Thursday, July 10, 2014

Picture Book 10 for 10 is back

Dear Cathy,

I am sneaking out from my blogging break and moments of renewal to check in with you.  Did you remember today is the day we launch Picture Book 10 for 10?  It's just one month away and I can't wait to co-host this event with you.  I still tell people who ask me about blogging and twitter how I met a mentor when I shared reading her book and then she asked me what my favorite picture books were to use in my classroom.  I was just thrilled you left me a blog comment and I was clueless how we could brainstorm and feed off each other to make this teaching journey fun, more work, and rewarding!  It is an honor to be your colleague and friend.

I do have to give you a heads up though.  I had a piece of writing not accepted for publication elsewhere but realized it was really meant for this event.  It was more about my own learning and of course 10 picture books are included.  So, I am ahead of the game.  I have my pre-event post to share some new learning I recently have.  I have also completely changed my list of 10 favorites, anchoring them to a theme.  This is huge my friend.  If readers look closely, my list just get tweaked a bit each year.  Favorites are like good habits, why break them?

I can't wait to see what everyone shares.  I was scared last year when you did some big publicity that the participant numbers would be too high.  It wasn't, it just proved that the more the merrier actually works!  I hope this note finds you a bit nervous.  Do you have your list of 10 favorite picture books, ready?  Do you have the energy for positive people to join us and share such wonderful ideas?  Did you plan a #pb10for10 book shopping budget?


Your friend, Mandy


PS Readers - 

Contact us on our blogs, or Twitter (@mandyrobek or @cathymere)or by e-mail to let us know you are joining this event.  On the day of the event - August 10th - we will be linking all the "must have" posts. Please use the hashtag #pb10for10, it's another way to help us find you.   In the  past, we or I should say Cathy creates a Jog the Web.  I can't wait to have you join us!

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Slice of Life - Renewal

I just spent a couple of fabulous days at a writing retreat and reflecting on renewal.  This ended an unusual month for me, with opportunities that took me away from my girls.  My summers are usually spent with much more home time and time with the girls.  

As I returned home and thought about renewal, these are things I discovered.  I have fun adult books waiting for me to read.  I have a play/craft room that needs revamping.  I have yarn waiting for me.  I have fabric that wants to be a scarf or a skirt or a bag.  I have some online story/scrapbooking classes to do.  I have photos to organize and writing to do.  I have running to figure out again and pilates to return to my mornings.  I have thinking about this space to process.  I have a new classroom to set up.  So, in an effort to really enjoy and embrace renewal I'm going to take a vacation from blogging and return August 1st.  I will stop by July 10th with a special announcement.  

You will be able to continue my #bookaday reading via instagram and twitter.  
Enjoy your July.