On the Wings of Mother Goose...

April kicks off rhyming children's book month, and we're participating in Angie Karcher's RhyPiBoMo writing challenge.

Not only is Margo a big fan of this idea, but as you know, sometimes I actually think in rhyme, so it's going to be fun.

My riddling beginnings started with the nursery rhymes of Mother Goose. The most intriguing part about this type of writing is that it can be about anything, and true insights are sprinkled amidst nonsense- like clues, hidden between the lines. I love these stories, even though they're a bit dark and you never know what to expect. It's like the real version of Grimm's Fairy Tales, some are shocking! But it's awesome to share these rhymes with my little sister, like how my mom read them with me, and her mom with her.

Here are some stories we think are thought provoking from the classic, Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. 

Remember to read them in a sing- songy voice.
(out loud or in your head :)

Clue from the Begonia House

THE LION AND THE UNICORN
The Lion and the Unicorn were fighting for the crown,
The Lion beat the Unicorn all around the town.
Some gave them white bread, and some gave them brown,
Some gave them plum-cake, and sent them out of town.

DAPPLE-GRAY
I had a little pony,
   His name was Dapple-Gray,
I lent him to a lady,
   To ride a mile away.
She whipped him, she slashed him,
   She rode him through the mire;
I would not lend my pony now
   For all the lady's hire.

(a little background to this nursery rhyme. I can remember being completely horrified when I first heard this story. It made such an impression on me, that I had a horse model I kept very safe for many years, and his name was Dapple- Gray- I think Margo sees Mr. Fazzy in the same way. The lady in the picture still sends chills down my spine- like Professor Umbridge!).

MYSELF
As I walked by myself,
And talked to myself,
    Myself said unto me:
"Look to thyself,
Take care of thyself,
    For nobody cares for thee."

I answered myself,
And said to myself
    In the selfsame repartee:
"Look to thyself,
Or not look to thyself,
    The selfsame thing will be."

BEES
A swarm of bees in May
Is worth a load of hay:
A swarm of bees in June
Is a worth a silver spoon;
A swarm of bees in July
Is not worth fly.







 JUST LIKE ME
"I went up one pair of stairs."
    "Just like me."
"I went up two pairs of stairs."
    "Just like me."
"I went into a room."
    "Just like me.
"I looked out of a window."
    "Just like me."
"And there I saw a monkey."
    "Just like me."

(This is a good one to act out- my dad really gets a crowd going :)

And here's a puzzle for all of you Riddlers... 

What goes over the water,
And under the water, 
And always with its head down?

What am I? Answer revealed! A Ship's Nail

I gave you a clue!

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Answer to Monday's Riddle: Flying with Mother Goose...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Throughout April, we'll be participating in Angie Karcher's RhyPiBoMo writing challenge and shouting out to some of our favorite rhyming picture books. Margo can't wait! We'll be flying on the wings of Mother Goose Friday, sharing our thoughts on a few of her nursery rhymes, so stay tuned! See you all around the book block. ; ) ~ F

Song and rhyme stick to bone, told in time by a fowl old crone. Up and down the scene does play, cadence carries it away. Not all ring true, they tease and pluck- they're good to know if you're stuck. Shorts will take you off the line, the space inside is the sign. Magic swims through inky veins, then bleeds on pages when word rains. Between the lines in this great book is where my thoughts began to cook. Since then you know what's become; Monday's Riddle just for fun! 

 
What am I referring to? Answer: Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes :) 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats





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Monday's Riddle: Fowl Stories for Fun...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme this week? This gave me my riddling beginnings. ; ) ~ F

Song and rhyme stick to bone, told in time by a fowl old crone. Up and down the scene does play, cadence carries it away. Not all ring true, they tease and pluck- they're good to know if you're stuck. Shorts will take you off the line, the space inside is the sign. Magic swims through inky veins, then bleeds on pages when word rains. Between the lines in this great book is where my thoughts began to cook. Since then you know what's become; Monday's Riddle just for fun!  

What am I referring to? Stop by Wednesday for the answer. 

I gave you a clue!

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City Life vs. Country Life...

Recently, Lizzy shared a little about her hometown, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and today I'm going to tell you about where I grew up, Manhattan, NY.  Most people think life in the city is busy and exciting, and they're right, it is. BUT, it's also regular too. The daily routine hasn't changed that much in my family, other than it's mostly focused around fixing up the Begonia House now. We stay home more than we did in the city, but my new address keeps me plenty busy. ;)

The coolest thing about living in a big city is that some of the most interesting places in the world are in your own backyard. My mom and Lizzy's mom have been good friends since Lizzy and I met in the 1st grade. On weekends, they'd pack us up to go on a book date. We'd go to the New York Public Library to pick out books, then on to Central Park for a picnic. The stories brought the magic and my dad always provided the delightful snacks.

A book date in Central Park

One of my favorite places to visit is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's so interesting to see history come to life. I can get lost in there for hours, and have many times- to my parents dismay (I secretly feel like it's mine, and I know all the nooks and crannies). The display that fascinates me the most is the knights' armor. Henry the VIII's is so crazy to look at, and it's unbelievable to think anyone could wear it at all, let alone ride horses into battle. Seeing things like this up close really makes you think- and appreciate cotton.

I remember when we were driving to our new house, and we passed the state sign- it read, 'Welcome to Connecticut. We're full of surprises.' At first, I didn't think so coming from such an exciting hometown, but after having lived in the Begonia House, I'd say, "You betcha."

Manhattan will always have a special place in my heart. It taught me so much about people and life in general. My new town seems quieter on the outside, but the Begonia House has lots of hidden secrets that will keep me guessing in the quiet country town of Ashpot, Connecticut.

~ F

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Answer to Monday's Riddle: NY, NY!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week I'm whisking you off to my home town, so stop by Friday to catch the buzz on Manhattan. ; ) ~ F

On an Island of five betwixt rivers three Liberty's torch welcomes thee. Bite the apple, see the sights; buildings rise to varied heights. Buzzing people zip around; trains rumble underground. Time circles in a square, people rush everywhere. Hudson sailed upon this shore, cast his line in its lore. Here is where I lived before the Begonia House knocked on my door.

Where am I referring to? Answer: Manhattan, NY 

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations
Available in all e-book formats





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