And We Have a Winner!
Picture Book author and blogger, Cynthia Mackey submitted the winning entry, "Friendship Soup" with a delightful twist on "playing with your food"! Congratulations Cindy? You can check out her wining entry on her blog at "Friendship Soup" on Simply Cindy.
I also want to thank all of the other wonderful authors and poets who shared their work. It was great fun to read thier entires and even more fun to see how they stopped back in at Wordy Wanderings to support their fellow writers. Bravo one and all!
Stop back by, there will be another Creative Calisthenic coming soon!
Feeling Creative?
Reminiscing About Your Favorite Candy?
Who is ready for some creativity calisthenics? Inspired by Kenvin Henkes genius book about the life of a marshmallow chick as a friend, can you share a narrative poem or short short about a food who becomes a child's friend? (100 words or less folks)
And because a picture is worth a thousand jelly beans, you can also share your story as an illustration.
Can you do it?! Yes, you can! I'd even be willing to send the winner a prize in the food they pick (no caviar, please).
You can post the story to your blog or include the whole story in a comment on this post. The winner will be announced here and on my Facebook community,
Sylvanocity
Another inspirtation of this contest is the wonderful work of my friend Vivian Kirkfield who runs the #50 Precious Words Writing Contest and the fantastic blog, Picture Books Help Kids Soar. Thank you for the inspiration, Vivian.
Swim with the Swedish Fish. Hop with chocolate bunnies. Picnic with gummy bears. Let's get creative with candy, folks! Happy Writing!
This contest is open until 3/31/17.
My friend Julie Abery has kindly joined in on the fun, but had some difficulty posting her delightful poem. I'm going to give it a go:
ReplyDeletelittleredstoryshed.wordpress.com
Thisi s a magical poem full of nostalgia, humor and love. Thank you, Julie. I'm not sure why it won't allow you to post the full url.
Deletehttps://littleredstoryshed.wordpress.com/
The link posted above for Julie's entry isn't live for me...hope this one works better: https://littleredstoryshed.wordpress.com/
DeleteJelly Baby Jar - complete with illustration. Who doesn't like jelly babies and a bit of nostalgia?
DeleteI don't know if I can resist this, Alexandria...will put on my thinking cap and share this around.
ReplyDeleteVivian. I posted mine on your page and hope that is okay. For some reason I can't post on this page.
DeleteOk, posting here
ReplyDeleteStrength of a Smile
" I don’t know which to choose!"
Cherry fruit slice said, "We are all delicious, each in our own way."
"All of you smile."
"Indeed," he answered
Jenna plucked one from among the cherry, lemon, lime, orange, and grape smiling shapes
on the plate.
"Mmmmmm, lemon!" Jenna began to smile.
Joan, Thank you for your sweet entry!
DeleteI just couldn't help myself, Alexandria. Here is the link to my post: https://viviankirkfield.com/2017/03/22/a-writing-contest-from-alexandria-lafaye/
ReplyDeleteAnd here is my story.
HATTIE AND PATTY
There once was a young girl named Hattie
Her friend was a Peppermint Pattie
Who lived in her pocket
She wore Hattie’s locket
After ten years, she looked pretty ratty.
One day Hattie wrestled a gator
Soon it looked like the gator might ate ‘er
Jumping out of the pocket
Pattie ripped off the locket
Dragged the reptile to the equator.
In the tropics, Pattie has a new home.
It’s an ice bucket made out of chrome
Hattie fills it with ice
Pattie thinks it is nice
They are friends wherever they roam
Hattie is one busy gal, Vivian! It's great to have someone like Pattie coming along for the ride. Thank you for sharing your story!
DeleteThanks, Alexandria...it ws fun to write...I love challenges where I can't use too many words...I tend to get more playful. ;)
DeleteGiving yourself restrictions can often be freeing in other ways.
DeleteVivian, Such a fun story! I'm glad Pattie didn't melt in the tropics! (of course if she did then she'd actually be a Pattie-melt!) ;)
DeletePeppermint Pattie is a great name for a character, Vivian!
DeleteI couldn't resist. Posting here.
ReplyDeleteODE TO JIGGLY WIGGLY DELICIOUSNESS
Jello comes in every color your mind can imagine,
with scrumptious smells to match the color and taste,
and favorite flavors like lemon and lime, and grape and cherry,
and the cutest jiggle you ever did see,
until you slurp it up for a smooth wiggle down your throat.
Oh, jello, why do you tempt me to make you disappear when I love you so?
Jello! What a fabulous idea to write about that jiggling colorful treat...love your ode, Sherry!
DeleteWho doesn't like jello? Such a fun story, Sherry!
DeleteJell-o--such a delightful topic!! Love the playfulness here, Sherry! Thank you for joining the fun!
ReplyDeleteSophie's Squash also fits into the "food that becomes a friend" category. I'll have to do some brainstorming to see if I can participate in this one. And I also ought to check out the Kevin Henkes book!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kara. I'll check out Sophie's Squash! I hope you do particpate!
DeleteThe Chocolate Bunny
ReplyDeleteby Sydney O’Neill
“Stop! You’re not supposed to hop,” Kevin said.
The chocolate bunny leapt out of the Easter basket, onto the windowsill, and into the garden.
“You’re not real,” Kevin called.
The bunny’s eyes twinkled. It flicked its long ears and wiggled its pink nose at Kevin.
Kevin chased it through fragrant flowers, up the hay tower, and onto the roof of the chicken coop. The bunny jumped off—and stopped hopping.
“Your foot is broken,” Kevin said.
Kevin warmed the yummy chocolate foot in his mouth. Then he held it on the leg.
“You’re okay now. This time, you chase me.”
Wonderful chocolatey adventure! Thank you.
DeleteThank you for the fun challenge!
DeleteSo much fun, Sydney! I'm a fan of chocolate...so your bunny had better watch out. Well done!
DeleteThought for a second Kevin was going to eat that chocolate foot. Great twist of an ending!
DeleteI love that touch of rhyme in Kevin's first line.
DeleteI haven't been so inspired to write in such a long time. Writing contests are so fun and gets the creativity flowing. Thank you for the prompt too. I'm posting to my website, but I will post it here too. Here's mine coming in at 100 on the nose.
ReplyDeleteHank from the Tank – Chris Shumate
In a small tank at the grocery store swam dozens of lobsters.
“Grandma,” I asked. “Can we get one?”
“Of course,” she said. “It’ll taste delicious with garlic rolls and these veggies.”
“I don’t want to eat it, Grandma.”
She looked at me funny. “What do you plan to do with it?”
“Keep it for a pet,” I said.
“No, dear. We get food here, not pets.”
“Please?” I pleaded.
Later that night we ate a yummy supper.
I filled my belly with garlic rolls, veggies, and trout.
Later, I sat in my room talking to my new friend Hank.
Love the twist, Chris! I'm so thrilled this contest inspired you!
DeleteMILKY WAY & ME by Marcia Nass (63 words)
DeleteMilky Way
Take me to your home
Light years away
The two of us alone
Milky Way
Swirls of darkness rise
Bands of malted milk
Bright stars in every size
Milky Way
The galaxy’s your name
Galileo saw you first
Mars Candy gave you fame
Milky Way
I loved you at first sight
But, look. That alien…
Wants to take a bite.
YIKES!!!
Marcia,
DeleteThank you so much for participating. I love the alien twist at the end! So sorry it was tough to particpate.
This is a reply to Chris...love your lobster story...a lobster would make a hilarious pet...it reminds me of a new book that just just just came out, LUCY LOVES SHERMAN...and yes, Lucy is the girl who lovews Sherman and doesn't want the restaurant chef to cook him. :)
DeleteOooh, I wanted to take a bite too, Marcia. I love Milky Ways! Nice job!
DeleteThanks, Vivian, for the kind words. I'm going to check out the Lucy Love Sherman book you mentioned. It sounds like something I would enjoy.
DeleteHere's a reply to Chris Shumate: I'm glad there was a happy ending. For a minute there I thought lobster was on the menu.
DeleteHere is an entry from Marcia Nass. She said she tried to post it here on your blog, Alexandria, but it wouldn't work.
ReplyDeleteMILKY WAY & ME by Marcia Nass (63 words)
Milky Way
Take me to your home
Light years away
The two of us alone
Milky Way
Swirls of darkness rise
Bands of malted milk
Bright stars in every size
Milky Way
The galaxy’s your name
Galileo saw you first
Mars Candy gave you fame
Milky Way
I loved you at first sight
But, look. That alien…
Wants to take a bite.
YIKES!!!
Thank you, Vivian!
DeleteMarcia,
DeleteThank you so much for participating. I love the alien twist at the end! So sorry it was tough to particpate.
An out-of-space poem about food. That's different, Marcia!
DeleteThis is an entry from Kathy Elstad...I'm not sure if she tried to post it here, Alexandria...or just posted it on my blog.
ReplyDeleteAm I Dreaming? by Kathy Elstad
So sad. Sophie laid across her bed crying. Her BFF, Maggie, just moved far away and Sophie was feeling so very lonely. There were only 2 things Sophie loved — Maggie and pizza!
As day turned into night, Sophie fell asleep until… The doorbell rang! Running to the door, Sophie thought maybe it’s Maggie! Sophie opened the door. To her surpise, it wasn’t Maggie. It ws a slice of pepperoni pizza — a slice of pepperoni pizza with arms, legs, and a great, big smile. The slice smiled really big and said, “Hi! Maggie sent me! I’m you new BFF!”
Kathy,
DeleteYou certainly choosed a food kids adore! Thank you for sending in your fun story!
Pizza is a favorite of mine. I think it could be my BFF!
DeleteHa, ha, ha! Pizza that comes to life - I wonder if Sophie ate her new BFF.
DeletePotato Pete by Judy Sobanski
ReplyDeletePotato Pete, my best bud
A roly poly uncooked spud
Thumbtacks for eyes,
paper clip ears.
He takes away
all of my fears.
I carry Pete
where ever I go.
We even went
to New Mexico.
He’s someone to talk to
when I’m feeling lonely.
Unfortunately, I am the only
one who can talk, but -
Pete listens intently.
When I am sad
he ever so gently,
gives me a smile
made of pearl-headed pins.
Who could resist
such a genuine grin?
Don’t want a cucumber
or a tomato.
I only want
my sweet Pete potato!
So funny...I love this, Judy! So clever and sweet as Pete listens intently. ;) We could all use a Pete sometimes. ;)
DeleteJudy,
DeleteLove the endearing qualities of the friendship and the inventive and playful descriptions. Well done!
Cute story, Judy! As I read your story I thought it'd take it to the next level if the potato was a sweet potato. Regardless, you did well. I enjoyed reading your story.
DeleteGrace's Waffle (84 words)
ReplyDelete“Time for breakfast, darling! Waffle day!” Mom called to Grace.
Grace barreled to the kitchen, horror spread across her face.
A waffle in the toaster. Grace jumped up, quick to defend
Her crispy, golden, dimple-covered, Waffle-icious friend.
“I can’t eat HIM, Mom, he’s my pal!” She conjured up a smile.
“Don’t cover him in syrup! Can’t I play with him a while?
How ‘bout I take him swimming? Look! He likes it in the sink!”
But Waffle waffled, sinking. “He’s done swimming…um… I think.”
Too funny, Jennifer...'waffle waffled'...that is perfect! And I love 'her crispy, golden, dimple-covered, Waffle-icious friend'!
DeleteWell done!
Oh dear, poor Waffle! Love the inventive play with language and it's so true to how kids can create a connection with things like this. Thank you, Jennifer!
DeleteThank you both for sharing this fun exercise (Vivian, you're so in the know about fun ones like this)! Thanks for your sweet comments. :)
DeleteWaffle doesn't handle water too well.But at least he was a friend for a little while. Fun story!
DeleteHaha, thank you! I've started developing this one into a full-length picture book!
DeleteI used to work at Waffle House in high school and college. I could see something like this happening with the myriad of kids who'd order waffles and play with them. You took me back 16 years to reminisce on my times at the Waffle House. I sure learned a lot about life there.
DeleteI'm staying here in the hospital with my mom with a lot of time on my hands. I was surfing the web today for an editor and came across this challenge. I needed a little break or something different. Thanks! I've never put anything I've written on anything like this, so here it goes...
ReplyDeleteSWEET POTATO PIE
Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato Pie.
Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato, such a nice sweet guy.
Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato, all eyes are on you.
Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato, teach me what to do.
Trying to be nice, every single day.
Trying to be kind, in what you do and say.
Trying to be true, you will make some friends.
Trying to be sweet, is how it all begins.
Start with me, friends we’ll be, take a chance and sew.
Start with me, then you’ll see, together we will grow.
Hello
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you and your mom. Thank you for sharing this rhythmic and poetic poem with such an inspirational theme.
Here's my entry: http://nungululmt2.blogspot.com.au/2017/03/wordy-wanderings-feeling.html
ReplyDeleteGreat delicous fun, Lynette! Thank you.
DeleteWonderful short picture book story you have here. I've never heard of freckles as a food. If you get a chance I'd love to see an actual freckle baked. They do sound yummy.
DeleteHi Chris, You can see images of freckles by typing 'freckles' into a search engine, then selecting 'images'. Freckles aren't baked or the chocolate would melt. Add the word 'Australian' before the word 'Freckles,' to refine images.
DeleteA few days ago the idea crossed my mind to write a story with a camel character. Take that combined with this contest, and you get...Sylvie's Chocolate Camel! https://karanewhouse.com/2017/03/30/sylvies-chocolate-camel/
ReplyDeleteA few days ago the idea crossed my mind to write a story with a camel character. Combine that with this contest and you get...
ReplyDeleteSYLVIE'S CHOCOLATE CAMEL
Sandra’s chocolate camel had one hump.
Chomp!
Then it had none.
Jaden’s chocolate camel had two humps.
Chomp! Chomp!
Then it had none.
Sylvie’s chocolate camel had three humps.
She scooped him up.
“You belong in a desert,” said Sylvie. “Not dessert.”
So she carried her camel outside, and they played in the sandbox all afternoon.
https://karanewhouse.com/2017/03/30/sylvies-chocolate-camel/
Nice twist at the end, Karen.
DeleteLove the counting story with a twist! This was great fun, Karen, Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi A.LaFaye! Do your words, "Open until 3/31/17" mean the contest ended at midnight, 3/30/17? Thank you! I enjoyed reading all the entries!
ReplyDeleteJill,
DeleteSorry for the delay in replying. You can have until midnight to night to turn it in!
Here's my entry. What a fun challenge! https://cindyscreativecorner.wordpress.com/2017/03/31/friendship-soup/
ReplyDeleteI LOVED the to-ma-toes joke! A great story. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteSophie gave a tactical response to her Mom by saying 'mostly' and not eating the fish. Well done, Cindy!
DeleteCongrats to Cindy, and thanks for the exercise, Alexandria. Looking forward to the next round of creativity calisthenics :)
ReplyDelete