Fun & Games

Winnie’s Winners!!

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Wow, what a wonderful response to my post yesterday about rubber duckies! I loved reading everyone’s responses. I threw all the names in a cyber hat and pulled out the following:

Bridgette Shippy
Laura Michelle Delgado
Mary Garback

Congratulations! You’ve won the book of your choice from my backlist (you can find a list here: https://winniegriggs.com/booklist.html ) as well as a cute little rubber duck.  Just send me a note with the book title and your mailing info and I’ll get it right on out to you.

Happy National Rubber Ducky Day!

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Hello everyone – Winnie Griggs here. As you can guess from the subject line, today is National Rubber Ducky Day. I always love it when I check my National Observance Day Calendar and find something fun like this. Especially when it falls on my blog day .  Because now I get to indulge my curiosity about the whys and wherefores and chalk it all up to legitimate research. 🙂

A Brief History of the Rubber Ducky

Back in the mid-1800s, when manufacturers first discovered how to mold vulcanized rubber, the earliest “rubber ducks” weren’t really ducks at all—they were more like chew toys. They didn’t float, and their designs were pretty simple. But as rubber toys became more popular, people started experimenting with new shapes and ideas.

The earliest patent for a rubber duck toy was issued In 1928 to Landon Smart Lawrence. His design weighted the floatable toy so that when it tipped over, it quickly returned to an upright position.

Fast forward to the 1940s, when sculptor Peter Ganine created and patented a floating toy duck. His design was more naturalistic, resembling an actual duck rather than the stylized, cartoonish version we’re used to today. Ganine’s ducks became quite popular, with over 50 million sold.

The transition to the iconic yellow rubber duck with a bright orange bill that we recognize today occurred around the same period. By the 1940s, rubber ducks had developed into this familiar form, becoming a staple in households and bath time routines.

Of course, the real turning point for rubber duck fame came in 1970, when Ernie from Sesame Street sang the now-iconic “Rubber Duckie” song. If you’ve ever seen Ernie and his beloved duck, you know how catchy it is. That song made rubber ducks a cultural icon and sent sales soaring. (you can listen to it HERE)

And today Rubber duckies are more than just bath toys. They’ve become collectibles, art pieces, and even globetrotters (but more on that in the trivia section!). Whether they’re in classic yellow or dressed as superheroes, rubber duckies continue to bring joy to people of all ages.

Why Ducks?

One thing I wondered about was why rubber ducks, of all animals, became the quintessential bath toy? While I couldn’t find a definitive answer, there was some speculation that gave several possible reasons for the choice:

  1. A Natural Connection to Water
    Ducks are water-loving creatures, often seen gliding across ponds or lakes. This strong association with water makes them an intuitive and playful choice for bath time compared to land-based animals.
  2. Simple and Recognizable Shape
    With their rounded bodies, flat beaks, and webbed feet, ducks have a shape that’s easy to mold into a toy. Their form is also simple enough for children to recognize and engage with, making them a perfect candidate for a fun and playful design.
  3. Bright and Cheerful Appeal
    The bright yellow color of traditional rubber ducks exudes warmth and happiness—qualities that resonate strongly with children and parents alike. Plus, ducks are naturally endearing, and their friendly image adds to their universal charm.
  4. Practical Design for Manufacturing
    When early rubber toys were being created, ducks likely stood out as a practical option. Their simple shape was easy to sculpt and mass-produce, especially as floating toys became more popular in the mid-20th century.

Whatever the reason, the cheerful rubber duck has obviously stood the test of time, becoming an enduring symbol of bath time fun and childhood nostalgia.

Today rubber duckies are beloved worldwide, with countless variations, from superhero ducks to historical figure ducks!

Quacky Fun Facts and Stats About Rubber Duckies

Here’s a list of trivia and statistics to celebrate this playful day:

  • A chart-topper: Ernie’s “Rubber Duckie” song from Sesame Street was so popular it reached #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970. You can listen to it HERE
  • Rubber ducks have traveled the world! In 1992, 28,000 rubber ducks accidentally fell off a cargo ship in the Pacific Ocean. They’ve since been tracked by oceanographers to study ocean currents, traveling as far as Alaska, Scotland and even Australia.
  • Royal Approval: In 2001, it was rumored that Queen Elizabeth II had a rubber duck in her bathroom that wore an inflatable crown. This quirky detail reportedly caused rubber duck sales in the UK to soar by 80% for a short period.
  • Hall of Fame: In 2013 the rubber ducky was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame.
  • Giant Duck Tours: The world’s largest rubber duck, known as “Mama Duck,” stands at 61 feet tall and weighs 15 tons. This colossal duck was created in 2014 and has toured various locations, bringing joy to spectators across the globe.
  • Largest collection: The world’s largest collection of rubber ducks belongs to Charlotte Lee from the United States, with over 9,000 unique ducks as of 2023.
  • Global love: Over 1 million rubber ducks are sold annually, making them one of the most popular toys of all time.
  • Record-breaking duck race: Rubber ducky races are held around the world. Usually thousands of numbered ducks are dumped into a waterway and the first rubber ducky to cross the designated finish line is declared the winner. The Great British Duck Race once released a whopping 200,000 rubber ducks into the River Thames to raise money for charity.
  • Celebrity ducks: Some companies create limited-edition ducks modeled after celebrities, fictional characters, and even U.S. presidents. More generically, they are sometimes created wearing costumes are uniforms.
  • Cruise Ship Hide-and-Seek: A delightful trend has emerged where cruise ship passengers hide rubber ducks for others to find. This game has fostered a sense of community and added an element of fun to voyages. You can read more about this fun activity and how it got started HERE
  • Not Really Rubber: Despite their name, modern day rubber duckies aren’t really made from rubber, instead they’re made from a soft plastic.

So there you have the results of my research. Did any of this information surprise you? Do you have any personal anecdotes about rubber duckies you’d like to share? Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing to win a copy of one of my books along with a bonus of a little rubber duck reading companion!

 

It’s our 17th Birthday TODAY!

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We love to play games, and this one is special because, well, we love fillies!

Use your birthdate to discover what kind of filly you are.

Please respond with a three-part answer, and you’ll be eligible to win one of EIGHT prizes!

Grand Prize – $70 Amazon Gift Card

7 Additional $10 Amazon Gift Cards

 

Ready?  Set?  Play!

 

(Winners announced Thursday, August 15)

Playing Chess and Writing

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Hi everyone! Winnie Griggs here. I hope you all had a fabulous Independence day and took a moment amid your celebrations to give thanks for this wonderful country we live in.

As I’ve mentioned before, the first book in my new Sweetbrier Creek series, An Amish Christmas Match, will be coming out on Sept 24th. The hero, Seth Beiler, makes hand carved chess sets and chess actually plays a big part in the story. So today I thought it would be fun to do a post that’s a little bit different – I call it How Playing Chess Is Like Writing A Book

I do play chess, but it’s been years since I’ve actually played the game and I was a mid-level player at best. But I did enjoy the challenge and the need to think strategically, to try to see several moves ahead.

At first glance, chess and writing a book might seem worlds apart. However, both require strategic thinking, foresight, and creativity. Here are some comparisons to demonstrate that.

 

  1. Setting Up the Board

Before a game of chess begins, you set up the board, placing each piece in its starting position and you determine which player will go first.
Similarly, in writing, you begin by establishing your setting, introducing characters, and laying the groundwork for your plot. This initial setup is crucial for the story or game that will unfold. Even if you don’t actually plot out your stories, most non-plotters I know have some of this basic information figured out.

  1. The Opening Moves

The opening moves in chess are about establishing control and positioning pieces to your best advantage.
In writing, your opening chapters serve to hook the reader, introduce key elements, and set the tone. A strong beginning in both chess and writing is essential for success. Many writers (me included) will spend more time working and reworking the opening paragraphs of their story than on any other section of the book.

 

  1. Strategic Planning

Both chess and writing involve a great deal of planning. In chess, you must think several moves ahead, anticipating your opponent’s actions.
Similarly, in writing, you need to plot your story, consider character arcs, and foresee how different elements will interact and unfold. Some writers do all of this up front before they actually start writing, some figure it out as they go.

 

  1. Mid-Game Development

The middle game in chess is where the strategy deepens. You develop your pieces, control key areas, and set up potential combinations.
In writing, the middle of your book is where characters develop, subplots intertwine, and the main narrative gains momentum. This phase requires careful attention to detail and pacing. And for me personally, it’s where I always have to stop and take stock of where my story is headed and make any mid-course corrections if necessary.

 

  1. Facing Challenges

In both chess and writing, you’ll encounter challenges. In chess, you face tactical threats and must protect your king while seeking to capture your opponent’s pieces.
In writing, you might deal with writer’s block, plot holes, or character inconsistencies. Overcoming these obstacles is a critical part of the process.

  1. Sacrifices and Risks

Chess often involves sacrifices—giving up a piece to gain a strategic advantage.
Writing a book can also require sacrifices, such as cutting beloved scenes or characters for the greater good of the story. Taking calculated risks can lead to powerful, unexpected outcomes in both fields. But man oh man can it be painful!

 

  1. The Endgame

The endgame in chess is about converting your strategic advantage into victory. It’s a phase requiring precision and focus.
Similarly, the conclusion of a book is where all plot threads come together, and the narrative reaches its climax and resolution. A well-crafted endgame or conclusion is crucial for a satisfying outcome.

 

  1. Analyzing the Game

After a chess game, players often analyze their moves to understand what worked and what didn’t. Writers, too, review and revise their drafts, seeking to improve the story’s flow, coherence, and impact. This reflection is essential for growth and mastery in both chess and writing.

 

So, as you can see, whether maneuvering knights and bishops or crafting compelling characters and plotlines, both chess and writing require a blend of strategy, creativity, and adaptability.

Do you play chess?  Do you agree with the comparisons I came up with? Can you think of any others?

Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for your choice of any of my books

 

UPDATE: There is some kind of system glitch that keeps kicking me out when I try to reply to any comments or add a comment of my own. Rest assured that I am enjoying reading all the comments you are leaving and will respond to them as soon as we get this issue figured out

Happy National Frog Jumping Day!!

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Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. Today is National Frog Jumping Day so I thought it would be fun to do a little digging into this fun observance.

Frog jumping contests have a deep-rooted history in many cultures, but the tradition is particularly strong in the United States, where it turned into a popular pastime during the Gold Rush era. Miners would gather to watch the frogs they caught from nearby streams compete, leaping towards victory and providing a momentary escape from the daily rigors of mining. It was a simple contest: whoever’s frog jumped the farthest, won. This lighthearted competition was not only a test of luck but also a demonstration of one’s ability to spot potential in the most unlikely contestants.

Then, of course, there’s Mark Twain’s “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” The Civil War put an end to Twain’s time as a river boat pilot. Afterwards he spent some time in Nevada and California, where he continued to write, primarily as a reporter.  But he also occasionally mined for silver and gold, and it was during his work with the miners that he first heard the story of a jumping frog.

In 1865, he wrote the now famous short story under the original title “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog,”  The story was immensely popular and was published all over the United States. This short story brought Twain considerable attention and to this day is still considered an important piece of American literature. In the story, Twain, with his characteristic wit and humor, tells the tale of Jim Smiley, a man who would bet on anything, including frog jumping. Smiley’s frog, named Dan’l Webster, was no ordinary amphibian; he was trained to jump high and long. However, in a twist of fate and a bit of cunning from a competitor, Dan’l Webster meets his match through a bellyful of quail shot, proving that in gambling and frog jumping, anything can happen.

Today frog jumping contests are held across the country, with the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee being one of the most famous. Participants of all ages gather with their trained (or sometimes just lucky) frogs to compete for titles and prizes. These events are filled with laughter, excitement, and an enthusiasm that harkens back to simpler times.

Whether you choose to read Twain’s famous tale, attend a local frog jumping contest, or simply spend some time outdoors appreciating the agility of these fascinating creatures, National Frog Jumping Day is a perfect time to celebrate the lighter side of life.

Here are some additional facts and trivia related to frog jumping:

  • How the Contests work – Each contest may have its own specific set of rules and traditions, but the general principle of measuring the jumping distance to determine the winner is consistent across most frog jumping competitions.
      • Number of Jumps – Frogs are often allowed a set number of jumps, commonly three consecutive leaps, from a designated starting point. The total distance covered over these jumps is measured.
      • Measuring the Distance – The distance is typically measured from the starting point to the point where the frog lands on its third jump. The frog that jumps the farthest total distance is declared the winner. In some contests, each individual leap is measured, and then the distances are summed to get the total distance.
      • Starting the Jump – The frog is placed on a pad or a similar starting point. Handlers are not allowed to touch the frogs once they have started jumping, but they can encourage them to leap by shouting or gently prodding the ground behind them.
      • Keeping Within Bounds – In some contests, if a frog jumps outside a designated lane or area, that jump may not count, or the frog might be disqualified. This rule ensures that all jumps are measured within a controlled and fair environment.
      • Handling Rules – Handlers generally have rules about how much they can interact with the frogs. Excessive handling or influencing the direction of the jump can lead to penalties or disqualification.
      • Safety and Welfare – Rules are also in place to ensure the safety and humane treatment of the frogs. This includes regulations on how frogs are handled, kept, and released after the event.
  • Oldest and Longest Continuously Run Contest – The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is arguably the most famous frog jumping contest, inspired by Mark Twain’s story. It began in 1928 and has run almost every year since then, making it one of the oldest and longest continuously held frog jumping contests in the world.
  • Record for the Longest Frog Jump – The record for the longest frog jump in the United States is held by a frog named “Rosie the Ribeter.” Rosie jumped an impressive 21 feet 5.75 inches in three consecutive leaps at the Calaveras County Fair in 1986, setting a record that still stands today.
  • Frog Jumping Day Worldwide – While the most well-known events are held in the United States, similar contests and celebrations occur globally, reflecting the universal appeal of these likable creatures. Countries like the United Kingdom and France have their versions of frog racing and jumping contests, often as part of village festivals or educational conservation events.
  • A Wide Variety of Competitors – The types of frogs entered in these contests vary greatly, from the local bullfrogs to exotic species. However, regulations are often in place to protect native species and ensure humane treatment of all participants.
  • Impact on Pop Culture – Frog jumping contests have not only inspired literary works like those of Mark Twain but have also been featured in movies, television shows, and even video games, showcasing their cultural impact beyond mere competitive events.
      • Literature – Beyond Twain, frog jumping contests have inspired various children’s books and stories that capture the playful spirit of these events. For example, “The Frog Jumping Contest” by Lang Campbell is a children’s book that depicts an array of animal characters participating in a frog jumping contest, emphasizing themes of friendship and community.
      • Film and Television – The concept of a frog jumping contest has been used as a plot element in several TV shows and films, often as a backdrop for community gatherings or comedic relief. For instance, in an episode of “Gilmore Girls,” a frog jumping contest is used as a key event in the annual Stars Hollow Spring Fling, adding charm and whimsy to the storyline.
      • Video Games – The idea of frogs jumping has been incorporated into various video games, sometimes as mini-games within larger games where players can bet on which frog will jump the farthest or manage their own frog to win races or jumping contests. This mechanic is used in games like “Stardew Valley,” where players can participate in seasonal festivals that include frog jumping contests. And of course there was the 1981 arcade game Frogger where the player had to guide five frogs through traffic and across a stream to arrive “home”
      • Educational Programs – Some educational TV programs and web content use frog jumping contests as a fun way to teach physics and biology concepts, such as muscle power and biomechanics, to children. These segments often include real-life demonstrations with frogs or animations to explain how and why frogs can jump such great distances.
      • Advertising – Frog jumping contests have also been used in advertising campaigns to evoke a sense of fun and nostalgia. For example, companies selling outdoor or garden products might use images of frogs or a frog jumping contest to highlight the joy of spending time outdoors.

And as a final note I actually had a frog jumping contest in one of my books. It was the third book I published, Whatever It Takes. It was published by the now defunct Dorchester Books so it is currently out of print. However I hope to bring it back before the end of the year by publishing it myself.

In the meantime, do you have any experience with frog jumping contests? Or frogs in general? Is there any tidbit in my post above that caught you by surprise? Have you read The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Mark Twain?

Leave me a comment to be entered in a drawing for your choice of any of my books.

 

 

Introducing Our Fillies Like You’ve Never Seen Them Before!

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Howdy, everyone! Cathy McDavid here with an exciting announcement.

Lately, there have been a few changes in the corral here at Petticoats & Pistols. To celebrate our newest members and reacquaint you with familiar faces, we’ve put together a short video featuring all of the fillies. Take a peek at some of their awesome books and learn a little bit about them. Just click on the link below, and you’ll be taken to the video.

Click to view “Meet the P&P Fillies” Video

We hope you enjoy the video and will even share this post to help us spread the word. We really appreciate all our friends here at Petticoats and Pistols and love starting our days with you.

Cowboy Slang Fun and Giveaway

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It’s been a while since I’ve played a game here and had a giveaway, so I thought I’d do both today. And what better topic than one of my favorites:  cowboy lingo. But this time, there’s a twist. All the lingo refers to food.

So, the rules are pretty simple. This is a matching game. Match the numbered word in the left column with the letter definition in the right column. Put your answers in the comments, and I’ll randomly draw a winner from all those who answered correctly.

 

 

An example answer might be:  1b, 2d, 3a, etc. (note, these are NOT correct guesses).

So, come on. Let’s have some fun. The winner will receive my Cowboys and Coffee giveaway which includes a cowboy coffee mug, $5 Starbucks gift card, author bling, and two of my backlist books featuring a guaranteed to swoon over cowboy hero ? (U.S. shipping only, please)

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m in the mood for something to eat!

A Christmas Game

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I was reminded by an alarm on my phone that today was my day to post and … with all the bookish and Christmas things going on, (I literally just got home an hour ago from one of my son’s two Christmas concerts) I am plum out of blog ideas.

 

So, what does one do when one is out of ideas? Let’s play a game instead.

So, I’ll ask four questions and you can leave answers in the comments. I’ll choose one winner and send a signed book their way. Winner announced tomorrow evening.

  1. How far have you gone to do a Christmas event?
    1. For me, 9 hours of driving
  2. Have you ever participated in a Christmas event or custom others might think was strange?
    1. I haven’t personally, unless you count exchanging white elephant gifts with my husband’s family (I had never heard of white elephant before then)
  3. Do you prefer single color lights or multicolored Christmas lights?
    1. Depends on my mood. Praise God I have a tree I can change as my mood does.
  4. Have you ever been caroling?
    1. I have! I love it, especially the hot chocolate afterwards (I live in Minnesota, hot chocolate is a staple).

I hope you enjoy this little game. I’ll choose a random winner from those who comment.