by DAVID BROWN | CLEARNFO.com | July 26, 2016

File this under productivity.

As a parent of four, I have always marveled at the potential my children represented. My youngest is now 17, but as a young parent, I thought of how I might best influence their successes and the enjoyment of their lives. My childhood successes and enjoyments sustained me through some difficult times and frightful events that were hidden in my future. So as an adult, I reflect on my childhood to draw on experiences that might help guide me to be a better parent. I realize that many of my youthful experiences might seem ordinary, but at the time had significant long-term impacts and benefits for me personally. Some of these experiences included my immersion in music, art and literature. I can never forget these wonderful times or how they have improved the enjoyment of my life ever since.

So when I posted a beautiful picture of the ‘Three Graces’ (below) on Facebook, I was pleasantly surprised to read Marty Lawrence’s response below my picture. Marty put words to my enjoyment of this great work through a simple, short poem; bringing me instantly back to some of the best memories of my cherished childhood. This is the power of poetry and the power of art.

The Three Graces

The three graces said thus
Come sing, dance with us.
By our beauty be charmed.
We bring joy, never harm.
Mirth, splendor, good cheer
Abound when we’re near.
Come sing, dance with us,
Come sing, dance with us.

–Marty Lawrence from ‘The Queens of Song’ © 2005

Now to continue this story, my wife was a full-time mom and all our children are mostly grown; but I still remember those very special moments when I would sing, play the guitar and read to them at bedtime.  These were very special times for me and for my kids.    I believe this had a positive impact on their lives.  I know it did on mine.   In today’s economy, where both parents work full-time, it can be difficult to find the time, energy and resources to spend time with our children on a regular basis. If major gaps creep into this quality time, we can grow apart, and lose that special connection and influence; so I was happy to discover Marty had put her considerable talents to good use: Marty put together some excellent resources that she originally created for her God Child, Willow.  Marty drew upon her creative background to assemble some fun tools parents can use now with their children.   I’m told that these resources have had a great impact on Willow and so I present some of them here for your enjoyment and consideration.

A few examples from Marty’s poARTry…

About Marty…

Martha (Marty) Lawrence was born in Dunmore, PA; she is one of seven children born to Dr. & Mrs. Salvatore Lawrence. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from Marywood University in Scranton, PA.

While living in Northeast PA, she was co-owner and artistic director for The Dance Ensemble, a small semi-professional dance company with dance schools located in Scranton and Moscow, PA.

Marty is the author of P&Q’s Colorful Journey through the Garden of Good Manners (music by Ron Baltz & illustrations by Cortney Tucker), and poARTry, a collection of children’s poems inspired by great works of art. Her supposition is: “The Arts introduce children to beauty and truth and it is the Arts which make us truly human.”

Currently she resides in Jacksonville, FL and works in human resources and payroll for Frito-Lay.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of either collection, Marty can be contacted via email: martylawrence@comcast.net