tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6802396424796169112024-03-19T12:07:17.104-07:00Anita VPJoin me on my crazy, creative, nerdy picture book writing journey, where I share my manuscripts, musing, and inspiration. Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-19364324024223940172019-10-01T20:05:00.000-07:002019-10-01T20:05:15.884-07:00I'll Just Leave This HereTypically, I have no shortage of words. But today it seems right to just leave this here and speak for itself.<br />
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#AnitaVP #muse #fallperfection #fall #fall2019 #pumpkinAnita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-73854667498907856162019-09-24T21:23:00.001-07:002019-09-24T21:23:20.568-07:00Full Of It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In round two of kids saying quippy things, I bring you this dialogue from today:<br />
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Me, to Human #1: "You're full of it! Do you know that?!"<br />
Human #1: "You're full of it!"<br />
Me: "You're full of bologna!"<br />
Human #1: "You're full of honey ham!!!"<br />
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She may not be wrong... *shrug* From her lips to God's ears.<br />
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#AnitaVP #kidsdaythedarnestthings #4yearold #4yearoldwisdom #bolognaAnita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-19147280932562270562019-09-20T19:52:00.005-07:002019-09-20T19:52:52.352-07:00A Coffee BeanWhile at our "new" local library's little kid story time, the leader was helping the children to get their wiggles out in between stories. She exclaims, "Let's all pretend we are beans!" Inside my own mind, I scratched my head. Okay..... "Green beans! Jumping beans! String beans!" <br />
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Then one bright young soul suggests, "Coffee beans!" <br />
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You, child, are my people! Good on you.<br />
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#AnitaVP #coffee #coffeebean #fouryearoldwisdom #storytimeAnita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-19845664192430659192019-09-17T20:16:00.002-07:002019-09-17T20:16:52.362-07:00Worth The Listen: Simple Families Podcast<br />
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The concepts of simple living and minimalism have been conversation
points and sources of inspiration for my husband and I for years now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we’re for sure a long ways a way in
many regards, I think the pursuit to live more simply and with less is a noble
and worthwhile one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks to a Facebook group that I’m in I stumbled upon a
pretty good podcast, <a href="https://www.simplefamilies.com/">Simple Families</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love her approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two good episodes are <a href="https://www.simplefamilies.com/episode153/">SFP 153: Simple Living +
Free-Range Parenting with Big Kids [with Tsh Oxenreider of The Art of Simple]</a>
and <a href="https://www.simplefamilies.com/episode169/">SFP 169: Too Many
Toys?</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would say it’s worth the
listen/checking out – I’ve definitely added a new podcast to follow!<o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #simpleliving #simplify #parenting<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-13709176269380678792019-09-13T22:43:00.000-07:002019-09-13T22:43:00.742-07:00Take The Picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Perhaps our present culture is over-saturated with images. In fifty years, we can all tell our grandchildren deep thoughtful stories along the lines of "this was my pumpkin spice latte and I really liked the foam feather on top - it got lots of hearts on Instagram." My <i>family </i>photobook for the year my first was born could have been titled, "Human #1 & People Holding Human #1." I pretty much refuse to participate in those Facebook posts taunting, "Make my day! Show me your 7th photo in your camera roll - no matter what!"; chances are my 7th photo is a screenshot of something I should remember, or a picture of the light bulb I need from Target, or a snap of the mess of my son's bloody nose (actually this right now).<br />
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Yet in all of these pictures, it's somehow increasingly hard to come by the informal family photo. "You're taking the picture..... You need to take a family picture..... No, really..... We're taking a picture - at least one!" That's me to my husband - and not the children like you might think. "And you're gonna smile!"<br />
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Not everyone is so blessed with a patience-fostering husband like mine, but surely I'm not alone in this!<br />
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A lot of my favorite photos are ones that show our true, multifoliate selves - but the best ones are the ones of everyone together. The pictures that show togetherness. I've read blogs lately about how there are few "pictures of mom" because it's "mom" who is always the one taking the pictures, and that's maybe true. But how much more important is it be certain to grab the shot with everyone in there?!<br />
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Why is this so hard? It cannot be that hard to get a picture of four people. Maybe it's because that PSL holds still. Maybe it's because the children always look good, even when dressed in potato sacks. Maybe it's because of the convenience of digital photography with cell phones has made it easier than ever to blast open our repertoires of purpose for pictures.<br />
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And I'll admit, it's easier to want to be in pictures when I know I have eyeliner on... and when I don't have mysterious fuzz on my shirt... and when I've had my coffee (a rare trifecta). Yet the fact of the matter stands: We need more pictures displaying complete togetherness.<br />
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So take the picture. Even when little ones won't sit still. Even when you're out of concealer. Even when it takes some convincing. Even when *gasp* you have to ask someone to take a picture for you. The picture of your genuine, unstaged togetherness, showing imperfections and all, is better than no picture - hands down.<br />
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My sweet sister-in-law made sure that I got my Christmas card picture of my foursome - although, as you can tell, my bunch did not make it easy on her!<br />
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I maintain my stance that when we're in our golden years my husband will no longer recall the cajoling required and will just appreciate the pictures. (I think he secretly does already.)<br />
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#AnitaVP #family #familypicture #familypic #familyoffour #smile #holdstill #togetherAnita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-85245126893092508362019-09-10T22:52:00.001-07:002019-09-10T22:52:50.410-07:00Aunts & Uncles Make Life More Fun<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
There's something just plain fun about having a neat auntie or uncle to do story time every now and then. It can be the same story, heard dozens of times before; yet with a little auntie or uncle magic, new life is breathed into a story. The lines are funnier and the dialogue more amusing. Bed time has become revolutionized!</div>
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Three cheers for aunts and uncles - they certainly make life more fun!!</div>
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#AnitaVP #aunt #uncle #morefunthanmomanddad #morefun #reading</div>
Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-31994087589522224642019-09-06T21:40:00.000-07:002019-09-06T21:40:04.363-07:00Kindergarten, Here We Come!<br />
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Today, I took on a title I never would have predicted taking
on – homeschooling mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*Gasp*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Aside from lacking many of the superficial common
denominators homeschool moms often possess, I just never foresaw myself in this
role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, here we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here we come, Kindergarten!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Why homeschooling?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For this year, it is chiefly to meet her unique set of needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps this won’t always be our forum. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Actually, no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This will definitely <i>not</i> always be our forum.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, for now, it’s the right choice for
her and we are grabbing the bull by the horns.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After our first official day, of her own fruition, she
blazed through the tall grass and wildflowers in the backyard, one fist held
high in the air, shouting gleefully, “kiiiiinnnnnndddderggggaaarrrrteeeeennn!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may not be ready for my new title, but she
certainly is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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You get it, girl!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #kinder #kindergarten #kindergartenherewecome
#watchout #firstdayofschool #homeschool<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-82355628816435673932019-09-03T21:23:00.002-07:002019-09-06T21:38:00.411-07:00Don’t You Want To Be Four?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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As of late, a frequent statement in my household has been, “Don’t
you want to be four?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it clearly is
because my four-year-old makes being four look <i>just that good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>My dad said it best years ago: “There is
something just magical about being four or five.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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When you’re four, the world is big, complete with wonder,
and filled with friends and future friends. You’ve got a few things figured
out (now that you’re not just a little peanut anymore), yet there is so much to
be explored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With so much unknown yet
unknown when you’re four, challenges abound still; but there’s undeniably a distinct-to-four-years-old
enthusiasm with which all challenges are met.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The colors, now that you know all their names, shine bright,
perhaps just for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun, moon,
stars, and lights twinkle and glimmer, perhaps just to light up your face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music around you drums and beats, perhaps
just so you will dance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s to you, four – man, you look good!<o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #four #fouryearsold #doesntgetbetterthanthat #muse
#inspiration #human#1<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-63393697277455642532019-08-30T20:02:00.000-07:002019-08-30T20:02:15.254-07:00An Ode To The Costco Food Court<br />
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Costco Food Court, here’s to you<o:p></o:p></div>
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And your endless refills of Mt. Dew.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Your pizza with too much cheese,<o:p></o:p></div>
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The tiny humans it doth please.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Your churros, spicy and sweet,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prove a likable treat for all to eat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All in the land to you will run<o:p></o:p></div>
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For a hot dog, relish, and bun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Only you, dear Costco, can feed a family of four,<o:p></o:p></div>
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For ten dollars and no more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So cheers to you, Food Court of Costco;<o:p></o:p></div>
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After each shopping trip, we must go!<o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #costco #lovecostco #momlife #parentingwin<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-41493267523447029762019-08-27T19:46:00.002-07:002019-08-27T19:46:52.045-07:00Sometimes, Snoopy, Sometimes<img alt="Image result for comic about writing" src="https://i.pinimg.com/236x/77/c0/0e/77c00e69f560396db23636be41ba7003--peanuts-cartoon-snoopy-peanuts.jpg" /><br />
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It's fair to say that I can identify with Snoopy, especially in the sentiment above. Some days the juices are flowing; some days the well is running dry. Hay, at least I'm not alone - and at least some days I do the Snoopy-dance!<br />
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#AnitaVP #Snoopy #sometimes #thewellisdry #writemoreAnita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-6233055270852815632019-08-23T22:58:00.001-07:002019-08-23T22:58:26.471-07:00Blogs: A Blog Post on Blogs<br />
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Stemming from the original term "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog#Mainstream_popularity">weblog</a>",
first used in 1997, the word "blog" as we know and love it today, was
coined by a grandfather blogger, <a href="https://www.peterme.com/">Peter
Merholz</a>, who as a joke divided the word “weblog” into “we blog” in 1999.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Blog" soon took on both noun and
verb form, thanks to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyra_Labs">Pyra
Labs</a> who created the blogging service <a href="https://www.blogger.com/about/?r=1-null_user">Blogger</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Blogs have taken the past score of years by storm, allowing
professionals and laymen alike to share their voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From political pundits to mommy-bloggers,
everyone seems to have something to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The readership is
there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All the way back in 2006, <a href="http://www.pewinternet.org/2006/07/19/bloggers/">Pew Research</a> found
that, “Thirty-nine percent of internet users, or about 57 million American
adults, read blogs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a truck-load
of people!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the number of internet
users has only grown since then – to the tune of <a href="https://wearesocial.com/blog/2018/07/internet-growth-accelerates-but-facebook-ad-engagement-tumbles">4.1
billion people</a> worldwide in 2018!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Blogs can serve an array of purposes from driving business
to discipling to serving as dear diary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Need
some reasons to blog?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check <a href="https://writtent.com/blog/top-blogging-statistics-45-reasons-to-blog/">this</a>
out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Consider this though, in the new age where anyone can
contribute, the old school values of good writing still are needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the best blogs may still need <a href="https://moonfirecomm.weebly.com/?fbclid=IwAR1bEatMrCLCZvpL8K9hjhXRlcvrU_166vSHdSrFHhLA1jHQgG-VaR_1z5I">a
good edit</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #blog #bloggityblogblog #nerdingout<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-9031093802387608972019-08-20T22:46:00.000-07:002019-08-20T22:46:29.877-07:00New Birthday TraditionsOne year ago today, I had this ray of sunshine on my own birthday. I really couldn't imagine a better birthday gift, from God to me, every single year. Like a little beam of light, he brings joy to any room he enters. And he has definitely brought overwhelming joy (and cuteness) to my life.<br /><br />On his (our) birth day last year, things were a busy, hectic, painful, wonderful blur. This year, we are able to relax a tad more and really enjoy the day. I realize now that this in turn means the ushering in of a new era of birthday traditions for me - celebrating each year with the finest of gifts.<br /><br />Happy first birthday, Sunshine.<br /><br />#AnitaVP #birthday #happybirthday #wildone #sunshine #firstbirthday #baby #babyonmybirthday #beach #beachbaby #beachbum #maui<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1reBAoivTeyHd8ROK7MbtiRJhv-oYNVnCr-37BrRHQ6AgTIg0oVwzUYJgbI6qKyDfEP8UjH_lve-4QuRxW5REabz1fWk1g7swuJ7d9gOrc060uNrZvEFnlXuhqhKvYrGr6yNVmGB85vA/s1600/20190820_141945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1reBAoivTeyHd8ROK7MbtiRJhv-oYNVnCr-37BrRHQ6AgTIg0oVwzUYJgbI6qKyDfEP8UjH_lve-4QuRxW5REabz1fWk1g7swuJ7d9gOrc060uNrZvEFnlXuhqhKvYrGr6yNVmGB85vA/s640/20190820_141945.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-57152431224710187282019-08-16T21:28:00.000-07:002019-08-16T21:28:29.295-07:00A Move Complete<br />
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Our long awaited and longtime coming move from Colorado to Washington has finally come to a completion. We've successfully made it in to the new house and have a majority of our things in.</div>
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It'll take some time to get straightened, but today our new house has really started to feel like home. For the first time, we were able to go on our regular morning walk and I enjoyed my first cup of coffee here. Let me tell you how sweet and perfect that first cup is!</div>
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For a long time, I've pondered the complete range of emotions that one must feel with a move of this magnitude. With confidence, I can say that I'm able to better completely understand the gamut of emotions of this all (for the sake of my picture book manuscript about moving, if for nothing else). Nonetheless, the finish line brings a distinct sweetness and plenty of musings.</div>
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#AnitaVP #moving #writemore <u>#movingday</u></div>
<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-63960132162953265722019-08-09T20:56:00.000-07:002019-08-09T20:56:04.342-07:00Blown Away<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
As someone who desires to be a published author one day, it's a regular debate in my own mind if I actually have anything worth saying. The forces of resistance within my own mind talk unkindly to me and say, "well no, of course you don't."</div>
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Good ol' Thumper's refrain of "If you can't say something nice, then don't say nothing at all" plays in my head. Perhaps an even more valuable phrase would be something like this: If you don't have anything worthwhile to say, don't say nothing at all. Nice is a relatively wide gate; worthwhileness weeds out a lot of "nice" things that perhaps would have been better left unsaid (or unread).</div>
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There is nothing new under the sun, but perhaps anything that is worthwhile of being published will be something that blows the reader away. How do you actually blow readers away? I'd argue that occurs by appealing to emotions.</div>
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Books that make the reader laugh, cry, surprised, excited, intrigued, nostalgic, etc. -- those are the worthwhile ones that will blow someone away.</div>
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I may not have that formula yet for my writing, but at least I've got the goal.</div>
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#AnitaVP #goals #writinggoals <u>#writemore</u></div>
Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-9657887916949565862019-08-06T15:40:00.000-07:002019-08-06T15:40:29.824-07:00Well That Didn't Last Long!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, in the spirit of authenticity, I bring you this
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My son sees some books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s very excited for these books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looks <i>so </i>adorable looking at the books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He coos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He smiles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This lasts for a complete four seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He crawls away to get the better of some
house plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goodbye books – see ya
later!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I guess good thing I’m fast with a camera!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll keep trying for reading that’s longer
than the blink of an eye.<o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #realtalk #reading #readmore #baby #parenting
#littlecritter<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-50679292529423128772019-08-02T14:52:00.000-07:002019-08-02T14:53:35.513-07:00Double-edged Sword for Today’s Children<br />
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An article from CBC entitled <b><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/dangerous-indoors-researcher-says-about-kids-1.5229036">It's
never been safer for kids to play outside — or more dangerous to be inside</a> </b>caught
my attention.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Maybe it’s true?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being outside is wonderful for children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It helps them explore the natural world around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It encourages unstructured free play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smelling fresh outdoor air is also good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s something about bare feet outside
that’s good for the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On and on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Maybe it’s not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are countless beneficial activities that occur almost exclusively inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baking together, reading, coloring, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my opinion as a mother, long gone are the
days where (in most cities and towns) it’s a good idea to “send the kids to the
park by themselves.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See where this is tricky?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve reasoned that one thing that makes parenting young
children today uniquely more challenging than most other times in history is
all of the rigmarole involved with car seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s almost no way a child will be out of a five-point harness prior
to the age of four.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re looking at
close to eight for just sitting in a plain ol’ seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Car seats are a pain in <i>the seat</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But here’s where it gets me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always think it’s really rich when people
my age and anyone older say things like, “well, we never had seats like that and
we made it just fine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, right –
because the children who died in car crashes are here to speak.</div>
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<o:p></o:p>We now know that many of the chemicals used in “regular” (as
opposed to mineral based) sunscreen are carcinogens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also know the sun itself will just cause
cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would you like your cancer
severed up today?<o:p></o:p></div>
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In an increasingly competitive academic landscape, it’s a well-known
reality that schools “teach to the tests” and kindergarten is a shadow of its
former.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m all for letting kids be kids
for longer, but surely if a parent doesn’t get the ball rolling bright and
early that child is at a disadvantage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And while it’s not some “competition” as to who has their kid reading
first (or any other academic accomplishment), isn’t it to the child’s brain’s
benefit to read as many words as possible?<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a conversation I had today, we discussed how Red Rover
has died on the playgrounds of yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While my husband may relish the memories of schoolyard games, I, on the
other hand, was the little kid who always seem to get hit straight on the
noggin with the dodgeball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Wham!</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Playground games and schoolyard picks are
good for children socially, physically, etc. – and then someone gets a
concussion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The internet produces a treasure trove of fantastic resources,
of all different varieties, for children and parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also produces a ton of resources for predators
and the black market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sweet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Screens” allow for video chats with daddy when he’s gone on
work trips, easy sharing of old family recipes, and exchanging pictures of
cousins who live far away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, screens
are arguably the arch nemesis of today’s children.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here, children and parents, take up this double-edged sword
of parenting in the 21<sup>st</sup> century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Perhaps the older I get, I realize that I have fewer and
fewer answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That realization in and
of itself is probably the real “tale as old as time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this particular instance, when wielding this
razor-sharp sword of today’s parenting, this may be the <i>only</i> think I know
to be true: all things in moderation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4&version=NKJV">Philippians
4</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #parenting #parent #parentingtoday #doubleedgedsword
#tricky #gooutside<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-57615118632773787062019-07-30T15:38:00.001-07:002019-07-30T15:38:49.272-07:00Pure Internet Gold & Technical Difficulties<br />
I feel like this photo is a phenomenal internet meme in the making. At a loss for what's really the right caption, as there are too many options. Open to all suggestions. Nonetheless, this is pure gold. (And he is adorable.)<br />
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Of all ironic things, on the day when I believe I have captured the world wide web's next greatest meme photo, I run into technical difficulties. I bring my humble offering as payment in return to the internet gods, and they cast me out. Geez! Harsh, cold, cruel inter-world.<br />
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Perhaps it's not to late. Perhaps it is. So much in life is all just a matter of timing!<br />
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#AnitaVP #parenting #baby #nakedbaby #meme #puregold #nsfwAnita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-41010940831657065622019-07-23T19:58:00.002-07:002019-07-23T19:58:38.820-07:00Mr. Rogers<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The words “a beautiful day in the neighborhood” cannot be said in
my mind - they must be sung.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like so many
children, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood enchanted me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, both the adult and child in me are
excited for the upcoming movie <b>A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Catch the trailer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VLEPhfEN2M">here</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I also came across an interesting article regarding Fred Rogers’
approach to talking with children, <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/06/mr-rogers-neighborhood-talking-to-kids/562352/?fbclid=IwAR08tRKxfW7muqpP4AylOlX11nO7HWqyYgSONzqdd85m6LUwOF6198-d6M4">Mr.
Rogers Had a Simple Set of Rules for Talking to Children</a> from The Atlantic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a mother and aspiring author, I love the following
sequence of thought on “Freddish” (i.e. his special way of speaking with
children):<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”Per the pamphlet, there were nine
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“State the idea you wish to
express as clearly as possible, and in terms preschoolers can understand.”
Example: It is dangerous to play in the street. <o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
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as in It is good to play where it is safe.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Rephrase the idea, bearing in
mind that preschoolers cannot yet make subtle distinctions and need to be
redirected to authorities they trust.” As in, “Ask your parents where it
is safe to play.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Rephrase your idea to eliminate
all elements that could be considered prescriptive, directive, or
instructive.” In the example, that’d mean getting rid of “ask”: Your
parents will tell you where it is safe to play.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Rephrase any element that
suggests certainty.” That’d be “will”: Your parents can tell you
where it is safe to play.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Rephrase your idea to eliminate
any element that may not apply to all children.” Not all children know
their parents, so: Your favorite grown-ups can tell you where it is
safe to play.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Add a simple motivational idea
that gives preschoolers a reason to follow your advice.” Perhaps: Your
favorite grown-ups can tell you where it is safe to play. It is good to
listen to them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Rephrase your new statement,
repeating the first step.” “Good” represents a value judgment, so: Your
favorite grown-ups can tell you where it is safe to play. It is important
to try to listen to them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9.6pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Rephrase your idea a final time,
relating it to some phase of development a preschooler can understand.”
Maybe: Your favorite grown-ups can tell you where it is safe to play.
It is important to try to listen to them, and listening is an important
part of growing.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></li>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
only we could all speak to children as easily as Mr. Rogers and make it look so
good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Need
to binge on a few old re-runs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looks
like many are available on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mister+rogers+neighborhood">YouTube</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">#AnitaVP
#wontyoubemyneighbor #mrrogers #itsabeautifuldayintheneighborhood #tomhanks
#alwaysbekind #kind #parenting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-45772690635131505982019-07-19T10:32:00.002-07:002019-07-19T10:32:39.199-07:00ABCYA<br />
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Although we’re not big into screen time around my house, we
do indulge Human #1 in small doses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Things, be it shows, movies, etc., that have educational elements in mix
certainly are much more likely to be approved in my book.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of my favorite resources at present is a website of
educational games called <a href="https://www.abcya.com/">ABCYA.com</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a balanced collection of little subject-based
games that appeal to children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
home page is obviously laid out so that you can quickly select the appropriate
level for your child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While computer
games are of course not the end-all-be-all for teaching any content, they can definitely
be a nice addition!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re looking to
have your kiddo kill a little time or buff up in a particular area (or both), ABCYA
is a nice free option!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check it out!<o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #freeresouce #educational #games<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-32655835828838434552019-07-16T20:25:00.000-07:002019-07-16T20:26:22.713-07:00Reading Lesson Progress<br />
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Certainly every parent has those hit-like-a-brick-to-the-face
moments where all of a sudden the tiny human is not looking so tiny any
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next phase of development has snuck
up overnight, like a thief of Neverland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“When did you get to looking so big?!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Furthermore in my particular present situation, learning to
read is catapulting my oldest into the next chapter of childhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although teaching her to read is not coming
without full and complete effort on my part, it feels as though I blinked and
here she is saying, “NO! I’m going to read this part myself!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m not one to gush, but she read two sentences yesterday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not one, but two, folks!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wowee!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a big girl!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where have I
been all this time!?<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgw6FaoTOamstw-3Ri32iiUOR_9wwEAkQ9gNJo-Uxrm5tQxfDvmpoVV9e22E2unQresJy3jXBmxvgAroRIegRvjzjEtl9G_7pYmO28vDMD0fUvnRyiv3wA57AkhF_e4OZagvBYLUmu92Q/s1600/20190705_143648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgw6FaoTOamstw-3Ri32iiUOR_9wwEAkQ9gNJo-Uxrm5tQxfDvmpoVV9e22E2unQresJy3jXBmxvgAroRIegRvjzjEtl9G_7pYmO28vDMD0fUvnRyiv3wA57AkhF_e4OZagvBYLUmu92Q/s1600/20190705_143648.jpg" /></a></div>
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#AnitaVP #reading #read #readinglessons #learningtoread
#kingergarten #biggirl #timeflies #Tuesdaythoughts<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-20203736228711139032019-07-12T19:39:00.002-07:002019-07-12T19:40:09.297-07:00A Trip Down (Someone Else’s) Memory Lane<br />
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Since we’re staying with my husband’s parents while in
between houses, the tiny humans and I have had much more time than ever before
to observe and enjoy things from his years growing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The current decided favorite of <i>mine</i>
from <i>his</i> past is a library of informational, mostly-nonfiction books put
out by Walt Disney.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK83uZmz3aMuLJWPmZhyphenhyphenSfxY6fcEXAvrhLV5eCYFb7BBHBfC5sv7GsHBZFmYd3qhYuXittmaeq3gKpYOctJ7hactDUTJCPQc1nsiUVJf3Bq-lr30WUA8NrC19wsKxVetRZkhp7yfuWDtg/s1600/walt+disney+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK83uZmz3aMuLJWPmZhyphenhyphenSfxY6fcEXAvrhLV5eCYFb7BBHBfC5sv7GsHBZFmYd3qhYuXittmaeq3gKpYOctJ7hactDUTJCPQc1nsiUVJf3Bq-lr30WUA8NrC19wsKxVetRZkhp7yfuWDtg/s1600/walt+disney+books.jpg" /></a></div>
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With topics ranging from science to riddles to shapes and
colors, these books each highlight the titled subject matter in true nostalgic Disney
fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Presenting the material in an
age-appropriate and balanced fashion, these books really feel like the most
adorable vintage read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect for the
young child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My personal choice thus far
has been the It's A Small World book, inspired by the ride itself, highlighting
children in countries around the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Perhaps equally sweet is the cursive note inside from his
grandmother and his subsequent claiming of the books – his own name written in
chunky red marker, letters perfectly bent by the hand of a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading these to our daughter has me somehow
feeling as though I’m taking a little trip down his memory lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Three cheers for vintage picture books, good ol’ Disney, and
snip shots of my husband’s childhood.<o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #vintage #picturebooks #vintagebooks #kitlit #disney
#preschooler #itsasmallworld #memorylane #flashbackfriday<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-4318161726320781602019-07-09T21:25:00.002-07:002019-07-16T20:26:33.914-07:00Works In Progress<br />
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On the picture book manuscripts that I’ve written thus far,
I typically have not gotten “stuck,” per se.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I usually find that I’m able to craft a beginning, middle, and ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure if they’re any good… but complete nonetheless.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve been toying around with an idea for a picture book playing
around with the use of color words associated with emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As adults it’s easy for us to understand what
it’s like to feel blue and see red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
children, perhaps not as much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
expressions like this are natural to use in everyday speech, including
conversations with children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are you just
feeling a little blue?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially for
the very young, how confusing must that be?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Feelings are hard to understand and then the idiomatic expressions are
even more cryptic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Woah – poor confused
kiddos!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since my oldest has no shortage of feelings and needs all
the help processing them, I feel that this concept of playing around with those
expressions we use in picture book format has lots of potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But how do you end a story of that
nature?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not certain yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been thinking on this one for the better
part of six months… and nada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope it’ll
come to me soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This concept of a story
is just a work in progress, I guess.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Certainly we all, the very young to adults, with all our colors of
feelings, are all just works in progress.<o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #workinprogress #picturebook #kidlit #writing #writemore
#writing #feelingblue #seeingred<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-34864817054401566542019-07-05T20:54:00.001-07:002019-07-09T20:01:27.881-07:00Menudo & What To Write About<br />
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I asked my husband, “What should I write about tonight?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since this was immediately following a
conversation regarding menudo, the dish (not the band), he chuckled, “Oh, write
about menudo.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the topic of “trying
new things” is something that I’m passionate about and merits being accoladed
in writing, pondering and extrapolating our conversation on menudo is probably
nothing to “write home about.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Nonetheless, whether I’m writing about menudo or my kids or my
daily musings or the price of cheese in Nova Scotia, there is catharsis in
writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The act and art of writing, in
any medium or form and in any length, perseveres in proving its benefits for me,
if for no one else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s my burning
heart’s desire that one day my writing will succeed in blessing a wide audience;
but in the interim, I’ll be thankful that writing continues to be good in
return to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because brevity in writing is something I greatly value, I’ll
just leave it at that – writing is wonderful, beneficial, and cathartic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cheers!<o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #writemore #writing #writingcommunity #menudo<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-16389943954735966872019-07-02T21:37:00.000-07:002019-07-02T21:37:10.901-07:00Turning Into A Weimaraner<br />
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"Mama is turning into a weimaraner!!!" My four-year-old squeals and giggles. Little does she know before she can blink she will too be plagued by gray hair and more gray hair.</div>
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Perhaps gray is some sort of mark of wisdom, perhaps not. But certainly there are worse things than being likened to your dear ol' doggo. After all, a dog is the only person who loves you more than he loves himself.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
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#AnitaVP #doggo #dog #weim #weimaraner #50shades #gray #grayhair<span> </span>#truelove</div>
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Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-680239642479616911.post-9536100165823320472019-06-28T14:57:00.001-07:002019-06-28T14:57:21.316-07:00Reading with Belle<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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All aboard the reading lesson train again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that we’re quasi settled in between
leaving our Colorado home and finding our new one, it’s back at it to so-called
“regular” life for tiny humans.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://anitavanproyen.blogspot.com/2019/04/learning-to-read.html">As I
mentioned in another post</a>, we’re learning to read over here using <b><span style="background: #F3FDFE; color: #757575; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.google.com/shopping/product/2883819693434407512?q=teach+your+child+to+read+in+100+easy+lessons&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS728US728&biw=1904&bih=888&dpr=1&prds=hsec:online,paur:ClkAsKraXzOfgsNyuRAe73I9OV3sJGWwkRmKGVgN_f8rq0h9intWetlshkpGSDwWXpxHiLuzWOqr4UCLgU6GwqLjzTolAYvc8lqe61-Icmfa5EDsdteNi46BVxIZAFPVH72ajv5sI8qWLHD-_VMs2xBSL9T4jA&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwihpq-2q8vhAhVCs6wKHQxxDacQ2SsIFA" target="_blank"><span style="color: #37afc0; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons</span></a></span></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What’s the first sound?” “Now the next sound.”
“Are you a snake?... SSSsss”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I can appreciate that this is genuinely the most complex
thing that my four-year-old has ever had to take on – and there’s decided challenges
in that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my child’s case, the comprehension
of the material is there without question, but the desire to be compliant and
obedient was seriously lacking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
I think that it might be fair to say that at this juncture I am perhaps the one
who is learning more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flexibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Persistence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Endurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I may have garnered a point this week in <a href="https://anitavanproyen.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-babys-in-dishwasher-kind-of-crazy.html">parenting
agility</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leveraging what she loves,
I reminded her that Princess Belle likes to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what did I do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hauled out her Belle dress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now when we read, it is as Belle!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Layers of chiffon and sparkle trim now add an
apparently needed element of panache to our time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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And we made a chart together!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She picked the pictures and we’ve got a goal
of earning more dress-up dresses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll
take the win!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmykZ3sRseZlGMbKY1bNDrvkNANrreQIY8eD1koiSAYxrIPw9BQVeDLXwG4oS1RIaYXY7sFEjoqVCLOO8SmnHNtnPw7yp9H1r3p2YGdRbXcK8Hf9cE8ZRw1DJh8cVtAyKCN8MlYXgP6I/s1600/belle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmykZ3sRseZlGMbKY1bNDrvkNANrreQIY8eD1koiSAYxrIPw9BQVeDLXwG4oS1RIaYXY7sFEjoqVCLOO8SmnHNtnPw7yp9H1r3p2YGdRbXcK8Hf9cE8ZRw1DJh8cVtAyKCN8MlYXgP6I/s640/belle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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P.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also <a href="https://anitavanproyen.blogspot.com/2019/04/learning-to-read.html">learning
that I really like a nice Cab</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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#AnitaVP #readmore #parenting #reading #hookedonphonics #belle #4yearold #learningtoread<o:p></o:p></div>
Anita VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13368057110695458515noreply@blogger.com0