Carmela Dutra's Blog - Posts Tagged "day"
Great Poetry Reading Day
April 28th is Great Poetry Reading Day! There's lots of poetry out there. Today is intended to read the world's greatest poetry. Only you can decided for yourself what you consider to be great poetry or not. What if you have never read poetry? Why not give it a try today, who knows you may find a new love in reading!
Celebrate today in any or all of the following ways:
• Read poetry
• Hold a poetry reading hour or party
• Listen to poetry
• Write your own poetry....someday it may be looked upon as great!
Some of my favorite poets are:
Dr. Seuss, Jane Baskwill and of course Edgar Allan Poe
Have an adventurous day!
Carmela Dutra
http://www.lorenzothebear.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorenz...
https://twitter.com/LorenzotheBear
Celebrate today in any or all of the following ways:
• Read poetry
• Hold a poetry reading hour or party
• Listen to poetry
• Write your own poetry....someday it may be looked upon as great!
Some of my favorite poets are:
Dr. Seuss, Jane Baskwill and of course Edgar Allan Poe
Have an adventurous day!
Carmela Dutra
http://www.lorenzothebear.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorenz...
https://twitter.com/LorenzotheBear
Book Lovers Day!
Today is Book Lovers Day! 
A day for those who love to read, Book Lovers Day encourages you to kick back and relax with a great book. From shaded spots under arching trees to being tucked up warm in bed, there’s no better way to celebrate Book Lovers Day than to while the hours away lost in a book.
Did you ever read a book that just made you fall madly in love with it? Maybe you didn’t care to read at all, but after picking up that one book it changed how you feel about reading? Can you relate to this? I know I can!
When I was younger I was not a good reader, in fact I despised it with every fiber of my being. Mostly it was because I wasn’t a good reader. Had nothing to do with my parent’s, they always read to me, and having me read. But reading just wasn’t my forte. My mom even got me hooked on phonics (remember those books?) it helped, but I still wasn't “hooked” on reading.
My mother always took me to the local library, and insisted on me getting a book. I stumbled across this book Death Watch, by Robb White. It seemed interesting, and the last page of the book really peaked my interest (I always read the last page of a book first to see if it grabs my attention). So I took it home, and the rest is history.
It’s not my “favorite” book, but it is the book that really sparked my love of reading. The excitement of suspense, based on a fight to the finish between an honest and courageous young man and a cynical business tycoon who believes that anything can be had for a price.
My favorite book will always be held by A flaw in the Blood by Stephanie Barron. Set in the late 1800s filled with secrets that are so powerful and dangerous it could topple the entire monarchy. This is a book that I can get lost in over and over and over again.
I have many books that I enjoy reading, and new ones that I cannot wait to jump into. When I look back though and think about how there was a time that I did not enjoy reading, and would do anything I could to get out of it; I am grateful my parents never stopped pushing me. If they had, then I wouldn't be where I am today. I would have this love of reading, nor likely be an author.
So I implore you, all of you, to never stop looking for that book. That one book that will spark your love of reading. I owe my love of reading to my parents, and Death Watch. What about you? Do you have a love for reading yet?
Happy Reading!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear
www.lorenzothebear.com
www.blogforyourthoughts.com
Facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
Twitter.com/lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
A day for those who love to read, Book Lovers Day encourages you to kick back and relax with a great book. From shaded spots under arching trees to being tucked up warm in bed, there’s no better way to celebrate Book Lovers Day than to while the hours away lost in a book.
Did you ever read a book that just made you fall madly in love with it? Maybe you didn’t care to read at all, but after picking up that one book it changed how you feel about reading? Can you relate to this? I know I can!
When I was younger I was not a good reader, in fact I despised it with every fiber of my being. Mostly it was because I wasn’t a good reader. Had nothing to do with my parent’s, they always read to me, and having me read. But reading just wasn’t my forte. My mom even got me hooked on phonics (remember those books?) it helped, but I still wasn't “hooked” on reading.
My mother always took me to the local library, and insisted on me getting a book. I stumbled across this book Death Watch, by Robb White. It seemed interesting, and the last page of the book really peaked my interest (I always read the last page of a book first to see if it grabs my attention). So I took it home, and the rest is history.
It’s not my “favorite” book, but it is the book that really sparked my love of reading. The excitement of suspense, based on a fight to the finish between an honest and courageous young man and a cynical business tycoon who believes that anything can be had for a price.
My favorite book will always be held by A flaw in the Blood by Stephanie Barron. Set in the late 1800s filled with secrets that are so powerful and dangerous it could topple the entire monarchy. This is a book that I can get lost in over and over and over again.
I have many books that I enjoy reading, and new ones that I cannot wait to jump into. When I look back though and think about how there was a time that I did not enjoy reading, and would do anything I could to get out of it; I am grateful my parents never stopped pushing me. If they had, then I wouldn't be where I am today. I would have this love of reading, nor likely be an author.
So I implore you, all of you, to never stop looking for that book. That one book that will spark your love of reading. I owe my love of reading to my parents, and Death Watch. What about you? Do you have a love for reading yet?
Happy Reading!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear
www.lorenzothebear.com
www.blogforyourthoughts.com
Facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
Twitter.com/lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
#GiveABook!
What comes to mind when you see the date February 14th? No doubt it’s Valentine’s Day. This is after all the day for lovers, but what about those who are lovers of books? Well good news! This day is also for them! In addition to Valentine’s Day, February 14th is also International Book Giving Day.
Here’s a little background for those unfamiliar with the holiday. This is a day devoted to instilling a lifelong love of reading in children and providing access to books for children in need. Book Giving Day calls on volunteers to share their favorite book with a young reader. Although the holiday originated in the UK, book lovers around the world now join in the celebrations every year.
Even though this day has passed, it really got me thinking. Why does this have to be a day celebrated only once a year? Why can’t we make it a conscious matter to share our books with others? Especially to children in need all the time!?!
What, or how could we do this? Book Giving Day has few organized events. Instead, individual volunteers are encouraged to give a favorite book or books to children. This can take many forms; some people give books as gifts to their own children or to those of friends. Others donate books to children’s libraries, schools or charities. Still others leave books in places where they’ll be found, such as doctors’ waiting rooms or coach stations.
February 14th is a day to tell our family and friends we love them. What better way to tell our children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. we love them than with a book!
Books are small things that leave a lasting impact! So many authors are where they are today because of a book. Imagine, by our giving a book instead of a card, we could be helping to inspire a future author. What’s more, an inscription on the inside cover is the best way to take a book, and make into something more. Something special, and long lasting.
Even though the 14th of February has since passed, I still want to honor this day. But how? Several ways! Since my second book in the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Series is soon to be released in March, I will be holding giveaways for both copies: The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Encounter at Jellyfish Cove, and Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain. In addition to setting up giveaways through Goodreads, and Rafflecopter, I will also open this up to Amazon and have FREE download Days for my first book in the series Encounter at Jellyfish Cove.
We call give a little something back and just because this holiday has passed, does not mean it has to be forgotten! So help all to remember this day by leaving a comment below and sharing with us: How a book as impacted you? How you have shared in this day? And, What this day means to you!
Never underestimate the power of giving a book! #GiveABook!
Here’s a little background for those unfamiliar with the holiday. This is a day devoted to instilling a lifelong love of reading in children and providing access to books for children in need. Book Giving Day calls on volunteers to share their favorite book with a young reader. Although the holiday originated in the UK, book lovers around the world now join in the celebrations every year.
Even though this day has passed, it really got me thinking. Why does this have to be a day celebrated only once a year? Why can’t we make it a conscious matter to share our books with others? Especially to children in need all the time!?!
What, or how could we do this? Book Giving Day has few organized events. Instead, individual volunteers are encouraged to give a favorite book or books to children. This can take many forms; some people give books as gifts to their own children or to those of friends. Others donate books to children’s libraries, schools or charities. Still others leave books in places where they’ll be found, such as doctors’ waiting rooms or coach stations.
February 14th is a day to tell our family and friends we love them. What better way to tell our children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. we love them than with a book!
Books are small things that leave a lasting impact! So many authors are where they are today because of a book. Imagine, by our giving a book instead of a card, we could be helping to inspire a future author. What’s more, an inscription on the inside cover is the best way to take a book, and make into something more. Something special, and long lasting.
Even though the 14th of February has since passed, I still want to honor this day. But how? Several ways! Since my second book in the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Series is soon to be released in March, I will be holding giveaways for both copies: The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Encounter at Jellyfish Cove, and Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain. In addition to setting up giveaways through Goodreads, and Rafflecopter, I will also open this up to Amazon and have FREE download Days for my first book in the series Encounter at Jellyfish Cove.
We call give a little something back and just because this holiday has passed, does not mean it has to be forgotten! So help all to remember this day by leaving a comment below and sharing with us: How a book as impacted you? How you have shared in this day? And, What this day means to you!
Never underestimate the power of giving a book! #GiveABook!
The Perfect Leap Day!
It’s February 2016 and so those of us on the Gregorian calendar get to enjoy an extra day in the month! What will you do in those 24 bonus hours? How about learning something new, like making a new dish? Or trying something outside of your comfort zone? Take a day trip somewhere, or just indulge your inner sloth and laze the day away.
What I would love to do with an extra day is make it a me day! Focusing on giving myself some pampering, relaxation etc. Here are my ten suggestions—OK, eleven! It is a leap year, so it’s a leap list:
Sleep in! Provided Levi allows me to do such a thing….
Enjoy my favorite breakfast while enjoying some classic morning cartoons from my youth. Let’s see if you can guess…. I’m the terror that flaps in the night! Did you guess which cartoon I’m quoting from?? Hint think very early 90’s. Leave your answer in the comment section below!
Take Levi and go outside for nice mid-morning stroll, snapping some pictures along the way.
A little bit of yoga is good for the soul!
Grab lunch out with David and Levi for an all you can eat, yet still healthy lunch at Sweet Tomatoes.
Enjoy my one, and only favorite outdoor activity, gardening.
After all that planting of flowers and veggies it’s time for mani pedi!
JUST DANCE 2016! Woot woot!!
Prepare Davids favorite dinner. OK, that one isn’t just for me, but I do enjoy cooking so it kind of is. Besides, it’s the least I can do since he will have taken Levi for most of the day.
After putting Levi to bed with a story and song, I’ll watch my favorite movie of all time. What movie? It one that I just happen to know all of the lines to. TREMORS! I can watch that movie in any language and recite every line word for word. Do I have too much time on my hands? Perhaps… But it’s Tremors! So who the heck cares!
Lastly, ending the day with a game of either Settlers of Catan, or D&D either way it’s a perfect end to the perfect day.
So there you have it, my perfect Leap Year Day. What does your Leap Year Day look like? What are something you would like enjoy?
Oh by the way, did you guess the cartoon? If not here’s the answer in this picture, enjoy!!
For some other lap-tastic blogs check out
Cat Michaels
10 Things to do on Leap Day
Julie Gorges
Eight Fun Ways to Spend Leap Day
Nelson Suit
Five Fun Ways to Nourish Your Soul on Leap Day
A single laugh is all it takes
Would you agree with these words: Laughter is the best medicine. Or do you ever find yourself saying: I haven’t laughed like that in a long time! Or what if I told you that laughter is like a little miracle we all experience everyday. Would you agree with these statements? 
It’s amazing what the power of single laugh can accomplish. You can go from having just the worst, most lousy no good, rotten, crummy day you’ve ever had! Then something makes you laugh. I don’t mean a throaty chuckle, I mean a good ole fashioned belly laugh! You know the kind I’m talking about, where you end up with more than just tears streaming down your face. The kind of laugh where you end up begging whoever caused the laugh to stop whatever it is they are doing, and you find yourself gasping for air, all while trying not to pee. Or is that just me…..
When was the last time you experienced a laugh like that? Was it today? Yesterday? A week ago last Tuesday? Whenever it was you would likely agree with me that you don’t laugh like that all the time. Why don’t we laugh the way we did when we were kids? Is it that we lost our sense of humor? Have we lost touch with our inner child? Or Is it the anxieties of life that fall upon us? Don’t you just wish we could go back to a simpler time, and just laugh? Why can’t we!?!
Oscar Wilde said it best: Life is too important to be taken seriously. I couldn’t agree with this comment more! We live in a world full of serious, very important, critical adult things to do. We have enough to do in life, but we never can have too much laughter.
Laughter comes easily for children. In fact, it’s said that children laugh 20 times more today than adults do. Children have a way of enjoying the little things in life, the simplest of things often bring them the most laughter. Something as small as a dangling washcloth, can send my little guy into a laughing spell! Granted, he is only going on 4 months, still his laughter is so contagious! The way he giggles as I giggle with him. Or the way he shrikes in excitement, when I make a silly faces. That’s why I say laughter is like a small miracle, it’s able to captivate us. Almost freezing time in a way, while we savor that moment through laughter.
A single laugh is all it takes. That one laugh can stop a fight, take our mind off pain, help us to overcome fear, it can even mend fences. The benefits are endless! A laugh can make all the difference both physically, mentally and emotionally. Just one laugh, a single laugh, is all it takes.
Those belly laughs I mentioned earlier, what causes them? For me, sometimes they are caused due to reading a book by my favorite author, Andrea Camilleri. He has a way of intertwining humor into the mystery of his writing. Often times I’m caught off guard by it, so when it happens I laugh out loud so loudly, that I often get looks. Oh did I mention I’m usually reading in places where I should be quiet.
One of the benefits often said about laughter is the ability to reduce stress. Have you ever had one of those laughed where you can physically feel some of the tightness leaving your body? An overall feeling of well-being floods your body as you experience a tear jerking session of laughter. Have you experienced this? If so you know exactly what I’m describing here.
No matter how you achieve laughter, indulge in it! April 14th is
International Moment of Laughter Day. This is a special day that will put a big smile on your face. The objective of this day is to get people to laugh, and to laugh more often. After all, “laughter is the best medicine”. So what better way to end this blog than with a cheesy joke to hopefully bring a smile to your face, and a laugh to your day!
What do you call the security guards who work at the Samsung store?
Guardians of the Galaxy!
I warned you that it was cheesy! Happy laughing everyone!
It’s amazing what the power of single laugh can accomplish. You can go from having just the worst, most lousy no good, rotten, crummy day you’ve ever had! Then something makes you laugh. I don’t mean a throaty chuckle, I mean a good ole fashioned belly laugh! You know the kind I’m talking about, where you end up with more than just tears streaming down your face. The kind of laugh where you end up begging whoever caused the laugh to stop whatever it is they are doing, and you find yourself gasping for air, all while trying not to pee. Or is that just me…..
When was the last time you experienced a laugh like that? Was it today? Yesterday? A week ago last Tuesday? Whenever it was you would likely agree with me that you don’t laugh like that all the time. Why don’t we laugh the way we did when we were kids? Is it that we lost our sense of humor? Have we lost touch with our inner child? Or Is it the anxieties of life that fall upon us? Don’t you just wish we could go back to a simpler time, and just laugh? Why can’t we!?!
Oscar Wilde said it best: Life is too important to be taken seriously. I couldn’t agree with this comment more! We live in a world full of serious, very important, critical adult things to do. We have enough to do in life, but we never can have too much laughter.
Laughter comes easily for children. In fact, it’s said that children laugh 20 times more today than adults do. Children have a way of enjoying the little things in life, the simplest of things often bring them the most laughter. Something as small as a dangling washcloth, can send my little guy into a laughing spell! Granted, he is only going on 4 months, still his laughter is so contagious! The way he giggles as I giggle with him. Or the way he shrikes in excitement, when I make a silly faces. That’s why I say laughter is like a small miracle, it’s able to captivate us. Almost freezing time in a way, while we savor that moment through laughter.
A single laugh is all it takes. That one laugh can stop a fight, take our mind off pain, help us to overcome fear, it can even mend fences. The benefits are endless! A laugh can make all the difference both physically, mentally and emotionally. Just one laugh, a single laugh, is all it takes.
Those belly laughs I mentioned earlier, what causes them? For me, sometimes they are caused due to reading a book by my favorite author, Andrea Camilleri. He has a way of intertwining humor into the mystery of his writing. Often times I’m caught off guard by it, so when it happens I laugh out loud so loudly, that I often get looks. Oh did I mention I’m usually reading in places where I should be quiet.
One of the benefits often said about laughter is the ability to reduce stress. Have you ever had one of those laughed where you can physically feel some of the tightness leaving your body? An overall feeling of well-being floods your body as you experience a tear jerking session of laughter. Have you experienced this? If so you know exactly what I’m describing here.
No matter how you achieve laughter, indulge in it! April 14th is
International Moment of Laughter Day. This is a special day that will put a big smile on your face. The objective of this day is to get people to laugh, and to laugh more often. After all, “laughter is the best medicine”. So what better way to end this blog than with a cheesy joke to hopefully bring a smile to your face, and a laugh to your day!
What do you call the security guards who work at the Samsung store?
Guardians of the Galaxy!
I warned you that it was cheesy! Happy laughing everyone!
Earth Day Every Day!
April 22nd, what comes to mind when you hear this date? Maybe your birthday? Or is it your anniversary? Well it’s someone’s anniversary, can you guess who?? That’s right, our dear Mother Earth! April 22nd is her day. It never changes, every year on this day people around the globe will celebrate Earth Day. 
On April 22, 1970, was the first Earth Day. An estimated 20 million Americans took to the street in support of the environment and in protest to harmful environmental practices. Never mind that “protests” were all the rage at the time. This effort produced a lasting impact on the environment and brought about greater awareness in regards to our planet, it’s resources, and our eco-system. The things we are putting in the air, water and earth were impacting us, and still are today.
Our dear earth is a beautiful, wonderful precious gift that we are privileged to live upon. How we treat our beautiful home is a reflection on how we feel towards this gift that we have been given. One day just isn’t enough. It’s a great start, but it’s just not enough. For any of you reading who have ever gardened know how much of an undertaking it can be, there’s a lot of work to do! We all live on this earth together, so we are all in this together.
Change is possible, even an old dog can learn new tricks! Change can start with simple things in our daily lives that go beyond just separating our papers from plastics. This amazingly beautiful planet gives us so much! What can we do in return? Simple things, add up to big things! If you live in California you are aware of the massive drought we are facing. Heck! If you turn on the news and listen to the weather for 5 minutes, you’ve likely heard about the drought we are facing here. It’s a concerning thing for us Californians, but what can we do?
Sweep. Don’t hose. I repeat SWEEP! Cleaning your driveway and sidewalks with a hose not only sends dirty water into the storm drains that lead to our beaches, it a huge waste of water! If you live in California you are experiencing first hand how precious this liquid gold is becoming.
Reusable is better. Okay, I know what you are thinking: “This Californian for the Bay Area is going all hippy on us.” While even I laughed while typing that, I’m not. I drink bottled water too, but water taste better out of glass. Instead of buying case after case of bottled water, carry a reusable bottle. Plastic bottles are one of the top five most common types of litter found. You will also save money, avoid the risk of toxins, and find the taste to be more enjoyable.
Volunteer. How many of us complain over the trash we see littering our freeways, parks, parking lots, etc. Many hands make the load light. So instead of complaining, let’s do something about it! If nothing else, pick up a piece of trash that come across and dispose of it in the proper place. Not only are we taking a simple step in helping, but we are also helping the animals. And who doesn’t want to help those cute and cuddly little guys!
These are just three simple things we can do that can lead to a big impact. What are your thoughts? What would you suggest? If we don’t start now, then when? There is no better time than now to celebrate our beautiful blue planet during this year’s Earth Day. A simple step is all it takes to making big changes.
Happy Earth Day!
On April 22, 1970, was the first Earth Day. An estimated 20 million Americans took to the street in support of the environment and in protest to harmful environmental practices. Never mind that “protests” were all the rage at the time. This effort produced a lasting impact on the environment and brought about greater awareness in regards to our planet, it’s resources, and our eco-system. The things we are putting in the air, water and earth were impacting us, and still are today.
Our dear earth is a beautiful, wonderful precious gift that we are privileged to live upon. How we treat our beautiful home is a reflection on how we feel towards this gift that we have been given. One day just isn’t enough. It’s a great start, but it’s just not enough. For any of you reading who have ever gardened know how much of an undertaking it can be, there’s a lot of work to do! We all live on this earth together, so we are all in this together.
Change is possible, even an old dog can learn new tricks! Change can start with simple things in our daily lives that go beyond just separating our papers from plastics. This amazingly beautiful planet gives us so much! What can we do in return? Simple things, add up to big things! If you live in California you are aware of the massive drought we are facing. Heck! If you turn on the news and listen to the weather for 5 minutes, you’ve likely heard about the drought we are facing here. It’s a concerning thing for us Californians, but what can we do?
Sweep. Don’t hose. I repeat SWEEP! Cleaning your driveway and sidewalks with a hose not only sends dirty water into the storm drains that lead to our beaches, it a huge waste of water! If you live in California you are experiencing first hand how precious this liquid gold is becoming.
Reusable is better. Okay, I know what you are thinking: “This Californian for the Bay Area is going all hippy on us.” While even I laughed while typing that, I’m not. I drink bottled water too, but water taste better out of glass. Instead of buying case after case of bottled water, carry a reusable bottle. Plastic bottles are one of the top five most common types of litter found. You will also save money, avoid the risk of toxins, and find the taste to be more enjoyable.
Volunteer. How many of us complain over the trash we see littering our freeways, parks, parking lots, etc. Many hands make the load light. So instead of complaining, let’s do something about it! If nothing else, pick up a piece of trash that come across and dispose of it in the proper place. Not only are we taking a simple step in helping, but we are also helping the animals. And who doesn’t want to help those cute and cuddly little guys!
These are just three simple things we can do that can lead to a big impact. What are your thoughts? What would you suggest? If we don’t start now, then when? There is no better time than now to celebrate our beautiful blue planet during this year’s Earth Day. A simple step is all it takes to making big changes.
Happy Earth Day!
