tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50160441441613675902024-02-22T10:00:09.545-08:00Tucker McBride in the ClassroomClassroom and family discussion ideas to accompany Tucker McBride, and Tucker McBride's Many Lives, novels by Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D. Blog Copyright 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 Doris Gaines Rapp.Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-51905844243596276632022-12-01T00:12:00.001-08:002022-12-01T00:30:15.619-08:00Tucker McBride and the Christmas Present<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzjrbdUvv5V3Zgs2xqlpojEfZhC4ajrx_LyUF4mLr4tA-KFQ9eaaq5mJVOGaaGcgICHx7M5PthoF2xfhFuVsg_vaKV1UtIvUfVnEVRe6wxfGVv8mgAHAqvnXiC7FHeCWRJKj3kJ0a2e2mdBMerLClCHUwyFy9YLFE1dJYd7oH55TXu8MIB18IQfkh/s2048/Christmas%20Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzjrbdUvv5V3Zgs2xqlpojEfZhC4ajrx_LyUF4mLr4tA-KFQ9eaaq5mJVOGaaGcgICHx7M5PthoF2xfhFuVsg_vaKV1UtIvUfVnEVRe6wxfGVv8mgAHAqvnXiC7FHeCWRJKj3kJ0a2e2mdBMerLClCHUwyFy9YLFE1dJYd7oH55TXu8MIB18IQfkh/w131-h175/Christmas%20Tree.jpg" width="131" /></a> It's December 1, and the stores are draped in red and green. It is the Holidays, the Christmas Holidays. The Christ Child came to bring life and light. He is the present that keeps on giving.</div></div><p></p><p>We all know that money is tight right now due to the rising prices of everything. We worry that we will not be able to give the "perfect" gift. Perfect love was already given. We can enjoy giving the stocking stuffers.</p><p>When Tucker was in elementary school, the students in his class had their annual Christmas gift exchange. With his grandpa's small pension from the railroad, there was never "extra" money in the purse. So, Uncle Jacob would carefully cut a walnut in half, scoop out the nut meat, and replace it with a quarter before gluing it back together. That simple gift was Tucker's contribution to the Christmas party.</p><p>Do you really have to be the star of the Christmas party, giving the coveted present everyone wishes they would receive? Or, could you be the most gracious gift receiver at the party? Blessing the one who gave with appreciation and love?</p><p>Watch for my newest Tucker book in late winter, Tucker McBride and the Christmas Present. He has gifts to buy, too, with very few dollars in his wallet. I hope you have a relaxing and blessed holiday season.</p><p>Doris</p><p>If you are in Fort Wayne on December 10, come to Barnes and Noble Bookseller off Illinois Road from 10:30 to 12:30 pm. I will sign the first three Tucker books.</p><br />Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-45596939719346876972022-10-22T10:22:00.000-07:002022-10-22T10:22:16.313-07:00Tucker and The Christmas Mouse<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilnAAq1a2cD9nYGoHhIM3fKEFPbORL6L6hy3Z1hcnSn2tOoPCUA8vahy6LHCmmI4tu89dDsKZQUu7gHMMUUYrCBE2WPRIyKMjeImi229H0g5Q4fbZqhRci3rtt3VnHG0vQ2X6LDRs861egTxT8q8EYAxOj738k1eTOJIVojxwdP7CI4Sf6ZfNBFnGQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilnAAq1a2cD9nYGoHhIM3fKEFPbORL6L6hy3Z1hcnSn2tOoPCUA8vahy6LHCmmI4tu89dDsKZQUu7gHMMUUYrCBE2WPRIyKMjeImi229H0g5Q4fbZqhRci3rtt3VnHG0vQ2X6LDRs861egTxT8q8EYAxOj738k1eTOJIVojxwdP7CI4Sf6ZfNBFnGQ=w404-h213" width="404" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>Lincoln's Christmas Mouse could have been one of Tucker's favorite books when he was younger.</p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Great Idea! Order one or more for yourself. "President Lincoln didn't want to waste wood during the Civil War and order no Christmas tree for the White House. But the Christmas Mouse came up </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">with an idea." </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The book has been reformatted to fit into the Shoe Box Ministry container you donate to children around the world. Order several copies from</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lincolns-chistmas-mouse-doris-gaines-rapp/1120729551?ean=9780991503339&fbclid=IwAR20sOhjAZJDQxP9wxnHKBz2u7JBK_BFtSRvRTBUXohVSn9SUJu8tWAlTeM" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank"> https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lincolns-chistmas-mouse-doris-gaines-rapp/1120729551?ean=978099150333</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">9 - (Please share.)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is available on Amazon as an eBook. Enjoy the season.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Doris</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Author and Psychologist</span></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-47324096751614753752022-09-13T08:13:00.000-07:002022-09-13T08:13:15.147-07:00Tucker's on Vacation<p> Sorry I haven't posted in many months. I am not currently writing a Tucker McBride novel. I completed <i>The Boy with the Golden Horn.</i> You may want to check it out on Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5h-zt608a11aqtb-eqYoGdcsb59U1c67Ugdi651wxEu9H3Dtewqscnp4h91Ik5yrrOTQWT6uqL3Y4CBzZs5I4-9GqZku-y16Q54o-GV9WKP8uI_9erwarxvEuXmfiEJHXokFoVqjYLray9yu5HXzvu9bOs_naSwoybbgUTejBS5oDHodWd4lr_8vc/s2550/The%20Boy%20with%20the%20Golden%20Horn%20-%20Cover%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5h-zt608a11aqtb-eqYoGdcsb59U1c67Ugdi651wxEu9H3Dtewqscnp4h91Ik5yrrOTQWT6uqL3Y4CBzZs5I4-9GqZku-y16Q54o-GV9WKP8uI_9erwarxvEuXmfiEJHXokFoVqjYLray9yu5HXzvu9bOs_naSwoybbgUTejBS5oDHodWd4lr_8vc/s320/The%20Boy%20with%20the%20Golden%20Horn%20-%20Cover%20(1).jpg" width="207" /></a> I am currently writing <i>Garden in the Sky </i>which includes several original songs. A sequel, <i>Honeysuckle Rose,</i> will follow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will begin writing book 4 - <i>Tucker McBride's Christmas Present</i> in the early winter. Enjoy the previous posts of Tucker's activities and forward the ideas to others. Enjoy a beautiful Autumn.</div><p></p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-25964274430855250142022-02-13T17:52:00.002-08:002022-02-13T17:53:24.422-08:00Have Fun in a Snap<p>Tucker's grandmother enjoyed creating new things from used objects, like a crazy quilt out of favorite fabrics and a new sweater from used yarn. I, too, love to entertain my creative side by making important things for me.</p><p>I enjoy snap jewelry. So, I made a snap from the picture I drew for the cover of my most recent Tucker book, Tucker's Perfect Day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhElnW1z9I5Xg6cKgWA4j7dD3kfbuyrZK7UZ57C301Lz4J77yiA2hv-TCmSrH-0JkpLnFjFwuD0vEt9rfbFExZwSvjhCV5TIRzfzdpj0PgkX64zbNxAy5P99cJfhOS2ZZSVk21QCMcqKYQNy1LT2jWv6zijXjvUUeZGP1J6GqJPAo-_aPE0hrOQgp9a=s585" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="320" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhElnW1z9I5Xg6cKgWA4j7dD3kfbuyrZK7UZ57C301Lz4J77yiA2hv-TCmSrH-0JkpLnFjFwuD0vEt9rfbFExZwSvjhCV5TIRzfzdpj0PgkX64zbNxAy5P99cJfhOS2ZZSVk21QCMcqKYQNy1LT2jWv6zijXjvUUeZGP1J6GqJPAo-_aPE0hrOQgp9a=w80-h146" width="80" /></a> Use a picture you want to display in a new way or fabric with a unique pattern. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Supplies are available online.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSmpqIMn1SNtaqzI0dxh7cuDNWODWKuNXO_iZI3tBGPVZs0SlFbRp_08i2EpA-LS1Ir029N6xgDNflwxqhlfRoYEWp3_-fTxYxyZSSKBVBmx3C4BYDGK3dO7s2iwqs6dqS78nY_AJpxpjpc8M_IinjfrVLxinReMif7opCc_tp1krYAz1EasIQyVKH=s238" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="238" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSmpqIMn1SNtaqzI0dxh7cuDNWODWKuNXO_iZI3tBGPVZs0SlFbRp_08i2EpA-LS1Ir029N6xgDNflwxqhlfRoYEWp3_-fTxYxyZSSKBVBmx3C4BYDGK3dO7s2iwqs6dqS78nY_AJpxpjpc8M_IinjfrVLxinReMif7opCc_tp1krYAz1EasIQyVKH" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">With craft glue, affix it to the flat side of the domed top. (Dome on the right) Try not to move the picture.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Let it dry for several hours or overnight. Next, glue the dome with the picture showing through to the button base. (Far left) Put the snap in your snap jewelry, or order a piece from the internet. As you can see from my necklace, I ordered some elements that can hang from a chain.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">YouTube has several good videos demonstrating the making of snap jewelry. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whatever you choose to create, make it fun. And, remember, live all of your life.</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Doris </div><div style="text-align: left;">Copyright 2022 Doris Gaines Rapp</div><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-27657395836087339072022-01-15T12:47:00.000-08:002022-01-15T12:47:11.046-08:00Off to Wellness!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisQwn9NepXf39DhqgTWAvs90Cu_ZeX_QJdM7EIhCUrOUtwEZ30p_MSE-cgVvMBYMOsaDkGpzWLzpaInzdNWeKvREISCNcoPtHzQoGfVQnM3W-BvHYTexbRqyxOAUjiDH0X_w8JIMsePjrYOO8D-SXeRYTAQEVNDWJJPHuYcXWVQ5ZcmswFMPHza0Pn=s1976" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1976" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisQwn9NepXf39DhqgTWAvs90Cu_ZeX_QJdM7EIhCUrOUtwEZ30p_MSE-cgVvMBYMOsaDkGpzWLzpaInzdNWeKvREISCNcoPtHzQoGfVQnM3W-BvHYTexbRqyxOAUjiDH0X_w8JIMsePjrYOO8D-SXeRYTAQEVNDWJJPHuYcXWVQ5ZcmswFMPHza0Pn=w172-h109" width="172" /></a> Off to Wellness!</div><p>Wow, there are so many new words: epidemic, pandemic, vaccination, and quarantine are just a few. </p><p>Have you been quarantined with Covid 19 or one of its variants? Tucker McBride was kept home from school many times. But it was for other illnesses, not for Covid.</p><p>Tucker lived when there were diseases for which children are now vaccinated, before going to school: mumps, measles, and smallpox. He not only stayed home when he had each of those, but he also had to stay home when his brother and two sisters experienced the illnesses. So, Tucker was home for many weeks during the first, second, and third grades.</p><p>Smallpox: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhiUK_TQW621uIEInbfvDYDv1whuyMZc6voqOFYjn0WtAjwHwhKpezyXkbMt7ti6xyVZjXCreXZCa7rIfX-Nytld2_xdNgTYj2FOlmfBPcpygErmik9bJH1FoH8lSOr1vwgfaZNm8OhHrkXisehWWz6AHajWIHd2nT_BZuRdLcd2NrbD7Ve5wwLe-g=s47" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="38" data-original-width="47" height="38" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhiUK_TQW621uIEInbfvDYDv1whuyMZc6voqOFYjn0WtAjwHwhKpezyXkbMt7ti6xyVZjXCreXZCa7rIfX-Nytld2_xdNgTYj2FOlmfBPcpygErmik9bJH1FoH8lSOr1vwgfaZNm8OhHrkXisehWWz6AHajWIHd2nT_BZuRdLcd2NrbD7Ve5wwLe-g" width="47" /></a>Isn't it great that vaccinations have eliminated smallpox in the United States and other countries?</p><p>Mumps: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjDwIi97Icpvt203IzbcHYgxJsmwQaJS0Z4PbDsXsSaqLoPVKJ510fSxiOo25oPNOeauygQrOoiPrAsR46rKSDmLC0m_1fpWFbYOl0bCiHE-3yZWFrwmwGdYwu2P1FZg6jsxy1oz3G8FL4MyN4DDU8V6JkIC8biGhUF500QVgBIOYPGAy-BJ2Kuqj1=s354" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="354" height="44" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjDwIi97Icpvt203IzbcHYgxJsmwQaJS0Z4PbDsXsSaqLoPVKJ510fSxiOo25oPNOeauygQrOoiPrAsR46rKSDmLC0m_1fpWFbYOl0bCiHE-3yZWFrwmwGdYwu2P1FZg6jsxy1oz3G8FL4MyN4DDU8V6JkIC8biGhUF500QVgBIOYPGAy-BJ2Kuqj1=w61-h44" width="61" /></a></p><p>Measles: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcfawXjbnwLnt_yU8byqhCnrZTvvJX4es3yOeS4JrdjUbxofKX9V2Lm6sZ4hV5NvVuEd8ivBAHfyHBho8YULCG3GmhwRmH1nnz1Xf2dPnpLxqLZ7ISAQ7qTLzfCrcfYqzSN2QOLZGmWemzugssuFRd41cC3FslRoRrykkME24UQyLBeB0d8pV_jIxG=s101" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="70" data-original-width="101" height="36" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcfawXjbnwLnt_yU8byqhCnrZTvvJX4es3yOeS4JrdjUbxofKX9V2Lm6sZ4hV5NvVuEd8ivBAHfyHBho8YULCG3GmhwRmH1nnz1Xf2dPnpLxqLZ7ISAQ7qTLzfCrcfYqzSN2QOLZGmWemzugssuFRd41cC3FslRoRrykkME24UQyLBeB0d8pV_jIxG=w51-h36" width="51" /></a></p><p>We all know these illnesses were very serious. Just like the symptoms that some people have when they get Covid 19. Tucker and I aren't saying Covid isn't important enough to be very cautious. But, you know Tucker. He would find a way to have fun if stuck in the house day after day. So, let's think of things to do that show we are brave, strong, and healthy under the illness. </p><p>1. Draw a picture of what you might look like with one of these childhood diseases.</p><p>2. You and some friends have a movie date by Zooming your group and tuning into the same movie.</p><p>3. Today, there are vaccinations so people don't get these illnesses. If you could eat your favorite food and make the illness go away, what ten foods would you hope were on the list?</p><p>4. Gramma would have prayed with Tucker for healing. Write a prayer of your own for you and your friends and family to heal.</p><p>5. Write the words to Old MacDonald had a Farm that describe you conquering one of the illnesses. Here is the one I wrote:</p><p><span> Oh, </span>Dr. Rapp had the mumps.</p><p><span> </span>E-I-E-I-O!</p><p><span> </span>And on the mump, she had a bump,</p><p><span> </span>E-I-E-I-O!</p><p><span> </span>With a lump bump here</p><p><span> </span>and a lump bump there,</p><p><span> </span>Here a lump,</p><p><span> </span>There a bump,</p><p><span> </span>Both her jaws had a lump bump.</p><p><span> </span>Dr. Rapp, she had the mumps,</p><p><span> </span>E-I-E-I-O!</p><p><span> </span>And on the lump, she had a spot,</p><p><span> </span>E-I-E-I-O!</p><p><span> </span>With a bump spot here</p><p><span> </span>And a bump spot there,</p><p><span> </span>Here a bump.</p><p><span> </span>There a spot,</p><p><span> </span>Everywhere a bump spot,</p><p><span> </span>Dr. Rapp, she had the mumps,</p><p><span> </span>E-I-E-I-O!</p><p><span> </span>And on the spot, there was a freckle,</p><p><span> </span>E-I-E-I-O!</p><p><span> </span>With a freckled spot here</p><p><span> </span>And a freckled spot there,</p><p><span> </span>Here a spot,</p><p><span> </span>There a spot,</p><p><span> </span>Everywhere a freckled spot.</p><p><span> </span>Dr. Rapp, she had the mumps,</p><p><span> </span>E-I-E-I-O!</p><p>Remember, stay home, sleep often, drink a lot of water, and do as your doctor prescribes. While at home, read, do any assigned homework, and watch videos that make you laugh. Have a lot of fun. Many years ago, research showed that laughter helped your body to heal. Giggle your way to health.</p><p>Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.</p><p>Copyright 2022 Doris Gaines Rapp</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><br />Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-496975650564789122021-10-31T15:03:00.000-07:002021-10-31T15:03:14.651-07:00The Haunted House<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcjmXvxG2P6SNjdYcd2pVdI9zhujoaC1i-MnjNMqw9m07QdTQS8Y8eFRTA95slg74CignYHH41T5GwtKVVgYz8jOhhAbh_G8u2nhiKrdHUZwnBXmUPU10ewHC1ma9vKZRBkHF4iB_PNoL4kmVvHGqR03EbIh2qsXSo1GexQXJmfeOiFuV4fbLZSCbV=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcjmXvxG2P6SNjdYcd2pVdI9zhujoaC1i-MnjNMqw9m07QdTQS8Y8eFRTA95slg74CignYHH41T5GwtKVVgYz8jOhhAbh_G8u2nhiKrdHUZwnBXmUPU10ewHC1ma9vKZRBkHF4iB_PNoL4kmVvHGqR03EbIh2qsXSo1GexQXJmfeOiFuV4fbLZSCbV=w164-h123" width="164" /></a> In<i> Tucker's Perfect Day</i>, Tucker and his friends enjoy Beggars' Night in various spooky ways. Many people have told me about the haunted house they went through one Halloween.</div></div><p></p><p>As a child, I never went into such a menagerie of scary rooms. My father didn't permit my sister and me to experience events intended to deliberately frighten us. I didn't see a horror film until I was in college. In the community I grew up in, Beggars' Night was the 30th of September. Halloween was on the 31st. "Good" children didn't venture out on Halloween. That was when pranksters played tricks and destroyed property.</p><p>However, the day after Halloween, my friends at school would tell me about the haunted house they inched through. I found their stories fascinating. As readers reminded me of those rooms full of spiderwebs, dripping imitation blood, headless figures, eerie music, and ghosts that jumped out of closets, I wondered if any of you have ever gone through a haunted house. </p><p>If you have a special, unique experience of Halloween, let me know. I'll share it on the blog.</p><p>For me, Halloween is a time to enjoy family and community. It's a time to laugh, let your heart pound a little faster, and grab someone's hand for safety. It's clear crisp air, caramel-covered apples, and little Snickers candy bars. </p><p>Join Tucker as he enjoys late October 1947 by reading <i>Tucker's Perfect Day.</i></p><p>Doris Gaines Rapp</p><p><br /></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-14853833772010764302021-10-28T17:46:00.003-07:002021-10-28T17:51:02.882-07:00How We Spend Halloween<p>👻 Tucker McBride had an exciting evening on Halloween 1947 in my book, <i>Tucker's Perfect Day</i>. His hours were full from the time school got out, until those stinking, slimy boys finally slunk home.</p><p>I asked readers to tell me about their Halloween evening. I have permission to add these here. If you have autumn activities you have enjoyed and are willing to share, email me or respond to my Facebook post.</p><p>I received word from two people from the United States on how they spent Halloween. Both said they love the crisp air of fall and talking to other ghosts and goblins in costumes.</p><p>One of those who shared their Halloween excitement told me about autumn fun even before Beggars' Night. Some churches and other organizations in their town have events called Trick-or-Trunk. Members of the church or club line their cars up in the parking lot with their trunks open. Parents bring their costumed children so they can select their favorite candy in a safe place. </p><p>Another woman explained that their church did not celebrate Halloween. In its place, the congregation opens the fellowship hall for a Harvest Party. Everyone plays games and participates in line dancing. They have hotdogs, chips, cupcakes and take home a small treat bag full of candy. Their harvest was plentiful.</p><p>On our street, homeowners gather on their front porch, driveway, or front yard and talk to all the wonderful kids dressed in whatever Halloween costumes their parents helped them put together. The evening air is so clear, you can hear conversations several houses down. A wave and "Hello" to those across the street, knit the community together.</p><p>Halloween can be celebrated in many ways. If you have another good evening to share, let me know and I'll post your idea. Enjoy the evening.</p><p>Doris Gaines Rapp</p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-29081145900256341082021-10-25T13:52:00.000-07:002021-10-25T13:52:57.882-07:00Halloween Activities in 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtofJt9ktwnaVg35jePP71jO90gNVj2WiFEBErsTLX4PS7PiaUYVwwCz_H2VWG2RwnDIxxNm68gMxzpGpp2sE0R9WCAoajmmEuwFq2jYBIeFUqy7WcIXsOpXT5GatSSz5z72hNLMHjwm0DBC1OpnM1h3CPhpc_5Yy2l1npZOR40H-jdUK_XQD8iiNs=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1153" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtofJt9ktwnaVg35jePP71jO90gNVj2WiFEBErsTLX4PS7PiaUYVwwCz_H2VWG2RwnDIxxNm68gMxzpGpp2sE0R9WCAoajmmEuwFq2jYBIeFUqy7WcIXsOpXT5GatSSz5z72hNLMHjwm0DBC1OpnM1h3CPhpc_5Yy2l1npZOR40H-jdUK_XQD8iiNs=w122-h218" width="122" /></a> Tucker McBride had a wonderful Beggars' Night on Halloween 1947. Tucker and his friends participated in an apple-bobbing contest in the church parking lot, went through a corn maze, and experienced a few pranks. Read <i>Tucker's Perfect Day </i>to get the full enjoyment of the season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What would your perfect Halloween day be like? If you can think of something Tucker didn't do, email me at dorisgainesrapp@gmail.com and I'll share it on this blog. Or respond to this post on Facebook and share your ideas with others. I would love to post them here. If you post your ideas on my FB page between now and Halloween, I will copy and paste them here. What fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy your Halloween 2021 and stay safe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Doris Gaines Rapp</div><br /><p></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-69023335859551403402021-10-10T09:37:00.000-07:002021-10-10T09:37:15.795-07:00Halloween in 1947<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJeLhlXUkQkS4-dbRbB0Pg9VVAiHgE4Uu7Cto1BBRoXi-bzYhTgGHOK6ZbUJsR1T7M1Go1exq6ZB34k_DtbVQWVmG_tXyNKbHWXHPNmhN9KcqZwYlvQ_iTcPYYTZRXnrBcYLuLA8C3zg/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJeLhlXUkQkS4-dbRbB0Pg9VVAiHgE4Uu7Cto1BBRoXi-bzYhTgGHOK6ZbUJsR1T7M1Go1exq6ZB34k_DtbVQWVmG_tXyNKbHWXHPNmhN9KcqZwYlvQ_iTcPYYTZRXnrBcYLuLA8C3zg/w85-h131/image.png" width="85" /></a> In book three, Tucker's Perfect Day, it's Halloween time. Oh, the stuff Tucker got into. You'll just have to read the book to find out the fun he had on Beggars' Night. You can get Tucker's Perfect Day on Amazon, Barnes&Noble.com, and other online booksellers.</div><p></p><p>Gramma saw autumn differently. It was harvest season, a time to prepare for winter and the upcoming holidays. She also filtered each day through the lens of her Bible and the teachings of Jesus. I thought you might like to add some words to the treats you and our family pass out on Halloween.</p><p>You can use computer templates for business cards, or simple paper you trim to size. Create a nice greeting and type it into the computer for your cards. Perhaps you will want to use one that I created.</p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> Example 1:<span> </span>You don't have to trick me.</span><br /></p><p><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>God's love and my treat are free.</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Example 2:<span> God blesses the harvest</span></span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> and the plantings we start.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> For what we create</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Reflects Christ in our hearts.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p>You can decorate the cards with fall stickers and pass them out along with the sweet treats. You might come up with something more to your liking. You have time to get it done. Have fun with it.</p><p>Doris</p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><br /></span></span></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-60037186564860187502021-10-08T14:05:00.001-07:002021-10-09T06:03:47.711-07:00An Additional Blog<p> As I post on this blog about things that were part of Tucker's life, I often mention Gramma. Tucker's grandmother was a little woman, only 4 ft 10 1/2 inches tall. But her love was huge and her wisdom large. As a psychologist turned author, people ask me questions about parenting, grandparenting, and other issues. Today, I created the blog, Talk is Good for What Bothers You. This is your opportunity to Follow the blog, send your question by email, and if your question is chosen, I'll answer by posting on the blog. Josie Davis Gaines will help with these answers and postings.</p><p>Go to https://www.talkisgoodforwhatbothersyou.com, click follow and ask a question.</p><p>Let's talk.</p><p>Doris</p><p> </p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-43441340575861480312021-09-21T15:31:00.002-07:002021-09-21T15:31:49.538-07:00Investigate the World Around You<p>Hello, my friends. I'm sorry we have not met recently. As you know, I have just finished the third in my Tucker McBride trilogy, <i>Tucker's Perfect Day.</i> It is now available at amazon and other online booksellers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ45Gtoxf3ytU2SWNcapQMgkh68voj2opWZadLeuKaxuoXC8mxCOMRbZuP_RcS11VLGbMl2YhOq5ehjJpj3QjT0hJA0TRKVpmXoUmPbYO1-TjZMghLe9mMDp0NfHYL_iWapZEOQq9f7f8/s2048/Tucker%2527sPerfectDayLargeTHMB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1326" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ45Gtoxf3ytU2SWNcapQMgkh68voj2opWZadLeuKaxuoXC8mxCOMRbZuP_RcS11VLGbMl2YhOq5ehjJpj3QjT0hJA0TRKVpmXoUmPbYO1-TjZMghLe9mMDp0NfHYL_iWapZEOQq9f7f8/w74-h116/Tucker%2527sPerfectDayLargeTHMB.jpg" width="74" /></a></div><p></p><p>You have all begun your 2021-22 school year by now. Isn't learning fun?!</p><p>Learning is an everyday experience, not just during school hours. Be curious. Ask questions. Look information up on a computer or at the library. </p><p>Tucker didn't have a computer, but he was a community detective on everything he saw or dug up.</p><p>Have your family plan your own field trips. During routine activities around town, make an information-seeking event out of it.</p><p>1. If a parent takes the car in for oil change or repair, ask to go along. Look under the hood or check what's under the car.</p><p>2. Ask the person at the dry cleaners if they will show you how to get wrinkles out of pants using their big press.</p><p>3. Check out how they print the local newspaper. When I was a child, they printed the Dayton Daily News on huge printing presses in front of floor-to-ceiling windows.</p><p>4. History museums, Art galleries, community history displays, even sports games can be learning opportunities through discussion.</p><p>5. Parents, listen to your children. Enhance their knowledge in the things the <i>child</i> is interested.</p><p>Now, look at a map of your area. Make a list of places of interest around you. Have a family meeting and decide which of the locations to visit first. Schedule the other activities for future dates. On many websites, you can wander around inside the Whitehouse or a favorite Zoo. For a new fable I'm writing, I investigated the rooms of Buckingham Palace online.</p><p>Have fun with learning. It is a lifelong privilege.</p><p><br /></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-17076177555131327912021-07-18T19:28:00.001-07:002021-07-18T19:28:26.455-07:00 What Did Grandpa and Grandma Do?<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5JwgLOSLHoLWqf1k-VcKIy4Tl-5ltw6UhZiqYWEmnLvJEFGdjgkG5H7xRZfuC5buoBd1SOllqnvJaRr39S0NZxOzdJjrjvlVh2wje8PbblEbSctNlXjmzdcBBuaEr-9gKtER2BtdvRQ/s945/RR+Nails+1+20210718_213903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="945" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5JwgLOSLHoLWqf1k-VcKIy4Tl-5ltw6UhZiqYWEmnLvJEFGdjgkG5H7xRZfuC5buoBd1SOllqnvJaRr39S0NZxOzdJjrjvlVh2wje8PbblEbSctNlXjmzdcBBuaEr-9gKtER2BtdvRQ/w130-h129/RR+Nails+1+20210718_213903.jpg" width="130" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tucker’s
grandfather was the foreman of a bridge crew on the New York Central railroad
back at the turn of the century. Works would have hammered these to railroad
nails into place in 1923 and 1925. See the dates on the ends? Tucker’s other
grandfather owned a dredger. He dug out lake areas, rivers, and waterways that
require more depth for safe navigation. Both grandmothers were homemakers, a
usual occupation for women in the years before World War III. I purchased the
nails for Tucker to remind him of his grandparents.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Tucker was
fortunate to have lived with his grandparents to get the stories of family
members who had gone before them. He can name his great-grandparents and
great-great-grandparents. He knows what kind of work they did and where they
lived.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sit down
with your grandparents and talk about their work, talents, and joys. They can
tell you about their parents and grandparents. You may find interesting people
in your historic family. Perhaps a grandMOTHER was a doctor, lawyer, inventor,
business owner – someone who was courageous enough to work far beyond what
society expected. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Find a place
to put it and always put it back there. I talked to my Aunt Ollie about the
early family in America, then we moved, and then we moved again. I lost
information about my family tree. Luckily, the Fort Wayne, Indiana Public Library
has a respected genealogy section.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal">What kinds of things could you collect that would remind you
of your ancestors? Have fun by making a display of your railroad nails or other
keepsakes. You could also make a shadow box for the pieces. In a few weeks,
I’ll be able to post a cluster of items to represent my newest book – <em><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Tucker’s
Perfect Day.</em><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
What kinds of things could you collect that would remind you of your ancestors?
Have fun by making a display of them, or a shadow box. In a few weeks, I’ll be
able to post a cluster of items to represent my newest book – <i>Tucker’s
Perfect Day. </i>Watch for the book in early September. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Doris</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Copyright 2021 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.</span></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-63637429278170330762021-07-06T08:01:00.003-07:002021-07-06T08:01:36.859-07:00You Can Get er Done<p>Tucker saw the 4th of July as halfway through the summer. That meant school started after Labor Day, 1947, in Indiana. It was hard for Tucker to give up the freedom of finding new places to investigate, or spending all day at the gladiola farm up the road, helping to weed the rows of bulbs. Since he got the Model A Ford from Old Noah Domonick, that meant he could roam even farther. Even though he was thirteen and had no driver's license, that didn't keep him off the country roads and neighborhood streets. School? Tucker figured that would only slow him down. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy0LeDyRT7IVFC_1LrSmgxj_3r6sV7HPCWdpVNpvW8qQgBhFAv-6_l5RND3OFvHBXCc68EQD__8jhPB8Ne9WukKhZV_zi7YHnEqONLJSEQSoi84Mt-nK6PxN7DfXD6MEjl550X79RRXc/s2026/MODEL+A+%252B+puff+THIS+20210622_174524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="2026" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy0LeDyRT7IVFC_1LrSmgxj_3r6sV7HPCWdpVNpvW8qQgBhFAv-6_l5RND3OFvHBXCc68EQD__8jhPB8Ne9WukKhZV_zi7YHnEqONLJSEQSoi84Mt-nK6PxN7DfXD6MEjl550X79RRXc/w114-h54/MODEL+A+%252B+puff+THIS+20210622_174524.jpg" width="114" /></a></div><p></p><p>"Gramma, I don't think I can do this?" Tucker drooped along through the dining room and into the kitchen. </p><p>His grandmother was pouring herself a glass of lemonade. "Would you like some, Tucker? And, what is this thing that you can't do?"</p><p>"Sure, I'll have some." Tucker leaned his elbow on the kitchen counter. "I just don't see how I'll have the time for school."</p><p>"Oh, ya?" she asked in her Pennsylvania Dutch way. "What are you so busy with?"</p><p>"Things, Gramma. Lots of things. I help Butch Randolf at the gas station for one."</p><p>"That is always nice, Tucker," Gramma said with a smile. "But school isn't an option. You will go to school. You can do it. God will help you find things at school you like."</p><p>Tucker answered immediately. "I like my friends and sports, baseball and basketball."</p><p>Gramma sipped her lemonade. "Then make the time you spend with friends and enjoying sports a reward for getting your schoolwork done. God will help you. Remember your Sunday school teacher's Bible verse from last Sunday? Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."</p><p>Tucker gulped down some cold drink and burst out. "I know. Mrs. Kline reminded me, I can do all things."</p><p>"Nein, Tucker." Gramma sat down at the dining room table. "<i>You</i> can not do all things. It means, if you are doing the will of God, you can do all he wants you to do with the help of Jesus."</p><p>Tucker finished off the rest of his lemonade. "I get it. That means school, too."</p><p style="text-align: center;">.........</p><p>That is what Tucker figured out a few days after Independence Day. What things do you need help doing? Are they good and right things, things that help others? Are they within your corner of the world? Or, do you believe you have to fly a thousand miles away to help someone? </p><p>Gramma would say... "Just like the garden, grow where you're planted."</p><p>School can be fun when you ask God to point out the fun things you find every day... friends, sports, activities, or that special class that is so interesting you search Google for more information about the topic. Less grumbling leaves more time and space for fun. You can get er done.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-91655483394737102342021-06-28T11:27:00.002-07:002021-06-28T11:27:52.397-07:00Celebrate Summer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWtRBUNjF9qAq63h7OGarGABCKX8jFvYCaLbwQckQlgfHjQZYy8KBtOOvaVgOmIk5tQjNPaP25wTEkt3A6SqR3S8VWW87gMxYlh72GlmR9zA43tTlIl_8z4AhRGYcOgmkSDdI1NtPGl4/s1453/Fireworks+20200704_222045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="1041" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWtRBUNjF9qAq63h7OGarGABCKX8jFvYCaLbwQckQlgfHjQZYy8KBtOOvaVgOmIk5tQjNPaP25wTEkt3A6SqR3S8VWW87gMxYlh72GlmR9zA43tTlIl_8z4AhRGYcOgmkSDdI1NtPGl4/w88-h123/Fireworks+20200704_222045.jpg" width="88" /></a></div><br />In the United States, we celebrate our country's Independence on the Fourth of July. We have yummy family picnics of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, potato salad, and cookies decorated in red, white, and blue icing. At sundown, the community provides an explosive fireworks display. <p></p><p>Tucker loved every opportunity to get together with family and friends. In the first book, <i>Tucker McBride, </i>a special guest came into the backyard on the fourth. </p><p>Who would you want to attend a summer party at your house? What is unique about them? What activities would you plan? What would you remember to tell them?</p><p>One activity people enjoyed in Tucker's childhood was croquet. Players drove wooden balls through a course of metal U-shaped points called wickets from one end of the yard to the other. The mallet and ball are colored to match, so each player recognizes their own ball.</p><p>As a child, I'd fly out the front door after lunch, hitting only a few of the steps to the driveway and across to the side yard where the croquet game stood ready every summer day. Neighbor friends would gather for a round. Sometimes, even the boy down the street would drop his bicycle at the edge of the yard. He'd stroll into the yard, select a mallet from the equipment stand, and join in a game. He was three or four years older, so it seemed a privilege that an older boy would take time to play a game with my friends and me. </p><p>On the fourth, we'd join cousins, aunts, and uncles at Old River, the company park for the NCR. The evening fireworks were the best in town. </p><p>It's your turn. Write about your special summer day. I'd love to see some of your ideas.</p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-70222043470782697282021-06-18T06:42:00.000-07:002021-06-18T06:42:23.431-07:00Oh, The Places We Might Go<p>We just returned from a trip to Houston, Texas. We saw no
cowboys riding the range of America’s southwest, or huge cattle drives like
Tucker would imagine. We drove out west to enjoy our family and to attend a wedding.</p><p>In Tucker’s day, Grandpop didn’t drive. He stepped on the train as it slowed near his home and took him to work, building and repairing railroad bridges.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvx8cuen9XKW4cXJu-z8pGNkh3VGp5MPAgGD-o6OD_YU_Zn-9M0mHPqpY6ezUP4dDwuU5EXtayY9LV9DSUP9xiHgV4vTQtsUas32pFygLxDSbsHVx4AJBD-5kt7mSsfbtSuWjACSDV1KQ/s1313/Tucker+McBride%2527s+Many+Lives+THMBNAIL+%2528THIS+ONE%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="863" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvx8cuen9XKW4cXJu-z8pGNkh3VGp5MPAgGD-o6OD_YU_Zn-9M0mHPqpY6ezUP4dDwuU5EXtayY9LV9DSUP9xiHgV4vTQtsUas32pFygLxDSbsHVx4AJBD-5kt7mSsfbtSuWjACSDV1KQ/w95-h145/Tucker+McBride%2527s+Many+Lives+THMBNAIL+%2528THIS+ONE%2529.jpg" width="95" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">A road trip for him and Gramma was impossible unless someone
else did the driving. But remember, Grandpop worked for that railroad for many
years. When he retired, along with his pension, the railroad company gave him a
train pass for two. He could take Gramma anyplace the railroad tracks went. It
was like a golden ticket to interesting places they had never been.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even though they could ride the rails from one end of the
line to the other, it was hard for them to get away. They had Tucker and his
two sisters at home to care for. Tucker’s brother Tim, was older and eventually
in the Marines. Still, with a house-full still at home, they rarely traveled.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you had that magical railroad pass to go anywhere you
wanted to go, where would you travel? You could look up the major railroad
companies and see where their tracks go. What cities would you see? What
activities and attractions would be outside your train window or just beyond
the railroad station? Plan a wonderful trip for yourself and your family or
friends.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Or imagine that the railroad tracks went anywhere and
everywhere you want to go. Draw pictures and write descriptions of everything
you would like to see along the way. Perhaps your imaginary train could fly. You
could take your entire family with you. Think of the places you could go, the
people you would meet, and the things you would see. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Create pieces of art that tell the story of your travels.
Write descriptions about your drawings. Keep them safe. Someday, you might
really take many trips, on the railroad tracks of your dreams. <o:p></o:p></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-34366239545225592132021-05-25T11:44:00.000-07:002021-05-25T11:44:40.670-07:00In Memory Of ...<p>In the United States, Monday, May 31 is Memorial Day. It's a day set aside to remember those who have died while serving in the military. In other countries that follow this blog, I imagine you have days to remember those in your country who have fallen in wars. If you don't have a national holiday, families will remember their loved ones in their own way.</p><p>Tucker's family had a flag Uncle Jacob would run up the flagpole. In 1947, when Tucker was young, the American flag only had 48 stars. The stars represent the number of states in the United States. Do you know which two states were added to our union after that? Do a little research. Google the names of the states to find the last two. Find out a little about them: location, climate, special activities, where the people work.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5WJsxWZ5znSeH1zzNQKbzZJy0Dt9lLfKoBUPqK6VpoQ_sQwCv_8GsQWdOwa4MfHh8RaLBlb5Z4ttRdXdo9hfd_b85ftT0CVN_N4YV8igURGShGZLwdvUV2SidFhsDD8gfnNc9TYPjRw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="177" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5WJsxWZ5znSeH1zzNQKbzZJy0Dt9lLfKoBUPqK6VpoQ_sQwCv_8GsQWdOwa4MfHh8RaLBlb5Z4ttRdXdo9hfd_b85ftT0CVN_N4YV8igURGShGZLwdvUV2SidFhsDD8gfnNc9TYPjRw/w157-h92/image.png" width="157" /></a></div><p><br /></p>If you are joining this blog from Europe or Southeast Asia, research the meaning of your nation's flag. Ask your family who they remember at this time of year. Do you hang out a flag?<p></p><p>Our activity for this weekend will be to design a flag that represents the activities you enjoy. If you have a special person you want to remember, add symbols that reflect their activities and talents to your flag. If you have a scrap material box someplace in your home. you can sew a cloth flag that completes that design you created on paper about yourself and/or your loved one. Hang the cloth one outside with the nation's flag. </p><p>Many churches display the American flag and the Christian flag. There are pledges for each. Perhaps you can create written words too, that describe your personal flag.</p><p>Enjoy your days, every one of them. The Indianapolis 500 car race is also this weekend. Maybe you want to include your favorite car on your flag. Have fun with it. There is never a correct answer in creative activities. There is your answer and my answer. Though different, both are correct.</p><p>Happy Memorial Day Weekend. You have time to create something to make your day even more exciting.</p><p>Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.</p><p>Copyright 2021 Doris Gaines Rapp</p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-59027299072253492842021-05-17T17:01:00.002-07:002022-09-13T17:11:02.312-07:00Sew a Good Seam<p>Did you ever reach up to make a basket in the driveway and split the seam under your arm? That's happened to all of us. </p><p>Tucker's Gramma mended and made clothes for her children and grandchildren when they were little. She taught Tucker to mend a seam and sew on a button by hand. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8h7LefFGFNR1I8aVGRkE5oZoT2ap9rYO2SpvfM6DDFzkbaWPZ635JuYFTmIQjd3lmS4ta49A5iEU5f7jpF09QKlyRfbHiqW3pI0r_TLYSdkk8uDqGUX4XDg7JWOIUQq1ALJ9kEsEeIvE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="68" data-original-width="91" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8h7LefFGFNR1I8aVGRkE5oZoT2ap9rYO2SpvfM6DDFzkbaWPZ635JuYFTmIQjd3lmS4ta49A5iEU5f7jpF09QKlyRfbHiqW3pI0r_TLYSdkk8uDqGUX4XDg7JWOIUQq1ALJ9kEsEeIvE/w193-h144/image.png" width="193" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I describe how a treadle machine works in my book, <i>Tucker McBride's Perfect Day</i>.</div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's not electric. The power to make the machine sew comes when you pump the treadle, located at the bottom, with your feet. The needle goes up and down, connecting the upper thread with the second thread in the bobbin under the needle.</div></blockquote><p>When I was very young, my mother had a treadle machine. As an elementary school child, I'd sit on an old kitchen chair in front of the machine, check the bobbin to make sure it was wound with thread, put a spool of thread on the spindle at the top of the machine, and guide the thread through the ins and outs of the machine as I made doll clothes. Mother's treadle machine was the same on which my great-grandmother sewed my grandma's baby clothes. </p><p>Your family may not have a sewing machine. That's okay. You can still repair a small tear or rip in a seam. All you need is a needle and thread. Here is a link to a video on how to put in a hem, sew on a button, sew a seam, and other types of hand sewing. Copy and paste it into your search engine.</p><p> https://www.google.com/search?q=demonstratioin+on+how+to+hand+sew&ei=ns6iYN_eKYzdtQaV0YbIAQ&oq=demonstratioin+on+how+to+hand+sew&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMyCAghEBYQHRAeMggIIRAWEB0QHjIICCEQFhAdEB4yCAghEBYQHRAeMggIIRAWEB0QHjIICCEQFhAdEB4yCAghEBYQHRAeMggIIRAWEB0QHjoICAAQ6gIQjwE6CAguEJECEJMCOgUIABCRAjoOCC4QsQMQgwEQxwEQowI6CwguELEDEMcBEKMCOggIABCxAxCDAToFCAAQsQM6BAgjECc6CAguEMcBEKMCOgcILhCxAxBDOgQIABBDOgUILhCxAzoKCAAQsQMQgwEQQzoICC4QxwEQrwE6BwgAELEDEEM6BwgAELEDEAo6CggAELEDEEYQ-QE6AggAOgcIABCxAxANOgQIABANOgYIABAWEB46BggAEA0QHjoICAAQCBANEB46BQgAEIYDUJuSygRY-dzKBGCO4coEaAFwAngAgAHHAogB0x2SAQkxNS4xOC4wLjGYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6sAEJwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz&ved=0ahUKEwjfpZPqw9HwAhWMbs0KHZWoARkQ4dUDCA4&uact=5#kpvalbx=_LPSiYLT8Jtq4tAbJtI3gDA40 </p><p>Long, isn't it? Be careful. You might prick your finger with the needle. Little pricks are part of living a full life. If a tiny prick is all it takes to walk around with your skin shining through your torn seam, then you will walk around hanging out for all the world to see for the rest of your life. </p><p>I was so excited when I made a little gold satin dress for my doll. You can have fun too. </p><p>Be a designer or at least a tailor who repairs a garment. Ask Mom for some fabric from an old shirt. Make something that pleases you. Enjoy life by jumping in and taking care of yourself. You can do it.</p><p>Doris</p><p>Copyright 2021 Doris Gaines Rapp</p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-44642546351772136582021-05-07T15:08:00.001-07:002021-05-07T15:08:39.500-07:00Mother's Day - Happy Day<p>Sunday is Mother's Day. Tucker and his brother and two sisters were reared by their grandparents. Tucker was a baby when his mother died. A family consists of one or two parents, grandparents, an aunt or uncle, a foster parent, or who God gave you to love. How do you want to celebrate the care they gave you on their special day?</p><p>Tucker might have picked flowers from the yard, made a bowl full of tapioca, helped Gramma run the sweeper, or made a special project. You can put together an envelope with a few self-made coupons. Your mom can select a coupon for that day, like "I will do the supper dishes for you." Perhaps you can do something like Tucker and make something for the "mother" who loves you.</p><p>You might ask her if she has some old costume jewelry, or a button box full of fancy shapes and colors. Ask her if she has some spare yarn or a shoelace she isn't going to use. String a few beads onto the yarn, or remake a broken pin into a necklace. A new, stronger thread for a string of fake pearls can make an attractive new piece. Whatever you use, get permission first, so you don't destroy a favorite necklace by mistake.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3PUAspShdWROtKOi-1xj7x6N7n455ZTL8oZIlS1huBzdbaIsLEpIbUzJmQNGVBHloODqx8CepyvPkVUPaKcGh0PDZapV5-_nTMX-D2tPQNc3tI82mGB725oXygzKtMYz3PWhr4EG45Q/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="501" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3PUAspShdWROtKOi-1xj7x6N7n455ZTL8oZIlS1huBzdbaIsLEpIbUzJmQNGVBHloODqx8CepyvPkVUPaKcGh0PDZapV5-_nTMX-D2tPQNc3tI82mGB725oXygzKtMYz3PWhr4EG45Q/" width="145" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I took an old ring and a cross necklace and put them together with a bail to create a new piece of jewelry I first described in one of my books - Just in Time (a Murder, She Bogged book).</p><p>Enjoy what you are making and be proud of your work when you give it as a gift. Mothers of all types love the work of their children's hands. Your whole family will enjoy the day.</p><p>Doris</p><p>Copyright 2021 Doris Gaines Rapp</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-76008389648955243452021-05-01T18:14:00.003-07:002022-09-13T16:39:11.663-07:00The Vebetable Garden<p>In Indiana, Gramma would finally begin to see some of her vegetables peek out of the spring ground. The seed catalog would be put away in Uncle Jacob's stack of magazines on the over-loaded desk in the entry hall. Tucker rarely got into Uncle Jacob's things. His uncle was like an awakened bear when his things were moved. </p><p>Grandpop did the planting. He got up early every day. So morning planting was not a problem. Although most of the time, weeding the garden was Tucker and his sister Betsy's job. By now, the hand plow would have been substituted for a hoe or two. </p><p>The family loved most vegetables like the ones in the picture. In the summer, Tucker would pull a carrot out of the ground, wipe it off under his arm, and bite off a delicious, crunchy bite.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtF4qBVCu9Yv_13VeiLfvDytvxKThP6bWqmpc3XsApVxqpa_PG5cwBxCcoCafrg2mpoaZAbIeRRIhvJHeCMw3nzqynT_JtMc8oh8nnT8NEL4L22yWsrOnD_Oja-5gbPo43SK5GdCpD1M/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtF4qBVCu9Yv_13VeiLfvDytvxKThP6bWqmpc3XsApVxqpa_PG5cwBxCcoCafrg2mpoaZAbIeRRIhvJHeCMw3nzqynT_JtMc8oh8nnT8NEL4L22yWsrOnD_Oja-5gbPo43SK5GdCpD1M/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>In our town, there's a community garden. Those who want to participate have a space to plant whatever vegetables their family enjoys. Perhaps you don't plant a garden. But you could still have fun with it.<p></p><p>Draw various vegetables you would plant in your garden on paper. Google the major vitamins in each one and add that to the picture - rows of tomatoes, corn stalks, and cabbage.</p><p>My grandmother was the president of the Garden Club in a town in Ohio. Her garden planting wasn't complete until she added a row of flowers on the outer edge of the garden, facing the street. A well-balanced, colorful planting was especially important to a well-balanced life.</p><p>Enjoy planning and drawing your garden. Get your hand in God's dark soil, and you will grow the peace He offers.</p><p>Doris</p><p>Copyright 2021 Doris Gaines Rapp</p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-9880267173549584252021-04-21T16:27:00.002-07:002022-09-13T16:27:12.677-07:00Family Treasures<p>This morning, I put a dish in the cabinet of our dry sink and thought of you. I wondered if you have things that came down through your family. Perhaps you have your great-grandma's rag doll, your grandpa's electric train, an old rocking chair, or some fancy dishes. They're treasures, aren't they? Do you know where they came from? I know where the dry sink came from. I also described it in my novel, <i>Tucker McBride</i>.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisAjG_1pl1BZanTfq6IVAIy4yWDluIL1LJGGlrsgkEsEzQeLMhQRljEhjmgLjFZFyNVo9zRFpXF877KTfs86CTcXXwS4vUKWfT8ReyU3K8iMDlkdT8FOTOCm7D8CV1wWoYuEhwVDLeKU/s2048/Dry+Sink+20200706_183353.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisAjG_1pl1BZanTfq6IVAIy4yWDluIL1LJGGlrsgkEsEzQeLMhQRljEhjmgLjFZFyNVo9zRFpXF877KTfs86CTcXXwS4vUKWfT8ReyU3K8iMDlkdT8FOTOCm7D8CV1wWoYuEhwVDLeKU/w141-h187/Dry+Sink+20200706_183353.jpg" width="141" /></a></p><div><div>My husband's great-grandmother gave her daughter, Gramma in <i>Tucker McBride</i>, the dry sink before the family moved west. The piece of kitchen furniture came into Roanoke, Indiana from Pennsylvania on the Erie Canal. The family picked it up at Lock 4, in Roanoke. The Lock, made of wood, was numbered Lock 1 in 1833. It was the first Lock west of the summit level of the Wabash and Erie Canal. The summit is the connecting point where the feeder would meet the Wabash and Erie Canal mainline<span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14px;">.</span> The Wabash and Erie Canal was a dredged-out waterway to connect Lake Erie with the Ohio River and ended at the Gulf of Mexico. The locks were opened or closed to raise or lower the water level so the canal boats could float along. Lock 1 was changed to Lock 4, Dickey Lock, when they completed the Ohio line in 1840.</div><div><br /></div><div>In using the dry sink, Gramma would fill a large teakettle at a water pump in the yard or the kitchen. Then, she'd place the kettle on a stove burner and bring the water to a boil. She would fill a dishpan with the hot water and place the pan in the dry sink so the dinner dishes could be washed. Another pan held rinse water for the dishes before they were dried by hand with a hand embroidery tea towel hanging on a nearby hook. Today, kids and some adults complain about putting the dishes in the dishwasher. Wow-what weaklings.</div><div><br /></div><div>In my dining room here at home, I put two kerosene lamps on top of the sink that came from my family's past. Do you have items that have been in your family for many years? Some people still have family pictures of grandparents, aunts, and uncles from years past. Some have special Christmas ornaments that hung on their great-grandparents' Christmas trees. Great-grandpa's baby spoon, worth $2.50, is treasured like a jewel because it was his.</div><div><br /></div><div>Think about the teapot, quilt, large carpenter's hammer, or any other items that are in the closet or on the top shelf. Draw a picture of the family treasure or take a picture. Google the item and research how it was used. Talk to your family and find out what work your family did and how the item played a part in their work or in their home. Learn who your people were. They are a part of who you are now. Meet your family. Have fun with your research.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Dr. Rapp</div><div>Copyright 2021 Doris Gaines Rapp</div>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-49916311956145033092021-04-20T11:52:00.002-07:002021-04-20T11:52:45.561-07:00Make it Your Own<p style="text-align: center;">Gramma decided to use a Hot Cross Bun recipe to make some special dinner rolls. However, she changed the recipe a little. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">It's fun to make a recipe your own just like Gramma did. You can even take the simplest recipe and change it a little. A roll of packaged biscuits can be iced with your favorite icing. Or, you could sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. You could melt mint chips on top of break-apart chocolate chip cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. Chop up some bananas and dip the chunks in chocolate. Apple pieces slathered with peanut butter are good.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJMWebfbZD2_oKgoXKsGdVil0sWWWD13oCiUV-eXPBiREv8ROh2H8RUcMZ27T5kYdDrp9_NPXgkIQm3N62yN23qw9TiW6xvmzA8WDoLuVVpqpyxrXVhJa8s2I6PxNQ7-kY4wDvI2htQQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="574" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJMWebfbZD2_oKgoXKsGdVil0sWWWD13oCiUV-eXPBiREv8ROh2H8RUcMZ27T5kYdDrp9_NPXgkIQm3N62yN23qw9TiW6xvmzA8WDoLuVVpqpyxrXVhJa8s2I6PxNQ7-kY4wDvI2htQQ/" width="291" /></a></div></span></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Gramma knew some in the family didn't like raisins. So, she used another dried fruit in place of the raisins. She cut some dried pineapple into small pieces, the size of raisins. Rather than crosses on the top like she'd make at Easter, she iced them with pineapple icing. The recipe will be in Tucker book-three, <i>Tucker McBride's Perfect Day</i>.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Now it's your turn. Change a favorite recipe and make it your own.</p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-74975367573589710992021-02-12T15:54:00.003-08:002021-02-12T15:54:30.705-08:00Valentine - Shmalentine<p> Sunday is Valentine's day. A valentine card is a picture and a poem. Have some fun and create a funny card to hang on your wall or to send to a friend. </p><p>Now, don't let a rhyming poem frighten you. I'll give you a few couplets to start. Use them or create your own. <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>dog - frog, small - call, tap - snap, sat - hat, day - play, shirt - dirt, camp - stamp, hair - stare.</p><p>For the cover, draw, paint, cut and paste, or create the picture for the outside any way you want to.</p><p>At first, I thought of a cut and paste cover for my book, <i>Tucker McBride. </i>I used a colorful file folder to create a vivid blue for the background. Then, I cut pieces of old Christmas wrappings and construction paper, and pasted them into a possible cover. Let me show you how much fun I had.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMxio7GQe4umt6_6_nRncFEYm5A9eSoiPhqrAb0cY7SVQnoN98yJX1zpDTsmgwcn2CJjdk-wp6YTauuCAYe74qMwg0dR2E7TiuvtcIXjDoMsK6XQrCja-K_DcujQVayH9NBoZqkrFrus/s1841/Valentine+20190331_180017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1841" data-original-width="1428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMxio7GQe4umt6_6_nRncFEYm5A9eSoiPhqrAb0cY7SVQnoN98yJX1zpDTsmgwcn2CJjdk-wp6YTauuCAYe74qMwg0dR2E7TiuvtcIXjDoMsK6XQrCja-K_DcujQVayH9NBoZqkrFrus/s320/Valentine+20190331_180017.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Let's write a Valentine poem that would describe the picture you create. If you get stuck with a word, you can go on Google and type in, <i>words that rhyme with baseball</i> . . . or any other word you are trying to think of an appropriate rhyme. Feel free to use any of the couplets I already suggested. <div><br /></div><div>This is the poem I just created to go with the picture I posted here.<div><br /><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> On my hammock in the sky</span></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Large black birds came flying by.</span></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Thought of you and hoped you'd climb</span></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> To my nest</span><span>, please friend, be mine.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>It's your project. Have fun with it. Create your own. It can't be wrong. It's your creation. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have a very Happy Valentine's Day. <div><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-33113155256835900892021-02-08T10:33:00.001-08:002021-02-08T10:33:22.986-08:00A Dog in the House<p>As you know from reading the first book, <i>Tucker McBride</i>, Gramma used Joe, the war dog, for many things. She sent him across the street to the grocery store with a note and money attached to his collar. The grocer tied a package of hamburger to the leather and Joe brought it safely home.</p><p>The new puppy at our house is smart and learning many new things. We put an old alarm clock on top of her sleeping crate, so she could hear the beat of her momma's heart. Tuckie pushed her tiny paw through an opening in the top and turned on the alarm tab. We were awakened at 4:30 AM that morning. </p><p>Yesterday, my husband helped Tuckie watch the Puppy Bowl, before the Super Bowl. She was fascinated.</p><p>Write a paragraph about something special your dog did and draw a picture that illustrates it. If you don't have a dog, have fun writing a creative paragraph about a smart dog who does clever things. Enjoy yourself. Writing is great fun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G99bv6__SUxloHcB6tNla-9zjQ5gpa1f7WusQBFrAx3NX8eyBzSt2vXy2KtvABB_y0WBaNI5v92YvNsAceUxZwXwU2Y0XBXJFApq0uhJy2TKAQUxyetU2rAOZgBvcvJPX2AH94eGv5g/s2048/Puppy+Bowl+2021+20210207_143238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G99bv6__SUxloHcB6tNla-9zjQ5gpa1f7WusQBFrAx3NX8eyBzSt2vXy2KtvABB_y0WBaNI5v92YvNsAceUxZwXwU2Y0XBXJFApq0uhJy2TKAQUxyetU2rAOZgBvcvJPX2AH94eGv5g/s320/Puppy+Bowl+2021+20210207_143238.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-81048384183572671262020-11-26T14:34:00.002-08:002020-11-26T14:34:54.287-08:00A Black Friday Surprise Makes a Great Gift Project<p> I was out of my small picture book, <i>Lincoln's Christmas Mouse. </i>Each year, I put one in each of our Christmas Box ministry shoeboxes. So, I did what Gramma would have done and made something special. I printed the black and white pictures from the original computer document. The small coloring book I created with binder rings fits perfectly into some child's Christmas joy. The few I ordered will be added to the book spinner I have at Whimzy's in Huntington, and will be available on Black Friday, November 27. (Whimzy - 45 Etna Avenue, Huntington, Indiana)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohx-VyG5yHDMhvKYvk3La7JVTleKzPAwo0Yk5T4W0Qaw1eY7o9N1v4Xb8BZtUxmWk_NbPpeZHNGoAe9oZ8vVT5zJJ_mqPggFEXtjH9piXMIOgvjO48oJbbLKX9mhQZT_PjBkO4EuaUxY/s2048/Lincoln%2527s+Coloring+Cropped+20201124_110131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohx-VyG5yHDMhvKYvk3La7JVTleKzPAwo0Yk5T4W0Qaw1eY7o9N1v4Xb8BZtUxmWk_NbPpeZHNGoAe9oZ8vVT5zJJ_mqPggFEXtjH9piXMIOgvjO48oJbbLKX9mhQZT_PjBkO4EuaUxY/s320/Lincoln%2527s+Coloring+Cropped+20201124_110131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>In this unique year, with unique events, you too may need to create a few unique presents for your unique children. You could make your own coloring book for the children in your life. I created several that will also be available on my book spinner at Whimzy's. </p><p>Decide on a theme. You could use the camera in your cell phone and take a series of pictures of your family pet. I printed mine on tag paper. You may choose a heavy weight printer paper. Next, send them to your computer and change them to black and white. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyP9Qm1ALnaqiulzJwGrh2OyxmVg4ee1rzHRPox7mxkEGahTOKIqMg8PJuXURHbKkwHh8YVfGnOlw2-JySWt9Z-4hQuTZXF3IhdxOsFnYuNEGGO3eG9FWngMBiSoUiWTEzgA0XfnvY4U/s1970/Playground+Cropped+20201121_152835.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1970" data-original-width="1616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyP9Qm1ALnaqiulzJwGrh2OyxmVg4ee1rzHRPox7mxkEGahTOKIqMg8PJuXURHbKkwHh8YVfGnOlw2-JySWt9Z-4hQuTZXF3IhdxOsFnYuNEGGO3eG9FWngMBiSoUiWTEzgA0XfnvY4U/s320/Playground+Cropped+20201121_152835.jpg" /></a> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq_s3EQ2tfPt549iH3wrC2c6uG9xjwURcHox3wBmDzbK0bQj_iiRwVeGQzO6YCEYvHObms-Jwckh5kfYjpQ6_cMULwKTnff0t7qCp31p-qNOYxLbrN57trlEvJaxNy38esaF2FPQbWbU/s1804/Playground+B%2526W+20201121_152835+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1804" data-original-width="1694" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFq_s3EQ2tfPt549iH3wrC2c6uG9xjwURcHox3wBmDzbK0bQj_iiRwVeGQzO6YCEYvHObms-Jwckh5kfYjpQ6_cMULwKTnff0t7qCp31p-qNOYxLbrN57trlEvJaxNy38esaF2FPQbWbU/s320/Playground+B%2526W+20201121_152835+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEMAtyJXdimsM6Rfz7FsB9-P2ieTKGD6368KOleMyOMus5JhRA0h8xZQtBbKycagnOEvodAYuEyPld32JJygMpBEwA0aMo4NQq7fVJ2-V02tb2SddFnLCUTZHatCsrGqg1AU3U7_WNLQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEMAtyJXdimsM6Rfz7FsB9-P2ieTKGD6368KOleMyOMus5JhRA0h8xZQtBbKycagnOEvodAYuEyPld32JJygMpBEwA0aMo4NQq7fVJ2-V02tb2SddFnLCUTZHatCsrGqg1AU3U7_WNLQ/" width="180" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTSIVVOiy4KHm6rh9goKyRzoMxHMbvoxtPEtspynLeMe4uF6zAuzw_8GIKAska0P334ubvSA10o4rs2f5g-BTN7xuK5KLLigy0jG9MOH7DKTb5Z8dHR-cKAxspLRBy2nvtDbTSDfgMCo/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTSIVVOiy4KHm6rh9goKyRzoMxHMbvoxtPEtspynLeMe4uF6zAuzw_8GIKAska0P334ubvSA10o4rs2f5g-BTN7xuK5KLLigy0jG9MOH7DKTb5Z8dHR-cKAxspLRBy2nvtDbTSDfgMCo/" width="180" /></a></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEMAtyJXdimsM6Rfz7FsB9-P2ieTKGD6368KOleMyOMus5JhRA0h8xZQtBbKycagnOEvodAYuEyPld32JJygMpBEwA0aMo4NQq7fVJ2-V02tb2SddFnLCUTZHatCsrGqg1AU3U7_WNLQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>Fun can be added by converting the pictures into cartoons. There are various apps on line for your use. The photos are best if they are images of people the children know, pets and other animals in their neighborhood, school scenes, or locations around home. </div><div><br /></div><div>Collect your images, decide on a cover from those you've selected, create a title, place them two-to-a- page, print all pages, cut the paper in half, punch two holes on the left, then slip the metal binder rings into the holes like I did with the <i>Lincoln's Christmas Mouse Coloring Book</i> example above.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have fun. Hand crafted gifts are a privilege to receive. You may want to include a fresh, new box of crayons with the book. Nothing is more exciting than a twenty-four box of pristine crayons.</div><div><br /></div><div>Doris Gaines Rapp</div><div>Copyright 2020 Doris Gaines Rapp</div><div><br /></div>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5016044144161367590.post-78189261868758089442020-10-26T13:00:00.011-07:002022-09-13T16:18:52.818-07:00A Penny Here, A Penny There<p> Have you ever seen someone ride one of these bicycles? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2h6ptQn_71iNZcPxPCPFLiXtL2eptRrACdriDZRHZQ98I8CIaq0pphrqTKq7tt2gcmZgfAbb3331H_fEXL8DGpIpC_zdsn9il7P19NQfz-nAAGj7X4cJHNQ7jri7ceaNeGEn8XA8Wb0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="67" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2h6ptQn_71iNZcPxPCPFLiXtL2eptRrACdriDZRHZQ98I8CIaq0pphrqTKq7tt2gcmZgfAbb3331H_fEXL8DGpIpC_zdsn9il7P19NQfz-nAAGj7X4cJHNQ7jri7ceaNeGEn8XA8Wb0/w85-h75/image.png" width="85" /></a><br /><br />These bikes were first popular in the 1870s and 1880s. In <i>Tucker</i> <i>McBride's Many Lives, </i>Tucker's friend Freddie rode up to the big white house on the corner on his father's penny-farthing, or high-wheeler bicycle. The penny-farthing was the first contraption to be called a bicycle.</p><p>The 52, 54, or 56-inch front-wheel bike made the ride smoother. You were also able to cover a lot of roads in a short time. But if you hit a stone or other object, you'd fly head-over-shoelaces forward. The <i>boneshaker</i> was a challenge to get on. How do you think you would get to the seat on the penny-farthing? </p><p>Imagine you were riding your high-wheeler around your neighborhood. What could you see from up there? What would friends and neighbors say about your bicycle? What would be the most fun about riding a penny-farthing? What if you had to pick up a loaf of bread for Mom; how would you carry it? How would you get off the bicycle? </p><p>If you were a girl in 1870, you would wear a long skirt. If a boy, you would have on knickers. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0LS2Jb1Eyk0_FGUDJr_BbiGuqIcsbZzGGgFPcgrULsQPir_pq2MD8A8daNzrF3VZVOii_5O_r6eWDiFZSHCUn6tUBZBhKor7SOshBNUds55RcObGc3jVyZ3RnkJWy_85NNZIajsTn7o/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="450" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0LS2Jb1Eyk0_FGUDJr_BbiGuqIcsbZzGGgFPcgrULsQPir_pq2MD8A8daNzrF3VZVOii_5O_r6eWDiFZSHCUn6tUBZBhKor7SOshBNUds55RcObGc3jVyZ3RnkJWy_85NNZIajsTn7o/w41-h84/image.png" width="41" /></a> You wouldn't get your pant legs caught in the wooden spokes of the large wheel. What could a girl do to protect her clothes and keep her from falling?</div><p></p><p>Brainstorm about it. When you brainstorm, you list as many possibilities as you can dream up. There are no wrong ideas. Jot down your answers. Write a short story about them. Or, draw a picture to illustrate your great thoughts. Most of all, have fun.</p><p>Doris Gaines Rapp</p><p>Copyright 2020 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Doris Gaines Rapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633854820339852704noreply@blogger.com0