Monday, February 16, 2009

Blue Monday - I Think I Can

It's Blue Monday! To participate:

1. Post about something blue on your blog. It can be pretty, ugly, funny, old, or new as long as it's blue. Leave a link to this blog on your post.

2. Place the Blue Monday button on the top of your post so that people can easily spot it. Place another
Blue Monday button on the sidebar of your blog.

3. Return here and link in with Mr. Linky by leaving your name and the
Permalink to your post. To create a Permalink, click on your Blue Monday post title and copy all the stuff in the http window. It is a longer address so that people can find your post even later in the week--whenever they get a chance to visit. For those who just can't wait, Mr. Linky will be up after midnight!

Do NOT link in until after your post is up.

4. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment.
I appreciate it when you take the time to leave a comment for me.

5. Check back later to make certain you visit all the Blue participants. (That's why the Permalink is so important.)
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When my son and daughter-in-law announced that we were going to be grandparents, I went out and bought The Little Engine That Could. I love reading, and the love of reading is something that I want to give to those I care about. It seems that I've always thought highly of this motivational story, and I had to have it for my first grandchild. (Of course, I've shared it with all seven of my grandchildren.)


I read it over and over to that first grandchild until she would say along with me at the beginning of the story, "Chug, chug, chug. Puff, puff, puff. Ding-dong, ding-dong." We spent hours with this book about the very little blue engine who helped get the toys over the mountain by saying, "I think I can--I think I can--I think I can--I think I can.


I also used to read it to my senior high students to teach them the importance of reading and how to read to their future children by using rhythm and voice inflection. I was always impressed that twelfth graders would actually listen to a child's book being read aloud. When read with expression, this lovely book catches the ear and instills a profound message of persistence.

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Blue Monday Participants
1. Susan
2. Lana G!
3. ellen b
4. Heidi Pocketbook
5. lynne @lynnesgiftsfromtheheart
6. Mojo, NC, USA
7. Cass at That Old House
8. Libby - TwirlandTaste
9. Sweetie
10. Sheila
11. Melissa Miller
12. Tink *~*~*
13. Carrie - Carola Nativity Gallery
14. Barbara H.
15. Olive Rue
16. Janie
17. Kady
18. CC
19. Nell
20. Elizabeth
21. Linnea
22. Lorrie
23. Judith
24. Marjorie
25. Leora
26. Beverly
27. Kathleen M
28. Debra
29. Candy
30. Dawn
31. Sherri@Design to Shine
32. ~CC Catherine
33. bj
34. Judybug
35. Shirls Rose Cottage
36. Diane@ A Picture is...
37. Ginger
38. Sherrie
39. Charlotte
40. Jane
41. White Iris Designs
42. Cam
43. marie
44. fitty
45. Jeanne
46. Charlotte
47. Dixie
48. Shelia
49. Pagan Sphinx-Massachusetts
50. April
51. Kathy
52. Mamapippa - Belgium
53. Carla
54. Judi
55. Sheila T

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75 comments:

  1. Oh I loved reading this story to my kiddos! I love the illustrations in this one :0)
    Happy Blue Monday to you!

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  2. Love this book! I got a kick out the 12th graders being fascinated by this story! Happy Blue Monday Sally!

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  3. Sally, I loved this book. I can only imagine the 12th graders being fascinated by this book.. Thanks for hosting another great "blue" Monday.. hugs ~lynne~

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  4. If there was ever a classic...

    It occurs to me that my alleged favorite book when I still required someone else to do the reading would fit in nicely with Blue Monday too if you could find it. According to legend, I was such a fan of Rackety Boom that my parents had it memorized. I don't remember the book anymore, but apparently Rackety was "an old blue truck".

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  5. My brother had this book growing up...and I loved to read it! All 4 of my kids have a copy!

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  6. I'm a bookworm, and I think reading is just so important. What a great memory of your reading to your grand daughter. My mom instilled a love of books by reading to me, and also into my oldest dd.

    That is such a wonderful idea about teaching your high school students to read with inflection. That could very well make the difference to their own children when they become parents. As parents, we can help instill that reading magic to children. My youngest dd likes to be read to, but isn't a bookworm. I haven't given up hope yet!

    Have a great Monday, Sally!

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  7. That book is a classic. Thanks for hosting Blue Monday - have a great President's Day.. . Libby

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  8. This is a neat book, Sally, and this version is particularly pretty it's illustrations.

    As for me, I think I can...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  9. One of the all time GREAT children's books. Do you know how many times I find myself quoting it as an adult? Awesome!

    Tink *~*~*
    NEW at My Mobile Adventures *~*~* - EPCOT at Walt Disney World - blue, yellow, CANDY!

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  10. The gift of reading is so important to young children...you're a wonderful grandma for nurturing a love of books and reading.

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  11. Sally, Thanks for reminding me about the wonderful "The Little Engine That Could." I remember reading and re-reading the book to my daughters when they were small.
    Hugs,
    Sweetie

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  12. We have this exact same book. We all loved it.

    Mine is a little different today. :-)

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  13. Sally,

    I read this book over and over to my children because it was such a good book to add your own animation to and kids love that! And the seniors...you probably had them in awe of hearing one of their favorites so many years later and getting the true meaning of "I think I can"

    Thank you for a really wonderful Blue Monday post! :-)

    xoxo
    Janie

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  14. I remember my mother reading this book to my little brother. It was a different style book, but the same story.

    Have you ever seen the movie Major Payne where he is telling the little boy the story of the Little Engine That Could? Hilarious!

    Kady

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  15. My little ones always enjoyed the many, many books I read to them. I believe it's one of the most important things to do with your kids..and I think all ages enjoy being read to, Happy Blue Monday Sally and thank you so much for hostine.

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  16. I think all kids love this book. I had forgotten how vivid the colors are.

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  17. I had this book for my kids too. Now I wonder where it has gotten to these days. Might be at my mother's where she kept books for the grandchildren.

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  18. Yes, that is a message for today and this week: I think - I can! Did not make a Blue Monday as trying to catch up on all outstanding blog admin (responses to comments and Awards). But I think - I Can! In so doing you are Awarded a prize! (More work for you!)

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  19. Hi Sally, I am not able to sleep so I decided to come over early, very early, today.

    I love your story of your first grandchild. A thrill beyond words. A book is the best of all gifts and especially this one. A true life's lesson for all ages. A keepsake for life.

    Have a wonderful Blue Monday today.

    Hugs...Jeanne

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  20. Good morning Sally--this book was a childhood favorite of mine and I read it to all my children too! Have a very happy Blue Monday

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  21. I also owned this book for the kids. To this day, I still catch myself saying, I think I can, I think I can. :)

    Hugs,
    Chris

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  22. what a wonderful book - I spent hours reading to Karl when he was a child probably why he's such a book worm now. Judith

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  23. I think I can>>>>>>>Love the book. Kathy

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  24. Little Engine that Could was one of my favorite books. I loved looking at the illustrations. I remember all the candy and toys.

    My first time playing Blue Monday...I found you because of Mojo, and I had a fun pic with blue I wanted to share.

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  25. What a wonderful memory. I love this story, too. In fact, there are many times I tell myself the same lesson to get through the days.

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  26. I love this story....thanks for sharing your memory and your blue today!

    Happy Blue Monday!

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  27. What a great tradition to share with all the grandchildren.
    Kathleen

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  28. I love this book too! Our reading program at school actually has this book as part of the program. It is a wonderful motivational story. A perfect choice for Blue Monday.

    take care,
    Dawn

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  29. Hi Sally! It's my 1st ride on the Blue Monday Train! ;-) I loved this book as a child. It is a timeless story that really sticks with you. I still say, "I think I can, I think I can!".

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  30. Good morning Sally! Happy Blue Monday! Thank you for hosting this fun event! What a pretty blue book and a lovely timeless story!
    Bless you, Shirl
    Shirls Rose Cottage

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  31. Hi Sally,
    This is one of my favorite books! I always loved to read it to my second graders. I am going to have to hunt a copy for the grandchildren!

    Diane

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  32. My children and grandchildren grew up with this one!
    Happiest Blue Monday, Sweet Sally..

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  33. I'm going to buy this book for my grandchild, too, the one I just mentioned (for the first time!) on my blog for Blue Monday.

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  34. Hi Sally,
    I love that book!! My son read it when he was little. Mine is posted. Have a great day!!

    Sherrie

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  35. Hi Sally. I enjoyed the blue book photos. Thanks for hosting Blue Monday and I hope you have a great week!

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  36. This is a great little book with a great message.
    Happy Blue Monday.
    Charlotte

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  37. Well,Sally...I just can't do a short post...a one at a time post. I prefer a longer one so that's why I have more photos....if I run out of blues, it just means I have to go buy MORE....WOO HOOO...;o)

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  38. Smiling Sal...I think I can! I think I can..yeah Lady Jane (achew) finally with a permalink that is working on this BLUE MONDAY,and all under the influence of Dayquil! I love your post today....Happy Blue Monday!

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  39. This story was one of my favorites when I was young, and I read it to my children when they were young and now I read it to my Grandkids... It has such a great message that hangs in there for a lifetime... If you think you can you probably can... Thanks for the memories

    (((HUGS)))
    Donna

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  40. Hi Sally, :)
    It's so nice to "meet" you.
    You have a great blog and Blue Monday is a wonderful
    event.
    Thank you for hosting!

    Thanks for visiting my blog and your kind words on our Blue Master bedroom.
    ~Warmly, Melissa :)

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  41. I'm so envious you've been to the White House. It's so FAR from where I live and I don't like to fly. It is my dream to go there when Mr. Dumpling retires. I want to spend DAYS!

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  42. I have always enjoyed that book!!♥

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  43. Inspiration in all forms, books, are words and words are powerful. You have given so much by offering a book of inspiration no matter how basic the words or pictures are.
    Marie

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  44. Hi Sally, I am back for your Blue Monday post.. :-) and what a lovely story book you have! I can imagine all the fun times you had with your grandkids.. sitting together sharing the story... precious! have a great week!

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  45. DEAR SALLY,
    HAPPY BLUE MONDAY
    I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THAT STORY...WHAT YOU DID WAS VERY SWEET
    HUGS
    debbie

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  46. So precious and sweet spending time reading that to grandkids!...Christine

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  47. Hi Sally today is my first Blue Monday post.I love the Little Engine That Could,I think all children should read this book or have it read to them.

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  48. My dd and I were reading 'Dora goes to the Beach' this morning, but I think I will get her that book now :) HBM!

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  49. Sally, You surely do get alot of comments on Blue Monday!!!! My My!!!

    Love that little children's book.. It will always be one of my fav's. When I'm hiking straight up a mountain, I say "I think I can--I think I can---I think I can"!!!!! ha ha

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  50. I'm with you Sally... books are the open doorway to the world... and reading is the pathway...
    have a beautiful Blue Monday...
    hugs. Dixie

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  51. Wonderful! Your grand-children are blessed indeed. Have a great Presidents' Day.

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  52. We are never too old to hear the lesson taught in this childrens story...it is ageless & timeless!

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  53. Hi Sally! What a sweet little story! I'm late, but I'm linked up!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  54. The illustrations in that little gem are so precious.

    I loved your entry as I too have a fondness for childrens books and a love for teaching reading.

    Sorry to be late to the party, by the way. My entry is up.

    Thanks for hosting, Sally.

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  55. So, YOUR the blogger that does this Blue Monday-what fun:)

    I love this book, many times I have quoted it in my own life.

    Happy 'Blue' Monday to you:)

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  56. Happy Blue Monday Sally! I'm moving slow today but I'll be here to link soon :) Love The Little Engine That Could! I say I think I can all the time!

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  57. That's one of our favorite books, also. Our copy is dog-eared, I should replace it; but love the memories from the tattered pages. Sally

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  58. Hi Sally~
    First of all, I have no idea how I got that smiley face next to my name! How strange!

    "The Little Engine That Could" was a favorite of mine growing up and one I shared with my girls when they were younger. They used to always love for me to change my voice about in order to make the story come alive.

    Have a Happy BLUE MONDAY!

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  59. We ha a recording of it as children...
    what a great memory!

    M ^..^

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  60. I loved that book too but also love the book, "The Little House"...I kept it because I liked it so well..Thanks for stopping by today..beautiful day here today as I am sure it is there in Fla...

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  61. Thank you for your easy instructions on how to post for Blue Monday! I thought I'd try it. What fun! I am a retired English teacher, also. Nice to meet you!

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  62. Coming to wish you a very nice week !

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  63. I remember that book! I loved the pictures. My favourite was the page with the lollies. Now it's one of the books my mum buys for new mums. That, and Dear Zoo. :-)

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  64. What a wonderful book! I love the little engine that could, although there are many different versions of the same story nowadays. I like the illustrations in the one you have. :)

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  65. I loved "The Little Engine That Could" when I was a child - actually, I still love it. Think I had the Little Golden Book version, but I believe the illustrations were the same, and they're just wonderful. Thanks for reminding me - I need to find my copy!

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  66. Lovely book! I have only seen "the movie" ;-) hehe!!! AND enjoed it!

    I love poetry.. I even write poems sometimes... (all in Norwegian) BUT also love english poems written by others! :-)

    rythm and rime...
    Monica

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  67. Oh I miss all you Sally. I'm still visiting though. I will be back.
    Thanks for visiting me so faithfully.
    Love Claudie
    xoxo

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  68. I remember reading this book to my kids. If I don't have it I'll need to pick one up for my new grandbaby.

    Thanks for stopping by.

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  69. Hi Sally, I missed Blue Monday again this week. I have been out of town and just got back! Love the vintage book!
    Love, Ann

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  70. One of my all time favorites too! I read it to my children and I read it to my grandchildren. Because of that, I can often use the message of the Little Engine when I am trying to encourage my children and my grandchildren. Thank you for this post about a wonderful book. laurie

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  71. Good morning Sally, I have always loved this book too. I used to read it to my children and grandchildren. I love the way you had your students read it. What a great idea! I too have used this espression as an adult.

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  72. I had this book when I was a tot. I read it to my kids as well (they are 13 and 14 now). I'm looking forward to participating in blue monday for the first time next week! I have the perfect blue item!

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Sally