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Thursday, June 20, 2019

June Vibes

Summertime makes a grand entrance each year as children and parents move into a relaxed mode of living. There are family outings, mini-trips, vacations, and fresh air fun. Everyone feels summer vibes that bring smiles and uplifted spirits. Here is a feel-good song, "June is bustin' out all over," that holds the spirit of June in its lyrics.


Feeling the verve of summer busting out, I am joining Michelle H. Barnes' June Ditty Challenge created by Karen Boss, an editor from Charlesbridge Publishing who is Today's Little Ditty Spotlight guest for the month of June. Susan likes the idea of "putting good vibes for kids into the world" so her ditty challenge this month is to write a poem in second person, speaking directly to a kid or kids about something that you think is important for them to know.

For my ditty challenge offering, I chose to discuss the gift of reading. It is a joyful one that never stops surprising the reader with journeys to near and far-off lands, inspiration, amusement, and beautiful language to develop communication skills. My ditty poem captures my love of reading and the blossoming love for books that has developed in my granddaughter's life. Because she delights in choosing her own books to read, one of my gifts for her second birthday was a picture book that speaks to the blossoming artist that she is. Sky Color, written by my friend, the creative artist/children's author, Peter Reynolds, is a great read aloud to spark the creative spirit in any child. 

Front Cover

I dedicate my poem to my little love, Sierra, who is full of life and celebrated her second birthday this past weekend.

📖

Dear little grandchild of mine,
summer is for old-fashioned fun-
your time to notice, wonder, and combine
outdoor merriment under the sun
with picture books for everyone.
Find the story that sends you climbing
the one that's filled with rhyming.
There are many to make you smile,
others to spark your artistic style.
Perhaps, you'll come read with me
by my roaring Long Island sea
or under your old Virginia tree.
Wherever you go,
bring a treasured book
to fly you to an enchanted nook
where summer dreams wait for you 
as book love grows during year two.
©CV, 2019

📖
Now, I am off to visit my friend, librarian/poet, Linda Mitchell at her blog site, A Word Edgewise. Linda is the gracious host of Poetry Friday this week.

33 comments:

  1. Awwwwww, the photos of Sierra with the filter are sooooo cute! I love the painterly look. And, what a wonderful relationship you have with her that you can celebrate her love of reading already. I won't wish a moment away....while I look forward to those days in my future. We really should meet up in Virginia some time. Someday, when life slows? When will that be? Great post. Thanks for sharing it!

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    1. Linda, thanks for sharing my joy that Sierra is enjoying her books and is on the way to a lifelong reading practice. Meet-up in the future-it will happen.

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  2. We celebrated my grandchildren's second birthday last weekend also. I have two of them, born three days apart. My grandaughter doesn't nearly have the amount of hair that yours does! I've been working on a poem for them, but don't know if I will get it finished in time.
    I love your poem and the photographs.

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    1. Cheriee, thanks for joining me here tonight. Happy Birthday to your grandchildren. My daughter has been letting Sierra's hair grow without trims and Sierra lets me put her hair in pigtails when she is in the mood.

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  3. Sierra is a beautiful child, and what a lucky girl to have a grandmother like you, Carol. xo

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    1. Thank you, Irene, for your kind words. I am lucky to have this child in my life. She brings such joy to all around her.

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  4. Hi Carol. Your poem for Sierra is just as beautiful as she is. Continue to enjoy her.

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    1. Yvonne, it is so good to hear from you. Many thanks for the comment. Enjoy your summer.

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  5. O joy - selecting her own reads at 2!
    Everything about this post is precious & someday,
    the grown-up Sierra will find it & read it, feeling the glow from grandmama.
    And, hey, you know Peter Reynolds!!! So glad he shares his talents with the world.
    I didn't know about Sky Colors - thanks for sharing.
    And that you, share yours, dear Carol.

    Lazy, lyrical laughing sumer to you & your family.
    Jan

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    1. Your ending greeting to me is so filled with good wishes for a spirited summer by the shore, Jan. I wish you a summer of joy. If you have a chance to read Sky Color, I think you will enjoy as much as I do.

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  6. It is almost as much fun for us to watch (through your Proud Grandma lens) Sierra growing up as it obviously is for you! What a treasure she has/will have in all the poems you have written for her!

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    1. Mary Lee, thanks for peering into Sierra's world even if it is a virtual peek. I hope some day that she will enjoy reading the poems I have written for her.

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  7. It seems like there are two gifts here- the gift of poetry and the gift of reading! Both will take your granddaughter far!

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    1. I am hoping that you are right and both poetry and reading will open many doors for Sierra.

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  8. Awww...what a sweet poem to share your love of reading. I love the pictures of Sierra you shared--she is lovely and looks like she's ready to share in lots of fun!

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    1. Kay, thank you for stopping by to read my poem for Sierra who is definitely ready to share in the fun. She is a noticer who watches, learns, and follows through. I hope this gradual release of responsibility model stays with her throughout school.

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  9. How is it possible that this little beauty is two already??!! The gift of this lovely poem and advice will be a treasured keepsake, Carol—Grandma's heart, wrapped up with a bow.

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    1. Michelle, I can hardly believe that Sierra is two now. She is no longer my grandbaby because I have to call her my little girl. She knows how to make choices and loves life. I placed earlier poems that I wrote inside the birthday card and will give her this one also.

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  10. What a sweet poem for your sweet Sierra. With you to nurture her, of course she'll grow up to be a reader! Thank you for sharing, Carol!

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    1. Thanks for joining me at the post-birthday celebration, Catherine. Being a reader is such and important part of life.

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  11. Sierra is growing up right before our very eyes. So fun to share in her birthday celebration! There's nothing better than curling up with books in the summer. I have many fond memories of doing just that. Bring on the summer sun! -- Christie @ https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/

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    1. Thanks for being part of the party fun, Christie. Summer sun is needed more than one day. We got our one day today. Hope tomorrow brings more.

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  12. Love the sweet pics of Sierra! Your poem is sheer delight. And I'm off to request Sky Color, a Peter Reynolds book that is new-to-me.

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    1. Thanks, Ramona. I love sharing my Sierra-inspired thoughts, poems, and photos with everyone. Sky Color is a great read so enjoy it.

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  13. Lovely heartfelt poem you've penned for Sierra–what a treasure you have with each other, Enjoy, and thanks for sharing all!

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    1. I am glad that you felt the words from my heart in the poem I penned for Sierra.

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  14. Oh, this is just so lovely, Carol. I'm going to shaare it with my granddaughter, too. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Kimberly, I am honored that you will share my poem with your granddaughter. Let me know how she reacts as cuddles with #Grandma.

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  15. Tears of joy. Literally. When you foster a child's love of books, you make the world a better place.

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    1. Rita, it has been a true pleasure to talk with you on Twitter about the love of reading and its lifelong practice as a gift for every child.

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  16. Replies
    1. Thanks , Ruth. I hope you are enjoying your trip home to your family.

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