The Baby Foodie: Berry has the Blues

How Your Favorite Book From the Past, Can Lead to a New Story:

IF YOU WERE A KID GROWING UP IN NEW ENGLAND over the last 50 years, then chances are you have had your nose in a Robert McCloskey book at some point. He's as famous as chowder in these parts. His children's books have inspired for generations. There are even landmarks and monuments that pay homage to his work. From the "Make Way For Ducklings" Statue in the Boston Public Garden, to the "One Morning in Maine" Outer Scott Nature Conservancy in the Penobscot Bay, McCloskey left his mark on New England. 

       He certainly left his mark on me too. One of my favorite books as a child was "Blueberries for Sal." Sal is a spirited little girl who goes off with her mom to "help" pick blueberries on the hill. Meanwhile on that very same hill, a mother and baby bear are picking blueberries too. Sal and the baby bear get caught-up in the mesmerizing world of blueberry picking that they both end up following the wrong mother! This hilarious mix up entertained me to no end. I loved everything about this story. Picking blueberries, tossing them in the tin bucket and listening for the "Ku-Plink" sound. 

       I always tried to emulate little Sal when I went out into the woods berry picking. Now I am doing my best to emulate one of my favorite authors, Robert McCloskey. I hope you enjoy this tasty adventure with the Baby Foodie and Mary Blueberry!

Have a TASTY Day!

Fun Links:

Make Way for Robert McCloskey

Blueberry Recipes

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Quil's Postcards: Camp Crater

How Activities Can Teach Us More About Ourselves:

WE HAVE ANOTHER BATCH OF POSTCARDS FROM QUIL! This time we have letters from Summer Space Camp. I am really passionate about summer camps. I went to one as a child and participated in the "horsemanship" program. Many of my close friends went to traditional and religious summer camps growing up as well. There is something really special about going off to camp, you are away from family and have your first taste of independence. You are meeting new friends and trying lots of new things. You get to make choices on your own, food, friends, activities and discover new things about yourself!

Summer Camp was no fun at all ;-)

        We can still have these experiences as adults. Maybe not at overnight camp but through enrichment classes and activities. I encourage anyone reading this to start a new adventure. Sign up for a dance class, a writing class, heck even intermural DODGEBALL! Make a choice that's just for you! Meet new people and discover a new creative or physical outlet. It's always time for a new experience!

      Quil has some incredible experiences at Camp Crater. Our little space friend has taken on new challenges and created lasting bonds with friends. I am so glad we get to learn all about these amazing Camp Crater adventures through Quil's Postcards. 

Fun Links:

Creative Hobbies for Adults

Find a Summer Camp in Maine

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Sal & The Erie Canal

How an Old Song Can Inspire a New Story:

BEFORE I BEGAN to write and record the first episodes of my children's story podcast, I asked a family member in his 60's what his favorite children's song was as a child. He replied by singing (in its entirety), "The Erie Canal". I smiled with recognition because it was a song I remembered from my youth too.  One of my favorite versions is by Bruce Springsteen. I loved the rhythm and the melody of it, but I didn't know what a lot of the lyrics were referencing. Primarily, why do you need a mule to go down a waterway? The more I learned about the Erie Canal the more fascinated I was by this manmade (& animal made), achievement. I enjoyed learning about the lock system, the towpath, and I especially loved reading about the important role of mules to the manmade river. 

     It can be easy to overlook the animals that worked alongside their human counterparts to help society advance throughout history. The animal stories are often forgotten in the history books but I find their narratives very compelling. It's always nice to run across an old story (or song) that pays tribute to their hard work.

     I hope to journey to parts of the Erie Canal someday. Perhaps I will take a tour on horseback. At the very least I will imagine Sal the mule towing along a boat on the towpath. I'm sure a lot of other kiddos would be excited to see this incredible waterway too! Even if you can't make it there in person, it is my wish that folks of all ages will enjoy visiting this special place through story and song!

Fun Links:

Visit the Erie Canal!

Low Bridge Song with Historic Photos!

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