The "In Just Spring" Contest

Susanna Leonard Hill has challenged her blog followers to write a children's story, in 350 words or less, about something that really says "spring" to us. Then, we post it on our blog, link it on her site and her readers will vote on their favorite.  The winner will have one of their picture book manuscripts read by Laura Galvin of KidsBooks! 

Spring used to be an exciting time for me - I hate the cold!  But, since having dogs, I find myself wishing the cold weather would last a little bit longer, so we wouldn't have the mud to contend with.  So, that's what really says "spring" to me - MUD!  

When you're finished reading my story, head over to Susanna's blog and read the others - there are some really great stories!!

Tell-Tail Signs of Spring

Winter brings both cold and snow.

Still, I’m sad to see it go.
 
Once the frozen ground warms up,

life gets messy, with a pup.
 
He’ll come bounding through the door.
Muddy paws across the floor.

Black dots splattered on the walls.

Murky puddles down the halls.

Up the stairs and down again.

Paw prints leading to the den.

On the couch, then quickly off.

Stops for munchies at his trough.

On the bed that’s not yet made.

Gives a shake.  The sheets get sprayed.

Dog-shaped mud begins to dry,

Like a scene from CSI!

Try to wipe him - no such luck.

He starts wagging.  Better duck!

Just like clockwork, every year,

Tell-tail signs that spring is here!

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March Madness Poetry 2013: Round - 1 Flight 1

I am thrilled to announce I am participating in Ed DeCaria's March Madness Poetry 2013: "an event designed to bring the excitement of the NCAA March Madness tournament to the world of kids’ poetry. 64 poets from around the world participate in the event; together, these poets write 126 new kids’ poems in just 21 days: IT’S MADNESS!"  

Last year, I discovered this awesome competition after it had already begun and have been waiting 12 long months to get a chance to be one of Ed's Authletes!

You can read the rules of the game here.

There are 64 amazing authletes playing, take a look at the brackets:

I was given my first word at 8:00 pm Monday night and I had 36 hours to complete it.  My poem, along with my opponent's, Mary Lee Hahn, will be posted at 8:00 am this morning. Once they are posted, the voting is open and, at the end of the voting time (one day), the authlete with the most votes moves on to Round 2!   I plan to post my poems for as long as I remain in the competition (this could be my one and only post, but I hope not).  

Now, without further ado, here is my poem for the word Claque:

A CLAQUE, BY ANY OTHER SPELLING

Clickety clack, along the track.  This poem will sure be easy!
What - not clack?  You spell it claque? Oh, now I’m feeling queasy!

Claque's a word I’ve never heard.  I need to check it out!
To quote Roget: “a group they pay, to clap and cheer and shout”.

I surely can’t have sycophants selecting mine for money.
I’d rather they would smile and say, “I picked it ‘cause it’s funny!”

**(of course, after reading it again here, I realized I should have made the first line of the third stanza: "I surely can't have sycophants select my poem for money." - so frustrating!!)  If I'm lucky enough to make it to the next round, I'll hold on to it a little longer to catch things like that!)

So, if you have the time and inclination, head over to Think Kid Think and vote!  May the best authlete win!!

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For Renn, the Brave Jedi Warrior

This post is for a Jedi Warrior named Renn, who is the bravest 5 year old I know!!  Renn has been fighting battles against Epilepsy as his doctors try to find a way to treat his seizures!  This week, Renn will be in the hospital undergoing more tests, so author, Susanna Leonard Hill asked that we post fun things  to help cheer him up and pass the time!  

The bloggers participating have links on Susanna's site, so go there and check them out!  And, if you're a blogger and want to post something for Renn, add your link to her list.  If you don't have a blog, you can always leave a comment for Renn on Susanna's blog.  To learn more about Epilepsy, check out the blog The Brain of a Jedi and join the facebook group Purple Day.

Now for Renn: 

Brave you are!  Do it you can!

Love from Lori, your biggest fan!

While your doctors try to put together the pieces, you can work on your own puzzle!

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