SOL#16 Day 6

Today I was slow getting started. About 8 I had two cups of coffee, then made breakfast. I was waiting for it to warm up before going outside. I should have gone to church. I workied on some art pages and finally realized my dog was ready to get outside, I thought it was warmer so I put on a jacket and took her out. While she explored I raked leaves and swept out the garage floor. I made fresh coffee, by then it was time to move some things. I should have taken Aleve. I rolled 5 wheels & tires to a different shed, swept more, etc. I did so much physical work, afterward I curled up in a blanket to ease my pain. After a brief rest, I made dinner. Now I'm taking that Aleve.

SOL#16 Day 5

Today was a busy day for me. The weather was beautiful and sunny so I took my dog for a walk. She was happy. Then I had to drive an hour for a 3 hour nature art class. We used watercolors to create a sunset. Participants ranged in skills from beginning to seasoned. I fit sonewhere in the middle. I work at a different pace than most. I tend to jump in quickly and make changes as I go. Sometimes I get frustrated waiting for the group. I can understand those children who fidget or get off track because I do the same thing. 

SOL #16 Day 4

Currently:

Stressing - about what to write. It's getting late in the day. I'm going to visit an aunt in the hospital. I hope I get this done in time.

Thankful - for other writers who share their ideas. Without them I would be really stuck.

Waiting - my husband called at 4 to ask if I wanted to visit our aunt and said he would like to leave at 5. I stopped what I was doing (painting the walls, put everything away and got ready)

Watching - My grandma always said "a Watchpot never boils". I know she was right. As soon as I leave my waiting station by the front door so I can see the sunshine and our drive, he will drive up.

Listening - I hear the door now.

Gotta run

SOL Day 3

Last night my husband and I went out for dinner. Only on Wednesdays the BBQ place has chicken. I can't eat pork or beef so I don't like to go and smell the delicious BBQ when I can't have any. Since it was Wednesday, we extended a mid week grocery buying trip to include dinner. My BBQ chicken was good. 

While we were enjoying our food, I overheard a family sitting a few booths away. One little guy kept said, "Hey, Dad! Watch This! I heard him repeat the phrase again and again. I wanted to see what he was doing. I even went to the restroom, walking past their booth, to see if I could get a glimpse of him in action. To my dismay I saw nothing but the Mom eyeing me as I returned to our table. 

At least, I thought, his phrase would make a great story starter!

SOL 16 Day 2

I've a goal to write picture books for children. For the past three years, I have been taking actions to achieve my goal.

• I'm a part of an online writing group, 12x12 or PbidMo. I have three notebooks full of ideas, beginnings. 
• Within that group I found my way to join a writers critique group. I review their stories and offer comments. I stalled. It got harder for me to make constructive comments. I submitted one complete story for them to critique. They offered lots of helpful comments.  I stalled. 
• I joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. I registered for a conference this summer. 

Still, my goal is to write a children's picture book.

I'm so excited (and proud for her) to learn that one of my former 3rd grade students just published her picture book: Hey, Mom!

Hey, Mom!

Yesterday I purchased the sweetest book, Peep and Egg, written by a member of the critique group.
 Peep and Egg

SOL 16 Day 1

I decided to play the game from this web site: http://justforamonth.blogspot.com/2015/03/day-1-game-to-get-to-know-each-other.html

 to let others know a bit about me. 

If you had a magic wand what would you wish for? Three wishes
I've always wished for a magic wand to clean up the piles of trash, eyesores that make me sad as I drive around the USA.

I'd use that wand to uplift children living in poverty, give them a warm home, good food and a hot bath. 

What did you want to become in the childhood?
I wanted to be a cowgirl, but I've never even owned a horse. Once when I rode with some friends I got thrown off into a barb wire fence and cut my hand. Not something that would happen to a good cowgirl, like Dale Evans. Grandma wanted me to be a nurse, but I had a weak stomach and would faint at the sight of blood. I decided to become a teacher. I made this dream come true. I love the 39 years I have spent in the field of education.

Football Tree?

One tree that can be identified by the leaves is the sassafras (Sassafras albidum). Crush any one of the three types of leaves found on this tree and you will sniff a scent similar to root beer. Most people know about the Native Americans using parts of the sassafras tree for medicine and pioneers using the roots to make tea. However, wildlife such as deer, rabbits, bears, moths, butterflies, and birds rely on the sassafras for a variety of needs.

In addition to sniffing the crushed leaves, another important identification clue is to look at the leaves carefully. Sassafras trees have three kinds of leaves.

You read that correctly, 3 types of leaves. Naturalists sometimes use this fact to help children recognize sassafras trees. They refer to the term "football tree" because children can visualize each type of leaf by comparing it with something related to the game of football.

One leaf is shaped like a football.
One leaf is shaped like a gloved hand passing the ball.
(Or a hand wearing mittens, required in the cold)
One leaf is shaped like the goal post.
 (Or a referee calling a touchdown) 

Interestingly enough, you may or may not find all three types of leaves on every branch. Looking for all 3 leaves gives children an opportunity to carefully observe tree leaves.

Go on a hike and observe the fall leaves. While you are viewing nature, see if you can help someone identify a sassafras tree.