Inspired to Create a Poster

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart

“Inspired to Create a Poster,” by Linda Martin Andersen

Today, I read a note that inspired me to create a poster.  What has inspired you today?

 

 

 

Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

 

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

V is for Violets, Van, and Vending Machine

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “V is for Violets, Van, and Vending Machine” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

V is for Violets

http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-African-Violets

My maternal grandmother lived in my home for a few months while waiting for a retirement complex to be completed.  She tended to her African violets in a front window of my home.  I admired her ability to keep her violets looking lovely.  When she moved, she gave me a violet stand and a couple of violets. I never was able to keep the plants looking as good as she did.  The violet stand now sits with potted silk violets in full bloom all year long.  They look so real, people often touch them.

How about you?  Can you keep African violets happy?  Are there plants you do have a knack for growing?  Do you enjoy looking for wild violets in meadows?  I do!

V is for Van

I recently began following a blog called “Van by the River.”  Here’s a post about Scrubbing Your Face that includes a video of an orangutan at a Tokyo zoo.  I think you’ll enjoy it.

https://vanbytheriver.wordpress.com/2016/04/15/the-scrubbed-face/

My husband and I have owned two vans in our adult years which we enjoyed driving on trips.  The first one was a used Carolina Telephone Company van that my husband and I had customized and drove to Disney World.  Joining us were my parents, my two sisters, and our two children.   The second van was a Chevy Astro which my husband, two children, my mom, and I drove to California and back.  Great memories from both trips in our vans.  Just so you know, the photo below was not one of our vans, but it looks like a fun ride.

Would you call this a Hippie van?  What were some of the slogans painted on a Hippie van?  Research to learn more.

Has your family ever owned a van?  An SUV?  Tell about a long car trip.

V is for Vending Machine

Have you ever purchased a snack from a vending machine?  Who hasn’t, right?  What is one of your favorite snacks from there?  Have you ever had to make a vending machine snack substitute for a meal?  Have you heard a pack of nabs or peanut butter crackers called a square meal?  What does that mean to you?  What does your eye search for when you have money in hand and are standing before a vending machine? Have you ever lost money in one?  Have you ever taped a note on the machine stating that you lost money?  Did you ever get it back?  In what locations are you most likely to find vending machines?  Tell about an experience buying something from one.

When a family member is in the hospital, I may raid the vending machine, especially when the cafeteria is closed.  I often pack a lunch when I plan to stay all day.  Have you ever done that when someone you know is in the hospital?

What “V” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

T is for Tractor, Turkey, and Thinking on Your Feet

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “T is for Tractor, Turkey, and Thinking on Your Feet” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

T is for Tractor

Every fall, our family has an annual hayride held on farm property surrounding our home.  Our son drives his tractor that pulls a trailer lined with straw and filled with children’s laughter.  I have blogged about our hayride here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/our-annual-hayride-a-fall-family-tradition/

 

 T is for Turkey

Yesterday, I was considering what “T” words to spotlight when two wild turkeys crossed our backyard.  I wasn’t able to photograph them, but one thing I have learned to do is to credit great photographers when I meet them.  Check out Tim and Mary Livingston’s art and photos of turkeys.  You’ll love their blogs too.

https://theforesterartist.com/2015/03/20/get-your-strut-on-its-spring/

https://theforesterartist.com/2013/11/28/make-yourself-at-home-i-made-turkey/

Sneaking Bliss Blog with Mary A. Livingston:

Turkeys–

https://sneakingbliss.com/2015/11/26/whimsday-bliss-turkey-dinner-old-school-3/

And bears–

https://sneakingbliss.com/2015/07/31/guess-whos-coming-to-dinner/

T is for Thinking on Your Feet

Feet by Linda Martin Andersen. Copyright 2016

http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/think+on+feet

I am not the most mechanically minded one in the family by any stretch of the imagination, but I take comfort in being able to think on my feet some times.  It feels good to be able to solve something when you haven’t plotted and planned in advance.  My reaction:  “I want to scream and shout and let it all out”– Scream and Shout  by Will.i.am and Brittney Spears:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYtGl1dX5qI

Name a time when you were quick at thinking on your feet.   How did you react?  Internally?  Externally?

Thanks for playing along!

What “T” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

Q is for Question Marks, Quilts, and Quests

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “Q is for Question Marks, Quilts, and Quests” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Q is for Question Marks–and with that comes lots of questions

Some Q & A activities, just for fun…

• Walk around your house with a question in mind.  Can you answer the question before your walk is complete?  For example:  What items in my house or yard begin with the letter “Q?”  I thought of quarter, quilt, and flowering quince.
• In what class or classes at school would you expect to see a lot of question marks?  Give an example.
• What written language uses inverted question marks?  How did you find the answer to this question?
• What animal(s) is sometimes described as having a curly Q tail?
• What is a good study skill habit that centers around questions when reading nonfiction?
• What “W” questions and one “H” question are good to ask when writing a story?
• Do you ever question your ability to do something?  What helps you build your confidence in situations like this?

Q is for Quilts

Years ago, I bought a quilt rack to display some of my oldest quilts.  Another special one was a gift from my mother-in-law.  Nice gift.  I also have commercially made quilts.  (See the photos below).    On our first Christmas as a married couple, my husband gave me a handmade quilt.  I was so excited.  I received a baby quilt for one son when he was born. The other son received a crocheted blanket.  I have featured a quilted apron at this blog.  You would think with this love of quilts and handmade things that I would quilt, but I don’t.  I’d rather admire someone else’s handiwork.  How about you?

 

Commercial quilt–larger view. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

Q is for Quests

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/quest

I used to work as a school counselor in elementary schools.  When I taught classroom guidance, I often used a resource called  “Lions Quest Skills for Growing.”  Years later, I met a former student who told me he remembered me coming to his class and teaching lessons, and he remembered getting to hug Quinton the Bear–Q Bear, the program’s mascot.  He went on to say I was one of his favorite teachers.  It didn’t hurt that he got to hug Q Bear too. 😉

What are you on a quest for?

What “Q” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

P is for Pinwheels, Pillows, and Painted Cows

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “P is for Pinwheels, Pillows, and Painted Cows” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

P is for Pinwheels

Pinwheel in my yard. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

In April, pinwheels are seen about town for Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Learn more here:

http://www.pinwheelsforprevention.org/learn_more/

https://youtu.be/NhjJD32ida8

P is for Pillows

Posted with permission by Katherine Scraper.  This post tells how a nursery theme inspired a customized gift.

https://pillowsalamode.wordpress.com/2016/04/03/elephants/

P is for Painted Cows

Meet A. Cow, an exhibit for the Cow Parade, a charity event for children’s hospitals. Photo– Fayetteville, NC, home of the Airborne. Copyright 2012 Linda Andersen.

 

A fellow blogger, Carol Campbell–writersdream9  shared the post below featuring painted cows.  I hope you enjoy them too.

https://writersdream9.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/peace-with-allflash-fiction/#comment-13875

What “P” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

C is for Cotton, Concentrator, and Christmas Card Bowl

 

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “C is for Cotton, Concentrators, and Christmas Card Bowl” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

An ABC Find:

First Presbyterian Church. Copyright 2012. Linda Martin Andersen

Yesterday, I discovered an ABC Find.  While driving, I turned from  Ann Street onto Bow Street, where our church sits on the corner. I like that the word “church” completed the ABC find.  I never noticed this ABC Find until participating in the 2016 A-Z Blog Challenge;  yet I’ve passed by these street signs all my life.

C is for Cotton

 I live near cotton fields.  I tease that it’s as close to snow-covered fields as southerners usually get.  Squint and see if you can imagine snow.

Riddle:  What do you call a cotton-picking good friend?

Answer: A cotton harvester.

Fall 2012. Close up. Copyright Linda Andersen

Fall 2012. Copyright Linda Andersen

 

C is for Concentrator

  Two of my family members now require oxygen and concentrators provide it for home use.  This model comes with a top attachment that refills small portable cylinders, often referred to as tanks.  “E” cylinders, larger ones, are most often delivered by medical suppliers.  Patients place these on carts for portable use.  Smaller tanks are sometimes carried on the patient’s shoulder.  Do you know anyone who requires supplemental oxygen?  I’m thankful concentrators are a medical option available for patients who want to remain in their homes.

C is for Christmas Card Bowl

Years ago, when shopping in an antique/vintage shop, I spotted some reduced Christmas merchandise.  I fell in love with a set of bowls made from Christmas cards and stitched together.  Have you ever recycled cards?  What did you make?

Christmas Card Bowls. Copyright 2015. Linda Martin Andersen

What “C” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

B is Butterbeans, Bonfires, and Buttons

  

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “B is For Butterbeans, Bonfires, and Buttons” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

B is for Butterbeans–five bushels of butterbeans

 

Last summer, Amy Ludwig VanDerwater asked for volunteers to submit Summer Notebook Projects for Kids and I contributed my springboard activity.  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2015/05/27/try-this-look-for-a-springboard/

I don’t know if she’ll repeat the notebook project, but you can contact her to see.  Amy has a new poetry book out called Every Day Birds.  Check it out and her poetry blog called “The Poem Farm.” It’s National Poetry Month.  I hope you’ll visit lots of poets.

http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2016/04/poetry-friday-is-here-wallow-in-wonder.html

B is for Bonfire

Linda M. Andersen copyright 2012

I live out in the country in a home with a septic tank.  One year, we decided to cut a full-grown magnolia tree that grew on top of our septic tank lines.  We watched the bonfire, much like others watch fireworks.  When I think of bonfires, I think of high school homecomings and the memory of our magnolia.   Name occasions when you’ve attended a bonfire.  What memories stand out for you?

B is for Buttons

Buttons from Joanna. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

 

Buttons from Joanna. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

People who know me well know that buttons bring back special memories for me.  One such friend gave me these framed cloth gifts.  Who knows you well enough to find those “just right” gifts?

 

 

 

 

 

What “B” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.  Maybe one of these will serve as a springboard or a writing prompt.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

A is for April, Artists, and Aprons

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart  “A is For April, Artists, and Aprons” by Linda Martin Andersen

This month I’m sharing photos and blog posts from A-Z.  I’m excited about trying something new.  I hope you’ll stop by often throughout the month.

A is for April

Check out the participants for the April (2016) Challenge.  There are plenty to choose from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

A is for Artists

Laura Reeves painted this mural in my kitchen.  Learn more about her here:  http://www.reevesartworks.com/

Laura Reeves. Kitchen Mural. Copyright 2012 Linda Andersen.

Another artist I’d like to spotlight is Tracy Campbell.  Learn about her and Matilda here:

http://tracycampbell.net/blog/baked-goodness-rising-life-creative-tuesdays/

 

A is for Aprons  (Before and After)https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2015/11/24/before-and-after-apron-remodel/

Apron–Before. Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen

Apron–After Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen

What “A” words come to mind for you? I hope you’ll share why they’re special to you.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

“Each Book Has Its Own Family Tree”

            

A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing
prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those
young at heart.  “Each Book Has Its Own Family Tree”–quoted from Amy Ludwig VanDerwater’s blog by Linda Martin Andersen.

Wishing Amy Ludwig VanDerwater all the best with her book launch of Every Day Birds on February 23, 2016. 

I  love this statement by Amy:  “Each book has its own family tree.”  Read more of her thoughts at Kirby Larson’s blog, where Amy was a guest.

http://www.kirbylarson.com/friend-friday-115_amy_vanderwater/

I read another profound quote by a visiting writer at “Sharing Our Notebooks,” one of Amy’s blogs:

Jenna Kersten stated:  “I firmly believe that we can find the most beautiful moments of wisdom and insight in the minute of the everyday.”  For more visit this post:

http://www.sharingournotebooks.amylv.com/2016/02/jenna-kersten-i-am-left-wondering.html

To see Dylan Metrano, a papercutting artist creating the art for Amy’s book and a video, visit this post:  http://www.amyludwigvanderwater.com/DYLAN_METRANO.html

To see a bird recovering from a hit to a window and a poem inspired by the bird, read Amy’s post here:

http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2016/02/humble-is-beautiful-looking-closely-to.html

I hope you enjoyed these shares.  Maybe one will lead you to write something special about birds or a family tree.  If you’d like other writing ideas, try one of these:

Writing Prompts:

1. What do you think this quote means:  Birds of a feather flock together?
2. What is your favorite “every day bird?”  Name a person an every day bird reminds you of and tell why.
3. There is a famous writing skill book by Anne Lamott called Bird by Bird.  Do you know what the author meant by that comment?  How can this advice help you?
4. Name a favorite book about birds or one with birds mentioned in it.  Reread it or tell someone else about it.  What made this book special to you?
5. Have you ever researched your family tree?  What did you learn?

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment about birds, a book’s family tree or your own family tree.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!