Justin Matott's Blog, page 7

Snow's piling up!

It's cold and it's blowy
it's white and all snowy
hot chocolate is floating whipped cream
I went to bed warm, and I woke up real cold
is this a weird wintertime dream?

I like to go sledding or snuggle in bedding
when the white stuff is whipping out there
we'll put in a movie
pop corn treats are so groovy
my snow hat gave me hat hair

School got canceled today
and that makes this day so okay
we're snowed in our house all together
With games and warm soup
no cold and no croup
it's all because of this weather!

Trick Or Treat?

[image error]

For years I have been writing about "misfits" and "weirdos" and have unintentionally become my own neighborhood's, just that.


Grizelda is a weird neighbor who the kids discover to be loveable as well.


Drinking Fountain Joe is a funny little misfit who is paranoid about germs in his schoo [image error] l and becomes a hero.

Gabriel Peters, the hero in my Go Ask Mom series is a funny misfit kid, SO, wouldn't it stand to reason that the author is a bit of each of them?

On Halloween last year, I thought I would add some humor to the evening. So, I donned a makeshift costume (top hat & billy bob teeth) and grabbed a HUGE jug of Parmesan cheese and a big serving spoon. When I answered the door I offered to scoop some parmesan cheese into their treat bags and upon getting a few wrinkled noses said, "Oh, then would you prefer a package of Top Ramen?" and pulled a big bowl loaded with packages of the soup mix. A few confused moments later and with their parents standing off my porch laughing at my sense of humor, I then said, "Oh, okay, so you are candy kids?" and then dumped a handful of candy into each bag. The kids left slightly puzzled at "that author guy is kinda weird..." I overheard several saying. My wife just shook her head and implored me not to do that to the really little kids who wouldn't understand my sense of humor, which didn't actually deter me, heh heh...

Since then I have had three adults at my appearances mention the "Halloween gag" and prompted me to use that in a book somehow.

Several middle schoolers have passed my wife on walks in the neighborhood and mentioned that "Mr. Matott is a crack-up" and that they would actually have liked the cheese if it hadn't covered their candy and the fact is I actually had several kids return to my door that night asking specifically for some cheese or ramen...

ALL IN ALL I think my gag was a success. How many of those trick-or-treaters will remember that when the candy is long gone? Life is about adding interest, humor and fun. I don't mind being a tad eccentric, as long as they also remember that I cared enough to do something that would create a memory.... likely they will just think I was a "weirdo". BUT, ONE OF THE MAIN POINTS HERE IS; I HAD FUN!

One other thing I did on Halloween night was to have a reserve of my alien books right inside the door for any person who came dressed as an alien. Alas, no one did, BUT, as I mentioned this to a group of 4 middle school age girls, one who was dressed as a "Lady Pirate?" liked the idea so much, she whipped out her cell phone and called her mom, demanding green make-up and some other items.

About half an hour later she showed up on my doorstep in a new costume and received her copy of Aliens - all mixed up.

NOTE to trick or treaters in the Highlands Ranch area; next year come as a character in one of my books to receive a readable gift.... I just might give you some parmesan cheese or Top Ramen to go with it...

Life is short - ENJOY every day!

The words and pictures from an "Optimist"

"The Northwest Denver Optimists were privileged to sponsor local author, poet and storyteller Justin Matott at Trevista at Horace Mann.







He is a dynamic speaker. [image error] I wish you all could have heard his message. Below are photos of him during the three assemblies.

The students were not disappointed.





After lunch Justin held two workshops in the library.
This is the time the students learned how, as an author, he organizes his thoughts, his ideas and how he writes, rewrites and rewrites some more.

















At the end of each workshop the kids gave Justin the workings for a story. Then while the students worked on their "verb boxes", he wrote poetry. You will see the ideas and the start of a story/poem below. It was amazing. Again, thanks to everyone who supports the Optimists with their time, talents and monies. Because of YOU, these kids were winners today."

My thanks to the wonderful people in the Optimists Club, who care so much about their community. I had the wonderful opportunity to have lunch with the librarian, Cat, who is one cool cat for sure and Trish, who's life is seriously one of a hero. It is SO wonderful to spend time with people who have such rich, full hearts for children! I love my "job"! [image error]

TWO FRIENDS, THREE BOOKS = FUN & Self Esteem boost!

[image error] I have had the honor of sharing space with the author of three delightful, fun, BRAND NEW books, written by one friend and illustrated by another friend. Sharing the booth I have overheard many great comments from moms and grandmoms primarily about how "that is a perfect book for my _____"! If you follow me, you know I am all about boosting kids self esteem and inspiring them to read and that is why I am sharing the great news about these books that are setting out on their journey to do just that! If you know my books Drinking Fountain Joe and The Gabriel Book of World Records you will recognize that AWESOME design and illustration of David Schiedt. These books are done by him under his pen name. Campbell Lawson is someone you should meet, but there is a place where you can do just that. Please go visit NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.campbelllawson.com/p/somebody.html

A Principal Speaks

I am honored by the Principal Newton's response to my visit in her school and hope to live up to her praise in every school I visit!

As a principal at a highly impacted Title Elementary, I believe it's my duty to spread the news when something works for our children and staff. The visit from Justin Matott was just the match we needed to ignite our children's love for writing and reading. During our writing workshop Mr. Matott was somehow drawn to the exact students that needed to be encouraged and motivated. In one session we had five students who are served through our Severe Needs Behavior Program and Mr. Matott made immediate connections with them, without knowing who they were or that they were even in the room. This is the first assembly (ever) that my five have participated in without behavior support and they were writing too! How amazing is that?! In these tight budget times, I am always looking for areas I can cut and trim from our budget…Mr. Matott's visit is one area I will try to uphold in the future. We can't wait to invite him back next year! Our kids deserve it.
Principal Newton Nisley Elementary Mesa County Valley School District 51 Grand Junction

Often when I visit schools I am amazed that I am never introduced to the Principal or the Assistant Principal. If the school my children were going to was spending the money to have someone come in to entertain and teach my kids, I would like to know the Principal was aware of what happened in his or her school that day.

I am even more amazed then when the Principal AND the Assistant Principal are involved in district meetings (which they both lament the day before is mandatory) and then RUSH BACK to the school to catch all that they can of the assemblies and workshops and stay involved in all in spite of all of the normal, regular demands on their day.

That is what happened at Nisley Elementary School, where I met such leaders, who participated with great excitement during the day and made it clear that EVERY student in the building was loved and respected. It showed in the students AND the staff! We need more people in education like the folks at Nisley!

GO ASK MOM IS COMING OUT AGAIN VERY SOON...

Four men offering muscle, faith, help and hope!

In a world where it seems much of today's youth is self-centered, self-serving and sometimes simply selfish, (not that it wasn't the same when I was a "youth") it is a breath of fresh air to see four young warriors take up a cause and put it all on the line.

Take a moment to see what these four fine young men are planning to do to change our world for good. They have each already gone on numerous short term mission trips, all four came back transformed and changed and ready to do more after seeing the need outside of our "bubble" of comfort (yes, even in this tough economic time we are still rich compared to much of the world).

http://theac.org/about

There is also a Facebook page, set up for updates, info, conversation etc... come join in!
http://www.facebook.com/groups/122104614558045/

Now they will be spending a full year traveling the globe to bring hope, help and love and muscle. Building orphanages, fighting sex trafficking, providing clean water, equipping other youth to provide help for struggling communities are just a few of the ways you and I and they can provide assistance.

Their trip will be a journey of video journalism as well, so they can bring back the message to Americans and others around the globe who can help further to assist our world more.

Spend a little time on their website and you will learn of this brave and hope-fillled mission they have been planning for the past several years. http://theac.org/about

Please consider introducing this mission to your church, youth group, rotary and/or other works based clubs, synagogue, mosques, shoot even bake-sale-betties who can join in to help. If you own a restaurant or work for a company that is interested in change for good, please consider joining in on a fund raiser to send these young men out.

Your donation is tax-deductible and right now is matched dollar for dollar up to $2000.

SIX PHOTOS FOR A WORTHY CAUSE!

When I first was acquainted with the wonderful and delightful Steckels; Richard and Michele, who have put together so many wonderful photographic displays (you have seen them in airports all over the world) I was delighted to be considered for their Milestones Project book http://www.amazon.com/Milestones-Project-Celebrating-Childhood-Around/dp/1582462283/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315604123&sr=1-1 that would be published with the express intent to bring down color, racial, religious, nationalistic and other barriers. With delight I submitted my story, a story about my first pair of glasses, which the editor LOVED and told me would be included in the book. Within a month she called me to tell me my story wouldn't be used after all. I asked why since she had been so profuse about how much she like my story. She replied "Well, we received a piece from JK Rowling and that is what she chose to write about." "WOW, I thought, I have been bumped by the one and only J. K. Rowling, what a claim to fame!" Then she told me she still wanted to include me if I were willing to write on another subject important to childhood. I wrote a piece about my first puppy and it was included. Imagine my delight when I saw the assemblage of people in the table of contents.


Now, the Steckels have asked me to contribute to a wonderful online assemblage of original photographs to feed the hungry and to promote other goodwill, which simply is what they do so beautifully! I am so excited to see who will be included in this wonderful display and see how many people it will help. When Richard called he listed off some whos whos and I felt simply humbled to be included. So, why me? Here is why. Richard and Michele have a delightful daughter who had a delightful daughter who is a fan of my books. SHE told them about me and told them they HAD to include me. Now, how do you like them apples. A little girl who saw me in her school got me in a book with the likes of Eric Carle, J K Rowling, Walter Cronkite and many other much more famous people. Thank you Sutton, you are a doll!

So, here are the photos I chose after looking at thousands and even posting twenty of my favorites on my fan page at Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Works-of-Justin-Matott/213624096290 to get other people's impressions and limit it to six. If you were one who chimed in, thank you!

These are some boys my brother and I met in a small village in the Dominican Republic as he, my brother, took be to the villages he had installed fresh water systems in.








This is a homeless man in Dublin, Ireland who was preparing to feed the pigeons in a churchyard on a bench he sat on daily. When I asked him why, he told me that God feeds the lowliest birds, so imagine how he loves us. Quite sure I have read that in the GOOD BOOK.






In one of the villages in the DR, it wasn't unusual to see industrious people carrying water and other income sources on bikes and motorbikes. This one was just too good!










This bloke was a glass worker in the Waterford Crystal factory in Waterford, Ireland. Now, THAT is a character!












This pretty young lass was hamming it up for us in Sammy Sosa's hometown in the Dominican Republic. The people there were friendly and very family oriented.














These two sisters came and talked with my brother and I in the most beautiful spot on earth. We were e njoying some freshly caught fish and a local brew. They were delightful and delighted!

school visits blog, psst, hit the link!

http://justinmatottatyourskul.blogspot.com/2011/08/school-assemblies-and-workshops-at.html

I have been receiving some email from confused librarians and teachers.
I have two blogs; the one you are on and the school visit information blog (see above link).

I am happy to answer any and all questions you have about a school visit, but chances are, they have been answered on the school visit blog (see above link).

for pop

I am posting this awesome video of my son on the Boulder CU campus especially for POPS HARRIS, who sadly is on a PC and cannot view it because of the horrible limitations of that boat anchor, in spite of the fact that I have for years tried to convince him that a MAC would be SO easy to learn and use and tried for about three years to convince him that we should give him an iPod for Christmas, to which he insisted he would never use, to which I say, "then why do you carry your iPod touch with you everywhere you go, with it's awesome golf app that you love and the music, music, music and the anti-mosquito app that has allowed you to go back outside and why after thirty minutes of trying to tell you over the phone how to use an embed code on an antiquated PC did I have to embed it on my blog for the world to see that ONCE AGAIN, THE MAC REIGNS SUPREME? I LOVE YOU POPS, I JUST DON'T LOVE YOUR BOAT ANCHOR PC! THIS MESSAGE WAS BROUGHT TO YOU WITHOUT ANY RENUMERATION WHATSOEVER FROM APPLE FOR MY LIFE LONG ENDORSEMENT... TO WHICH I SAY... "WHY NOT?" THANK YOU FOR STAYING WITH MY RANT! ALSO, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE EDITING MY BLOG POST HERE AND WONDERING WHY IT IS SUCH A RUN-ON, THAT IS INTENTIONAL AND VIEWED ON A PC WILL LIKELY MAKE NO DIFFERENCE... HEH HEH...

NOW FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE, THE VIDEO OF MY AWESOME SON (WHO USES A MACBOOK). DOUBLE CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO MAKE IT FULL SCREEN OR IF YOU HAVE A PC, GO TO A FRIEND'S HOUSE TO WATCH IT... HEH HEH...

COMING HOME [BOULDER, COLORADO] from Brandon Lied on Vimeo.