Thursday, January 30, 2014

What is January - and a Giveaway!



My Fun Facts for Kids
column for January


What is January?
    
      Knock knock. Who’s there?
     Wilma. Wilma who?
     Wilma hot cocoa be ready soon?
     January is a month named after the ancient god named Janus, which is the Latin word for door. He had two faces which allowed him to look both backward into the old year and forward into the New Year at the same time. He was associated with doorways, beginnings, and endings.       
     January is the month leading into the future of the New Year. It is special because it is the beginning of a long march of months that create an entire year for us to work, play, celebrate and journey through. It is the second month of winter and her cold days beckon us outside to play with Jack Frost and build snow forts and igloos.  Our house also beckons us to stay inside where it is warm.
     January is National Hobby Month. If you decide to stay inside and wait for warmer days, why not try out a new hobby each week. That way you can find out what you really like to do best.  Do you need some unique ideas? How about acting, board games, cloud watching, snowflake drawing, collecting, juggling, magic, storytelling, painting or writing. Once you find out what hobby you want to try, stick to it. Invite your friends over and share your hobby with them.  You and your friends can start a club and meet each month.  Check out books from the library and find out all about your hobby. Become an expert at what you love to do. Start out the New Year with a new hobby and step into a world of fun.
     I like to write. It is one of my hobbies. I write about kids, about my family and about fictional characters that do things and go places that I can only dream of doing. Writing takes me into a world of make believe.
     Your hobbies can take you into worlds of adventure, too. When your homework is caught up and your room is cleaned and you are free to do what you want, get out your hobby and create some fun and excitement.
     JANUARY IS. . . . 
     January is when snow falls like fluffy marshmallows from the sky and you build snowmen so fast you can create a village of frosty white figures before the sun sets.
     January is when the icy winds howl like wild wolves and your mom’s hot cocoa slides down your throat and turns your shivering body warm like a statue basking in the sun.

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 Two-Lane Livin' is a regional magazine printed and distributed in West Virginia. 
So not all of my blogging friends have a chance to pick up a copy.
Would you like to get a free digital subscription to Two-Lane Livin' magazine?
Now is your chance.
Each month the winners will be able to read every column, see every picture and enjoy every page.

 
Just comment on this post and get the chance to win one. There will be two winners.
The winners just have to supply me with an email address and they can fly away with the prize!
I will draw the names of the winners next week.

WINNERS HAVE BEEN PICKED
Congratulations - Linda and Lil Red Hen
Posted by Janet Smart on Writing in the Blackberry Patch.


12 comments:

  1. This is very educational for kids, and I love the idea of promoting hobbies; everyone should have at least one!

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    1. Thanks, lil red hen. I love hobbies and have had quite a few down through the years.

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  2. Great post. I didn't realize it was National Hobby Month. How cool is that.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rena. Since I have been writing this column, I've learned so many things that I didn't know before. It's fun!

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  3. Well that was fun! Sure throw my name in. Snow? You can have it. I am so finished with winter, but winter isn't finished with the Midwest. Icy mix on the way.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Linda, I'd be glad to throw your name in. It is really a good little magazine with lots of columns from mostly West Virginia writers. I am also so sick of winter!

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  4. Your photo is beautiful, even to me a no lover of snow.
    I had no idea it was hobby month. If I had the time, I enjoy genealogy and scrapbooking. One day I'm going to make the time and just do it. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Beverly. I like genealogy, too. But I'm not into it like I used to be.

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  5. About everywhere there is a cold weather front. I though Vancouver, WA would miss the cold temps but this coming weekend we will be extremely cold. Jan, was so cold for the East I guess Feb, is going to be our turn to freeze. Interesting facts in your post -- barbara

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    Replies
    1. I can truthfully say, I am sick of winter. Bring on spring!

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  6. Hi Janet, Guess I missed this giveaway. Pretty snow picture at the top. Nature really is a wonder.
    Nancy Jo

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    Replies
    1. Hi Nancy. you're not too late. I haven't picked a winner yet.

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