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UPDATE: May 2020
Memorial Day in the Times of Covid-19 When I first wrote this Memorial Day post in 2016 … my WWII and Korean War vet father was still alive. Always the teacher, his telling of his wartime experiences as quartermaster of a naval ship in the South Pacific made history come alive. Since he went home to be with Mama in 2017, their memories of our family’s Greatest Generation make Memorial Day even more poignant and meaningful for us. Today … Memorial Day 2020 comes during a fight against an insidious virus that has shut down nations and sent humanity bunkering down for months. As the world slowly emerges from quarantine, I believe it’s also appropriate on this day to remember from-line workers, who lost their lives keeping us safe or helping the sick, as well as the 94,948* Americans at the time of this writing who succumbed to Covid-19. * source: worldometers.info 
Marines at Iwo Jima: National War Memorial
The long holiday weekend ahead in the USA is summer’s unofficial kickoff, but Memorial Day is actually a somber occasion to honor those who served their country.
We proudly hang the colors. Gather with neighbors for a block party, where everyone brings their fave summer dish for a feast we look forward to all year. We’re thankful to live in a country where we can enjoy sharing friendship, food, and laughter.
And remember. 
My dad and uncles saw combat during WWII, from tanks in France to boots on the ground in Iwo Jima. Mama's older brother, our Uncle Bruce, never talked about his Army days holed in his tank or what he experienced in the European campaign. But he could never keep a job outside of familiar work on Grandma Ethel's farm. He was always gentle with us, but Mama's brother became anxious and left the room whenever we kids were around him with the normal kid mayhem. With the hindsight of an adult and 21st-century knowledge, I believe my uncle suffered from PTSD. 
Dad's brother, our Uncle Nick, was a sweet red-haired former Marine, who loved teasing and playing with us. But I remember sitting on Grammy Chris' porch with him and listening to fireworks one July Fourth. "I can't stand that noise," he told me. To him, the fireworks that delighted us reminded him of the killing fields of battle.  Our Fave Quartermaster
My favorite WWII Quartermaster saw action in the South Pacific aboard the USS Elmore, and he later served in the Korean War stationed at Guantanamo Bay.
Enlisting at age 18, Dad was on the Elmore's bridge and survived its many attacks by Kamikaze fighters. We were blessed to have had Dad for his 92 years. He shared his wartime experiences and helped us understand. He always told us how how fortunate he felt to have returned from war when many other he knew never came home. His gratitude mixed with sadness showed as he told me about the war's end in a 1995 oral interview:
"We had just received orders
to engage the Japanese fleet and were sailing there when we got word the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. It was a terrible thing, but for us, it meant the end of our fight."
~ oral interview by Cat Michaels with her WWII and Korean War Vet father - 1995
Dad also met the beautiful Queen of the USO in Everett, WA, when he was stationed there before shipping off to war. (I still have scores of sweet old letters she kept from lonely servicemen. They wrote to her in her capacity of USO queen, and she happily took on her role to raise their spirits on the front.)
Mama Marg, center: Queen of the USO
You guessed it!
That beauty married the handsome sailor after the war, and they became this baby boomer's parents -:D.
I never know how to greet people on this Monday holiday.
I feel silly wishing them a "happy" Memorial Day. "Happy" isn't the right word to describe this reverent occasion. So, safe travels if you're on the road this long holiday weekend. Enjoy your cookouts, bike rides and extra time to sleep in Monday morning. (2020 Covid Update: Wow - life has changed since 2016.) But let’s also take a moment to reflect and give thanks for those who sacrificed, so we can enjoy our freedom today. (2020 Covid Update: Our appreciation remains!) 
Peace and best wishes on this Memorial Day
From my front porch, the heart of our home,
to you and yours.... Wishing you a Memorial Day holiday of peace and all good things. Your Turn With Memorial Day 2020 arriving as we break out of quarantine, how are you spending the weekend in your Coronaville? Travel? Stay home? Video virtual picnic? Social-distance block party? TV binge? What's a weekend?!? Please share your thoughts in the comment section. 
Photo Credit: my favorite Quartermaster now and then: Norwalk Hour
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Author Leigh Shearin’s Digging In, the second of her John Bloom Victory Garden Series, continues her middle-grade historical fiction of living in small-town USA after Pearl Harbor. Kids, especially boys, will be hooked on her story quicker than you can hoe a row in your victory garden.
Digging In marks a satisfying conclusion to Shearin’s first book in the series, The Victory Garden. (Hey, you can catch my review of part 1 on Cat's Corner HERE .) That's why I’m super pleased to work with BeachBoundBooks to coordinate a Book Blast and $25US gift card giveaway (open worldwide) to introduce Digging In. Please read on for an excerpt, meet Leigh, and learn how her background as chef and farmer influenced this tale. For your chance to enter the Giveaway that runs until 31 May... click on the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this post. Good luck and happy tales!
BeachBoundbooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the children's historical fiction book John Bloom and the Victory Garden: Digging In by Leigh Shearin from May 10 - May 31, 2016.
About the Book
Title: John Bloom and the Victory Garden: Digging In | Author: Leigh Shearin Genre: Children's Historical Fiction | Number of Pages: 106 | Publication Date: January 22, 2016 | Summary: The fun continues in Appleside, NJ, as John Bloom and his pals live, laugh, and watch the incredible events of late 1942 as they unfold across the world. The attack on Pearl Harbor has brought America into the global war, and everyone's involved- even children! Join them as they do what they can to help with the war effort, even from a small, rural, American town.
About the Author: Leigh Shearin
Leigh Shearin is a farmer, writer, photographer, baker, and lifetime dreamer.
Leigh earned a B.A. degree in Studio Art at Maryville College and worked as a graphic artist before earning an ASS degree in Culinary Art. She has worked as a chef, baker and culinary arts instructor. Most recently, she and her husband bought rural land and are developing Winter'Rest, a small farm in central New York. Through all this, Leigh wrote stories and poems…some published; some tucked away. She is happiest living off the land and is an ardent supporter of local and sustainable farms, farmers and practices. Seasonal fresh produce from Winter'Rest Farm is even on the menus of some Farm-to-Fork restaurants in the Central New York. Leigh is also an accomplished photographer, working in Fine Art Photography from age 20, under the name M. Leigh Emery. Leigh writes fiction stories for middle-grade readers. Along with illustrator Kate Shearin, Leigh spins tales of self-sufficiency and independence, along with gentle agriculture education. Since historical fiction is also a lifetime interest, Leigh uses true stories of the past to bring inspiration and joy to modern-day children. Blog Tour Giveaway
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice
Giveaway ends: May 31, 11:59 pm, 2016 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Leigh Shearin and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to [email protected]. 
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Get ready to laugh and learn important life lessons as you meet this, er, squirrelly family of delightful eccentrics from the imagination of author/illustrator A.J. Cosmo in his newest picture book, Every Family is a Little Nuts.
About the Book
Title: Every Family is a Little Nuts Author/Illustrator: A.J. Cosmo | Publication Date: April 2016 | Publisher: Thought Bubble Publishing | Pages: 40 | Recommended Ages: 4-8 
"Every Family is a Little Nuts," by A. J. Cosmo
Nuts takes place at Grandma Praline's house during an afternoon when young Wally's extended family gathers for a special dinner and gift exchange. While loving, his relative's quirky ways make sensible Wally feel excluded and unwanted.
What Kids Will Like Characters Characters soar in this picture book through narrative and artistry. The author cleverly bestows his squirrels with human traits. Each is named after a type of nut and exhibit charming idiosyncrasies found in many families. For instance, teenage cousin Cashew is always on her mobile phone and pays little heed to Wally beyond occasional eye rolls. Little sister Pistachio is obsessed with counting birds. Grandma Praline is warm, caring, and forgetful, repeating the same story at every opportunity about finding a coconut. Wally is the only one who worries about every day things like getting dinner on the table on time and keeping track of presents. Illustrations Cosmo's bright, cheerful illustrations bring his zany family to life. He paints a unifying look with their bulging eyes and buckteeth, but then adds unique features and shading that pull personalities to the forefront. Plus, the art pulls children into the story with its details of every day life, squirrel-style. Think sitting down to a linen-covered dinner table to a plateful of corn kernels and squash. I cracked up seeing the meat thermometer inserted into a huge acorn – a gourmet squirrelly main course -- to test for doneness after roasting. What family members and educators will like  Wally unintentionally upsets Chestnut
This charming tale of an eccentric family has deeper undertones of acceptance, tolerance and forgiveness you will want to explore with children.
For instance, Wally unknowingly triggers an outburst as he tries to focus cousin Chestnut’s attention on their gift exchange. Wally does not intend to cause the resulting screams and panic attack after snapping his fingers by Chestnut's ear and startling his cousin. He feels instant remorse as his uncle rushes to calm Chestnut. This is a perfect platform for discussing that families embrace handicapable members AND those who live with special needs children.  Grandma comforts Wally
And then there’s that endearing moment between Wally and Grandmother Praline. Upset because everyone eats his favorite foods before he gets a taste and is later forgotten in the family gift exchange, Wally stomps off. Grandma Praline seeks to comfort him through a spot-on series of questions that dive into his feelings:
“... What do you feel inside right now?
Here's a sweet moment for children to observe; however, it's also a powerful opportunity for you to help them understand that disappointment and sadness is part of family life.
In terms of layout, each page of Nuts is beautifully illustrated with corresponding text blocks underneath. I would have preferred a bit more white space to delineate paragraphs because so much compressed text could overwhelm young readers.
My Recommendation
Author, illustrator A.J. Cosmo pens a charming tale for ages 4-8 that packs a gentle punch. Its illustrations and witty dialogue will have children smiling as they learn to understand and live with people who are different.
Disclosure:
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Meet the Author, Illustrator
A. J. Cosmo
AJ teaches imagination and heart to children. His books and illustrations are crafted to educate, solve problems, and entertain in unique and interesting ways. Whether it’s overcoming first day of school jitters, getting past a fear of monsters, or dealing with bullies, his books tech important life lessons in a fun, creative way.
Have a look around. Like what you see?
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Sometimes, you find a children’s book, and it wows you.
I’m coordinating a Book Blast and giveaway to introduce one such ‘wow’ picture book written by Valarie Budayr and illustrated by Michael Welply, Dragons are Real. The book is stunning, with its art that's just like an old-timey fairy tale. See for yourself! Read on to learn more about the book, and meet its author and illustrator. To enter the Giveaway that runs until 16 May and your chance to win a $25US gift card, click on the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this post. Good luck!
BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the delightful children's book written by Valarie Budayr and illustrated by Michael Welply, Dragons are Real. The blast will run May 2 - 4, 2016.
About the Book
Title: Dragons are Real | Author: Valarie Budayr | Illustrator: Michael Welply | Publisher: Audrey Press | Publication Date: May 5, 2016 | Genre: Children's Picture Book | Number of Pages: 32
Book Description:
What if I told you that all of the fairy tales, myths and legends that have been told about dragons over the years are WRONG? What if I told you that Dragons are indeed REAL and that they are different than you've ever imagined? Did you know that Dragons are the master of disguises? Did you know that they love sugar and sweets (at unacceptable levels) and will do anything for treats? Award winning author Valarie Budayr brings us this fairly true story based on her childhood friendship with a REAL live Dragon.
Take a peek inside the book...
About the Author: Valarie Budayr
Award Winning and Best-selling author, Valarie Budayr inspires children and adults alike to experience their books through play, discovery, and adventure via engaging extension activities on her popular website, www.jumpintoabook.com.
Valarie is co-founder of Multi-cultural Children's Book Day , #ReadYourWorld, a celebration of diverse and cultural kid-lit shared with over 98 million people on January 27th. Her foundation puts hundreds of books into the hands of children in rural and intercity areas. www.multiculturalchildrensbookday.com Valarie's other best-selling and award winning titles are: The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden, The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and A Year in the Secret Garden. About the Illustrator: Michael Welply
Michael Welply was born in London in 1948. The family moved to Winnipeg, Canada, in 1950. He studied art in Winnipeg and then in Paris, but his idea of living from the sales of his paintings is somewhat compromised by the lack of buyers. He started his career as an illustrator in 1977 in London. In 1981 he returned to live in France with his American wife and their two children. Since then he has worked for publishers in both Europe and North America. To date he has illustrated over 80 books and more than 100 covers, in a wide range of subjects extending from detailed non-fiction to juvenile and adult fiction in the realms of fantasy, mythology, science fiction and fairy tales.
Book Blast Giveaway
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice
Giveaway ends: May 16, 11:59 pm, 2016 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Valarie Budayr and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to [email protected]. 
Thanks for visiting! Have a look around. Like what you see?
Just click below to send this blog to your RSS feed or email.
Would love to have you to sign up for my newsletter.
Subscribe and receive my free downloadable tale for the young at heart: Driving Down to Dillon: A Very Short Story of Love and New Beginnings.
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 Cat MichaelsBlogging about books, writing, family life, travel and more good stuff. Meet Cat
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