Carmela Dutra's Blog, page 15
July 2, 2014
World UFO Day
Today is just one of many bizarre and, unique holidays. In addition to being ‘I forgot day…’ It is also World UFO Day! Which frankly sounds more interesting than I forgot day. So I thought in honor of this special day I would take a moment to discuss Sci-Fi books.
There are SO MANY titles we can choose from: The Ender's Game Series by Orson Scott Card, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Series by Douglas Adams, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, The Dune Chronicles by Frank Herbert. But my personal favorite is the classic The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells.
The Time Machine and The Island of Dr. Moreau could easily work on this list as well, but H.G. Wells' infamous tale of an alien invasion is probably one of his most recognized and adapted works — making it a nice place to start when diving into his works.
The War of the Worlds is the granddaddy of all alien invasion stories! First published by H.G. Wells in 1898. The novel begins ominously, as the lone voice of a narrator tells readers that "No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man's..."
I really love anything by H.G Wells. He is a literacy genius that will always, stand the test of time. If you haven’t picked up anything by him, then why not do so today? After all today is World UFO Day! What better way to celebrate than by reading something about aliens?
If The War of the Worlds does not intrigue you don’t despair! H.G. Wells has a plethora of titles to choose from! If H.G. Wells just isn’t your cup of tea, then you’re in luck! The Sci-Fi world is HUGE when it comes to literature! There is something available that will appeal to everyone.
I plan to celebrate today by watching some good ole’ Sci-Fi TV shows (The Twilight Zone doo, dooo, dooo, do) and deviling into a classic Sci-Fi novel. How will you spend today? What are your favorite Sci-Fi books to enjoy? I would love to hear them!
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
There are SO MANY titles we can choose from: The Ender's Game Series by Orson Scott Card, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Series by Douglas Adams, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, The Dune Chronicles by Frank Herbert. But my personal favorite is the classic The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells.
The Time Machine and The Island of Dr. Moreau could easily work on this list as well, but H.G. Wells' infamous tale of an alien invasion is probably one of his most recognized and adapted works — making it a nice place to start when diving into his works.
The War of the Worlds is the granddaddy of all alien invasion stories! First published by H.G. Wells in 1898. The novel begins ominously, as the lone voice of a narrator tells readers that "No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man's..."
I really love anything by H.G Wells. He is a literacy genius that will always, stand the test of time. If you haven’t picked up anything by him, then why not do so today? After all today is World UFO Day! What better way to celebrate than by reading something about aliens?
If The War of the Worlds does not intrigue you don’t despair! H.G. Wells has a plethora of titles to choose from! If H.G. Wells just isn’t your cup of tea, then you’re in luck! The Sci-Fi world is HUGE when it comes to literature! There is something available that will appeal to everyone.
I plan to celebrate today by watching some good ole’ Sci-Fi TV shows (The Twilight Zone doo, dooo, dooo, do) and deviling into a classic Sci-Fi novel. How will you spend today? What are your favorite Sci-Fi books to enjoy? I would love to hear them!
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
June 30, 2014
Free coloring pages
Visit http://www.lorenzothebear.com/colorin... for free downloadable coloring pages for you kids to enjoy! You'll be Beary Gald you did!
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
Who is Lorenzo the Bear?
Who is Lorenzo the Bear? 
Lorenzo is an outgoing bear who loves to make friends, and meet new animals. Lorenzo is the kind of bear that you can always count on. He does not let fear stand in his way when it comes to helping others. With his cheery personality, and big smile he will charm his way into everyone’s heart.
Born and raised as an only cub in the town of Poppy Hill’s Place. If there is one thing Lorenzo knows how to do, and do well, is sword fighting. He practices every day in case he ever were to meet a pirate. You never know what each day may bring…
Lorenzo believes in ALWAYS seeing the good in others, even if at times it may seem difficult.
See for yourself how lovable Lorenzo truly is by reading his first adventure, Encounter at JellyFish Cove before he embarks on his next adventure Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain.
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like us!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
Lorenzo is an outgoing bear who loves to make friends, and meet new animals. Lorenzo is the kind of bear that you can always count on. He does not let fear stand in his way when it comes to helping others. With his cheery personality, and big smile he will charm his way into everyone’s heart.
Born and raised as an only cub in the town of Poppy Hill’s Place. If there is one thing Lorenzo knows how to do, and do well, is sword fighting. He practices every day in case he ever were to meet a pirate. You never know what each day may bring…
Lorenzo believes in ALWAYS seeing the good in others, even if at times it may seem difficult.
See for yourself how lovable Lorenzo truly is by reading his first adventure, Encounter at JellyFish Cove before he embarks on his next adventure Journey to Honeysuckle Mountain.
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like us!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
June 21, 2014
Chocolate Book Blog Tour
TODAY IS NATIONAL CHOCOLATE ELCAIR DAY! In honor of this WONDERFUL day what better thing to do celebrate it (other than eating a chocolate éclair of course) than to write a blog about chocolate!
Before I get started, I'd like to give a big thank you to Nelson Suit who tagged/nominated my friend Karen Hall, who then tagged/nominated me to join and participate in the chocolate blog book tour. Nelson has his own chocolate blog book tagged here. http://www.inkspokes.com/ Karen Hall has her chocolate blog here http://peachyemma.blogspot.co.uk/ to quote my friend Karen “It was too chocolately and deliciously irresistible to turn down.”
In order to be right frame of mind I had to buy some chocolate for muse. I also had to think about my favorite books and think ‘which chocolate best describes this book?’ Needless to say I did not mind this scrumptious task! Let the Chocolate Book Blog commence!
My number one pick for children’s literature would be
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum
In it, a girl’s dream world comes to life as the cyclone lifts Dorothy from Kansas, depositing her in the enchanted land of the Munchkins. Her and her dog Toto befriend the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion and seek the out the might Wizard of Oz for help to return her home. This is a sweet and simple story, one that has been beloved by many over the years. When I think of the Wizard of Oz I liken it to a Hershey Bar,
this is also something sweet and simple beloved by many.
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The book that started it all! Little House in the Big Woods is the first book in Laura Ingalls Wilder's treasured Little House series, which is based on her life growing up as an American pioneer. My mother use to read me a section of this book every night until I would fall asleep, once this book was finished we started the next in the series. Little House in the Big Woods will always hold a special place in my heart.
Told from four-year-old Laura's point of view, this story begins in 1871 in a little log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Laura lives in the little house with her Pa, her Ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their trusty dog, Jack. Pioneer life is sometimes hard for the family, but it also is filled with joy.
Chunky Bar is what comes to mind when I think of this story, the reason? It’s not always a sweet bite when reading, sometimes it’s a little bitter and hard to chew; but the end is sweet.
The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe
I know what you are thinking, yes it is a little on the darker side, but that’s what I love about it! It’s my favorite poem by Edgar Allen Poe. Nothing pairs better with a dark poem, than a dark chocolate bar.
Ozma of Oz by Frank L. Baum
Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum is the third story in the fic¬tional series tak¬ing place in the land of Oz. While cer¬tainly not as pop¬u¬lar the first story in the series the rest are very imag¬i¬na¬tive as well. I think of sixlets when I think of Ozma, because when you first eat a sixlet you don’t fully know what to expect.
Oh the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Ok I know this one isn’t “technically” chocolate, but it is candy! You could even get chocolate Salt Water Taffy if you prefer, there you go problem solved! This has always been my favorite Dr. Seuss book, it’s fun the perfect send-off for children starting out in the world, be they nursery school, high school, or college grads! When I think of Dr. Seuss I think of fun candy, and for me that is Salt Water Taffy.
That does it for me, and now I will pass the Chocolate Book Blog Tour on to the following nominees. Drum roll please…… Beth Angelone @BethAngelone Beth is a Children's book illustrator / writer. US Army Sgt Paratrooper Veteran of Foreign War, focusing now on being a soldier for love and promoting peace from within.
Stephanie Ward http://stephaniemward.com/blog/ Stephanie has been writing in various forms for the last 20 years. After traveling around the world for a year, visiting all seven continents and over 30 countries, Stephanie decided to focus on writing stories for children about amazing places around the world. Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin, A Galapagos Islands Story is her first children’s book.
Rhonda Pagila http://rhondapaglia.blogspot.com/ Rhonda is retired elementary teacher, who is now a Book writing, Tap Dancing, Story Telling Super Grammy.
Last but defiantly not least Rhonda Patton http://about.me/rhondapatton Rhonda is a mother and author of Children's book writer of Ted and Raymond Stories
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like us!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
Before I get started, I'd like to give a big thank you to Nelson Suit who tagged/nominated my friend Karen Hall, who then tagged/nominated me to join and participate in the chocolate blog book tour. Nelson has his own chocolate blog book tagged here. http://www.inkspokes.com/ Karen Hall has her chocolate blog here http://peachyemma.blogspot.co.uk/ to quote my friend Karen “It was too chocolately and deliciously irresistible to turn down.”
In order to be right frame of mind I had to buy some chocolate for muse. I also had to think about my favorite books and think ‘which chocolate best describes this book?’ Needless to say I did not mind this scrumptious task! Let the Chocolate Book Blog commence!
My number one pick for children’s literature would be
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum
In it, a girl’s dream world comes to life as the cyclone lifts Dorothy from Kansas, depositing her in the enchanted land of the Munchkins. Her and her dog Toto befriend the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion and seek the out the might Wizard of Oz for help to return her home. This is a sweet and simple story, one that has been beloved by many over the years. When I think of the Wizard of Oz I liken it to a Hershey Bar,
this is also something sweet and simple beloved by many. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The book that started it all! Little House in the Big Woods is the first book in Laura Ingalls Wilder's treasured Little House series, which is based on her life growing up as an American pioneer. My mother use to read me a section of this book every night until I would fall asleep, once this book was finished we started the next in the series. Little House in the Big Woods will always hold a special place in my heart.
Told from four-year-old Laura's point of view, this story begins in 1871 in a little log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. Laura lives in the little house with her Pa, her Ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their trusty dog, Jack. Pioneer life is sometimes hard for the family, but it also is filled with joy.
Chunky Bar is what comes to mind when I think of this story, the reason? It’s not always a sweet bite when reading, sometimes it’s a little bitter and hard to chew; but the end is sweet.
The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe
I know what you are thinking, yes it is a little on the darker side, but that’s what I love about it! It’s my favorite poem by Edgar Allen Poe. Nothing pairs better with a dark poem, than a dark chocolate bar.
Ozma of Oz by Frank L. Baum
Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum is the third story in the fic¬tional series tak¬ing place in the land of Oz. While cer¬tainly not as pop¬u¬lar the first story in the series the rest are very imag¬i¬na¬tive as well. I think of sixlets when I think of Ozma, because when you first eat a sixlet you don’t fully know what to expect.
Oh the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Ok I know this one isn’t “technically” chocolate, but it is candy! You could even get chocolate Salt Water Taffy if you prefer, there you go problem solved! This has always been my favorite Dr. Seuss book, it’s fun the perfect send-off for children starting out in the world, be they nursery school, high school, or college grads! When I think of Dr. Seuss I think of fun candy, and for me that is Salt Water Taffy.
That does it for me, and now I will pass the Chocolate Book Blog Tour on to the following nominees. Drum roll please…… Beth Angelone @BethAngelone Beth is a Children's book illustrator / writer. US Army Sgt Paratrooper Veteran of Foreign War, focusing now on being a soldier for love and promoting peace from within.
Stephanie Ward http://stephaniemward.com/blog/ Stephanie has been writing in various forms for the last 20 years. After traveling around the world for a year, visiting all seven continents and over 30 countries, Stephanie decided to focus on writing stories for children about amazing places around the world. Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin, A Galapagos Islands Story is her first children’s book.
Rhonda Pagila http://rhondapaglia.blogspot.com/ Rhonda is retired elementary teacher, who is now a Book writing, Tap Dancing, Story Telling Super Grammy.
Last but defiantly not least Rhonda Patton http://about.me/rhondapatton Rhonda is a mother and author of Children's book writer of Ted and Raymond Stories
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like us!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
June 16, 2014
Childhood Memories
Currently I have been in New York on a work related function. When I told my parents of my impending trip and asked what they would like brought back with me, my father’s only request was that I visit his old neighborhood. My father is originally from Pennsylvania, he moved to Brooklyn (near Coney Island) when he was a young child. Growing up, I always heard my father speak of that time as one of the best memories he ever had. I know for years now, he has been wondering whatever became of his old place; as most would wonder. “Does it still look the same? Is it even still there?” Mind you the last time my father was there was in 1954 (60 years ago) so as you can imagine a lot had changed…
A flood of emotions came over me as I walked his old stomping grounds. It was a dreamlike feeling as I roved about, thinking of all the memories this place held for my dad. As I walked on, I saw more and more changes; I hoped that his old house would still be there. My dad always described in vivid detail, what it was like living two blocks away from Coney Island.
“You would hear the screams of the people who rode the cyclone as it came thundering around turns. The air was filled with the scent of Coney Dogs, and fresh Salt Water. You could hear the seagulls, mixed with the laughter of children.” In the summer, he and my grandmother would watch the fireworks from the balcony. This mission was filled with nostalgia, not only for my father, but in a way, me. Every time my dad would reminisce about Brooklyn, I could see the fond memories he held, the love he would always have for New York.
When I finally found the house a sense of relief and emotions came over me. I was relieved to see it was still standing and cared for; because how would I be able to break the news to my father that his most treasured memory was torn down? I was also hit with a mix of tears, tears of both joy and sorrow. I know all of the heartache my father incurred through his life, and yet being raised by a single ill mother, she still took the time to create memories with her only son. Memories that 60years later my father still looks back on with such joy in his heart. Memories that he has shared, and passed on to me, memories that I too will one day share and pass on.
When I called my father and told him it was still there, and I took LOTS of photos, I could tell he was choking back tears as he thanked me. Which of course made me have to try and choke back my own tears.
This was the best thing he could have wished for, and I am so happy I was able to deliver that to him. Helped me to appreciate the importance of memories made; no matter how small they may seem at the time, 60years later they are huge. Don’t underestimate the impact of something you do for others, namely your children. No matter how small it may seem, it can mean more than you realize.
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like us!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
A flood of emotions came over me as I walked his old stomping grounds. It was a dreamlike feeling as I roved about, thinking of all the memories this place held for my dad. As I walked on, I saw more and more changes; I hoped that his old house would still be there. My dad always described in vivid detail, what it was like living two blocks away from Coney Island.
“You would hear the screams of the people who rode the cyclone as it came thundering around turns. The air was filled with the scent of Coney Dogs, and fresh Salt Water. You could hear the seagulls, mixed with the laughter of children.” In the summer, he and my grandmother would watch the fireworks from the balcony. This mission was filled with nostalgia, not only for my father, but in a way, me. Every time my dad would reminisce about Brooklyn, I could see the fond memories he held, the love he would always have for New York.
When I finally found the house a sense of relief and emotions came over me. I was relieved to see it was still standing and cared for; because how would I be able to break the news to my father that his most treasured memory was torn down? I was also hit with a mix of tears, tears of both joy and sorrow. I know all of the heartache my father incurred through his life, and yet being raised by a single ill mother, she still took the time to create memories with her only son. Memories that 60years later my father still looks back on with such joy in his heart. Memories that he has shared, and passed on to me, memories that I too will one day share and pass on.
When I called my father and told him it was still there, and I took LOTS of photos, I could tell he was choking back tears as he thanked me. Which of course made me have to try and choke back my own tears.
This was the best thing he could have wished for, and I am so happy I was able to deliver that to him. Helped me to appreciate the importance of memories made; no matter how small they may seem at the time, 60years later they are huge. Don’t underestimate the impact of something you do for others, namely your children. No matter how small it may seem, it can mean more than you realize.
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like us!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
Apologies
I want to apologize for being MIA lately. I have recently been participating in a volunteer construction project that has kept me busier than planned. I plan to soon though be back to my regular (somewhat LOL) postings.
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like us!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
Wishing you an Adventurous Day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear series
www.lorenzothebear.com
http://www.facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like us!)
http://www.twitter.com/lorenzothebear
June 6, 2014
Reading vs. TV
This is a hot debate among many people (children included) what really are the pros and cons to reading vs. TV?
READING:
When you read, you are forced to exercise your imagination, improve writing skills, and expand your vocabulary. Reading opens doors - doors to factual information about any subject on earth, practical or theoretical. Given the wealth of available resources such as Internet, libraries, schools and bookstores, if children see reading as a source of information, and fun; then for the rest of their lives they will have access to all of the accumulated knowledge of mankind, access to all of the great minds and ideas of the past and present. It truly is magic!
It may sound funny, but ebooks can be a way for children to improve their fine motor skills and their hand-eye coordination, as they click around a childfriendly website or click the backward and forward buttons of online story pages. They may also be picking up valuable computer skills that they'll need in school and later in life.
TELEVISION:
If there’s a subject your child enjoys, more likely than not, there is a TV show, movie, or educational DVD that explores the subject in detail. You might be even be surprised to find out how many kids watch and love educational shows aimed at adults. Rachael Ray, for example has a huge following among kids and tweens, and her primetime show often features kids in the kitchen.
Most kids are not able to visit the rain forest or see a giraffe in the wild, but many have seen these things on TV. Thankfully, educationally minded producers have given us many shows and movies that allow viewers to see amazing footage of nature, animals, society, and other peoples. Kids and adults alike can learn from this type of media and gain a greater appreciation for our world and the animals and other people who inhabit it.
BALANCE:
Balance is the key to everything! Children MUST read but they also need to like and enjoy it if you want them to develop a love for it. At the same time they need to be able to relax, and sometimes do something a little more passive. Television is ok, in moderation. The problem is sometimes, kids end up spending too much time in front of the TV instead of being outside and doing physical activity; or picking up a book. Only you know what is best for you family, and make the right choices for them. Both books and TV can be beneficial and educational. At the same time they can also be filled with trash, so you need to be selective in what you allow your youngsters to read, or watch. Again only you can decide what is best, and how much is wise for your family to indulge in.
Have and Adventurous day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear
www.lorenzothebear.com
Facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
Twitter.com/lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
READING:
When you read, you are forced to exercise your imagination, improve writing skills, and expand your vocabulary. Reading opens doors - doors to factual information about any subject on earth, practical or theoretical. Given the wealth of available resources such as Internet, libraries, schools and bookstores, if children see reading as a source of information, and fun; then for the rest of their lives they will have access to all of the accumulated knowledge of mankind, access to all of the great minds and ideas of the past and present. It truly is magic!
It may sound funny, but ebooks can be a way for children to improve their fine motor skills and their hand-eye coordination, as they click around a childfriendly website or click the backward and forward buttons of online story pages. They may also be picking up valuable computer skills that they'll need in school and later in life.
TELEVISION:
If there’s a subject your child enjoys, more likely than not, there is a TV show, movie, or educational DVD that explores the subject in detail. You might be even be surprised to find out how many kids watch and love educational shows aimed at adults. Rachael Ray, for example has a huge following among kids and tweens, and her primetime show often features kids in the kitchen.
Most kids are not able to visit the rain forest or see a giraffe in the wild, but many have seen these things on TV. Thankfully, educationally minded producers have given us many shows and movies that allow viewers to see amazing footage of nature, animals, society, and other peoples. Kids and adults alike can learn from this type of media and gain a greater appreciation for our world and the animals and other people who inhabit it.
BALANCE:
Balance is the key to everything! Children MUST read but they also need to like and enjoy it if you want them to develop a love for it. At the same time they need to be able to relax, and sometimes do something a little more passive. Television is ok, in moderation. The problem is sometimes, kids end up spending too much time in front of the TV instead of being outside and doing physical activity; or picking up a book. Only you know what is best for you family, and make the right choices for them. Both books and TV can be beneficial and educational. At the same time they can also be filled with trash, so you need to be selective in what you allow your youngsters to read, or watch. Again only you can decide what is best, and how much is wise for your family to indulge in.
Have and Adventurous day!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear
www.lorenzothebear.com
Facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
Twitter.com/lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
June 5, 2014
Why Write?
Why do you write? That is a good question, one that has been asked to many authors throughout their writing endeavors. Every author has a different reason for why they do what they do. Even if it is the same genre of literature the reasons are vastly different. I cannot speak for anyone else, nor would I want too, but I can tell you why I write…
If you were to ask me “Did you always grow up thinking one day you would be an author?” the answer would be no. I always wanted to do something that included Art, Art is a huge part of life; without it I feel there is a void. A void that can only be completely filled by an artistic action, that artistic spark has come in many different forms: Painting, sketching, charcoal, animation illustrations, photography the list can go on forever!
I wrote in school, took creative writing classes, and even wrote some poetry. I enjoyed it, but at that moment it was not my focus. I had a one tract mind of what type of artistic desires I wanted to nurture, writing was not one of them. I always loved reading, picking up a book and delving into a world where things seem to be woven together so effortlessly. I envied those writers; I wanted nothing more than to create like beauty like they did, but… I still had a one tract mind.
It wasn’t until five years ago that I fell back in love with writing, and learned to value it the same way as I do Art. My nephew asked me to write something for him that would be exciting and fun, whereas my niece asked me to draw her something. While I said yes to both request, I quickly gravitated towards the drawing aspect of this assignment. As I was doodling some images for Desi I kept thinking, ‘Is there any way I can complete both tasks at once?’ I couldn’t let go of the idea to combine both projects into one, I started having scenes play through my mind of characters, their names, their features ; and then I couldn’t stop I had to write!
I stayed up until midnight working on my first Lorenzo story; I had to get the words out of my head. I found myself excited, not just over the illustrations, but how the words would play into the illustrations. Seeing how each aspect was needed to complete the other, enhancing each other. That is when I realized I can, and do love writing as much as I do Art. Writing is an Art form, a beautiful one, that when accompanied with illustrations to match can create an even more enduring tale.
Art is, and always will be my first love. I surrender myself to it, but In order for my artistic void to be filled, it MUST include writing. Without it, I feel a sense of emptiness that cannot be explained. I have come to love and appreciate writing for much more than just words on paper. Those words have meaning; they are dripping with my soul! They are filled with love and passion for something that can never be exhausted! My name is Carmela Dutra, and this is why I write.
Wishing a little artistic creation to you all!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear
www.lorenzothebear.com
Facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
Twitter.com/lorenzothebear
@lorenzothebear
If you were to ask me “Did you always grow up thinking one day you would be an author?” the answer would be no. I always wanted to do something that included Art, Art is a huge part of life; without it I feel there is a void. A void that can only be completely filled by an artistic action, that artistic spark has come in many different forms: Painting, sketching, charcoal, animation illustrations, photography the list can go on forever!
I wrote in school, took creative writing classes, and even wrote some poetry. I enjoyed it, but at that moment it was not my focus. I had a one tract mind of what type of artistic desires I wanted to nurture, writing was not one of them. I always loved reading, picking up a book and delving into a world where things seem to be woven together so effortlessly. I envied those writers; I wanted nothing more than to create like beauty like they did, but… I still had a one tract mind.
It wasn’t until five years ago that I fell back in love with writing, and learned to value it the same way as I do Art. My nephew asked me to write something for him that would be exciting and fun, whereas my niece asked me to draw her something. While I said yes to both request, I quickly gravitated towards the drawing aspect of this assignment. As I was doodling some images for Desi I kept thinking, ‘Is there any way I can complete both tasks at once?’ I couldn’t let go of the idea to combine both projects into one, I started having scenes play through my mind of characters, their names, their features ; and then I couldn’t stop I had to write!
I stayed up until midnight working on my first Lorenzo story; I had to get the words out of my head. I found myself excited, not just over the illustrations, but how the words would play into the illustrations. Seeing how each aspect was needed to complete the other, enhancing each other. That is when I realized I can, and do love writing as much as I do Art. Writing is an Art form, a beautiful one, that when accompanied with illustrations to match can create an even more enduring tale.
Art is, and always will be my first love. I surrender myself to it, but In order for my artistic void to be filled, it MUST include writing. Without it, I feel a sense of emptiness that cannot be explained. I have come to love and appreciate writing for much more than just words on paper. Those words have meaning; they are dripping with my soul! They are filled with love and passion for something that can never be exhausted! My name is Carmela Dutra, and this is why I write.
Wishing a little artistic creation to you all!
Carmela Dutra
Author of the Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear
www.lorenzothebear.com
Facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
Twitter.com/lorenzothebear
@lorenzothebear
May 30, 2014
Summer reading (2)
Summer is just around the corner! One of things that teachers encourage over the summer vacation is to READ, READ, and READ! What can be done to help ensure that happens?
One thing my mother did every summer was, enrolling me in a reading contest at the local library. The goal was to out read everyone else in the program, and the top three winners would win a medal (resembled an Olympic medal). Each week we would go to the library and fill out sheet of how many books we read that week; and what they were about. At the end of the two months everyone gathered together to the top three winners were announced. It was a healthy competition, and if I made it into one of the top three spots my mom would give me an extra prize. I would get to pick where the family went to dinner that night to celebrate, being a typical kid I always picked Chuck E Cheese.
Why not check and see if your local library offers a program similar to the one that my mother enrolled me in. 20years later and I still remember it well, I bet your child will too.
Have an Adventurous Summer!
Carmela Dutra
Author of The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear
www.lorenzothebear.com
facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
twitter.com/lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
One thing my mother did every summer was, enrolling me in a reading contest at the local library. The goal was to out read everyone else in the program, and the top three winners would win a medal (resembled an Olympic medal). Each week we would go to the library and fill out sheet of how many books we read that week; and what they were about. At the end of the two months everyone gathered together to the top three winners were announced. It was a healthy competition, and if I made it into one of the top three spots my mom would give me an extra prize. I would get to pick where the family went to dinner that night to celebrate, being a typical kid I always picked Chuck E Cheese.
Why not check and see if your local library offers a program similar to the one that my mother enrolled me in. 20years later and I still remember it well, I bet your child will too.
Have an Adventurous Summer!
Carmela Dutra
Author of The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear
www.lorenzothebear.com
facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!)
twitter.com/lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
May 24, 2014
Summer reading
Summer reading is awesome! How can you take something that is already great on its own and make it even better? Why not make your own story!!
Summer is a time when families have barbecues, enjoy fireworks, go camping etc. So, why not use that time to stories? It can be any kind of story! Scary stories, love stories, family stories, get creative! The whole family can even have a share; you can even make a game out of it. Every person in the family has to add to the story. This way not only does it get everyone involved, but it helps kids to use their imagination too; who knows, your story might just be the next big hit!
Have an Adventurous summer!
Carmela Dutra
Author of: The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Encounter at Jellyfish Cove
www.lorenzothebear.com
facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!!)
twitter.com/lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
Summer is a time when families have barbecues, enjoy fireworks, go camping etc. So, why not use that time to stories? It can be any kind of story! Scary stories, love stories, family stories, get creative! The whole family can even have a share; you can even make a game out of it. Every person in the family has to add to the story. This way not only does it get everyone involved, but it helps kids to use their imagination too; who knows, your story might just be the next big hit!
Have an Adventurous summer!
Carmela Dutra
Author of: The Adventures of Lorenzo the Bear Encounter at Jellyfish Cove
www.lorenzothebear.com
facebook.com/lorenzothebear (like me!!)
twitter.com/lorenzothebear @lorenzothebear
