More from Bruge--Weaving Lace and Stories

Bruge is famous for its lacework. How did they make lace before modern machinery? By hand, of course. The art of braiding this type of lace is tricky. This lace is called bobbin lace. Bobbins are used to hold the threads on a small pillow. Originally, the bobbins were made from bones, so it is also known as bone lace. And sometimes it's called pillow lace as well. For more pictures, click on this Wikipedia link.

Stories are woven together also. Some of the threads of a story would include the characters, the setting, and the plot. Each story forms a different pattern, just like lace.

I've done only a little weaving in my day, on a small loom and knitting and crocheting as well. It's tough to keep all the strands in line, forming the pattern you want. It's tough to keep them from becoming tangled sometimes.

So it is with a story too. I work hard at twisting the plot here and turning a character there or weaving in the setting--just right. This week I'm revising a couple short stories and reviewing a middle grade chapter book in progress. I'm untangling a few knots here and there in each, trying to make wonderfully woven stories for my readers to enjoy.

Sometimes that involves a fair amount of unraveling--which makes it especially hard to keep the pattern of the story in tact. But a completed story, intricately woven with beauty and finesse, is always worth all the hard work.

Now, I'm back to my story weaving.

Paddling Up a Canal in Bruge

Well, not exactly paddling--but here are photos from our recent trip to Bruge in Belgium as we traverse some of the local waterways.

Bruge is often called the Venice of northern Europe because of its canals. This medieval city is incredible--like stepping back in time.

I'm trying to sail onward with a number of story adventures this week. Sometimes the writing and rewriting goes pretty smoothly. But today, I'm not sure if I'm making progress or simply spinning in a larger and larger circle.

Come back tomorrow to see if I've made progress with my writing...and for more photos from my travels.

More All-Stars Plus Robin Falls Kids Story Time Event

Just a few more photos from the big game on Tuesday night.

The theme for the evening--GO BEYOND--was celebrated in a tribute to numerous hometown heroes from across the U.S. whose charitable efforts were truly amazing.

My son Dan and his wife Megan wait in line with us to enter the stadium. Megan is a true-blue (and RED) Cardinals fan. Some of their wedding day photos were shot at the old Busch Stadium.

All-Star Cardinals first baseman, Albert Pujols, walks with President Obama after the ceremonial first pitch.

Glittery streamers filled the sky as the game got under way. I felt like a little kid at the bestest birthday party ever!

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Robin Falls Kids Story Time

Visit the link above to replay the Blog Talk Radio presentation of five children's authors from across the U.S.

Linda Bryan reads from her delightful, poetic picture book--THE SOUND SNATCHER.

Judy Cox shares her fun picture book--MRS. MILLIE GOES TO PHILLY

Scott Heyt entertains with a chapter from his middle grade novel--MICE DON'T TASTE LIKE CHICKEN

Pat McCarthy gives excerpts from her brand new history book--HEADING WEST: LIFE WITH THE PIONEERS (true tales of children who braved the frontier)

And me-- peeks into all three of my PET GRAMMAR PARADE books, including HAMSTER HOLIDAYS

Thanks to host Laurie Zieber and helpers Roz Dellani Oakes and April Robins at Robin Falls.

Be sure to have your child enter to win one of the free books to be given away next month on the Robin Falls Kids Story Time.

All-Star Night at the Game in St. Louis

Wow! What a fun and exciting evening I had last night when I had the privilege to attend the 80th All-Star Game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Here's a few pictures:

A mini-arch outside the stadium near where we stood in line (for half-an-hour) because of extra-tight security with President Obama's visit.

The Clydesdale horses open up the festivities inside.

The American and National Leagues' lineups.

President Obama--who threw the first pitch--shaking hands with fans later in the evening.

Oh, and by the way, I was one of the few to shake his hand. How exciting is that!

The President very graciously stopped on his way to the broadcast booth to shake hands with a few of us who were trying to catch a peek of him as he scurried by with this entourage. It was so generous of him to take the time from his schedule to greet us. That's a homerun in my book.

I'll share some more pics from the game tomorrow and highlights from the Robin Falls Kids Story Time radio program I was on this morning.

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS and Robin Falls Kids Story Time

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS: NOUN and ADJECTIVE ADVENTURES is here!!!

A troupe of hamsters celebrate a year of silly holidays in their unique hamster style. The book highlights nouns and adjectives on each page, as well as exploring opposites. Activity pages include scrambled words, match-up and crossword puzzles, and much more. Grammar becomes fun and games with hamster helpers.

Visit Guardian Angel Publishing  for information on purchasing this title in either eBook or print format.

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS--and all of the other books in the PET GRAMMAR PARADE SERIES--are available in print format from these online bookstores:

B&N.com

Target.com

Borders.com

Amazon.com

Visit illustrator KIT GRADY's web site for more information on the book's wonderful artist.

Special Education Teacher, Cathy Eshleman of Kearney, NB had this to say about the book:

Through the use of hamster antics, Cynthia Reeg, in her whimsical style, writes about nouns and adjectives in a way that will capture the interest of any student. Hamster Holidays: Noun and Adjective Adventures is a "must have" for any teacher who is introducing or reinforcing nouns or adjectives in the classroom.

To hear some of the HAMSTER HOLIDAYS story, listen to author Cynthia Reeg read from the book and share snippets from her other PET GRAMMAR PARADE titles on WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, at 10:00 am CST on the ROBIN FALLS KIDS STORY TIME on BLOG TALK RADIO.

Six children's authors will be sharing their books and answering questions this Wednesday. If you'd like to call in, here is the number: 646-649-1005.

If you'd like to find out more information and/or register for one of the more than 20 prizes to be given away in August, visit Robin Falls Kids or email robinfallskids@yahoo.com

This is the third of six blog talk programs this summer at Robin Falls Kids.

Don't miss it!

ZeBee's Virtual Summer Zoo Camp for Children

Too Dog-Gone Good to Miss

and

Just in time to beat summertime boredom--

ZEBEE'S Virtual SUMMER ZOO CAMP

An online cybercamp for children 5-8

Fun, educational activities--starting TODAY!!!

Eight weeks of zoo animal adventures

Prizes, games, animal trivia, arts & crafts, puzzles

July 6-August 28

Sign up today and join Joy Delgado at Laughing Zebra Books for Children

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS Is Coming Soon

It's been a busy summer already. Just returned from an international trip--I'll share some photos later. But I didn't want to miss the opportunity to tell you the good news.

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS: Noun and Adjective Adventures--the next book in my Pet Grammar Parade Series is nearly here. 

As you can see from the cover, illustrator Kit Grady has brought to life these adorable and entertaining hamster characters in her own wonderful, colorful style. 

You'll meet Grandpa and Babe, Carlos and Jenni, Billy--who's rather silly, and Lotty--who is decidedly spotty.

You can join them through a year of hare-brained holidays--sure to make you giggle. Nouns and adjectives are highlighted throughout the book. A study guide, activity sheet, and multiple puzzles are included.

HAMSTER HOLIDAYS is coming very soon in both eBook and print formats from Guardian Angel Publishing.