Carmela Dutra's Blog, page 10

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!

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!

Insanity makes me sane

Here is something that all of us have heard several times over: Labor is hard work! As you’re reading this word that’s coming to mind is more than likely Duh!?! We already know it’s physically demanding, and mentally exhausting. If you are the type of person who wants to be in control of everything that goes on in life, well…. chances are you are going to have your thinking readjusted.


That’s me, I like to have everything planned out to the letter; but as I’ve learned long ago, there’s nothing in life that is set in stone. Especially when it comes to something as dramatically changing as labor. A month early, and 37 hrs of labor drilled that into my mind clear as day!


It’s okay though, because like almost every mother will say: He was worth every minute of it! Would I have preferred for my son to come on his due date? Absolutely! I would’ve been thrilled if he even came in the month he was due in. Do I wish he would’ve waited at least one extra day so my husband and I could have seen Star Wars the Force Awakens in the theaters? Do you even have to ask such a question??


It’s okay though, he came when he was ready. Was I ready for him? Hell to the no! We didn’t even have a mattress, or newborn clothing (everyone thought we would have a big baby since my husband and I are both tall. So the smallest clothing was 3 months). A friend of ours had to go shopping for us to pick up a few of the necessary items we were still lacking. We had planned to go shopping for the rest of the things we needed that Monday, little did we expect to be in a delivery room instead.

My point to all of this? There is never anything constant, or controlled other than the every changing of life, and nothing ever being in your control. All you can do is roll with the punches, and hold your head up while still maintaining some semblance of grace.



As out of control things seemed to quickly be going, I remained resolute in my determination to go drug free. In that area I was in control, in that way I maintained sanity, and I came out the victor! In all honesty I didn’t even know I was in labor for the first chunk of things, had I know I was I would’ve likely have gone to see Star Wars. Yes this is still a little bit of a sore subject for me…. It’s okay soon enough I will experience it in all of it’s amazing glory at home in the comfort of my pajamas. Besides, his smiles make up for anything missed.


Labor is hard work, but that’s just the beginning. I’m always asked: “Does he sleep through the night yet??” Well yes he does, but that doesn’t change things for me. Just because he sleeps through the night, doesn’t mean that I do. Things will always be physically demanding, and emotionally draining no matter how well he sleeps through the night or, how old my son gets.



Again, that’s okay! I love every minute of the out of control chaos that is thrown at me! Would I prefer it to be filled with little less vomit? Of course, what parent wouldn’t want that! It’s okay though, every moment of out of control insanity makes me a little more sane each and every day.

Happy parenting, and may you enjoy the insanity. After all, it only lasts for a little while…

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

Humility Party of One!

Be Humble they say. It’s a tricky thing to do – if you think you’ve managed it, then perhaps you’re being too arrogant about your humility. I can’t claim to be the humblest person ever, though I try to avoid boasting about my huge array of incredible talents, such as my awesome Hula hooping skills, my ability to recall completely useless facts at the drop of a hat. Or there’s my uncanny ability to laugh exactly like Donald Duck! Alrighty, I’m going to stop there.

Joking aside, the past several weeks have actually been a very humbling experience. As I try to work my way back into the normal routine of life and juggling the new throes of motherhood, I’ve had to admit that I can’t cope with taking it all on at once – that I do need to take things slowly. For someone who’s spent years throwing herself into things, and not needing much help from others to accomplish things has been quite the struggle.

Even though I’ve always been one to readily say asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but rather sign of strength, this is entirely different when you’re the one on the other end. When you are the one who is having to ask for assistance when you are not accustomed to doing so. When you realize that you need help accomplish a task that once could be done in 15-30 minutes now takes you all day, if you’re lucky.

Why is this a struggle? Is it pride? Not wanting to bother someone else? Refusal to accept that things are different, and you don’t have the same 24 hours in a day that the next person has? Perhaps it’s all of the above, or none of them at all. Sadly, the reality is the society that we live in today has a way of making individuals feel as though they are weak if they express humility. Whether it is being humble about their own limitations, or humble in their accomplishments, you’re weak. Whereas pride is the sought after thing.

There is nothing wrong with being prideful, when it’s over the right things. Just as with everything modesty is key, everything has its own place and time. You can be prideful and still humble at the same time, you can strike the perfect balance.

Being humble about my own limitations has always been a struggle for me. I’ve always been the type who wants to handle and tackle everything myself, and finish it once it’s started. That’s just not always realistic, especially now. I recognize that I do need help accomplishing things that never were a challenge for me before. There just is not enough hours in the day for me to tackle everything on my own, while still maintaining my own sanity.



It takes humility on an individuals part to recognize this. To recognize their own limitations whether those limitations are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual we all have limitations. I can attest firsthand in saying that it is never easy to ask for help, even when there is a legitimate reason to do so. However, doing so shows strength, whereas refusal can be more of a weakness.

These are just my thoughts on the day. Today is the humble day, what does this mean to you? How can you live this day?

For me, continuing to recognize my own limitations. It is not a weakness, instead I view it as a sign of strength. It allows me more enjoyment in life, and peace of mind. Asking for help allows me to have more time to spend with my baby son, I have more quality time with my husband, for work, and for myself. So for me, instead of focusing on humility and pride aspect, I’m going to focus on humility in the sense of recognizing my own strengths and weaknesses; every day of the year, not just one.

Letter to my younger self

Oh if I only knew…..

Words we’ve all heard and said ourselves, many times over I’m sure. A group of us bloggers decided to take those words and run with the idea to create a blog hop, where we write letters to our younger selves.

It’s thought-provoking, and cathartic in a way to reflect on the past and see how yourself has grown now way in the present life. It also allows you the opportunity to reflect on the past.

Be sure to check out the awesome bloggers listed below who share their letter to their younger selves. You too can join us easy peasy! Let s get started shall we…



A letter to Carmela,

Oh boy, where do I start?? I want to give you some prolific advice but I’m finding it rather difficult to do so, and this is for two reasons. First, because I know us, and we are very stubborn. There are times when I do something simply in protest to being told I can’t do it. Not all of the time, just some of the time. So if I know myself, and if I tell you not to do something, well… then chances are you most likely will do it just to prove a point.

I will be the first to say that I’m a type a person who will cut off my nose to spite my face. So I guess what I would say is that stubbornness, when wielded wisely can result in wonderful blessings! So many people say stubbornness is a bad thing, but if you want something badly enough and are prepared to work towards the and result, it will happen.

The second reason would be that mystery in life is a good thing! If I start telling you too much about the future then it will take the mystery out of things. As you grow, things are going to happen that you were not going to see coming. Some good, some bad, and some will catch you entirely by surprise!

So instead of telling you of all the important things to expect, I guess the way I’m going to give you advice is by giving you a few things to keep in mind. This way I don’t take the mystery out of things, and I don’t bring our stubbornness and to play. Let’s face it we have enough stubbornness to go around and then some, why add to it.

First and foremost, never forget the relationship that you have with God. That is what will get you through every difficult trial you will ever face in life. You’re going to face some devastation, but with every rain cloud comes a beautiful rainbow!

You will have the tendency to look at the glass as half empty with the dust of the remains of what once was. Which is totally fine! Negativity is apart of life in this system, and sometimes you have to feel a little down to fully appreciate the good around you. However, it’s also OK to look at that same glass as half full. Focusing on the prospects that lie ahead, the good that you have, and the blessings you have experienced.

Thanks for reading the letter to the younger me! To finish reading the letter to my younger self, and for more letters to a younger self, please visit my blog site. www.ablogforyourthoughts.com

Future Phobias

Can you believe that January is almost over! Where did the time go!? 2015 flew by in a flash, and now January 2016 is almost gone? Things are moving so fast, it’s hard to keep up with everything! I’m sure you’ll likely feel the same way as you’re embracing the new year, taking on the challenges of life, family, resolutions, etc.

Since early December I have been somewhat quiet on social media, you might be wondering why. Or perhaps you are thinking yes those weekly emails have stopped alerting me to a new blog! Either way, allow me to introduce you to the reason why as of late I have been almost nonexistent in the social realm.

Meet the newest member of our family, Levi!



He came a whole month early, which took us entirely by surprise! I have been settling into my new role as a mother, spending quality time bonding (you know during those 2am feelings, and again at 4am lol). Thus is the reason I have been almost MIA since December, a pretty good reason I would say.

As all of us know and will likely agree (and has recently been impressed upon me), life is full of unplanned surprises. By knowing and accepting this, we can start to overthink everything all could possibly come our way. Being that we are imperfect humans, this can be a real struggle for some. I know for myself, I like to have everything planned out to the T! Alas, that is not always possible (again see the above paragraph) and I have to roll with the punches of life.

That being said, I resolve to cast aside future phobias, and the unnecessary worry about what might be. I resolve to just roll with it. Okay yeah sure this time of year everyone makes their resolutions, and by March-ish I will guarantee that most will have given up on the resolutions, or simply forgotten them. I can speak from personal experience in this area. However, in addition to the other resolutions that I’ve already put down on paper, this is one that I am moving to the top of the list.

Being a new mother I can’t afford to fret over the things I can’t control. Am I going to screw him up? Am I going to be too strict, or too lenient as a parent? How will I know what to do, and when to do it? When you start to think about it the list is Endless! And really, in the end what is it going to accomplish? Nothing! There I said, and I will say it again. Big fat nothing! Zip, zero, nada!! Worrying about things beyond your control does not add anything to your life, in reality it only takes away.

So that’s it, I am choosing to cast future phobias aside. I will not allow them to have any hold on me. And this encompasses every aspect of my life beyond being a mother. What if I don’t get my next Lorenzo book finished before school is out in June? How will I manage everything and still have time for myself? What happens if I let my photography fall to the wayside and don’t book any clients this year?

Wouldn’t you agree with me when I say it always seems as if there is something new to worry about. It’s exhausting! But what if we choose to not do it anymore? What if we choose to just let it go? Whatever it is that is holding you back from peace? What if you just let it go and stop worrying about it?

A country song once said: Life’s a dance, you learn as you go. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow.Don’t worry ’bout what you don’t know, life’s a dance, you learn as you go.

And that is life! You can’t control everything, and you can’t plan for everything (again I refer you to the above paragraphs), sometimes you just have to dance and let things come as they may.


So as hard as it may be, let’s just stop. Let’s try really really hard not to lose sleep over the things we can’t control in her life. Let’s stop worrying about the things that might happen, and just focus on what is happening. Before we know it 2016 is going to be gone, and 2017 will be here. Lets enjoy 2016 and all that it holds, because I have a feeling it is going to be one for the books!

Cheers!

www.ablogforyourthoughts.com
www.lorenzothebear.com

Narrative Writing and Tests: Blog Series part 2

Welcome back everyone! Last week we talked about narrative writing and a few ways to help our children and students in this area as they prepare for upcoming testing in this area. As promised this week we will be hearing from few fellow Kid Lit authors who have experience in this area.

What are some of the tips, tricks, or techniques they can impart with all of us today? How do they incorporate this in their own creative works? Everyone has their own unique approach to things, and writing is no different. So let’s take a look and hear from some Beartastic authors, and some of the advice they would like to share with you.

First, I would like to introduce all of you to Lise Chase. Lise is the author/illustrator of The Adventures of Wally and Warren children’s picture book series. best known for her frequent visits to classrooms in her community, where she shares her series and encourages children to unleash their own creative spirit through writing, drawing, and crafting.

The Importance of Dialogue

As an author, I use dialogue to make the story more engaging to the reader. For example, instead of saying – Wally didn’t think Warren could swing by himself – I use dialogue to say: “You can’t,” said Wally. “I can!” Warren cried, and he hopped on the swing and went for a ride!



Just as you use expressions to convey feelings in your illustrations, you use dialogue to convey a powerful emotion to the reader that is not achieved in just a story. By using dialogue in your story you are able to make it more interesting to the reader. Even a teacher grading a piece of your writing will be more engaged if you use dialogue and use punctuation properly in your sentences. It will also move the story forward at the same time. Dialogue helps you define your character’s personalities without listing them in a conventional story line which can sometimes be boring or dull to the reader.

You can make your story twice the power of emotions and feelings by adding dialogue to your character driven story. Just make sure you use the correct punctuation or you will lose your reader. I keep a chart by me so I can double check it to make sure I am punctuating properly.

Happy Writing!

Lise’ Chase


The Adventures of Wally and Warren

Next, I would like to introduce you to AJ Cosmo. He is the author of several children’s stories all are a fun, silly read that help parents to convey an important message. Written for the transitional reader, A.J.’s stories allow your child to develop and master a new level of reading. You can learn more about AJ and his stories, by clicking on his name and following the link to his page

Can You Write a Story?



There is a ton of information out there on how to write; conflicting rules, definitions, techniques, and wisdom abound. In my experience, there are two things that every person should learn:

A) Anyone can tell a story. B) Most of what is written is garbage.

Proof of point A can be found in any casual conversation that you have ever had. “Did you hear about what Susan did at work yesterday?” is a story. Humans communicate to either inform or entertain and most of the time we do so in the form of a story. Simple gossip usually has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and can even have a moral. Susan is being gossiped about because she was late for work for the fifth time and now she’s in trouble with her boss.

So if everyone already tells stories, why isn’t everyone a writer? Simple: reason B. Children especially have a warped view of the work required in creative labor. Part of that is to blame on shows such as “The Voice” which declares that talent is innate and judgment happens once. Most of the confusion, however, comes from the end product appearing so effortless. A painting is visually absorbed in seconds, regardless of how many years it took to paint. Therefore it’s logical for people to expect that writers generate perfect prose instantly. Since their prose are likely awful, most people simply say they cannot write and give up.

Little do they know how many words the average writer throws out. (I’d like to point out that at this point in writing this tutorial I have re-read and changed the previous passage five times and deleted around fifteen words. Also I just found another typo…) It’s important for writers, escpecially young writers, to give permission to themselves to fail. Your first draft will be awful, but that’s okay, because once you see what’s there you will have a better idea of where it needs to be. Stories get better the more that they are shared. Humans embellish events as they are retold based upon the reaction of the listener. I have no doubt that this is how the great stories were first formed.

So let your first draft roll out of your hands and do not judge it harshly. Tell your stories like you are telling a close friend. Fill in all the details that your friend would have to know, but also make sure your friend doesn’t fall asleep. Read it again and see what needs to change. Everyone is a storyteller. Everyone starts out as a really bad storyteller, too. The only difference is that some of us are stubborn enough to make frustration a career.

Keep writing,

AJ


Next up we have Cat Michaels! Cat Michaels!

Cat’ is the author of Sweet T and the North Wind, and Finding Fuzzy a You Decide tale of a lost friend. Her stories are chapter books for early- and middle-grade readers that tell of everyday life, with a twist of magic and mystery. She has had the opportunity to help students from kindergarten to college during two decades in her education. Her books may also open young minds to new ways of thinking, not to mention being a fun to read, too!

Where to Start?

I just turn out the best-written story I can for children to enjoy that also serves as a model for the written word. A powerful way to teach writing is to have children read assigned short passages of favorite books together in teams to look for specific writing techniques being taught. What is the voice? Why did the author use it? How does the author use any of the five senses to help you enjoy the story? What is your favorite passage on this page? Why do you like it? Find a sentence that you like. What is the subject? Action? Does it make complete sense? Teaching dialogue can be tough, especially when separating it from discourse, which is that tricky he-said/she-said summary, but not a direct quote. If I were in the classroom today, I would break kids into teams and introduce them to the bitstrips app, where users create simple comic strips using dialogue balloons. Each team would have a common scenario to storyboard and script dialogue…..what movie to see, the best things to eat for lunch, what game to play during recess, etc. once the comic strip is completed, shared, and enjoyed, THEN I would introduce the concept setting up dialogue with text and punctuation for the whole group. The teams could return to their bitstrips story and turn their dialogue balloons into scripted writing. Hope this helps. Just some ideas off the top of my head for you to use or not.

Take care!

Cat Michaels



Please give your attention to Rhonda Paglia, a retired Elementary Teacher from Pennsylvania. Author of “Grammy Pags Stories” for Kids!

The 5 w’s of Writing!

One of my jobs as an elementary teacher was to introduce students to story writing. This can be a daunting task for some kids! I used the following tips to help them get started. Once they answered the following questions, the task of completing the story writing project was a little easier.



Tip #1: Make sure to include the 5 W’s (Who – Where – When – What – Why) and 1 H (How) in your story.

Tip #2: Make sure your story has three parts: a Beginning, a Middle, and an End.

Which part goes where?

The BEGINNING includes: Who – Where – When

Who: Who is your story about? Who are the characters in your story? Use adjectives to describe your characters so your reader gets to know your character(s).
Where and When: This is also called the SETTING. Where does your story take place? When does it happen? Does your story take place on an ocean beach in the middle of hot summer day, or is the setting a spooky haunted house on a cold fall night? Use words to describe the setting and when your story takes place.
The MIDDLE includes: What – Why

What and Why: This is also called the PLOT. It’s the biggest part of your story. What problem is your character trying to solve, or what trouble or mess did your character get into? Why did this problem happen? What are the details and series of events?
The END includes: How

How: This is also called the SOLUTION. How does your character solve the problem and get out of the big mess?
Have fun, and be sure to use the 5 – W’s (Who – Where – When – What – Why) and 1 – H (How) when writing the beginning, middle, and end of your story!

Grammy Rhonda!



Last, but certainly not least, Rosie Russel! Rosie Russell is the author and illustrator of Beasley’s Journey, Maggie, Millie, and Merrie’s Magical Adventure, Avi Jackson Best Friends, A Search and Find of Every Kind with Jake and his dog named Cain, and her latest release, Maggie, Millie, and Merrie’s Magical Coins. She has studied Early Childhood Education and has taught students in elementary and middle school for fifteen years in the Midwest.

A few pointers for writing dialog.

Knowing the audience you are writing to, is the first key. This helps you focus on what your writing piece will be about and the tone that you use. Are you writing to entertain? Is your goal to inform a group on a subject? Or are you trying to persuade a particular audience?

Once you know your audience, what voice or tone will you convey? What is the personality of the person speaking in your dialog? This brings a strong view and purpose to the reader’s experience. When writing, what emotions do you want your reader to feel in your story or situation? When adding your dialog, word choices, punctuation, paragraphing, and style helps strengthen a writer’s voice.

Another thing to consider is to check to see if you are using an active voice or a passive voice. This gives the reader a sense of clarity. There are many examples on the internet to look up these differences. Here is a link to explain more on active and passive voices used in the English language: http://creativewriting.wikia.com/wiki...

When writing fiction, action sentences are more exciting and pack a punch. Passive sentences are wordier for readers and can become boring. Another way to find a passive voice in your writing is if the word “was” is used too often. Here are a few example:

Active: The boy threw the ball.

Passive: The ball was thrown by the boy.

Active: The cat ate the mouse.

Passive: The mouse was eaten by the cat.

When I start a story, I like to use a simple web process to fill in. You can make as many of these as you want to keep your story organized. First, I like to make one for the title, setting, characters, etc. A second web can be used for deeper story details. Next, after I have all the information to get started, I make a book out of paper. I make it to the actual size that it will be when printed. Edit this many times if needed. It gives me a “visual” feel for what it will contain. I can add more details along the way.

All the best,

Rosie.



I hope everyone enjoyed this 2 part blog series on narrative writing. If you missed last weeks blog Just visit my website www.ablogforyourthoughts.com

Big thanks to all of the authors involved to help bring this project together. To learn more about each author, their books, and how to contact them simply click on their names highlighted in red and follow the link to their page. Best of luck to all who are exploring the writing world!

Narrative Writing and Tests: 2 part Blog Series

Tests, test, and more tests!! It seems to be as quickly as students complete one set of testing another round begins. I’m sure everyone who is reading this will agree with me when I say ‘we didn’t have this many tests when I was in school.’

Sadly things have changed over the years. Things we never thought would be cut from schools have long since passes. Funding has been cut, and more quizzes have sprung up in their place. There seems to be a test for everything now a days. Why just the other day I was talking with my nephew and was telling me about his report card. I was floored when he said he was given a written test for PE. A written test in PE? Really? That surprised me!

We could spend all day arguing the politics of tests, the pros and cons, and our personal beliefs on such subjects. However, that is not what this blog is about. This is not to state my personal opinion on tests and whether or not schools should have the amount they do in one school year. In fact, it will be years before my son even takes his first test in school. By that point, I’m sure I will have an abundant supply of opinions on the matter (haha).

This is actually a two part blog series that will be focusing on ways to help students taking tests specifically in writing. The first part of this blog will be from my experience in working with students in this area. The second part of this blog will be next week, where we will hear from other authors on this topic.

Over the past several weeks during my classroom visits, all of the teachers wanted to focus on the same activities in class. Writing a narrative story incorporating the use of dialogue. Then a close friend asked me to help her son with a writing assignment he had in class (homeschool). His was also on the same topic, writing a narrative story focusing on the use of dialogue.



This was no coincidence. All of classes I visited and my friend’s son would have an important test to take this year that will focus on the use of dialogue in writing. The grades I had been visiting, and my friend’s son were between the grades of 2-4. The common core standardized testing focuses in on writing, ensuring the children are adequately prepared in this area, and to move ahead. The question then becomes how can we prepare for this?

The classrooms I visited had amazing teachers! They spent a portion each day helping their students to prepare for this test, and others like it. So when I came to visit their classrooms this became another area they could use to help their students prepare for this upcoming test. How did we accomplish this?


First we read one of my stories together, and as we read we kept in mind a few things. 1. What is the setting? 2. What were the elements of the story? 3. How many characters were there in the story, and how were we able to identify who each one was? Then after we finished reading we discussed: Why is use of dialogue important when we write? What are the elements that go into writing a story? After we covered everything, then we put it into action by writing our own stories!

Each student received a printout I created with the needs of the classroom in mind. It was a story prompt to help them get started on writing their own narrative. I worked closely with each student helping them to focus in on what they will be tested on later. Use of imagination was strongly encouraged, since each child is an individual, I wanted each of the stories to hold true to their own uniqueness.

The same way I worked with the classrooms was the same approach I took with my friend’s son. Only difference was, since we had more time together we were able to work on everything from start to finish. We worked on the rough draft, the editing, and then completed story. Even though it was not required, he decided that he wanted to add illustrations to enhance the story.



Often times we can become overwhelmed and fearful of what we do not understand. Taking tests, or even preparing for them can be especially challenging for young ones, parents even educators. Once we understand what it is involved then we remove that fear, and can tackle it head on.

Everyone has different approaches to writing. Some for example may need to draw the illustration first, before they are able to write the accompanying story. While others need to write everything from start to finish, then focus on the illustrations. Same is true for authors. Each author has their own unique approach to what they do, and how they do it. What are some of their tips and suggestions for student writing? Well check out next week’s blog and hear from a few fellow kid lit authors yourself!

For more information about Common Core Testing in your state you can visit the website Common Core Standards you can also visit my website Lorenzothebear.com where you can download free writing activities that can be used at home, or in the classroom.

Up next week in the conclusion of this two part blog series hear from fellow authors

AJ Cosmo author of such stories as: Monsters A to Z and My Pet Raptor

Cat Michaels author of Sweet T and the North Wind and Finding Fuzzy

Rosie Russell author of such books as: Beasley’s Journey, Avi and Jackson Best Friends, and Maggie, Millie, and Merries Magical Aventure

Lise Chase author of the Wally and Warren Series

Rhonda Paglia author of such stories as The Three Little Gnomes and a Boy named Orion and the Meeda and Me Series.

Showered with Love and Books!

This past weekend I found myself being truly showered with love from some of my dearest friends. At 30 weeks and baby Levi around the corner, my dear friend Leah threw a tea party shower in my honor. It was a very nice, relaxing, and fun time. With both of the grandma’s to be, and my closest friends, we had an afternoon filled with laughter and love. Everyone was reminiscing about their pregnancies, sharing tidbits, and ooohing and aahing over all the things little Levi has waiting for him.

Like all expectant mothers, I truly felt the love and support of those closest to me. Everyone will say they had the best time, with the best people, and the best food. Unique to them and their families, it’s perfect for each person and I am no exception. I really did have the best one!



The encouragement, loving words, support, and honesty about the reality of parenthood is what every mom to be needs. I always knew I had that in my congregation of family and friends, but experiencing it to the superlative degree helps you appreciate it in a different light. Knowing that no matter what, when, or where I have true friends who will be there with loving support and kindness makes me appreciate the brotherhood in a different way.

Not only was I showered with love, (and praises) I was also showered with books. Books, books, and more books! Helping to raise a reader is what they want achieve. They came in all shapes and sizes. From small soft books, to big giant books! Personal hand me downs that were read with their children, to classics from the 60s.


With their help, Levi now has his own little library to enjoy for the years to come! Each and every book has a heartfelt personal message written inside, making them even more dear and special to me. As soon as we were home and everything was unloaded (I didn’t say put away per say), the reading already begun. I’m so excited to have these stories that we will continue for many years to come.

These are stories I foresee being regular bedtime ones, from Guess how much I Love You, to A Nickel for a Pickle. The fact that these were all hand picked with love and thoughtfulness makes them even more precious than any book I could have picked up at a store. Not only are these books that David and I will read to our son over and over, but I hope these will also be books that read to Levi by each person who gave them to him.

A home without books is just another building. But once books are added, something magical happens! Readers are born, memories are made, and love abounds by all! Thank you to all who showered me with love, and made me feel truly special. I don’t know what I would do without friends you!