Celebrating with Ruth Ayres at Discover Play Build. and linking with others who share their celebrations, too. I am grateful to Ruth for helping us celebrate together!
It's been two weeks since I shared, and despite the chaos reigning in our government, I remain hopeful and committed to protest in any way I can. There are good things in my own life, and I'm happy about that.
I loved meeting with what is now a writing "partner" (our group has dwindled to two) and it felt as if we helped each other focus on some goals, and add to ideas for revision of our projects.
I've written a poem each day for a while, and now in February am writing each day for a challenge that Laura Shovan offers each February to help celebrate her birthday. You can read about it here on Laura's blog. http://laurashovan.com/2017/02/poetry-friday-10foundwords-2/ I've received rejections for a poem and a picture book story, am planning to look again, and try again.
I hosted my book group this week and it was a pleasure to visit and talk about the book, Backman's My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry. There are conflicting opinions about this book. While it's a slow start, perhaps confusing for some, it turned into a wonderful and loving story.
It's always, always fun to plan surprises, and I discovered that my nearby toy store was hosting a talented silhouette artist this week, on the very day that (this time) I had both Ingrid and Imogene visiting. I made the appointment, the girls had fun browsing the store (they know it well) and sitting very still for this surprise for their parents. Here they are getting acquainted with a sweet and large dino and then the silhouettes. This artist sat and cut them out, no drawing, just cutting. I've heard that people can do this, but it was amazing to watch. It was a great surprise, and the girls loved giving them.
You know that we all look for the little things, those that keep us going. I don't have a picture, but this week I saw a trash truck across from the bookstore, and they had a teddy bear sitting up on the dash. I don't know the back story, but imagine that someone had thrown it away, and those trash employees couldn't let that happen. It touched me that this bear now had some more love to receive (and give?).
I, too, haven't shared here for a couple of weeks. I'm glad to be back and I'm so glad you're here. Writing and writing partners, grandkids and surprises! There is still so much to celebrate, if we look hard enough!
ReplyDeleteAgree totally, Michelle. It's a good thing to reflect on the good things in the week! Have a great weekend!
DeleteYour teddy bear in the garbage truck reminds me of the china rabbit Edward Tulane in Kate DiCamillo's book, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. I've watch an artist draw a silhouette, but never cut one out ... amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou're right! I'd forgotten about that. It's been a long while since I read that book. Thanks, Alice.
DeleteOh Linda, those silhouettes are gorgeous and I am sure seeing them in real life is even more beautiful. What a wonderful surprise for their parents! I wish I had time to put pen to paper about that teddy bear. I think that would be an amazing subject for a poem! Good luck on finding a place for your poem and picture book - just keep searching!
ReplyDeleteHaving the opportunity to do the silhouettes was a lot of fun, Leigh Anne. And you have a good idea about that teddy! Thanks!
DeleteThe silhouettes are amazing. Great image of the little girls sitting still for a surprise for their parents...
ReplyDeleteI almost wish I'd taken a picture of the 'sitting". They didn't move a muscle! Thanks, Diane.
DeleteGlad to be back here, too, Linda. Such charming silhouettes - I had these done when my own were younger, and I felt they captured some essential innocence of childhood in just the most perfect way. Glad to hear that you are keeping up with a book group and a writing group - you live a rich life.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tara. Grabbing the images at this age is something I think we'll love in years to come. I love my book group, and am grateful that the two of us are holding on with the writing, too.
DeleteLovely silhouettes of your girls. I love the story of the trash truck's teddy bear. You should write a picture book story about it.
ReplyDeleteSeeing that bear really touched me, Margaret. Maybe I do need to explore writing a story? Thanks for the nudge!
DeleteI really enjoy it when we can't agree on a book at my book club - it makes for the most spirited discussions and engaging conversations! 😊
ReplyDeleteYes, it really does. We had much to say about this book, Jane.
DeleteOh those girls! They are so wonderful! Keep writing and sharing Linda. We are all so much richer when you do!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie, I don't think I will stop!
DeleteIt looks like you've had a fun week, Linda! That final story about the teddy bear got me. Maybe that could be the spark for a new book for you?? Keep looking for a publisher. The right one IS out there for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennifer. I love the idea about this bear, could be my next big idea!
DeleteI'm so glad you are taking on the Laura Shovan project. I joined but that is all I've done. Some of the poems coming out of the project are stunning. Keep up with the poetry. You have the gift and spirit of a poet. AND that teddy bear. I can picture it. Reminds me of used books. Still so much to give.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julieanne. Love that last comment. Since I'm now so involved in the used bookstore, I know exactly what you mean. And it's wonderful to see people's eyes light up when they find what to them is a special book.
DeleteThe silhouettes look amazing. They make a wonderful gift. I remember when you marked the "My Grandmother..." as "dropped for now" on Goodreads. I was sad because I thought that you hadn't liked it. Glad to find out that you eventually read it and discovered something good in it.
ReplyDeleteYes, I finally read on, Terje, and did end up liking that book very much. The silhouettes were a lot of fun to do and give! Thanks!
DeleteLinda, your celebrations this week were filled with energy and I especially love the photo of the grangirls. I am so behind in my reading because I had a 3 day work assignment starting Saturday. I am ready to fall asleep now and it is only dinnertime.
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