The Great Underwear Conundrum by Alison Henderson

Tomorrow is my sixty-third birthday, and I'm in a quandary. My underwear has disappeared. 

Well, not the underwear in my drawer, but the nice, new, fresh underwear I was getting ready to buy.

I recently went to the store to stock up, only to discover that the manufacturer has discontinued the brand, style, and size I've worn my entire adult life. I can't even buy it on the Internet! What were they thinking? After more than forty years, I have to try something new. I'm traumatized, and so is OG. He's never seen me in anything else and is pretty pouty about the whole situation.

What I loved most about my underwear was the wide elastic lace around the top. It was tight enough to keep them up but gentle enough not to create a bulge. That wasn't as much of an issue in my twenties. However, over the past forty years, pregnancy and age have softened everything up, and no amount of exercise will bring that lost collagen back. Some of you may be able to relate.

So, I'm grudgingly dipping my toe into the murky waters of change. I bought one pair each in two different styles to try. Both boldly claimed their wide elastic bands were designed to eliminate "muffin top." My impression after trying them? They might eliminate that familiar bulge in a sixteen-year-old model or an Olympic athlete, but in a reasonably fit sixty-two-year-old? Not a chance. I'll have to keep looking. Grrr.

Who has underwear they like? Raise your hand. I'm open to suggestions. Just bear in mind, thongs or commando are NOT viable options.

Alison
www.alisonhenderson.com 

Family by Diane Burton

Our family is here. Most of it. DIL and Toddler Girl flew in last night. Son and the dogs should be here by the 4^th. Four hours in a car seat on a plane is too much for a 2-year-old. She did the only thing toddlers are good of at—she slept. Mom had to wake her up to get off the plane. And she was not happy about it.

I’m thrilled they are here. For the past month, Hubs has been baby-proofing the house. Mind you, my kids are in their forties, so it’s been a long time since I’ve caught my fingers in drawers because of the catches.

Toddler Girl gets all shy every time we meet her. (She does the same with her other grandparents who see her every week.) By the time we ate dinner, though, she was sitting on my lap. At bedtime, she sat next to Hubs for a story.

This will be the easy transition. When Son comes, it will be vastly different. They have big dogs. BIG dogs. A 150 pound Great Dane and a 75 pound Lab. (The reason Son is driving.) Our homeowners’ association doesn’t allow fences. So, we’re going to have to figure out how the dogs are going to do their business. Or, as Daughter says, they will have to figure it out. I’m trying not to stress over the dogs. I love dogs. We just haven’t had one for over ten years.

Life sure does change. There’s one thing I’ve learned through the years is how to deal with change. Keep calm, go with the flow. Since I figured that out, I’m calmer and don’t let the curves life throws get me stressed out.

Several people who’ve had boomerang kids have given me all kinds of advice. Considering our experience living with Son and DIL each time we’ve visited, I know we’ll work things out as we go. My other grandkids can’t wait to see Toddler Girl. I’m sure we’ll get a visitor today. The other kid is at camp and doesn’t come home until tomorrow. I imagine she’ll beg her folks to come here first before going home. LOL

This summer will be fun with lots of changes. I may not get a lot of writing done. But spending time with the kiddies is more important.

When I’m not playing with the grandkids, I’m writing another space adventure, the fourth book in my Outer Rim series. I’ll be back here on the 30^th of July; on Paranormal Romantics on the 13^th; and on my own blog every weekend where I share snippets from one of my books.

Plans for Change by Christine DePetrillo

It’s May 14^th and in approximately one month, THE SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE OVER!

It’ll be my 17^th year completed teaching the same grade (five) at the same school in the same room.

So, yeah. I need some change.

But not too much because I don’t really like change.

Here’s the plan. Stay in the same grade at the same school in the same room, but change up the schedule, the subjects taught, and the room configuration. For all of the 17 years I’ve been teaching, the two fifth grades in my school have always switched classes to get students ready for switching classes at the middle school and to play upon our own teaching strengths. I’ve taught Math and Writing for most of my time at this school with a side order of Social Studies.

Next year, I’ll teach ALL the subjects and keep my own homeroom all day. This has many advantages. I can have longer periods for each of the subjects because transition time doesn’t have to be factored in. If I want to extend a period to do a more in-depth study of a topic, I can because I’ll always have the same set of students. If I want to teach a topic across disciplines, I can. If I want to take a thematic approach, no problem. Project-based learning? You betcha. Time to address the emotional-social needs of students (which seem to grow in frequency and magnitude each year) will now be available because I will have a better understanding of my core students instead of trying (often unsuccessfully) to get to know twice as many students.

I’m hoping for a better connection to my class. I want to really immerse them in learning. The kind of learning where they don’t even realize that the end of the day has arrived. I feel as if this year’s students did a great deal of “clock-watching.”

Honestly? So did I.

Whether that was my fault or theirs, I'm not sure, but I don’t want that to happen next year. I’m looking for the type of teaching and learning that brings things into the 21^st century and really ignites a passion for knowledge and discovery. I’m also hoping to arrange my classroom in a more comfortable, casual learning space. Something that promotes collaboration and innovation. I already plan to swap out my individual desks for larger tables in hopes to create a more laboratory, this-is-where-we-figure-stuff-out-cooperatively setting.  

And I’m obviously psyched to be teaching Reading again. The opportunity to talk about books with students as both readers AND writers excites me! I’ll also get to dive into Science, which will be great because I’m head of our school’s Roots & Shoots Team and really would love to get more outdoor learning into the mix. And the Science Fair? Ugh. It needs a facelift in the worst way. We've already made it digital, but the students really need opportunities to think more about real-world problems they can solve or inventions they can make. Something more than which flavor of gum lasts the longest. Bleck. 

With all the plans I have for next year, one hundred eighty days probably won’t be enough time to do it all, but I’ll channel the energy into making those days the best my new fifth graders ever had. I have all summer to strategize (while I’m not writing), and we’ll see how things go.

When does the school end where you live?  

Toodles,

Chris

www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

The Maple Leaf Series, all six books, now available. Book One, More Than Pancakes, is always FREE in ebook! Get started today!

Why Are We So Afraid Of Change? by Jannine Gallant

I've been thinking again. I can already see the eyes rolling. Bear with me. I learned something, so maybe you will, too. I've heard a lot of bitching and moaning on social media about Common Core math. Since my youngest daughter is a junior in high school, this new teaching method has no direct impact on me. But the problems I see posted on Facebook look ridiculous. My gut reaction has always been, "What insane person came up with this crap?" So, when a fellow author posted the following math problem off her child's homework, the response was typical.

"One Saturday, an orchard sold 83 bags of apples. There are 27 apples in each bag. Which expression represents the total number of apples sold?"

A. 16+6+56+21
B. 160+60+56+21
C. 160+60+560+21
D. 1,600 +60+560+21

I looked at it and shook my head. A storm of responses about "doing math the good old way" and not "complicating" the simple process of multiplying 83 X 27 followed. Except from one man who explained the steps to come up with the answer.

80X20+=1600

3X20=60

80X7=560

3X7=21

1600+60+560+21=2241

That wasn't so difficult to figure out. Hmmm, maybe this Common Core math isn’t totally out in left field, after all. I could actually do the math in my head to get the answer this way. I can't multiply 83X27 the old fashioned way in my head. So, while it looks complicated, I could figure it out with relative ease. But, what's the point in teaching this new method other than to start a firestorm of controversy and parent rebellion? After a bunch of haranguing comments about the idiots in charge who always have to change everything, this same man commented that the principle behind learning math this way makes understanding higher math (algebra and beyond) easier.

For me, an epiphany followed. I recalled a conversation I had with Tara when she was in AP Calculus. My daughter is very good at math. She loves it. When I asked how the other kids in the class were doing, she said it was harder for them, that only she and Jack understood the reasoning behind the math. Everyone else learned how to do it by memorizing, but they didn’t “get” why they did it. Oh boy, I could relate. I memorized and followed orders in math in high school and did well enough. But it never made sense to me, and I didn’t like math for that reason. Not surprisingly, Tara and Jack were the only two kids in the class who got a 5 on the AP Calculus test. The ability to actually understand why paid off. So, could it be that teaching this new Common Core method is an attempt to help kids understand math better and make learning advanced math simpler down the road? It’s a possibility. I hope it works for the millions of kids like I was who don’t understand (or like) math. Or maybe the guy on Facebook is totally crazy and the new method doesn’t help at all. I’ve no idea, but I’m throwing it out there.

But to get back to my original question, why do we all hate change so much? Why do we think anything new has to be stupid without taking the time to learn about it? The next time I blindly follow the trend of denouncing something I know nothing about, I’m going to stop and try to understand it first. The “old-fashioned way” doesn’t always have to be better. Case in point—computer vs. typewriter. So, my new motto is to embrace change.

That’s all I’ve got for now. For info on my books, which have nothing at all to do with math J, check out my WEBSITE.

Fantasy? Why not?

by Jena Galifany

Fan·ta·sy

[fan-tuh-see, -zee] noun, plural fan·ta·sies, verb, fan·ta·sied, fan·ta·sy·ing. noun

1. imagination, especially when extravagant and unrestrained.

2. the forming of mental images, especially wondrous or strange fancies; imaginative conceptualizing.

3. a mental image, especially when unreal or fantastic; vision: a nightmare fantasy.

4. Psychology . an imagined or conjured up sequence fulfilling a psychological need; daydream.

5. a hallucination. 

(Courtesy of Dictionary.com)

Okay, now we have the dictionary description of Fantasy. I particularly enjoy number one. 

Imagination. The beginning of all fantasy writing is imagination. It is the "what if" and the "how about" that live in our mind just behind the reality of life that we are forced to live with.  It is seeing things in a new and different way. It's believing that the world could be so much better, so much richer, so much more to ones own liking. 

Extravagant. Absolutely. Everything about fantasy should be extravagant. The characters should all be over the top in looks, elegance, riches, abilities and even evil. The men should be everything a man can be, according to the writers' whims. So hot you can get a sun tan by standing too near. So hot, to actually be in physical contact with could leave his brand on your soul. The women are no slouches either. Perfect build, perfect hair, make-up, eye color, skin tone and attitude. 

Unrestrained. Wow! That opens the doors to almost anything the heart desires. That man you always wanted to get your hands on? He's yours for the taking. He'll do anything and everything to please you. There are no consequences to your actions. There will never be a negative to your positive. No accidents, no back-lash. Absolute freedom of personal expression. 

Can you imagine this kind of freedom in your lifetime? It can happen when you write. It's all right there, at your fingertips. Find a keyboard and start with a small expression of your own fantasy. Build a character that you'd love to work with. One that you'd love to be, for that matter. After all, you are your characters. You are in their head, thinking their thoughts, living their lives, and leading them in the direction you want them to go. 

In fantasy, you can add magic, dragons, flowers and Fae to help your characters along. There are not longer limits to the world of fantasy. It can be crossed with other genres. How about this idea?

Boy meets Girl with a stick. Dragon grabs Girl. Boy hunts Dragon. Boy finds Dragon with Girl with a stick. Boy battles Dragon. Dragon flame broils Boy. Girl rolls eyes and points stick at Dragon. Girl flame broils Dragon and invites the village to a feast. Village roasts Girl at stake because Dragon tasted just like liver. The End.

Well, it needs a little work. I can fill in a few more details and add some clever dialogue but you get the idea. Fantasy can be a fun way to pass the time and is one of the most popular genres on the market. If you haven't tried it yet, I suggest you give it a shot. It can lift your spirits, even if you write it strictly for yourself. 

I wrote about a fantasy man, Velcon, in 1979. In 1989, I met him and we've been married since 1990. I've told you about Steve before so I won't bore you with the details again. I have a manuscript that I wrote in 1979 that needs a good going over. It is a fantasy. It's titled "The Ice Child" and some day I will publish it. Then the world will know more about Velcon Vespersley and his lady love, Jena' Galifany. Yes, that is where I got my author name.

Excerpt from "The Ice Child" 

After traveling what seemed like miles, the party came to the maze. Velcon kept himself between Cavoth and Devlin as well as having Caleth by his side. It was more simple to keep the mystery person from the child with the child in the lead with Alverian. Velcon decided that the next time they came to an outer door, he could be ready to free Dawnia and Jena from their current condition. All that was required was a little timing, some help from Caleth and Devlin, and a lot of luck, mixed with a few spells. Telepathy would have to be employed to tell Caleth and Devlin what to do as, chances were, he wouldn't get the opportunity to speak with them alone. Simple, right?

Velcon wondered why Cavoth hadn’t taken them all under mind possession. Why hadn’t he noticed the relic Devlin found? But, then, maybe he had. He tried once to take her. Velcon had to travel back to Gaelfar, if only for a split-second, for the components for the spells needed to free the women.

Velcon though about the maze as they entered it. This would be a good time to go. He quickened his steps and came up beside Alverian and Devlin. Velcon concentrated to gain Alverian‘s attention. "After I pass you, walk behind her, following her footsteps."
Alverian dropped back as Velcon walked ahead. Velcon's long strides quickly carried him forward until he put some distance between them.

Alverian paced Devlin's steps to stay between Cavoth and the youngest member. Suddenly, Velcon spun around, and threw blue-black handfuls of light over the entire party. His six companions stopped in their tracks, suspended in mid-motion. With a long look at Jena, Velcon filled his hands once again with the blue-black mist and poured it over himself. His destination: Gaelfar.

* * * *

The shop keeper never quite got used to his customers popping in and out as they pleased. He lost more stock that way. Magic users and thieves were always showing up just long enough to take what they wanted and disappear without paying for it. The sudden appearance of a person somewhat unnerved the small man.

Lithmar was glad to see that the day came to a close, when he could ward his store and retire upstairs with his family to enjoy the privacy and quiet. Only moments to go and his dream would became reality.

"And why not close a few moments early. The day has brought a good income already. What is a few more moments going to matter?" He jumped from his tall stool, and stepped around the end of the counter, starting toward the door. His steps were halted by a blue black cloud of shimmering air, followed by the appearance of one of his best customers suddenly standing before him.

"The mighty Velcon." He clapped his hands with delight. He took Velcon by the arm and firmly held him. "Welcome, my friend. Come and have mead with me. I was just closing up..."

Velcon returned Lithmar's welcome with a quick smile and, releasing the little man's arm, stepped around him. "I must have supplies. Dawnia and Jena, their lives depend upon my haste. Here." He moved from one shelf to the next, Lithmar following him from aisle to aisle. "Take these things to the counter. I know the others would most likely have them but I must be sure." Velcon handed several items to Lithmar, a small piece of iron, a vial of pure water, a string of chanting beads, and various other items.

"Spell components, I see. Bad, is it? Dawnia and Jena? Did Jena try for another black stone?"

Velcon wasn't listening as he grabbed this way and that for any item which might come in handy.

Lithmar frowned at Velcon‘s distraction. "Well, I am sure that when you have more time, you will explain it all to me. Don't worry about that," Lithmar told Velcon as he reached for his pouch of gold coins. "I'll remember what you owe when you have more time and I have a shortage of funds, my friend."

Velcon offered an appreciative smile. "I wish I had time for that mead. It would do me well. But, if I fail, the bill may just have to be forgotten on this plane of existence. If so, I will pay you in the next. Fare well, my friend." Velcon was gone as suddenly as he had appeared, his purchases with him.

Lithmar thought to himself, "Velcon, I can trust but I surely wish he would use the door once in a while."

_______________________________

Fantasy can take you anywhere, at any time, you want to go. I hope you've enjoyed this little piece of the first book I ever attempted to write. With a bit of luck, "The Ice Child" may make it to publication some day. That's just another one of my fantasies.

Cheers,

Jena Galifany

http://jenagalifany.bravehost.com

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes!

That's right, the Roses of Prose are shaking it up! We'll be adding some new roses to the bunch this month as a few of our members cut back their schedules. Keep your eye on the blog to see which new authors are joining our group. I guarantee they'll add their own unique styles and flair.

Time Marches On by Jannine Gallant

Is March any more mad than any other month? Life, in general, tends to be a little crazy. For me, March is about change. The snow is starting to melt, and I wait with eager anticipation for the day I can dump my snowshoes back in the garage for good. That probably won't happen until April, though.

Tara running cross-country

My daughters put up their cross-country skis after the final State Championship race, and I switch from freezing at Nordic races to sweltering at track meets. Luckily, March also provides a nice easing in period of weather adjustment.

Kristen at last August's show

My youngest has her final ballet show of the season, and the hectic rehearsal schedule lets up as we close out the month. She also turns 14 in a few days. That means a sleepover birthday party with a bunch of loud, giggling girls. My oldest is 16 and has her learner's permit. Where did the time go? Wasn't it just yesterday they were the little, bitty girls in the ballet shows, so cute and awkward?

I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. Maybe because I'm writing about babies. Another change of pace for me. My suspense trilogy is complete and awaiting the release of the 2nd book at the end of the month. And while I stress over sales and promo, I'm writing a fun, cowboy book that one of my editors requested. The aforementioned baby is a demon in a diaper. I'm amusing myself writing this one, a sequel to Nothing But Trouble to be titled Asking For Trouble.


So, has the onset of a new season brought change to your life? Do tell. Find links to all my books on my website. And have a happy spring!