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!

 

I Love You, Blog Followers

  “I Love You, Blog Followers,” by Linda Martin Andersen

Trying new things is fun.  In January, I accepted a blog challenge to jot something down each day and post it.  This was organized by Linda G. Hill.

http://lindaghill.com/category/just-jot-it-january-2016/

I don’t know how people create blog posts every day of the year, but evidently a good many do.  The first one I remember meeting was Joy Acey at “Poetry for Kids Joy”who posts an original poem a day.  See here:

http://poetryforkidsjoy.blogspot.com/2016_02_01_archive.html

Thanks to reading blog posts I had never visited before,  I recently added additional blog followers.  I wanted to show my appreciation to them,  to my loyal followers for several years, and all those inbetween.  This is for 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.

 

Just Jot It January #29–TGIF

  

“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 #29–TGIF” 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 TGIF.

Thank goodness it’s Friday! (TGIF)  School children look forward to Fridays because it’s the last day of their school week and time to enjoy the weekend.  Employees who work M-F do too.  Those who get paid on Fridays look forward to it for a pay check.

Often, people ask, “What are you doing this weekend?”  When I was younger, I used to put on my dancing shoes.  Check out Kristina Stanley’s post about her dog, Farley.  Hope you enjoy it.

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

Writing Prompts:

1. Have you ever owned a pair of dancing shoes?  Tell about an experience while wearing them.
2. What is your favorite day of the week?  Why?
3. What day of the week did something special happen to you?  Does that make that day of the week your favorite now.  Why or why not?

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/2016/01/29/just-jot-it-january-29th-ghost/ 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 #28–Serendipity

  

“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 #28–Serendipity” 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 serendipity.

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

Serendipity is one of my favorite words to twirl around in my mouth and feel on my lips.  Zippy do da does the same thing for me.

Have you ever run into someone you hadn’t seen in years, who had special connections that could benefit you, just when you were feeling overwhelmed with a major transition in your life?  Well maybe not that exactly, but things just fell into place in an expected way?  Well, those are my examples of serendipity for today.

Finding the word serendipity…

This morning I read one of my favorite blogs and I found the word “serendipity.”   I hope you find the word too and you find serendipity in your day as well.

http://laurasalas.com/poems-for-teachers/poetryaction-for-p-zonka-lays-an-egg/

Writing Prompts:

1. When have you experienced serendipity? Please tell us.
2. What are your thoughts on “luck.” Do you believe in it?  Explain.
3. Do you believe good things are more likely to come by luck or hard work?  Tell about it.

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just Jot It January 28th – Serendipity

 

 

Just Jot It January #26–Oneness

   “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 #26–Oneness” 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’s suggested prompt is “oneness.”  I have combined my theme with the suggested prompt for the day.

Today, I celebrate the oneness of community. 

What community?  Whatever community you want to think on.

Photo by Jim Martin. Copyright.

My List:  The Oneness of…

1. The community of nature.  That’s a big community, but I love it so much.  I  look out my kitchen window at wildlife that visits occasionally.
2. The community of writers.  I love their support and encouragement.  I appreciate that fellow writers connect to critique stories and share writing tips.
3. The community of family and friends who love me unconditionally.
4. The community of believers.  To me, that means Christian believers, although it may be different for you. I benefited from the love and support of a Stephen Minister in my church when I was a caregiver for my husband.  Others in the church remembered us in numerous ways too. https://www.stephenministries.org/
5. The community with God.  I am never alone.  I am thankful for God’s endless, limitless love.

Oneness signifies belonging and connecting to me.  What about you?

Writing Prompts: 

1. Brainstorm oneness of community.  What communities would you include?
2. Who or what belong in the communities of oneness that you named?
3. How does your belief of oneness effect the person you are?

Visit  http://lindaghill.com/2016/01/26/just-jot-it-january-26th-oneness/ 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.

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just Jot It January #25–Prestidigitation

  

“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 #25–Prestidigitation” 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.”

When I saw prestidigitation was the suggested writing prompt for today, I thought no way.  Then I learned it means “slight of hand” or “magic.”  Okay, I can accept that challenge.  In picture books, repetition and use of threes produces “magic.”

So today, I celebrate the magic of threes. 

Look for the use of threes in what you see and read today.  Can you name children’s books with three characters in the title such as The Three Little Pigs.  Or a refrain repeated three times perhaps in a hymn or in a story.  Or a nursery rhyme with three descriptions building on a core topic such as peas.  Do you remember “Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxEcIGcxwt8

My friend, Gretchen, recently suggested that I add one more line to a refrain in a story I’m writing.  Yes, why didn’t I think of that?  Now, it feels magical to me.  It feels complete.  Each line is spoken by one of the three main characters.  So, today I celebrate the magic of threes.  I encourage you to do the same.

Writing Prompts:

1. When have you experienced the “magic of threes?”  Tell more.
2. Think in threes.  Set three goals.  Perhaps you could create one for yourself, one to help someone else, and one to help a larger group.
3. Why do you think children’s literature often contains the “magic of threes?”

Visit  http://lindaghill.com/2016/01/25/just-jot-it-january-25th-prestidigitation/ 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.

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!

Just Jot It January #24–Compelled to Keep Going

    

“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 #24–Compelled to Keep Going” by Linda Martin Andersen

I accepted a challenge for January: Just jot a note and submit.  I can’t participate every remaining 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 That I’m Compelled to Keep Going.

Do I ever wonder WHY I write?  Of course.  But when I get discouraged, I know deep down in my heart that I’m compelled to keep going.  Why?  Writing brings me joy and it’s a gift I want to share.  A friend of mine writes an inspirational and informative blog with this message:  Never Give Up.  Meet Joan Y. Edwards here:  https://joanyedwards.wordpress.com/2016/01/16/10-steps-to-triumph-in-2016/

Writing Prompts:

1. What do you feel compelled to do?
2. What motivates you to keep going no matter what?
3. Joan Y. Edwards’ manta is “Never Give Up.”  What’s yours?
4. Which is harder getting started or completing a project?

Visit  http://lindaghill.com/2016/01/24/just-jot-it-january-24th-compelled/ 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.

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!

Just Jot It January #23–Self-Publish?

    

“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 #23–Self Publish?” by Linda Martin Andersen

I accepted a challenge for January: Just jot a note and submit.  I can’t participate every remaining 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 Choices in Publishing.

I try to remember to “never say never.”  When I first began writing for publication, I didn’t say I would never self publish.  I said I didn’t plan to self publish.  Will I one day?  I don’t know, although I am considering it for some projects.  Presently, I’m taking a series of three CreateSpace workshops at my local public library.  It’s free!  Today concludes the course.  It’s been very beneficial.  The instructor has lots of experience and explains steps clearly, plus the handouts are great.

If you are interested in learning more about publishing or free workshops, check with your local public library.

Writing Prompts:

1. Who will you share your writing or illustrating with?  Only yourself?  Family?  Submit to magazines? Post on social media?  Submit to contests?  Submit to agents or editors?
2. When was the first time you saw something you wrote or illustrated on display?  How did it make you feel?
3. Have you ever created a story or illustration you were very proud of and the teacher did not choose to display it?  How did that make you feel?  How did you handle it?
4. What are your plans/goals for projects you’re working on at this time?  What other publication choices could you consider?

Visit http://lindaghill.com/2016/01/23/just-jot-it-january-23rd-oddeven-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.

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!