Chase's Log Notes

If I were a zombie, I'd rather eat your brains

2012-02-17T12:59:00.001-08:00

I know Valentine’s Day was on Tuesday, butI had to show you the funny cards Sophie gave out. Kind of fitting since we’relearning about “brains” in health class, don’t you think?

Turns out, my brain should be in pretty good shape – maybeeven too good for zombies!

Teach says there’s three key components to brain health:learn new skills; exercise your heart, and eat a brain-healthy diet.

The first part is easy. Every day I apply myself at school,I’m learning something new, and making my brain work. Use it or lose it, Grandpa says – he’s always exercising his brain byproblem solving, trying new things, or well, beating me at chess. Good thingI’m awesome at checkers!

Exercising my heart? No problem! I train all the time forthe track team. Coach says 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise three times aweek gets your oxygen flowing to your brain and keeps it active. My brain mustbe like a jumping jelly bean.

And of course, I know all about proper nutrition. In fact, Ilearned that some of the same foods that are good for your heart – like salmon,blueberries, and canola oil – are also good for your brain.

Same goes for foods high in Omega 3 and Vitamin D. Eggs andavocados, for instance, contain nutrients that improve your memory. Wholegrains and broccoli have lots of vitamins and fiber to improve blood flow. Anddark chocolate – yes, more chocolate! – improves your concentration and focus.

Huh… Sophie gave everyone in class cookies made with realdark chocolate. Maybe she IS a zombie after all.

Gotta jet!

- ChaseSuperman Duffy

February's all about the heart

2012-02-10T06:29:00.000-08:00

Well, the weather may make it seem like spring is justaround the corner, but it’s definitely February. Know how I can tell? There arehearts everywhere.

It’s enough to make me want to throw up. Pink hearts. Redhearts. Chocolate hearts…well, I guess those wouldn’t be so bad. Dude, there’seven hearts in my classroom.

Healthy hearts, that is.

In celebration of National Heart Month, our teachers havebeen talking about nutrition – and the foods that enhance your heart’s health.The registered dietician gave us a list of five, but I didn’t even bothertelling my Mom about them. I have a sneaking suspicion she already knows.

Blueberries topped the list for their Vitamin C and fibercontent. Mom sprinkles them on our salads or sometimes on my cereal. Teach saysthey’re available all year round, but we mostly buy them in the summer.

Next up, fatty fish like salmon. I don’t mind fish, which isgood since salmon especially is high in omega-3 fatty acids, the kind of fatthat’s good for your heart. We’ve got stockpiles of salmon in the deep freeze –Dad and his best friend take a trip to BC every year and catch their limit.

Of course, I should have known oatmeal would make the list.Grandma calls it roughage – and we eat alot of it. The dietician said a diet high in oats may reduce the risk ofheart disease. Sometimes mom even uses oatmeal in her meatloaf instead ofbreadcrumbs.

And then there’s the powerhouse of the vegetable kingdom –the mighty spinach. It’s high in iron, and keeps you strong. No wonder Popeyeloved it so much. Mom tries to sneak it into my salads…one day I should tellher I don’t mind the taste. Ha ha.

Last on the list? You guessed it. Canola. Canola oil is highin healthy unsaturated fats, is free of cholesterol and has the lowestsaturated fat of any common edible oil. I felt pretty proud talking aboutGrandpa’s farm with my teacher. No surprise we eat plenty of canola at home –most times mom uses oil instead of a hard fat like butter or lard in herbaking. I can’t taste the difference.

Bet you noticed chocolate isn’t on the list – andValentine’s Day (gag) is right around the corner. Don’t worry, you can still havesome. Just look for chocolate that’s made with 100% cacao beans, like thechocolate nibs Mom buys from the health food store. She sprinkles them on hercereal sometimes, but uh, I don’t quite get it. They taste bitter to me. What’sthe point of chocolate if it doesn’t melt in your mouth? Dad says it’s an acquired taste.

Anyway…I gotta jet. The Alberta Winter Games are on fromFebruary 9-12. Coach says it’s important to catch as many events as we canbecause the athletes need our support. I know I like it when people come to my trackand field events. You can check the schedule at www.2012awg.ca.Maybe I’ll see you there.

- - ChaseSuperman Duffy

A super duper Superbowl

2012-02-03T07:54:00.000-08:00

The biggest US football game of the year is on Sunday, and Ican’t wait to hang out with Grandpa and Dad to cheer on our favourite teams andgobble up Grandma’s delicious Superbowl snacks.

Er...at least I hope they’re still delicious.

Since Grandpa was diagnosed with diabetes, Grandma’s recipeshave gone through a massive overhaul. She says I won’t even taste the difference,but I’m not so sure. I’m kind of worried she’s going to replace my potato chipswith carrot sticks. I don’t mind vegetables every other day of the week butmessing with Superbowl tradition might be taking it a bit too far. Don't you think?

Mom told me not to worry, though. February is heart healthmonth and there’s tons of healthy recipes online. Mom says even if Grandma doesswitch out my Lay’s with celery stalks, she’ll make a yummy hummus dip to go with them.And (I pretended not to listen to this part…) I’ll be well on my way to maybe avoiding a diabetes diagnosis when I get to Grandpa’s age.

I guess that doesn’t sound so bad.

Gotta jet!

And – GO GIANTS! (tee hee)

- Chase Superman Duffy

Healthy food for comfort AND warmth

2012-01-27T11:18:00.000-08:00

Comparedto last week, it’s been like a heat wave in Alberta. Above zero temperatures,hardly any wind – I even went for a few runs outside without worrying aboutfrostbite.

Yep, lastweek was cold, bitterly cold. And I agree with Grandpa – we’re not outof danger yet. This is Alberta, which means the temperature could dropovernight. But right now, I’m enjoying the warmth.

Grandmasays even though it might feel like Spring, now isn’t the time to start thinkingabout lighter meals. Soups, stews, and casseroles may seem hearty (or heavy),but they do much more than use local ingredients and provide comfort.

They cankeep you warm!

To keepmy energy levels up when I’m running (or just playing outside), Grandma saysit’s important to eat nutrient-dense, balanced meals of proteins, whole grainsand healthy fats.

Like whenI stay at Grandma’s this weekend, I know she’ll make me a ham, spinach andlower-fat cheese omelette, or delicious oatmeal sprinkled with raisins, pumpkinseeds, vanilla yogurt and a little brown sugar.

Mom nevermakes that stuff. She says it’s too “tempting” and her portions are always toobig – her New Year’s resolution is to lose a few pounds and she’s been eatingrabbit-food for the whole month. No wonder she’s always cold! I think Grandmaand I need to stage an intervention.

Gottajet!

- ChaseSuperman Duffy

P.S. Ifyou like to cook, grandma says there’s great food recipes with Dr. Chris Mohrat www.canolainfo.org.

I survived the Blue!

2012-01-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

It’s not surprising to me that Monday, Jan.16 was consideredBlue Monday, the most depressing day of the year.

Alberta temperatures dippedto -35, without the wind chill, causing mostpeople to hibernate. Even some of the school busses didn't run on Wednesday.

Mom says the post-Christmas slump is a result of holidaybills piling up, (much) colder temperatures, and failing New Year’sresolutions, that time when eating better and working out is already boring.

Not for me.

I’m happy to say I survived Blue Monday with only one frown– which happened when I stepped out into the cold and realized I wouldn’t berunning outside this week. Turns out going to the gym was a lot of fun.

This year, I resolved to really commit to my health. Notjust to be a better track and field athlete, but to be concerned about myoverall health. After learning about my grandfather’s diabetes, I’ve really beenwatching what I eat.

Don’t worry. I haven’t cut out everything. I’m working on moderation, and choosing healthieroptions most of the time.

Like on Wednesday, when Dad told me it was National PopcornDay. To celebrate, Mom made a healthy popcorn recipe using canola oil from thiswebsite: http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_popcorn/

It was delish!

Mom made a basic recipe, but if you want variety, you can emaillearncanola@canola.ab.ca and they’llsend you an entire pamphlet on popcorn types, flavourings, and more!

Gotta jet. Sophie is meeting me at the gym!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Running outside in January? Crazy!

2012-01-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

Can you believe this weather?

It’s almost the middle of January, and I’m running OUTSIDE…with just my t-shirt on. Sure I’m dodging ice patches, but even most of those havemelted. I just treat the sidewalk like an obstacle course – coach says it’sgreat training for track.

But not so great for crop farmers, Grandpa says.

Farmers often say they’ve never lost a crop in January, but alack of snow means that winter and perennial crops like alfalfa and winterwheat aren’t insulated.

Snow insulates plants like that “pink stuff” in our houseskeeps us warm. And without snow, cold temperatures like we’re supposed to getnext week (brrr), or very high winds, will damage the crops and they won’tsurvive until next spring.

That’s not good at all.

For the farmers’ sake, I’m hoping winter – and all that snow– will appear soon, but until then? I’m taking advantage of this awesome weather.

Gotta jet! I’m meeting Sophie for a run.

-Chase Superman Duffy

Taking a break

2012-01-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

Grandma says sometimes it's nice to take a break from routine.

I believe her, sometimes - well, okay, most of the time, so this week I'm taking a break from the blogging.

Not running, though. Are you kidding? We're having a heatwave in January - I'd be silly not to take advantage of the warm weather.

Have a great weekend.

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Family most important part of the season

2011-12-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.

Not because of the presents.

Well, not just because of the presents.

My Uncle Pete and his new wife are coming to our house tonight for the whole New Years weekend. I haven’t seen him since last year, and I’ve never met his wife. They got married in some exotic location, and only Mom and Dad got an invite.

Don’t tell anyone, but Uncle Pete is my favourite uncle. He’s my mom’s big brother, and he always has time for me, even though he lives way across the country. Don’t get me wrong, I love my whole family. Uncle Pete has always just been special. I remember one time at our family lake cabin, we lay on the dock, looking up at the stars, and told stories until I fell asleep.

And Uncle Pete taught me how to tie my shoe laces, and even how to do multiplication using a checkerboard. I guess everyone in the family kind of has their own role in my life.

I wouldn’t change any of them.

Well…except maybe my sister.

Gotta jet – Uncle Pete and his wife are staying in the spare room and Mom says I have a lot of cleaning to do before they get here. I don’t even mind!

I hope you and your family have a wonderful rest of the holiday season.

- Chase Superman Duffy

Volunteering over the holidays

2011-12-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

I did the coolest thing this week! I volunteered at Santa’sAnonymous in Edmonton.

Never heard of it? Neither had I until Dad took me there asa surprise. It’s this big warehouse where people volunteer to put togetherChristmas presents for people who can’t afford to buy gifts for their kids overthe holidays.

The toys are donated by people from all over the city, andvolunteers sort them into the right age categories, package a few itemstogether and then wrap them up. Dad told me that a few days before Christmas, awhole bunch of volunteers deliver the presents to people’s homes.

Can you imagine?

My job was to pick out gifts for kids aged 8-10. I did okwith the boys. Books, trucks and cars, board games – all kinds of cool stuff.But when it came to the girls? I was a little lost. Luckily my friend Sophie camewith us and we tag-teamed it.

Huh. Come to think of it, Sophie and I make a pretty greatteam. And it was fun to see her face light up when she gathered some of thetoys together. Her freckles looked even that much more cute.

Anyway, Dad says we’ll volunteer a couple more times inDecember, and then the whole family will deliver gifts. Even Grandma andGrandpa.

If you’re looking for a way to spread some holiday cheerthis year, check your communityfor who is in charge of doing what Santa’s Anonymous is doing for your part of the province. Or ask your teacher if (s)he knows of a place where you, and maybe yourwhole class, could help. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Gotta jet!

- - ChaseSuperman Duffy

Home made cards? Doesn't my mom know about email?

2011-12-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Mom wouldn't let me go to my friend’s house this weekend, because we all stayed home to finish writing out our family Christmas cards.

It’s bad enough that Mom and my sister spent hours making this year’s cards (though they do look great) but then we had to sit down and hand write personal messages.

Doesn’t Mom know about email?

I’m always keeping in touch with my cousins on Facebook and Twitter. My auntie even tells me she reads my blog! What am I going to tell them that they don’t already know?

Plus, Mom writes long letters to everyone. Especially to the family members we don’t get to see over the holidays. She fills them in on what we’re all up to – which is okay, I guess, unless she starts talking about my Math mark. It’s not my best subject.

I don’t know why I can’t just sign my name. Mom says Grandma always writes out her Christmas cards, too. I guess she’ right – even though I see her a couple of times a month, I appreciate her little notes to each of us. It’s more…personal.

Huh. I guess that’s what Mom’s talking about it. Hand written messages are more meaningful and that’s a good thing anytime, but especially over the holidays.

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

Naughty or Nice?

2011-12-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

Mom bought my little sister one of those chocolate advent calendars last week – she’s already eaten half the chocolate and it’s only the second of December! She’s pretending not to quite understand how they work…

I told Mom I didn’t want one this year. With all this talk about nutrition at school, I’m trying to eat less sweets – and given the choice, I’ll choose grandma’s cookies over a bit of milk chocolate any day.

That doesn’t mean I’m not excited about Christmas, though.

I don’t know if Santa will think I’ve been naughty or nice, but I’ve already started making my list just in case. Of course, it’s all about running…

Subscription to a running or track magazine. Coach Taylor leaves some in the change room all the time, but I never have enough time to read them.
A Sponge Bob calendar. Silly, right? But I love that show, and I need something to track my runs in.
Warm running pants. So far, it’s not been too cold this winter, but I do live in Alberta where the weather changes every five minutes. If I’m going to keep up my training schedule, I need something that will let me run outside because training on the treadmill is yucky.
Membership to a gym with an indoor track…unless I get warm running pants.
Um…books. I know, not running-related, but I also like to write and I learned at camp last year that to be a good writer, you have to read. I haven’t been doing enough of that this year. And I’m sure that there must be books on running or track and field that would be inspiring.
A cool notebook. I want to start a journal. Not a diary with a lock and key or anything silly…just something to write in everyday. Even if it’s one sentence.

And of course, I want all that other stuff – like health and happiness, but I’m pretty sure Santa isn’t building those kinds of gifts in his workshop.

What’s on your holiday wish list?

Gotta jet!

- - Chase Superman Duffy

Eating my mom out of house and home

2011-11-28T08:48:00.000-08:00

Last spring, Coach Taylor took the track team out for lunch after a meet. I’d logged my personal best, and our school had won the most medals – I guess he wanted to celebrate.

When I ordered, Coach Taylor looked at my tray and said, “You’re not going to eat all of that, are you?”

Well I did – and was still hungry... Mom’s always talking about how I’m going to eat them out of house and home. And when Coach isn’t teasing me, he talks about the importance of giving my body the right amount of fuel.

Grandma makes fun of how much I eat sometimes, too. She’s always making whole wheat pasta and rice, or salads with barley and wheat kernels. She hardly ever peels her potatoes (even when she mashes them). I always assumed that was the “farm way” – but I get it now.

It’s to help keep Grandpa’s blood sugars stay even.

As part of National Diabetes Month, the registered dietitian at the school talked about the importance of eating smaller portions, eating regularly, and choosing whole grains when possible.

It makes sense now. Just like I understand why Grandma adds a bit of canola oil to recipes – it helps make you feel more full, so you don’t overeat.

Smart thinking!

Gotta jet – Grandma’s making brunch and I am HUNGRY. It’s ok if I eat a lot though, right? I’m young and my body needs filling.

Plus, I dare you to resist Grandma’s cooking.

- Chase Superman Duffy

The importance of eating right!

2011-11-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

More than 3 million people in Canada live with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

My Grandpa is one of them.

November is National Diabetes Month, so we're learning more about this disease in health class. I've always known it's serious, but Grandpa copes with it so well, I almost forget he has it. Except when Grandma reminds him about cutting back on his ice cream - or other sweets, like my Halloween candy.

It's got to be hard for Grandpa even though he's tough and doesn't show it. Ice cream is his weakness. He used to have a bowl of vanilla and fresh raspberries every day in the summer. Until a few years ago when he just...stopped. Now that I know some of the symptoms - like how Grandpa was always thirsty and losing weight - I might have recognized sooner that something was wrong.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder – which means the body can’t use digested food for energy and growth. Most of what we eat is broken into glucose – the principal source of fuel for our bodies. But glucose can’t enter our body’s cells without insulin. A person like Grandpa has a body that doesn’t produce enough insulin, produces no insulin, or has cells that don’t respond well to the insulin that the pancreas produces. This means that there’s too much glucose building up in the blood. Eventually, all this glucose passes out of the body in urine, but it means that the cells are not getting it for energy, growth and body repair.

Grandpa is fit today, which the registered dietitian says is key to managing diabetes - eating healthy, staying active and losing weight.

Reading about diabetes and all of the statistics is scary, especially since we were told there’s often a genetic tendency for various family members to be diabetic. But I’m proud of my grandpa, and I’m even more inspired to stay fit. Not just for track and field - for my overall health!

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

P.S. Grandma uses a lot of the recipes from a cookbook called The Heart-Smart Diabetes Kitchen. And she’ll make sure that there are a few copies made available free, if you make a comment on this post.

Too much candy? That's crazy talk!

2011-11-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

My superman costume wasn't just a hit at school. Between me and my friends, we filled three pillow cases full of Halloween candy - and that was only a couple hours of trick-or-treating.

Even after I traded all of my caramel Hershey bars for my sister's Tootsie Rolls, I brought home a mountain of goodies. Far more than an athlete should eat. At least that's what coach Taylor and my health teacher say.

A registered dietitian came to the school last week and talked to us about the importance of a balanced diet, and how each of the food groups plays a role in overall health. I guess Halloween candy isn't one of the major food groups. And as it turns out, those Tootsie Rolls can be more trick than treat.

Simple sugars, like the kind you find in chocolate and other candy, give you a quick energy boost - which might be ok if you run the 50-meter dash right after. But Coach Taylor explained that the sugar rush only lasts so long and then you crash...not so great if you're working on endurance training. Or even studying for an exam.

The nutritionist registered dietitian taught us that sugar doesn't react like fats. Good fats - like canola oil - slow down your metabolism so your food digests more slowly, and the energy stays with you longer.

Good to know, but the registered dietitian taught us something else as well: Everything in moderation.

Perfect!

Gotta jet - time to "moderate" the gobbling down of one of those Tootsie Rolls.

- Chase Superman Duffy

My super costume

2011-10-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

I'm "super" impressed with my secret-keeping abilities this month.

Ever since I decided on this year's Halloween costume, I've been "super" tempted to give it away. I made my little sister promise not to tell anyone, and Mom has been "super" stealthy about not giving in to Grandma's constant pleas for hints.

I couldn't wait to show Sophie this morning - who looks "super" cute as Smurfette. But, um, she said she guessed my costume weeks ago. She still giggled when she saw me, though and said I made the perfect....

So did you know, too?

Gotta jet - we're going trick or treating now, and if I don't hurry, I'm going to need this cape to FLY over to my friends so I don't left behind.

Safe Halloween!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Trick or treat?

2011-10-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Every Halloween, Mom makes me take my little sister trick-or-treating. It’s awful! She never stops talking, and the neighbours all think she’s adorable.

Yuck.

But this year, I’m allowed to go out with a group of my friends. Whoopa!

Sophie is going to be there, too…which is why I started really thinking about what I want to be for Halloween. It’s less than two weeks away.

Sophie's mom is making her a Smurfette costume. I heard Sophie talking about it in Social Studies class the other day. She’s going to paint her face blue and everything.

I bet she looks really cute.

I thought about being a vampire – until I tried on the costume. Yuck.

This isn't me, just so you know...

Mom thought I should be a stormtrooper…

Well, at least I’d be warm.

But neither of those costumes got me excited. I looked ridiculous in the Harry Potter outfit, and I’m not a very convincing pirate. A whole bunch of kids are going to be zombies. Boring.

I asked Grandpa for advice, and he told me that Halloween is a fun time to be someone you’ve always wanted to be – like a rockstar, or actor…

And then it came to me. The most perfect costume.

Ready?

Sorry – you’ll have to wait! I’ll unveil my Halloween costume next week on the blog. You don’t want to miss it – it’s going to be EPIC! But feel free to share yours with me…

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

Making the Grade

2011-10-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

We get our interim report cards at school today.

I’m not worried. I usually get pretty good grades, but Mom says “pretty good” should never be enough. Coach Taylor says that, too.

I think they’ll be in for a surprise because I’ve been working hard on my personal goals. Like handing my homework in on time, and paying attention in class.

I’ve also been watching what I eat, and making healthier choices. I haven’t even eaten a chocolate bar in…well, I can’t even remember when. (But I did enjoy a piece of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner. Mom says that’s ok, everything in moderation.)

Dad says setting goals that are believable and achievable is important.

I’ll guess we’ll see how it works out for me when I get my report card.

I’m actually kind of excited.

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

Gratitudes

2011-10-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

Monday is Thanksgiving, which means I’m going to stuff myself with turkey, mashed potatoes and Grandma’s pumpkin pie!

But in school this week, we’ve been talking a lot about the meaning of Thanksgiving, and making lists of what we’re grateful for. I thought sharing it might get you thinking about what you’re thankful for – besides your awesome dinner.

I’m thankful for:

· My parents, who are teaching me about responsibility and offer unconditional love. And bought me new track shoes!

· Grandma’s zucchini loaf. All of her baking, really. And her smile. My Grandma has the greatest smile.

· Grandpa, who is my very best friend. I can tell him anything and he always listens – even if he doesn’t always believe me.

· Coach Taylor, who pushes me do my best.

· People with dreams and visions – like Mr. Slovonuk, the first Canadian canola farmer. Can you imagine what might have happened if Grandpa didn’t grow canola?

· My Language Arts teacher, who gave me a great mark on my short story.

· My house, and a fridge full of healthy food.

· My health.

· My iPod and my stop watch – they don’t make running easier, but they do make running long distances more interesting.

· My sister. (*you’re welcome, Mom)

Wow. When you start writing it out, it’s easy to see how we can sometimes take things for granted.

 What’s on your list? AND, are you having turkey this weekend?

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

It's the great pumpkin Charlie Brown

2011-09-30T05:15:00.000-07:00

My grandparents are taking my sister and me to the Smoky Lake Pumpkin Festival this weekend. It’s going to be great!

Grandpa says there’s a petting zoo, face painting, crafts – even a mini midway. I bet we’ll get to gobble up some scrumptious pumpkin pie. (Not quite as good as Grandma’s, though.) Farmers and gardeners from across the province have been gathering in Smoky Lake for the past 23 years, competing for the title of Biggest Pumpkin.

Last year, the heaviest pumpkin was grown by a man named John Lobay. It weighed in at a whopping 1199.2 pounds (543.9 kg) – can you imagine the jack-o-lantern you could carve out of that? Mom and me always toast the seeds from our pumpkins and sprinkle them with seasoning salt. Best. Snack. Ever. The seeds from that pumpkin could have fed us for a week.

Grandma doesn’t think anyone will top that record this year, though. With all the rain over the summer, she says pumpkins will likely be smaller and softer - like the ones in her patch. I guess we'll know who was able to grow the biggest pumpkin when they way the entries this Saturday.

Oh! And in the afternoon, there’s going to be an auction.

But best of all? I’m excited to see Kevin and Gwen again, the owners of the Jet Engine Funny Car that runs on 100% canola biodiesel. They won’t be racing, but the car will be a part of the antique car show. If you’ve never seen it up close, this is the perfect chance.

The festival takes place at the Agricultural Complex grounds all day Saturday, October 1. Hope to see you there!

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

What would you do for 10,000 hours?

2011-09-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Ten thousand hours is a long time, right? It's more than 400 FULL days in a row, if you do the math. And I did!

But apparently, that's the magic number if you want to be successful at...well, whatever it is you're doing. Like playing the piano, learning to swim, or even running.

My mom is reading this book called the Outliers, and the author claims that it isn't just "practice" that is the difference between success and, uh, not success. It's the AMOUNT of practice. Like, I can't play on Facebook or my Twitter for a few hours a week and expect to be the next Bill Gates.

But 10,000 hours? Yikes!

Right now I'm running *about* four hours a week. At that rate, it will take 2,500 weeks before I'll be recognized by anyone but my Grandpa. And maybe my friend Sophie, but that's just because she's the yearbook editor. <grin>

Hmmm. Looks like I need to create a spreadsheet and start tracking my practice time...and then get out there and start running!

Speaking of that...gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

Hey! What are you practicing for? What would you do for 10,000 hours?

Feastival is coming!

2011-09-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

My Dad bought our family tickets to FEASTIVAL! Well, everyone except me and my sister – we're too young. I can hardly wait until I’m old enough to go.

What’s the big deal? The annual FEASTIVAL of FINE CHEFS is like a giant smorgasbord of delicious local food cooked by some of the best chefs in Edmonton.

My grandparents love to attend, but this will be Feastival’s 23^rd year and Grandpa says he’s only been a handful of times. It’s harvesting season, and if the weather is nice, he’ll be out in the field, or helping someone else with their crops. That's most important.

Grandma almost always goes to Feastival, though – usually with her best friend. She loves learning about new ways to cook. And Grandpa says she meets a bunch of new friends because she loves to talk. <grin>

When I’m old enough, Grandpa’s going to show me the ropes – like how to save some room for the amazing desserts. That’s his favourite part. This year, there’s going to be an oil tasting. Grandma is really excited about it, but I don’t get the big deal. Grandma uses canola oil in her cooking, but I wouldn’t drink the stuff, that’s for sure.

This will be my parents’ first Feastival. Mom is looking forward to a night out. Hmmm….I wonder what Dad is really excited about? Probably the desserts, like Grandpa!

Ok, gotta jet. Have a great weekend!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Start ahead, stay ahead

2011-09-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

Coach Taylor always says, “If you start ahead, you almost always stay ahead…As long as you stick to your goals.”

I always thought he was talking about running, but my Dad says it’s the same in life. Which I guess is why my parents are always talking to me about setting goals.

I thought I set some good school goals for this year, like handing in my assignments on time. My Mom says that’s a great start, but it’s important for me to think about non-school related targets, too.

Like my health. Mom says I eat too much junk food, which isn’t the best fuel for my body. I’ve spent enough time with Grandma to know what makes a snack nutritious, and Mom packs me a healthy lunch, but I don’t always make the best choices when I’m standing at a candy bar with my friends. (I have a weakness for all things chocolate.)

So, that’s my health goal – to make healthier selections.

Not ALL the time. Coach Taylor says goals have to be achievable and believable. Like, I’m not really going to run as fast as Superman one day. Duh! A more realistic goal might be to beat my personal “best time.” I can run around Grandpa’s canola field in 10 minutes flat. Next summer I’ll aim for 9 minutes, or even 8.

So what are some of your non-school related goals? And, er, what’s your favourite chocolate bar? (Just asking!)

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

Are you labouring this Monday?

2011-09-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

Monday is Labour Day, which means the school is closed. Dad doesn’t work either. But Mom is a nurse at a medical clinic and she’s working the morning shift. That’s crazy!

My teacher says even though it’s a statutory holiday and most workers are entitled to a day off with pay, many companies choose to stay open – like restaurants, mall stores, and tourist attractions.

Grandpa will be laboring for sure this weekend. It’s harvest time and unless there’s rain – or too much morning dew – he’ll be in the canola field. Which is where I’ll be. It’s tradition for me to help out around the farm.

If the crop is too wet, Grandpa and I will fix any broken machinery. And usually, Grandma and my sister are in the kitchen drying fresh herbs, making flavoured oils and freezing corn on the cob. I’d help, but Grandma says I eat more than I save. (You should see me in a pea patch!)

How about you? Do you and your family have plans for the Labour Day long weekend?

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

Hand things in ON TIME and other school goals

2011-08-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe summer is almost over. Despite the rain, I had a great couple of months. Camping with my family, two Jet Engine Funny Car races with Grandpa, carnival rides at the Fringe Festival with Mom, hanging out at my grandparents’ canola farm – and of course, plenty of running.

But next week I’ll be starting Grade 8, which means the end of vacation.

Grade 8.

Mom says she can hardly believe it.

In two more years, I’ll start high school. Dad thinks I should already have an idea of what I want to be “when I grow up.” Maybe he’s right. It’s just…I keep changing my mind.

Although I didn’t win the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers’ Contest, I loved writing that short story. Grandma thinks this means I should be a journalist.

I LOVE to run. Especially alongside Grandpa’s canola fields. And Coach Taylor says my legs can “really move” – but am I fast enough to make a living as a track and field professional?

Of course, Grandpa would love for me to be a canola farmer.

Not to mention all of the other cool jobs out there…

There’s a whole lot of options to consider. I’m not going to let it pressure me, though. This school year, I’m going to focus on my homework and making the track team. I’ve been practicing, but who knows whether "Lightning" or the red-haired kid have been as well? Or maybe there will be someone new at the school...

Mom says I've set some good goals, but she suggested one other: Hand things in ON TIME.

Oy.

I always do the work. I just sometimes forget to…hand it in.

How about you? Any school goals for this year?

Gotta jet – the sun is shining and there isn’t much of summer left. Have a great day.

- Chase Superman Duffy

Riding high at the Fringe

2011-08-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Rides as the Fringe's Sustainival run on CANOLA biodiesel

We’ve lived “near” Edmonton my whole life, but until this week, I’d never been to the Fringe.

Fringe is a 10-day festival full of plays, street performances and great food – Mom says they have the best Poutine outside of Quebec. Most of the shows are written and performed by local artists, which is pretty inspiring. Last year I wrote a short story for the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers’ Award. Maybe this year I’ll try writing a play!

Wouldn’t it be cool if it was featured at a Fringe Festival one day?

I loved every minute of my first Fringe experience, especially when my friend Sophie and I got to go on some rides. But not just ANY ones – special rides.

Mom told me this carnival was created by an Edmonton man named Joey Hundert. He calls is Sustainival.

Why?

Well, it turns out Joey’s rides run on biodiesel made from – yep, you guessed it, CANOLA. Just like the Jet Engine Funny Cars Grandpa and I saw last week!

I didn’t feel anything different, even on the Ferris Wheel. But Mom and I could smell it – a little like popcorn. So guess what we ate on the way home? Delicious.

If you’re going to Fringe, don’t forget to check out Sustainival.

Gotta jet – there’s only a few days left of summer and the sun is shining. Time for a long run!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Hot August Nights!

2011-08-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and I went to Hot August Nights last Wednesday night. SO cool!

The whole night was a smorgasbord of loud engines, awesome cars, and cotton candy (can’t forget the cotton candy!), but the best part was watching Kevin race his Jet Engine Funny Car along the quarter mile track.

Kevin is the driver of the first ever Jet Engine Funny Car to run on 100% canola biodiesel. I met him in Medicine Hat a few months ago at my first ever drag races. That was fun, but Hot August Nights in Edmonton was so much better. Kevin raced twice.

You wouldn’t believe how amazing it was! Grandpa let me use his phone to take a video of it but I couldn't upload it so here's a link from YouTube.

Next week, Mom is taking me to the Fringe Festival in Edmonton where I get to go on some carnival rides powered by canola biodiesel. How exciting is that?

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Dragons in the clouds

2011-08-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

My friend Sophie got a trampoline this summer. I think she wants to be a cheerleader, so she’s practicing her tumbling. Good thing!

Maybe I should, too.

Last week, I attempted a flip. It didn’t work out so well. I didn’t get hurt or anything, but I landed flat on my back in the middle of the mat, a little bit winded. Like when one of those super fast race cars zips past you and steals your breath.

Anyway, it was a beautiful day and I was lying there looking up at the big Alberta blue sky. It’s practically famous, you know? I love the mountains, but there’s something special about living on the prairies. Blue sky and yellow canola fields as far as the eye can see.

Sophie was the first to notice the dragon, though. At first I didn’t believe her. I kept looking for a giant tail to wrap itself around a cloud. Until I realized she was talking ABOUT the clouds and the amazing shapes she could see in them. I saw the dragon! And for about an hour we looked for as many different cloud-formations as we could. White seahorses, and castles, wizard faces and even a dog!

It was fun until those clouds turned dark and rain threatened– yet again. Yep, it’s been one of those kinds of summers.

How about you? What’s the coolest cloud shape you’ve ever seen?

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

See you at Heritage Days?

2011-07-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

Last week, Grandpa and I went to the Shellbrook Museum in Saskatchewan. Shellbrook is where the first Canadian canola crop was grown, more than 80 years ago.

When Mr. Fred Slovunuk and his wife immigrated from Poland, they brought a handful of seeds with them, and what started as a small plot of canola turned into giant fields of yellow. You can read the whole amazing story of canola’s beginnings in the book, Fields of Home. (This will be a link to the page where they can get the book...)

But after visiting the museum, I got to thinking about my heritage. Mom and I are going to Heritage Days in Edmonton this weekend, where I’ll sample all kinds of great food and learn about different cultures.

I’m a proud Canadian, but I love to learn about other countries and their peoples. Heritage Days is going to be amazing!

Grandpa asked me what I would take with me from Canada if we had to move. That’s a very good question. I’m going to think about it for a few days and let you know.

How about you? What one thing from your country would you want to take with you? Let me know here...or on Twitter. My user name is SupermanDuffy.

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

Taking a break

2011-07-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

Happy rain day - again!

Grandma says taking a "break" is important to an overall health and wellness plan, so we're having a family "shut down." I've got a big stack of books to read, Grandpa is having fun in his wood shop, and Grandma is making cookies. Even Mom and Dad are taking a day off.

I'm not even supposed to be on the computer.

So - gotta jet before I get caught.

Hope you and your family have a chance to take some time off! Why not send me an e-mail and tell me what you did on your day off? My e-mail is chase.superman.duffy@gmail.com.

- Chase Superman Duffy

Racing against the mosquitoes!

2011-07-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Maybe I'll be able to run as fast as a deer!

I am on fire this week!

Between an inspirational writing week at WordsWorth, a great trip to the Calgary Stampede (even though I didn’t see Will and Kate), and a solid few days of running, it’s been a perfect July.

Minus the rain and mosquitoes, of course.

I’m really gearing up for track training.

Grandpa says I need to work hard, like the race horses we saw at the Stampede. I did some research, and just like for track and field, a horse’s training schedule depends on the race – most importantly, the time and distance. And just like humans, their fitness plan has to be properly coordinated to prevent injury.

I wonder if they eat canola, too? I’ll have to ask Grandma about that. The proper fuel is key, right?

And so is knowing your body well enough to understand how to achieve your personal best. Take me - I’m a sprinter, but I still need to log some longer runs to keep my endurance at peak.

Lucky for me, the canola fields are in full bloom and I can run along the roads by Grandpa’s crops. This year, I’m going to shatter my record!

Maybe then I’ll outrun the mosquitoes...

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Stampeding to Calgary

2011-07-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

You wouldn’t believe the storm over Grandpa’s canola field last night! It was like a strobe light was in my room with all of the lightening – it flashed every three seconds for almost two hours. The power went out. My internet crashed. The thunder even rattled Grandma’s dishes.

I love a good thunderstorm, but last night was a bit much. I even heard on the news that there were three tornadoes that touched down in Alberta. Scary!

I’m staying with my grandparents this week because we’re going to the Calgary Stampede today. I can hardly wait. Grandpa says he’ll even go on most of the rides with me – if I’m good while Grandma shops, and Grandpa visits his favourite agricultural booths. (Don’t say anything, but I really don’t mind shopping or visiting with Granda’s friends at the Alberta Canola Producers’ display.)

Have you ever been to the Stampede? It’s amazing! My favourite part is the rides (and those mini donuts, shhh), but Grandpa bought us tickets for the rodeo this year. It will be my first time.

And Grandma says if we hurry there’s a chance we might even see the royal couple – William and Kate. I guess I better start practicing my royal wave…

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

Celebrating Canada Day

2011-07-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Canada!

I love Canada Day, because every year Grandpa and Grandma come into the city to watch the fireworks with us, and Mom invites all of the neighbours over for a barbecue. Dad and I have a hot dog decorating contest – that’s when you put as many different foods and as much as you want to on your hot dog. I always win because he says chocolate doesn’t go with mustard and ketchup.

It’s tradition!

I’ve been thinking a lot about traditions this week, especially when I’m out on my runs. Did you catch that? *Out* on my runs – the sun’s been shining much more, which means no more indoor running for me!

Traditionally, I’d head to Grandpa’s farm after the Canada Day fireworks and spend the first few days of the holidays helping Grandma in the garden and Grandpa in the field. Some of the canola fields are starting to bloom, so there’s work to be done – like scouting. No, that doesn’t mean pitching a tent and being a Boy Scout; that’s when Grandpa and I walk through the fields with a net and swish it through the crop and see how many bugs get caught up in the net. Grandpa says that’s a good way to know how many bugs are feasting on his canola.

This year, I can’t go to the farm.

That’s right, I’m breaking tradition! But it’s for a great cause. On Sunday, I’m going to WORDSWORTH, the camp for young writers who believe in the power of words. I can hardly wait. Camp, words, and running with the mountains as a backdrop – could it get any better?

I think this year, I’m going to start a new tradition, like being thankful for all of the reasons it’s great to be a Canadian. Sounds like a list I can start mulling over on this afternoon's run.

Gotta jet. Hope you get to celebrate Canada’s birthday with your family – and some new ways to top your hot dogs!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Blame it on the rain

2011-06-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

Grandpa is so confusing!

Track practice was cancelled most of this week because of the rain, so yesterday I went over to my friend Sophie’s house to wait for my Dad. And maybe I was a bit grumpy. But can you blame me? The only kilometers I’d tracked lately were on Mom’s beat-up treadmill.

Sophie’s Mom tried to cheer me up. She set a plate of home made cookies in front of me and smiled. “Well, at least the farmers will be happy,” she said, pointing to the kitchen window that was streaked with water.

I hadn’t thought of that. Last year Grandpa complained a lot about the weather – too much heat will dry the crops out and stunt their growth, he said. I knew all about that. The city sometimes regulates our water during peak summer hours, which means Mom has to be strategic about when she waters her vegetable and flower gardens.

So last night, I called Grandpa. I opened my bedroom window and held the phone up to the air. “Do you hear that? That’s the sound of rain,” I practically shouted over the wind. My arm was wet all the way up my wrist.

“I hear it,” Grandpa said, but he didn’t sound happy at all.

“Isn’t that good for your canola?”

Turns out, it may not be. Grandpa says he’s not growing rice, and too much rain can rot the crop, and if the seeds haven’t had a chance to germinate, they may not even sprout at all this year!

Yeesh. Now I know what people talk about when they say farmers are never happy about the weather.

Hey, I gotta jet. I’m pretty sure I see the sun poking from behind the clouds. I’m going to get my run in before the forecasted thundershower hits.

- Chase Superman Duffy

That's not a canola field

2011-06-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

“That’s not a canola field.”

Boy, when I was younger, I heard that all the time from my Grandpa. We’d drive by these giant fields on the way to his farm, and I’d point to the yellow flowers and say, “Look at that canola field, Grandpa!”

Turns out they were dandelions.

The same weeds I used to pick for my Mom because I thought they were “pretty flowers.” * shrug *

It’s been a few years since I mistook dandelions for canola (and not just because the weeds burst in early spring and canola blooms in July), but as the potatoes and peas in Grandma’s start sprouting, I can’t help but get excited. It won’t be long before the Alberta landscape becomes a checkerboard of canola fields…

And if you’re travelling in southern Alberta you might see another yellow crop - mustard!

So how do you tell the difference?

Good question.

Grandpa says it isn’t easy. The flowers on a canola plant are a little bigger and a paler yellow, while mustard seeds are small and a slightly darker in colour. Honestly? I think I’d need to hold them side by side to really know the difference, and even then I’m not sure I’d be able to tell you which one is the canola plant…

But Canada’s known for both – since most of the mustard seed goes to make Dijon mustard in France and hot dog mustard (my favourite!) in the US, and the canola goes all over the world…

Luckily, Grandpa never gets tired of answering these questions for me.

Gotta jet!

- Chase Superman Duffy

PS - 15 sleeps until WordsWorth! STILL not registered? Better hurry!

Faster than a speeding...biodiesel car?

2011-06-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Grandpa took me to the drag races in Medicine Hat.

I’ve never been to the car races before, but I think I’m hooked. I used to think I was fast (Superman fast)… but wow – some of those cars can really move.

Like the biodiesel jet funny car fueled by canola. I’m not kidding! Grandpa says the car is one of a kind. When it takes off, flames shoot out the back end, like a rocket. The stands literally shake from the sound it makes. Boom, boom, boom!

It was unbelievable. I was scared to blink in case I missed it.

Now that’s the kind of speed I need to beat “Lightening” and the Red Head on the track this year.

Grandma tells me I’m already on my way – just by adding two teaspoons of canola oil to my Berry Smoothie. She says “fat” is a powerhouse of energy. And none of those trans fats, like I’m sure my friends and I eat when we buy one of those packages of cream-filled cookies that we share. I should have known she’d say that.

Maybe it’s time for me to think about how else I can fuel my body for prime speed. Hmmm…sounds like a summer project.

Gotta jet – like a canola biodiesel jet car!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Pssst. Going to WordsWorth? I’ll be there…along with the three winners of the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers Award. There’s still time to register…but hurry! WordsWorth is definitely a camp worth writing home about.

Didn't win but still a winner

2011-06-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

I didn’t win the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers’ Award.

The competition was pretty steep. I heard they had more than 150 submissions – and a lot of good ones!

I’m still proud of my story, though.

I guess my parents are, too, since they’re sending me to WordsWorth! That’s right, I’m heading to camp this summer for a week of writing and hanging out with some amazing Albertan talent.

Seriously, check out this blog – www.yabswordsworthblogspot.com - and read about the awesome instructors that I’ll be working with in Bragg Creek. I hear there are dozens of walking or running trails at Kamp Kiwanis, too.

How perfect is that? Writing AND running – at WordsWorth.

Are you going?

If you haven’t registered yet, you’d better hurry! The camps are filling up.

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

P.S. - Major congratulations to Caileigh Reid of Grande Prairie, Alena Leonova of Calgary and Laura E. Stacey of Bowden. See you at camp, girls.

P.P.S. – To register for camp, head to the Young Alberta Book Society Website at www.yabs.ab.ca. Click on the WordsWorth links and download the registration form.

A berry delicious solution

2011-05-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

I’ve discovered the secret to Track and Field success! Canola oil.

Sounds ridiculous, right?

But it’s the only way I can explain my performance this past week. It’s been epic!

When I was out at the farm last weekend, I had a heart-to-heart with Grandma. I told her I was cutting out sweets, and all fats. She seemed okay with it, until I suggested (carefully) that she use less canola oil.

My bad.

Apparently, canola oil is one of the healthiest oils out there. It’s low in saturated fat and has NO trans fat or cholesterol. I know, I should KNOW this.Turns out, adding just two teaspoons of canola oil to something as simple as a breakfast smoothie can boost its vitamin E and omega-3 fat content – the stuff I need to run faster, like Superman.

Grandma found a recipe from a former Olympic champion – Janet Evans – for a Berry Smoothie that is OUT OF THIS WORLD. I’ve been drinking it every day and I can already feel the difference in my running.

Grandmas are so smart.

Gotta jet. I’m slamming my smoothie and then heading out for my morning practice.

- Chase Superman Duffy

P.S. I’ve included the recipe below. If you’re Gordon “Lightening” Smith, or any of my other competitors, close your eyes!

BERRY DELICIOUS SMOOTHIE

Ingredients

1 medium banana

1/2 cup blueberries

1/2 cup strawberries

1/2 cup green tea, cooled

1/2 cup cranberry juice,

4 ice cubes

2 teaspoons canola oil

Blend it all until it's smooth.

Eyes on the prize

2011-05-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week. Between studying for exams, practicing for track and field, and getting used to my new smoothie breakfast regime, I'd almost forgotten about submitting my story for the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers' Award.

Just kidding.

Really. How could I forget?

That's not to say I didn't try to push it out of my mind. I mean, there's not much I can do until the winners are announced on June 1.

But then I got the WordsWorth poster in the mail. It came with my bright yellow canola notebook, a Martyn Godfrey novel I'm half-way through reading (wow! he could really write) and a pen. Of course I started jotting notes for a new story right away. But I also made use of the poster. It's hanging on my fridge. Every time I grab the ingredients for my smoothie, I see it.

And drool.

I keep checking out the WordsWorth blog and the camp sounds SO amazing. I know I should be studying or logging some extra clicks while the sun is shining, but in the back of my head I've always got my eyes on the prize.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to have the poster in front of Mom's eyes, too. Maybe she'll send me to camp even if I don't win...

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

PS - If you want to register for WordsWorth, the camp for youth who believe in the power of words, you can download the registration forms here. For full details, check out the WordsWorth blog or the Young Alberta Book Society website.

Me, DIET? Yikes!

2011-05-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

I’m usually ready for my school Track and Field Day. By the time we line up for the 100-metre dash, I’ve practiced a thousand times. Gone over my strategy. Worn in my new track shoes.

But I was so focused on my short story for the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers’ Award this year, the day kind of…snuck up on me.

Don’t get me wrong. I aced the 100-metre dash, and scored a personal best on the long jump. I just kind of…faltered…on the longer runs.

Not cool.

Now that the snow has melted, Grandpa will be out in his canola field – my usual practice grounds. He’ll put me to work, too, which means I’ll be toning some of the muscles that have been mostly inactive throughout the winter.

I think it’s more than that, though.

I’ve been chowing down on Grandma’s home cooking – she’s the best bakers in the world! – but I haven’t been doing much to balance what I’ve been eating. It’s not like I need to go on a DIET.

Maybe I just need to ask Grandma to back off the chocolate zucchini loaf for a bit?

That’s a very scary thought.

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

PS - The deadline for the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers' Award may have passed, but there's STILL time to register for WordsWorth, the camp for youth who believe in the power of words.

Today is the BIG day

2011-05-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

It's finally here - the deadline for the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers' Award. I've been working on my submission for weeks - creating a first draft, asking for help from some of Alberta's top writers, and then making the necessary edits.

My story is short (just under 1500 words), funny (my mom laughed out loud), and includes the colour yellow in a unique way. I'm ready!

So today I'll be dropping by the Young Alberta Book Society office (11759 Groat Road, Edmonton) with my masterpiece - and then I'll start pacing. More likely, I'll go for a run to work off some of this nervous energy.

The stakes are huge! Two winners receive free admission to WordsWorth, a writing camp for young writers like me, as well as a visit to his/her school during the October 2011 Taleblazers festival. I've already figured out who I'd pick if I'm the winner.

If you haven't finished your story...what are you waiting for? The deadline is TODAY!

Gotta jet.

Good luck!

- Chase Superman Duffy

Branded with yellow

2011-04-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

I’m pretty much dreaming in yellow these days.

There’s only ONE week until my story is due for the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers’ Award (May 6, 2011, peeps – will you be ON TIME?) and it seems I can’t even jog around the block without seeing something that reminds me of the colour yellow.

Grandpa says I’m just more observant since I started writing my short story. Maybe he’s right. I never realized how much yellow there is in the world.

Especially in logos.

Check out the four on this blog. All of them use a vibrant shade of yellow, contrasted by the dramatic darkness of black. Smart, right?

Do you recognize them?

Tell you what. E-mail me at chase.superman.duffy@gmail.com. If you correctly guess the brand name associated with each logo, I’ll hook you up with an autographed copy of the book Fields of Home, featuring the story of…well, me! <grin>

Gotta jet.

- - Chase Superman Duffy

GP.S. - Don't forget, two winners of the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers' Award will win FREE admission to WordsWorth and an author visit to your school during the Taleblazers festival!

Painting with words

2011-04-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

Forgive the running analogy, peeps, but I’m on the home stretch to crossing the finish line on my short story for the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers’ Award. Not that I’m counting, but the deadline is just two weeks away!

I’m pretty stoked about what I’ve written.

Local illustrator James Grasdal says sometimes you have to think of your writing like a drawing, paint a picture with your words.

If that’s the case, my word painting has a lot of yellow in it.

So, James suggested I add another colour to make the story really pop. Preferably a contrasting colour – like blue.

Close your eyes and picture this: an Alberta blue sky. A bright yellow canola field.

Pretty amazing, right?

Think about all of the other ways you can use yellow in your writing. Like perking up subdued colours, like greys and blues. Or how about combining yellow and orange to symbolize spring – or citrus. (Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie. Yum.) Pale yellows can also reduce the intensity of richer colours – like a gold braid on a burgundy or navy blue marching band uniform.

The combinations are endless!

As I work through the edits on my rough draft, I’m not looking at my story as random words anymore. Now it's a bright, colourful painting – James Grasdal style.

What colours are you brushing on to your canvas?

Gotta jet.

- Chase Superman Duffy

PS - The deadline for the contest is MAY 6, 2011. Don't miss the chance to win a trip to WordsWorth, the writing camp for youth who believe in the power of words.