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!

 

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.

Cowboys & Mistletoe – Winnie Griggs

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(POST  2 of 2  for Thursday)

Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here, and I get to wrap up our Cowboys & Mistletoe Two Truths and a Lie posts. I hope you all have been enjoying them as much as we Fillies have. It’s always so fun to share festive silliness with special friends, which how I feel about this wonderful community that’s developed and blossomed here over the years.

Christmas books are not only fun to read but to write as well. For the writer it allows us to tap into everything we love about the season and it can bring up memories, both happy and emotional, as well as bittersweet thoughts of what used to be.

I’ve written a number of books set around the holidays, but today I want to feature His Christmas Matchmaker. I love Janell and Hank, they are such engaging, honorable characters who are perfect for each other – they just take a while to figure that out. But it’s the two children in the story, Chloe and Alex, who really touched my heart. Recently orphaned with one of them rendered deaf by the same accident that took their parents, they are truly hurting. And gruff, confirmed bachelor Uncle Hank means well but he has no idea how to help or deal with them. The fact that it’s just a month until Christmas drives this home all the more.  Janell, a schoolteacher, recognizes that this newly-formed family is hurting and impulsively steps in to help.

Here’s a little more info:

A guilty secret…

Vowing to put her past behind her, schoolteacher Janell Whitman has resigned herself to spinsterhood and she’s erected walls to guard her heart from all but her students.

A solitary heart…

Hank Chandler is quite comfortable with his uncomplicated bachelor life. But when he suddenly finds himself the guardian of his orphaned niece and nephew he knows all that will have to change. Not only do the children need a mother’s love, but he’s not fit to be a single parent. So he’ll need to marry quickly, whether he wants to or not.

A Christmas bargain…

Seeing their need, Janell impulsively reaches out to help the hurting Chandler family. But when Hank proposes a businesslike marriage she draws the line at becoming his wife. She softens her refusal, however, with a counteroffer – she’ll take care of the children after school and help him find an appropriate wife in time for Christmas. After all, with a man as great as Hank, how hard can it be?

But as the holiday grows closer, it seems increasingly difficult to find a suitable candidate––not to mention even harder to deny their growing feelings for each other. It might take a miracle for these two hearts to become one, but Christmas is the season of miracles–and love.

Click here to BUY NOW!

 

And for my prize, I’ll be giving away a signed copy of one of my other Christmas titles, Her Holiday Family, along with a fun  reader ornament.

 

And now, on with the fun!!

Below you will find three statements, two are true, one is not. 

Guess which is the lie in the comments to be entered in the drawings.

Winners and answers will be announced on Sunday 12/03.

 

  1. I LOVE Christmas decorations and must have hundreds of tree ornaments alone. In fact I have a walk in closet dedicated just to the storage of my Christmas stuff. Because it became impossible to use all of my decorations on the tree at one time, several years back I began doing themed trees, which allows me to rotate them in and out. Some of the themes I’ve done over the years include angels, bells, stars, snowmen, and even a fairytale theme – but my favorite was the year I did a nativity themed tree.

  2. When my children were very young I started a tradition of buying them one ornament of their very own each year so that when they grew up and moved away they would have a ‘starter set’ of ornaments of their very own. My plans, however, met with mixed success. Two of my kids took theirs when they established their own homes, two of them still have their collections boxed up and stored in their former closets here at my house with the intention (or so they say) of taking them ‘someday’.
         
  3. My siblings and I are all big on Christmas candy and treats and when we have our extended family gathering, which usually includes over 45 people, we all try to outdo each other. In fact there are usually more sweets than ‘regular’ food. My personal specialties are peanut butter fudge and a rice krispie based candy – and I like to experiment with at least one new item each year. As for the scrumdiddlyumptious candy my mom used to make, while my other relatives vied for her pecan pralines, I’d pass those up and go straight for her coconut pralines!

Thanks again for stopping by to play 2 Truths And a Lie with us this week. Remember that the answers and winners will be announced on Sunday.

And if you missed any of the 11 posts this week there’s still time to go back and get all caught up. Winners won’t be drawn until Saturday 

Blowing Bubbles

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Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. The other day my grandson – the cutest toddler in the world (or at least in MY world) was over visiting and I took him outside for one of his favorite activities, blowing soap bubbles. I remember my kids playing with these when they were little and even playing with these myself when I was a kid. And it got me to wondering – just how long have these been around and could some of the kids in my historical novels have played with them.

So of course I decided to do a little research and wanted to share some of it with you.

I was surprised to learn bubble blowing goes back a LOT further than I’d realized. In fact it’s been around for centuries. Here’s a quick overview of the history.

  • The earliest evidence of bubble toys dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who enjoyed blowing bubbles using hollow reeds and soap made from animal fats. The ancient Greeks and Romans also entertained themselves with the art of bubble making, using clay pipes or glass tubes to blow bubbles. These early versions were often reserved for special celebrations and rituals, emphasizing the novelty and magic associated with bubbles.
  • During medieval times, bubble blowing fell into obscurity. But with the onset of the Renaissance period, interest in science and entertainment resurfaced. Artists and inventors began to experiment with new materials and designs, leading to the development of glass bubble pipes. These pipes were crafted with intricate shapes and designs, and bubble solutions were refined by adding substances such as water, soap, and glycerin, to enhance the quality and longevity of the bubbles.
  • The 18th and 19th centuries brought about a number of advancements in manufacturing techniques. As a result, bubble blowers became easier to come by and to use. In the late 18th century, the first mass-produced bubble solutions appeared on the market, allowing people to create bubbles effortlessly. In addition, the advent of mechanization allowed simple bubble-blowing devices to be produced. These devices often featured a looped wire or a hollow tube attached to a handle, providing a convenient way to blow bubbles with very little effort.
  • In the 20th century, bubble blowers transitioned from homemade toys to mass-produced commercial products. Manufacturers introduced a wide range of bubble blowers in various shapes and sizes, capturing the attention of children worldwide. The popularity of bubble blowing surged during this period, and bubble solution formulations were refined further to create larger, longer-lasting bubbles. And advancements in plastic manufacturing led to the creation of plastic bubble wands and machines, providing hours of endless fun for kids and adults alike

And here are a few fun facts:

  • Soap bubbles are made up of a thin layer of soapy water surrounding a pocket of air.
  • The round shape of bubbles is due to the natural tendency of liquids to minimize surface area, making a sphere the most efficient shape. This is why it’s impossible to blow a square bubble.
  • The world record for the largest free-floating soap bubble was set in 2019, measuring a mind-boggling 167+ feet long!
  • Bubbles can come in different colors when light reflects off their surfaces. This effect, known as iridescence, is caused by the interference of light waves.
  • The lifespan of a bubble depends on various factors, including humidity, temperature, and the quality of the bubble solution. On average, bubbles last for a few seconds to a few minutes.
  • Did you know that bubbles can freeze? In extremely cold temperatures, bubbles can turn into delicate, frozen orbs before eventually bursting.
  • Bubbles can be found in nature too! For example, some insects, like the froghopper, create bubbles as a form of protection or to help them float on water.
  • The first soap bubble toy patent was granted to John Roberton in 1886. This invention paved the way for the mass production and commercialization of bubble toys.
  • Bubble solution recipes can be made at home using ingredients such as dish soap, water, and glycerin. Experimenting with different recipes can result in varying bubble sizes and durability.
  • You can create bubble sculptures by using a straw or a bubble wand to blow bubbles onto a surface. With practice, you can make towers, walls, or even intricate bubble structures.
  • So called “everlasting bubbles” have been created by French physicists. They used plastic particles, glycerol and water and the longest one of these survived for is an astounding 465 days!

So what about you? Do you have any memories tied to blowing bubbles? Did any of the above surprise you? Leave a comment to be entered in a giveaway for a book from my backlist.

Needing a Little Help Today Contest

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Argh! I’m in a major deadline for the next couple of weeks and surfaced long enough today to realize — oops, I have a blog to write for Petticoats & Pistols. Well, needless to say, my mind is in a major fog. My current book is giving me the fits. I like the story, I do, but I’m having to plow through the pages. My best friend tells me this will probably turn out to be my favorite book. Hmm. What does she know?

So, back to my blog. I figured I might have some fun with it and, hopefully, fun for all of us. Why not a contest related to my current fit-giving book? Yeah, great idea, right?

I have a miniature donkey in the story that my hero Ridge has agreed to temporarily foster and will likely wind up keeping. He’s that way. Tough on the outside and a marshmallow on the inside. I imagine the donkey to look something like this sweet girl:

She has a particular trait – a really loud and distinctive bray, one that sounds much too big for her small size. Her bray also echoes and reverberates off the barn walls like a tornado siren. It’s rather comical, when Ridge and my heroine Elena aren’t covering their poor ears.

Here’s my problem. I need a cute name for the donkey. One that reflects her particular vocal abilities and, perhaps, her small size. To figure out a name, I thought I might have a little contest here at P&P. Submit your ideas in the comments – as many as you want, no limit – and I’ll choose a winner at the end of the day. The name will then go into my book, and the winner will get a prize package that includes one of my cowboy coffee mugs, Starbucks gift card, a book or two, and some author swag (I need to add, U.S. shipping only – sorry). The package will be similar to the picture below but not exactly the same. Fun, huh? And, really, you’d be doing me a big favor. I can use all the help I can get with this book ?