Happy Birthday, Blog

 

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  “Happy Birthday, Blog” by Linda Martin Andersen

My blog’s name is “A Writer’s Playground,” but he recently informed me that he prefers to be called Blog.  Today, is all about Blog.

Here is how Blog has celebrated each birthday: (Archived here, like any proud Mama would do.)

Blog’s first birthday–May 2013:

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/a-writers-playground-is-celebrating-its-first-birthday-lets-parade-in-our-favorite-hats/

Blog’s second birthday–May 2014

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/may-days-and-my-blogs-2nd-birthday/

Blog’s third birthday–May 2015

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/virtual-entertainment-at-my-blogs-birthday-party/

What does Blog want for his 4th birthday? 

 Blog wants to tell all about his adventures and he wants to start at the beginning.

(so I’ll help) 

In 2012, my good friend, Joan Y. Edwards, helped me set up Blog which I named “A Writer’s Playground.”  I thank her for that!  Blog thanks her too!  Without her, he wouldn’t exist.  And now, it’s Joan’s turn to receive some help.  On May 13, 2016  some of Joan’s followers will participate in a Blog Blitz for her new book:  Joan’s Elder Care Guide: Empowering You and Your Elder to Survive. I’m excited; so I know she has to be!

Used with permission.

For purchasing information for Joan’s Elder Care Guide, see here:

4RV Publishing: the price includes shipping anywhere in the USA.

Paperback $15.99 includes shipping within the USA
Hardback $19.99 includes shipping within the USA
http://www.4rvpublishingcatalog.com/joan-y-edwards.php

• Amazon Paperback $16.99: http://www.amazon.com/Joans-Elder-Care-Guide-Empowering/dp/1940310393/
• Amazon Hardback: $20.99: http://www.amazon.com/Joans-Elder-Care-Guide-Empowering/dp/1940310407/
• Barnes and Noble Paperback $13.14 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joans-elder-care-guide-joan-y-edwards/1123707963?ean=9781940310398
• Barnes and Noble Hardback $16.24 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joans-elder-care-guide-joan-y-edwards/1123707963?ean=9781940310404

Get your copy soon.  Consider giving this guide book to anyone you know who is a caregiver, or leads a group for caregivers, or works with the elderly, or has a grandparent, or… (in other words, just about everyone)

Blog wants to tell about his growing pains.

Blog has decided to change things up a bit.  Since May 2012, Blog has begun each calendar month with a list of ways to celebrate special days.

Blog will no longer provide a list of calendar events on the first of each month.  Resources for monthly calendar events are available in many places.  See some examples here:

Recommended lists of monthly calendar events: 

1. Chase’s Calendar of Events 2016: The Ultimate Go-to Guide for Special Days, Weeks and Months– a resource available to use on site at many public libraries. 
2. http://www.brownielocks.com/may.html
3. http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/
4. http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/
5. Search Archives at this site.  Search by key words.  A good place to start would be with the name of the month.

Blog wishes to add more flexibility to his posts to provide his voice (that’s me) with more time for writing stories and books, while encouraging followers to search out their own monthly activities.  Please provide feedback so Blog knows how that’s going for you.

One example of  Blog’s recent growth:  In 2016, “A Writer’s Playground” participated in two blogging challenges. ” Just Jot It January” and in April:  “A-Z Blogging Challenge.”  Blog has visited many blogs unknown to him and has gained some new followers.  Will Blog decide to do more blog challenges in the future?  Wait and see.

Thanks for playing along with me as Blog continues to grow.  Maybe next year Blog will be old enough to start school.  😉

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!

 

Z is for Zebra, Zig-zag, and Z-Z-Z–the Snoring Sound

 

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  “Z is for Zebra, Zig-zag, and Z-Z-Z–the Snoring Sound” 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/

Z is for Zebra

Zebra in the children’s ward of the hospital. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

Years ago, an adult family member was admitted to the hospital.  Typically, he likes to kid around. When he was assigned a hospital room, he ended up in the pediatric section. That was the only available room, he was told.  We all got a good laugh.   This zebra was painted on the ceiling in his room, along with other animals.  Have you ever seen a zebra in these colors?  Have you ever seen a zebra on ceiling tiles?  What zebra story can you share?

Z is for Zig-Zag

When was the last time you zig-zagged from one point to another.  If you haven’t done it in a while, or have forgotten how, ask a child to demonstrate.  Or when all else fails, watch a YouTube video.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV9z7otXJZI 

For a kid, zig zagging seems natural; however, this YouTube demonstration seems straight out of a learner’s manual.  Thank goodness when I learned to zig-zag, I had fun getting into the  groove, and gliding to and fro.  How about you?

Z is for Z-Z-Z–the Snoring Sound

Listen to this silly snoring sound:  http://soundbible.com/1683-Silly-Snoring.html

Here’s an original Sleep Command Game. 

Needed items:  Someone to lead the game of 3 or more family members or friends.  Watch/clock with a second hand.  Paper and pencil, and a large empty room or grassy yard.

1.  Invite your family to get down on the floor or in the grass to play a Sleep Command Game with you.
2. Record the time on the clock before you begin.
3. Give commands such as: Toss and turn.  Sigh–make it a deep sigh.  Turn from your back to your belly, and back over.  Stretch.  Snore.  Snore louder.  Snore even louder.   Sit up startled, etc.
4. When someone laughs, check and record the time.  How much time passed before someone laughed?
5.  Ask your family to play again and try to beat their recorded time for not laughing.  Compare the results.  Did they succeed?  Did the results turn out like you expected?  Tell about it.

Tell about a time you had the silly giggles.  Was it hard to stop giggling?  Why do you think that might be so?

A big thank you to the creators of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.  I made it to ‘Z end.

I might not have been the first one to cross the finish line, but I completed the race.  I met my goal, reached it, and had so much fun along the way!  Thanks to all those who played along with me.  It was also great to meet so many more bloggers.

What “Z” 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!

X is for Box, X-Ray, and XOXO

 

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  “X is Box, X-Ray, and XOXO” 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/

X is for Box

Most days when I open my mailbox, I find bills or junk.  Still, there is always the hope that there will be something better.  And some days there is.  A greeting card sticks out of the letter stack or a box fills the space.  Joyous day!  Occasionally, UPS delivers boxes to our door, but mostly boxes arrive in our roadside rural mailbox. Who would think that a brown box without color or ribbons would bring such pleasure?  But it does.  Why do you think that is?

What was the best gift you ever received in the mail?  Some of my best were story acceptances for magazine publication.  Just know that lots of rejection letters arrived before the acceptances.  Even after publication, rejections come.  It’s how it is.  Keep on writing!

Tell about a gift you were excited to send.

Time to recycle by Linda Martin Andersen. Copyright 2016

For an earlier post featuring recyclables, check here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2016/04/21/r-is-for-rose-recyclables-and-remodeled-back-porch/

X is for X-Ray

When I was a high school student,  I drove a school bus.  I took bus driver training and passed by the skin of my teeth.  That was back in the day when buses had standard transmission–shifting gears required.  A yearly physical was also required.  Drivers were lined up and a doctor listened to our hearts and x-rays were taken to rule out TB.  I teased that if our hearts were beating and we didn’t have TB, we could drive a bus.

Have you ever had an x-ray?  Was it to rule out a broken bone, part of dental visit, following an accident, or used to help diagnose a disease, etc? Have you ever seen an x-ray?  Your own?

X is for XOXO

x= kisses

o= hugs

Have you ever signed  a letter with XOXO?

Have you ever seen XOXO written on Valentine’s Day conversation hearts?

Where else have you seen XOXO?

Do you know song lyrics that include Xs and Os?

XOXO to all my followers.  Bless you one and all!

What “X” 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!

W is for Wisteria, Wonder, and Writer’s Gifts

 

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  “W is for Wisteria, Wonder, and Writer’s Gifts” 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/

W is for Wisteria

Have you seen wisteria twisting and climbing trees in your area?  I told someone it’s as close to purple mountain majesty as we get in the Sandhills of North Carolina.  Wisteria always reminds me of one of my favorite authors…

Joyce Moyer Hostetter has a new middle grade historical novel that will be launched in October 2016.  It’s called Aim.  It is the prequel to Blue.  Comfort rounds out the trilogy.  Wisteria plays an important role in the setting of Joyce’s books.  So of course, she’s showing off their lovely blooms below.

  These Advance Readers Copies (ARC) arrived on Monday.  The launch day for Aim is Oct. 4, 2016.  Congratulations, Joyce!                                   

Why is Joyce modeling wisteria? 

Perhaps she is celebrating that Aim, the prequel, is coming soon!

To learn more about Joyce Moyer Hostetter’s books, check here:  http://joycemoyerhostetter.com/my-books/

Joyce’s blog:  The Three R’s–Reading, ‘Riting, and Research:  http://joycemoyerhostetter.blogspot.com/

I had the pleasure of interviewing Joyce Hostetter for another of her books, Healing Water, a book that includes leprosy.  This post probably received the most comments of any I’ve ever written.

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/who-would-write-about-leprosy-joyce-moyer-hostetter-thats-who/

Joyce Hostetter and Carol Baldwin co-write a newsletter for teachers and parents.  Learn more about “Talking Story” here:  http://carolbaldwinblog.blogspot.com/p/talking-story.html

I hope you’ll check out Joyce Moyer Hostetter and her books!

W is for Wonder

When I hear “wonder,” I tend to think “head in the clouds.”

Copyright 2014. Jim Martin

 

What do you think of when you hear “wonder?”  I wonder what he/she’s thinking.  I wonder if I’ll ever reach my goal.  I wonder what it would be like to be…or to do… I hope you’ll share something that you wonder.

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater is participating in a poetry writing challenge this month that she calls, “Wallow in Wonder.”  Here’s a post to enjoy.

http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2016/04/wallow-in-wonder-day-25-mama-kangaroos.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+amylv%2FGmZc+%28The+Poem+Farm%29

Visit Wonderopolis here:  http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-do-kangaroos-keep-in-their-pockets

W is for Writer’s Gifts

When friends give me gifts, they sometimes purchase something to inspire my writing.  Here’s one example:

Writing Muse. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

Thanks to all who gift me with encouragement, love, friendship, and shared writing tips!  I love and appreciate my writing community.  It keep me going!

What “W” 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!

 

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!

U is for Umbrella, Underline, and Underwear

 

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  “U is for Umbrella, Underline, and Underwear” 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/

U is for Umbrella

Carter at Frisbee Camp by Linda Martin Andersen. Copyright 2016.

Judging from the picture, a granddog deserves the best and gets it.  Frisbee even in the rain!  Thanks to Jane, my sister-in-law, for permission to post this one.

What umbrella stories come to mind for you?  Have you ever lost an umbrella?  Maybe they’ll show up in Heaven along with missing socks and keys.  Oh my, what a Lost and Found table that will be.  For more on a missing sock story, read here:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2016/04/22/s-is-for-sock-squirrel-and-sanctuary/

U is for Underline

Have you ever sent a handwritten note with a word underlined several times.  Did each underlined row decrease in  length until it resulted in a triangle image?  See below:

Absolutely!

__________

________

______

____

__

_

In my opinion, it is easier to accomplish this on paper than on computer. And personally, I don’t find creating on the computer to be nearly as much fun as putting pen to paper.  Too much math and thinking involved. The sample above seems too rigid, too perfect.  Spontaneity is missing.  Where’s the fun?  Have you noticed writing activities that are more fun on paper than on computer?  What about doodling along the margins?  Others?

U is for Underwear

And no, I’m not posting a picture of MY underwear.  You were hoping I would?  I certainly hope not.  I posted a photo of my feet earlier.  See here, if you really want to.  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2016/04/23/t-is-for-tractor-turkey-and-thinking-on-your-feet/

That was my limit; so I draw the line on posting photos of my underwear.  Actually I drew the line(s) above.  😉

In December 2014,  I gave away a copy of Laura Gehl’s book One Giant Pair of Underwear, illustrated by Tom Lightenheld.  And so I’m reposting it as an underwear  photo.  Way cuter photo too!

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/no-to-underwear-as-a-gift-yes-to-books-about-underwear-giveaway/

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraGehl

What “U” 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!

S is for Sock, Squirrel, and Sanctuary

 

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  “S is for Sock, Squirrel, and Sanctuary” 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/

 S is for Sock

Have you ever blamed the dryer for eating a sock?  Next time, check the sheets.  I believe they have a craving for socks.  I’ve also discovered that t-shirts stash away socks, perhaps for late night nibbling.  Poor dryer, always blamed and perhaps never actually gets a bite.

I enjoyed creating a name for this photo.  Write a caption of your own or tell a sock story you especially like.

Sock in a Sheet by Linda Martin Andersen. Copyright 2016.

S is for Squirrel

Diane Weiden shares a delightful and informative post about squirrels here:

http://dianeweidenbenner.com/z-challenge-quite-hardworkers-squirrels/

When my husband and I lived in an apartment in Durham, NC, we were given a bird feeder.  We hung it from our small screened-in porch.  A squirrel hopped from a tree to the porch roof and then onto our hanger.  See below:

Squirrel caught in the act by Linda Martin Andersen. Copyright 2016

What squirrel stories do you have to share?  Most of us probably have dozens!

S is for Sanctuary

Even before I learned of bird sanctuaries, I worshipped in our church sanctuary.  From movies, I knew that sometimes people sought sanctuary in a church.  In recent years, Fayetteville posted this sign downtown.  I hope the soldiers stationed here feel that Fayetteville is a sanctuary for them.  I will say we know some who chose to retire here.  What comes to mind when you hear sanctuary?

Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

 

What “S” 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!

O is for Ottomans, Orchids, and Oxygen Tanks

 

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  “O is for Ottomans, Orchids, and Oxygen Tanks” 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/

O is for Ottomans

Question:  If one foot stool is called an ottoman, shouldn’t two be called ottomen? 

Answer:  No, it’s ottomans.

Another question:  Who makes these rules?

*Silence*

A family relative recently remodeled their family room and bought new furniture.  Their coffee table is basically an ottoman that opens like a trunk and holds throw blankets, etc.  Great idea.  In our home, we have two ottomans.  One sets on our back sunroom/porch.  During a birthday celebration, I placed that ottoman at the end of a folding table to use as a seat.  One of our grandsons spotted it and chose it instantly  Why?  It’s different–or perhaps he had some other reason. How many ottomans do you have in your house?

Ottoman–porch. Linda Martin Andersen. Copyright 2016

Ottoman–den. Copyright 2016 Linda Martin Andersen

 

O is for Orchids

Orchid. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

Have your ever tried something new and not been sure how you’d do?  Did you surprise yourself by doing okay?  Could you have done something better?  My example is the orchid above.  I was asked why the leaves droop.  I don’t know, but hey I got it to bloom.  First time ever!  Isn’t the orchid beautiful?

Orchid with more open blooms. Linda Martin Andersen. Copyright 2016

 

O is for Oxygen Tanks

Do you know anyone on home oxygen?  Do you know how to tell if the tanks are full or empty without putting on a regulator and reading the gauge?

 

Full or empty oxygen tanks? Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

Full tanks have a band around the top.  The two front tanks pictured here have white bands.  They are full.  The rest of the tanks are empty and are ready to be replaced when an oxygen supply technician makes a home delivery. The patient may also choose to visit the company warehouse and switch out tanks, if needed.  Do you know anyone on oxygen? Have you ever visited someone on oxygen?  Have you ever traveled in a car with someone on oxygen?  Have you ever heard oxygen tanks clang as they touch one another?  It’s a sound you’ll recognize from then on.

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

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