The MUSEBOX: Hide Your Walnuts!

Professor Watermelon!

Walnuts! Chestnuts! Peanuts! Hazelnuts! Almonds! Pecans! Cashews!

I WANT NUTS!

Boris Nutcracker


Dear Boris,

With all due respect, I don't know what to tell you. You see, the MUSEBOX is where messages and artifacts are left for my Creative Writers! If you want NUTS, I am sorry to say that you were sent to the wrong address. But I'm sure my Creative Writers will go NUTS over writing a story about you!

Ah La Peanut Butter Sandwich!

Professor Watermelon

Dear Creative Writers!

All main characters WANT something really badly, or the story they star in will simply fall short. I think we have found a great main character in Boris Nutcracker. He definitely WANTS something. Can you write a story about how he goes about getting what he wants? This Creative Writing Challenge is worth $20 Melon Dollars!

With Imagination!

Professor Watermelon

The MUSEBOX: A Gift from Santa's Elves

Greetings Professor Watermelon,

Our North Pole Teddy Bear factory has never been busier. We have stuffed nearly a million Teddy Bears in last week. We wanted to send you a few of these Teddy Bears to share with your Creative Writing students. I'm sure Santa won't mind! We also wanted to ask your Creative Writers if they could write a story about our Teddy Bears and the factory. Do you think they are up for it?

Happy Holidays!

Santa's Elves


Dear Santa's Elves,

I LOVE these Teddy Bears. They are so soft and cuddly! And I'm absolutely certain that my Creative Writing students will LOVE them, too. As for the Teddy Bear stories, you got it. Let's see what my Creative Writers come up with.

Seasons Greetings!

Professor Watermelon

Dear Creative Writers,

You heard them! Santa's elves want some Teddy Bear stories. Can you write one? Maybe your main character is a Teddy Bear. What does this Teddy Bear want more than anything in the world. Who is keeping the Teddy Bear from getting it? You can write your story in the comment section below, or you can bring it to Creative Writing Club. This challenge is worth $20 Melon Dollars!

With Imagination,
Professor Watermelon

Picture this...

Using the comment section below, write a few paragraphs describing this picture. This creative writing challenge is worth $10 Melon Dollars. Be creative (wink).

Weekly MUSE: Reindeer

Reindeer (Photo by Dawn Endico)

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, and Blitzen.

There is something magical about these names. They make me want to look toward the sky and listen for the sound of sleigh bells.

What’s that? I forgot one? Oh, yes…

RUDOLPH the Red-Nosed Reindeer! 

These nine reindeer have been on my mind lately, and they have probably been prancing around in your mind, too. So let’s explore these magnificent creatures called REINDEER!

Reindeer (Photo by Billy Lindblom)

So, why did Santa choose reindeer instead of horses to pull his sleigh? Well, it is just a little too cold for horses at the North Pole. But reindeer thrive in the cold climates of northern Europe, North America, Asia, and Greenland.

Reindeer are herbivores, which mean that they only eat plants. They especially like moss and lichen. Reindeer eat up to twelve pounds of food every day. Imagine eating twelve pounds of pizza!

Reindeer are also the only member of the deer family in which both males and females grow antlers. Sometimes the males can grow antlers reaching five feet tall. Holy Cow… I mean, REINDEER!

Reindeer migrate up to 1,600 miles a year from north to south in the winter and south to north in the summer. This is one of the farthest animal migrations on the planet. At some parts of this migration, reindeer must swim through icy-cold bodies of water. Watch this AMAZING video of some reindeer herders in Northern Norway.

What an extraordinary adventure. Did you see the reindeer’s hooves paddling underwater? If you look closely, you will notice that the hooves are hollow. This helps with swimming and digging for food in the snow.

Also in the video, you saw some very young reindeer. Females give birth to one calf a year. And these calves can stand after just a few minutes, and they are able to move along with their mothers by the next day. WOW! It takes us several months to learn how to walk.

In northwestern Mongolia (Asia), there is a tribe of people known at the Reindeer People. Ancient forests are a part of this region, and the Dukha Tribe believes that their ancestors’ ghosts live in these forests as animals that lead the living. The Dukha people live very closely with the reindeer and rely on them for milk and transportation for hunting.  Sadly, these forests and wildlife are dwindling, which threatens the Dukha’s way of life. Take a look at these photos of the Dukha people.

If you live in the Seattle area, you there are two places that I know of where you can meet some real-life reindeer: The Cougar Mountain Zoo and Swanson’s Nursery.  Ask an adult to check out these websites to plan a visit.

So, let’s get back to Santa’s reindeer – RUDOLPH in particular. I love the story of Rudolph, and if you are currently in Creative Writing Club, there will be an opportunity to buy the movie with your Melon Money. In the meantime, let’s sing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer together. Click on the video below.

With this new knowledge, what kind of story could you write? Maybe these WHAT IF questions will help you get started.

WHAT IF your main character was a reindeer who wanted to migrate to the North Pole in hopes of becoming a member of Santa’s sleigh team?

WHAT IF your main character lived in a family of reindeer herders?

WHAT IF your reindeer character’s antlers would not stop growing?

The possibilities are endless, and please leave your own what if questions in the comment section below. I’d love to see what you come up with.

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, a pencil and a piece of paper, and let’s begin. With your imagination, we can go anywhere. I look forward to seeing where you take us.

With Imagination,

Professor Watermelon

The word of the day is “migrate”. Here is the definition: to pass periodically from one region or climate to another, as certain birds, fish, and animals.

Weekly MUSE: Indiana

Photo Credit: Don France

I traveled to my home state of Indiana this past week to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family and friends. And while I was there, I was reminded of how unique this small Midwestern state really is.

Hoosiers, we’ve found another MUSE!

What? What is a Hoosier? Oh, that’s what we call people from Indiana. Yep, that means that I, Professor Watermelon, am a Hoosier.

You are probably wondering how to pronounce this funny word. Try saying it this way: “who-zure”.

James Whitcomb Riley, Hoosier Poet

Nobody really knows where this funny word comes from. James Whitcomb Riley, a famous Hoosier poet, said that the word comes from “whose-ear”. Apparently, back in the old days, pioneers were known to get into some hefty fights. After one of those fights, someone found a stray ear on the floor. They shouted, “Whose ear?”

Even if this story is bogus, it is still hear-larious. Okay, enough play-on-words.

Most people know Indiana for the most famous automobile race in the world, The Indianapolis 500. This race has captured a world audience since 1911. In fact, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is the home of the original Indy Car. Take a look at this site to learn more about the history of the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar.

Beyond racing, Indiana also has a rich BASKETBALL heritage. The most famous Hollywood basketball movie features the true story of a small town high school basketball team that, against all odds, wins a state championship. This is an OLD movie, but I bet it would still make a great movie night for you and your family. Here is the movie trailer. Take a look. If you like what you see, ask your parents to rent the movie or buy it from Amazon. Here is the Amazon link.

And if we are talking about Indiana Basketball, we cannot forget the 1955 Crispus Attucks High School team. Sadly, Indiana has had some learning to do when it comes to equality between white and black people. And during the 1950’s Indianapolis school kids were still being segregated. (White kids and black kids were forced to go to separate schools.)

Photo Credit: IPS Crispis Attucks Museum

Crispus Attucks High School was an all-black high school. And in 1955, their basketball team made it all the way to the state championships. AND THEY WON!!!  This was the first time an all-black high school basketball team had ever won a state championship in the WHOLE country.  

Today, Indiana basketball is still going strong. Take a look at Indiana’s NBA team, the Indiana Pacers, and the WNBA team, the Indiana Fever.

Indianapolis Children's Museum

Indiana is also the home of the world’s largest children’s museum.  With over 110,000 artifacts and 400 employees, this museum provides over 4,000 programs and activities each year. My favorite exhibit is The Power of Children: Making a Difference. This exhibit features the stories of Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White. Take a look at this page to learn about these extraordinary children.

On a fun and whimsical note, Indiana is home to Garfield and Garfield’s creator, Jim Davis. You know who I’m talking about – the famous persnickety orange cartoon cat? In 1978, Jim Davis’ Garfield comic strip was published in 41 newspapers across the country. One year later, he more than doubled that to 100. Today, Garfield has been featured in comic strips, cartoons, and movies. If you would like to learn more about Garfield and Friends check out this really cool website!

Did you know that the world famous pop star Michael Jackson was also born in Indiana. Yep. Michael Jackson’s birthplace is Gary, Indiana. Other famous people from Indiana include: David Letterman, Larry Bird…. And PROFESSOR WATERMELON! Well, not quite famous…..yet.

So, I have shared some people, places and events with you, but what else comes from Indiana?

The Empire State Building

Did you know that the Empire State Building in New York City is made from Indiana limestone? More than 200,000 cubic feet of limestone was dug from the Indiana ground to fill a train more than 400 flatcars long. WOW!

Indiana farmers also grow one of the largest supplies of popcorn in the United States. Field corn, soybeans, and wheat are also grown in Indiana. Livestock such as cows, pigs, and chickens, are also raised on Indiana farms.

And since we are talking about agriculture, I must inform you that the legend of Johnny Appleseed also ends in Indiana. This famous apple tree planter is buried near Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Well, I could go on and on about my FAVORITE state, but it looks like I have babbled enough. If you want to know more about Indiana, just ask me. My brain is overflowing with HOOSIER knowledge. Speaking of…

With this new knowledge, what kind of story could you write? Maybe these WHAT IF questions will help you get started.

WHAT IF your main character was lost inside the Indianapolis Children’s Museum overnight?

WHAT IF your main character met one of the men from the Crispus Attucks Tigers Basketball Team of 1955?

WHAT IF your main character was the first kid to win the Indianapolis 500?

The possibilities are endless, and please leave your own what if questions in the comment section below. I’d love to see what you come up with.

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, a pencil and a piece of paper, and let’s begin. With your imagination, we can go anywhere. I look forward to seeing where you take us.

With Imagination,

Professor Watermelon

The word of the day is “agriculture”. Here is the definition: the production of crops, livestock and/or poultry.

MUSEBOX: The ZarBomBos Want to be STARS!

Professor Watermelon!

We are from the Planet Zaztar, and we have come to Earth to seek fame and fortune. We heard that you lead a pack of Earthlings who create stories. It is our hope and desire that these Earthlings write stories in which we become the STARS! This is our only road to fame and fortune! Your creative writers must help us, or we may land in their backyards and cause mischief of one kind or another.

HooppaScootcha (Zaztarian for "Sincerely")

The ZarBomBos


Dear ZarBomBos,

Although alien mischief sounds quite exciting, I will certainly let my Creative Writers know of the challenge you have put before them. My Creative Writers are great at making EXTRAORDINARY character, and by the looks of you all, this task my be quite simple. (Chuckle)

Wishing you FAME and FORTUNE!

Professor Watermelon

Dear Creative Writers,

I may have the ZarBomBos on my hands, but you have a CREATIVE WRITING CHALLENGE on yours. Can you take these EXTRAORDINARY creatures and make them the STARS of your next story. You are welcome to share some ideas in the comment section below, and that will earn you $10 Melon Dollars. But if you write a full length story, I would love to publish it on this blog. If you work really hard, you will earn $100 Melon Dollars!

With Imagination,

Professor Watermelon

WEEKLY MUSE: The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

I can’t wait for Thanksgiving Day! First of all, I LOVE food, especially PUMPKIN PIE! Secondly, I LOVE spending time with my family! And thirdly, I LOVE watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Gobble! Gobble! Gobble! We’ve found another MUSE!

Since 1924, Macy’s Department Stores have ushered in the holiday season with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Herbert Straus (far left)

In 1924 Macy’s President, Herbert Straus, wanted to show gratitude to a community who had made Macy’s the world’s largest department store. He decided to give New York City a parade. It would start at 145^th Street in Harlem and end at Harold Square at 34^th Street in Manhattan.

The original route was six miles long, but the parade length itself was only two city blocks. This didn’t matter to New Yorkers at the time. Once the parade passed them, they trailed it all the way down to Macy’s original store at Harold Square. Some estimate that up to a million people viewed the parade that year.

Every year since, Macy’s has continued this tradition. Now, 3.5 million people line the streets of Manhattan to watch the parade, and 65 million people watch it on television.

But, why? What is all the fuss? I will tell you!

Today the parade is 2.5 miles of marching bands, lavishly animated floats, performers, clowns, and GIGANTIC BALLOONS!

And these GIGANTIC BALLOONS are what I consider the signature and main attraction of this spectacular parade. Balloon makers spend all year creating these monstrosities, and it isn’t easy work. Click here and take a look for yourself.  

These balloons are made in a studio in Hoboken, New Jersey, and all 40 of them are driven through the Lincoln Tunnel the night before. The Lincoln Tunnel is a tunnel that carries traffic under the Hudson River from New Jersey to New York City (Manhattan).

Balloon Inflation (Photo by: Kristine Paulus)

Over 300,000 people watch the inflation of the balloons the morning of the parade. Click here and watch this spectacle for yourself.

Hello Kitty, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Spiderman, Spongebob Squarepants, and Kermit the Frog are just a few of the GIGANTIC BALLOONS you will see at the 86^th Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday, November 22^nd from 9am to Noon on NBC.

If you want to learn more about this SPECTACULAR event, click here to find the parade’s official website.

With this new knowledge, what kind of story could you write? Maybe these WHAT IF questions will help you get started.

WHAT IF all the balloons in the parade came to life?

WHAT IF the parade marched all the way across the country? How long would it take to get to Seattle?

WHAT IF your main character found out that somebody was planning to pop all of the balloons, and it is your main character’s mission to stop them?

The possibilities are endless, and please leave your own what if questions in the comment section below. I’d love to see what you come up with.

The Five New York City Boroughs

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, a pencil and a piece of paper, and let’s begin. With your imagination, we can go anywhere. I look forward to seeing where you take us.

With Imagination,

Professor Watermelon

The word of the day is “Manhattan”. Here is the definition: Manhattan is one of five New York City boroughs. These boroughs operate like city’s within a city. Take a look at the map.