US position on Egypt?

The Chinese are probably wondering, what if, or why didn't

'the US supported Jiang ZM in 1989...'

Shadows on Snow: Revisiting an Old Poem

Years ago I wrote the following haiku. It was included in the children’s book Robert’s Snowflakes.

A snowman shadow
paints himself in blue upon
a cold white canvas.

Note: I had originally written the poem about a tree—not a snowman.

Yesterday, I was looking down from my bedroom window at shadows on the snow in my yard. I opened a window and shot some pictures. Then I decided to re-envision the snowman haiku as a “tree” poem once again. I've posted my first draft of the poem below.

a pine
dips its bristles
in a bowl of sky
brushes blue
on a winter white canvas
paints a self portrait

Here are links to some of the other poetry & pictures posts I’ve done recently:
It Snowed and Snowed: An Original Poem
It’s Snowing Again!: An Original Poem
An Icicle Shape Poem
To Catch a Setting Sun: Rough Draft of an Original Poem
A Snowstorm Poem Three Ways

********************

The Poetry Friday Roundup is at Dori Reads.

Some February 14th Flair!

It's day 3 of the Valentine's Countdown I'm hosting over at Nickelodeon's Parents Connect and today I'm sharing easy DIY accessories, including simple projects from Parents, Katie Did, Craft Stylish, Martha Stewart, Grosgrain Fabulous, One Charming Party and The Project Corner you can make to give your kiddos a little February 14th flair.  Here are two more I love.....

See this adorable charm bracelet? 

Can you believe it was made from these?

Yup - stickers!  Get the full how to at - where else? - Martha Stewart.

Or you can create some fun felt heart hair clips with the tutorial at The Purl Bee.

For more cupid-inspired accessories that will make your kids swoon, head on over and check out my post over at the Valentine's Countdown at Parents Connect, and while you're there, enter to win some fabulous prizes!

Images: Martha Stewart & The Purl Bee

It Snowed and Snowed: An Original Poem

Well...the storms just keep on a comin' and a comin' this winter. I don't get out much these days. Yesterday, it snowed again. Today we had another storm, which started out as an ice storm...then it changed to rain...and then to snow. I think it will be June before all the white stuff around here melts!

Being snowbound has had a bright side for me though. I've be taking lots of pictures of snow and icicles and sunsets and have been inspired to write poetry again. That's a relief because I've had writer's block for months.

Here are some pictures that I took this morning and a poem that I wrote this afternoon:




It Snowed and Snowed

It snowed all day.
It snowed all night.
It snowed and snowed.
Two feet of white
covered everything in sight.
Our yard,
our deck,
our walk,
the road
don’t look the same
because it snowed...
and snowed
and snowed
and snowed
and snowed.
I dress up in my winter wear
and step out in the frosty air.
I look around and what I see
is a marshmallow world
waiting for me!

Here are links to some of the other poems I've written recently:

It's Snowing Again!

An Icicle Shape Poem

To Catch a Setting Sun

A Snowstorm Poem Three Ways

Picture Perfect For February 14th!

The Valentine's Countdown that I'm hosting over at Nickelodeon's Parents Connect continues today with lots of fun ideas for staging your own Valentine's Day photo op.  Whether you want pictures for cards or to put in the family album, you won't want to miss these great ideas from Anders Ruff, Paper & Cake, J. Crew, Martha Stewart, 24*7*365 and I Heart Faces!  And just to show you the possibilities, here are a few more options I know you'll love.

Draw some signs for your kids to hold like Kellie from This Blessed Nest.

Who cares if everyone's looking at the camera or smiling?  The silly shots are just as sweet!

Make your own heart-shaped chalkboard to write a sweet nothing on, like this one from Martha Stewart.

If you have older kids, take a cue from J. Crew's Crewcuts' catalog and try laying them on the floor with candy or cupcakes forming fun shapes around them.

Or copy this fun idea from Color Me Katie.  Take a shot of your child blowing a kiss.

And then draw in some hearts.

You can write a love note on each one or attach them together to make a kiss flipbook.

If you like what you see here, make sure to check out my post with more fantastic photo op suggestions over at the Valentine's Countdown at Parents Connect and while you're there, enter to win some fabulous prizes! 

Images: This Blessed Nest, Martha Stewart, Ohdeedoh & Color Me Katie

Valentine's Freebie Festival: Day 15 {FREEBIES}

Today's pick from the VALENTINE FREEBIE FESTIVAL will help you throw a super sweet Valentine's Day get together, just like this one.

 
Delightful Designs created this I LOVE YOU (A Bushel and  peck) printable package and I adore the red and blue color scheme, the love birds and the mod patterns. 

Best of all, this package makes putting together a party easy peasy.  Just add the food labels and straw flags to simple red, white and blue foods - like the heart cookies, cupcakes, sodas and candy you see here - hang the banner and your soiree is ready to start!

There are even coordinating mini Valentines to hand out during the bash or use as invitations.  VA

It really doesn't get any simpler than that!

You can download the free printable I LOVE YOU (A Bushel & a Peck) package here at Delightful Designs, and if you have a free Valentine's printable you'd like to share, enter it into the link up below!

*If you are reading this in via our e-mail newsletter or RSS feed, the link up won't show up. You have to visit the post on our website to view it.

AND THE WINNER IS.... {DISCOUNT}

Congratulations RAPOWELL!  You've won a Conversation Heart tee from klzart! You're little sweetie is going to look adorable come Valentine's Day!

Please e-mail me at afomft@gmail.com by end of day Friday, February 4th to claim your prize. If I do not hear from you by then, a new winner will be chosen.

If you want a super cute Valentine's Day tee for your little one from klzart, too, you're in luck!  Kelly is offering AFOMFT readers a 10% discount on all orders.  Just enter code AFOMFT at checkout.   Please note that this discount does not apply to shipping costs and expires on 2/15/11. Happy shopping!