Sherrill Joseph's Blog, page 19

Contact the Squares!

Hello, Kids and Other Readers,

Recently, I talked about how we are living in a strange time with staying home to be safe. We can use this problem for the good. I call it being Lemonade Heroes.

So while you’re taking lots of lemons and making sweet lemonade in the form of good deeds and having a generous spirit, consider trying this system to show others that you care all the time. I call it, “Contact the Squares!”

To start, take a sheet of notebook paper or printer paper. Fold it in half three times so that when you unfold it, you have eight squares or rectangles.

Next, write “Every Day” in one of the top squares. Then, label each of the rest with a day of the week.  (See photo sample.)

Then, write down the names of people whom you will make an effort to contact each one of those days to check in and see how they’re doing, and to say hi. Think hard. Don’t leave anyone out! For instance, some people like maybe your grandparents and your BFF, you’ll want to contact daily. Others like your classmates you might feel the need to contact them once a week only. Others, like your teachers, maybe twice a week. I left parents out since you are probably with one or more every day. If not, add them. Of course, you know your friends and family, so adapt this system to work for you and them. You get to decide.

Here comes the caring, fun part! Follow through with a text, email, personal message, or good old-fashioned phone call or written note to each person in the square on that particular day! Repeat next week and for as long as you want or feel the need.

So get a clue, Everyone. This system can work whether you’re a child or an adult. And there will be a lot of people out there who will know they can count on you, a Lemonade Hero, to care about them.

 

 

 

Lemonade Heroes

Hi, Kids and All Readers,

We are living in extraordinary times. Sheltering at home, socially distancing, trying to stay healthy, and looking for a silver lining in the dark cloud of this Pandemic.

Yes, that’s what I said–a silver lining. In other words, focusing on the positives! For example, now’s the time to learn what you can and cannot control, like walkers coming up on you from behind when you are trying to keep a six-foot distance. You can really only control your movements, not theirs. On a brighter note, maybe you now have time to read that book you’ve been meaning to get to, or try a new recipe and stir up some kitchen fun with your family members. Perhaps you’ve learned some new uses for technology to stay virtually connected to family and friends you haven’t been in touch with for ages. How about a Virtual Tea Party?

Tough times can bring out the best in us if we are ready, willing, and able to accept the challenge. Such times as these tend to shine a bright spotlight on the heroes among us. And each one of us can be a hero right now. You see it on social media and in the news all the time these days–people doing good deeds without expecting anything back. But they do get something back–a great feeling knowing that they helped. That’s called altruism. See, kids? Perhaps you just learned a new word! But seriously, how about writing and illustrating some thank-you notes to doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel? Then, mail them to your local hospital. Or to people working all night to keep the grocery store shelves stocked? Or to veterinarians, pet store workers, animal shelter folks, and zookeepers who are still on the job caring for the animals? Or to firefighters and law enforcement officers who must stay on the job in case of emergencies? Or closer to home, how about writing a supportive message in chalk on the sidewalk or driveway of an elderly neighbor’s home? Why not gather your friends virtually and come up with a big list? Then, divide it up and act on it.

I imagine if our Botanic Hill detective heroes were really living through these tough times, they would be showing extra kindness, patience, and generosity. For instance, perhaps Lexi and Lanny would deliver some groceries to Mrs. Thornsley’s front porch. Moki might take her a fresh pineapple from his garden and a container of his immune-boosting muffin pan omelets. And for sure Rani would deliver a bowl of mac ‘n’ cheese and also a bouquet of flowers.

So get a clue, Kids and Other Readers. Remember the old saying, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” And we’ve certainly got a huge crop of lemons right now. So look for ways that you, too, can safely be a hero–a lemonade hero! There are probably lots of people nearby who could use some of your sweet help.

 

 

 

 

Lemonade

Hi, Kids and All Readers,

We are living in extraordinary times. Sheltering at home, socially distancing, and looking for a silver lining in all of this.

Yes, that’s what I said–a silver lining. In other words, focus on the positives! Learn what you can and cannot control. Maybe you now have time to read that book you’ve been meaning to get to. Perhaps you’ve learned some new uses for technology to stay virtually connected to family members you haven’t been in touch with for ages. How about a Virtual Tea Party?

Tough times can bring out the best in us if we are ready, willing, and able. These times can shine a bright spotlight on the heroes among us. And we can all be heroes.

I imagine if our Botanic Hill detective heroes were really living through these tough times, they would be showing extra kindness, patience, and generosity. For instance, perhaps Lexi and Lanny would deliver some groceries to Mrs. Thornsley’s front porch. Moki might take her a fresh pineapple from his garden and a container of his immune-boosting soup. And for sure Rani would deliver a bowl of mac ‘n’ cheese and also a bouquet of flowers.

So get a clue, Kids and Readers. Look for ways that you, too, can safely be a hero. There are probably lots of people nearby who could use some help. And remember the old saying, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”

 

 

 

 

For All

Dear Readers,

A Lynn Ungar poem to sooth you in these troubled times. Take care.

 

            Pandemic

What if you thought of it

as the Jews consider the Sabbath—

the most sacred of times?

Cease from travel.

Cease from buying and selling.

Give up, just for now,

on trying to make the world

different than it is.

Sing. Pray. Touch only those

to whom you commit your life.

Center down.

And when your body has become still,

reach out with your heart.

Know that we are connected

in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.

(You could hardly deny it now.)

Know that our lives

are in one another’s hands.

(Surely, that has come clear.)

Do not reach out your hands.

Reach out your heart.

Reach out your words.

Reach out all the tendrils

of compassion that move, invisibly,

where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love–

for better or for worse,

in sickness and in health,

so long as we all shall live.

 

And to Review . . .

Help, Dear Readers!

If you’ve read Nutmeg Street: Egyptian Secrets in paperback or eBook, please consider posting a review for me on Amazon. If you’ve already done a review, accept my thanks.

I need fifty reviews before Amazon will promote my book for free. As of today, I have seventeen. Beyond that, your comments help make me a better writer.

Your review can be long or short, whatever you want to say. One or two sentences are fine. Each review counts toward the big total. Don’t forget the star rating!

To review, go to my book purchase page on Amazon at Paperback or eBook. Scroll down. On the left, click on the box that says, “Write a Customer Review.” Write and submit.

So get a clue, Readers. Check the Giveaway section in my March 31st Newsletter for added incentives for reviewers! Thank you for your continuing support.

 

And in Review . . .

Help, Dear Readers!

If you’ve read Nutmeg Street: Egyptian Secrets in paperback or eBook, please consider posting a review for me on Amazon. If you’ve already done a review, accept my thanks.

I need fifty reviews before Amazon will promote my book for free. As of today, I have seventeen. Beyond that, your comments help make me a better writer.

Your review can be long or short, whatever you want to say. One or two sentences are fine. Each review counts toward the big total. Don’t forget the star rating!

To review, go to my book purchase page on Amazon at Paperback or eBook. Scroll down. On the left, click on the box that says, “Write a Customer Review.” Write and submit.

So get a clue, Readers. Check the Giveaway section in my March 31st Newsletter for added incentives for reviewers! Thank you for your continuing support.

 

Are You Listening?

Hello, Readers and Audiophiles,

I wanted to let you know that this week, I hired a Narrator/Producer to create an Audiobook for Nutmeg Street: Egyptian Secrets. It’s a man named Tom Jordan. He has done commercials and has a great range of different voices to bring our story to a new, exciting level. I chose him after listening to about 200 male and female voices on ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange).

The Audiobook should be available on Amazon, Audible (owned by Amazon), and iTunes on or shortly after April 27, 2020. Watch my Giveaway section in my monthly Newsletter later this spring when I will be holding contests for coupons for a free Audiobook (with a trial membership in Audible).

So get a clue, Readers, and get ready to hear the Botanic Hill detectives, Uncle Rocky, Dr. Abbott, and all the rest of the crew come to life! Kids, soon, you can take the squad with you and follow their adventures on those long car trips!

Best-Selling Author!

Dear Readers,

I needed some good news, and I got it on February 25.

I’m now officially a BEST-SELLING AUTHOR!

I hit two best-selling categories on Amazon for my Nutmeg Street: Egyptian Secrets paperback! Best selling means an author’s book is in the top 100 books sold in a particular category. I made #42 and #28.

The evidence is in the two photos.

Whoo-hoo! Thanks for you support.

So get a clue, Readers. Head on over to Amazon for more copies of my book in Nutmeg Paperback or in Nutmeg eBook.

RIP, Mr. Bean

Dear Readers, 

Today, I am veering off my usual literary topic to sadly report the passing of my granddog, Mr. Bean. He was eleven.

Bean lived a great life in Virginia with my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. He quickly intertwined himself into their hearts, souls, and daily routines. He enjoyed a good walk around the lake, showing off for my granddaughter, splashing in the ocean during the annual family trip to the Jersey Shores, and holding sway at his yearly dog birthday party right after Thanksgiving. He was King of Dog Clothes, always sporting a sweater or t-shirt to match a season or holiday. He even dressed up in theme with the rest of the family’s Halloween costumes.

Bean was a little Lakeland terrier, but his heart, presence, and unconditional love equaled those of ten mastiffs. His sudden passing has left a huge hole in the Virginia household and in all our hearts.

Bean was my little buddy whenever I would visit, keeping me company when no one was around, and springing up onto my bed in the guest room to nap or cuddle. How do you let go of all of that and move forward? We must, of course–when the ache and tears are replaced by smiles and fond memories of a great dog.

Mr. Bean, your family, neighbors, and dog friends miss you terribly and will love you forever.

RIP, sweet Bean. November 28, 2008 – February 21, 2020. Thanks for gracing our lives and teaching us about love and patience.  We thought we would have you longer to keep showing us the way.

Now, it’s your turn to romp and play with all your doggie best buds over the Rainbow Bridge.

 

“Riddle Me This!”

Dear Readers,

Now that Nutmeg Street: Egyptian Secrets, Book 1 in my Botanic Hill Detectives Mysteries series is launched, some of you have asked when Book 2 will come out. Books 2 and 3 are finished and awaiting publication.

The short answer about Book 2’s arrival is . . . hopefully, by the end of this year or early 2021. I won’t bore you with the long answer.

The title? Eucalyptus Street: Green Curse. If you’ve read Book 1, you might have noticed the reference to the next book at the end of the last chapter: “[The four detectives] would have been heartened to know their next daring mystery was already simmering not too far away on Eucalyptus Street.”

If you read to the end of the Acknowledgments (no one ever does), there is a teaser scene for the book: “You will be challenged by a mysterious old mansion, a seventy-year-old puzzle poem, dusty secret passages, a hidden gemstone, and a flickering light in the nearby cemetery.”

To whet your appetite, below is the entire puzzle poem.

So, get a clue–or two or three– dear Readers. Let’s see what you can figure out about Book 2’s mystery from this riddle. Use the contact form on my website, Website Contact Form, and let me know your guesses! Here is the puzzle poem (riddle). Good luck!

 

‘Wishful dreams of bold emerald trappings

From radiant treetop and archaic wrappings;

To find what you seek, you must dash and dart

Only to discover the ending was at the start.

 

Deep down below a chamber to nourish

The players’ voices, where still flourish

Wooden words helped create the magic:

Sometimes comic and sometimes tragic.

 

Lions’ threatening stares from their moonlit perches

Warn of danger for would-be explorers’ searches;

But once their eyes are turned down to the floor,

The way becomes clear, it reveals much more.

 

An artisan’s tilework leads to loftier places

Where there are myriad quarters with timeworn traces.

When the sunlight’s ray strikes the portrait at three,

Look to the jeweled hand that recommends your knee.

 

Treehouse gardens seen from highest window stained,

Its panes have witnessed material treasures that remain

Dazzling and fine, but now hidden, soon forgotten with time,

Perhaps to be rescued because of this rhyme.

 

At the end of it all, blackened roses, wicked thorns, and delusions,

So from Gray’s elegy, I ask if beauty isn’t wasted in seclusion?

Searching must continue now but at a funeral’s pace, awaiting the light

That appears however improbably, yet shining green and eternally bright.’”

 

Whoa! Right? Think you know what the riddle is about? Please let me know.