HURRAY FOR LIBRARIES

Libraries. I am a huge fan. Where else but in a library can a person discover FREE soul enriching, mind bending, or edge of your seat bound paper goodness? Heck, even the "Old Spice Guy" agrees with me. What do you think?

FLASHIN' IN SEATTLE

Seattle is a city known around the globe for its vast natural resources and beauty. We are also recognized for our trend-setting people, recreational amenities, educational opportunities, and cutting edge businesses. Computer innovations, aircraft technology, grunge music, coffee houses, and incredibly successful sports teams (I wish) are just a few of the things that have sprung from our little corner of the world.

We are changing the world in other ways, too. Specifically, FLASH MOBS. I know ... I may be stretching it a bit on the changing the world part. But, Flash Mobs are a fun and healthy diversion that are springing up more and more in this area since warmer weather has arrived.

If you aren't sure what this mob thing is, I've embedded a video of one held at the Seattle Central Library on July 1st of this year. Enjoy!

HURRAY FOR READING!!!

Gotta love this:

Disadvantaged students given a gift of only 12 books to take home at the end of the school year earn higher test scores.

If this really works, why don't we do more things like this as a society? It makes me wonder ...

PAPER BOOKS ARE DEAD

Okay, okay. I get it already. I've seen the writing on the crystal clear LCD screen with the 10 bajillion colors and mind bending apps that is taking over the world.

The experts tell me:

PAPER BOOKS ARE DEAD!

But are they? Only time will tell.

But just in case you're curious about what the future may hold for readers, here's a preview of a new IPAD app. It is a modern rendering of tales from one of the best loved fairy tale writers of all time. I present Hans Christian Andersen for your viewing pleasure ...

FATHERS

Today is Sunday, June 20th, 2010. It is Father's Day - a brief 24 hours to stop and reflect on the male species.  A time to think about all that Dad has done for you over the years. A time to let Dad know that he's an okay dude.

In honor of my Dad, and Dads everywhere around the world, I'd like to say ...

HAPPY 

FATHER'S 

DAY!




Now I must get off the internet and get back to spending quality time with the family. Have a great day, y'all!

AN INTERVIEW WITH (Children's Author?) JOHN GRISHAM

DAILY AFFIRMATION

Feeling a little down in the dumps? Need a motivational speaker to get you pumped up? Then have I got a clip for you ...

That's right ... Fonzie is in the House!

If you are in the neighborhood next weekend, why don't you stop on by and meet the FONZ?  

Henry Winkler is scheduled to be in Bainbridge Island, Washington on Sunday, May 2nd at Eagle Harbor Book Company. He is stopping by to promote the latest book in his Hank Zipzer series, which he wrote in collaboration with Lin Oliver. 

Click on the link below for full details about this event ...

MEET THE FONZ

Life

An example of how competent non fiction writing and impressive narration can merge with compelling, time-lapsed pictures to create brilliant art. Either that, or I felt this clip was simply too amazing not to post:

Unpublished Author Contest Details

Cheerios is holding a Spoonful of Stories® contest for unpublished authors. If interested, details are available by clicking the link highlighted above. I've also included a related clip from notable author (and former elementary school teacher) John Scieszka. Good luck!

Bruce Coville writes stories that I love. He is also the proud parent of a company called Full Cast Audio that produces fabulous recordings of quality literature from multiple genres. If you're a student, teacher, or person interested in reading or listening to quality children's literature, I wholeheartedly recommend that you check out the clip of Bruce Coville and Daniel Bostick as they work on scenes from "Space Station Rat" by Michael J. Daley.

Running on Empty

It's late, and I'm tired! After working for several hours, I just finished writing the 13th (and latest - literally) draft of my "Macaroni ..." manuscript. Hurray!  

After lots of work and advice from others, I believe that my story is very close for submission. The characters seem real (finally) and propel the action forward at a logical pace. They are now integral to the plot, and don't feel like I just stuck them in because I needed to break up parts of long narration. I still want to edit/revise the newly added sections one more time before my Critique Group meeting this evening. But, for now, I'm too wiped out and must go to bed.

Good night, y'all. I mean, good morning everyone. Wish me luck?!!!

Shopping Sleepies

.

As visions of sugar plum fairies danced in my head after a long and arduous day of shopping, my mind became addled with the prospects of spending another day fighting through the cheery masses at the mall. But instead of fretting about it, I decided to kick back and relax.

And Bean, upon seeing the lack of enthusiasm displayed by his lethargic owner, resolved to join me in a long winter's nap.

Good night, y'all!

Spies on a Mission

“Sign our books!”

“What?” I confusedly answered after this unexpected demand.

“Sign our books to prove that we fulfilled our mission!”

“What are you talking about?” I stammered, still perplexed by the order. This command was being given to me by three nimble and wrinkle-free explorers who had just entered my abode. The squad had silently snuck up behind me and almost caught me by surprise. If I wasn’t blessed with the magic of peripheral vision, I might have been totally stunned.

In spite of it being over 70 degrees inside my house, the three members of the dangerous looking crew had on long coats and hats, with packs on their backs whose contents remained unknown. They also carried with them in their hands what appeared to be maps and light emitting devices. The oldest clutched a pointed object of some sort. To say that these three seemed out of place would be an understatement. They looked dangerous, and set me on edge.

My heart raced as sweat beaded upon my skin, and my other senses became heightened. I instinctively began to flex my hands. I silently cursed under my breath. If only I had been wearing my glasses, I might have been able to put up a better defense against these intruders.

“C’mon, Dad!” whined the three little spies. “Just sign our mission books already so we can get back to our job.”

The three, who I now took to be miniature Moen beings, all thrust out their self-made mission cards at me. Then, they all said loudly in unison, “Sign!”

As the small paper card from the largest child got closer to my nose, the print on it became legible. The piece of paper had on it a list of “missions” that each kid was supposed to accomplish. The first task – “Sneak up on Dad.”

“Would you please hurry up?” said my oldest. She then handed me the pointed object she was holding – a pen. “We have a lot to get accomplished today, and don’t have time to waste!”

“Okay,” I replied, while rapidly taking the pen from her and signing each child’s mission card. I handed each slip of paper back with my signature written as “Dad,” to each respective child. Then I asked, “All set?”

“Thanks, Dad!” they happily said. Then, all three of my imaginative children took off in search of another adventure.

As they traipsed around the corner, I quickly wrote down the spy gear they each had with them. Here is what I learned that each professional undercover agent needs in order to conduct a mission successfully:

Powder-Puff Girls Backpack
Notepad
Hand Sanitizer
Dictionary
Chapstick
Pencil
Pen
Light
Club Membership/Mission Card

Perry the Platypus would be so proud!

What you just read above is my second draft of an incident that I jotted down earlier in the week. I often write down a few words, sentences, or phrases on paper, record my thoughts on my digital recorder, and/or write out ideas using my computer’s word processing program several times a week. Sometimes these tidbits become stories or even blog posts. Others just become detritus.

In either case, valuable additions to my creative writing process has taken place – I get ideas, I think about them, and I decide which ones may have some merit. Then, I further develop the ideas that strike me as worthy of development. Others, I discard.

After writing for a bit on the “winners” for my stories and blogs, I sometimes sadly learn that some of pieces I’ve spent added time on don’t work. Rats! All is not lost though. I put these back in my portfolio and hope that someday I’ll happen upon them again just like I would a time capsule. Maybe these canceled ideas will work at a later date, and I’ll be able to recycle them in the future?

Below is my original ramblings about the “Spies on a Mission” short story I developed more fully above. Can you notice the similarities between the two?


My four year old son, along with his older siblings, snuck up behind me last night and caught me by surprise. Then, as all good spies do when accomplishing a task, my kids had me check off and sign their self-made “mission” cards to verify that they had fulfilled their spy mission by sneaking up on me quietly. They even had their own pens just in case I failed to bring one from my mission control reclining easy chair. Inspector Clouseau would be so proud!

Winter in Washington

Many robust Washingtonians believe that winter is the most wonderful time of the year. The onslaught of the cool, crisp, nostril-nipping chill of the Pacific Northwest brings a welcome change. Our world-famous rain is now intermittently traded in for a generous helping of the freezing white stuff falling from the sky.

But this transformation in the weather does not bring universal joy to all. Students about to receive report cards, NFL coaches whose teams have losing records, and husbands still trying to figure out appropriate gifts for their wives are just a few who are nervous. Commuters, with teeth clenched, plowing through the snow and slush on our frivolously sanded roads is more the norm as well. At times, a jolly, rotund man wearing red and driving a sleigh would be a better transportation option.

Be that as it may, and through whatever conundrum you’re currently in, remember to take some time to stop, look around, listen, breathe in deeply, and drink in the beauty of your surroundings as the season changes. We live on a beautiful and glorious planet, with much to be thankful for. Don’t let life get in the way of living! And, whether you are preparing to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another occasion, may you and those you care about have a joyous time!

Impromptu Concert

The crowd enters reverently, voices hushed, shuffling in across the plush crimson carpet. Purses and programs clutched in sweaty, trembling hands, the audience breathlessly anticipates a voluminous performance from the master. The excitement in the room is palpable. Even though many have beheld this conductor before, a montage like today is savored by the throng in attendance for its multiple layers of sound and unexpected lyrical surprises.

Once all are seated, and the cacophony of the tuning of instruments is completed, the maestro dutifully taps his baton four times. The expectant crowd instantly attuned to the meaning of the signal to get quiet, swiftly bring conversations to an end. The conductor lifts his arms heavenward. The entire patronage of the auditorium eagerly sits upright and gazes toward the orchestra pit. The prelude is over, and the symphony is set to commence.

Silence from the masses. Then the first notes of the piece emanate from behind the conductor. Sound flows down from the rafters of the hall and envelopes the increasingly mesmerized crowd. The director has chosen a familiar tune to all. Fingers snap rhythmically, feet tap energetically, and heads bob along in a trance-like manner to the orchestra’s beat.

Soon the conductor, now acting as lead singer as well, kicks into high gear and belts out the words, “Little ditty about Jack and Diane,” in full throated glory. The leader of the band now turned vocal performer, smiles at the spectacle he’s created.

“A child prodigy!” breathlessly whispers a well-dressed woman in the front row. “Just look at the way he keeps perfect time, even with the difficult syncopated beats of the drums attempting to upend the entire orchestral composition.”

The emboldened performer, in addition to his singing with the voice of an angel, begins to thump along rhythmically with the tympanis. His directing baton magically has now transformed into a drum stick. A half-filled coffee cup, cracked saucer, and daisy-adorned glass vase become his drums. Mom’s change purse and Dad’s custodian-sized keys serve beautifully as cymbals. And the splendid cornucopia of sound reverberates.

The audience, now enthralled with the melodic spectacle of the performance, follows along intently. The artiste seems fully aware of the eyes staring at him from the expensive orchestra seats near the front to the nose bleeds in back. He smiles mischievously as he sings and plays. A song sung initially to bring joy only to him, has now captured the spirit of others as well.

As the last few measures wind down, the patrons in the coffee shop, with scrambled eggs and slices of pancakes on their breakfast plates growing cold, stare transfixed, open mouthed, with food covered forks hovering just out of reach. The final notes drift off and become history, and the audience erupts in approving laughter, wide smiles, and deafening applause.

A standing ovation is given by the woman and her husband in the front row. The woman lunges for the stage, and boldly wraps the conductor up in her arms and covers him with proud kisses. No call to security is needed. It’s just another typical day in the lives of a Mommy and Daddy, proud parents of an amazing 4 year old.

Picture Book Art

If you are interested in seeing some of the creative artwork produced by artists and illustrators throughout the U.S., this site is a good one to visit. There is also a section for teachers, librarians, and others to learn more about the artists behind the work. Here is the link:

http://picturebookartists.org/


(Original Posting Date - October 21, 2009)

It’s Logic, Mom?

Dinner last night was a struggle. My 4 year old didn’t want to eat his hot dog. He spent much of the mealtime watching others, making faces at his siblings, and talking to himself while the rest of us ate.

After being told by my wife over and over again to stop messing around and to start eating, my son suddenly paused and looked up at her. With a serious expression plastered across his face, he dryly said, “I can’t eat right now, Mom. I’m too busy playing around.”

Who can argue with the logic of a 4 year old?

(Original Posting Date - October 4, 2009)

Mr. Independent

Help! My 7 year old is exhibiting an independent streak that must be stopped!

Okay, so maybe I’m being a little melodramatic. But I ask you: What exactly is the proper attire for a kid to wear to bed anyway?

I don’t believe that this should be a difficult question for most parents to answer. But, based on the difficulties I’ve been having this past week, it seems to be a battle of epic proportion in my house.

I’m just curious about this question because my oldest son seems to be having trouble conforming to the standard night-time attire for most children: a pajama top, underwear, and pajama bottoms. You see, when he gets ready for bed lately, instead of putting on the prescribed kids’ uniform that has worked perfectly for generations, he wants to deviate and choose something on his own. Now, you may be asking yourself at this point, “What’s the big deal, Brian?”

The big deal is that instead of wearing his pj’s to sleep in, he wants to wear his new tennis shoes to bed. That’s it – just his tennis shoes. No amount of logic and begging has been able to dislodge this curious idea from his head. At bedtime, he insists on dancing around the living room, shouting out that his tennis shoes make him feel “Good.”

In time, I’m sure that I’ll be able to get him to see that there’s a perfectly logical reason that he can’t sleep with just his tennis shoes on. Your sheets will get filthy, you’ll get cold without pajamas on, etc. Until that time though, it’s a problem that I’m just going to blame on his Mother. After all, she’s the one who bought him the new school shoes, so it must be her fault. Right?

(Original Posting Date - September 14, 2009)

Daughter’s Day at School

Today was a day that my daughter got to go to school with Daddy. She doesn’t “officially” start school in her own class until next week. But, since she loves learning so much, she often comes to my classroom on her days off.

While at school with me, my daughter enthusiastically participates in all the activities, and even completes the assignments along with the rest of my students. In fact, she feels like she’s such a part of my class that she begged me to assign her a desk. She even made herself a “name tag” while I was out of the room at a meeting in an attempt to prove to me that she was really serious about getting her own seat! I finally succumbed to her pleadings, and selected a school desk for her next to all the other kids. As if that wasn’t enough, she then twisted my arm until I assigned her a social studies book, a reading book, math materials, and a journal for her to write in while she attended class.

I guess things could be worse though. She could be a difficult child that hated school. Then, whenever she got in trouble in my classroom, I would have the unenviable task of having to call my wife on the phone to report her poor behavior…

(Original Posting Date - September 3, 2009)