A four-foot-tall stuffed NORMAL NORMAN sits in my house and my 12-year-old forgets he’s here, so she jumps upon spotting him, not unlike Gloria’s reaction to dog-butler Barkley on Modern Family. OH…
Source: Nothing is Normal Here, Norman! (plus a GoodReads giveaway!)
Here is an opportunity to meet Normal Norman! Thanks, Tara!
Are they more than just words on a card?
Love is spoken here.
These words could be trite, overused, or just a pretty saying.
Are they more?
Maybe those who send or utter, “Love is spoken here,” are well meaning and sincerely offer encouragement, love, and affection.
Do words speak louder than actions? Or is it the other way around?
Do my actions shout in agreement with my quiet words or engage in battle between what I want to do and say and what I actually do and say? Sometimes the answer is both.
Love is spoken here.
Love is shown here.
Love is experienced here.
Love grows here.
Love is here.
Love is.
Love.
These thoughts remind me of the often used love verses for wedding ceremonies, though I think love is not just for marriages. You can read them in 1 Corinthians 13.
What do you think of when you consider love?
I was preparing to take a relaxing bubble bath in my claw foot tub last night when I saw a wadded up log of newspaper on the floor.
What are some words that are valuable to you?
I was happy to read a stack of 10 books to my 4-year-old granddaughter. This only worked because baby brother was fast asleep. Sister loves books.
Today, sister had another task for Nana. After busily writing on paper, she handed me her story.
“Nana, read this to me.”
You can imagine I was a bit challenged. So I asked her to read it to me.
Khloe: I can’t read.
Me: What is it about?
Khloe: Uhm, Lava Girl and Shark Boy.
Me: Ok. Once upon a time . . . Lava Girl and Shark Boy went on a picnic. They went swimming. They had a fun time. The end.
Khloe: No, you’re not done yet.
Me: They had a flat tire and had to fix it.
Khloe: No.
Me: What else?
Khloe: (whispering to me) They help other people!
Me: Oh! Lava Girl and Shark Boy helped some people who had a flat tire. They helped fix the tire. Then they enjoyed their picnic. The end.
Khloe: (smiles and nods) Ok.
That was only the first story. She had another waiting in the wings. Nana was on call as storyteller.
I am pleased that she loves stories, writing, reading, and words. Literacy begins long before they reach school.
In case you ever need to know 😀 Source: WriteAtHome.com
Source: Collective Nouns for Animal Groups Infographic…
This is a great list! Fascinating.
Source: 100 Things To Do If You’re Sad
Great list! Thanks, Natalie!
Home. What a big word.
Home is . . .
where I reside
the body I wear
the spouse I adore
my family of love
the animals I adopt
the nature that surrounds me
the future I hope for
my faith that centers me
friends who nuture me
fellow writers who encourage me
the city of my residence
the state and country of my belonging
the planet I inhabit
Home is a big word.
What does home mean to you?
The Curious Nature Guide, Explore the Natural Wonders All Around You
Written and illustrated by Clare Walker Leslie
(Storey Publishing, 2015)
I first noticed the cover of this book while on vacation with some girlfriends in Coupeville, Washington. Hidden amidst a crowded display of books, toys, and souvenirs, the cover popped out and caught my attention. I wanted that book. But I resisted.
Fast forward to post-Christmas gift card shopping. As I perused my local Indie bookstore, Inklings, guess which book again popped out and grabbed my attention? Yes. The same book. And it was on a display of favs and book suggestions by staff.
I did not resist.
The Curious Nature Guide is a beautifully illustrated guide book written for children, teens, families, and others who love exploring the outdoors. I fell in love with this colorful edition.
I enjoyed this book so much, I used it as a reward. At the end of the day I would carefully read each page and inhale every photo, drawing, and illustration. Reading this book was almost as good as being outside.
While vocabulary will be difficult for young readers, they will love hearing it read aloud. The Curious Nature Guide contains nature information, suggestions of things to look for and do, maps, charts, plant labels, and more.
NO. It is not overwhelmingly encyclopedic.
The Curious Nature Guide is a nature journal filled with inspiration of both the exploring type and the creative sort. I want to go out and investigate the outdoors AND sit down with my art supplies and recreate what I find AND grab the camera to capture my nature.
Two thumbs up for The Curious Nature Guide, Explore the Nature Wonders All Around You.
Happy exploring!
I’d love to hear what nature exploring you like to do.
Source: Historical Fiction: Just What This Picture Book Needed (plus a “Clarksville” giveaway!)
Suddenly, I want to read a historical fiction picture book!
GIGANTOR
if there is a chair
find it and recline therein
size does not matter
CREAK. GROAN. WOBBLE.
What is your favorite chair?
Share a photo in the comment section.
Does it fit you well, or are you like Gigantor and size is not an issue,
just comfort?
Love, Laughter, and Life 