Category Archives: fun

With just a little imagination

October 18, 2020Columns, creativity, fun, writingsusanmanzke

I have been a writer/author for over 45 years. I’ve also been a speaker, centering my talks on saving family stories and/or how to use your imagination in fiction writing.

Since, like many writers, I’m an introvert and fear speaking in public. I’ve worked hard over the years to overcome this problem.

This column was written many years ago when I first began speaking.

I’ve learned how humor and fun can take hold of a crowd, no matter their age.

In the future, when the pandemic comes under control, I hope to be able to get out to visit schools and libraries again. I miss the face-to-face interactions.

A gathering of geese

October 16, 2020Family, fun, wildlifesusanmanzke

Just stand outside for a time and you’re bound to hear and maybe see geese flying south. Seeing these migrating birds isn’t anything unusual, still people stop and stare at the flying flocks.

Many times in fall and again in spring, we visited the Green Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a spot many Canada geese stop over for a rest and meal.

This column is about taking our young family to feed the geese. Our visit was fun, but of course also eventful.

I hope you enjoy this column from the 80s.

Maybe, to get out of the house, you’ll take a trip to the Wildlife Sanctuary, or another wildlife stopover.

Just take care if you do and watch your footing.

A Terrible-two toddler

October 12, 2020Family, funsusanmanzke

In 1981 our third child turned into a terrible-two. This quick change always comes as a surprise to parents.

Lucky for us, Russell did finally exit the terrible phase only have the next child, Rachel, take over this age of madness.

The tooth fairy is fallible

October 8, 2020Family, funsusanmanzke

Over many years, the tooth fairy came to our house. Sometimes she was on time. Sometimes she was on vacation and arrived days later–once it was multiple missed days for which she sent her apologies.

This audio reading was from 1981 and it was the tooth fairy’s first chance to make a payout for our firstborn. Still, she muffed it and to this day she is sad for disappointing little Robby.

These days the tooth fairy has issues too. Good thing she eventually catches on to her slip-ups and, even if late, pays up for the teeth.

If I hear correctly, instead of a dime or quarter, the tooth fairy has inflated her pay for teeth. I guess teeth are worth more these days.

Days until Christmas

October 7, 2020fun, Odds and endssusanmanzke

We are coming close to Halloween, yet there are Christmas decorations on display in some stores. This account talks about holiday decorations coming too early.

Christmas decorations that pop up at the end of summer robs Earlybird shoppers of the good feeling of getting a jump on their gift buying.

I always felt better when I was stashing special gifts for our children early. Often it was difficult not gifting the toys to them early. But somehow I managed.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person