12×12 in 2012 Challenge | VIVIAN KIRKFIELD

Jake at Time after Time has a Sunday Post Challenge and every week he provides a theme…this week’s theme is FAVORITE SPOT.

Horseback riding in the western hills above Steamboat Springs, CO.

FAVORITE SPOT: WITH MY HUSBAND!

Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park

Great cast into the Big Thompson River in RMNP.

A perfect autumn day in New England.

FAVORITE SPOT: WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN!

Reading with kids at Tollhouse Preschool in New Hampshire.

FAVORITE SPOT: SCHOOL VISITS!

Cooking with kids builds self-esteem, develops literacy skills and is just plain fun!

FAVORITE SPOT: IN THE KITCHEN!

FAVORITE SPOT I HAVEN’T BEEN TO YET: ITALY

I’d love to have the opportunity to travel…I’ve driven across the country twice and next spring I may have the unbelievable opportunity to speak at the Asian Festival of Children’s Content in Singapore.

However, sipping wine and feasting on homemade bread and cheese al fresco under the Tuscan sun is a dream of mine.

A writer friend of mine has organized an amazing retreat for women writers in Florence, Italy. It will take place from April 7-13, 2013. I cannot attend (this time), but you might like to go. Julie has an overview of the retreat on her website, plus specific information about the Program, Faculty, Accommodation and Rates. If you do register, please let Julie know I sent you!

Speaking about Julie…today is the last day of September…time to check in with the 12×12 in 2012 Challenge. In January, children’s author Julie Hedlund issued a challenge: write one picture book draft every month in 2012. Over 400 writers answered that challenge!

The challenge has definitely inspired me to write a picture book draft each month…and I’ve enjoyed connecting with dozens of members of this amazing kidlit community. My September draft is done…I’m hoping that in the next few months, I will prepare several manuscripts for submission!

This is the last day for nominations to give a dozen free copies of Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cookingto schools or other childcare facilities. Nominate your child’s school, or your own school if you are a teacher, in the Show Me How School Initiative by leaving a comment and telling us why you’d like that school or classroom to have this book. If you don’t have young children, but know people who do, please tell them about the free book their child’s school can receive! On Friday, we will use Random.org to choose 12 lucky schools.

You can purchase a copy of this award-winning resource on Amazon (only $19.95) and on Amazon Kindle (only $9.95). This award-winning book is a great gift for parents, grandparents, teachers, daycare providers and every young child (ages 2-8) that you know! Get started on your holiday shopping…no batteries required…powered by a child’s imagination and a parent’s positive participation! Check out this wonderful review from a kid’s point of view.