HELLO, MY NAME IS

 Naming Patterns

You will often see the same names used over and over again in families. Many cultures believe in honoring their elders and do so by naming children after them. Following is a pattern that was popular in England in the 1700-1875 period:

• The first son was named after the father's father
• The second son was named after the mother's father
• The third son was named after the father
• The fourth son was named after the father's eldest brother
• The first daughter after the mother's mother
• The second daughter after the father's mother
• The third daughter after the mother
• The fourth daughter after the mother's eldest sister
  

But maybe more fascinating is our use of nicknames.

A nickname is a name different in origin and pronunciation from the original name. Example: Robert – Bobby, Rob, Bob, or Bert. Sometimes a nickname is simply used for convenience, or it is used to show affection. Nicknames can convey smallness, as when used with young children. It is a way to tell someone they are special and that you love them.

Classic example:

Elizabeth – Liz, Beth, Bess, Betty, Libby, Lisa, Elsa, Babette, Ellen, Zoe, etc.

Never Forget to Smile!

Here is your test regarding American humor:
There once was a Manhattan boy who asked his country cousin, "Is it true that a bear won't eat you if you carry a flashlight?"
The experienced cousin replied, "Depends on how fast you carry it."

Easter Rhymes

 Find rhyming words that match the clues:

(1) A season that rhymes with bring.

(2) A flower that rhymes with silly.

(3) What birds lay that rhymes with legs.

(4) A holiday that rhymes with fur.

(5) A meal that rhymes with winner.

(6) Something you send that rhymes with hard.

(7) Another word for rabbit that rhymes with honey.

(8) Something to hold things and rhymes with gasket.

(9) The opposite of find that rhymes with side.

(10) A place to pray that rhymes with lurch.

(11) A search that rhymes with bunt.

(12) A jelly candy that rhymes          with seen. (13) Colored water that rhymes          with by.

The Morning after a Windy, Stormy Night

I looked out the window afraid I would see fallen tree limbs and other debris from the storm the night before. To my surprise this is what I saw:

A colorful, deflated balloon that must have braved the storm all night.
It reminded me of how much my children had always delighted in balloons. And they would intensely mourn when the balloon finally popped or flew away.


Consider these poems:

MY BALLOON
By
Gregory K.

“Why, oh why, oh why, oh why????
Oh, please come back!” I moan and sigh.
I jumped but you had gone too high.
Now you’re flying in the sky.
I think I’m really gonna cry….
Goodbye, my poor balloon. Goodbye.

 Untitled
by Skip Halthen 

My balloon was in the sky.
My balloon was flying high,
But then it popped and died.
And that's the end.

No English Needed!

 Sometimes we don't need sophisticated language! And we don't need to have a large vocabulary! We just need someone to talk to!
Enjoy this youtube clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmA2ClUvUY