Last January while I was wallowing around the house in my sweatpants, watching Judge Judy, I became so sick of myself that I had to act! I decided to be my own publicity agent and started promoting myself, a difficult and novel idea for me. I am not in any stretch of the imagine a salesman or self-promoter. But unless you are James Patterson or Danielle Steele, this is a hat you must wear. Anyway, I booked a boatload of author visits for the month of July around the time that I direct a summer children's musical, and now these "visits' are upon me! I am looking forward to singing, dancing, teaching, and yes, learning with the kids. I hope I always keep inside me their enthusiasm and spirit. Now I'd better get busy, get out of these sweatpants and turn off my buddy Judy!

Recently I attended my little niece's First Communion celebration. Seeing her in her pretty white dress and veil made me think of my own First Communion a bajillion years ago. It was a lot of fun finding the perfect white dress and white patent leather shoes, but I remember being a little freaked out about the whole thing! As Sister Carla put the veil on my head she told me that I was now a "bride of Christ". Panic was starting to set in! Risking the ire of Sister Carla,(she once smacked my catechism classmate, Raymond, for not being able to recite the "Lord's Prayer" in Latin), I told her my concern that I was only seven years old and shouldn't be a bride to anyone, let alone an old (dead) guy. I was the only girl in the catechism class and I wondered what the boys in the class were if I was a "bride". She informed me that the boys were "apostles of Christ". In my seven year old brain, I thought that this was a better option. Unfortunately, Sister did not agree with me and I was told to close my mouth and stop being disrespectful or I would have to do 'confession' all over again. I did as I was told, marched up the church aisle with the little "apostles" and took the dry wafer and grape juice. The following month, I was chosen to crown the Virgin Mary in a May church celebration. I think being the only girl in the class had a little something to do with the choice. Same pretty white dress, shoes, lacy socks, and new white undies, but this time no veil. Instead I wore a wreath of fake pink roses and carried a velvet pillow with a wreath of real pink roses. Again, I marched down the church aisle and as I got close to the statue of the Virgin Mary I saw that she was standing on a large, open mouthed snake! I was (and still am) terrified of snakes...

My Mom has been gone for more than ten years but for some reason, I especially missed her on this Mother's Day. She was a gentle soul and a very sweet, sweet lady... me...not so much! Because we had different personalities, I'm sure there were times when she didn't quite know what to do with me. She thought I was too independent and outspoken for a girl, but at the same time, told me to get away from our little hometown and spread my wings. In some ways, I think she lived vicariously through me. Mom was a teacher until she married Dad, when at that time (during the Depression) she had to give up her job, as married women couldn't hold teaching positions. She helped my Dad in his various business ventures, raised five kids, and was a very good artist. A fond memory is when Mom would take me down to the river or out in the meadows where I would run wild, while she painted and sketched. She passed away before I published my first book, but I know she would have been very proud. As a tribute to my wonderful Mom, the crocodile in "Nile, Nile, Crocodile" wears a Green Bay Packer jersey with Bart Starr's number 15. I often teased her that I was her "love child" with Bart Starr, which always made her blush! :) When I became a Mom I wasn't prepared for the intense feelings I had for my boys. I love my husband with all my heart, but the love for my kids is a different animal. I understand, now, when parents say they would cut off their arm for their child. They are the best thing that's happened in my life. Although I was so happy to receive flowers and chocolate from my two teenaged sons, it's the words that mean the most to me. "I love you very much, Mom. Thanks for everything." I can't ask for more... Mom, I know you are up there watching and I just want to say, "I love you very much, Mom. Thanks for everything."

"Mary just loves to sing!" said my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ruppenthal. I think what she was nicely telling my parents was that that was ALL I wanted to do! As a kid growing up in a tiny Wisconsin town, I never dreamed that I would sing in Chicago with some of the best talent of the day! What makes me think of this is that I was blessed to share the stage with the great Mavis Staples of The Staple Singers. Mavis, very deservedly, received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Columbia College over the weekend. "I'll Take You There" and "Respect Yourself" are two of my all time favorites! Oh, yes, back in the day, I opened for Garth Brooks and Patty Loveless, but that's another story...

Good Morning! As I sit at the computer and write this "musing" my two dogs are comfortably snoring away on the couch behind me. Bellies full, bladders and butts empty, they are probably dreaming about the beast they scared away in our backyard at 4a.m. this morning. Yes, indeed, with barks and howls and doggie screaming they banished some evil raccoon or terrorist woodchuck (actually, she's a "woodcharlene", as she has babies under our shed). What they don't know is that this caused near heart attacks for the rest of the sleeping household. Or do they? Hmmmm...scare tactics, sleep deprivation...the animal terrorists may be inside the house, not outside...

We are very excited to report that "Nile, Nile, Crocodile" won the Kids Music Award for "Best Reading Song" March 2011. More to follow...

Has anyone had any experience with the new (I think) Pubit from Barnes & Noble? From what I understand, Pubit is an online web portal where you can upload your eBooks and sell them through the Barnes & Noble eBookstore.
I have purchased eBooks in the past but have no experience with selling my own books this way. It sounds intriguing...

After what seems like a long, long wait, my second book "5 Monkeys & Little Crocodile" came out this past summer. There have been quite a few book signing/performances in the last few weeks and sales are good. :-)

While attending the SCBWI conference in L.A., I learned that even when the economy is tanking, the sale of children's books remains consistent. Thankfully, there are many adults who know the importance of getting books into the hands of kids.

On that note, I would like to mention a wonderful organization called Bernie's Book Bank. They collect new and gently used children's books and distribute them to underprivileged kids. Donations of money and/or books is always appreciated. Also, there is always work to be done at the warehouse shelving and leveling the tens of thousands of books that come in. If you can give an hour or two for the cause please visit www.berniesbookbank.org The warehouse is in Libertyville, Illinois.

"5 Monkeys & Little Crocodile" will be out in May 2010. This is a story/song with an anti-bullying theme. There is additional information about geography, music and animals. Coloring pages and an MP3 will be available to download from my website:
MGFurlong.com. Book Release Party to be announced! I'm so excited! I am booking school and library visits for the Fall to introduce "5 Monkeys & Little Crocodile."

My good friend, Kelly Barwick, and I attended the Writer's Conference in Madison, Wisconsin last weekend. Kelly is an amazing kid (she is like a daughter to me, so I can refer to her as a kid) :-). Kelly won FIRST PLACE in the Y.A. (Young Adult) category for her book, "Ash Reign." I wasn't surprised at all, as she is a phenomenal writer, along with being a talented artist and musician. (Now I do sound like her Mom!!!), but I tell the truth. Kelly Barwick will be an author, musician, artist that you will hear a lot more about. She truly is that remarkable!

The conference, though worthwhile, was very disorganized in the beginning, which was disappointing. Upon arrival for registration, there were no room assignments for sessions, so most of us were running from room to room and floor to floor to find where we should be. I missed the first session and some of the second. The individual "pitch" sessions (which required a fee) were not kept to the 8 minute time allotment and because the schedule was so backed up some lost their time slot.

I have attended several SCBWI conferences and have no complaints whatsoever. The Writer's Institute has been hosting a conference for 21 years, this was my first, and I will probably attend again, as I mentioned that there were many good sessions and contacts that were made, but I really hope it is more organized in the future.

On an entirely different note, I had forgotten what a fabulous city Madison, Wisconsin is! There is music all over the place, bookstores galore, and a virtual "United Nations" of restaurants. I would probably weigh 300 lbs. if I lived there! :-)

For the past several months I have been working on a teacher's resource book about Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Barack Obama.  I am hoping to obtain permission to use the copyrighted Music that will go along with the subject matter.  In the meantime, to research what works in the book and what doesn't, I have been presenting a rough draft of the project to the "experts," fourth and fifth grade students.  Thus far, I have shown a DVD of the work in progress to three different schools.  The response has been very positive.  The kids are interested and engaged and the teachers welcome a way to integrate Music into their Social Studies curriculum.  The comments, questions, and insights of the students is nothing short of amazing!  I am learning from them, too!

My friend, Billy Shaffer, is appearing in "The Million Dollar Quartet" at the Apollo Theatre in Chicago.  It is a musical about a December day in 1956 when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis had an impromptu "jam" at Sun Records Studio in Memphis, Tennessee.  I had the opportunity to see the show this week and it is fabulous!  I really want to take my two teenage sons to see it.  I know they will enjoy the music.  It's only about 90 minutes long with no intermission (which is great for me because I have never been able to sit still longer than a few minutes at a time).  :-)

Attention all Children's Musicians:

With many thanks to Sue Ferdon, my new website is up and running and productive.  Through PayPal, I just sent off a copy of  my book, "Nile, Nile, Crocodile" to a public library that requested a copy.  What an easy way to do transactions!

I will be presenting "Nile, Nile, Crocodile"at Crocodile Pie Bookstore (how appropriate) :-) in Libertyville, Illinois on Thursday, December 18th at 10:30a.m.

We will learn a bit about the Nile crocodile and the Nile River, hear the song and story, and then do a 'crocodile' craft.

If you are not able to attend that day, it would be really worthwhile to come another time. The bookstore is adorable and filled with all kinds of kid friendly 'goodies.'

http://www.crocodilepie.com

The Prairie Writer's Conference was held November 15th at Dominican University in Chicago.  It is part of the SCBWI (aka) Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

October 31, 2008

On Monday, October 6th, I had the opportunity to meet and 'shadow' Heather Terrill Stotts.  Heather is the Creative Facilitator for River Valley High School in Spring Green, Wisconsin.  The main focus of the day was filmmaker, Wendy Schneider, and her documentary about teen self injury called, "Cut".  The film was shown in separate viewings to all 9th grade boys and girls.  After seeing the film, the kids wrote anonymous questions for Wendy.  Along with answering the questions of the kids, Wendy discussed the making of the film.  The staff of the high school had the opportunity to view the film before hand.  There was, also, a viewing for any interested parents that evening.  I think EVERY high school and even middle school should consider offering this amazing documentary to their students, staff, and parents.  It is eye-opening!  For more information, visit Cutthemovie.com.

Click the "play" button below for a sneak peek!

Share a post- Let me know what the kids say about this beloved creature.

Last weekend I attended the Children's Music Network conference.  It was my first time attending so wasn't sure what to expect.  I must say, I was pleasantly surprised!  It was very well organized and attended...people from all over the U.S., and the workshops I attended were very informative and worthwhile.

This has nothing to do with books or crocodiles, BUT did you see the Cubs' Zambrano in his 'no-hitter' game???  Then the next day, Ted Lilly came oh, so close to doing the same!!! Wow!  I think the Cubbies have gotten 'back in the saddle'!

Good Morning!

No..it's not my handbag, my shoes or my belt, it is this delightful book about a crocodile. No doubt it will become one of your favorites too! How cool, it comes with the most beautiful illustrations and engaging CD. Your little one will ask to read and play this story over and over again. Mary knows what it takes to lure you into her pond of fun. Her many years of teaching, writing, singing and laughing have captivated audiences of all ages. Parents, teachers and children will smile with Nile Nile Crocodile. I can see why this author is a favorite. Love it!
by Marigale (parent)