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wixsond

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  1. Has anyone researched self-publishing? My dd is inspired to write some more short stories and we thought she could maybe put 3-5 in a book and publish it online. Maybe in a Kindle format? Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this. And, if so, what do you do about professional "editing"....??? Or, graphics? Dd has really caught "the bug" for writing and I'd love to help her find a forum/audience for it. And, of course, the internet helps w/ that. Meanwhile, I also want to protect her from the "wider world" or criticism at such a tender age. So, is there a homeschooling-type forum out there for aspiring writers to share their work? Some things I know a bit about: Lulu, Amazon (may let you publish there?), Blogs. THANK YOU!!! Dana :grouphug:
  2. Thanks, Jean. I think that's a good idea. I'm finding at this age, the more peer contact for feedback to be something that inspires/motivates dd. Even if just online. Since she wasn't necessarily doing a "school" assignment, but just self motivated, I think a peer outlet would be the ticket. I do have a friend who is starting a creative writing group (after dd wrote this, I was reminded I needed to see how that was developing!) where the idea is, like you say, to just share and give positive feedback. She also does acting games, etc. The idea is to overcome fears regarding sharing your work and to sort of help draw each other out. I do think dd is motivated to improve on a more formal level, as well, and know she'll look at it that way, too, in terms of writing.... She was mentioning how the LTOW course, for example, taught her a few things to look out for (that she corrected). Anyway, happy to have found this forum for feedback for "mom," too! Thanks for the ideas! :grouphug:
  3. Thanks, Violet. We haven't done a lot of reading about writing. This is really coming from a very limited study of writing, per se, except for the LTOW she did last year (again, persuasive writing). I do have a few of those titles you mention on my shelf and will talk to her about looking at them. She's a very independent learner and I know would do that if I suggested it and suggested she has something to work from that is basically very good. (It's a fun piece to hear read out loud, I noticed. I notice some pieces work best read out loud and I wonder if that's not the case w/ this one. She first "read" it to me. Of course, she couldn't get through it w/out cracking herself up...pretty cute.) I think she has other ideas for stories and is motivated to not only write, but to improve her writing. (I have a book of story starters, but she said she thought she had some other ideas....) I'm in that place where I don't want to manage the process so heavily that it stifles the creativity and natural nature to her writing that I think comes through. But, since she's a more serious student now (older), I think we can safely delve into more form, etc., without squelching her voice. I know what you mean about her "voice".... I love that part about her writing. It's so fun to see that develop... I appreciate that she had you smiling! That is the point! ;-) It is a little more graphic (even though she said she actually used certain words to tone that down) than I'd like, first thing out of the box. ;-) She's a really good, sweet person. But, she has a wicked sense of humor, too. (W/in boundaries, I'm happy to say.) Her teen friends seem to really like the piece, I notice. The title gets them hooked.... Then, they really laugh when she reads it to them. Most of the adults go, "What?" LOL So, it must really resonate w/ her "intended" audience..... LOL Meanwhile, I am the "mom w/ rose-colored glasses on"....so..... Thanks for reading and taking a moment to chime in. I love that about homeschoolers! It's really helpful to me! (Dd is my only one. She's always been homeschooled - very eclectic methods. And, I feel like I'm doing everything for the first and last time! LOL) Take care, Dana
  4. So, is this a good place to post my dd's short story for general feedback? She (14 yrs old) was self-inspired to write this story (we've not had a ton of writing in our homeschooling, but did take LTOW last year for persuasive writing; this is just pure creative writing, of course) and I've been looking for a place to post it for enjoyment and (positive or constructive, pls?) feedback. This is really not an "assignment" per se. Just something she was motivated to do. Writing being so personal, I know she'd like to know that others enjoyed it.... I'm just so happy she was motivated to write! And, as she said, "And, it's not even for school!" LOL Unfortunately, I don't think the photos we chose w/ the story will post here. (We posted it on FB for a few friends.) This is what my daughter (who loves fantasy, Tolkien, Lewis, myth/legend) had to say when emailing it to a longtime homeschooled friend: " Just a quick note: It's kind of a ridiculous story, and should be read as such. I hope it makes you laugh." :001_smile: So, there is the author's "intro" to the following Short Story. So, here goes: The Story of the Evil, Demon, Killer, Zombie, Pack Chihuahuas A short story by A. Wixson Once upon a time, in the faraway land of Mexico, a man was driving along a lonely country road. It was a hot day, he thought in annoyance. And here he was, driving out to the middle of nowhere, all because someone couldn't unclog their own drain. Being a plumber definitely had its down side. Quite suddenly, the road got incredibly bumpy. “Don't they ever fix these roads?†the man wondered. It was unusual, as if someone had drawn a line on the ground after which road repairs ended. The man looked up from turning up his radio and slammed on his brakes, for right in front of his car was a little chihuahua puppy. “How did you get there?†the man muttered to himself as he got out of the car. He stooped next to the puppy. No collar, he noted. “You are a cute little thing,†he said. The puppy barked happily. Just then, the man heard a rustling in the bushes to the right of the car. There was a cliff face on that side, with bushes at its base. The other side stretched off in an expanse of desert. The man turned to look in the direction of the rustling, and what he saw would have struck terror into the hearts of the mightiest of warriors. That being said, you can imagine the reaction of a plumber from Monterrey; for chihuahuas were pouring from the cliffs and bushes – straight towards him. But these were no ordinary chihuahuas. No, these were far more horrible. Their eyes glowed red and fangs like knives protruded from their slavering jaws. The plumber screamed, and looking down at the puppy he had nearly run over a minute before, found that it now looked the same as the others. The man tried to run away, but before he could he was overwhelmed, covered in the wiggling, writhing mass of evil creatures. His screams never reached a human ear. After a minute or two, the chihuahuas moved away, leaving no evidence of the grim deed save for a pile of bleached white bones. And even these would soon be claimed by the desert sands. . ~ . ~ . ~ . The next day another man was driving along the same stretch of road. His name was Carlos. He was in a good mood. It was a fine day – okay, the weather was stiflingly hot, he admitted, but he had a bottle of water and an air conditioner. And he was going to visit his friends, whom he hadn't seen in ages, it seemed. He smiled, thinking of the warm welcome he would receive on arrival, the jokes, the -- “wow that's a bumpy stretch of road,†he said to no one in particular. He looked up and nearly had a heart attack; for there, in the middle of the road, was a cute little chihuahua puppy. He promptly slammed on the brakes. “Are you all right?†he asked the puppy as he jumped out of the car. He looked okay, Carlos thought with a sigh of relief. That was when he heard the rustling. He stood up, and saw them swarming towards him – the chihuahuas. He tried to scream, but seemed unable to – so he ran. He scrambled into the car and shut the door. The chihuahuas swarmed over the car, completely engulfing it, but somehow Carlos managed to keep enough of his wits about him to throw the car in reverse and hit the gas. The chihuahuas on his car fell off, and the rest fell to pursuit. But after a few meters they stopped as if they had hit an invisible wall. Carlos breathed a sigh of relief. Only then did he notice the piles of bleached white bones. . ~ . ~ . ~ . “Okay, what do I do?†Carlos asked himself. He was perfectly aware that he was starting to get a little - okay, more than a little - hysterical. At that moment he didn't really care. “I'll call animal control. Yeah, that's what I'll do. That makes sense after all, doesn't it?†So he pulled out his cell phone and called. Animal control arrived about an hour later. The chihuahuas had gone back to the cliffs and bushes. At least, Carlos assumed they had – he hadn't actually seen them go. The animal control people climbed out of the van – two rather tall, strong looking fellows who introduced themselves as Juan and Pedro. “So, what's your problem?†Juan asked. “Chihuahuas,†Carlos replied. “In the bushes, I think. Be careful, they're dangerous.†Juan and Pedro exchanged looks. “Seriously!†Carlos cried. “Okay, okay, we'll be careful. Don't worry. We are professionals, after all,†Pedro said. Just then, a little chihuahua puppy ran into the road. Carlos screamed. Juan and Pedro went over to it. They sat down next to it and it came over and climbed about in their laps. “Awww, how cute!†Pedro exclaimed. “Run! Run for your lives! He's the bait!†Carlos screamed frantically. “Yeah, he's dangerous, all right,†Juan said mockingly. “Yep, a regular killer, this one,†Pedro joked. Just then the chihuahuas burst from hiding. They were on the two before they even had time to cry out. Carlos watched in horror as Juan and Pedro were covered in writhing, wiggling chihuahuas. When they moved away, nothing was left but bleached white bones – and the screams that lingered in the dry air. . ~ . ~ . ~ . “This is getting serious,†Carlos said, stating the obvious. He had watched as the little dogs moved back to their hiding place. Then, at a loss as to what else he could do, he called the police. As the police car came to a stop, he sighed nervously. Would anyone take him seriously? The police officer climbed out of the car. “So, what's your problem?†he asked. Carlos told him the whole story, beginning to end. Meanwhile, the cop looked more and more skeptical as the story progressed. “I know it must sound crazy,†Carlos finished, “but there's the animal control van, and look at all those piles of bones.†The bones were weird, the cop admitted to himself, but the guy was obviously insane. “I'll look around,†he said finally. He went over to take a look at the bones. He heard a rustling noise then. Carlos screamed in terror. The cop looked towards the cliffs and saw the chihuahuas rushing at him. He ran back to Carlos, breathing hard. “Wow, you have a serious problem there,†he said. “Yeah, I know,†Carlos agreed. . ~ . ~ . ~ . It took a long time, and a lot of people, but finally the government had signs put up warning people to stay in their cars and stay away from the chihuahuas along this certain stretch of lonely road deep in the heart of Mexico. Of course some gringo would occasionally drive by who couldn't speak Spanish (and therefore couldn't understand said signs), but usually people listened, and weren't devoured by, as they later became known and shall forever be recorded in folklore, The Evil, Demon, Killer, Zombie Pack Chihuahuas. The End
  5. Hello, I'm looking for recommendations for any online history or literature classes that would cover the Medieval/Renaissance period? I have a dd who will be in 9th grade next year. We used Lukeion Project (workshops only) for adding to our Ancient Greece/Rome studies last year and dd loved the format. Just wondering if anyone has run into something similar, but for the Middle Ages period? Looking for both history and literature. Lit would be British. Something that meets online once per week to discuss. Assignments or not. Thanks, Dana :grouphug:
  6. I am trying to maintain a post by editing it. Problem is, I keep running into some sort of problem where after 4 or 5 times of editing, suddenly the "edit" option is no longer available to me. I'm logged in. The thread is not locked. Can someone tell me what triggers this such that the Edit feature goes away for a post that I started? Ie, I am the person who made the post, started the thread, etc? Here's the post, if you want to see it: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=315076 One other trigger may be that I have not tried to edit this post for several days? Does the delay matter? Does bumping it cause me to be able to edit again? (Have not tried that.) I am listing the reason for the update each time, even if the reason does not change... Just trying to figure out what is preventing me from updating my own post. Is there a limited number of times you can edit one post? Thanks so much!:tongue_smilie: It's for a good cause, or I'd probably not be so frustrated! My only recourse is to repost again and I just don't want to confuse people, have out-of-date info out there, etc. Yet, I can't delete my thread, either (can I?) Thank you! :bigear: I have just enough knowledge about posting here to be dangerous, I think! :iagree:
  7. Looks like they got a handle on this fire (dubbed "Old Potato Road fire") rather quickly. It was caused by stray needles from the last fire that caught on fire. It's a really volatile situation down there still, due to hot spots in the old fire - it takes a long time for things to settle down and cool down, even though they have it under control. The new fire only burned 300-400 acres, no structures were damaged, all evacuees were allowed to go back home, and they expect it to be 100% contained by next Friday, 10/14. PHEW! We are hoping for some rain this weekend, too! Our faithful worker (for whom the fire was only 2 miles away and she could see the HUGE fire plume from her back yard) is just fine and back to work helping meet curriculum needs of the original Bastrop fire victims. Please pray not only for those affected by those previous, Labor Day weekend fires in Bastrop and surrounding areas, but also for those volunteers helping them put their lives back together. Thanks so much for your prayers!:grouphug:
  8. Last report I had was it was 2 miles from her, but headed AWAY from her, Praise God! When I went to bed last night, it was still heading north/nw, but was 40% contained and they had doused it with retardant from the air. So, hopefully they got on it quickly. It went from 2 acres to 800-900 in just a few hours, classified as a fast-moving fire. I think it took a while for them to reach it due to location... Anyway, thanks for your prayers! I honestly felt they were answered rather quickly. (Thank you, Jesus!) Waiting today for a new update from my friend. Praying for her emotions, as well. Update here: http://www.kvue.com/news/local/Bastrop-fire-now-25-percent-contained-131153033.html As I said, my friend has been very instrumental in helping the homeschooling fire victims from the previous fires and so I'm praying for special protection for her and the others down there. So far, good news is no homes threatened... And, today's weather will help them fight it down there (higher humidity, lower winds). Thanks for joining me in praying! :grouphug:
  9. I'm working w/ some homeschoolers in Bastrop, TX, who have lost everything due to devastating fires in that area over Labor Day weekend. I just got an email from one of the three coordinators on the ground that there is a new, rather large fire that just started near her home. It is a very emotional time down there and the word "fire" can send chills down your spine. She is only a mile outside of the burn zone from the Labor Day weekend fires and was thankfully spared the last time fires swept through the area. She is very worried about this new fire. Please pray for her safety, the safety of her family, her property and her emotions! Thank you for lifting her up in prayer RIGHT NOW! She is a dear, dear soul, working so hard on behalf of those in need.... THANK YOU FOR PRAYING! :grouphug: Dana Wixson Tues, Oct 5, 2:20pm CST
  10. Awesome! They also have a blog site now, with more static information as to how you can help. http://bastrophomeschoolerswildfirehelp.blogspot.com/ As I think I mentioned earlier, you can send curriculum (check the needs list and let them know what's coming); use Amazon to buy something on the list (if you want to help, but don't have anything to donate); or now, per their blog spot, send cash (100% goes to victims) via paypal. Thanks!!! Dana Wixson :grouphug:
  11. Yes, it's the same coordinated effort on Amazon. If you don't have something used on the list (that's posted on FB) and just want to shop new, go to Amazon and see their wish list using the email wildfirehelp at yahoo dot com. You'll be helping families get their lives back during a difficult time. Schooling for the kids is really an important part of that. Thanks!! Dana
  12. Thanks for sharing! This is an ad that I sent to Homeschool Classifieds and they graciously posted! Trying to get the word out. I also have a post in the "Want to Buy" re this same cause w/ the needs list there. I will update needs and requests as they come in. I have received several acknowledgements for items today from this group - thanks! Please see the FB page as directed above in this thread and/or my post in the Want to Buy section here on the forum (tag Bastrop, user id wixsond) for more details. Or, even better, I think this is the link to my post! http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311362 Thanks much! Dana Wixson
  13. Hello! I am a homeschooling mom in the Austin, TX area. I have just one child, now in her early teens (how did that happen?!) and we are continuing our homeschooling journey with our typical "eclectic" approach which is a mix of CM, Classical, and "whatever works!" I have really valued the advice found on these boards and only wish I'd come here sooner!

     

    If you are finding me because of my post for the Bastrop Fire Victims, let me say in advance, "Thank you!' for any help. These families lives have been devastated by this horrific fire. And, the goal of the group I am connected with is to get their curriculum needs met. Be assured your donations of used curriculum will greatly bless these families! I will keep my "Wants" post updated as donations and requests come in. PLEASE feel free to message me here or send email to me at wixsond@hotmail.com if you have any questions about this curriculum drive. Prayers for these families are always appreciated!

  14. Thank you! I have finally decided on Latin Prep for next year for dd, 8th gr (who has had "some" Latin, but doesn't have time for the rigors of an online class this year) and GP's Greek program for beginners (because she really wants to study Greek, too). That way, she can do both at her own pace. They seemed very well written, to me. Had the mixture of things I was looking for, did not skimp on the grammar, etc. And, after scouring the internet for all the choices, I was really happy to find these. I hope I have chosen well! As for the alphabet, I want to say I saw some other resource out there for the alphabet for Greek....need to try to remember. Sounds like we'll need to supplement that part of it. Maybe the Greek Alphabet Code Cracker? http://classicalacademicpress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=28 Or A Greek Alphabetareon? http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0974361690/homeschoolchr-20 And, copybook? http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1933228016/ref=nosim/wwwcathyduffy-20 Some online fun I found, in case it helps someone else: Type Greek.com http://www.typegreek.com/ Greek Alphabet Game: http://www.inrebus.com/greekalphabetgame.php Greek Flashcard Printables: http://www.homeschoolfever.com/learn-greek-free-greek-alphabet-flashcards/ Would like to find a few more online games for learning the alphabet. I think dd would enjoy that....
  15. Pppppphhhhhhhttttt! Sorry for all the extra replies re "What's MM?"! Newby-itis.:tongue_smilie: Thanks, Dana:blush:
  16. I've been thinking about Singapore, too. I found a tutoring situation online that's pretty reasonable. But, then I found LOF and really liked it. And, dd seemed to, as well. Meanwhile, I like how Singapore approaches story problems and algebraic thinking. Hate to miss out on some of that magic. Ha! Can you tell me what you used for your Story Problems? I do have several books from Singapore on my shelves. (Unused!) And, some of the supplements put out here in the US for modeling that I picked up on a whim. (I am mainly intimidated by Singapore and where to start w/ her to glean from it w/out feeling like we have to start all over.) And, I forgot about 1/4 Mile Math. Something where she can play "beat the clock" and think would be good. She is still rough in some of her times tables (7 and 8's) and I dearly wish she was not! (She is very bright, just not challenged in the right way or motivated, at the moment. And, I want to get past this stage and get onto algebra! But, we need to pass through fractions again (at least review), get those 7's & 8's time tables sewn up, and understand decimals and percents, first. (Basically, the "parts" and how to manipulate them.) Being able to "think" through word problems and have some skills for dissecting them would be good, too. (Which, to me is Singapore's strong suit.) Key To... Curriculum was great for a while. She blasted through fractions, but that was a few years ago. Now, she seems bored w/ it. And, I KNOW she'd hate Saxon or I'd have her in a local math class now w/ that. Anyway, if you have any more to add about how you tackled Singapore to fill in w/ word problems, I'd love to hear about that. Thanks for all the info! Encouraging! Thanks!:D
  17. I have looked at a lot of the threads, but still felt I needed to make a post. Thanks for indulging me! :001_smile: I have a 13-yr old dd, going into 8th grade. She really wants to study Greek. She has studied a very little bit of Latin. (Currently, we're using GSWL, very gently. But, she's had exposure through a co-op to vocabulary, some roots, and Prima Latina work. A very little bit of Latin over a very many years.) Meanwhile, I really want her to work on Latin in order to continue to progress there and for all the obvious benefits. And then, add the Greek. The question is how much & when (and what). I was looking into Latin programs (and posted here re feedback - thank you!). I decided that for Latin, we have just too much on our plate (this year) to attack it in a way that I think it needs to be attacked (via online class) if you're serious. (She has a lot of extra-curricular going on this year that are great opportunities we can't pass up, but also leave less time for schooling. But, that's also why we home school. To have time for these other things!) At any rate, I realized that an online class w/ Wheelock (1st choice) is not the smart move for this year. But, the goal for the year after this one, when she's in 9th grade. SO, I decided to just keep up w/ GSWL this year (maybe add something else, if we have time, dabble online w/ Cambridge games, etc), keep it light, and let her start w/ Greek. (We're studying Greeks/Romans in history this year, and we'll get a LOT of exposure to the history/culture.) So, now the question is about Greek! Where would you start if you had an older child who wanted to learn Classic Greek (not modern or koine)? She has read up a bit and wants to start with Ancient Greek. (I understand the further back you go, the harder it is. Sigh. But, it's easier to go from Ancient to Koine vs the reverse?) I have seen references to Ancient, Classic and Attic Greek (and of course, Koine). I guess we're looking at one of the first three? We also need a gentle and independent-learning approach. DVDs/CDs would be fine, too. Just not time to keep up w/ an online class. (And, should involve very little help from me!) The plan after 8th grade (this coming year) is to go w/ online courses for Latin & Greek. Either 2 years of Latin (9th/10th) w/ online courses (Wheelock) and then 2 years of Greek (11th/12th) w/ online courses (Athenaeze). Or, start Latin in 9th and continue and add Greek in 10th. Depends on how well she does, how far she wants to go in each, and what the schedule looks like.(She has also studied Spanish w/ Rosetta Stone and will likely keep that up.) She does like languages. So, what advice would you have as to where to start this year (with Greek)? We have zero experience w/ Greek. I looked at Galore Park, Classical Greek for Beginners. It looked very doable, logical and well laid out. Has anyone used that? She has a sense of humor, so if there is something of quality that teaches to the student and covers the material well, and has a sense of humor, she'd love that. (Also, do you recommend Latin Prep from the same co? Could she do both, at her own pace for 8th grade? We could work on and finish out GSWL this summer, as one option.) Thanks so much for any seasoned advice! Oh, as for time spent per day, I'd say she has about 20-30 minutes per language per day this coming year, with her schedule; but that's on a good day. Perhaps it's safer to say she'd have about 1.5 hours per week to devote to each language. (And some of that might be car-schooling this year!) Thank you for helping!!! Dana PS I still need to talk w/ dd about "why" she wants to learn Greek. I know this will impact our course. She is VERY interested in Greek culture and Ancient History and this may be part of it. And, she insists she wants to learn Greek. No question there. (I know it's hard!) (She is fine learning Latin, too.) It is quite possible she might go into the Classics as a major. Hard to say. She is gifted with lots of "interests"... arts, music, science, literature....loves to travel and likes the idea of solving problems. :auto: Thanks again!:bigear:
  18. I'm considering using LOF w/ my rising 8th grade dd who needs pre-algebra. So, will go back to LOF Fractions and review and then onto percents/decimals and pre-alg w/ biology & pre-alg w/ economics. (Think I have those titles right.) Wondering for those who use LOF, particularly at this level, do you use it exclusively or find you need to supplement? I know the algebra LOF has a companion book w/ more exercises in it, as a result of consumer requests for more practice. And, wonder if the pre-algebra selections need more supplementation, as well? (I have the Key To series for math, which we've been using and wondered if I needed to add some of that in to LOF. Happy to "not" if not needed.... Dd read the samples of LOF and is VERY excited about it! She asked if we were doing it and when I said, "I think so," she replied, "I love you!" :001_smile:) Just wondering what others have experienced before we dive in. Would like to find something that works! I know this is probably a bit subjective and depends on the child. But, would still like to hear your experiences... Thanks! :bigear: Dana
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