eryan75

New toys

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 03:24:27 GMT

Anne Kolb Nature Center

We got a new computer and I finally got a digital camera! Now, to figure them out...the computer is set up, I'm typing on it - still trying to figure out the action on the keyboard, but I'm getting there. As for the camera, that's another story completely. I have absolutely no idea how to do 1/2 of the wonderful things it promises. Tomorrow I'll work on changing the sizes of pictures once they're on the computer. I'm sure I'll call my sister about 50 times (though that's our normal # w/her living 1500 miles away).

Wish me luck :)

The day every teacher waits for

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:47:49 GMT

It's Sunday. I don't have to wake up at 5:30am, get dressed, make 3 lunches, get my kids up, get them dressed, drop one off at pre-k, get to school and start my today. Tomorrow is Monday and I can sleep in.

Been a busy few weeks, been checking in, been writing some...really like my new wip.

Entered the Disco Mermaid contest. Why? Because somebody has to win, right?!

Going to NH for 3 weeks during break, then, if I have my way (which I usually do), we'll be visiting Hershey Park in July. Chocolate and roller coasters, what could be better?

I give myself until the end of June before I start counting down the days to school again...I always miss my kids.

At a loss...

Sun, 20 May 2007 19:15:12 GMT

This is one of those days that really bums my out, as a teacher. I taught middle school in Massachusetts for 5 years before moving to FL in an urban school system with a hugely diverse population which included numerous gangs. I was reading my old city newspaper last night and saw that there had been a murder. No big deal...it's a city...things like that happen...but then I looked at the picture of the kid who'd been charged. Funny, looks like a kid I had in school...hmmm...same name. Let's see, that was nine years ago...sixth grade - about 11 years old. Wow...this kids only 21...has the same name (first, middle & last). Man, this is one of the kids I had in my class, my first year as a teacher. I can't believe it, same kid-looking face, just has a tattoo on his neck now.

He's the 2nd kid I've taught in 9 years who has died.

How is it that we, as intelligent people, aren't outraged at the violence we see in our everyday world? Are we so apathetic to the destruction around us that it doesn't move us to do something? I try to instill good morals, values, judgment on the kids I teach. Not in the name of grownups, not in the name of religion, not in the name of society. I try to do this because kids need to know that they are just as responsible for our planet as we are.

Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox now. I'm just a little jaded today. Time to play w/my kids, they'll bring me back to my reality.

Peace.

'07 looks great, better in '08!

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 01:23:06 GMT

Wow...seems like eons. My computer's been acting up, needed a few adjustments, but it's set now.

Chomping at the bit - ready to start the mag stories. But now there's more excitement!

Ok, let me preface this next piece of crazy news by saying that I'm a history NUT! - and always manage to read lots of historic fiction with my classes. I'm the one visiting museums and historic houses/locations before I hit the beach or mall or pretty much anyplace else.

So, I applied for a Summer Institute offered by The Center for Civic Education because it's a James Madison University in VA and you get to go to Montpelier, Madison's house, and you get to study the Constitution with Constitutional Scholars and they teach you how to do Constitution-based mock trials (whew - that's a lot of ands!). It also includes airfare, room and board, all meals, all transfers, etc...Well, I complete the application, essay, ref letters and rest of the paperwork and found out that although I wasn't accepted into 2007, they've guaranteed me a spot for 2008. That's not even the best part - they only accept 36 TEACHERS A YEAR!!! And they picked me. I'm amazed & flattered. I can't wait for the 2008 calendars to arrive in stores :-).

And then - Yesterday, I got to meet Eric Kimmel and David Diaz and Antonio Sacre, three amazing people in the world of children's literature and story telling. My girls even got to take an illustrating mini class with David Diaz today! More signed books for our sagging bookshelves - boy is it worth it!

Life is good.

Right idea, wrong words

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 03:36:12 GMT

This morning my 6 yr old woke up and I told her I'd gotten a phone call that our spring break was cancelled. Her jaw dropped and she stared at me in absolute shock...then I looked down at her and said "April Fools!" I swear I thought she'd kill me!

We ended up explaining the whole concept of April Fools Day to my 4 (almost 5!) yr old and she just didn't seem to get it.

As the girls, my husband and I sat at the table having lunch today, my 4 yr old said "why do you and daddy fight so much?" Huh? I was stunned, we really don't fight (and NEVER would in front of our kids...). I was totally bummed out. I said "L, I don't get it, Daddy and I don't fight." She said "I saw you crying in the kitchen and daddy was yelling at you." Now I was cmopletely at a loss, trying to think back if this could possibly be true. She looked up at me with her beautiful bright blue eyes and said "Trick or treat!" She cracked me up beyond belief, she meant to say "April Fools!"

I'll admit it, I was totally taken by a 4 yr old. How amusingly perfect. Whether you have kids or not, like kids or not, you have to admit, they certainly have a way with words!

Whack!

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 20:58:17 GMT

Suddenly it hit me. Last night I was sitting on the couch, heard an expression on tv, and now it's a picture book. After I finished my first draft of a historic pb, I really was having a hard time thinking of anything that hasn't been done a thousand times already. But then I heard a wacky, but lovely phrase, and voila, it's a story. Now to take a second look, rearrange and reread!

Keep on keepin' on...

Look out below!

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 02:47:03 GMT

What does your drawing say about YOU?

Ohh...this was fun...I really needed a mindless bit of coloring, this was lovely. Went to Mara Lago for a cocktail party last night - man do those Trump's know how to live! If I only had a couple hundred million dollars!

Round 1 complete!

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 03:21:08 GMT

I finished the first draft of my historic pb. I love to learn new pieces of the American history puzzle and this was such an interesting part. Now, to let it sit for a few days. When I go back to it, I wonder if it'll make as much sense as it does right now. If nothing, it was a nice treasure hunt.

I finally have all my kids back after 2 weeks of testing. I can't believe that the powers that be think it's "normal" and "okay" to test 5th graders for 7 days out of 10 - does anyone seriously think they're still working their hardest after day - idunno - day 4? I'd like to see any grownup take tests for that amount of time and still be putting 100% effort into them. Especially when kids can be promoted or retained based on the results. And don't even get me started on the idea that I might or might not be eligible for a bonus based on how well these kids do - man, sometimes I think I'm in the wrong profession. Then I see my 36 wonderfully intelligent avid learners with whom I spend my days and I remember why I'm there...

Ok, off my soapbox now...

Aaahhh..

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 19:42:57 GMT

Still working on a nf historic pb, really interesting topic. I went fishing in the Everglades this morning at 7am. Early for a non-school-day, but amazingly worth it. I'm always amazed when I go out there, it's so beautiful. I caught a mudcat on my first cast and a while later caught a bass. We hear tons of alligators and saw two, one of them was about 10 feet!

Now the girls are trying to decide what they'd like to do for the rest of the day - the didn't like my suggesting of a nap...don't know why?!

no ideas to new idea

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 03:02:32 GMT

I've walked by my computer for a few weeks now, not knowing exactly what to do w/it. There was nothing, I mean NOTHING in my head that I cared to write about. Then I was reading through a paper I had tucked into my classroom closet and there it was. A rather obscure, but very interesting person who played an odd role in history. So, it begins. A historic pb about a man who was part of a major undertaking. I've started to map out his life & journey. I've only got 2 paragraphs typed, but I know where it's going and I know how it ends.

I love history, so this is going to be a good fit, I think!

Fork in the road

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 03:59:35 GMT

I was beginning to feel like no new ideas were floating in my head. My classes are all in transitions because we've finished 2 novels in 2 different groups, we'll be starting new ones soon and FCAT (our lovely high stakes testing in FL) begins on 2/26. Then I decided which novel to read with my 4th/5th grade group and it hit me. There's no study guide for the book, so having read it several times with multiple classes, I decided I'm going to write a study guide. I usually write all the quizzes, tests, vocab and projects for the books we read, so I may as well try to sell it.

But then I started thinking - do I need permission from the author? I looked at the submission guidelines for a very well know literature unit publisher and it doesn't say anything.

So, that's it. I've already broken down the chapters, I've created all of the projects and now I'm working on the vocab & comprehension questions for each section. I'm really enjoying it as it's something I already enjoy doing for my classes. And who knows, maybe someone will buy it!

Blah...

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 02:46:46 GMT

Ok, we're done w/M & L's bedroom, finally. Furniture back in place (mostly), doors on closets need to be painted & hung, but that's really all that's left. Hard to believe it's been going on since Thanksgiving!

Revised last story I read to my critique group, sent it out to a limited number of people, think I'll wait a bit to send to others.

Can't come up w/anything I want to write about, thinking of working on a few teacher guides I've outlined for novels I've used other the years. Figure, if I'm writing vocab, quizzes, tests, projects, etc, may as well do more than keep it on my hard drive, right?

Fieldtrip to the Renaissance Festival with a 90% chance of rain - doesn't anyone realize it's winter, it's not supposed to rain in SFL?

Aarrgghh...tomorrow's Monday

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 02:56:16 GMT

I swore if I didn't correct the 3rd grade group of tests on The World Before This One, by Rafe Martin that I'd get it done over the weekend. Right. So procrastination got the better of me. Well, not really. I saw Freedom Writer's Friday night and really enjoyed it. A bit over the top, like - how's it possible for one newbie teacher to make so much of a difference - I'd never work 2 EXTRA jobs to buy the kids in my class things - doesn't she know never to let students drive in a car with her, and lots more really insightful comments. But, I did think the story was great. I figured it'd bee another predictable movie, and in some cases it was, but some of the things that Erin Gruwell did when she put her mind to it were amazing. Too bad the amount of $ that can go into a war can't seem to make it toward funding the actual future of our country - the kids who will be our leaders some day.

Then I spent a day with friends visiting from Portland, ME, one of whom is VERY sick with liver cancer. She has the most amazing attitude and an extremely spunky 10 yr old daughter, so please think positive thoughts for them. Kiss your kids, call your old friends, say hi to strangers, help those in need. Realize that your attitude helps to control your destiny.

I came home from a birthday party and stayed outside blowing bubbles with my kids. I can correct papers later. This weekend I needed a break. I did manage to finally type up the revisions to a story that had been critiqued at the Miami conference, one considered "original" by the fantastically talented Frank Remkiewicz, illustrator of the Froggy books (my 4 yr olds favorite!) and actually like it now.

So, all in all, I had a great weekend. Even if I didn't correct those tests.

Revisions

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 04:14:08 GMT

I've finally been able to sit down w/the story that Frank R. critiqued for me in Miami - the one he said was "original(!)" and I have to say that I like the story again. I'd put it away for a while, sure that I wasn't sure about parts of it. After talking w/him and diong a little more research, it's much more entertaining (at least I think so), but it'll sit and stew a bit longer, because I'm not quite there yet. It's nice to be closer, though.

Conf.

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 22:02:18 GMT

First - Jo, hope you're feeling better, we missed you!
Amy, next year you DEFINITELY have to plan on attending, it was fantastic.

I hope everyone made it home ok, sorry to have left so quickly. Both of the girls are sick (coughs & fevers), so it made for a not as fun as usual trip to Disney. I'm just hoping it doesn't call for me to take any days out of work this week!

On a fun note, I have to say that I had an absolute blast at the conf & look forward to Miami next year. Orlando was fun, but Miami just blew it out of the water!

I'm ready to start revising & am totally charged up after such an inspiring weekend.

Cheers!

~Erin

Yeah!

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 04:33:49 GMT

After looking at the story I read to my critique group last night, then looking over all the notes, I revised it to a place were it's WAY better than what it was. I've added a suggested element and it really makes the story more kid friendly. Thanks!!!

I can't wait for the conference, it's going to be a blast.

Happy writing.

Hmmm...

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 05:26:15 GMT

Well, I must say that I've got lots to revise with my story that was critiqued tonight. Glad the topic's interesting and it's a different approach, nice to shake things up a bit.

Really looking forward to the Miami conf this weekend!!! After about 45 minutes in Borders, I've finally figured out who I'll be dressed as at the party :)

My sister and I are going to see the Bodies exhibit tomorrow (ok, today) and I'm really looking forward to it, it a creeped out kind of way.

So much to do, so little time. Glad I don't have to go back to school until the 8th!

Too cool

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 05:50:27 GMT

I found out that Frank Remkiewicz will be critiquing the story I submitted for the SCBWI Miami conf. He's illustrated the Horrible Harry series and the Froggy books (one of my 4 yr olds favorite series) and THE ANIMAL CRACKER BOX!!! I think that's totally cool :)

So - now I look forward to it even more, because regardless of whether or not he likes my story, I'll still get to meet him.

Peace.

New ideas...

Tue, 26 Dec 2006 19:40:43 GMT

Last night I started a story, but changed it up a bit and think it's a better start. Last Friday I started a story and this morning I reworked it into a completely different story that actually looks to be more like a fiction/nonfiction idea. I really like how the first story came out and look forward to 1/3/07 (yikes!) when I meet up/my crit. group. And...it's not in rhyme, which is something I've wanted to switch out of for a while. So - if I don't let my kids use the computer for a while now, they may pom-pom be to death. I've already had to pick up the hair that my 4 yr old decided to cut off this morning while I was working. I should have listened when she told me that she really wanted her hair cut shorter. But, she does make a cute pixie!

Wrapping break

Sun, 24 Dec 2006 14:31:06 GMT

My computer would boot me off every single time I tried to access LJ, what's up with that...now, today, I'm suddenly allowed back! Hopefully it's not a momentary lapse! I hope all the Christmas shoppers are done, I've just got lots of wrapping to do, and my girls are watching Eloise right now, then my husbands going to bring them to the park so I can finish in peace! Then, we'll make sugar cookies for Santa, because he LOVE sugar cookies. We'll trade with my parents because my father made huge choc chip cookies (and Mrs. Claus LOVES choc chip cookies!).

I received a lovely request from an equery I'd sent, so I'm thinking happy thoughts about that now...who knows, right? Someone has to write the books that I buy for my kids!

I hope all celebrators (hmm..not sure it that's a real word) had/have a wonderful holiday & I wish everyone the publisher/agent of your dreams for the New Year!

Peace,
Erin

Stop & smell the poinsettas

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 03:33:56 GMT

Ok, I have to admit it, I love Christmas, I love to be part of the maddening crowd. I just can't help it. I'm not even close to being done w/my shopping, but that's Santa's job, not mine. My girls (6 & 4) are the perfect ages, totally into the magic, even in the land of sun & palm trees. My parents were in Orlando this weekend, so I opted to jump in our sleigh, point north, and hit Disney with them.

We got there Friday so headed over to the Utopian town of Celebration where they actually had huge towers that "snowed" every hour (ok, so it was soap bubbles, who really cares - and it looked just like a blizzard - I know, I'm from Massachusetts!). They were amazed and to see kids making "snow" angels, I couldn't stand it. :) I did have to chase Ellie a few times and tell her they snow wasn't real and to get her tongue back in her mouth.

Then onto Disney. The Animal Kingdom has a new Finding Nemo Broadway-esque stage show that brought tears to my eyes as I watched my girls complete squeal in delight. Ellie went on Splash Mountain, her 1st big kid ride and we got pretty soaked, we got off and she said "that was so cool, that was awesome, my underpants are soaked!" So many oohhhhssss & aahhhhsss during the fireworks, and then cheers broke out all around as the space shuttle passed by.

My kids successfully traded pins for the first time, which isn't necessarily my cup of tea, but they looked so grown up asked 2 Disney guys if they wanted to trade - yes, I took pictures.

Didn't even think about any submissions, writing, computer time - none of it, just fun w/my parents & girls. (ok, I was happy that I didn't join my husband & brother at the Pat's/Fin's game too...)

Now I've come home to a week with my in-laws and I think my kids will actually spontaneously combust with all the excitement in their lives!

Happy shopping.

To rhyme, or not to rhyme...

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 01:35:08 GMT

So I'm sitting on my computer and my kids start watching The Year Without a Santa Clause. I jump on the couch with them and begin to fill in the blanks in the opening dialogue between Santa & Mrs. because I can. And why can I? Because it's in rhyme. I admit it, I love books that rhyme. Does that make be strange? An author poser? I just can't figure it out. I know people are selling pb's but I also wonder what the % of rhyming ones are.

Ok, enough ranting...I hear the Heat Miser and need to dance :)

Blah...

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 02:34:48 GMT

I've been happily helping an author from my homestate who's been trying to break into the school visit market. I have to admit that I miss having lots of really good contacts in a bunch of fun cities.

I haven't started anything other than an outline for a novel...and I'm not sure it's going to go much farther - I just don't think I'm really feeling the big long book idea. At least not now.

But I did get all of my Christmas cards out and delivered on or before Dec. 1st, so at least I made that goal.

Plot Plan

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 03:00:40 GMT

Ok, so I never really thought about writing anything more than a couple hundred words. One early reader I've worked on is just over 4000 words. It was fun writing it, because it was done as a possible extension for a pb I was working on. But now, all because 1 agent says she'd like to see something MG, I've begun a plot summary, plot plan, outline - whatever you may call it, I've started what has the potential of being a mg novel.
I've opted for ancient Egypt, as this is an area I'm familiar with and have tons of resources available for. Who knows if anything will even come of it, but as an outline, I like it. I think has potential. But, as I always seem to say/think...who really knows. (As in, who knows if anyone would actually like it and who knows if I will actually begin writing something so crazy.)

A non-no

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:30:19 GMT

I got what I thought was a no from a publisher on the same book I got the nice no on from the agent. When I went to log it into my pathetic spreadsheet I actually read it. They've kept my submission on file for the possibility of future publication. So...again, a no, but hopefully I'm heading in better direction - who really knows?!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!