Showing posts with label Writing Challenge 2014. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing Challenge 2014. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Writing Challenge July 8


 

Write a beginners guide to getting up in the morning.

Wake up! I know most of you hate theses words.  As I tell my dogs every morning, “I have to work, we have to eat.” Here we go…

**Hints** If you are not a morning person like me, spend some extra time the night before getting things ready for the next morning.  If you get into a routine this will go faster each night.

1.    Before you go to bed lay out your clothes for the next day- down to the underwear and shoes.
2.    Pack your work bags (school bags for the kids) set by the door and grab as you walk out.
3.    Put out non-perishable items that you might eat for breakfast on the counter.  Bowl for cereal- Ready to go.
4.    Pack as much of your lunch as you can and put it on the counter or in the refrigerator.  Have the other items you need to finish packing your lunch close together in the fridge so you can grab them and go.
5.    Don’t forget to set your alarm clock to give you enough time.

Set the clock early enough that you have time to shower, dress, eat breakfast, get the kids ready, make lunches, gather up all of your things, drive or take public transportation to your destination.  Start your day at a reasonable time so you are not frazzle when you enter your first meeting, sit down at your computer, or greet the children coming into your classroom ready to start the day. 

In the morning if you are still having lots of trouble waking up set an alarm clock across the room so you have to get up to turn it off.  One you are up you cannot go lay back down or back to sleep. Immediately get the caffeine started and get into the shower. (I use the shower as a tool to wake up in the morning.)  If this is not a good option for you go on a quick walk around your neighborhood, workouts, do some gardening, write, or read the paper. 

Whatever works for you but routine is the key. 

Monday, July 7, 2014

Writing Challenge July 7


 
Vampire, Werewolf, or Witch?  If you had to chose one which would you be and why?

Witch! I would definitely be a witch.  I knew right away and these are the reasons why:

1. I love the Earth and Plants!  Mixing spells sounds fun and like a creative outlet.
2. I constantly dream about being able to clean a room with the wiggle of my nose or one swipe of my hand.
3. Halloween is my second favorite Holiday.
4. I love the Sun- As a vampire I wouldn’t want to not be able to walk in it and feel it’s warmth daily – not an option for a Vampire.
5. I don’t want to stop eating chocolate cake.  If I were a Vampire, I would have to give it up for blood.
6. I would not want to go through the painful change of a Werewolf each month.  Although I think I might like the community living in a pack would bring.
7. As a werewolf I would have to share my body with another version of myself.  One version is enough.
8. I have enough dog fur in my house now, with Maxx and Steeler, anymore and I would be drowning in it.
9. The flying thing.  It would save so much time.  I could go see my friends on the other side of town more often.
10. Money- I could cast a spell to have the money I needed (not wanted, needed) and then I could make jewelry, all day everyday.


Writing Challenge July 7-13


Summer Writing Challenge
July 7-13

Monday July 7
Vampire, Werewolf, or Witch?  If you had to chose one which would you be and why?

Tuesday July 8
Write a beginners guide to getting up in the morning.

Wednesday July 9
Two guys walk into a bar…

Thursday July 10
Start a story with the line, “My mother broke every plate in the house that day.”

Friday July 11
Write your “Bucket List” for this upcoming school year.

Saturday
July 12
You are ______________.  Write three different opening paragraphs for your autobiography, trying out very different styles.

Sunday July 13
Free write or Catch-up Day

Friday, July 4, 2014

Writing Challenge-Friday July 4



What does the 4th of July mean to you?

I LOVE the 4th of July!  It is my favorite holiday because you don’t have t give anyone anything, it is warm outside, there are usually cookouts and in Bloomington a local parade.  Oh yes, and fireworks too!  The 4th is at the peak of summer, a time to check the corn to make sure it is, “Knee high by the 4th of July.” Really it is time to be proud of our country and the people that have served in our military.  I am very proud of them and that I live in a free independent nation.  

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Writing Challenge Thursday July 3


I can’t go into this right now, but if I could, I’d tell you this…

“There is a code to live by, family, honesty, truth, society, without your chosen code you are nothing.  I don’t mean to scare you dear, but it is time you pick one.  You are not getting any younger and things are changing.”  Papa DeTouri, smiled and turned to walk away.

         Our family has always been strong and had a code to live by that is what has made it work generation after generation.  Being one of the only females born into the family my expectations are different than my brothers and cousins.  The only reason I have gotten so much freedom and power in the family is because of my grandfather. 

Papa DeTouri said that I have looked like his beloved mother from birth and took to me right away.  Even though girls are reguarded as second class, worker bees in the family, Papa decided that I should one day take over the family dynasty of business.  As my brothers and cousins grew up around me they did not receive the same treatment as I did from him.  It always made them angry and often hateful towards me.  The only other female cousin in the family was very typical and grandfather treated her like a second-class citizen, she was only there to cook, clean, and have children.  That’s what she did.  I never could get a handle on that, it seemed like such an awful life.  Tina didn’t seem to mind it too much.  She seemed happy with her four kids and very fat, wealthy, husband.  I guess there is always something for everyone.

When Papa DeTouri died a year ago he left everything to me.  I mean everything.  It was like having a boatload of shrimp that are offloaded into the dock in a huge gaping pile on top of you suffocating you all at once.  As an understatement the other members of the family were not happy.  I knew over the years that I was Papa’s favorite, even more than my mother his daughter, but still.  Really Papa! Really!  Now I had multi-million dollar business to run and half the family gunning for me. I did the only thing that I though would work at the time and I went underground.  

Disappearing in the night and taking many different forms of transportation I changed everything about myself, jumped on a bus and decided to see where I landed.  I ended up in a quaint little artsy town of Nashville, Indiana.  I didn’t plan on staying but then I cut my foot on a nail and went to see Dr. Allwood.

 My time in the area changed me and my code became clear.  To be continued...





Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Writing Challenge Wednesday July 2


Describe your guilty pleasure.  

My guilty pleasure is I love the movie Pitch Perfect!  I love listening to acapella of modern day songs and I can sing most of the song from the movie perfectly because I have listened to them so many times.  Personally, I have an awful voice.  I think it has been ruined by years of teaching and working at summer camps.  I would recommend this movie to anyone for a fun evening of fluffy entertainment. 
Bellas Final

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Writing Challenge July 1




Tuesday July 1
What is your shrink really thinking when you tell him/her about your day, your life, your hopes, your fears?

The last shrink I went to told me my biggest problem with my life was my job was too stressful.  I agreed but was unsure how to change my situation.  He probably though “stupid girl get a new job!”  I didn’t really talk to them about my fears, just exhaustion.  I finally have changed jobs and feel excited and rejuvenated.  If I had to listen to people complain about their lives I would probably think, “OH, be quite!  You are fine.”
Really! 

Monday, June 30, 2014

Writing Challenge June 30



Monday June 30
Make a top 10 List of the things that you love about summer!

No Wake Up Time!
10. heat
9. projects
8. biking
7. adventures
6. pool/lake
5. No alarm clock
4. naps
3. sun
2. friends
1. FREEDOM 

Writing Challenge June 30- July 6


Summer Writing Challenge
June 30- July 6

Monday June 30 
Make a top 10 List of the things that you love about summer!

Tuesday July 1
What is your shrink really thinking when you tell him/her about your day, your life, your hopes, your fears? 

Wednesday July 2
Describe your guilty pleasure.  

Thursday July 3
I can’t go into this right now, but if I could, I’d tell you this…

Friday July 4
What does the 4th of July mean to you? 

Saturday July 5
Share your favorite recipe and what memory makes it special.

Sunday July 6
Free write or Catch-up Day

Friday, June 27, 2014

Writing Challenge- Friday June 27, 2014


A child needs to do one thing over and over to calm him self down when the adults get angry. What does he do? How did he learn it? (Believe it or not this came from the book.)

This prompt is a little too close to home considering I have worked with many children as a teacher and I am not going to share any of their stories. As I was thinking about the normal tool we are taught as children, walk away, count to ten, write it down, I was considering what I would like to use with my own children.

I was thinking it might be fun to teach my child to sing the itsy-bitsy spider to calm down take their mind off whatever problem they are having.  I do not know who successful it will be but I is a verbal, visual, and kinesthetic way to calm down.  At home the child could even they sat when acting this way.  We would need to practice where would be appropriate places to do something like this in public.  (Let's be honest, fits are going to happen even with the best child, you might as well be prepared for the situation.)

A cute book cover!
This is just a coping mechanism that I thought of for this prompt.  It by no means would be the only thing I would use with my child.  I am constantly trying and brainstorming ways to help children learn academically and socially.  This is just an idea for tonight.  If I talked to you during the school year I might have something else I wanted to try. 

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Writing Challenge-Thursday June 26, 2014

Write a case for your favorite fruit.

Sweet, juicy, red, full or antioxidants the raspberry needs to be a household staple worldwide. The berries have species on at least 5 continents and 400,000 metric tons are produced world wide each year.  If you don't like red raspberries you can eat one of the other 200 species of berries.  Raspberry enthusiast know the importance of the "brambles" or prickly thorny stems to protect the plant. 

Some research has shown that raspberries date back 2,000 years ago in Europe as one of the earliest berry crops.  Containing antioxidants and anti-cancer properties these little berries pack a punch!  The are high in vitamin C, anti-inflammatory, and rate low on the Glycemic Index. "The Glycemic Index is a measurement on carbohydrates-containing foods and their impact on our blood sugar."

Raspberries are the perfect sweet treat to top a desert or just eat by themselves.  They should be in ever household in some version to improve our health.  With a selection of over 200 species it shouldn't be hard to fine one that is perfect for you and your family.

Facts Resource: The World's Healthiest Foods Website:  whfoods.org

Raspberry Bramble



Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Writing Challenge- June 24, 2014

Describe a newly invented product that will change your life. 

It would change my life if I cold have some kind of product where I just pushed a button and it said,"Please be quiet,"or "Please sit down."  I feel like I say these things so many times a day that I am on repeat for 180 days.  If there was just a machine that could spit out the simple commands my life would be so much easier.

Another invention I often dream of is for my home.  Actually, it is more like a Super Power!  I want to be able to blink my eyes like Jeanie and then POP!  All the things are cleaned up in that space or room.  I sometimes close my eyes and think that when I open them my house will be clean, but never works that way.  Oh, well a girl can dream.

The final thing I would like to have invented would be able to teleport that could make travel so fast you could be in Indy in a click, or I could go to the jungles of Zimbabwe with a click, and then come back the next day. I often daydream about having that life. Breakfast in Paris, lunch in Madrid, dinner in Morocco, gelato for a night cap in Florence, and then home and in bed by 10 or 11. Superb!


Monday, June 23, 2014

Writing Prompt Monday June 23


Monday June 23 
Create your favorite sandwich (you can even include why it is your favorite and the special sauce recipe)

My favorite sandwich would either be a homemade BLT or the Ultimate Turkey from Dagwoods.  These are very different sandwiches that never disappoint! On a baquett you put turkey, cream cheese, lettuce, avacado, (tomato to taste) and the special sauce.  I tried to replicate this sandwich the summer I discovered it, but alas, it just wasn"t the same.  Anyone who has not tried it should get to Dagwoods on Indiiana Street in Bloomington and try one out.

Trojan Horse Gyros. Yum! 
The BLT is a delicious memory from the time I spent on Spring Break on the beach with I was growing up in Ft. Meyers, Florida.  Bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, three pieces of toasted bread, delicious!!  As I cruz through life I have one more sandwich that makes my life conplete, it is the gyros.  Why not Lamb, tiziki sauce, onion, tomatoes, pita, this is making me hungry!


Summer Writing Challenge June 23-29


Summer Writing Challenge
June 23-29, 2014

Monday June 23 
Create your favorite sandwich (you can even include why it is your favorite and the special sauce recipe)

Tuesday June 24
Write from the perspective of a solider that is about to embark upon a mission that she knows is about to kill her. 

Wednesday June 25
Describe a newly invented product that will change your life. 

Thursday June 26
Write a case for your favorite fruit.

Friday June 27
A child needs to do one thing over and over to calm him self down when the adults get angry. What does he do? How did he learn it? (Believe it or not this came from the book.)

Saturday June 28
Think of an object that describes you.  Why and how does it describe you? 

Sunday June 29
Freewrite or catch-up Day

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Writing Challenge Tuesday June 17-19






Tuesday June 17
Quote your favorite moment from a film

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”
“I carried a watermelon.”
Dirty Dancing, 1987

So theses lines have come in handy in my life more than a few times!  Yes, these exact lines and I remember watching this movie at my friend Jennifer’s house when it was “forbidden.”  It was at a sleepover and I felt wild watching it, great music, dancing and a love story.  I actually used the line, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner, “ on one of my favorite boyfriends.  He told me after that night that he knew we were to be together because I wasn’t afraid to be myself and yell that line out at a formal party. Yikes!  Yes it’s true, it was at a drunken Gala, and I was on fire.


So cocktail dress or just conversations with friends I will love these lines.  My friend Jennifer is no longer with us but I love remembering her in these times that just make me laugh.  I will keep using these lines throughout my life because I LOVE them.





Wednesday June 18
Boxers or briefs? You decide.

I am a big fan of the boxer briefs combo.  They are like loose fitted boxers.  Cotton and soft and they hold everything it but are not so restrictive.  I guess it just depends on what the individual guy likes to wear. I am not too picky when it comes to this department because I don’t want someone telling me what underwear I can wear.  I will let them decide.



Thursday June 19
Create a Bee’s To Do List

Fly in a beeline
Pollinate 5 flowers
Bring back pollen to the hive
Sweat
Talk to 10 new worker bees
MAKE Honey!



Monday, June 16, 2014

Writing Challenge June 16-22


Summer Writing Challenge
June 16-22

Monday June 16
Describe your favorite food

Tuesday June 17
Quote your favorite moment from a film

Wednesday June 18
Boxers or briefs? You decide.

Thursday June 19
Create a Bee’s To Do List

Friday June 20
The car your father drove

Saturday June 21
You wake up on the side of the road lying next to a bicycle, with no memory, no phone, and no wallet.  What happens in the next hour?

Sunday June 22
Free write or Rest Day

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Writing Challenge- June 15 & 16

flourless-chocolate-cake.jpg


Monday June 16

Describe your favorite food

My sweet tooth is calling out to my favorite food delicious, moist, chocolate cake. I love chocolate cake without the icing for may reasons.  First, it is moist and fluffy, next when I eat it my stomach does not hurt nor does it make me sick like ice cream.  Although, I secretly love chocolate ice cream and wish I could eat dairy.  I really don't think I would get sick of having chocolate cake every day if possible.  That should be a rule that no matter what chocolate cake needs  It might be a sweet tooth's dream come true!  


My Haiku to Chocolate Cake!
Hello Chocolate Cake
Moist, fluffy, delicious, yum
Give me the last crumb

My Haiku writing is a little out of practice.  That haiku sounds like something one of my 4th graders would have written.
Sunday June 15Freewrite
    
Yesterday my neighbors got married two yards over on their back deck in the early afternoon on a summer cool but beautiful Saturday.  I couldn't help but watch and listen from my garden while I was weeding.  The entire thing from a spectators point of view seemed to have what so many big weddings are missing.  Everyone was relaxed, kind, attentive, and non-judgmental.  I watched them set up the festivities too, because I worked in my garden all day that day.

What no one would have known is that my neighbors are a lesbian couple and it was the Gay Pride Weekend. (I think)  I have know idea if their marriage was official but to them and in their eyes it was.  They also seemed to be sharing it with friends and family.  It made me really start to think: Who has the right to tell you who you can or cannot fall in love with or marry?  Yes, for years I have believed in societal rules of, oh he's to young, or he's to old for you. Yes, I understand the importance of age, money, honesty, and loyalty, but sometimes things are out of our control no matter how much we try to micromanage them. The heart wants what the heart wants.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Writing Challenge June 13


Friday June 13
Would you rather win a Nobel Prize or be a rock star? Why?

The sensible part of me says  be a Nobel Peace Prize winner.  Discover something life changing for the world.  Maybe a cure to for some disease like HIV/Aids or Alzheimer's.  That would appeal to my sense of social duty, the civic servant juice that runs through my body. 

In my heart I would rather be a Rock Star.  As a Rock Star especially a really famous one you can use your name and money for different humanitarian projects.  Look at Bono from U2, he is in the news more for his humanitarian work than even his music.  The guy is giving back by using his influence to do something worth while all along he is getting to play music with his friends and have fun.  It seems that if you gave back being a rock star could be the best of both worlds.  I have always wanted to be a part of a charitable foundation, but I have never had the money. In my Rock Star World I could do both!
File:RockStar.png

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Writing Challenge Wednesday June 11


Wednesday June 11
Songs for each decade of my life. 

Picture taken by Anna Hagg, from the Art Show Days. 
1975-1980
Nursery Rhymes
Batman and Robin T.V. Show Theme Music

1980-1990
The House at Pooh Corner- Loggins and Messina
Thriller, PYT, Beat It- Michael Jackson
Harvest Moon Album- Neil Young

1990-2000
Rocky Raccoon- Beatles
Paradise- John Prine
Rumors Album-Fleetwood Mac
She Talks to Angles- Black Crows
Hold On- Sarah McGloughlin

2000-2010
You Found Me- The Fray
Cowboy Take Me Away- the Dixie Chicks

2010-Present
Poison and Wine- The Civil Wars
Raise Your Glass- Pink
Mumford and Sons
More to come!

This was the hardest prompt for me yet!  There had been so much great music in my lifetime! I couldn't think of only one so I just put a few I really loved from each decade.  I am sure that I missed a tons of great music on my list but it can always grow.  There could be SOOO much more!

Writing Challenge Tuesday June 10


Tuesday June 10
Describe the life of a Cockroach at the Plaza.

"Nothing unimportant ever happens at The Plaza." Wilfred knew today was going to be his day. Eating the droppings from last nights patrons at the Champagne Bar was the start to Wilfred's perfect day. Wilfred was some what of a celebrity in his own mind, living, surviving, and breeding at The Plaza since before it opened its doors on October 1, 1907.

What he really wanted was to see Celia his Smokey Brown Cockroach love who moonlighted as a dancer at night. Celia was Wilfred's dream girl! A little smaller than his American Cockroach body Celia could dance like no body's business. Thank goodness the breakfast crowd with their messy children provided plenty of food for a roach to "woo" a girl. Wilfred ran out of his hole and captured a huge crumb of cake a young child had dropped on the floor by his chair.

As he careened back to safety he noticed Hanz a pesky German Cockroach that was always competing for Celia's attention.  What those German Roaches were trying to take over his Plaza Hotel. They bred twice as fast as all of the other roach breeds and he knew Hanz had a huge family and plenty of other roach lady friends to enjoy as companions. Why Celia?

"Cockroach at the Plaza," Wilfred heard a person ask and then there was a piercing scream!
Wilfred ran for his life, back into his home he was going to make it and hold on to his crumb for Celia.  Slam!  A huge boot came down just centimeters from Wilfred body. yet he was safe and that little weasel of a roach Hanz was still out there free to seal crumbs to attract his woman! The nerve!  This was the end of Mr. Nice Roach, this meant war!

"I have gotten to long and slow." Wilfred repeated to some of his fellow Plaza-roaches. "Are you Rochies listening to me! Long! Slow!  I need help tonight to roach block Hanz from my beloved Celia.  Who's with me?" The click of antennas was all that echoed in the room.  Alright lets get some rest to get ready for this evening events.  As the roaches rested and ate their morning bounty a very tragic thing happened.

Celia was dancing in the Newman's guest room and "crunch" she was laid to rest in the thick lush carpet.  She had been so vain and so mesmerized by her dancing that she did not pay attention the way a roach needs.  Dancing on the white part of the carpet not the beige in which her body blended so well was a "dead giveaway" that a roach lived in the room. "A roach at he Plaza," Mrs. Newman gasped.  "Well, lets not tell anyone I don't want the "Vanderbelts to hear that we had a roach in our room."

That evening Wilfred and his gang of "Rochies" hit the Champagne Bar and went on a mad search for Celia.  She had never missed a  night of great dancing an food.  No one could find Celia and not even Hanz and his gang knew where to look.  Had Celia suffered a cockroaches fate?  No, it couldn't be true.  Louie one of the band roaches suggested that Celia probably set out for a new home in someones luggage and was leaving the Plaza in the rear view.  Maybe she was heading out west or down south to where it is always warm and the Zydeco music and party never ends. That is the way Wilfred would always remember Celia, dancing her cookarocha butt off!