winter activities | VIVIAN KIRKFIELD

We celebrate Groundhog Day on February 2^nd. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, then spring will come early. If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks.

In many parts of the United States, early morning festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow.

According to Wikipedia, “The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day, already a widely recognized and popular tradition, received widespread attention as a result of the 1993 film Groundhog Day, which was set in Punxsutawney and portrayed Punxsutawney Phil.

In southeastern Pennsylvania, Groundhog Lodges (Grundsow Lodges) celebrate the holiday with fersommlinge, social events in which food is served, speeches are made, and one or more g’spiel (plays or skits) are performed for entertainment. The Pennsylvania German dialect is the only language spoken at the event, and those who speak English pay a penalty, usually in the form of a nickel, dime, or quarter per word spoken, with the money put into a bowl in the center of the table.”

Susanna Leonard Hill, author of the popular children’s picture book, Punxsutawney Phyllis, is having a celebration of her own. All over the world, her followers will be taking their Punxsutawney Phyllis paper groundhog doll outside to see if it will cast a shadow or not.

As you can see, it was sunny this morning in Colorado Springs. Punxsutawney Phyllis, accompanied by several of her friends, did NOT see her shadow…she was facing the other way! I, on the other hand, did see her shadow…but I’m not a groundhog, so I don’t believe that counts.

Whatever you believe about Groundhog Day, I hope you will check out Susanna’s wonderful picture book, available at Amazon. Sweet and funny and adventuresome, Susanna’s little groundhog will capture your heart.

If you visit her website today, you’ll be able to track Phyllis’ adventures on this Groundhog Day of 2013. I wonder where she has been?

IMPORTANT GROUNDHOG DAY ANNOUNCEMENT:

THE FINALISTS IN THE WRITERS DESK COMPETITION HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED!!!!!! And my entry is one of them!!!!!

Please take a moment to visit Nancy’s website and VOTE! There are seven finalists. I know you will enjoy reading about how others carve a place to do their thinking and writing.

This was my entry:

I WRITE, THEREFORE I AM by Vivian Kirkfield

A writing space by any name does serve me well.

By lamplight or with sunlight streaming

Ideas flourish while I’m dreaming.

From mind to pen words quickly teeming

Pages fill with stories beaming.

In quiet or with children screaming

Cluttered desk or table gleaming

I’ve found my heaven…not to write would be my hell

http://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/the-writers-desk-let-the-voting-begin/

Happy Groundhog Day…whether winter lasts six more days or six more weeks or six more months, we can have sunshine in our hearts and smiles on our faces…please make a positive impact on those you touch. For parents, this is especially important. Winter days may seem to drag on. Bad weather may keep the kids inside. Here’s a GREAT plan:

Buy a copy of Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking
Read your kids one of the recommended picture book stories
Do one of the quick and easy craft projects
Let your children help you make one of the child-friendly healthful recipes
You’ll have fun and so will they