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Chatterbox's Monthly Newsletter
Founded by Ella Starburst of Floof Industries
Issue: May, 2021
Made for CBers by CBers
Hey hey hey! It’s the host of the first multi-CBer MCU, Feline Fantasy! As many of you may know, Ella Starburst, under the moniker of “Floof Industries,” would write these, but she has retired, so new we’re taking over! This first issue is dedicated to them. :) We’re going to switch off hosts each month. My AEs, Hiro, Cora, and Alex, and possibly also my CAPTCHA, *Saffron* will be helping!
Aaalright! Let’s get this party started!
I do hope that we bring joy to these CBers. That would be a good deed.
*agred*
Ahaha, this will be fun!!! What parts can I do??? *finger guns out of context*
First up?
IMPORTANT DATES:
Days 1- 15 were done by MoonKitten, with commentary from their AEs, Silvi and Spotty!
Days 16 - 31 were done by yours truly, Feline Fantasy. ;)
May 1 - Save the Rhino Day
May 2 - Brothers and Sisters Day! Celebrate by doing something special for your sibling. Yeah, like a prank *starts plotting* Spotty, don't - Or what? You'll prank me? I- ugh
May 3 - Lumpy Rug Day. Take a moment to appreciate that annoying lumpy rug. Or, y'know, get a nicer one.
May 4 - Star Wars day!! May the fourth be with you. Little known fact - Spotty is obsessed with Star Wars. Anyone have a favorite star wars meme?
May 5 - Oyster Day
May 6 - National Nurse's Week starts! We're especially appreciative this year. Send a card or bake some cookies for the folks at your local hospital <3
May 7 - Space Day! Learn something new about planets, stars, or gravity. Tell us about it!
May 8 - Katniss Everdeen's birthday (I just read the Hunger Games for the first time)
May 9 - Mother's Day
May 10 - Clean up Your Room Day. Give your parents a surprise! Uh, no, do everything in your power to make sure they don't find out about this.
May 11 - Eat What You Want Day
May 12 - Limerick Day
May 13 - Leprechaun Day
May 14 - Dance Like a Chicken Day
May 15 - Chocolate Chip Day
For the rest of this section, the commentary is done by my AEs.
16: Shavuot (Jewish)
Oooh, do we get to stay up all night this year??? :P
Umm, yeah!!
Although it seems that learning and traditions are very important to you, as they should be, remember to take care of your well being, too.
17: National Walnut Day
18: National No Dirty Dishes Day
UGGGH SOUND BORING.
19: National Devil’s Food Cake Day
20: National Be a Millionaire Day
21: National Endangered Species Day
I really do appreciate that this day and the next day were included here. <3 This is an important subject close to my heart.
22: International Biodiversity Day
23: National Taffy Day
24: National Asparagus Day
25: Tap Dance Day
26: Vesak (Buddhist)
27: National Grape Popsicle Day
28: National Sunscreen Day
29: Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day
It’s official. I’m participating in this. *finger guns*
30: National Creativity Day
31: Memorial Day
Aaand it’s time for . . .
LMWAY (Last Month We Asked You), brought to you by Majestic Mary!
It's the last full month of school for most people, and we're just trying to get through... What are some ways to stay motivated through the end of the school year?
Periwinkle says: “Just remember to stay positive and try to connect with friends if you're feeling down! It's always ok to ask for help when you need it.”
pangolin says: “Do your work right away, don't procrastinate. This will make it easier, and you're more likely to do a good job on your work if you don't have that many assignments to do at once.”
No . . . procrastinating?
You will appreciate it in the long run.
Neverseen says: "Try to do the things you love whenever you can! If you're an author (or author to-be) try writing a new story with a concept that you may not have thought of before. If you're an artist (or artist to-be) come up with a piece illustrating something abstract, or a random image that pops in your mind. So, long story short, try to find ways to challenge yourself in ways that you enjoy!"
NiteSkiies says: "Keep trucking! Actually, strike that. Sleep. Sleep right after school. Sleep at night like a good human being. Just don’t sleep in school or you’ll be in trouble."
Wolfy_Walker_7 says: "Just remember that you have gotten through this year so far, so you can do one or two more months (depending on where you live). Get outside and enjoy the weather. Get some rest. Summer will be here soon!"
Cynthia M. says: "Try making time every couple of days (or even every day) to do something you look forward to! I find that having something to look forward to (whether that's doing a hobby, facetiming friends, playing a game with family), helps me get through rough days."
th3mysticw0lf says: "Stay strong! Eat chocolate! Be organized! Aaaand be positive!"
Oh yeah!
Morning says: "Well, for those of you who are back in school part or full time now, just remember how it was when we were all virtual. That's what's been getting me to the weekend, and I'm just existing week by week. For those of you who are still virtual, be glad you get to sit on your bed during school."
Feline Fantasy says: "At the beginning of each week, calculate the number of hours of school in that week. Then, keep yourself going by waiting for fun little landmarks in the percentage of school time that week that has passed. For example, if you will have 35 hours of school that week, you can start by waiting 1.75 hours which wll be 5%."
Luna-Starr says: "Hmm... I'm not the best to give advice as an 8th grader who isn't very motivated. I get by through ignoring my classmates and looking to the end of the year as a goal, not an excuse."
Leo says: "Some ways to get motivated is to remind yourself that you're almost to the end! Also usually schools are more relaxed and do funner things at the end of the school year, so that's something to look forward to. Making a scheldule (you could do in Google Forms and write assignments you need to do for that day) or setting reminders on your phone can help you stay productive and not fall behind on work as well."
I am honestly SOOO glad that I’m done with school. Like, school is THE WORST.
I am constantly still learning as we should all be. We still have room to grow. Remember to appreciate the learning opportunities in your life. *writes on arm*
I don’t know, for me it really depends on the subject.
Here is our first NEW section, written by Writing_in_the_Dark!
THINGS OF THE MONTH
Quote: “THIS MAKES NO SENSE! THEREFORE, I LOVE IT!!!!!” - Luna-Starr (as Soren)
Exactly!!!
Song: Broken and Beautiful (Kelly Clarkson)
Random fact: Picasso made an estimated 50,000 works in his lifetime, including; 1,885 drawings paintings, 1,228 sculptures, 2,800 ceramics, about 12,000 drawings, thousands of prints, and lots of tapestries and rugs.
How to: HOW TO BE AMAZING: Be you! Congrats, you are the most amazing YOU ever!
That’s very sweet! <3
You use those too much these days. *sighs*
Moving on to . . .
ADVICE COLUMN! Credit goes to Princess Juniper and their AES. First, an introduction, written by Juni!
Today we are here, my AE Missie! I do not want to be here. I don’t care! *Plasters smile onto Missie’s face* Missie had a question didn’t you Missie? Um yes... I was wondering if you could help me with some drama between me and Alaska. I hate drama. I hate drama a lot! Well then Missie, it seems its time for THERAPY WITH DOCTOR J! Oh no. The last time we did therapy with doctor J someone had to go to the hospital! But this time we have my favorite assistant! Nurse Jwyn! Um is this just an excuse for Jwyn to be on camera? Possibly! Nurse Jwyn!!! _Hello everyone!_ _Today my pronouns are he/him!_ So Missie, why do you feel there has been drama between you two? *Buries head in hands* This is my nightmare. _Unwilling to respond eh?_ _Should we cut off her head Doctor J?_ No Jwyn! Well, maybe er I mean absolutely not! Let’s ask Alaska! It’s too early for questions! Um Alaska? Yeah?
It’s three in the afternoon! Fine! I’m mad at her because she washed my favorite pillow with the reds and turned it pink! *dun dun DUN* Jwyn quit practicing the piano! Missie why did you wash the pillow? I didn’t mean to! Besides she dumped cockroaches in my room! Wow Alaska. You got shade. Whatever! I am too tired to even care. _I have an idea!_ Yes Jwyn? _What if I hack into Missie’s bank account and buy Alaska a new pillow?_ That sounds great! Later I’ll release cockroaches into Alaska’s room! Now hug it out you two! WHY?????
And now, for the question . . .
What is the best way to tell an AE they that they are going up for adoption?
Periwinkle says: "It's not you, it's me."
pangolin says: "You were a very great AE, <insert AE name>, but with me as your CBer, you were very inactive, and I hardly paid attention to you (or whatever reason you're putting them up for adoption). Don't get me wrong- you were an amazing AE, and I really liked you, but I think you'll do better with another CBer. We'll still get to see each other around, <insert AE name>, and I'll never forget you. (If your AE is a hug sort of person, hug them, and if not, give them some space to think about their feelings)."
NiteSkiies says: "Slip a note under their door. When they open the note, a suitcase will pop out, which magically packs up all of their stuff. Hide. *NOTICE: IF YOUR ATTEMPT FAILS IT IS NOT MY FAULT*"
Wolfy_Walker_7 says: "Step 1: Break it to them. Say, "<AE name here>, I have decided to give you up for adoption."
Step 2: Give your reasons.
-You will have more fun and get more use with another CBer.
- The house is getting a bit crowded.
- ETC (whatever your reason is)
Step 3: Reassure your AE
- We will still visit you.
- I still love you.
Step 4: Hold true. Visit them. Help them settle in. Lots of hugs and cookies!"
th3mysticw0lf says: "Let it go gently. Or. If you're evil just put them up for adoption and when they're adopted, lock them out of the house."
Luna-Starr says: "Do it in a way that appeals to their personality. Remember to reassure them that this isn't the end of anything, it's just the start of something new."
I love this column. A place to give others advice and to help each other!
*sniffles* Well, I wish that SOMEONE had maybe considered how the OTHER AES WOULD FEEL before putting one up for adoption. *glares*
I’m sorry Alex, we’ve been over this, Izzy wasn’t --
They “weren’t woking???” Did you ever take into account how I might feel about the matter??? Their BROTHER???
It would be best if you two stopped fighting and resolved your feeling calmly. This is not a two-sided issue. *writes on arm*
Naww, fights are great! Bring it on!
Anyways, moving onto our next section -- also new!
The BOOK OF THE MONTH by Peregrine!
A Green and Ancient Light by Frederic S. Durbin
Sent away from his city hometown to stay with his grandmother, his life is almost normal, as if there was no war happening. But his idyllic country life is turned upside-down when an enemy plane crashes near the town; causing him to meet a strange man (if he really is a man. . .), discovering a whole new side of his grandmother. And when he accidentally stumbles upon the "grove of monsters" he has been warned to stay away from, yet more questions arise. What is the reason behind the strange beasts hidden in the woods; if there is one at all? Most important of all: will the answers to his questions give him strength for heartbreaking loss? Or will it only cause more heartbreak?
(Side note: Mr. Durbin has written stories for Cricket, one of which the characters and world was built by Chatteboxers, and most recently an email from him appeared in the March 2021 issue of Cricket!
Crowd Sorcery:
The Star Shard:
Ooh, sounds like a good book. I should check that out!
CBer AWARDS bought to you by Luna-Starr!
Awesome new solo write: Jemma W!
You started with a premise that has been used by many CBers, then added a twist! We can wait to see where this is going and how you'll combine some many fandoms!
Fun new writing contest creator(s): Morning (& Wreeboo)!
Morning, your ten words writing contest sounds like a classic CB activity with a slightly chaotic twist! Wreeboo, your writing / art contest is a welcome reboot of an awesome thread! Wreeboo's thread wasn't created this month but I want to give it a shout-out.
Incredible team of dedicated people: the MCU team!
It's so awesome to see how many of us are bound and determined to continue this CB tradition. I'm proud of us for pulling through and assembling a team of great CBers wanting to create something in honor of someone else. Give yourselves a pat on the back, lovelies! <3
Aww, thanks Luna!
Another wonderful column.
And now we have . ..
LOCATION OF THE MONTH, judged by Twilight!
Third Place: waiting for summer break/counting down the days until summer
Why: My school just went full in-person and I'm already burned out and I am definitely doing this
This is ExActLy whatIhavebeendoinglately.
Second Place: a field of flowers
Why: I love this vibe
First Place: the garden
Why: Gardens are classic spring, and most get planted in May (I think, I'm terrible at gardening)
Short and sweet. ;) Anyways, to wrap this up, I’ve got something to say!
Credit to Peregrine for copying and pasting all of this together! Like Luna said, thank you all for making this first multi-CBer MCU possible. Y'all are awesome. Thank you to Ella Starburst, too, for starting this tradition! And, might I add, doing a wonderful job each month. We hope this lasts many more months. But, the only way for that to happen is if y’all help us! Here's what we’ll accept.
The prompts for these first ones will be posted on another thread, I think, so wait until that is out! If your run the column, please reply with the prompt. :)
LMWAY
Advice column
The following you can start submitting for!
Important Dates
Location of th Month
CBer awards
The CBers who create these might be accepting suggestions, maybe not, not, so we need to check with them!
Book of the Month
Things of the Month
Aaand signing off! Until next time!
submitted by MCU Team, The Garden
(May 2, 2021 - 11:22 am)
(May 2, 2021 - 11:22 am)
Wow everyone! This is great! This is the first MCU I've seen, and it's amazing! Ya'll are doing an excellent job!
(May 2, 2021 - 3:20 pm)
(May 2, 2021 - 5:01 pm)
This was beautiful! Thank you for working so hard to create this and make sure that Ella's beautiful creation did not fall to pieces. I love all of the new additions that were made possible by having a team of multiple people. You lizards are the best! <3
Important Dates:
10: National Ball Point Pen Day
28: Dobby's birthday!
Location of the Month: FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Book of the Month: Suggested Reading, by Dave Connis. Am I supposed to give a sypnosis here?
Things of the Month:
Song: One Day More from Les Misérables (you know, since the last day of school is this month for most people, and then it's one more day until freedom?)
Shoewear: Your battered, beat-up flip-flops from last summer.
(May 3, 2021 - 9:13 am)
Thank u so much!!!!!!!!! I am very proud of my solo write!!!!!!
(May 3, 2021 - 10:00 am)
Wonderful, Feline Fantasy! Thank you so much for jumping into hosting on a sudden notice! I am so proud of all the members of the MCU Team. We did it! The first group MCU with hopefully many more to come. Let's keep it up.
For personal reasons I will not be excepting books for the Book of the Month section. You could technically suggest books, but do not be surprised if it isn't the one highlighted for the month.
(May 3, 2021 - 10:05 am)
Nice job! I love the organization and the AEs are fun! Ella Starburst would be proud.
(May 3, 2021 - 2:11 pm)
I am accepting suggestions! This is so cool and I am so proud of the MCU team!
The next prompt is:
How do I stop comparing myself to other CBers? I will soon be writing the intro!
(May 5, 2021 - 7:18 am)
:D
wait my CAPTCHA says <vznyx> ...something Nyx?
(May 5, 2021 - 9:34 am)
Awesome!! @MCU team, I'm so sorry I forgot to do my section. I will definitely do it next time!
Important dates: June 1: National Say Something Nice Day; June 3: National Egg Day and World Bicycle Day; June 4: National Cheese Day and National Hug Your Cat Day; June 5: World Environment Day; June 8: National Best Friends Day; June 18: International Sushi Day!!!!; June 19: Juneteenth.
(May 7, 2021 - 7:27 pm)
Location of the Month: On a sound wave
Book of the Month: Anne's House of Dreams (its one the sequels to Anne of Green Gables)
Things of the Month: That old container of cinnamon that you never got around to using.
(May 17, 2021 - 10:59 am)