
claws, antennae, eyes
monster stalk, capture, devour
praying mantis win
monster by Angie Quantrell
What monster is lurking in your yard? Post a Haiku so we can all be scared!

claws, antennae, eyes
monster stalk, capture, devour
praying mantis win
monster by Angie Quantrell
What monster is lurking in your yard? Post a Haiku so we can all be scared!

For my writer friends:
If you write for children ages 4-12 or so, check out ABDO Publishing opportunities!
via Opportunity: ABDO Publishing

Spinning
lacy edges spin
wrapped tight, unfurling swirls hint
at blossom beauty
by Angie Quantrell
It’s Happy Hump Day Haiku Challenge day! Post your haiku in the comments or the link to your page so we can read your haiku!
Welcome to the wonderful world of stamping!

Stamping is always a holiday of sorts, taking me away from the regularly scheduled program. Mixed media (stamps, inks, water colors, markers, patterned papers, trinkets, ribbons, glitter glue) form the foundation of creativity.

One other ‘most important’ component of rubber stamping and creating is engaging with a partner. The back and forth bouncing of ideas, materials, and suggestions energizes the joy and productiveness of the hobby.

In addition, two or more crafters mean combined stamps, tools, and resources! In essence, the community of supplies multiplies opportunities for creativity!

Besides, it’s much more enjoyable to chat and solve the world’s problems with a friend while I’m involved in a fun pastime.

I suppose this habit of working with a partner to be applied to nearly every pursuit in life: writing, rearing a family, hiking, building a career, preparing meals, cleaning, going to college, pursuing spiritual growth…

Thanks, friends, for joining my journey!

between here and there;
temptress, splayed and inviting.
kitty danger zone.

by Angie Quantrell

Happy Hump Day Haiku Challenge! Have you dared to touch the danger zone? I’d love to read your haiku about facing a danger zone.
When did I begin writing for preschoolers? WAY back when.

I’m so glad my honey took this photo. This was my first trip to Birmingham, Alabama, to attend a writer’s conference and begin writing curriculum and products for Mission Friends (preschool missions education materials).
Chelsie was three, Taylor was five, and I had dark hair (and hair, period). Judging by how old they are now, I’ve been writing for Woman’s Missionary Union for about 28 years. Time flies when preschoolers are having fun and this writer is loving every minute of the journey.
What a blessing it is to remember this opportunity from the Lord! I so love preschoolers. You know, that age is one of the funnest ever! (I know, I know. There are other ages that are also super fun. Okay, you caught me. I adore them all.)
Sweet babies, fantastic supporting husband, and dreams for endless learning activities. Now my babies have given me five grands, with three going to school this fall and only two still at home.
Enjoy those moments, mama and daddy! Those babies are gonna grow up too fast and before you know it, you’ll have a lap full of your own grands.
How about sharing a Throwback Thursday moment of your own?

surprise dinner plans
salmon encrusted
with spicy cajun tartar;
cat had other plans
aluminum foil
cooler than summer and fur;
unsupervised cat
kitty barbeque?
dare not, methinks, feline love.
new foil, fish dinner
by Angie Quantrell

BEWARE leaving the cat alone to her own devices in the RV while I’m out trotting around the pasture.
How has your cat (dog, child, husband, wife) surprised you? Share by penning a haiku!

The Bird and the Blade
by Megan Bannen
(Balzer + Bray, An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2018)
I recently received a free copy of The Bird and the Blade from Literary Rambles, Natalie Aguirre, and Megan Bannen.
I was interested in reading The Bird and The Blade because of the title. I like birds. The blade, I could only assume, was sword like and sharp. I was correct on one count. The blade was an actual blade, though I will not spoil the ending by telling you much more about it. The bird was not an actual bird, but the main character, Jinghua.
Without giving too much away, this story is about love, war, families, dynasties, refugees, stations in life, relationships, and courage. The tale begins with a young female slave, Jinghua. But that is not the whole of her.
Through careful revelation and continually going back in time while moving forward, readers learn about Jinghua and how her life has changed. I didn’t know before I read, but this tale was inspired by the opera Turandot and is a retelling of
“Prince Khalaf and the Princess of China.” Despite the ancient beginnings of the story, it is worth every century!
I enjoyed The Bird and the Blade. I loved how the story is organized, with flashbacks to share important details. As I read the “current” portions of the story, I eagerly anticipated the next travel back in time to find out more details. And there are some very juicy details!
Young adults and adults will enjoy this well-written tale, The Bird and the Blade. Thank you, Literary Rambles, for introducing me to this book and author.
by Angie 2 Comments

gnarled shelves grasp earth
etched granite skin, moss blanket
tree’s knees bend and rest
by Angie Quantrell
Happy Hump Day! How about a haiku challenge? I’d love to read yours.

Today’s Monday Mouthful is brought to you by Thai Naan in Snohomish, Washington.
Last week I was house sitting for a college roomie. She was off gallivanting around Europe (and beyond) with her hubby while I was enjoying her kitty and having myself a writing retreat. Perfect location! Easy walk to reach downtown, gorgeous and historic neighborhood, lots of room and space to spread out my junk (I mean writing supplies). I recently read that creative people are messy. That explains it, honey. My creativity is definitely based on the area around me covered in chaotic bits and pieces.
Back to the story.
Immediately upon arrival, my stomach started thinking back to a previous trip where said roomie, plus one more roomie, headed out for Thai dinner in Snohomish. Food memory drove me to hoof it down the hill and check out lunch.

Lunch special favorite discovered and documented. I ordered green chicken curry, which came with sweet and sour soup, brown rice, and phad Thai. So much deliciousness and food for such a great price! This lunch special called me back one more time, plus a separate dinner trip with above mentioned roomie (not the Europe explorer).
If you are in Snohomish, give Thai Naan a try. Eat some food memories.

Meet Cosmo. My writing partner and neck warmer.