February 2, 2013

IT'S GROUNDHOG DAY!!! - Early Spring Or Six More Weeks?

February 4th Update:

Since I made you all read an extra post Saturday, I'm not posting a new post today.  Enjoy visiting all the blogs who hosted Phyllis - they all did such a great job! - and feel free to join in yourself if you'd like to - you have until tonight! :)

FINALLY!

It's FINALLY HERE!

GROUNDHOG DAY!  The favorite day of your friend and mine, Punxsutawney Phyllis :)

Phyllis knows no better way to celebrate anything than with a party in her honor, so today we will all be entertaining ourselves, each other, and Phyllis with Phyllis's Fun Photo Contest.

The challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to download the Phyllis action figure, color her in, and then photograph her today predicting Spring 2013 in your neck of the woods.  For full rules and prize, see HERE.

But first, no party is really in full swing without cake...
Groundhog Day cupcakes anyone? :)

Now then.  Let's step outside, shall we?  And see what Punxsutawney Phyllis, Sage of Sages, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinaire, has to say about the coming of Spring 2013!!!

She was prepared for anything - rain or snow or sleet...

She was hoping for sunbathing weather...

A quick check told Phyllis that is was a nippy 10 degrees, with clear blue skies and sunshine on the way...
recognize this Phyllis - created by the very talented Julie in CO? :)
In the final analysis, however, Punxsutawney Phyllis emerged from her burrow on Blueberry Hill at 7:25 AM on this February 2, 2013...
... and declared, "No shadow!  EARLY SPRING!!!!"

Even Uncle Phil had to agree :)

On the Sundial Bridge in Redding, California, Linda reports that Phyllis also saw no shadow and predicts an early spring!
Linda's entry - Phyllis in Redding, CA
So what's happening in your neck of the woods?

Quick!  Get your photo on your blog and your post-specific blog link on the list below so we can come see Phyllis predicting spring all over the world!  (And again, if you, like Linda above, do not have a blog, feel free to send my your picture and I'll add it to this post with your weather caption, location, and name :))

I can't wait to see all the pictures!  And Phyllis REALLY can't wait!  She loves this day which is all about her!

Have a great weekend, everyone!  HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY!!!

60 comments:

  1. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! EARLY SPRING!!!!!!
    I was wanting more and more winter but we've been getting freezing rain and not so much snow....

    I just submitted my link as "Super Phyllis"! Josie's is "It is cold out!" :)

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  2. I've already read them both - EXCELLENT job both of you!!! :) And YAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!! I feel the same way about early spring :)

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  3. delores @ thefeatherednestFebruary 2, 2013 at 9:33 AM

    Phyllis was lovingly painted and then the little minx refused to go out in the snow. What can you do with a girl like that?

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  4. Withdraw access to strawberries until she agrees :) Although truthfully, that's not like Phyllis. She loves snow! I hope she'll change her mind and venture out... or at least to the windowsill :)

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  5. How fun! I love it!

    YAY for early spring!! We've had a more winterish winter than we've had in forever here, so we are definitely ready for it.

    And I'm totally ready for that cupcake. :) :)

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  6. Winter - YUCK! Cupcake - chocolate-y goodness YUM! Hurray for early spring :)

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  7. Very cute and charming. Looking forward to reading all the entries.

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  8. I love the little Groundhog Cupcake! Phyllis predicts an early Spring here in Michigan, but as it's currently snowing, it's a bit hard to believe right now! :-)
    Happy Groundhog Day Phyllis and Susanna!

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  9. Yay for Phyllis for predicting an early spring! I officially love her. :) Ink is running low, but it the printer gods decree, maybe I'll join the fun. :)

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  10. Oh, I hope you do! It doesn't take much ink... mostly crayons :)

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  11. It's just getting the snow out of its system to make way for early spring :) And Happy Groundhog Day to you too, Dana!!!

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  12. I'm pretty sure I owe Phyllis an apology for the paparazzi pictures of her in compromising positions.

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  13. Great cupcake...fun celebration...I'll enjoy visiting Phyllis in all the other locations.:) By the way, the finalists have been announced in the Writer's Desk Competition hosted by Nancy Hatch and mine is among the seven...please take a moment to vote...ALL of the entries are awesome.:)

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  14. Already been there and done that, Vivian :) Thanks for joining in Phyllis's Day of Fun! Have as many cupcakes as you want - the supplies are unlimited :)

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  15. Oh golly! I can't wait to see! Coming right over!!! :)

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  16. Adorable pictures! An early spring? Yippee!!! The contest is so fun. I can't wait to see who wins. :-)

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  17. We certainly have some GREAT contenders so far, Cheryl! It's going to be hard to choose :)

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  18. Thanks, Darshana! And there are still 2 more days for Phyllis to make an appearance in Silicon Valley for purposes of the contest :)

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  19. Hi Susanna,
    Who baked the adorable Phyllis cupcake? It looks super.
    I burst out laughing at Phyllis wearing sunglasses!
    What a hoot!
    All of the other photos are wonderful as well.
    All the best with the official launch of Making Picture Book Magic that began yesterday. You thought you were busy before. :-)

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  20. And of course, there are no calories, correct?

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  21. It was snowing and blowing and horrible first thing this morning, and sunny later on. Which counts? (Note: When I was a kid I never understood the Groundhog Day thing, because here, if there's six weeks more of winter, that means a really early spring!)

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  22. Alas, I didn't see this until now so we have no Phyllis photo, BUT I am very glad she is predicting an early spring. I need it this year. :-)

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  23. But of course! Nothing but the best around here :)






























    Vivian Kirkfield wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:


    And of course, there are no calories, correct?


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  24. I don't know who baked the cupcake - I got it off a free photo site somewhere which I accidentally closed the window before I copied the link and then couldn't find again. Clever me. I love that photo of Phyllis is sunglasses too :) And so many of the entries were terrific! Thanks for the good wishes for the course launch! :)

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  25. I believe a certain suspension of disbelief is required, Beth! :) And as Vivian so astutely pointed out, she can't see her shadow (even if she has one) if she's facing the other way :) So I think there's a certain amount of room for manipulation of the data! Let's just go with early spring in any way, shape, or form - that's my motto! :)

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  26. You still have time, Julie! Photos can be posted through Monday Feb. 4. Put your kids to work on coloring and photographing :) The link to the colorable action figure is right here in the post :)

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  27. That cupcake looks yummy, but too darling to eat!

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  28. Yay! Another Phyllis adventure. After all her trips, I think your next picture book should be a "Phyllis' Travel Guide."

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  29. I think could eat the den part and just save the groundhog :)

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  30. Such cute photos of Phyllis! And who designed your cupcake? Sorry we didn't get to play this time, but I'm enjoying everyone's photos of Phyllis. AND I loved listening to you on Blogspot radio while I cooked supper today!

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  31. That cupcake looks scrumptious! Phyllis' adventures never cease to amaze me, and as we had a sprinkling of snow yesterday in New York, I am all over Phyllis' prediction!

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  32. Poor Phyllis needs to find a pair of boots that fit! No wonder she's looking for warmer weather ;) Once again, your books and characters have brought a lot of fun into our home, Susanna!

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  33. I love those Phyllis photos! And that cupcake is making me drool. Can't wait to see more pics. :)

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  34. I just couldn't bring myself to munch on the cupcake. So cute and adorable like Phyllis. So we have an early spring? Well, thank you Phyllis!

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  35. Thanks! (now, Kermit the Frog style...) YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!! ;)

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  36. After looking at that cupcake, we'll be having chocolate cake today for sure. Those pictures are SO adorable. I especially love the one of Phyllis on the beach towel. Our southern part of the country boasted 51 degrees on Ground Hog Day. Our winter weather has been an unusual blend of shorts weather one day and Long Johns the next. The trees and shrubs are completely confused. I'm glad for an early spring. Can't wait to sit outside and write in the sunshine!

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  37. Love your photos of Phyllis, Susanna. I especially love her sunbathing. She looks so adorable. I had so much fun celebrating groundhog day with Phyllis. Thanks for planning this event.

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  38. Alayne Kay ChristianFebruary 3, 2013 at 7:23 PM

    My Punxsutawney Phyllis road was paved with good intentions but I still couldn't get it right. Phyllis was found sunning and pool dipping in Texas yesterday. I copy and pasted the link, but messed it up twice, so to save myself further embarrassment, I gave up.

    http://alaynekaychristian.wordpress.com/

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  39. How FUN! And I love that cupcake! If it was here next to me . . . I would EAT it! :D

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  40. Happy Groundhog day. :) Love the photo of Phyllis in sunglasses! Now I'm dreaming of sunny days and of course, cupcakes.

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  41. I sent you an email about my entry, Susanna. :)

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  42. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos, Tina - Phyllis enjoyed the photo shoot :) And thanks so much for listening to the radio show - so kind! - and I'm glad if you liked it. I don't know who designed the cupcake... I found the picture on a free photo site and accidentally closed the window before I copied the link and then couldn't find it again, clever lass that I am!

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  43. Did I make it in time??

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  44. Wait! You're back in NY? I can't keep up with you, you globe-trotter you :) Are you at SCBWI? There's still time if you want to participate in Phyllis's current shenanigans - you have until tomorrow night :)

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  45. Thanks so much, Heather! I'm so glad :) (And I TOLD Phyllis those boots were too big and she said they would be warmer that way!)

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  46. Feel free to join in Teresa :) There's still time... :)

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  47. You just have to think outside the box... er, the burrow... Angela - eat the den and save the groundhog :)

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  48. :)






























    This Kid Reviews Bks wrote, in response to Susanna Leonard Hill:


    Thanks! (now, Kermit the Frog style...) YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!! ;)

    User's website
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    IP address: 173.86.55.176

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  49. You and me both, Pam! What could be better than writing in the sunshine with chocolate cake? I mean, not writing with cake, eating cake, but having the cake with you while you write :) Maybe your LMNOPers will want to color Phyllises tomorrow and get in on the Photo Fun! :)

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  50. Thank you so much for joining in, Romelle! Your post was completely and totally awesome! I love that you took Phyllis to the run and had her pose with your running group! :) ...and all the other great photos! :)

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  51. Hahaha! You're funny, Alayne :) No worries, I fixed your link :) And now I've got to rush over and read your post! Thanks for playing along!

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  52. Not me. But only because I am currently full of brownie :) If you care to join the fun, you still have one day.... :)

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  53. As you should be, Coleen :) That was her intent! :)

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  54. I got it, Teresa and no worries - glad to have you join in in any way, shape or form! Coming over to see your post now! :)




























    Teresa Robeson wrote, in response to Teresa Robeson:

    I sent you an email about my entry, Susanna. :)


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  55. I just realized - I was the first to comment! Whoo! :D

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  56. Of course you did, dearie :) Coming to read!

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  57. That's because you're so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and up earlier on Saturday mornings than the rest of us old fogies :)





























    This Kid Reviews Bks wrote, in response to This Kid Reviews Bks:


    I just realized - I was the first to comment! Whoo! :D


    User's website
    Link to comment
    IP address: 173.86.55.176

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  58. I can't remember if I commented on how much I think your pictures should win or not. But I do! Hope you still have power. (You need coffee and the other things we mentioned.) Hahaha.

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  59. So far so good with the power, but we're getting about an inch and hour now, so who knows how long the power will last? As for the photos, if you're saying you think mine should win, that is not possible! I'm never in these contests - I just do examples :) But thank you for liking them :) And truly, I think your video is going to be pretty hard to beat :)

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