Monday Muse: Lay vs Lie

Is it just me or does anyone else ever get a little nervous when having to write the word lay vs lie? I usually don't think twice when I'm on the computer because of word check that picks up the grammar mistakes for me. It's when I'm writing for others, like the daily notes I send home to families about their children's day, that I kinda get nervous. The first thing I do is try to remember the rules, is it lay or lie. Is it laid or lie or lay .... and you get my point. I often just reword it so that I don't have to use that verb.

*Sigh*

Well, folks, I'm done. I am going to get this if it is the last thing I do! You know what they say, practice makes perfect! But until then, here is a simple chart with the two verbs in their different forms. :)

Monday Muse: The Rule of Three

So, last Saturday I babysat two  super fun, energetic, and happy little girls. Toward the end of the evening as it got close to their bed time, we sat down, *phew* and watched a really fun and educational cartoon called Umizoomi. It was during the viewing that I noticed something that I had never noticed before. The story had three segments, each segment had three obstacles, each obstacle had three hurdles to overcome. Wow! The rule of three really stood out.

What is the Rule of Three?

The "rule of three" is a principle in writing that suggests that things that come in threes are inherently funnier, more satisfying, or more effective than other numbers of things. A series of three is often used to create a progression in which the tension is created, then built up, and finally released.

But is there something really to the art of writing with the rule of three? Does it really make your writing more effective, more engaging, more entertaining? I'm not sure, I have not really experimented with writing with this particular rule. However, it does make a lot of sense. And when I look back at some of the children's books I have read, where the element of three is used, the books are definitely more appealing.

So, just what makes it more appealing? Well, what I have learned so far is that:

* three is the smallest number of elements required to create a pattern
* three is easier to remember because of its brevity
* three is often used to create increasing tension in a story and finally release usually with a twist.
* our brains are wired to respond to things presented in groups of three

And every day I am learning more. Now it is time for me to go back to my manuscripts and see if I can apply this rule to my stories and see if it improves them, make them more effective, engaging and entertaining. :) And to think all this came from watching a kid's cartoon! :D

Check out these blogs 
Copy Blogger: How to Use the "Rule of Three" 
The Write at Home Blog: The Rule of Three

Monday Muse: hate falling behind!!

Hi everyone!! How are you this fine Monday morning? I love having the day off :) There is so much I need to get done today that I have to carry around a to-do list with me just to stay on track! Needless to say, I am way behind on checking of all the things that need to get done today! :( I hate being behind on schedules! :/

So, first things first! I would like to announce the winner of the Rukhsana Khan author + book giveaway!

............................. and the winner is .............................

!!!!!! Marybelle !!!!!

Congratulations Marybelle. I will be contacting you soon for your mailing address so I can get your book to you :)

Next on the agenda. It's a book party!!! On Feb 28th, we are going to Catch Fire!!! Alex J Cavanaugh is celebrating the release of his newest book CassaFire with a blog party.  Starting on the 22nd join the blog tour as CassaFire makes its way through the blogosphere! Be sure to stop by and learn some fun facts about Alex's book title, his favorite character in his book and his favorite sf hero!  

Lastly, I can seriously use some insight on how to keep my writing on time!!! What do you do stick to writing schedules and deadline?

Monday Muse: Cavalia!!!

Cavalia was AMAZING!!!!! I was floored by the performance.

I loved horses. And I love the fact that the horses really were the stars of the show. They were beautiful and majestic. I am so sad we could not take pics during the performance. :(

I loved the music. The music was awesome, they had a live band to perform to :)

I loved performances. There were horse tricks and fancy horse riding like roman riding. There were acrobatics that were really nice, cute, and very talented. However, the performances I loved the most were the ones where the horses got to be free on the stage performing along side their human partners. I learned quite a few facts about the show and horses. For one, they only use male horses in their shows. The horses are well cared for and treated like rock stars. They get vacations between shows, massages, and so much more.

I loved that after the show, I got to go see the horses in their stables. :D Most of them were pretty busy eating to care for all their fans but it was fun watching them and their trainers care for them.

This here is one of two of the newest and youngest horses they have added to the show. At the beginning and end of the show, they let this young colt and his playmate out to play and entertain us for a little bit.

This is the only mini horse they had. He had all of one minute in the end of the show when all the horse came out riding pass us at lightning speed.

Poor horse, he was sleeping as his fans gathered around to look at him. The show must have worn him out.

 These horses did not let a few spectators disturb their meal time!!! :D

 FOOD!!! But look at the braiding on this horse :)

 Another one with great hair. I think the trainers braid their hair at night because it was not like this during the show.

 Horse getting his hair done. I'm so jealous!

 FINALLY!!! I got one to notice me and look at my camera! Another thing I was sad about, they would let us touch the horses :( I so wanted to pet him.

 Yay, another horse noticed me and looked at my camera. :D

 Horse and trainer.

 Some photo canvases they had on display

 More photos of the horses.

 One of the stable tents.

 Stable tents. I could not get the big top because of all the bright lights.

will try to upload the video later :(

Monday Muse: Monday Morning Sparks and No Snow Days!

Hello everyone! Welcome to another fabulous Monday!!! Over at Susanna's blog she is doing a fun Monday Morning Spark where the writer chooses five words to create a piece. Here are my five words, a pic from yesterday and my short piece using the five words. :) 

snow

white

cold

work

play

I woke up this morning to a white covered world. Snow blanketed the roads, trees, pathways and rooftops. As cold as it was, I jumped out of bed to check and see if school would be closed for snow-day. But would you know, no snow day. Instead we were opening up late but not so late that I get a few extra hours. No, we opened at 8:30 just when my shift started. Well, I got to work, ready to play (and learn) with my toddler classroom, all of them! That's right, we were open on MLK day and while many of the parent's had the day off, kids still arrived on time. So, the day went on as usual. We had breakfast, read books, played with musical instruments, learned and matched cut out felt shapes. Outside time was a blast. The little ones had a ball playing out in the white snow despite the cold. Even brought some snow inside to put in our sensory table to play with later. So, even though it was a cold, no snow day, full classroom, kind of work day, I had an awesome day with my toddlers!

Monday Muse: A quote to start the week!

Is this true or is this true! All the books (and I have a ton of them!) and writing tips in the world will not get me published unless I learn the craft and implement everything I learn. But there is so much out there, it feels daunting, and at times, confusing. Especially when sometimes those tips contradict other instruction, tips and techniques. Not to mention all the technological advances in the publishing industry. So, instead of ripping my hair out, I'm taking every resource I have, books, web links, author and blogger friends, writing buddies, critique partners and writing conferences and I'm starting at the beginning. I am going to build my foundations first. Get the craft, write, write, write, read, read, read, revise, revise, revise and write some. And one day, I will turn those sticks of resources into a strong and sturdy ladder that will get me over the hurdles and into the world of publishing AND keep my sanity and sense of humor. :D

How about you writer friends, how do you make your resources work for you, not overwhelm you?

Monday Muse: 2012, I'm Ready for You!!

Happy New Years from Seattle, Wa!!!
Here is wishing everyone peace, happiness, joy and prosperity in 2012 :)

Happy New Year everyone!! I am so pumped for this new year. God-willing, 2012 will be a good year for us all. I have a lot on my plate for this year and I am looking forward to trying my best to accomplish it ALL.  What is in store for this year?

Well for starters, a new cookbook will be released this month and I have a few family recipes and stories that are included in it!!!! :D This cookbook includes traditional and family recipes from around the world. It also has cooking tips, inspirational stories and healthy cooking and eating articles.

Last year (so odd saying that when it has only been two days! :D) I participated in the PiBoIdMo and came up with some wonderful picture book ideas. This year, it is my goal to turn those ideas into picture book manuscripts (first drafts of course) So far to date, I have one completed draft!!!  One down and 11 more to go!!! :D

I will continue to participate in Susanna L. Hill's wonderful project of collecting picture books that not only entertain children's imagination but engage and educate as well. This list of picture books is unique in that it provides educational resources and activities parents, home schoolers and teachers can use in the classroom and at home. You may find the complete list here at Just Right Books

I have a feeling 2012 will see the emergence of some really awesome new book titles, self and traditionally published. I hope to continue to offer interviews of newly published authors to help support the cause of introducing new books and authors to the reading community. If you are a new author or have a new book releasing this year, send me your contact info and I will get back to you to set up an interview to publish here on Of Thoughts and Words. :)

Also coming this way are book reviews, writing prompts, giveaways, teasers and more!! 

Here is to a fabulous new year!!!!

God bless each and everyone of us

 and keep us all happy and healthy!!

Monday Muse: Cavalia!!!

Coming in January to Seattle! I so want to see this. With the tickets so expensive (for my current budget) I am actually saving up for a nice close seat :D I love horses. I had one growing up and I miss riding and caring for them.

Cavalia at a glance: Cavalia is a mix of equestrian and performing arts, multimedia and special effects. It is often labeled an equestrian ballet, Cavalia is a spectacular and moving tribute to the relationship between men and horses throughout history, a dream of freedom, cooperation and harmony. In a fairy tale setting filled with poetry and emotion, the show innovatively integrates acrobatics, dance, aerial stunts, live music and equestrian arts. 

I am really looking forward to it. I'm curious, has anyone seen the show? What did you think about it? Was it as magical as it looked like in the commercials? :D 

Monday Muse: Getting Ready for 2012!

November was NOT my greatest month this year. :( I guess I put way too much on my plate that I could handle! But I must say, I did not do too bad either. I participated in two different challenges last month, NaNoWriMo and PiBoIdMo 


My idea for Nanowrimo was to make a collection of stories about the crew and passengers of a spaceship heading to a new world. So far, I have 17+ short stories giving me a word count of 30,000. While I would have liked to have at least thirty, I am still happy with the 17 or more that I have. It's 17+ I did not have at the beginning of November (or this year!) :D 


This year was the first time I participated in the Picture Book Idea Month. the idea was to come up with a picture book idea each day of the month. I managed at least twelve ideas, six of them I think are solid. So again, I feel like i didn't really fail because I completed something, even if only six stories come out of the 12 ideas. 


Which brings me to my next challenge! 12x12 in 2012 The challenge you ask? Twelve complete picture book drafts. Twelve months.  2012. Thanks to Julie Hedlund for coming up with the idea. It is just what I need to keep me focused on WRITING :D Julie has even set up a facebook page and haven for the 12x12 in 2012 participants for support and accountability! Again, just what I need :) 


I am really excited for the coming year. So writer friends, what is your 2012 pre-new year's writers resolution? :D

Monday's Muse: Book Buzz!!

Last week I had the honor of reviewing a really wonderful book that is soon to be release. Ellen's Broom  by Kelly Starling Lyons. This book was right on time. We have so much to be grateful for as a nation. We have come a very long way. Some of you may remember I interviewed Kelly and her book, "One Million Men and Me." Well, her newest book will be released on January 5th 2011 but you can pre-order it on Amazon here. her newest picture book set in the reconstruction era. Before I post my review let me just tell you, I LOVE it!! I can't wait to have Kelly stop by during her book tour of Ellen's Broom which will be on the 12th of January!!!! My review is below the summary :)

Summary of Ellen's Broom

Ellen always knew the broom resting above the hearth was special. But after it's announced in church that the marriages of former slaves will be registered and made legal, she hears more about why it matters so much. For her mama and papa, who could be sold away at a master's whim and whose union had no legal protection, jumping the broom was a way to show their commitment to being husband and wife. Now, as the whole family travels to the courthouse dressed in their best, Ellen carries the broom with them. With love, ingenuity and pride, she finds a way to celebrate her parents' right to be legally married and remember their past.

History and Traditions: Ellen’s Broom by Kelly Staring Lyons

Traditions are a wonderful way to remember history and how far we have come as a community and a nation. In Ellen’s Broom, one such tradition is portrayed. In the old days when many African Americans were slaves and at the mercy of their white slave masters, the sanctity of marriage was not protected or even viewed as legal. Slave husbands and wives could be torn apart and their families separated. One tradition some were allowed to have during a wedding ceremony was “jumping the broom.” That was a way an enslaved couple could prove their commitment to one another. Of course that was no proof in the eyes off the law.

When slavery ended, many married couples went to the courts and finally got marriage certificates to prove they were married. But there is something very sweet and endearing about the tradition of jumping the broom. The slaves did not let the law stop them for doing what they saw was their God given right, to marry. While there is no need for the tradition as a means of proving the validity of our marriages, the history behind the tradition shows a people’s strength against very hard odds. As an African-American, I’d love to see such traditions carry on. Ellen’s Broom beautifully illustrates how this tradition began and how important such traditions are to respect and protect.

Ellen’s Broom is told through the voice of Ellen, a young girl, as she witnesses her parents become legally husband and wife. She has always heard the story about the broom above her fireplace but when she realizes the importance as she watches married ex-slave couples get marriage certificates, including her mother and father, she decides it is only right that her parents jump the broom again to celebrate. But her father thinks the tradition is from the past and that it should stay there now that they are free. But Ellen reminds him how important the broom is and vows she will “jump the broom” when she grows up and gets married too. 

I’m with Ellen; some traditions are worth keeping! J

Monday's Muse: I'm an emotional wreck!

Yes. This dang cold and sore throat has got me in a pretty emotional state, which is making it really hard to concentrate on writing! It didn't help that I've been listening to a couple of songs that really got me thinking about my mom, especially this last song I listened to. She passed away four years ago losing a battle against cancer. Well, it's probably a good thing I didn't go in to work today! Before a break down into another ball of tears, here are the songs: I'm Already There by Lonestar and "You Can Let Go Now, Daddy" by Crystal Shawanda. I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday and work week. Happy Writing!



This song really moves me, well, actually a few my characters who are having to come to grip that they have to now fly alone to a new home world leaving behind some family and friends behind on a dying planet Earth.



This is such an emotional song. I am grateful I still have my daddy though it did make me cry for my mom. Those were the last words she said to her mother on her death bed and it was the last words we said to her on hers (that and the kalamatan. It is a Muslim tradition that on the death bed of a Muslim to repeat with or for them the Kalamatan which are I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger.) There must be something soothing in those words for a parent on the thresh hold of moving on, knowing that there children will be alright without them, leaving their children in God's trusting hands.

Monday's Muse: Autumn Path

For some lovely inspiration this week I share with you all this wonderful pic I took this morning on my way to work. :) It's a fun path where walkers, runners, bikers and students get to and from the university as well as exercise. It was rather sparse and a slight drizzle wet the fallen leaves. I could not help but take the picture. :)

After work, I took a few minutes to log onto facebook and see what is going on in my friends' world :D One posted a lovely quote that I felt very moved by. I would like to share it with you all and hope it inspires good thoughts and destinies. :)

Sow a thought, and you reap an act;
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.
- Charles Reade

Monday's Muse: Autumn's Flowers

"In Autumn, Every Leaf Is A Flower"

I love autumn. I think of all the seasons, it is my favorite. The change of colors from green to red and orange makes the trees look like they are on fire in the glow of the sun. :) There's also the cool, breezy weather that makes cozying up with some hot tea and a book PERFECT! Where I work, there are quite a few trees. I too some pictures of the different leaves and trees. 

Monday's Muse: Nature and Camping! *posting a little early*

Taken at Camp Burton Vashon Island, Wa

     Last weekend I went on a camping retreat. While I enjoyed myself there, it wasn't something I was truly prepared for. I was under the impression that I'd have a lot of time for leisurely pleasures like writing and reading. Well, I did get some writing down and some reading but I mostly spent time with the other campers, hiking, boating, telling stories around the camp fire (well, I mostly listened and watched for critters on the ground in the light of the fire *shudders*) the usual camp stuff. 

     While on a hike, I came across this tree. It was the only tree along our trail that had mushrooms on it. I thought it looked out of place for some reason especially since I had not come across any others along the way or even after. Those mushrooms stuck in my mind for a long time. That night, as I settled in for some write time working on the first prompt of The Rule of Three Blog Fest, the image of the lonely patch of mushrooms popped back up in my mind and writing. Somehow, they made their way into my story! These mushrooms will play a vital role in the Renaissance Awakening.

I love nature, it is so inspiring! And now for some nature quotes :D

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.
Navajo Proverb

"Trees give peace to the souls of men."
Nora Waln correspondent 1895-1964

To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from.
Terry Tempest Williams

It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.
Robert Louis Stevenson

The moment one give close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.
Henry Miller

If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.
President Lyndon B. Johnson

Monday's Muse: Teacher Power and more!

I LOVE THIS!!! :D Not just because I am a teacher and I love it, but some of the most amazing people in my life were/are teachers and believe it or not, I, to this day think they had/have superpowers! Can't really explain it but I NEVER got away with anything! But I guess that is what I love about these amazing teachers. I learned so much from them. They did not just 'teach' me, they motivated me, they encouraged me, they supported me, they shared the love of learning with me. I think was the best thing they could have done for me. I am not all that surprised that after looking at a host of possible careers that teaching was the one career that suited me the most! So tell me, what is YOUR superpower?

I have a host of goodies to come this week!!!!!

On the 30th as part of Tara's Blogaversary Blogfest. I will be posting one of my all time favorite recipes (hopefully pictures included if the item does not get eaten before I can take a picture of it! :D)

From Sept 1-7th I will be participating in the Back to the Books Blog Hop co-hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.  I will be giving away books and prizes away to three lucky winners!!!!! So don't forget to stop by.

Author Interview and Book Giveaway: I just received and started reading The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle. I'm loving it so far!! On the 9th, Heather will be joining us to talk about her book and some of her interest. Heather is such a fun person so I'm going to love interviewing her! If you have not met Heather or visited her blog then You. Must. Do. It. Now! Ps. Check out her "Friday Feature Creature" posts. They are awesome! :D


Were you a Kurious Kid growing up? What was your favorite picture book? Why was it your favorite? Hop on over to Abby's blog and join her Kurious Kids-Fest as she celebrates reaching 100+ followers.  The Kurious Kids-Fest will run from aug 29th to Sept 10th. Quick, you still have time to enter to win a really fun book or a $10 Amazon gift card!! I will be posting MY fave picture book soon so don't forget to come back to see what mused my childhood :D

Monday's Muse: The Gratitude Challenge

“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me”. [Quran 2: 152]

Gratitude is the acknowledgment that all things good come from Allah (God) and it is also the realization that when things don't happen the way we plan, or we don't see the blessing that we are trying to attain, that it is His plan and will to withhold that blessing. Thus, being grateful means to accept the blessings He gives with praises and humility and being patient when the Almighty denies.

This week I begin a challenge of the heart. This challenge will focus on all the favors and bounties I am blessed with, the good, the sad, and even the hurtful. This challenge is open and anyone can join. In fact, if you leave a comment or link to your blog, I would love to read what you are grateful for. :)

You can express your gratitude in how ever way you like be it in verse, prose or photography or all the above. :)

It is my hope that all who participate, including myself, will learn to focus on the favors and blessings our Lord has blessed us with, not the everyday struggles that make us forget just how truly blessed and loved we are.

Monday Muse

A very pretty flower that I saw on a stroll Sunday around noon.

I think it is so funny sometimes when people talk about Monday blues and what not. Well, today I was NOT laughing! neither were my little ones! For some reason, everyone was just off. I was extremely tired, despite have a fairly decent and relaxing weekend, the children were tired and cranky with one another, my poor co-teacher had fewer than four hours of sleep before having to open our classroom at 6:30 in the morning. But somehow, we pulled it all together and had the children giggling and marching to the tune of "Dinosaur March" and waving colorful rainbow ribbons. :D






My two siblings. Check out the amazing view! This was taken at my sister's university. I love Mount Rainier! It will be feeding my muse for the rest of the week! :D