N is for Neighbors, Nests, and Notebooks

 

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  “N is for Neighbors, Nests, and Notebooks” 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/

N is for Neighbors

Do you live in a neighborhood in the city, country, along the shore, in the suburbs, or elsewhere?  My husband and I live down a dirt road in the country, although the road we live off is dotted with motels near the interstate.    Where we stay, deer and other wildlife are our neighbors.  The closest building to us is a church. We love where we live and appreciate that our human and animal neighbors are good to us.  How about you?

This blog post talks about revising your writing by searching for obvious needed changes and ones not so obvious.

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/revising-obvious-needed-changes-and-ones-not-so-obvious/

Here is a photo of one of our neighboring motels.  Is there a need for change here?  If so, is it obvious or not so obvious?

 

N is for Nests

Have you ever found a bird’s nest?  Where?  Every spring, a bird nest is built on our front porch.  Once a bird built in a wreath hanging on my front door.  We have found nests in large azaleas in our yard too.  One of the most fascinating bird nest stories and video I recall is shared on Mary Livingston’s blog.  Learn more about turkey vultures here:

https://sneakingbliss.com/2013/04/22/turkey-vulture-shift-change/

https://sneakingbliss.com/2013/05/14/eerie-sounds-from-the-vulture-chicks/

https://sneakingbliss.com/2013/06/01/down-the-vulture-hole/

N is for Notebooks

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater has a blog called “Sharing Our Notebooks.”  Stefanie Cole’s post about notebooks is awesome,  plus there’s a book giveaway.  Check it out here:  http://www.sharingournotebooks.amylv.com/2016/04/stefanie-cole-notebooks-are-important.html

I keep lots of notebooks.  Some contain writing tips, some organize health information, and another is a journal of things seen outdoors different days of the year.  My goal was to complete a year’s study, but I fell short.  There’s always another day.  Right?

What “N” 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!

G is for Glitz, Glitter, and Giraffes

 

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  “G is for Glitz, Glitter, and Giraffes” 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/

Sometimes, I hear the expression “glitz and glitter.”  When I researched the expression, I found “glitz and glamour.”  Whichever is your preference, I suppose.  Are you a glitz and glitter/glamour person or not?  This reminds me of the old television program “Green Acres.”  If you’ve watched it before or never have, I hope you enjoy the theme song here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umS3XM3xAPk

G is for Glitz–

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glitz 

I found it interesting that the definition of “glitz” included “glitter.”

G is for Glitter–

When I worked as a school counselor in elementary schools, I sometimes dabbed a little Fairy Magic on students who needed a smile.  It worked.

Fairy Dust that shone like glitter. Copyright 2016. Linda Martin Andersen

See Amy Ludwig VanDerwater’s poem about a jar of glitter for when you’re feeling down. She created a few run-on words you’ll like too.

http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2016/04/wallow-in-wonder-day-4-what-makes.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+amylv%2FGmZc+%28The+Poem+Farm%29

G is for Giraffes–

Visit Picture Book Builders Blog and register to win a copy of There’s a Giraffe in My Soup by Ross Burach

http://picturebookbuilders.com/2016/04/theres-a-giraffe-in-this-blog-post-plus-a-giveaway/#comment-4854

Here’s a trailer for the book:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJkqGdgWGrU

What “G” 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!

“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!

 

 

 

Just Jot It January #31–Trying New Things

  

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

“Just Jot It January #31–Trying New Things” by Linda Martin Andersen

I accepted a challenge for January: Just jot a note and submit.  I can’t participate every day this month, but I will join in when I can.  I decided to create a theme to write about:  I chose “celebrate.”

Today, I celebrate trying new things.

What are your goals for 2016?  Do any of them require you to try new things?  This is a great way to grow in skills and confidence.  Remember, there’s help out there if you want to try something new.  You Tube videos exist for that reason. 😉

I had someone suggest I try Flash Fiction.  I could, but I also have to think about what I want to focus on.  I can’t accept every challenge placed in front of me for the sake of trying new things.  I did accept the “Just Jot It January” blog challenge and it has been rewarding for me.

Remember, if you accept a challenge or decide to try something new and it doesn’t seem right for you, you can decide whether to stick with it or walk away.  None of us want to be branded as “quitters,” but I say it’s okay to change your mind at times too.  Just don’t change your convictions (strong beliefs).  In my case, I won’t give up writing, even if I give up some area of it.

Writing Prompts:

1. What is a conviction that you won’t give up?
2. Have you ever started something and lost your compassion for it and quit?  Suggestions include sports, music, etc.  Did you find something more rewarding for you?  Please share.
3. What is something new you plan to try?  Tell about it.
4. What is something new you tried that has been rewarding for you?

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

For more about Just Jot It January :

Visit  http://lindaghill.com/2016/01/31/just-jot-it-january-31st-clumsy/ to read and comment on other participants’ posts.

http://lindaghill.com/2015/12/31/just-jot-it-january-2016-rules/ for details about Just Jot It January.

 

Just Jot It January #30–Found Treasures

  

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

“Just Jot It January #30–Found Treasures” by Linda Martin Andersen

I accepted a challenge for January: Just jot a note and submit.  I can’t participate every day this month, but I will join in when I can.  I decided to create a theme to write about:  I chose “celebrate.”

Today, I celebrate found treasures.

Recently I found and subscribed to Farley’s Fridays, (Treasure #1) a blog post written from a dog’s point of view by Kristina Stanley.  On Friday, Farley was wearing shoes.  This inspired me to write about TGIF and dancing shoes.

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2016/01/29/just-jot-it-january-29-tgif/

http://kristinastanley.com/2016/01/29/farleys-friday-a-wheatens-dancing-shoes/

Today, I found a blog post about a picture book where a dog wears shoes. Learn about Kevan Atteberry’s Doggone Love here:  http://picturebookbuilders.com/2016/01/doggone-love/  If you’re not familiar with this blog, I highly recommend it.  And Picture Book Builder’s blog post inspired the post you’re reading. (Treasure #2)

I also recently wrote about the “magic of threes.”  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2016/01/25/just-jot-it-january-25-prestidigitation/

I wonder if I’ll find a third sharing of a dog wearing shoes?  Maybe you could help me.

I discovered another treasure in my inbox today–(Treasure #3) a blog post by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater.  It’s contains a poem titled “Someone Else’s Shoes.”  Although it’s not about a dog wearing shoes, I think you’ll enjoy it.

http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2016/01/walking-milewriting-from-books-and.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+amylv%2FGmZc+%28The+Poem+Farm%29

Reading this post, led to another suggested book read:  Edwards Eyes for ages 8-12 by Patricia MacLachlan.

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Edwards-Eyes/Patricia-MacLachlan/9781416927440

Writing Prompts:

1. When have you or someone you know dressed a pet?  Were shoes added?
2. When have you worn someone else’s shoes?  Where did you wear them?  Tell about it.
3. Have you ever played dress up in your mom or dad’s shoes?  Did anyone play with you?

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

For more about Just Jot It January :

Visit  http://lindaghill.com/2016/01/30/just-jot-it-january-30th-an-socs/ to read and comment on other participants’ posts.

http://lindaghill.com/2015/12/31/just-jot-it-january-2016-rules/ for details about Just Jot It January.

 

Project Notebooks–Pass it On

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

“Project Notebooks–Pass it On” by Linda Martin Andersen

Recently, Amy Ludwig Vanderwater featured a guest blogger who keeps project notebooks.  Meet Jeff Anderson and learn what inspired his notebooks, which led to a children’s book series.  Leave a comment at Amy’s site for a chance to win a copy of Zack Delacruz–Me and My Big Mouth.

To register to win, leave a comment at this site:

http://www.sharingournotebooks.amylv.com/2015/10/jeff-anderson-project-journal.html?showComment=1445942937348#c2917384762047036816

Thanks for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. 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!

 

Contribute to a Summer Notebook Project for KIDS

 

 

 “Contribute to a Summer Notebook Project for KIDS.”  This project is organized and coordinated by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater.  Reported by Linda Martin Andersen

Calling all ages, all professions..Amy Ludwig VanDerwater is seeking volunteers to contribute one or more summer notebook activities for KIDS. 

Write it as if to kids.  Make your exercise specific.  The posts should contain a few sentences of what to do and then kids Try It.  Include a photo of your sample notebook page.  See the link below for activities that have been submitted.

http://www.sharingournotebooks.amylv.com/p/summer-notebooking-try-it.html

 I have accepted the challenge.  Will you?  At my last count, 38 activities were posted.  Check here for more information. 

http://www.sharingournotebooks.amylv.com/2015/05/summer-kickoff-notes-from-amy-lv.html

Amy adds, “If each contributor tags one…it will grow!”

 I hope you’ll post an activity to Summer Notebooks.  Kids will appreciate it.

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.

 

 

 

 

Try This! Look for a Springboard

 “Try This!  Look for a Springboard” by Linda Martin Andersen.

I wrote this activity for a Summer Notebook Project for kids.  Maybe you’d like to write one too.  Learn more about it here:  http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2015/05/writing-brains-and-notebooks.html

Try This! – Look for a Springboard

Springboard—a perfect summer word for time by the pool.

A springboard can also be a jumping off place for your writing—an ah-ha moment.

How do you find springboards for writing?  Keep alert.  Focus on what’s around you.  Record what you see:  Picture it in your mind. Keep notes. Take photos, if you can.

How do I create a summer notebook moment?  One way is to follow these three steps.

1.  Find a springboard (ah-ha moment) in the world.
2.  List the senses it evokes.
3.  Write a notebook entry.

Let’s say your parents make a stop at the local garden center. While you’re there, look for a springboard.  Anything that catches your attention could become a summer notebook moment.

Here’s one of my springboard moments.  You can see the steps I went through in my mind, from springboard to notebook entry.

Take a Photo with a Camera or with Your Mind

1. Springboard:
The seed counter at Bell’s Seed Store, where seeds are scooped from bins and sold by the ounce.

2. Sense(s) Involved:
Sight and Touch.  I dipped a metal scoop into a butterbean display and placed a few beans in my hand.  I recalled these things:

• Planting hills of beans in my family’s garden
• Winning a blue ribbon on a 4-H Club garden project
• Helping my family pick and shell five bushels of butterbeans on the 4th of July.
• My mother encouraging my siblings and me.  She’d say, “Look back at how far you’ve come.  Don’t look ahead at how much you have left to do.”

My Notebook Entry:

Five Bushels of Butterbeans

Near sunrise one summer morning, my family and I picked butterbeans from our garden.  When we finished, we each pulled up a chair under a shade tree.  Newspaper was placed on the ground and butterbeans were spread in thin layers to keep them cool.  We scooped beans into our pans, wiping our hands before shelling. Hulls were pitched into buckets placed between us.

As my friends rode by on their way to the beach or lake, they honked their car horns. That was a 4th of July I’ll never forget.

Even though I didn’t get to have fun with friends that day, it led to another special day.  A blue ribbon day, earned in 4-H Club for my garden project.

See other summer notebook entries here:  http://www.sharingournotebooks.amylv.com/p/summer-notebooking-try-it.html

Amy Ludwig VanDerwater is calling for more summer notebook entries.  At last count, there were 38.  Write one of your own and add to the total.  Do it for the kids.  See here:

http://www.poemfarm.amylv.com/2015/05/writing-brains-and-notebooks.html

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.

Forests Call to Me

 “Forests Call to Me” by Linda Martin Andersen

Last night,  some family members gathered for dinner at my sister’s new house.  My fifteen-year-old niece decorated her bedroom with a forest theme–her idea.  I’ve enjoyed watching her room transform.   She selected her own bedspread, which is printed in an artistic tree pattern.  She also chose the room’s accessories.  My favorite is a lit bare-branched tree, several feet tall, with an owl (stuffed animal) perched on a limb.  Obviously, the forests call to my niece.

Earlier this month, Tim Livingston shared a guest post on March 21 for International Day of Forests.  Tim is a forester artist.  He manages forests and photographs, sketches, and paints its beauty.  Forests and art are two of his passions.  See here:

https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/march-21-international-day-of-forests/

 

In 2013, Clarion Books published a poetry book called, Forest Has a Song, by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, one of my favorite poets.  It is also obvious that Amy hears the forests’ song.  See here:  http://www.amyludwigvanderwater.com/BOOKS.html

 

Like my niece, Tim Livingston, and Amy Ludwig VanDerwater,  forests call to  me.  How do I know?  One way–the house where my husband and I live is off the highway, down a private dirt driveway, and  surrounded by trees.  We love seeing deer, foxes, hawks, and other wildlife in our yard.

Forests call to me.  Do they call to you?  In what way?  Please share your thoughts here.

Thanks for visiting.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Children 13 years old or older may leave a comment. Read more about the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. (COPPA) See: http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm