Time is flying...

Good heavens, I can't believe how quickly time passes by. This week I handed in my mid-semester evaluation for Vermont College (halfway through my third semester). Next week I turn in my (hopefully) final draft of my critical thesis (more on that later). And I just did my first virtual classroom visit via Skype with R.A Mitchell Elementary School in Alabama (and what a delightful group of third graders!).

It's been a busy week!

Oh, and for a good laugh, check out this book-related video clip. This one came from Julie Larios, my advisor extraordinaire. Not only is Julie an awesome writer and teacher, she's great at finding fun "distractions."

Check Out This Article

Check out this article from Hunger Mountain by Nikki Grimes. She speaks to such an important topic, and just about says it all. People need to hear this.

Especially now.

The "Everything Under the Moon" Group

This is the "Everything Under the Moon, Writing with Fingers on Fire" VCFA fall 2009 picture book semester group; and some of my most favorite writer friends on the planet.

Left to right, front row: me, Mary Cronin, and Kathi Appelt (advisor extraordinaire). Left to right, back row: Barabara Bishop (graduating on Tuesday--yea, Barbara!), Abby Aguirre and Meredith Davis.

Having lunch with these lovely ladies has been one of my personal highlights of the residency thus far because really--isn't there nothing like getting together with "old" friends?

My New Advisor!!!

Yes, it's been forever since I've posted as I've allowed my wrist and thumb to heal, but I just found out who my next advisor will be for my 3rd semester at Vermont College. Drum roll, please........ Julie Larios! Okay, I'll admit it, when I saw my name in her group I let out a whoop. Julie is a fabulous poet, brilliant and just plain delightful. I AM THRILLED!

On the Injured Reserved List...

It seems that I've injured my hand, writing and riding. Too much writing for the VC Master's program, and too much riding my bike (which keeps me grounded with all the work in the Master's program). Yes, torn tendons are a real pain. Anyway, it loooks like I won't be blogging 'til the end of the summer, most likely--that's when I'm anticipating my hand to be completely healed.

BTW, for my VC writing, I've been using a software program called, Dragon Naturally Speaking, an excellent voice-activated program. Unofrtunately, it doesn't seem to work for dictating posts for my blog though! But it's saving me with my other writing. Phew!!!

So, have a fantastic summer--sip some lemonade, read lots of good books and don't forget your sunscreen!

Upcoming Event: KRA Young Author Fair

Next week, I'll be in Bakersfield, CA for the Kern Reading Association's Young Author Fair. I'll be speaking at the following sites:

May 10: Almondale School

May 11: Casa Loma School

May 12: Wayside SchoolMay 13: McKinley School

May 14: Owens Primary

May 14: YAF Author Dinner, Doubletree Hotel, 6:30 (open to public)

May 15: YAF Fair at University Square (corner of 20th and K Streets, Bakersfield, CA). 8:30-12:30. Free to public.

For the whole scoop, click here.

This is said to be one of the top author events in the nation, so I'm deeply honored to be a part of it. If you're in the area, please stop by and say hi!

Ya Gotta Love Squidoo!

This link came across my desk this morning. Don't you just love Squidoo? If you're not familiar with it, it's a site where folks can post articles. For example, this one is about "Picture Books about Bears" and features a few favorite titles of the author's. And of course, Blackberry Banquet is featured!

Click here to find a Squidoo article that I wrote called, Ten Things to Do with a Children's Book.

You can find almost anything on Squidoo---now keep in mind that anyone can post an article, and there's a sort of "honor system" that people write about things with which they actually have some expertise--in other words, reader beware! I wouldn't want my doctor gleeming info from this site about practicing medician, if he's written a book and wants some book promotion ideas, then let him have at it!