Finding A Contest and…Bread Art?

You heard me. Bread art. Which is one of those things that you can love so much, you can eat it!

The Grain Foods Foundation is all about bringing attention to the problem of hunger in America’s cities, towns, and neighborhoods. Rural or urban, the problem’s growing everywhere. But you can do something about it just by going to The Bread Project (www.breadartproject.com)  and making your own little piece of Bread Art. Check out my toast creation in the Gallery while you’re there. (Okay, I’m not gonna lie. I spent way too much time trying to make myself deliciously appealing).

Maybe your art will give you an idea for the Alabama Writer’s Conclave contest. There’s all kinds of categories, but what you’re going to like is the Juvenile fiction category. I placed in this contest last year, but I might try again. I like to support my neighboring states and writers, and the entry fee is only $8.00. Deadline’s April 30th, so don’t dilly dally about.

And I’m gonna get right to that story as soon as I get something to eat. I’ve got a sudden craving for um, toast.

April’s First Keepers: On Poems and Pranks

dsc00178 I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

-Joyce Kilmer

I’ve always loved that poem. And I’ve always loved poetry. I’m not much of a poet, and I don’t always understand every nuance of a poem. But I love when words sing. And when I read a poem that trips along my tongue and pricks my senses enough to pry open a smile, then I’m happy.

So, I’m especially happy that April is National Poetry Month. And I’m just about jump out of my skin happy to find a place where I can read a children’s poem every day for the next thirty days! (I think I may actually understand most of those poems.) Check out GottaBook for Gregory K.’s 30 Poets /30 Days. Jack Prelutsky started the party, so to speak, with a poem written especially for National Poetry Month.  I can’t wait to find out what all the other gifted poets will share. Bet there’ll be plenty of Keepers in the bunch!

Oh, and that tree? It’s in my front yard. And d’you see that place in the tree where the branches spread? The place just right for a little kid to climb and dream? I love that dreaming tree.It’s a great spot for thinking up poems…and maybe a prank or two.

If you haven’t come up with a prank for April Fool’s yet, check out this spot for all things April and foolish. And P.S. I found it at School Library Journal’s (free) newsletter. Sign up if you want to find daily Keepers!