Phyllis is On the Way to Somewhere...

Phyllis has been travelling around the world.

Yesterday she arrived in Onoway, Alberta.

She spent the night snuggled in the arms of Raggedy Ann while being guarded by the fierce Princess Fiona.

The next day Phyllis' host made her a giant stack of french toast topped with delicious maple syrup. Mmm.

After cup of hot liquid mud it was to the neighbours to see how pancakes would have been made by the pioneers on a old cook stove.

Before heading out to explore Phyllis warmed herself by the fire. She even help bring in a pail of coal to fuel the fire.

Once Phyllis was toasty warm it was time to explore! First stop grain elevator.

Then she was off to see an enchanted castle.

Followed by some bull riding.

Finally it was time to head home, but not before stopping to admire some murals. 

If you would liked to learn more about Phyllis and her crazy adventure around the world click here.
If you liked this post please let others know. Tomorrow the A to Z Poetry Challenge begins! If you would like to join in on the poetry challenge click here.

April Fool Phyllis is written by Susanna Leonard Hill and illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler.

What does poetry mean to you?

The A to Z Poetry Challenge starts tomorrow so to get your creative juices flowing. Tell me, in the comment section below, what does poetry mean to you? Why write poetry? 

In other news I've been awarded with the sunshine award by Marcie Colleen and Julie Rowan-Zoch. Thanks ladies. 

Rules

1. Include the award’s logo in a post or on your blog.

2. Answer 10 questions about yourself.

3. Nominate 10-12 other fabulous bloggers.

4. Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blog letting them know they have been nominated. 

5. Share the love and link the person who nominated you.

Questions

1. Favourite colour: Purple and grey. 

2. Favourite animal: Dog. 

3. Favourite number: I don't have one. 

4. Favourite non-alcoholic drink: Tim Horton's Coffee 

with a splash of milk or ice tea. 

5. Facebook or Twitter: Both. 

6. My passion: Writing, but I also love theatre. 

7. Prefer giving or getting presents: Both. 

8. Favourite pattern: Polka dots. 

9. Favourite day of the week: Sunday because I get to sleep in. My husband and I usually go out on dates on Sundays. 

10. Favourite flower: Hanson roses because there perfume is wonderful. I have two bushes planted in my garden and they smell heavenly. 

Many thanks to the following people for helping me along the way to publication. You help me shine! 

1. Bill Boudreau (my husband) for helping me shine on those days when I don't feel like shining. 

2. Netta Boudreau (my mother-in-law) for reading all my stories. 

3-6. Kirsten, Julie, Jodi, Jen, and Marcie (critique partners) for helping me make my stories better. 

7. Sarah and Tim from Soul Slate Photography for the advice on branding and the beautiful photos like the photo in the blog header and the carriage picture on Facebook. 

8. Kristen for taking the time to edit my novel. 

9. Prowlers (former classmates) for their support. 

10. To my followers. Your comments make my day. 

If you liked this post please let others know. Tomorrow the A to Z Poetry Challenge begins! If you would like to join the poetry challenge click here. 

April Fool Phyllis! Is here at last!

What's in the package mom? 

Can I lick it?

Mom, I'm tired. Can you read me a story?

Once upon a time April Fool Phyllis! by Susanna Leonard Hill decided to take a world tour. 

To learn more about her travels click here. Stay tuned as Phyllis will spend tomorrow touring around Onoway, Alberta. 

If you liked this post please let others know. Come back tomorrow morning to answer a question about poetry and check in tomorrow night to see where Phyllis visited. 

A to Z Poetry

In celebration of National Poetry Month I will be posting about poetry each day that corresponds to the letter of the alphabet.  This challenge is open to everyone and I encourage you to get your kids involved!  On April 12 I will doing a post on kids poetry and encourage your children to send me some poems that I can post on that day. Several poets, authors, and illustrators have volunteered their time to bring you valuable information. It's going to be a fun and informative month!  

The Challenge 

Starting with the letter 'A' on April 1, 2012 write a poem based on that day's lesson and challenge. There are 26 letters in the alphabet so you will create 26 poems in the month of April. Take Sundays off to revise (except for Sunday, April 1). If you have kids get them involved.  

Rules

1. Please join my site.
2. Grab the badge by right clicking and saving the picture above or grabbing it from the side bar. 
3. Blog about the contest and link back to this post. 
4. Sign up below (ends April 1) as you have to sign up in order to enter the contest on May 1. If you don't have a blog or website. Leave a comment below that states you are joining the challenge.
5. Join the Facebook group by clicking here. You have to sign up first before being approved for the Facebook group. (Joining the Facebook group is optional). 
6. Promise to try your best to write a new poem each day in April except for the 4 revision days.

Optional Share your poem on your blog or in the Facebook group. 

Contest 

On May 1 to 7 there will be a poetry contest in which you will submit ONE poem that you have created during the challenge. The winner will get to choose a prize. 

Prizes

• Where the Sidewalk End by Shel Silverstein
• 2012 Poet's Market
• One year subscription to Poets & Writers
• On My Walk by Kari-Lynn Winters
• More prizes to be announced. 

Sign Up
Click on the blue "Add Your Link" button below to sign up.  I've already entered my name. And join the Facebook group (optional). If you don't have a blog/website you can sign up by saying in the comment section below that you wish to sign up.

What is Your Dream?

Yesterday I wrote a review of Cinder by Marissa Meyer.  Marisa is living the dream at least my dream. According to an entry in her live journal she got an agent and sold a four-book series, quit her job, and became a New York Times best selling author among other things but you can read all about it by clicking here. There is still time to win a signed copy of Cinder (go to yesterday's book review to find out more).

I think it’s important to have dreams and goals. I’m already living part of my dream as fortunately I am able to write full-time (well once school is out). So below is my dream starting with something I already am:

I am a writer.

I am a published author.

I am making a living from my writing.

I am on tour reading my story to children.

I am signing books.

I am on vacation with my husband.

I am writing a second novel.

I am a published author.

I am giving helpful advice to newbie writers.

I am tweeting with my fans.

I am facebooking with my fans.

I am on vacation with my husband.

I am writing a third novel.

I am a published author.

Now it’s your turn. What is your dream?

If you liked this post please let others know. On Thursdays you can start signing up for the Poetry Challenge! Yay.