/WhoIsHampy

What is your own list?

Procrastination

It's one of the hardest things to get away from.

There are so many things to do, so many people to see.. sometimes it's hard to buckle down and work when, oh, I don't know.. Ragfuss wants to go explore a forest! That is so much more fun than writing an essay or doing math problems.

But where does that lead us? Procrastination city.
Putting things off until the last minute can be a dangerous thing. I've been getting behind on this blog, for example, which makes me get behind on everything. It's like quicksand.

How about you? Have you ever felt like it was hard to keep up? Or like you were just too lazy to do something, and kept putting it off until it was too late?

Answer today, not tomorrow.

St. Patty's day... Oh boy...

I hate the morning after the St. Patrick's day parade. I woke up this morning and couldn't really remember what happened the night before. I remember it was fun though... Ragfuss was still passed out on the floor and doesn't want to talk about it. At least we got a lift home from Frippy bird, he's such a good friend. I love the parade but sometimes it's too much for me.

Any cool stories to share?

Setting Goals!

Very few realize the importance of setting goals in life. You see, not setting a goal is like traveling to some new place with no map or directions. With no kind of idea of where you’re going, you’ll end up traveling in circles round and round and round getting nowhere close to the destination.

What are your wildest dreams? What car do you want? What kind of house? Job? Family?

So set goals, chase them, and see what happens! Your life is going to change and revolve around your dreams. Dream big! And remember to always be h-a-m-p-y! And don’t worry about regrets or failures... I’ve had failures before. But by sticking to my goals, along with a positive attitude and an incomprehensible love towards people, I’ve had quite a journey in life!

Let's Talk About Sex

When you find that special someone and feel it’s time to take your relationship to the next level it is important that you are properly informed about SAFE SEX. I can’t lecture you about when you should be having sex but I can give you sound advice about practicing safe sex.

There are a number of birth contraceptives on the market; condoms, the pill, the morning after pill. These are at your disposal should you feel the time is right for you and your partner to have sex. It is important to stress that lack of proper protection can lead to unpleasant situations (to say the least) such as STI (sexually transmitted infection, HIV/AIDS, unplanned pregnancy). The decisions you make now will be with your for the rest of your life, so why not make the best decision for all parties involved and protect yourself and your partner!

Your school or local clinic are accessible to you should you need more information.

Remember that your well-being is a priority! So when you feel the time is right, protect yourself.

Does anyone have any additional advice for someone considering having sex for the first time?

The smoke that was... i think?

This morning, I slightly humiliated myself...and potentially exponentially compared to any other day. 

I could have sworn it was fire! In fact, I still don't doubt that there was a spark... 

I'm talking about when I screamed FIRE, in a busy bus going downtown. 

Yes, I may have been still half asleep or perhaps my sense of smell is hyperactive, but it was SO strong. 

Turns out, the gentleman sitting next to me was the culprit and the source of my cheeks turning many shades of red in front of a lot of strangers. 

Doubt he ever received a reaction like that before to the fact that his clothes were enwrapped in an alarmingly strong smoke odor.

Besides the obvious health risks, has anyone else struggled or witnessed first hand.. like me, the downfalls of smoking? 

I've already found some interesting stories: http://stopsmokingblog.blogspot.com/ 

Better Apart?

An old friend from school called me up last night. She seemed so upset, so I asked her what was wrong.
Her parents got a divorce.
I can't even imagine how difficult this must be for her! Her family seemed to be so perfect.
I guess sometimes we need to put on a happy face to get through certain situations. Turns out relationships can be more complicated than I ever imagined.
But the most important thing is happiness, and that is what she said. She thinks her parents will be happier people if they are apart, and I can understand that.

Have you ever experienced, or know someone who has experienced divorce?
How did they get through it?