Writing for Children

I have always had a passion for books. From the time I was in diapers I loved being read to, and once I learned how to read I always had a book in hand. I can still remember reading my books before bed as a child - feverishly turning each page; trying to finish that night's story or chapter before my mom forced me to turn off the light and go to bed. I discovered early in life that books can provide solace, entertainment, humor, even life lessons.

A small sample of my childhood favorites that exemplify these qualities include Arthur's Good Manners by Stephanie Calmenson, absolutely anything written by Shel Silverstein whether it was Where the Sidewalk Ends or The Giving Tree, Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel, and the Ramona series by Beverly Cleary. I also have fond memories of building forts in my bedroom with sheets and pillows and hiding out for hours while reading my R.L. Stine books from the Fear Street saga. This is when I first discovered my affection for mysteries.

I know that it was my love of reading that led to my passion for writing. A dream of mine has been to one day write at least one children's book and have it published. This is a dream I have now decided to pursue which is one of the reasons I am taking a summer class called Writing for Children in which we will learn various writing techniques, interact with published authors (including the author of the Olivia book series), and even learn how to get our work published! I am really looking forward to all that this class has to offer and hope to develop my skills as a writer.

Although I am now considered a "grown up" I still have such affection for the books from my childhood (among many others) as each one has played a role in shaping me to be the reader I am as well as the author I aspire to be. They have challenged me to be a kind and caring friend (thanks Frog & Toad), to look for humor in everyday life (I owe it to you Shel Silverstein), and to always remember my manners at the dinner table!

A Tradition Comes Full Circle

      I learned at a very young age that when the warm weather commences that softball season is just around the corner. I have so many fond memories of watching my Dad play softball - cheering him on and running the bases once the game was finished. The familiar clunking sound of the bat making contact with the ball. The encouraging cheers (and sometimes unpolished language) of the players as they intensely watched their fellow teammates. It's funny how everyone (players, spouses, children) became almost like a second family. You might not see them from September to April but once softball season starts again it is as if no time has passed at all. I used to refer to the other players' children as my softball friends since that was the only time of year I would have the opportunity to see them. It was always fascinating to see the changes from the previous season. New marriages, newborn babies, children who seemed to grow and change so much over the course of the softball-less portion of the year.

      Now I feel that this tradition is coming full circle. Caroline is now the little girl who will grow and change with each softball season. It will not be long before she is playing with the other children, collecting the balls that make it over the fence, slapping the players high fives, running those bases once the game is over, and cheering on her Daddy when he is up to bat.

A Baptism to Remember

   

Caroline Jean Corrigan was baptized this past Sunday at the First Congregational Church of Bristol. It is a day that will live in our memories for years to come. There a few reasons for this besides the fact that it was a beautiful day filled with family who love this sweet girl and an ideal day for a celebration.

You may already have a hunch from observing the bottom picture... but we'll get to that in a little bit!

Top two memorable moments:

Our minister tells us that her friend mailed her a bottle of water from the Middle East. This was not just any water but water from the Jordan River. What an unexpected surprise! To have our daughter baptized with the water from where Jesus himself was baptized. I hope one day our sweet Caroline realizes how truly amazing this is. No words...

As for the second memorable moment... well that is not quite as serious (although it sure seemed it while it was happening)! I'll paint the picture for you. Beautiful hymn and a silent prayer. Caroline sitting nicely in Jim's lap. Sweet baby in a frilly white dress. Then the sound of a baby loading her pants. Our baby. Then the smell. Then... a look of terror on Jim's face. Absolute, sheer panic. Church was not over. What were we to do? Thank goodness for family. Packets of tissues and then wet paper towels coming at us from all directions! Needless to say we left before church was completely over. We were just grateful this did not happen before  we stood up in front of the church with Caroline! You just have to laugh, right?

Lessons Learned...

Life with a child is full of surprises - it is what keeps life interesting.

Always find the humor in situations that may not always seem humorous at the time.

Be grateful for family - because they will be there for you in "stinky" situations.

An Unexpected Adventure

Although Jim, Caroline and I spent a mini vacation at Cape Cod over a month ago I still think it's worth mentioning in my blog! I mean, the fact that we were offered  a family vacation at Jim's co-worker's condo (he wasn't using it for the first half of their April vacation) was such an unexpected treat! It served as a nice reminder that even though we have a newborn baby we can still do some traveling (definitely a passion of mine). I thoroughly enjoy exploring new places and creating new memories. This was our first chance to include our sweet Caroline on one of our "Corrigan Adventures!"

 Although our fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants escapades required quite a bit more advanced planning (packing bottles, diapers, burp cloths, extra sets of clothes, formula... you get the point) we were still able to hit the road and follow our little map to the treasures that lie within the Cape!

Took a drive along the picturesque shoreline - check. Experienced some delectable cuisine - check. Took picture of Jim next to a gigantic wind turbine - check. Pit stop at a quaint lighthouse - check. Bought a few frivolous but essential souvenirs - check. Discovered a charming little ice cream shop names "Sweet Carolines" and took a picture (of course!) - check.

Successful first family vacation - check!

The Color Purple

                                       

Hero (noun) - a person distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength.

On May 22nd I participated in the Relay for Life event along with Jim, Caroline (who of course did not walk but was instead pushed in her stroller), and a bunch of other Corrigan family members. This walk was to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Observing the combination of purple shirts (cancer survivors - Jim's Grandpa was one of them... hence the name Corrigan's Crusaders) and white shirts (supporters) was a visual reminder of how we are all touched by cancer in some way. There are those of us who know someone who has suffered from cancer and beat it, others who have lost someone they love who battled bravely against it, and then there are those with a courage so great that have experienced cancer first hand. That is why I chose to partake in the Relay for Life. This was my personal way of honoring those valiant individuals I know who have fought this fight and won, and those loved ones of mine that have lost... for they are true heroes.

I have to believe that if each of us makes a small contribution (whether it be money, time, creating awareness) that it will turn into one BIG cure!

The Beginning...

I think this little phrase is an appropriate way to begin our family blog. On February 12, 2010 our world changed forever when Caroline arrived. There is nothing more precious than a little baby. Tiny everything - hands, feet, cries, coos, clothes. Life sure is good - and it gets sweeter every day. I can only imagine what is to come! Stay tuned...