http://susannahill.blogspot.com/
http://www.susannahill.com/HOME.htmlhttp://www.susannahill.com/bio.htmlhttp://www.susannahill.com/books.htmlhttp://www.susannahill.com/teachers.htmlhttp://www.susannahill.com/links.htmlhttp://www.susannahill.com/contact.htmlhttp://susannahill.blogspot.com/http://www.susannahill.com/news.htmlhttp://www.susannahill.com/CRITIQUE_SERVICE.htmlhttp://www.susannahill.com/MAKING_PICTURE_BOOK_MAGIC.html
http://susannahill.blogspot.com/p/would-you-read-it.htmlhttp://susannahill.blogspot.com/p/summer-short-and-sweets.htmlhttp://susannahill.blogspot.com/p/oh-susanna.html

April 15, 2013

A Special Short And Sweet With Ryan Sias!

Good Morning, Everyone!

I'm sure you'll all be glad to know that despite my advanced age I'm still able to type :)

Thank you so much for all the lovely birthday wishes and cards and special pictures and banners... ooh, in case you didn't see the banner I'll put it here!
isn't this awesome? it even has Phyllis! with chocolate!
banner created by the amazing and talented Julie Rowan-Zoch
Oh!  And a coffee mug warmer from one very astute and thoughtful blog reader (thank you Caroline! :))  I am so lucky to have so many wonderful friends.  You are all so incredibly nice, and you made my birthday very special! :)

And now, I have something special for you!
Fun creativity projects for kids!  Click HERE

Ryan Sias
Rian Sias, who has worked in animation for 20 years and is the talented author/illustrator of Go Greenie! Are You Eating Something Red?, Balloon Toons: Zoe And Robot, Let's Pretend, and Go Greenie! Are You Eating Something Green? (36 Color-And-Learn Placemats) has started a new venture for kids which I think parents and teachers will enjoy knowing about!

Ryan says, "I wanted to let you know about a fun, art education email program I have created called Siasstudios.com.

I love drawing with kids and letting them finish my drawings.  They come up with wild and crazy ideas which make me laugh.  So I started this for all my nieces and nephews who live in other cities, and now have opened it up to the world!
Here's an example of one of Ryan's free art projects

My goal with Sias Studios is to foster creative development in children by giving them 100% free weekly art projects that engage their creativity.  The projects have imaginative coloring pages, zany story prompts, unique drawing lessons, and wacky characters.  All of my material is silly and fun, which I believe creates positive art experiences."

And here is how one child finished it!
You can subscribe to this free, weekly creativity prompt by going HERE.  Sign up and then sit back and let the fun projects roll in!  Sias Studios activities are recommended for ages 4-11, or anyone who wants to have fun :)  Here are a few more examples:
Here is another project...
And here is one child's interpretation :)

Here's a link to a whole page of waffle fun CLICK HERE!

And here is a fun drawing lesson:)

I hope you'll all take a moment to check out Ryan's offerings and pass the word along to friends, family, your children's teachers... anyone you think might be interested!  Ryan has a great sense of what appeals to young artists and his drawings and activities are always fun!


And now, for today's Short & Sweet, one of Ryan's prompts!
badge created by the lovely and talented Loni Edwards

Take a look at that fierce viking aboard his dragon boat and write the first sentence (or 3 :)) of a story in the comment section below!

Here's my example:) 

"Faster! Faster!" cried Shigvid, doing a small jig of rage on his ship's bow.  "Brunhilda cannot get away with this!"

I hope you'll all get a chance to hop over to Ryan's place, and I hope you'll enjoy the prompt!  I look forward to reading your story openings!  And thank you all again for all the lovely birthday presents and wishes - you are the best! :)


Labels: , , , , , , , ,

57 comments:

  1. This Kid Reviews BksApril 15, 2013 at 7:26 AM

    HILARIOUS! Hmm... I'll need to get back to you for short and sweet. School time! :D *grumble mumble bumble*

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lauri MeyersApril 15, 2013 at 8:05 AM

    Shigvid finished his chocolate cake and searched high and low for the surprise birthday person. When he sheepishly realized it was the sneaky baker pulling the wool over his eyes again, he set sail to wish her the best birthday ever.

    (Happy Birthday! I really need to have gullible gland looked at by a professional.)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Angela BrownApril 15, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    Glad you enjoyed your birthday!
    What Ryan is offering is wonderful, something great to get the creative juices for younger peeps ;-)


    For Short and Sweet: "With the speed of the winds, I shall find the other half of my hat." Shigvid stuffed his hands on his fluffy hips, thinking hard on which sheepish bud he'd find with his horn.

    ReplyDelete
  4. coleen patrickApril 15, 2013 at 9:14 AM

    I'm slightly out of the recommended age range, but I subscribed anyway. I love doodles, illustration,and all that fun visual stuff.
    Oh and can my comment count as my entire story opener? I've had coffee, but no chocolate yet. My creativity isn't quite awake yet. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sue HeavenrichApril 15, 2013 at 9:33 AM

    that was fun! the doodling...
    and happy birthday.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Teresa RobesonApril 15, 2013 at 9:54 AM

    Love Julie's birthday banner! It really says a lot about you just how many people love you, Susanna!

    Short and Sweet: "Everyone knows you should never take a Viking by the horns; everyone except for Shigivd's mortal enemy Shvolfgang. But Shigvid is sailing off to settle the score with him once and for all!"

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jill ProctorApril 15, 2013 at 10:58 AM

    Glad your birthday was bright! And what a fun art opportunity for kids Ryan is offering!


    Short and Sweet: "I can't do a thing with my hair. I must get to the salon by opening time!"

    ReplyDelete
  8. Joanna MarpleApril 15, 2013 at 11:01 AM

    "Shiver mi long-boat," said Shigvid, "launch the mainsail and start rowing, or we'll never catch those thieving wolf, Wilfrid the Unready!"


    LOVE Julie's banner!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cheryl SecombApril 15, 2013 at 11:14 AM

    Shigvid of Ozark stood tall on his dragon ship as it sliced through the choppy sea.
    The villagers called him the bravest Viking of them all.
    And he was.
    He fought fiery dragons
    And slippery sea serpents
    And terrifying beasts of all kinds.
    He feared nothing!
    Except...
    Kittens.
    Not because of their growl or their teeth or their claws.
    But because of the soft feeling they stirred inside Shigvid's chest.
    And Vikings must be fierce!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Catherine JohnsonApril 15, 2013 at 11:19 AM

    Super banner from Julie! She is so sweet and clever! Glad you had a lovely birthday x
    What fun to have these visual prompts, go Ryan!
    Shigvid was not fooled by the wolf in sheep's clothing that met him in the port. He tried to fox the wolf by pulling his own wool off, but he only managed to disguise himself in a sweater.

    ReplyDelete
  11. nrhatchApril 15, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    "Hurry, Divgish!" baaed Shigvid, "It's Spring . . and this Sheep is ready to be Shorn!"

    ReplyDelete
  12. Vivian KirkfieldApril 15, 2013 at 1:40 PM

    "Make waves, Mighty Dragonboat! Get me to the Viking helmet repair shoppe before they close or I'll cut out your timbers to repair this broken horn!"


    Love the birthday banner, Susanna...Julie is mega-talented!
    I'll hop over to Ryan's website as soon as I can...I love how he is encouraging kids to be creative. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Pam CourtneyApril 15, 2013 at 2:20 PM

    Haha! Love this Cheryl. Looking forward to seeing this again. Smiling...

    ReplyDelete
  14. Pamela CourtneyApril 15, 2013 at 2:37 PM

    "Thar she blo...See here, now! Did ye jest take a nash out of me horn there ladyt?"
    The dragon stared ahead, then offered a faint smile.
    Shigvid shouted, "Me stance is all off kilter now." Then in a surprised voice, "Wait, I am hearing much better. Aaarrrgh, what might ye be chewing thar Dragon me dear?"

    Thank you so much for sharing Ryan's site with us. This is going to add great fun to our literacy engagements. I wonder if there's a way other microsoft outlook to retrieve his stuff. Anyhoo, can't wait to start enjoying this with the kids. BTW, our Julie really rocks, doesn't she?

    ReplyDelete
  15. This Kid Reviews BksApril 15, 2013 at 3:27 PM

    Hmm... (again) (Shigvid is a sheep in Norway... a VIKING sheep!)



    CRACK! "Oh no!" wailed Shigvid the UnSheared "How will I get to the RAM-BAM-Ram-Filled-Ship-athon NOW? My Goat-Boat hit a rock!"

    ReplyDelete
  16. Julie Rowan-ZochApril 15, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    The father, Shigvid Schmid, found he'd lost his little kid, and set swift sail to find him.

    The kid, Små Schmid, hankered for a bite of squid (eccentric whims defined him).

    Små Schmid, the little kid, put to sea (he did!), though the Swedish Schooner School had declined him.

    He sailed on night and day, rowing frantically in sway, never knowing the right way, never leaving Baltic Bay! Whew! Would have thought familiar beaches would remind him!

    Shigvid Schid caught up, he did, to his circling little kid, and towed the dizzy rascal right behind him.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Julie Rowan-ZochApril 15, 2013 at 3:50 PM

    Feeling dizzy myself, after that one!

    ReplyDelete
  18. pennyklostermannApril 15, 2013 at 5:13 PM

    I am Shigvid
    As in…
    Shivid the sheep.
    As in…
    I hail from the farm.

    I am Shigvid of Ozark.
    As in…
    Arkansas.
    As in…
    land of igneous and volcanic rock.

    I am Shigvid of Ozark and I'm sure you've questions.
    As in…
    What is a sheep, in Viking’s clothing, doing floating the sea in a perm-topped dragon vessel?

    More tomorrow on your local Norse News affiliate.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Pamela CourtneyApril 15, 2013 at 5:25 PM

    Looking for the "I love" button. Oh this is good, Julie!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Pamela CourtneyApril 15, 2013 at 5:27 PM

    Wow, Penny! Love the perm-topped dragon vessel.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:19 PM

    Now, now, Erik, repeat after me: "School is fun!" :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:22 PM

    Tee hee :) "When he sheepishly realized" hee hee :) And thanks for the birthday wishes :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:24 PM

    Thanks, Angela! If you know of anyone who would enjoy Ryan's activities, please pass the word along - he would really appreciate that. And I love your Short & Sweet! :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:26 PM

    The recommended age range included "anyone who wants to have fun"! I don't think there's an age limit on that :) Thanks for signing up - Ryan will be pleased :) I'll let you off the Short & Sweet hook for now... but I expect you to come back with something brilliant after you've fueled up on chocolate :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:27 PM

    Thanks for the birthday wishes Sue - so sweet :) - and glad you enjoyed the doodling :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:29 PM

    You're very sweet, Teresa, thank you! :) And Julie's banner is amazing! I love that she got Phyllis on there. Did you see the Phyllis puppet she made last year during the World Tour? Really. The woman is gifted! LOVE your Short & Sweet! I chortled out loud over Shvolfgang!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:31 PM

    OMG Jill! You made me laugh out loud! "I can't do a thing with my hair!" :) Totally want to read THIS story! :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:32 PM

    Ooh! A sheepvikingpirate! I LOVE your Short & Sweet, Jo! And I know! Isn't Julie incredible?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:34 PM

    I will be expecting the rest of this story on the MPBM FB page or in my inbox shortly, Cheryl! I LOVE this - just wonderful! It reminds me a little of Mostly Monsterly... but with a viking sheep :) Bravo! :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:36 PM

    Thanks, Catherine! And I know, Julie is one of a kind! Love your Short & Sweet - very clever :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:37 PM

    I can't imagine why... his hair looks so tidy :) Thanks for joining in the Short & Sweet fun, Nancy :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    Love your Short & Sweet, Vivian - tons of fun! :) And glad you like Ryan's work. You know lots of people who might be interested in signing up with him - I'm sure he'd be very grateful for a shout out on your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:42 PM

    LOVE the Scottish-Irish Viking, Pam! :) "Me stance is all off kilter now" tee hee hee :) I don't know about Ryan's site and outlook... I'll ask him... because yes, I bet your kids would love his stuff and it's all free!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:43 PM

    Ooh! Bummer for Shigvid! I hope you're going to tell us what happens next :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:45 PM

    Wow! Julie! This is incredible and fantastic and original and creative and fun! So entertaining :) Full PB ms please :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    I can see why... it feels like the rolling of a ship! :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:47 PM

    Ha ha ha! "What is a sheep, in Viking’s clothing, doing floating the sea in a perm-topped dragon vessel?" You bet I'll tune in tomorrow to my local Norse News affiliate :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Teresa RobesonApril 15, 2013 at 8:48 PM

    I didn't see the puppet (or at least I don't remember if I did). I'll search your blog and hers to see if I can find it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Susanna Leonard HillApril 15, 2013 at 8:59 PM

    Go here Teresa: http://julierowanzoch.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/howdy-phyllis/ There are a whole bunch of pictures with the puppet in them. They're a little far away but you can see. Oh and also I used Julie's puppet in one of the pictures here: http://susannahill.blogspot.com/2013/02/its-groundhog-day-early-spring-or-six.html

    ReplyDelete
  40. pennyklostermannApril 15, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    Lol! This is great, Julie! You need to continue it!

    ReplyDelete
  41. pennyklostermannApril 15, 2013 at 9:32 PM

    Fun language, Pam! Aaarrrgh!

    ReplyDelete
  42. delores @ thefeatherednestApril 15, 2013 at 9:34 PM

    Don't be sheepish men..ply the oars...pull, pull..there's leg of lamb for dinner and mutton stew if we reach harbour tonight.....ohhhhh.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Cheryl SecombApril 15, 2013 at 11:04 PM

    Ha Ha! Love this, Penny! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Cheryl SecombApril 15, 2013 at 11:07 PM

    Thank you, Pamela! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Cheryl SecombApril 15, 2013 at 11:12 PM

    LOL, Roger That! :-) Thank you, Susanna. I thought of Mostly Monsterly, too! At first I was going to have him be a Viking with a secret soft side, but then I thought it was TOO much like Mostly Monsterly. So I decided to make him brave with a fear of kittens. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Cheryl SecombApril 15, 2013 at 11:15 PM

    This is wonderful! Great work, Julie! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Cheryl SecombApril 15, 2013 at 11:17 PM

    This is really fun. Love this, Pamela! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Renee LaTulippeApril 16, 2013 at 7:28 AM

    I'm Shigvid the Sheep
    and I've got one horn
    I was made for the deep
    as sure as I'm shorn.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Kirsten LarsonApril 16, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    Happy birthday, Susanna! Since you have kids and everything, I'm assuming you are now 29 and holding? That "how to draw bacon" is cracking me up. Mmmmmm bacon!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Susanna Leonard HillApril 16, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    You're so right, Kirsten! I am celebrating the 19th anniversary of my 29th birthday this year :) I love that "how to draw bacon" too - it might even be within my capabilities if I practice a bit! Thanks for the bday wishes :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Susanna Leonard HillApril 16, 2013 at 10:07 AM

    Brilliant as always, Renee! :) Judging by how unshorn he looks though, I'm wondering about sea-sickness :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Susanna Leonard HillApril 16, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    Yo ho ho and a bottle of sheep milk? :)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Susanna Leonard HillApril 16, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    Well it sounds like fun to me! :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Teresa RobesonApril 19, 2013 at 9:36 PM

    Thank you, Susanna!! That is too adorable! I love all those poses Julie did with Phyllis. ;) Oh, and I did see that photo on your blog, and totally forgot. Gosh, my brain is like swiss cheese (not as stinky though...LOL!).

    ReplyDelete
  55. Susanna Leonard HillApril 20, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Susanna Leonard HillApril 24, 2013 at 1:16 PM

    POSTED FOR TRACY AT www.tracycampbell.net/blog

    Ryan's idea is brilliant. I had included one of my b & w drawings on my website for kids to download and color. And I had one taker which I posted on my blog. I need to get my act in gear and add some more.
    Ryan took it one step further and left areas blank for kids to create the rest of the story. As I said, brilliant.
    I love the colors Loni used on the new Short and Sweet badge.
    My brain's mush, so I don't have any words to offer.
    Trying to get over a ten-day cold.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Susanna Leonard HillApril 24, 2013 at 1:17 PM

    Hope you feel better soon! :)

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you and try to respond to every comment. Please share your thoughts!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...