Friday, April 25, 2008
A Reader Visits Williamsburg
A choral competition brought a reader, Bailey, to Williamsburg. Her mom let me know they would be in town and so I attended a wonderful concert by Woodlawn Middle School from Mebane, NC. The choral group sang a moving Agnus Dei. I hope they win the competition!
Celebrating National Poetry Month with ARC
The ARC (Association of Intellectually Disabled Children) of Williamsburg is sponsoring a monthly program for adults in Arts and Literature. They asked me to join the group to discuss poetry during National Poetry Month.
What a lively, responsive group!
I hope the participants had as much fun as I did!
We discussed poems that explored the senses.
In this picture participants are studying pussy willows that I brought in. We talked about the sense of touch and we found words to describe how pussy willows feel. I followed up with a short poem where a poet emphasized the fuzzy, wuzzy feel of the pussy willow.
I think I have managed to get everyone present in one of the pictures, everyone that is, except Nick, who kindly took the pictures. Thanks Nick! 
And thanks ARC for visiting me to your program.
What a lively, responsive group!I hope the participants had as much fun as I did!
We discussed poems that explored the senses.
In this picture participants are studying pussy willows that I brought in. We talked about the sense of touch and we found words to describe how pussy willows feel. I followed up with a short poem where a poet emphasized the fuzzy, wuzzy feel of the pussy willow.I think I have managed to get everyone present in one of the pictures, everyone that is, except Nick, who kindly took the pictures. Thanks Nick! And thanks ARC for visiting me to your program.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
A Record Breaking EIGHT Times!
Today I was coming out of Farm Fresh, a local supermarket, pushing my grocery cart when I was thrilled to meet Anna. She is a first grader who had read Lottie's Courage EIGHT times. It is her favorite book. Anna's mom recognized me from years ago when I taught with her in the history department at the College of William and Mary.
Thank you Anna for making my day!
Until I met Anna, Aaron held the record. He read Lottie's Courage FIVE times.
I have been working very hard during the last months on my writing. It is time-consuming, lonely work. Sometimes I wonder if I am wasting my time. Today, thanks to Anna, I was reminded again how great it is to write something that kids enjoy.
Thank you Anna for making my day!
Until I met Anna, Aaron held the record. He read Lottie's Courage FIVE times.
I have been working very hard during the last months on my writing. It is time-consuming, lonely work. Sometimes I wonder if I am wasting my time. Today, thanks to Anna, I was reminded again how great it is to write something that kids enjoy.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A Musical Based on Lottie's Courage
One of my readers in Western Virginia who is very involved in theater asked for permission to write a musical based on my first book, Lottie's Courage. Of course, I agreed. What a great idea!
The first scene is completed! I am looking forward to seeing it.
The first scene is completed! I am looking forward to seeing it.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Another Great Drawing from Michelle!
One of my readers who is a fifth-grade student in Northern Virginia writes to me and she always includes wonderful drawings like this one. It was so neat I wanted to share it with my other readers.
