Did you know the Teddy bear is named after former U.S. President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt?
He hated the nickname, but it has endured.
Two rival toymakers originally developed the bears(at the same time but in different parts of the world), but they have since become the staple toys for every toymaker-everywhere!
The manufacturers strived for the bears to imitate real bear cubs closely.
Since then, they’ve become more anthropomorphic (love that word!) and less true-to-life.
Despite their origin, the design of the bears was meant to stand-in for the real thing. These days teddy bears symbolize love, congratulations, or sympathy.
Be like this squirrel and take your meals outside-for today at least.
It’s Eat Outside Day, a fun holiday that happens to fall on #MotivationMonday.
For me, living in the desert, I won’t be sitting in the heat today, but eat outside a lot when the weather cools down. If you live in a more temperate place, and the weather allows it, I encourage you to take your plate and go outside.
Also, I urge you to take your writing outside. I like to take my laptop or my electronic reader outside onto the porch swing-again, when it becomes more temperate here. My godfather liked to eat soup outside when it was cold. He would come inside with a runny nose, an empty bowl, and a huge smile on his face.
“It’s the only way to eat soup!”
I don’t know if he still eats his soup outside. I live across the country from him now, and he requires 24-hour care due to cognitive issues. I hope so.
I have several favorite mugs. This one reminds me to be optimistic-such as now when I get daily rejections as I search for an agent.
It’s difficult sometimes.
My other favorite statement mugs remind me about my goals for writing (draw out emotions and help the reader live the plot)–and lists insults penned by Shakepeare (or whoever wrote those plays).
Of course, I much prefer to use my pretty teacups.
(2019)
I have several teacups-all dainty. They help me get into an historical mood. Right now my evil twin is writing books based in the Regency and Medieval eras. These aren’t meant for kids, but for their moms.
What do you use to remind yourself to see the happier side of life?
Let me know. Sonja
P.S. Don’t forget to get your copy of Guinness Become a Therapy Dog at special prices- if you’re in the UK!
When writing, sometimes there’s a word you can’t think of, or a word that may not fit in with the time period. Or you think of a word and know you need it’s antonym.
I use several sites to help.
The first is an etymology dictionary. This is the link (a click on the word ‘link’ should get you to the site. I set it to open in a new tab, so you don’t lose your place while reading my riveting prose!
The second site is an online thesaurus. This is the link to that site. Again, I made it so it should open on a new page.
So I don’t lose my plot thread, I put ‘???’ where I want to search for a different word, the word, or the antonym. Then, when my creative well has been wrung dry, I go back and search for the word I want.
I’ve tried stopping and searching for the word when I need it, but I’ve found that I lose my thread, the dialogue, or my intention for the plot. It was frustrating.
I’m a linear thinker, organized, and constantly thinking of characters and plots. It’s sometimes difficult because when I’m out and about (remember that?!) I see others and make up stories about their lives. It’s fun, but I tend to lose myself to my imagination.
My husband and sons are used to it, but others are confused by it. I think it’s difficult for someone who doesn’t have an imagination that constantly makes up stories to be around someone who does. Kind of like being an Oscar when someone else is a Felix (you need to know The Odd Couple to know what I mean).
Just be yourself. That’s all that should be expected. Sonja
I’m sitting here trying to think of a topic for today, completely distracted by the landing of the Dragon spacecraft (I’m writing this on Sunday morning).
Then it hit me: how can I write about anything else?
With the NASA live feed and audio running, I’m following the closing of the nosecone and their landing in the Gulf of Mexico. All I can think of is: Please allow this groundbreaking mission end successfully.
I watched the blastoff in awe. I follow their return to Earth with the same awe.
