Storytime

Part of my day job is working with children and their parents. From new born babies all the way up to teens and I'm always amazed when someone will ask 'but how do you make books fun?' To me, it's very very simple. You begin when they are babies and make books a part of their life. You give them books before they even know what they are about. You let them feel them, play with them, yes even bite them (it's how babies learn). And you read to them, whenever, wherever. A board book takes only a few minutes to read. But what it offers up to children is 100 times more. It promotes brain development, improves concentration, builds up a child's imagination, teaches them new things, helps with language skills and vocabulary. The list goes on and on.... It's also a great way to strengthen your relationship. But the main thing is to make children realise that books are FUN. Recently we had two of the grandchildren here, and as naturally as co...

Last year, for a lot of us I'm sure, had a lot of ups and a hell of a lot more downs. Sometimes it felt like there were months of pure downs...so I've decided, in my wisdom, and in an attempt to keep my sanity, to have regular treats. Something nice to look forward to each month. Doesn't have to be huge like an Overseas Trip (although that would be nice as well), but little things, a movie date, coffee and catch up with a friend, visit an open garden, walk along a beach. My treat for February was going away for the weekend with two lovely friends. We headed to Bendigo to go to this exhibition (which frankly we found disappointing). But the best thing about going on an adventure is the other places you venture. We went to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. A Buddhist monument being built. It was amazing... and so very serene. We also wandered Bendigo. Unfortunately the Chinese Museum was closed but we did manage a walk.. admired the ...

I must admit I like to have things planned...but a surprise (especially a good one) every now and then helps to liven things up. As does taking a risk, a chance, doing something you never thought you would do. This weekend I (and my other half) had the chance to MC and host a wedding. It was something I had never thought about, never considered...until we were asked. Asked by a gorgeous young couple, the best friends of our daughter and son-in-law. With a smile we of course said yes...then began to think what this meant. Basically it meant we were there to join in the celebration of their love. There were spreadsheets...dinner where we sat down and got down to basics (you mean you really want us to say this...and that?)...dress rehearsal...and of course the numerous rehearsals we did before the actual event. Our rehearsals, I must admit, were a bit ramshackle with much ad-libbing and being quite stupid. However the day dawned on a glorious day of sunshine and we dr...