polka dot suitcase » Author Archive
Memorial Day books for kids
THE WALL, by Eve Bunting A boy and his father have come to the Vietnam War Memorial to look for the boy’s grandfather’s name among those who were killed in the war. They find his name surrounded, but far from lost, in the rows of print that “march side by side, like rows of soldiers.” “I’m proud that your grandfather’s name is on this wall,” says the boy’s father. The boy agrees, adding, “but I’d rather … Read entire article »
Filed under: Books
Memorial Day project with the kids
Happy Memorial Day! (A day early.) It’s always seemed a little weird to put “happy” and “memorial day” in the same sentence, but I’m not sure how else to phrase it. Tomorrow also happens to be the end of May’s Blogathon. And while that most likely means nothing to you (unless you were participating), it means I can go back to my sporatic posting. I guess technically I’m supposed to be in the habit now and post … Read entire article »
Filed under: Activities, Crafts
Nomad Press
If you’ve poked (polked?) around Polka Dot Suitcase at all, you know I’ve got a couple books out, published by Nomad Press. Since we’re wrapping up the Blogathon, I’m working on little sleep last night (courtesy of a thunderstorm/deadline one-two punch), and I feel like I need a breather…I just want to direct your attention to this great little publisher. It’s an indy publisher from Vermont, in the land of Yankees where they grow people rugged … Read entire article »
Filed under: Books
Commercial free
Last night I had a commercial right in the middle of my dream. (Later, I asked Sir Buffalo Sushi, “How weird is that? I mean, who has a commercial in the middle of their dream?” He said, “You.”) I don’t even remember what the commercial was for, either. I just remember merrily dreaming my dream for the first part: Friends of ours were visiting and the little girl was fascinated with our garden, particularly with … Read entire article »
Filed under: Crafts
Cartoon vacation photos
A couple of days ago, Kristie Sloan commented and asked if I take lots of photos of my kiddos. The answer is yes and no. When we’re traveling, I bring the camera, the video camera, and the little Flip cam thingie. My intention is to take a lot of images — capture the memories and all that jazz. Trouble is, my kiddos are now at the stage where they’re not exactly little hams in front … Read entire article »
Filed under: Activities
Bring a surprise to your next picnic
Since spring has sprung, picnics have become almost a weekly event — between casual picnics with friends, group get-togethers, camping outings, and the like — there’s always some reason to gather with family and buddies outside. Most of these occasions come with the “bring something to share” line — and you know by “something” they mean “food.” When I was a kid, my mom loved picnics. LOVED them. She still does, actually. Whether it was the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Food
Parenting blogs
So, the blogathon is wrapping up — about a week left. Doing a post every day has been both a challenge and a frustration, but I’m glad I’ve almost made it. After this, hoping to go back to regularly scheduled 5-a-week. Wanted to share some of the other parenting bloggers in the group. Be sure to check out posts from yesterday — the haiku day. Trust me, pretty much everyone on the list was more successful … Read entire article »
Filed under: Fooling Around
Blogathon haiku
As part of the May Blogathon our leader, Michelle Rafter over at WordCount, challenged us to do a haiku post today. You know, haiku — that three-line poem encapsulating one thought in 17 syllables broken down thusly: 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables. Hmm. Okay, I’m game: Polka dot suitcase Carries fun for everyone It’s blue with white dots ROFL! Oh, gosh, that hurts my eyes to look at. I think Shirley Temple first sang that. Don’t say … Read entire article »
Filed under: Fooling Around
LOST series finale party
As I think I mentioned before, my guys and I watch LOST. We came late to the party — had to rent several seasons’ worth of DVDs before we were completely up-to-date; this last season was the first we’ve watched in “real time.” But we’re hooked, and anxious for tonight’s series finale. Well, less anxious and more psyched. I can’t wait! So…you, too? How about a LOST-themed party night, since ABC is showing something crazy like … Read entire article »
Filed under: Activities
Camping and crabbing at Carolina Beach
Back from another camping expedition! Real quickie, though. We were down in Carolina Beach where the kids had a crabbing class — wading knee-deep into a salt marh, tossing bait fish out, and luring blue crabs back through the shallow waters (released them all, naturally, along with the shrimp, minnows, and snails who were also captured after fierce battles). There were 15 absolutely fantastic boys in all, most of whom followed up the crab adventure … Read entire article »
Filed under: Adventure