Tony Funderburk

Summer Is Almost Over

Posted on August 24, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

Summer is almost over, and you know what that means…

School days are here…or almost here for all you kids. And that’s a great thing…not a terrible thing. It means you get to dive into books where your brain can swim in adventures. You’ll be learning new numbers, words, stories about famous people, and a lot more.

I remember those first days of Autumn, when I was a kid, and how I’d be so excited to get my pencils and paper and see what I’d be learning. I looked forward to reading time, math time, art time, and yes…even recess time. The main thing I looked forward to was all the new stuff I was gonna know how to do. Don’t get me wrong…I didn’t want summer to ever end. But I loved learning more and more each year.

What about you? Do you think of learning as a chore? Or do you look forward to the adventures and all you’ll discover? If you (and your teacher) make it an exciting journey, you’ll be a learner all your life. And you won’t be sad when…

Summer is almost over…
Summer is almost gone,
But don’t shed a tear
When school days are here…
Be happy ’cause life goes on.

Summer is almost over…
Autumn is next in line…
It’s crisp and it’s cool,
So dive in the pool.
While you still have warm sunshine.

Summer is almost over…
It’ll be back next year.
You just wait and see
Next summer will be
Back faster than you might fear.

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can help keep my words and music flowing.

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Raining In My Heart

Posted on August 23, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

I’ve heard people use the phrase “raining in my heart” to describe their troubled times. Or their loss of a loved one. Or their sadness in general.

But I think you can use “raining in my heart” as a good thing. After all, rain is a good thing. Especially to a dry, dusty place. Rain gives us the water we need for growing food, watering our grass, or drinking. So it’s refreshing and needed. That right there is a good enough reason to use rain as a positive description.

And you could also think about how much fun it is to go out and play in the rain. Have you ever done that? I remember, when I was in high school in Texas, sometimes after a good rain, a bunch of us guys would go play a game of mud football. Talk about dirty! But oh man, was it fun! When a grassy field is full of the kind of rain that falls in Texas, it’s hard to get good footing, so you fall down a lot. And you slide all over the place.

When the game was over, we’d go home and clean up, and we’d feel extra clean because we’d been extra dirty. That’s how I think a feeling of “raining in my heart” can be a good thing. What do you think?

I love to feel this raining in my heart.
It washes out the dark and dusty part.
And gives my life a clean and brand new start,
And once again I am a work of art.

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can help keep my words and music flowing.

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Posted on August 22, 2013 by TonyJuly 31, 2022

You know why you should read or work on math problems or paint or draw or write? Because it’s good for the brain.

Yep, that muscle inside your skull needs exercise like all the other muscles in your body. But you don’t have to lift weights or run a race to exercise your brain…although those things are healthy for it too. Really all you need to do to exercise your thinking tool is use it. Challenge it to think more thoughts about more things. Teach your brain more words, and more answers to problems, and how to focus on ideas.

While you’re doing all this, be sure to breathe deeply. The more oxygen your brain gets the better it can think and do all the work it needs to do. So feed and water your brain today. It’s gonna be busy.

Good For The Brain

Why should we care about the wheels on a train
Or the wings on a plane
Or the links in a chain?
What in the world would we ever have to gain?
That’s easy…it’s good for the brain.

Why should we think about the cars in the lane
Or the ankle we sprain
Or the clouds and the rain?
Listen up now ’cause I’m trying to explain…
I told you…it’s good for the brain.

Why should we look for the sugar in the cane
Or the chicken chow mein
Or the blood in the vein?
Why should we see what the data might contain?
It’s simple…it’s good for the brain.

Why should we try to ease somebody’s pain
Or clean up a stain
Or sing a refrain?
What could we ever really hope to obtain?
Just do it…it’s good for the brain.

Stay tuned,

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Time For Kids To Be Free

Posted on August 21, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

It’s time for kids to truly understand concepts like right and wrong, good and bad, truth and lies, and winning and losing.

Here’s the ironic twist to what I just said…if you think I’m wrong, it means you at least partially agree with me. After all how could I be wrong in what I said, if there is no concept of right and wrong? And how could anyone know when anyone else is right…or wrong…if we have no clue of what those are?

Paradoxical…wouldn’t you say?

Well, it’s really not a difficult concept that no human mind can wrap around. It’s easy. Trouble is…we think it has to be difficult. Otherwise, why wouldn’t or couldn’t the whole world agree on it? Right…oops…I mean, correct? See…even our language and our sentences stumble when we make it more difficult than it should be.

Now, more than ever, it’s time for kids to learn how to tell the difference between the truth and a lie. They need to know that no matter how much they love their fellow human being, there will be many who will hate them just because of their skin color, or their ethnic background, or because they call themselves Christians (or even other religions).

It sounds harsh, but it really isn’t. It’s truth. And knowing the truth will set you free.

It’s time for kids to be free!

It’s time for kids throughout the world
To stand up tall and strong…
And realize it’s good to know
There is a right and wrong.
It’s time for kids to boldly go
Where truth can change their hearts…
Where they can see when others hurt
And they can do their parts
To ease the pain and misery
That come from harmful lies.
A person who ignores all that
Is care-less in God’s eyes.
It’s time for kids to learn to love
The way they were designed…
And care enough to tell the world.
Now that is Love defined.

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can keep my words and music flowing.

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Healthy Happy Human

Posted on August 20, 2013 by TonyAugust 20, 2024

Are you a healthy happy human?

Keep in mind, you don’t have to look like this guy to be healthy or happy. I just drew him that way to get your attention. It worked didn’t it. 🙂

Basically there are only a few things you need to do to be a healthy happy human. First…you have to be a human. Are you one? Good. Next, you need to be healthy. And to be healthy just remember my acronym: YES MAM. That stands for “you eat sensibly…move around more”. You just need to get a good balance of protein, carbs, fats, and water…and then get outside for a walk. You can do whatever fun things you want instead of walk. Like ride bikes, play tennis, throw the football, shoot some hoops…

The point is you just can’t sit on the couch watching TV or video games…then go get a bowl of ice cream and some popcorn and chips. You need to eat foods your body needs. And you need to get moving. Get some fresh air, sunshine, and drink plenty of cool, clear water.

One more thing after all that.

Do something really nice for somebody else. And for no reason. Just do it even though they didn’t ask for it. Show how much you love them. This works wonders for your brain, your body, and your spirit. When you start eating and drinking better and treating other people better, you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel. You’ll be a dazzling healthy happy human!

Hey, I’m talkin’ to you man…
Be a healthy happy human.
It’s not so hard to do man,
But don’t wait one more day.

Think about what you’re eatin’…
Those brain cells you’re mistreatin’…
Bad habits will keep repeatin’
Unless you stop and say…

“I’m a healthy happy human
‘Cause I know what to do man.
I’m changin’ through and through man,
I’m goin’ outside and play.”

Before you go, sign up for The TRUTH daily emails. And join the growing band of believers who get a daily Flash of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

Pink Lemonade And Pinwheels

Posted on August 19, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

I saw a post on a social network today that talked about pink lemonade and pinwheels at a little girl’s first birthday party. Being a lover of alliteration, I decided to take on the challenge of writing today’s Rhyme Time writing for kids using “pink lemonade and pinwheels” as the theme.

I found a picture of the little girl who turned one, and I saw how her mom had made the party so full of pizzazz. Talk about delightful colors, fun treats, and creative ideas. This party had ’em all. That was good news for me because it gave me lots to go on. The star attraction was Baby Z, and she appeared to sparkle. At least from the pictures I saw. Her parents had a bubble bar, cupcakes, allergy-free rock candy, and lots more. I can’t imagine any kids not getting a big kick out of being there.

So…I put a few words together and came up with 4 short verses. Let me know if you think the words fit a fun birthday party for a cute, little one year old.

Pink lemonade and pinwheels…
A birthday wish or two…
Baby Z held a list of
What she likes and likes to do.

Bananas, avocados…
And some hummus and some tea…
A walking song with dad and
Then a cuddle with mommy.

Just over two feet tall, and
She is twenty pounds of sweet.
She claps and blows some kisses.
She’s a smiling birthday treat.

One day when she is grown
Baby Z might find out how
Pink lemonade and pinwheels
Filled her first birthday with “wow”.

Thanks, and”

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can show your support, keep my words and music flowing, and keep me off the streets.
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Rhyme Time Podcast Episode 9

Posted on August 19, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

Hey there”Tony here with the Rhyme Time Podcast“Episode 9.

In this week’s episode I read poems about”

the color of water
sittin’ by a creek bank
how to use words to make a picture
eyes in the sky
making the day go faster
a red sky and a mean king
my little blue truck

If you didn’t get a chance to read the articles…or if you’d just like to tune in to the audio version of only the Rhyme Time parts, you’ve found the right place.

Share this poem and storytelling podcast. It’s free, fun, and it only takes a little time out of your week. Kids love to have someone read to them, and this is a way to get me to do the reading for you. What a deal, huh?

Be sure to subscribe to this Rhyme Time Blog, too. You’ll get the latest news about my ebooks for kids, any new music for kids, and yep”every other thing I’m up to. Well”maybe not EVERY thing, but you’ll be one of the first to know when my next picture book is on Amazon or iBookstore or Nook or Sony or Kobo.

OK”gotta go and start working on more Rhyme Time writing for kids for next week’s episode. I’d love to hear from you if you have any suggestions, questions, or other feedback. You can leave me a comment at the bottom of this page, or send me an email on my contact page. You can help me work to keep getting better. And right below my name are other ways you can support your new favorite children’s writer.

Here’s the Rhyme Time Podcast Episode 9:

Thanks, and”

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can show your support, keep my words and music flowing, and keep me off the streets.
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Get this blog

Little Blue Truck

Posted on August 18, 2013 by TonyJuly 21, 2025

I have a little blue truck parked in my garage.

It’s older than most of the people who read my Rhyme Time writing for kids or listen to my music. And it has become almost a part of me. It still runs, and once in a while I take it on a short trip to pick up supplies or other errands. It needs a lot of work, but I think that’s why I love it…because so do I.

Today I decided to pay tribute to my little blue truck in the form of a story poem. Of course, I had to give it a little more life than a truck truly has…but that’s what imaginary stories are all about…a little truth, and a whole lot of fun.

So, have fun reading about my little blue ’79 Toyota pickup truck…

Tony kept his tools in a little blue truck.
It ran like a top, and it helped him make a buck.
He drove through the country of the brave and free
And saw lots of places most people don’t see.

The little blue truck kept rolling for years.
There must have been magic in each of its gears.
It did more work than any ten trucks should.
Maybe there were angels underneath its hood.

Tony kept the truck when he bought other cars…
In spite of its age and in spite of its scars.
He just wouldn’t part with his rusty old friend.
They still had to go up around the next bend.

Some people say they’ve seen those two drive by
With the headlights off in a moonlit sky.
If it’s true what they say, this might bring you luck…
Wave and smile at Tony and his little blue truck. © 2013 TF

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In The Red Sky

Posted on August 17, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

I got up very, very early this morning. In fact, when I first got up, it was still dark. So, after making some coffee, feeding the dogs, and having a little bit of breakfast I walked to our foyer window. The sun was just starting peep over the horizon. And as I stood there staring I noticed the bright orange and yellow clouds in the red sky.

Sometimes here in Colorado the morning skies can look like lava flowing out of a volcano. Hey, I have pictures and video to prove it. Since I work late nights most of the time I don’t often get to enjoy the beauty in the red sky of morning. When I do, I remember I shouldn’t take it for granted. No one knows how long they have on good ol’ planet Earth. So we should all take time to savor the little pleasures.

As I was standing there staring out the window…almost hypnotized…I began to form a story in my head about a mean king who lives in the red sky. And instead of making him a king made of fire or something else red…I decided he was full of hot air…and I called him King Breeze. I decided to finish the Rhyme Time with a happy ending. What do you think? Should I have left out the happy ending? Send me a comment or email and tell me your idea.

Until then…enjoy this short Rhyme Time story of a mean king…

In the red sky over black seas
Is the fiery house of King Breeze.
He’s a mean king full of hot air.
He sends big winds from way up there,
And they break things, but he won’t care
‘Cause it’s all for his enjoyment.
You might say it’s his employment.
But today is not like others.
King Breeze looks down at two brothers
Who are flying up to his cloud.
When they get close, they yell out loud,
“Hey you mean king. What’s up with you?
What have we done? What did we do
To make you mad and do mean things
Like red hot winds and red smoke rings?
Well, the king laughed at these two guys
Who had flown up to his red skies
In a small plane made of plywood.
Then he paused and wondered why would
These two brothers take this big chance.
Was it some sort of a rain dance?
Then they yelled out, “Hey there King Breeze…
Could we not fight…and be friends, please?
Look, we brought you some tomatoes,
Peas and carrots and potatoes.
You can roast them. They’re delightful.
You might smile with every bite full.
If you like ’em, we’ll bring lots more.
Let’s be friends, that’s…what we’re here for.”
Well, ol’ King Breeze gave ’em credit
For their idea…how they said it.
He said, “Guess what…you delight me
How you did not come to fight me.
I accept you and your gifts, too…
And here’s something that I can do.
I’ll send breezes full of cool rains
To your mountains and your gold plains
And your land will smile a green smile…
Every square foot, every square mile.
I’ll make sure that no fire harms you
And your loved ones and your farms, too.
Does that suit you? Are you willing?
Both the brothers found it thrilling.
Now you know how and you know why
There’s no mean king in the red sky.
You can stare out through your windows
And be glad when that sweet wind blows.

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can show your support, keep my words and music flowing, and keep me off the streets.
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Make The Day Go Faster

Posted on August 16, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

Kids always want to make the day go faster when there’s something they’d rather be doing. You adults probably felt the same way when you were a kid. And maybe you still feel that way sometimes.

I remember grandparents saying something like “stop wishing your life away”. They had a point. When we’re kids, we just can’t see how good we’ve got it. Someone else is responsible for the bills, for getting the food into the house, and for taking care of us when we’re sick or hurting.

Kids only know they’d rather move on to the next fun thing. That’s sort of the theme to today’s Rhyme Time section. Only…instead of simply moving on to the next video game or song or skateboard ramp…I make a suggestion to go somewhere else. I call it Imaji Nation. And it’s a place where only your mind and spirit can go. Your body doesn’t have to do any of the work.

I think a visit to Imaji Nation needs to have a couple of conditions, though. Your mind needs to be focused in a creative way. It needs to be prepared to turn a cloud into a dragon. Or a tree into a rocket. You need to make your mind go to good places. When you can do this, you can create a wonderful, special world. Then…you should write it down and keep it in your notebooks or computer. One day you’ll be glad you did, and not only will you make your day go faster…you’ll make your life go better.

Make the day go faster
‘Cause I’ve got a place to go…
Called Imaji Nation.
It’s a land of sun and snow.

But it’s never cold there,
And bright flowers always bloom.
I simply close my eyes,
And it’s all there in my room.

Make the day go faster
‘Cause Imaji Nation waits.
I’ll take you if you like…
Down the path and through the gates.

The mean world disappears
When your mind is deep in thought
Of love and faith and hope…
When you give it all you’ve got.

Now that you know it’s good
To be thinking on these things…
Make the day go faster
On Imaji Nation’s wings.

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can show your support, keep my words and music flowing, and keep me off the streets.
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The Eyes In The Sky

Posted on August 15, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

In his writing for kids, children's writer, Tony Funderburk likes to use word pictures...like the one in Eyes In The Sky

Maybe you’ve heard someone on the news say something like, “OK, we go now to Dave in Copter 6. He’s the eyes in the sky for traffic and weather reports.”

Well, I heard something like that early this morning, and it made me think of a short Rhyme Time poem to share with you. It’s just pure imagination, but it shows another example of how a writer can use words to make a picture.

Have you ever seen clouds that looked like something else? You know…like an elephant, or a fish or a woman in a hat? Or maybe you saw a puppy chasing a rabbit. Or even a giant mountain. Well, the next time you’re looking up at the clouds to see what you can see…try to find the eyes in the sky. See if you can see clouds that look like they’re looking back at you. If you do, take a picture and send it to me. I’ll post it here in Rhyme Time.

Did you see the eyes in the sky?
They were looking down from the clouds.
They could see the world going by,
And they sprinkled tears on the crowds.

Were there really eyes in the sky?
Did I just imagine it so?
Do you think they could really cry?
Maybe yes, but probably no.

If you see the eyes in the sky,
Wave and wink a butterfly kiss.
Soon they’ll float away on a sigh.
You’ll do well remembering this.

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can show your support, keep my words and music flowing, and keep me off the streets.
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Using Words To Make A Picture

Posted on August 14, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

Ever since I was about 16 I’ve been using words to make a picture.

Well, let me clear that up a little. I haven’t been using words for all that time to just come up with one picture. Ha! That would have to be one large and complicated picture. No, what I mean is…I’ve been using words to make a picture every time I’ve written a poem, or song, or story. Most of my writing life has been involved with just the words. Only recently have I added actual pictures to the mix.

When I do my illustrations for my ebooks for kids, or for these Rhyme Time articles, or for videos that I make, I’m creating something I see in my head. And that’s my point…it’s based on what I envision. It doesn’t merely leave the picture up to what my readers see in their own heads. I suppose there’s a plus and a minus to that. But I also know that illustrations that go along with my writing for kids can be a fun addition. They add a whimsical touch to the works, and hopefully they can inspire smiles and giggles.

What do you think? Do you prefer writers to stick to using words to make a picture? Or do you like it when they add artwork to the mix?

Using words to make a picture
Makes the picture clear.
In your head the image changes
As you keep it near.
It can last throughout your whole life.
You can share it, too.
Using words to make a picture…
A verbal point of view.

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can show your support, keep my words and music flowing, and keep me off the streets.
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Down By The Creek Bank

Posted on August 13, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

I remember, when I was a boy, some long, lazy summers in eastern Kansas. And today I thought about a place where we fished down by the creek bank in a remote part of some farmland. We used to take our rods and reels, walk about a half mile along the fence line on the tractor trail, and wind through a forest to where the creek flowed nicely just about all summer long.

Days didn’t seem to fly by, at the time, but now that they’re gone, it feels almost like they never happened. But they did happen. And they were so enjoyable I remember even small details to this day. We’d take a net, spread it across the creek between two people, and scoot it up the creek until we had some bait. Usually it was minnow and crawdads. Then, we’d find our spot, where the creek was deeper, and we’d cast out our lines. Then we’d talk and wait.

We almost always went home with some perch for mom to fry up in a pan. And that was served with some vegetables we’d pick right out of the garden just before dinnertime. Now, that was a healthy lifestyle. It sure beats going to those golden arches or sitting under some bell. Tell you what…how about you relax, sit back, enjoy a nice cup of your favorite beverage, and I’ll take you…

Down by the creek bank…
Sittin’ on a tree stump…
Listenin’ to the birds sing…
Lookin’ at a frog jump…
Thinkin’ lots of nice thoughts…
Sippin’ on a sweet tea…
Writin’ down a few words…
When they come and greet me…
Watchin’ little squirrels run…
Climbin’ up the oak trees…
Lyin’ in the green grass…
Waitin’ for a cool breeze…
Stayin’ till it’s twilight…
Catchin’ me a firefly…
Down by the creek bank…
Life is passin’ by.

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can show your support, keep my words and music flowing, and keep me off the streets.
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Posted on August 12, 2013 by TonyMarch 11, 2023

Children's writer, Tony Funderburk, says it doesn't matter if the glass is half full or half empty...there's still no color In The Color Of Water

Have you ever thought about what you might find in the color of water?

Here’s a tip for you…pure water doesn’t have any color. It’s clear. So, it was sort of a trick question I guess, but I still meant it. There are plenty of ways you might see color in water. Of course, there are the obvious ways…like putting food coloring in it. Or adding paint to it. But there are some other ways you might seem to see color in water.

For example, when you shine through water in a glass, it sometimes makes a prism on the wall. And when you look at the prism through the glass, it looks bigger and even more colorful. But that’s just bent light. It’s still not real color in the water.

Good, clean water has no color.

and no flavor. You can’t really taste water. So, imagine something you need so much…and yet you can’t taste it, smell it, or find any color in it. Are you imagining? Well, keep imagining, and take this little journey…

In the color of water that is pure
Is a quenching, magnetic allure.
See, there’s really no color found at all
Until we see a place it can fall.

Water colors can be found only if
There’s a rainstorm or maybe a cliff…
Or when light shines through water in a glass…
Or it’s heated and it turns to gas.

In the color of water you can find
Exploration to sharpen your mind.
Many people might simply pass it by
Without it ever catching their eye.

When you wake up and anytime you play,
Take a cool drink of water today,
And the good health of your life will shine through
In the color of water in you.

Thanks, and

Stay tuned,

No-cost, low-cost, and premium ways you can show your support…

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

Rhyme Time Podcast Episode 8

Posted on August 12, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

Hey there”Tony here with the Rhyme Time Podcast“Episode 8.

In this week’s episode I read poems about”

“nothing”
how to have a fun day
a rhyme time riddle
my own story
ink for the pen
dazzle candy

If you didn’t get a chance to read the articles…or if you’d just like to tune in to the audio version of only the Rhyme Time parts, you’ve found the right place.

Tell everyone you know about this poem and storytelling podcast. It’s free, fun, and it only takes a little time out of your week. Kids love to have someone read to them, and this is a way to get me to do the reading for you. What a deal, huh?

Be sure to subscribe to this Rhyme Time Blog, too. You’ll get the latest news about my ebooks for kids, any new music for kids, and yep”every other thing I’m up to. Well”maybe not EVERY thing, but you’ll be one of the first to know when my next picture book is on Amazon or iBookstore or Nook or Sony or Kobo.

OK”gotta go and get some more things ready for next week’s episode. I’d love to hear from you if you have any suggestions, questions, or other feedback. You can leave me a comment at the bottom of this page, or send me an email on my contact page. You can help me work to keep getting better. And right below my name are other ways you can support your new favorite children’s writer.

Here’s the Rhyme Time Podcast Episode 8:

Thanks, and”

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can show your support, keep my words and music flowing, and keep me off the streets.
Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Get this blog

Dazzle Candy

Posted on August 11, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

OK…I’ll admit it right up front…today I’m using “dazzle candy” as a metaphor. Plain and simple.

Of course, my style, as always, is to hide the meaning just a little below the surface. I love rhyming, but I also love reason. And by “reason” I mean logic. You can read my Rhyme Time blog posts and so many of my rhymes seem illogical on the surface. That’s because I create colorful characters from things you do and don’t find in life…and then apply a tiny dose of reality to them.

Now, some people could take a couple of words like “dazzle candy” and use them as a description for drugs or a mind altering experience. I like to stake my claim on those same words and use them for purely creative and fun descriptions. It’s a shame to let colorful, whimsical, and shining words get hijacked for darker purposes.

So…enjoy some dazzle candy. It won’t give you cavities…it has no calories…and it could actually be good for you. Let me know if you have any side effects.

When you don’t feel fine and dandy,
Find yourself some dazzle candy.
You could munch on lightning sweets
And tons of fat-free thunder treats.

‘Cause dazzle candy isn’t bad.
It doesn’t leave you feeling sad
Or longing for another bite.
It satisfies your soul just right.

Things that truly come in handy…
You can find in dazzle candy.
Inspiration, motivation,
Knowledge of your own creation…

Make yourself a heartfelt promise,
And don’t be a doubting Thomas…
Seek the Truth that sets you free…
That’s where you’ll find dazzle candy.

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can show your support, keep my words and music flowing, and keep me off the streets.
Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Get this blog

Posted on August 10, 2013 by TonyAugust 10, 2022

Observing kids and families makes good ink for the pen when it comes to writing for kids...so says children's writer, Tony Funderburk.

This dates me, but I remember my first days in grade school when my parents would buy my supplies and I’d keep them in a cigar box. I remember the first few years included the fat, brightly colored pencils and their large erasers. Then, the day finally came when I learned “cursive” writing. I was excited because it meant I’d finally learn to create those squiggly lines that only adults could read. And it also meant I’d get my first pen. Yep, I’d finally be writing with something besides a pencil. And back then our high tech pens were called “fountain pens”. I got mine and some cartridges that held the ink for the pen, and I was off to the races.

My love for letters and words began long before I set foot in a school. My earliest recollections are of my Grandmother and my Mom reading stories and the Sunday “funnies” to me. I think the word pictures those stories and comic strips helped me create led to my lifelong habit of observing kids and families.

Here’s how I see it…observation creates thoughts. Thoughts create ideas. And ideas create words. Words create sentences. Sentences create paragraphs. Paragraphs create verses or chapters or books. So, it’s like the power of observation becomes good ink for the pen. Or in my case, nowadays, digits for the computer keyboard.

What do you think? Do ideas ever become ink for your pen?

Or do you prefer to leave writing to those of us who can’t seem to stop our ideas from flowing out? Well, whether you write…or prefer to read, I hope ideas and words dance in your thoughts today and everyday.

The little girl who fell and bruised her knee on the ground
Didn’t know her tears were some more ink for the pen.
The little boy who ran and laughed and jumped all around
Didn’t know his giggles were more ink for the pen.

The dog that chased a ball and caught it right in the air
Didn’t know its wagging tail was ink for the pen.
The ducks that saw the dog and then scattered everywhere
Didn’t know they quacked up some more ink for the pen.

The loved ones who were here but have since passed away
Didn’t know their lives provided ink for the pen.
Until I leave this world and my body’s cast away
I’ll write about this love that brings me ink for the pen.

Stay tuned,

No-cost, low-cost, and premium ways you can help me spread the Word…

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

My Story Is A Simple One To Tell

Posted on August 9, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

I could make this more complicated, but my story is a simple one to tell.

I’ve always been a dreamer and and an optimist. This world can beat down dreams and optimism, but I don’t depend on this world for my inspiration. And I don’t depend on this world for esteem. It probably sounds old-fashioned and out-of-touch…but I believe in God. He’s the ultimate source for optimism and dreams. Without Him, I wouldn’t even be here to write.

So, even though admitting my faith in God may lose me the potential of many millions of readers, I still commit my admission to posterity here on the world wide web. Feel free to tell me “what for” below. And for now, I’ll share a brief overview of a certain children’s writer I know…

My story is a simple one to tell.
I hope it touches nerves. I hope it rings a bell.
I tried to do the very best I could.
I loved my fellow man…not always like I should.
There were some words and deeds I should have skipped.
Sometimes I stood up proud, and after that I tripped.
As I grew up, I loved to laugh and smile.
When others joined right in, it made it all worthwhile.
So I began to write, compose, and sing.
My music and my words were there through everything.
I found that children loved my silly rhymes.
Their grace reminded me of bygone simpler times.
Then I began to write some picture books
And drew some characters with loony, loopy looks.
I wrote about imaginary dreams
With universal truth and happy ending themes.
The writer’s life was mine for many years.
With consonants and vowels I wrote of smiles and tears.
I think I touched some lives for just a bit.
I tried to kindle hope and keep it brightly lit,
But then I passed away with no farewell…
My story is a simple one to tell.

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can show your support, keep my words and music flowing, and keep me off the streets.
Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Get this blog

Posted on August 8, 2013 by TonyAugust 2, 2024

This is writing for kids, but you adults are welcome to try to figure out the riddle... "can you guess where I am now?"

Where I am now there’s the sound of thunder gently rolling across the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A peaceful, light rain just finished splashing to the ground, and a very pleasant scent is drifting in through the open windows. It’s a nice feeling to hear and smell a summer rain.

Maybe you’re still having hot, summer weather. And I’m guessing we’ll have some more, too. But for now, it feels like Autumn. I’m not a fan of hot weather. So, cool breezes flowing through the house are a welcome relief to my ears and skin after weeks of coolers blowing. If you’ve been staying inside to lounge in the coolness of air conditioning, let me encourage you to get out this evening…after the sun goes down if you have to…and walk around your neighborhood. Take a look around, and be thankful you live in a country where you can still do that.

Remember…you’re blessed to have freedom. Freedom keeps you healthier and certainly can increase how long you live. No matter where you are right now, take a minute or two, and say a prayer of thanksgiving for the freedom you have.

That freedom might even help you solve this Rhyme Time riddle…

Where I Am Now

Can you guess where I am now?
I am hiding in plain sight.
You might think I’m in the grass,
And you’d almost be just right.

But the grass is just close by.
It can see me. So can you,
If you know right where to look…
If you read this riddle through.

I’m in something you might love
And on something you might see
In the front yard or in back.
Take a look and you’ll see me.

Little bugs crawl on my face,
And some worms dig down inside.
Where my wrinkles crinkle up,
There are places they can hide.

But now here’s a little twist…
I am somewhere else as well.
In a puppy? In a dog?
Read this riddle…it will tell.

If that puppy sees a cat
Climbing up the Aspen bough,
Then the clues will all be there
Showing you where I am now.

Before you go, jump on the The TRUTH. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Have A Fun Day

Posted on August 7, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

One of the best things you can do to have a fun day is to help someone else.

You might not make their problems all go away, but the important part is to be there. Be there for your friend…your family…your neighbor. And by “be there” I mean look for ways to give without having to be asked. We all need other people. And we all need help sometimes. It’s OK, too. That just means there are opportunities all around you to help someone else have a fun day.

You might see an old man or woman who seems to be lost. You can offer to help them find their way or find something. Maybe you’ll be walking near someone who drops a bag of groceries or purse or something. You can pick it up (or at least offer) and smile as you hand it back to them.

You have a great imagination. So, you don’t need me to tell you all the ways you can help someone have a fun day. All you need to do is keep your eyes and ears open. And keep your smile ready. Use it every chance you get…because no matter how mean or tough this world can get…you can still…

Have a fun day
Whatever you do.
Someone else might…
You might as well, too.
Whether there’s sun
Or whether there’s rain,
When life has lemons,
Grab a sugar cane.
Never can tell
When your neighbor might
Benefit from
Your bouncy, bright light.
Something you do
Or something you say
Might help somebody
To have a fun day.

Stay tuned,

P.S. I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can show your support, keep my words and music flowing, and keep me off the streets.
Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Get this blog