What Simone’s Lovin
Chase Superman Duffy books
I am a huge fan of the Chase Superman Duffy books and did you know:
- that there are twelve (12) published adventures in English?
- that there will be ten (10) French translations by the end of August 2016?
- that all English and French books will be available as e-books by January 2017?
- from haiku’s to recipes, from fantasy to mystery – there is a Chase story to meet your creative dream and that Chase books provide English teachers with interesting writing points?
- that Chase blogs weekly about topics that interest students in upper elementary schools?
- that Chase tweets daily to teachers with tips and ideas for their classrooms? and
- second language teachers are using these books with many of the Syrian refugees coming into Canada?
Thanks to funding from the Alberta Crop Industry Fund, the Alberta Canola Producers are providing complimentary sets of all the English books to ESL teachers across the province.
And as an added information point:
- Did you also know that author Dawn Ius is also recognized across in North America (and in Spanish-speaking countries) for her acclaimed young adult books, Anne & Henry as well as Overdrive?
What Ellen’s Lovin
Nature, but really Snakes!
There are so many cool spots to hike, camp and experience. When you can unplug and just be in nature, well you just got to it. It’s so important for me and my family to recharge, recheck priorities and experience something unique.
This month, I am lovin’ the Narcisse Snake Dens in the Manitoba Interlake. It’s one of our spring traditions as a family to go out for the day. We always pack a picnic, bring plenty of water and spend the day exploring the dens, trails and trying to touch a snake!
If you have never been, go, pack a picnic, wear your walking shoes and spend the day in awe of the garter snakes. The best times are early spring when tens of thousands Red-sided Garter Snakes come and congregate in the limestone pits. It’s part of their mating ritual every spring and then they go off to the marshes. Be brave, you can do it. I did it and my kids to this day don’t even realize that I am scared of snakes.
What Jenn’s Lovin
House Concerts and Original Art
I finally attended my first house concert and it was amazing! It was hosted by a fabulous local to me artist, Natasha Lowenthal, who filled the walls of her home with original works of art from her studio and a few never before seen collaborative pieces created by her artist friends.
Guests gathered in the living room and eagerly awaited the talents of featured musical guest Matt Foster of The Crooked Brothers. Who, by the way, will be the opening act at the Winnipeg Folk Festival this summer. Matt, who is typically not a solo artist, pulled off a solo concert like he’s been doing it all his musical career.
If you ever get the chance to attend a house concert, go! It’s typically a small gathering in a private space where you get to listen intimately to a musical guest or guests. Often you buy a ticket to attend or there is a donation jar with suggested donation amount that goes to the musical artist in support of their business. It’s a great way for artists to share new music, interact with a small scale crowd and gain new fans.
Eat Well…Simone, Ellen & Jenn
