Aileen Stewart's Blog, page 34

My Top Three Reads of 2012

Can you believe another year has come and gone my friends? Well, it has; so let me begin this New Year right by wishing you all wonderful things to come. That being said, I think a recap of the top three books I read in 2012 is in order. Last year found me reading and reviewing 23 books, some new, and some old, some good, some average, and some that I thought were absolutely great. 


 



Number one on my top three list is No Bones About It ~ The Sum of Our Parts by Bill  Kirk. I found this book to be one of the most entertaining and delightful bone/skeleton books I have ever read. The rhymes are catchy, the illustrations fresh, the factoids interesting. This is a fantastic book for people of all ages and would make a superb addition to any home school curriculum. The fact that this book is just the first in a series of books intrigues me even more. Mr. Kirk seems to have a sure winner on his hands so be sure to check out the other books like The Skin We're In or Circulation Celebration!




 
My second choice for my 2102 top favorite reads is A Wish And A Prayer by Beth Reinke. When I read A Wish and A Prayer  I was really impressed with the way Miss Reinke described the difference between making wishes and the power of prayer. For many years my husband and I have raised our daughter to understand that wishes are dreams of things people hope will come true somehow or someway just because they want them to, but prayers are requests we make of God who answers us according to our faith. To find a book that expertly and entertainingly shows children this very concept is truly exciting! 





And last, but certainly not least is The Island of The Skog by Steven Kellogg. My daughter read The Island of The Skog to me for a school homework assignment, and I must say we both tremendously enjoyed this book. Not only was the story about mice trying to find freedom entertaining, the illustrations were quite fine as well. I was certainly surprised to find out who the skog on the island really was and if you and your child like a little bit of mystery you will get this book and find out who the skog is for your selves. As a side note, I was excited to see that this copy borrowed from the school library was autographed by Mr. Kellog and he even drew a little skog holding a heart next to his name.


 Signing of for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Sandwich Box to Sleigh: A Recycling Story

Not all of who I am revolves around literacy, but the largest fraction of who I am does revolve around creativity in all it's forms. I love to bake, I love to sew, I love photography, and I love crafting especially when it involves turning something old into something new. So today I thought I would share with you one of my favorite Christmas crafts made from a recycled sandwich box.

It's a small sleigh that can be filled with assorted candies of your choice and looks lovely as a centerpiece. What you will need is a sandwich box (mine came from Wendy's), two individually wrapped candy canes, foe greenery or ivy, glue (I use glue dots), decorations (small berries, pine cones, bows, or whatever you like), and a small piece of wrapping paper.




First make a paper template by setting the front of the box flat on the inside of the wrapping paper. Trace the box and then carefully set it up on its bottom making sure to keep it lined up, after tracing the bottom, repeat by laying the box on it's back. Lastly set box back in the middle upright position so you can lay it to either side for tracing.Once this is done take the two candy canes and attach them to the bottom for runners. I found that package tape works best to keep them in place. Next, glue greenery to the back and sides of the inside of the box and decorate. Last but not least, fill with candy of your choice (I chose individually wrapped truffles that I bought at Aldis).







Signing of for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Author Interview...Mine

Normally I don't post about my own publicity, but today I am making an exception. And seeing that we are so close to Christmas, I will just classify it as a gift to myself. Recently a lovely woman named Laura J. Marshall asked to interview me on her blog The Old Stone Wall. She has been most kind and courteous and the final interview looks absolutely fabulous. So if you have a moment stop by her site, and if you enjoy the interview please leave her a nice comment to let her know you stopped to visit.

 Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

A Book Fair and A Vacation

Recently I participated in the 31st Annual Kentucky Bookfair where my husband and daughter joined me. I can't think of anything lovelier then turning an enjoyable business arrangement into a mini family vacation especially when the weather turns unseasonably warm.

The beautiful weather made it pleasant for all those attending the book event and pleasant for me to walk from my hotel to the convention center which was basically out the Capitol Plaza's back door. The downtown area was also within walking distance from our hotel where my husband and daughter spent many happy hours while I was otherwise occupied. While I was busy signing books and schmoozing with fellow authors like Lori Moore and Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton they were visiting quint shops and cafe`s.

Signing Books
Lorri Moor and I Laurie Lazarro Knowlton and IOnce I was done for the day I was able to join my family in exploring downtown Frankfort. We made the most amazing discoveries like the singing bridge which sounds like it's humming when the cars pass over. There are walkways on either side and you can even feel the vibrations through your shoes. On the other side of the bridge was my husbands favorite find of all ~ Cajun Ricks White Light Diner which was featured on the show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The barbeque was delicious and Cajun Rick was quite entertaining as he regaled us with stories of his rise to fame and his brother's famous Cajun hot sauce.  

Downtown Frankfort

Singing Bridge

Cajun Rick's White Light Diner

On the way home after the book fair, we managed one more stop at the Newport Aquarium. I'm not sure who had more fun, my daughter or I. She and I visited the penguins up close and personal which is a once in a lifetime experience we couldn't pass up despite the price tag. We saw many other interesting creatures both large and small and my daughter even survived being attacked by a large squid. I can't remember when I've had a more enjoyable time. So if you ever have a chance to visit Kentucky, I'm sure you will have an equally wonderful time!

Swordfish Statue
Penguin Encounter
Ginning Shark

Sleepy Crocodile

Touch Tidal Pool
Fish and Coral
Jelly Fish
Lil' Eels

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Don't Be Shy ~ Just Speak "Write" Up

Just in case you are wondering, I know that the title should actually be Don't Be Shy ~ Just Speak Right Up; but as a writer, it's sometimes fun to use a play on words. That aside, I really do wish to encourage all new authors to speak up when it comes to their book or books. Sometimes we have the tendency to allow opportunities to pass us by because we are uncomfortable about sharing with strangers. We often make excuses like there were too many people in line behind us at the cash register, or the other person was in a hurry, etc... But most of the time, that's exactly what they are ... just excuses. 

Take for instance the opportunity that I passed up last week. The day started out cold and rainy and  to top it all off, I forgot my jacket while trying to remember everything else I needed to take for the school field trip on which I would be joining my daughter. The field trip turned out to be lovely, despite my nearly freezing, and soon it was time to go home. On the way home I decided to stop at Sam's Club to fill up the old gas tank. While pumping my gas, the attendant noticed the magnet on the back of my car announcing my book, my name, and my website. He asked if I was the author of Fern Valley and proceeded to show interest in the fact that I was an author. Soon my tank was full, I said goodbye, and proceeded to get in the car.

As I sat down my seven year old daughter handed me a business card which she had pulled from the deep recesses of my large black purse and said, "Here mommy. You need to give him this!" I declined and told her I was cold and tired and just wanted to go home to which she replied, "You just don't want to sell any books do you?" It's hard to believe that such wisdom came out of a seven year old mouth, but there you have it. She was correct. I allowed my insecurities to rob me of a possible sale, and not because I was too tired or cold; but because I just didn't want it badly enough. I had thought about giving him a card before getting back into my vehicle, but had talked myself out of it because he had not specifically asked for information.

So you better believe when I had opportunity this morning I made a better choice; I made a choice to speak up. I was at a Kroger store picking up a few groceries on my way home from dropping dear daughter at school and decide to use the self checkout. The cashier in charge is always the same and so we have spoken briefly in times past. I knew from a previous conversation that she is from the town that is hosting the craft fair where I will be signing my book this weekend. I asked her if she was going to the fair and mentioned that I would be there signing my children's book.

She exclaimed that she didn't know I was an author and this led to me giving her a post card about my book (which I have printed at Vistaprint). She became very excited and wanted to buy one for her seven year old grandson. I didn't have any books on my person at the time; so I am taking her one tomorrow morning on my way home from school. An unexpected sale occurred (or will occur tomorrow) simply because I spoke up. So there you have it my friends, advice from a wise seven year old that I heartily encourage you to take.

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

I Finally Ordered...

It's that time of year again when they send those lovely little Scholastic catalogs home with the children. Now to be perfectly honest, in the four years that my daughter has been attending school this is the first time I have actually ordered any books. Don't get me wrong, I love books, I buy books, but the truth of the matter is that I am frugal. Okay, okay I will say it; I am the Queen of CHEAP!

But this year they had some dollar selections which is a price right up my alley. I bought two books for Emily. I bought the classic Charlotte's Web and a National Geographic book called Dog Finds Lost Dolphins. I know, who could resist Charlotte's Web for a dollar; and Emily loves dogs so any book involving one of those great animals is sure to please.

Emily hasn't started reading Charlotte's Web yet, but she has seen the equally famous movie; so I can't wait to see what she thinks of the book. As a child I always loved to compare books and movies and I'm pretty sure the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree where she is concerned.



Since neither of us have read Dog Finds Lost Dolphins, it will be fun to explore this book together. And since it is a true story, it should be even more exciting then usual. So what great book bargains have you found lately? As the Queen of Cheapness, I not only love to get a bargain, I love to hear about other people's bargains as well. 


Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Mothers, Bloggers, and Panera Bread

Yesterday I had the pleasure to join six other wonderful moms from around Ohio at the first ever BlogOh event. We met at Columbus which is pretty much smack dab in the center of the state and therefore not too much of a drive for most everyone. Another fun bonus was the fact that we met in the conference room of the local Panera Bread which was another first for this gal. I personally recommend the frozen berry drink!

Although I have been blogging for a couple of years now in a sort of hit or miss manner, I thought it would be great fun to attend this blogging event and maybe learn a little something along the way. The first thing I learned was that mom bloggers are way more serious about blogging then I ever imagined. I had no idea the extent of sway a really good mom blogger can have over an audience and I am in awe of the ladies I met.

Our organizer, Tonya, writes about her families travels @ her site The Traveling Praters. Jenilee the FaceBook friend who invited me, writes the most interesting antidotes about her family @ her site Our Goodwin Journey. Fellow mom, Stacey, writes a funny blog called I'm A Lazy Mom. Heather, from the Cincinnatti area, is working on starting a fresh blog. And co-bloggers Mona and Valerie blog about what's happening in Columbus on their site Social Moms Around Columbus. Although each attendee and their perspective blogs happen to be very different, what each lady has in common is an enthusiasm and joy for sharing their lives and connecting with others. Blogging takes hours of their time but it is done with such love and talent that the reader probably never takes thought into the effort that goes into each and every post.

What I personally came away with  from the experience was a group of new friends and a rejuvenated desire to blog and blog well. Not only does blogging help me connect with potential fans for my book, Fern Valley, but it also helps me to continue to perfect my writing. And if someone gets a chuckle out of something I say, finds a book worth reading, or a finds some useful tips to help them in their own writing journey, then that's just icing on the cake.

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Islands of Imagination

Books can be many things to many people. They can be a comfort like a hot bowl of soup on a cold day, they can be entertainment, they can be informative, and they can be islands of imagination taking us on journeys to places we would never go otherwise.

One of my greatest joys is the fact that almost daily my daughter and I share a book or two and take these journey's together. Just recently we shared some fun discoveries while reading the book The Island of Skog by Steven Kellog.

 The Island of Skog is a story of mice trying to find freedom and a place to live in peace. They find an  island home perfect in every way except for the sole skog inhabitant who tries to scare them off. The story is quite entertaining, the illustrations quite fine, and I was certainly surprised to find out who the skog really was. So if you and your child like a little bit of mystery you need to get this book and find out who the skog is for your selves.

As a side note, I was excited to see that this copy, borrowed from the school library, was autographed by Mr. Kellog. He even drew a little skog holding a heart next to his name.

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

The Busy Season...

Once again we are headed into that wonderful, beautiful, and completely busy season which starts with the approach of autumn and lasts til the end of the year. There is the beginning of the school year where both adults and children alike have to adjust to getting up early, a new schedule, and going to bed early. For me, it also means I have to start scheduling my time to fit in all the holiday party preparations, field trips, and teacher projects I am involved in as the second grade room mother.

Besides my school projects, I will also have the inevitable leaves to rake along with family holiday preparations, the children's display case I am in charge of at the library, my weekly co-blog, the upcoming Kentucky Book Fair, and four craft fairs. Not to mention a school walk-a-thon,  an Ohio Mom Blogger's meeting, a couple of birthdays, Black Friday, Christmas shopping, and a January birthday to plan for my daughter. And believe me when I say it will take me from now until January to plan the party especially if it involves painting cardboard scenery!

Oh, and did I mention that I am repainting my kitchen cupboards and my outdoor shed? Like I said, the start of the busy season. The funny thing is, that I love to be busy and have things penciled in my schedule book. Don't get me wrong, I like to relax as much as the next person; but sometimes it's nice to be busy and feel like you are getting a lot accomplished.

And sometimes I even manage to fit in a fun project like the basic illustration project I am working on while my daughter is at school. Normally I just write material and I don't illustrate because I sadly lack the natural drawing talent, but recently I participated in a live session with famed author Jarret J. Krosoczka. He made illustrating look so easy (I certainly can attest to the fact that it is not) that I thought I would give it a try. I never would have guessed that you should sketch your rough draft in a blue colored pencil because it won't show up when you scan the finished product; and since I don't have the talent to use Indian ink like Jarret to outline the final product, I just use a black sharpie. Then I whiz it off to my paint program and color it in.Granted my illustrations are pretty basic and still need some work, but they are pretty exciting to make.

So what is going to keep you busy this season?

Signing off for now with wishes for a bright and beautiful day!

Opportunity To Share A Dream...

Dear  Friends:

Breaking into the world of literature as a children's author is a tough job and having more then one book available to fans helps build credibility. With the support of friends like you, I can turn my first  book, Fern Valley , into a great series that offers children wholesome but highly entertaining stories to read. So if you love new authors, kids, promoting literacy, and being part of a fantastic dream, then join me now as a backer for my project to turn the manuscript for my second book, Return to Fern Valley, into a published reality! The pledges made to this Kickstarter project will enable me to get my sequel into print with my current publisher, Tate Publishing. It will also allow me to market it in the upcoming year. As a bonus, some exciting rewards go along with each pledge. So join the fun for the next thirty days and watch with me to see if I meet my funding goal @ http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1439897739/return-to-fern-valley-the-launching-of-a-book-sequ . Thanks so much for all your support and as always Happy Reading!