All Hallows Eve Eve

Halloween is almost upon us, so I would like to direct you to Ditalini Press where this months topic is "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark."  Included is my own original scary story "Pink Carnation."

Perhaps you'll find a new bone-chilling tale to tell around the campfire.  Plus, if you'd like to get in one the spine-tingling action and submit an original ghost story, just leave a comment in any of the posts, and we'll be happy to accommodate.

We've been busy getting ready for the night by making costumes and carving pumpkins.  Here's a look at the kids with all of our pumpkins.

Now with the lights off...

Spooky!  Carving was a lot of fun this year, especially because Ari drew the face on his pumpkin and I carved it with his supervision; as to not misinterpret his vision.  His is the second one from the left in the picture, the one with the wide eyes and crooked smile.  It looks really neat with the lights out.  Stay tuned for pictures of the kids in their costumes.  Here's hoping everyone has a happy and safe Halloween!

Happy Anniversary Ditalini Press!

Two years ago today, Ditalini Press was created. 

Ditalini Press is a blog consisting of a group of creative writers who post at regular intervals. We are given a writing topic at the beginning of the month and are encouraged to submit our works by the end of the month.
Ditalini Press gave me the inspiration I needed to start Latent Chestnut, and I am happy to recognize the second anniversary of the first post. The number of Ditalini Press contributors has grown significantly over the past couple years; we started with five, and now have twenty-two contributors. 

I was more nervous than excited when the first topic was given on July 14, 2008 because I had not written anything creative for years.  But now, I eagerly anticipate each new topic and look forward to the challenge it presents.  It is a rewarding experience for me, and keeps my creative juices flowing.  As always, Ditalini Press is open to anyone, and we are always looking for more writers to join the fun!

The Real Fordly VonBeaglesford

The August topic for the Ditalini Press was to create a Tall Tale and make up a folk hero and build a legend around that character. It was a daunting task, indeed, but ultimately fun to write. Inspiration struck as I thought of my dog, Walter, and decided to build the story around him and some of the adventures we have shared together. There was no doubt of the name I would give my canine folk hero; one of my favorite nicknames I have given Walter...Fordly VonBeaglesford. Don't ask.

We have taken many a walk with Walter happily romping along; nose down ever so close to the sidewalk. Sometimes we get the strangest comments from people as we pass by. One of the most memorable, and one we still laugh about today, is when someone inquired "What's that? One of them smell hounds?" I've never heard the term 'smell hound' before that day. Another comment came as we passed a shirtless man with a beer bottle in his hand, and out of nowhere he said, "I got three pits at home." How do you respond to that? We just smiled and walked on.

Another element of Walter I had to include in the story was his insatiable appetite. Some of you may remember the Food Snatcher Extraordinaire post I did a few months ago. Well, the hound's appetite still hasn't changed and he still eats anything he thinks might be food. I'm just thankful he didn't develop an appetite for tomatoes or we would have had to watch him like a hawk every time he went outside. I can't say the same for the peanuts we throw out for the blue jays, though; if there are any left in the yard when he gets out, they are as good as gone.

I love my beagle, and I could not ask for a better dog, really. He is wonderful with the kids, a good listener, and just a lot of fun to have around. I've told Valerie that Walter is going to be our last dog. Not because I think he is going to live forever, but because I really don't think there could be a better dog than good ol' Walter. If you'd like to read my Tall Tale that was inspired by my trusty 'smell hound', just click here. I hope you enjoy it.

Happy Anniversary Ditalini Press!

One year ago today, the Ditalini Press blog was formed. When I first read Eva's post titled "Welcome Everyone" my adventures in blogdom began.

As Eva stated in the inaugural post, Ditalini Press is a blog consisting of a group of writers who post at regular intervals. We are given a topic at the beginning of the month and have to create something by the end of the month. There are also "mini-topics" thrown in here and there and writing related posts called Writer Bites. Also, Aunt Sue throws in some Anagram Fun posts every once in a while that are always enjoyable.

Ditalini Press gave me the motivation to start latent chestnut and I thought it appropriate to recognize the anniversary of the first post. Ditalini Press has grown in members quite a bit from the original five of us that started it, and it is still going strong. It is open to anyone and we are always looking for more writers to join the fun.

Sneak Preview

The March topic over on Ditalini Press is to write a children's book. So, I was thinking about what my children's book should be about. Should it be a fantasy, about the alphabet, numbers, or something regarding everyday life? After to careful pondering, the idea hit me like a ton of bricks...cooking! ... Cooking with Daddy!

I have not seen one single children's book about cooking, or kids cooking with their parents anywhere. I love to cook and I fear that preparing foods from scratch is something that is not being taught to today's youth. Too many pre-made "convenience" meals if you ask me. Too much fast food infiltrating the everyday lives of many Americans.

The book is due by the end of the month so please check it out. If you've never been there before, Ditalini Press is a wonderful creative writing site; and I'm sure you will enjoy the many imaginative and inspired children's stories that will be posted soon. I hope you enjoy Cooking with Daddy. Look for it soon!

Welcome...

Here I am. Exploring a new realm I did not have an interest in a few months ago. I have been inspired by a few blogs; mainly Ditalini Press (where I am a contributor) and K. Grace Bears, to create my own place on the Internet. I don't know what lies in store for this space, but I have a few ideas. I enjoy taking pictures, and I have some sitting on my computer that I would like to share. It will be a work in progress, and I hope to devote enough time to make this something I can be proud of. Thanks for visiting and stay tuned...