Look for Joy

 

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  “Look for Joy” by Linda Martin Andersen

 

Poster created at http://quozio.com/index.aspx

Last week, I shared a blog post about joy.  Check it out:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2016/09/21/nothing-says-joy-in-the-morning-like/

I write lists, mostly To Do Lists.  Whether you do or not, I have a different list suggestion.  Record your joys.  List them throughout the day.  A To Do List helps keep you organized.  A list of joys helps keep you positive. 

Yes, I’m suggesting keeping a Joy Journal.  Suggestions on how to begin:

• Divide your day into segments such as Morning, Afternoon, and Evening. 
• Name a joy from one or more of these time periods.  Small things count, such as seeing a hummingbird or getting a call from a friend.  Before long, your Joy Journal list may outgrow your To Do List. 
• Give thanks for joy in your life. 

Do you have a joy you’d like to share here?  I’ll start:

Joy Journal List from a recent morning:  1.  Created and shared this blog post and poster about looking for joy.  2.  Spoke with my son on the phone.  3….

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!

Just Jot It January #9

 

“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 #9” 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:

Today, I celebrate a “Toothy Critique,” inspired by…

http://theforesterartist.com/2016/01/08/toothy-critique/comment-page-1/#comment-14693

I have been a follower of Tim Livingston’s blog, The Forest Artist, for several years.  Today’s post made me laugh.  It also caused me to reflect on a “toothy critique” I received.  That critique spurred me to rewrite until my manuscript is now marketable, according to a friend.  So, today I celebrate a “toothy critique.”

How about you?  Have you ever received a “toothy critique?” Were you able to use it in a positive way?  Tell about it.  What do you celebrate today?  I look forward to your comments.

Visit http://lindaghill.com/2015/12/31/just-jot-it-january-2016-rules/ for details about Just Jot It January and to comment on other participants’ posts.

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.  Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them.  For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

 

 

Room At The Inn

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

“Room At The Inn” by Linda Martin Andersen

“Poverty’s Price,” is an outstanding recent series of articles by Greg Barnes of “The Fayetteville Observer.”  http://www.fayobserver.com/special/poverty/

This is a season of generosity.  Yesterday, I had the pleasure of visiting Operation Inasmuch in Fayetteville, NC where homeless are family.  This newsletter celebrates the organization’s plan to expand services.  A shelter will be built.

http://www.faoiam.org/

 

Operation Inasmuch in Fayetteville, NC. Copyright 2015. Linda Martin Andersen

As this calendar year ends, let’s celebrate our blessings and extend a hand to others.  May this season of generosity be lived and celebrated every day.

Will your calendar reflect participation in projects that touch your heart?  Have a family meeting and discuss how you can make a difference for others.

Writing Prompt:  Consider writing about “Room at the Inn” or about a time you helped someone or someone helped you.

Happy Holidays!  Thanks for visiting.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Please leave a comment.  If you are 13 or under, please ask an adult to comment for you.   For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

A Letter to A Literary Agent–From a Dog’s Point of View

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

“A Letter to A Literary Agent–From a Dog’s Point of View” by Linda Martin Andersen

This is the season for writing letters to Santa.  At this point in my writing career, it’s also the season to write letters to agents and publishers.  So, just for fun, and to help reduce stress while I wait for responses, I decided to write a letter to a fictitious literary agent from a dog’s point of view.  No, it won’t get mailed; however, it is available here if anyone would like to contact Bow-wow about representation.  😉 Gotta give me credit for trying.

Here’s a letter written from Bow-wow’s point of view:

Copyright 2015. Linda Martin Andersen. Poster at Quozio.com

Recently, I began following blogs written from a dog’s point of view.  I decided to give it a try myself.  How about you?  Have you ever written from a dog’s point of view?  Maybe you’d prefer to write something from a reindeer’s point of view, in honor of the season.  Try it.  It’s fun.

When I’m nervous, I often choose to write something humorous.  Exercise also helps me deal with stress.  What about you?

Thanks to my friend, Tracy Campbell http://www.tracycampbell.net/shop.html for insights with this post.  Check out her website to get to know her and her pet’s point of view.

Happy Holidays!  Thanks for visiting.  Come again soon and bring a friend.  Please leave a comment.  If you are 13 or under, please ask an adult to comment for you.   For more fun, sign up to follow my blog.  Thank you!

A Gift for You–To be Encouraged…

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

“A Gift for You–To Be Encouraged…” by Linda Martin Andersen

Love quotes?  Try writing your own!

Here’s my latest–

Copyright 2015. Linda Martin Andersen. Poster made at Quozio.com

 

Other posters I created in 2015:

Copyright 2015. Linda Martin Andersen. Poster at Quozio.com

Copyright 2015. Linda Martin Andersen. Poster at Quozio.com

 

 

Copyright 2015. Linda Martin Andersen. Poster at Quozio.com

 

Suggested Activity:  Do you have favorite family quotes you’d like to record for all time?  Why not design a poster in honor or memory of that person?  See:  http://quozio.com/

Or you can weave a family quote into a story.  What a great family treasure that would make and a terrific gift too!  Have fun!  And perhaps it will become a legacy.  See “legacy” here:  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/legacy

Need some inspiration before writing your own quotes?  Check the internet for quotes.  Here’s one suggested site:  http://www.brainyquote.com/

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!

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!

 

A Riddle: What Do Veterans and Books at the Amazon Physical Bookstore Have in Common?

Looking for books for Veterans Day? Copyright 2015. Linda Martin Andersen

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

“A Riddle:  What Do Veterans and Books at the New Amazon Physical Bookstore Have in Common?” by Linda Martin Andersen

Books facing out at the public library. Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen

Have you heard about the new Amazon physical bookstore in Seattle?  Read about it and see photos here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3302166/Amazon-opens-physical-bookstore-Seattle.html

Now, see if you can answer my riddle.

Riddle:  What do veterans and books in the new physical Amazon bookstore have in common?

Answer:  They both face forward and march!

How can books march?  You’ll figure it out.  Happy Veterans Day!

Did I write this riddle?  Yes, I did.  And yes, all the books at the new Amazon physical bookstore in Seattle face out.  Photos are available at the link above.  Because the Amazon store is across the country from where I live, I chose to include photos of books on display at a local public library.

Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend. Read, write, or share a riddle.  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!

 

It’s Fall or Is it?

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

Excuse this interruption, but.. have you commented on Deanna Klingel’s guest post for a chance to win a handmade Origami bookmark?  It’s a great way to celebrate World Origami Days and Deanna’s upcoming book, Blue-Eyed Doll.  Enter by 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2015.  Click here to leave a comment:  https://lindamartinandersen.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/celebrating-world-origami-days-with-deanna-klingel-bookmark-giveaway/  Thank you.

Another request, please consider sending a poem or get well message to Joy Acey, a poet and friend, who has been unable to post to her daily poetry blog recently, due to a hurt hand.  Click here to cheer her day:  http://poetryforkidsjoy.blogspot.com/  Thank you again. 

“And now to return to our regularly scheduled program.” (I always wanted to say that.)

“It’s Fall or is It?” by Linda Martin Andersen

Here’s a writing prompt for you…

“It’s Fall or is It?”  The pictures below show something that doesn’t seem right.  Contrary to the norm.  A contradiction.  See definition here:  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contradiction

Irises usually bloom in spring.  I promise I photographed these the same day as the burn bushes glowing red with fall color.  How can this be?  Were the irises transplanted and then burst into bloom on a warm fall day?  I don’t know.  Any other thoughts?

Copyright 2015, Linda Martin Andersen

Burn bushes at T.H. Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir, NC. Copyright 2015, Linda Martin Andersen

Iris in bloom at T.H. Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir, NC. Copyright 2015, Linda Martin Andersen

 

Think of other contradictions you’ve seen or heard and use them to prompt a writing exercise.  Here are a few more suggestions:

1. He’s rich. (referring to a homeless man)
2. I can make it on my own. (Can anyone, really?)
3. A lion who is cowardly (Wizard of Oz).  Other book characters?

 

 

As always, thanks for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.”  Come again soon and bring a friend.  I hope you’ll leave a writing prompt suggestion of your own.  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

 

I Love You to the Moon and Back

 “I Love You to the Moon and Back” by Linda Martin Andersen

“This Day in History” in 1969, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. 

See here:  http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/armstrong-walks-on-moon?et_cid=77874313&et_rid=724205536&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.history.com%2fthis-day-in-history%2farmstrong-walks-on-moon

Today, we often hear the expression, “I love you to the moon and back.” 

I imagine you’ve seen it or heard it said recently.  Sometimes the expression is abbreviated: “To the moon and back.”  Wonder why?

Take time today to reflect on the beauty of our heavenly skies, their facts and mysteries.  I hope this post inspires you to read or write something based on this topic.  Brainstorm and choose fiction, nonfiction, poetry, related careers, space exploration, or other choices.

What do you “love to the moon and back?”

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!

 

Where Are You Hanging Out This Summer?

 “Where Are You Hanging Out This Summer?”

Are you hanging out by the pool, the beach, with friends, at the mall, etc.?

For more definitions of “hanging out,” check here:  http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hanging+out

Windsocks are often hanging out…

A windsock can be a decorative yard ornament.

Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen

 

OR windsocks can serve as a device that shows the direction and strength of the wind at airfields.

This morning, I observed one of Nature’s Windsocks 

I saw an elm leaf suspended in the air and twirling in the breeze–one of nature’s windsocks.  I approached for a closer look.   The leaf hung from a spider’s thread.  The leaf was a hitch-hiker going for a free ride.  It was hanging out in the air.  Cool, huh?

Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen

Copyright 2015 Linda Martin Andersen

 

Looking for a little summer science study?

• Why do spiders dangle a leaf from their webs or does the wind blow them there?  At the Physics Forums site listed below, leaves like these are called Christmas ornaments or toys.  Reference:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/why-do-spiders-dangle-a-leaf-from-their-webs.539341/

Looking for a summer craft activity? 

• Would you like to make a windsock craft?  See here:  http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/windsock-craft/

 Looking for a summer writing prompt?

• Write about a leaf caught in a spider’s thread and show how the leaf might explain his behavior.  What will leaf’s response be if Mother Leaf asks:

1. It’s about time you showed up.  Where have you been?  I’ve been worried sick about you.
2. Did you get lost?
3. Did you follow the flight plan we talked about?
4. Did you tell your brother and sisters goodbye or just float on away?
5. Did you remember to dry yourself after the rain shower last night?

• What are some silly responses leaf could give?  For example, I was just hanging out/around.
• What other plants/trees can show the direction of the wind and its strength, like a windsock?  Write a story about one of them.

Share something you wrote based on this post or an experience you had with one of nature’s windsocks. 

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.