Finding Magic

Welcome to March! How's your weather been in your neck of the woods?  Are you wanting spring to arrive early or are you like me, wanting some winter weather to hit first? Haha! I know that sounds crazy but here in WV, we have been in a snow drought this winter. We've gotten a few little snows here and there but nothing like we are used to. I've been seeing all the storms hitting out west and I'm jealous. I am a snow lover. I know the headaches a huge storm can cause, and I bet anyone reading this from those states is yelling at my post right now. Sorry! If you have been slammed with those huge storms over and over, I keep telling Mother Nature she can send a foot our way in March and give you guys a break. 

One of my favorite things about March is Dr. Seuss' birthday. Every week during this time, we have Spirit Week to celebrate. It's fun to see all the kids dressed up as their favorite Dr. Seuss characters. I love sharing books with my students and Dr. Seuss has some fun ones. Do you have a favorite?  Mine is "I Can Read with My Eyes Shut". My favorite thing about his books are the messages they have in them. Sure, they are silly books with lots of crazy things that don't make a whole lot of sense but through all that you will find the message in them. In "I Can Read with My Eyes Shut", my favorite line is

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go."  

That's a message I love sharing with my students. Another one of my favorites is... 

Image found on bing.com. I do not own the rights to it. 

I literally could fill this blog post with fifty inspirational book quote images, but I won't. Haha!  If you're interested, check out a Dr. Seuss book, look up read-aloud's on Youtube or do your own Dr. Seuss quotes image search. Even if you are not a fan of the author and illustrator, Theodor Seuss Geisel, remember some of his advice, 

"You can find magic wherever you look, sit back and relax, all you need is book."  

So, go ahead and look around, you never know when your next favorite book may be found.

Find a comfy chair, a warm fuzzy blanket and something warm to drink and pick up a book. Maybe choose one by a favorite authors of yours or try someone new. I have recently discovered books by author J.R Erickson. If you enjoy paranormal mysteries, give her a try, I have been reading a lot this year, it's been my way to unwind from a very stressful school year full of ups. downs and construction going on in my workplace. Definitely not a fun time. J.R Erickson has captivated my attention so much, I'm on my fifth book of hers. I've also discovered a new romance author, Dr. Rebecca Sharp.  Her book had good and bad. Not sure if I will read another by her. After I finish my current read, I am going to take a break from reading and work on some artwork instead. What about you, have you come across any new authors you love? Any book you recommend?

Children's books also make great reads....hehehe. You can discover my books on my website, https://www.authorrebeccalyndsey.weebly.com and be sure to check out the other fantastic #gr8tblog authors, for your next read. 

Sandra Bennett

Rosie Russell

Julie Gorges

Carmela Dutra

Auden Johnson

New Chapters. New Chances

 As we ring in the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, many people take the time to reflect on the previous year. Their ups, downs and in-betweens.  I do this to a point, but I try to only concentrate on the good and not so much on the bad. As I was beginning to write this blog, I noticed I only wrote two blog posts last year. It wasn't only because I didn't have much time to spend on it, but because I didn't want to make the time. Over the years, I have backed off of social media more and more. Work keeps me super busy and stressed. When I come home, I have responsibilities there as well. It's hard to juggle it all but to try to add in all the social media stuff was the easiest to back off on, so that's what I did. It wasn't something I thought out, it just happened that way.  I hope to one day be able to concentrate on more books and more of a social media presence, just not sure when that will actually be. When I retire?  Eeek, I hope not, that's too long down the road. Hopefully in the near future, work will become less stressful, and my creativity will take over more and more. Thank you to all of you who have supported me over the years, and I hope you continue on this journey with me even as it slows down a bit. 

We never know what a new year will bring. It's twelve new chapters with 365 new chances, as the quote says.  Here's to the new year bringing in wonderful new adventures, lots of good luck and fun and happiness to us all. 

Picture found on bing.com image search. I do not own the rights to the image.

I will try to write more than two blog posts this year.  Before I go, I want to leave you with one last piece of wisdom I plan on implementing this year and maybe you will as well. 

Thanks for reading! Now check out all these wonderful blog posts from some amazing authors. 

Sandra Bennett

Rosie Russell

Julie Gorges

Carmela Dutra

A New Chapter

 Where did summer go?  Seriously, it felt like it was June yesterday and now we are into August! How has your summer been so far?  Mine had its ups and downs.  I relaxed, rested up, read some fantastic books, visited some interesting places in my state, WV, with my hubby and painted my heart out. Sadly though, our furbaby, Sylvester, crossed the rainbow bridge in July. I had a hard time losing him. Him and his sister were a huge part of our life and after we lost her last year, losing him too was completely heartbreaking.  Those two will always be with me and they will live forever as my two loveable characters in my books, Imagination Destination and Bullies? No Worries!. 

Rebecca Lyndsey Website

I wrote a new book involving these two last summer and worked on a few illustrations for it but this summer, my heart just wasn't into working on it. I wasn't sure if I even would finish it, but I think I will try and finish it. Keep their memory alive.  It involves my two favorite characters, Kali and Tux, as they go on a summer camping adventure.  

Change is hard, that is for sure. Since losing Sylvester, my hubby convinced me to adopt two cuties from our local shelter. I'm sure these two will be included in some future projects.  Meet Pebbles and Lulu. 

It was tough for me having two new kitties in my home. It made me miss my others so much more at first but after a little while, they helped heal my heart. 

I do not own the rights to this image, it was found on Bing.com, author unknown. 

This saying is something I believe in, even though it can be hard to turn that page. Change is always happening, sometimes good, sometimes bad and sometimes it takes the bad to make the good happen.  I love parts of my job but the stress of it is getting more and more and I'm too a point, the stress isn't worth it anymore.  I hope to one day have a job that makes me happier and allows me more time to work on art and books. Hopefully that chapter is coming up soon in my life.  If you are experiencing some highs and lows as well, don't be afraid to turn the page. 

              I do not own the rights to this image, it was found on Bing.com, author unknown. 

Enjoy the rest of summer! 

Fun in the Summer Ideas

Hi y,all! I know I've been quiet this year. This is actually my first blog of 2022. Work was extremely difficult this year and from the news I received recently, next year won't be any better. Not sure what all that means but I'm going to try not to stress and think about it for a little while and just relax for my first week of summer break. 

I love summer and all the fun things to do. Need some ideas that won't break the bank? Here are a few of my favorites for indoor and outdoor fun. Enjoy! 

Explore State Parks

 Exploring state parks is one of our favorite summer trip ideas. We love being outdoors and exploring new places. 

Virtual Trips

These are some of my favorite lessons in my classroom.  I am a shark lover as you may or may not know, so the Georgia Aquarium and their live webcams is a staple in my class and home. I love all of their cameras.

Shark4Kids

I love this site and am proud to be a part of it.  A few of the coloring, activity and craft pages on there were created by me.

www.sharks4kids.com

https://www.sharks4kids.com/shark-activities-worksheets

https://www.sharks4kids.com/shark-coloring-sheets

https://www.sharks4kids.com/shark-crafts

https://www.sharks4kids.com/shark-videos

 

Lego Challenge 

Harptoons

I love this guy and have had the privilege of meeting him a couple of times when he visited our school. He teaches kids how to draw using letters and numbers, He has a youtube page with tons of videos, or you can buy his books on his website Home | Harptoons- Drawing with Steve Harpster. Check him out. 

 

GoNoodle

We use this site every day in my room and in PE. It offers hours of fun videos that keep your child active. You will find fun and silly videos, dancing tutorials, mindfulness, yoga, brain exercises, how to videos and more.

 

Some Fun Hands-On DIY Ideas

Just click on the picture to make it bigger.

Books and Coloring Sheets

You can learn more about my books and find downloadable coloring sheets on my website Rebecca Lyndsey - Home (weebly.com). 

DIY Games

Be creative and make your own games like ring toss, checkers, glow in the dark bowling using simple supplies. You can find so many fun, easy ideas on Pinterest.