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!

What is Frogging?

 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.  

“What is frogging?” by Linda Martin Andersen

Check the definitions listed here:

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

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=frogged

I visited a knitter’s blog recently and learned another meaning of the word frogging.  Read the article here.

https://greenfroggers.wordpress.com/what-is-frogging/

After reading the knitting article, I thought about my writing and created a riddle.

 

Riddle:  What might a writing work-in-progress (WIP) and a knitting project have in common?

Answer:  Frogging…Rip-it.  Rip-it!

Writing Prompts:

1. What comes to mind when you hear the word “frogging?”
2. What do you think the frogs pictured above might say about “frogging?”
3. What do you think the frogs above might say to each other?
4. What name would you give the frogs above and why?
5. What would knitters say about “frogging?”
6. What would outdoorsmen say about “frogging?”
7. How is frogging used on coats and other clothing?
8. Write a riddle about frogging.

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

Before and After–Apron Remodel

 “A Writer’s Playground” –A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.”

“Before and After–Apron Remodel” by Linda Martin Andersen

“I didn’t know people wore aprons anymore,” my sister said when she learned that our mother was sewing one for me.  “Well I do,” I responded.  Mostly, I wear the one from a couple of decades ago when I “moonlighted” as a part-time waitress.  See definition of moonlighting here:  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/moonlighting

I prefer a bib style apron, as did my grandmother.  I inherited  a few of her aprons, which  I wear on special occasions.  Or I did until their last wash left them thread-bare.  I decided it was time to put these aprons on “inactive duty” and buy some new ones.

While shopping at the local downtown Farmer’s Market, I spotted some handmade aprons.  I asked the vender if I could see the one hanging behind her in the booth.  I loved its quilted skirt.  Somehow the bib didn’t seem quite right to me.  It was a little “loud” as my grandmother would have said.  The bib pattern was mostly red, not pink or lavender like the skirt.  Too bad it wasn’t the same material, so the two sections would blend perfectly.   I tried to think how I could modify the bib–perhaps add a lace panel to soften the color.  But as I stated to the clerk, “I’m not a lace kind of girl.” As I pondered some more, the clerk discounted the price, saying that people didn’t like the quilted bottom–that it was too heavy.  Funny, because that was what attracted me to it.  The vendor wanted to move on the sale.  I bought the apron and walked away determined to find a way to change it to “fit” me.

At home, I tried on the apron again and decided I could sacrifice some of the skirt length.  If I did, stripes could be added across the bib to tie the two sections together.  There was enough material to make three stripes.  Sounded just right to me.  I also needed a way to adjust the tie around the neck.

Next step:  Call in the expert.  My mother took my vision and added her skills.  That’s teamwork! Thanks, Mama.  I’m pleased with the outcome.

Apron–Before. Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen

Apron–After. Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen

 

 

 

This is pretty much how I approach my writing.  I get a story idea–the before.  I write it, get it critiqued, revise and I may even try to sell it.  If I am not successful, I usually decide to let the story rest.  Time to write some new stories, I think.  But every once in a while, something reminds me to pull an old story back out for a remodel.  And guess what?  The one that’s calling me now is about aprons.  Imagine that! I’m thinking on how to modify it.   I’m hoping I’m not still tied to the story’s apron strings.  For explanation of this expression see here:  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/apron-strings

After I revise the apron story, I’ll call in “experts.”  My critique partners.  I’m thankful for them.  And after making additional changes, I’ll shop my story.  Finding just the right buyer will be my apron celebration story!

Writing Prompt:  Have you ever been tied to someone or something’s apron strings?  Who helps move your projects from before to after? Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  I look forward to your comments.  Please remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

 

Top Ten Recipients of August 2015 Happiness Happens Awards

 “Top Ten Recipients of August 2015  Happiness Happens Awards” by Linda Martin Andersen

 

Poster created at http://www.quozio.com  Happiness Happens Awards (selected by me for this site only)

August is…

• Happiness Happens Month–How does happiness happen?  What are some things that make you happy?  Which of the awards posted here is your favorite?  Why?
• What Will Be Your Legacy Month–What is a legacy?  Check out definition 2a here:  http://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/dictionary/american/legacy

Special Days in August:

• Respect For Parents: 1–How do you show respect for your parents?  Name ways they show respect for you. 
• Sandcastle Day: 1–What memories come to mind when you hear “sandcastle?”  Write or draw about that memory.  Where have you built sandcastles?  Have you ever built one in your backyard?  What materials would you need?
• Take A Penny/Leave A Penny Day: 2–Have you ever left a penny in a dish at a store or restaurant?  Have you ever taken one?    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_a_penny,_leave_a_penny
• Watermelon Day 3:–Do you eat watermelon with a fork, spoon, knife, or by biting into the slice?  Where do you like to eat watermelon?  Inside, outside, at a picnic, or anywhere?  Does your family buy watermelon by the slice, half, or whole melon?
• National Chocolate Chip Day: 4  What would you do with melted chocolate chips?  Sometimes people say, “It’s hot enough to fry an egg on a sidewalk.”  What image comes to mind if chocolate chips melted on the sidewalk instead?  Would you want to turn it into a cookie, sidewalk art, etc.  Would you taste it?  (not recommended, but then neither are mud pies)
• Hiroshima Day: 6–When I read of this special day, I thought of an author friend–Kathleen Burkinshaw.   Check out her website and you’ll know why.   https://kathleenburkinshaw.wordpress.com/
• Lighthouse Day: 7–Name three or more lighthouses.  Where are they located?  What lighthouses have you visited?  Which is your favorite and why?  Where have you seen lighthouse art?  On a mug?  On a keychain, on earrings, etc.  List three or more examples.
• Tomboy Tools Day: 7 I don’t hear girls called “tomboys” much anymore.  Do you know what the word means?  Why do you think the word might not be used so often today?  Write about a time you or someone you know was teased for “acting like a boy.”
• Twins Day: 7-9  How many twins do you know?  Do their names rhyme?  Are they identical or fraternal?  Name a favorite story, book, poem, or memory about twins.  
• Middle Child Day: 8  What’s it like to be in the middle of a huddle?  The middle of the car?  Other middles?  What do you think it would feel like to be a middle child in a family?  Are you a middle child?  Name some advantages and some disadvantages of being a middle child.
• Skyscraper Appreciation Day: 10  What cities do you think of with skyscrapers?  Have you ever ridden an elevator to the top of one?  What skyscraper stories can you tell?
• Smithsonian Day: 10  Where is the Smithsonian?  Name some of the buildings or displays found there.  What would you like to visit there?  How far is the Smithsonian from where you live?
• S’mores Day: 10 Have you ever eaten S’mores?  Have you ever prepared them to serve?  What makes this food special?  Is it one of your favorites?  Why or why not?
• Sewing Machine Day: 12 What is a treadle machine?  What is a portable sewing machine?  Name three items that can be made on a sewing machine.  Name five supplies used when sewing.  Have you ever sewed anything by hand?  On a sewing machine?  Tell about it.  Do you know what a Cricut machine is?  Name items it can create.
• Vinyl Record Day: 12 What is a vinyl record?  What is an album?  What piece of equipment is needed for these?  Have you ever seen any of these things?  Write about it.
• International Lefthander’s Day: 13  What is a” leftie?”  Who do you know who is one?  What might be more difficult to do if you’re a “leftie?”  Do you anyone who was forced to do things right handed?  Name a famous “leftie” if you can.  What does it mean to be ambidextrous?
• Cupcake Day: 17  Cupcakes have become popular recently.  Why do you think that might be so?  Have you ever seen cupcakes served instead of a wedding cake?  Tell a favorite cupcake memory.
• Senior Citizen’s Day: 21 What joy can you bring a senior citizen today?   How can you show a senior respect?  How can you give a senior recognition today?  What way can you share love and caring for a senior today?
• Be An Angel Day: 22 If someone says, “Be an angel and get me a glass of water,” what does that mean to you?  If someone says, “Be an angel and sit down,” what does that mean?  Give other examples.  See the definition for this idiom here:  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/angel
• International Tongue Twister Day: 22 What is your favorite tongue twister?  Name others.  If I begin one, can you continue it?  Peter Piper picked a…   For more check here:  http://www.grandparents.com/grandkids/activities-games-and-crafts/tongue-twisters-for-kids
• Tug-of-War Day: 26 When was the last time you played tug-of-war?  Have you ever played at school?  Maybe for Field Day?  Can you name a TV show, movie, book, or story with a game of tug-of-war?  Tell about a time when you played this game.
• National Toasted Marshmallow Day: 30  Name your favorite toasted food.  What way do you like to eat marshmallows?  Do you like them in hot chocolate, on top of sweet potatoes, melted in rice krispie treats, tossed in fruit salad?  Other ways?  Name a favorite memory that includes a marshmallow treat.
• Pony Express Day: 30  Imagine you received a letter delivered by Pony Express.  Who do you think might have sent it?  How long do you think it would have taken to receive it? For more information check here:   http://www.nps.gov/poex/learn/historyculture/index.htm    Would you have wanted to be a Pony Express driver?  What caused the end of Pony Express delivery?

Special Weeks in August:

• Simplify Your Life Week: 1-7 Name a way to simplify your life.  Is it something you can do?  Why or why not?
• Exercise With Your Child Week: 2-8  Name a time you and your parents exercised together.  What were you doing? Did you enjoy it?  Would you do it again?
• National Farmers’ Market Week: 2-8  Does your town have a local Farmer’s Market?  Do you buy fresh fruits and vegetables there?  Have you learned to eat something new from the market?
• Weird Contest Week: 10-14 Name a weird contest.  I was in a $1.98 Beauty Pageant once as an adult at a school fundraiser.  Contestants were not supposed to spend over $1.98 on their costumes.  The object wasn’t to be beautiful.  It was to have fun.
• National Aviation Week: 15-21  Orville Wright’s birthday was August 19.  This celebration falls on the week of his birthday.  Do you remember what this famous person did?  Two hints:  he had a brother.  Check the name of the special week for your second clue.

For more August celebrations, check here:  http://www.brownielocks.com/august.html

I hope you’ll leave a comment.  Thanks for stopping in.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Please remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them. Thank you! 

For more calendar fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thanks so much.

Chicken Scratch!

 “Chicken Scratch!” by Linda Martin Andersen

Recently, we had a family celebration in our newly remodeled Florida (Carolina) room.  I decorated one table with a tablecloth my grandmother (deceased) made while attending craft classes in a retirement home.  The embroidered design in the center of this gingham cloth is called Chicken Scratch.  Are you familiar with it?  This lovely gift and the memories of my grandmother made our special gathering even more precious.

Chicken Scratch copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen

 

If you’d like to learn to embroider chicken scratch, check here:  http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/04/how-to-embroider-on-gingham-chicken-scratch-tutorial.html

I decided to share some CHICKEN SCRATCH WORDPLAY with you. 

Another meaning of Chicken Scratch:

• Poor penmanship or sloppy handwriting. 

Examples:  Have you ever been handed a note that you couldn’t read?  If a teacher accepts a student’s paper and immediately returns it she may say, “What’s this chicken scratch?”

Question:  When you are sick, who calls in a prescription to your pharmacy or writes out a prescription (script) that may be hard to read?  This poor handwriting may be described as chicken scratch.  [Answer:  Doctor/physician]

Recently, I gave a young grandson a birthday card and included a handwritten note in cursive.  Someone asked if he could read it.  I was reminded that students aren’t always taught cursive writing any more.

• One type of feed for chickens is called Chicken Scratch.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/know-how_Chicken-Care_how-to-feed-chickens

• And my final example:  chickens scratch the ground.  I changed the word from chicken to chickens.  Chickens are born with the instinct to scratch the ground.  Read more here.

http://www.extension.org/pages/66175/normal-behaviors-of-chickens-in-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks#.VYBoAmvbLtQ

If you’ve never seen chickens scratch the ground, consider taking a field trip. 

A writing prompt challenge: 

Write a poem, a paragraph or a story and include the words “chicken scratch” in it.  Consider using more than one meaning of  chicken scratch.  Have fun!

Thanks for visiting.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Comments are appreciated.  If you’re under 13 years old, please ask a trusted adult to post for you.