Friday, July 12, 2024

Opening a New Chapter

 Hi y'all!! I know, it's been a year since my last blog post!  I started a new position this past year and with it being new, it took a while to adjust and there was way more planning involved.  Something had to give, and it was my blog.  Sadly, I haven't written anything in way over a year even though I have one book written but no illustrations and a novel half written.  There's simply not enough time to do everything I want and unfortunately, I have a full-time job that doesn't always end when the work hours are up. 

I create many of my own classroom activities and have since I started, so I finally decided to open up my own store on a well-known teacher platform called Teachers Pay Teachers.  Will I have some success?  Time will tell.  I have games, worksheets and activities on there right now geared for the ages of 4-7.  I plan to add more on there this summer as well as throughout the year.  If you are an early elementary teacher, have young kiddos, or know someone who is/does, please check out and share my page.  Many thanks!  

Activities by Becka



My wonderful author friend, Romance Writer, Catherine Michaels, has a new romance novel coming out next week!  I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy and it is the perfect summer romance read!  Check out her interview on Author Rosie Russell's blog last month. 

Interview with Catherine Michaels

Also, you can visit her page and sign up to become an insider. You'll receive monthly exclusive content, updates, and a free prequel novelette, Before Sand and Sea, to explore Kate and Luke's lives in the weeks before their paths collide on Gull Island. 

 https://www.catherinemichaelsauthor.com


Hope everyone is doing well!! Thank you for all your encouragement over the years.  I won't be doing a monthly blog anymore, but I will try to create one from time to time. Have a wonderful summer!


Before I go make sure to check out these other fantastic blogs:

Rosie Russell Sparkling Booknish News and More 

Sandra Bennett A Writer's Pilgrimage



Thursday, July 6, 2023

Jump Right On In

July? July already, how can that be? Where did June go? It seems like I've only been on break for a couple of weeks, not a month. I'd like to say I've gotten a lot accomplished this summer, unless you consider procrastination to be an accomplishment, then I've excelled. 

I've been in a funk lately professionally and it's got me feeling down. This has definitely played a role in my creativity this break. I keep telling myself, it's just a chapter and the next one will be better. Here's to hoping. 🍻

Let's talk about creativity. Creativity is in everything we see and do. Do you like to read, watch tv, see plays, listen to music, create or look at art? What about driving, shopping or vacationing? Every one of those things involved creativity in order for it to become a reality in one way or another.

Now, let's talk about art specifically. Do you have a favorite artist?
Some of mine are: 

Charles Urbach CharlesUrbachArt - Etsy



Bob Ross About Bob Ross


What draws you to your favorite? For me, when a piece of art catches my eye it's due to the talent of the artist. I am amazed on how they can create such realistic pieces with so much detail. The feeling the piece invokes is important as well. 
I love the places Terry Redlin, Bob Ross and Kim Norlien paint. Their skills are amazing but it's the fact they paint places I want to visit. Their paintings make me wish I could just jump on in and explore.  

I paint for this very reason. I love painting landscapes that make the user want to jump right on in and stay a while. Here are a few pieces I've painted this  summer. 






I'm currently working on a sea turtle painting. I'll post it when I finish on my 
Facebook author page if you're interested in seeing how it turns out. 

Let me know in the comments section, what do you look for in a piece of artwork? Happy Summer! 

Check out these wonderful #gr8blogs 
before you go. 




Friday, June 2, 2023

Summertime Bliss


June 1st marks the first day of meteorological summer....so it is officially summer in my book. Whew! Didn't think I was going to make it this year. This school year had numerous ups and downs with some unexpected big changes. Not sure what the coming school year will hold for me. 

How do you find your summertime bliss?  I have some ideas I want to do to do to make the most of my warm breezy summer break. Join me on my summertime wishlist, then be sure to visit the #Gr8tblogs at the end of this post for more inspiration and smiles. 

1. READ

Summer is when I tend to read the most and this summer, I already have a list started.

Sapphire Waves by Kristy McCaffrey 
A second-chance romance in the gorgeous blue waters of the Bahamas.

Softly Creeping by Terri Reid
Creatures, Hauntings, Legends, Myths, Phenomenon.
All things that make us think, make us wonder, and sometimes makes our hair stand on end.
Visit the realm of the unknown, where mysterious creatures lurk in the shadows. A place where myths and legends abound. Take in the stories and ponder their meaning. Read about unexplained phenomenon, and wonder.

A Small Town Second Chance by Melinda Curtis
A heartwarming, small town romance about the courage to let go and risk loving again. 

Time for Justice by Susan C Muller

Attorney Tom Meyers and his investigator, Fiona Drake, are good at digging up the truth.

Now they’re entangled in two long forgotten cases that will test them at every turn and make them wonder if some secrets aren’t meant to stay buried.

Black Hollow Hideaway by J.R Erickson
A stand-alone paranormal mystery inspired by a chilling true story.

2.  BE CREATIVE 

I currently stocked up on canvases and can't wait to get my easel, paints and brushes out. I already have a landscape painting in mind! 🌄

Right now, though, I am working on a WV themed t-shirt design for a local contest. Wish me luck! 

I also hope to work on some new resin art. Since you have to use a well-ventilated space with temps in the upper 60's-70's range, summer is the only time I get to work with this medium.  I've made some beautiful resin river coasters in the past, I think this year, I am going to give jewelry making a try. 

Do you like to create? Paint? Crafts?  I encourage you to check out Bob Ross tutorials if you are interested in learning landscape art. I've learned a lot from him. 

Have kiddos at home? Here is a quick, fun, color mixing experiment my young students always enjoy. 

You will need: 3 little plastic cups filled about halfway with water, food coloring, 3 spoons, and gloves if you don't want to risk getting food coloring on your hands.

Do this with each color individually:

Start with the 3 primary colors, redyellowblue.
Place a couple drops of food coloring in the cup and stir to watch the color form.
Once you have all three colors formed, have your little one predict what will happen if you mix the colors?
Add drops of food coloring to form the secondary colors:

Red with yellow to form orange,

blue with red to form purple, and

yellow with blue to form green.

If you give it a try, I would love to hear how it went and feel free to post pictures. If this inspires them to want to color, here is one my illustrations from World of Color that they can color all their own.  

My book World of Color , available at Amazontalks about the importance of color and how they are formed if you would like to expand this activity. 




Another fun activity, Grow a Rainbow, can be found here: 
There are a few different ways to do this activity. Check it out on Pinterest. 

3. VACATION

I have dreams of going on a luxury vacation with warm sandy beaches, turquoise waters and coconut drinks but that's all it will be.... a dream. Haha!
My computer keeps telling me it's ready to retire, as does my Kindle and my refrigerator! Yikes!! So, I'll have to stick with a staycation this year. 

Image found here.



Over the years, summer is when I have been able to turn off my teacher brain and turn on my author brain, however with my computer on the fritz, which is also my drawing tablet, this year I'm afraid I won't be getting much of that done.  I'm looking at replacements but not sure what to go with this time around. I love my Surface Pro but the price is a little too high for me right now. i can't have an ipad.  At my school, all of our students have them and guess who gets to deal with all the tech issues? You guessed it, me!  So, I loathe them! Hahaha!! No offense to those who love    them. Wish there was a store I could try different models out but nothing like that around here. My online research continues. 

Thanks for stopping by! How are you currently jumping into summer? Any big plans? Please share in the comments section. 







Thursday, March 2, 2023

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





Sunday, January 1, 2023

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



Monday, August 1, 2022

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!




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! 




Friday, June 3, 2022

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. 





Friday, December 31, 2021

A Whole New Year

 As we say goodbye to the year 2021 and hello to 2022, I wonder, do you make New Year Resolutions? 

Me, not so much. I will however think about some realistic things I would like to try and accomplish, like, finish five illustrations by the end of summer or create at least five blog posts. 

I think for most of us, the last few years have been different and more stressful than ever. I do try to think of everything I'm truly thankful for through the hard times though, which helps with the stress. 

This year, I want to start it out with some fun and inspirational quotes. I don't own the rights to any of the images, they were all found on bing.com and I don't know if the quote was actually said by the author listed but I'm not too concerned about that anyway. 

Enjoy! 😊






Happy New            Year! 






Thursday, December 2, 2021

Christmas Gift Ideas


December is here, cooler weather has settled into most of North America, and 2021 has almost come to an end. It has been one heck of a year. Way harder than last year ever was, at least for me. I'm hoping for happier times in 2022!

Christmas is almost here, and Hanukah has begun, for all that celebrate.  Need a gift idea?  Books make great gifts for all ages! So, I decided to share some of my favorites. 

Childrens Books

Maxy-Moo Flies to the Moon by Julie Schooler 

“Maxy-Moo, it’s time for bed!”
“No!” he stomps, shaking his head.
“No bed yet, it’s way too soon.
Instead, I want to fly to the moon.”

Maxy-Moo escapes his bed and flies to the moon where an amazing adventure awaits him.

Young and old will enjoy the simple rhymes and bold illustrations in this fun and whimsical bedtime story.

 Amazon Link


Stella and the Four Seasons by Rosie Russell 

Using beautiful acrostic poems, Stella shares her love of the four seasons.
Young readers will enjoy searching for Stella's favorite things.
Fun facts and learning activities are included in the back of this book.

Amazon Link


Sweet T and the Turtle Team by Cat Michaels

Summering on Gull Island is lonely until nine-year-old Sweet T meets Billy, a boy with a secret. He knows a lot about sea animals, so T can't figure out why he won’t help her watch over endangered sea turtle nests. Then a tropical storm hits. Will the children stay safe? Can they work together to save the hatchlings from an angry ocean? Join Little Red Bear and his friends on a series of thrilling and sometimes offbeat adventures in the scenic Ozarks Mountain Country. You never know who (or what) you may encounter while searching for honey or in an afternoon of fishing. 

Cat Michaels Webpage


The Adventures of Little Red Bear: The First Holler by James Milson 

Join Little Red Bear and his friends on a series of thrilling and sometimes offbeat adventures in the scenic Ozarks Mountain Country. You never know who (or what) you may encounter while searching for honey or in an afternoon of fishing. 

Amazon Link


Into the Ocean by Rebecca Lyndsey 

Join GW on an undersea tour. Into the Ocean is a fun, educational early reader chapter book that takes you and your children on a submarine voyage into our world's oceans with tour guide, GW (the friendliest shark you'll ever meet). Discover some of the amazing marine animals that call the sea their home and other fantastic ocean facts during your tour. Along the way, GW will entertain you with all his ocean knowledge and silly jokes.

Rebecca Lyndsey Webpage



Adult Books

Jackrabbit Jingle Bells by Ann Charles 

Holiday Recipe for Madcap Merrymaking in Jackrabbit Junction
Start with a bawdy night sprinkled with tinsel tassels and jingle balls, toss in a missing pair of underwear, and top it all off with plenty of sugary shenanigans. Serve with a side of naughty and nice.

Claire Morgan and her sisters are a tad twitchy. Their father is on his way for their first Christmas in Arizona, but the tidings of joy are few and far between. For one thing, their mother is pissed about her ex-husband flying in to play Santa. For another, their mother is just pissed. Period.

Christmas will never be the same again for the Morgan sisters.

(Note: This is volume 4.7 in the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series.)

Amazon Link


Ancient Winds (The Pathway Series Book 3) by Kristy McCaffrey

Brynn Galloway doesn’t know it, but her academic career in archaeology is about to become a laughingstock. When a rare Sumerian artifact surfaces, her presence is requested in Bolivia, but nothing is as it seems. Soon, she’s entangled in a desperate hunt not only for a valuable antiquity but also for answers to humanity that might stretch across time. And by her side is a sexy mercenary physicist with a maddening belief in space aliens.

Dr. Tristan Magee is in a bad mood. When his latest acquisition—an unusual and as yet untranslated Sumerian cuneiform tablet—is stolen right out from under him and spirited away to the Bolivian jungle, he’ll do whatever it takes to get it back. Unfortunately, that includes partnering with a female archaeologist who proves to be the kind of distraction that brought down civilizations.

Amazon Link


RoomMaid by Sariah Wilson 

Madison Huntington is determined to live her dreams. That means getting out from under her family’s wealth and influence by saying no to the family business, her allowance, and her home. But on a teacher’s salary, the real world comes as a rude awakening—especially when she wakes up every morning on a colleague’s couch. To get a place of her own (without cockroaches, mold, or crime scene tape), Madison accepts a position as a roommaid. In exchange for free room and board, all she needs to do is keep her busy roommate’s penthouse clean and his dog company. So what if she’s never washed a dish in her life. She can figure this out, right?

Madison is pretty confident she can fake it well enough that Tyler Roth will never know the difference. The finance whiz is rich and privileged and navigates the same social circles as her parents—but to him she’s just a teacher in need of an apartment. He’s everything Madison has run from, but his kindhearted nature, stomach-fluttering smile, and unexpected insecurities only make her want to get closer. And Tyler is warming to the move.

Amazon Link


That Second Chance by Meghan Quinn 

It was supposed to be an innocent night, celebrating my brother’s birthday. Nothing was supposed to go wrong. We’d vowed to be on our best behavior after all…

But it only took one rowdy night with my brothers to flip my world upside down. One unlucky encounter saddled us with a family curse and the promise of doomed relationships. I laughed it off immediately. “Yeah, right,” I thought. “A love curse. Ha!”

Boy, was I wrong.

Word spreads quickly in a town like mine; rumors about that night soon made us the most eligible yet untouchable bachelors in Port Snow, Maine. As a subject of endless gossip and speculation, I could kiss my dating life goodbye.

It would have stayed that way if Ren Winters, the new girl in town, hadn’t crashed into my life. Brave, beautiful, and smart—her vivacious thirst for a fresh start has given me hope that maybe, just maybe, I can have one too.

Everyone wishes for that second chance…but could this really be mine?


Amazon Link



Endless Shadows: Shadows Landing Book 7 by Kathleen Brooks



Ryker Faulkner has built his empire by being ruthless. No one knows the full extent Ryker has gone to in order to build himself up from nothing to one of the most powerful men in the country. So when someone comes after him, everyone knows the last thing Ryker will do is sit back and watch it burn. Kenzie Carys was used to being in the shadows. She was a nurse on night shift. Then you save the life of the man one of the hospital wings is named after and suddenly Kenzie finds herself face to face with Ryker Faulkner being gifted an award for saving his life. She’d heard the whispers about the dark, dangerous, powerful, and ruthless Ryker before. However, when Kenzie looked at him, she saw under the ruthlessness. She saw something much deeper—a damaged man looking for redemption. But will Ryker’s ruthlessness in going after the person trying to crumble his empire cause him to lose the one woman who has made him feel alive again?


Amazon Link



These are just a few of my favorites but if the descriptions don't really entice you, all these authors have many books out and I'm sure you will find the one that will make the perfect gift!  Maybe even a gift for yourself. I won't tell!


Hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!