The Giggle Mat: Growing Gardens

EPISODE 15: GROWING GARDENS!

🌈 The Giggle Mat 🌈 is made possible through the wonders of modern technology. To maintain the safety of everyone, we are still utilizing the virtual space, however we are able to appropriately socialdistance for any additional filming.

Come visit Dizzy, Mr. Purpleman, Miss Kate and Uncle PJ as they discover, explore and express themselves in the amazing world around them through stories, music, dance, crafts, juggling, magic, laughs and more!

As of May 1, 2022: 

Thank you to everyone who has supported The Giggle Mat project over the last year and a half!

We had a great time creating these special episodes! 

We will be taking a hiatus from production of the show to pursue other projects which includes some spinoff projects!  We'll keep you posted.

Our shows are also available on Youtube, so you can watch Episode 14 and check out all the other episodes too!

💜Supported by the City of Windsor’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Fund (ACHF) achfwindsor.ca

The Giggle Mat: Dinosaurs Rock!

 COME JOIN US FOR EPISODE 14: DINOSAURS ROCK!

🌈 The Giggle Mat 🌈 is made possible through the wonders of modern technology. To maintain the safety of everyone, we are still utilizing the virtual space, however we are able to appropriately social-distance for any additional filming.

Come visit Dizzy, Mr. Purpleman, Miss Kate and Uncle PJ as they discover, explore and express themselves in the amazing world around them through stories, music, dance, crafts, juggling, magic, laughs and more!

We are now on EPISODE 14!

Don't forget to like The Giggle Mat on Facebook to keep up to date with more content, games, outtakes/bloopers, contests and info on upcoming episodes!

Our shows are also available on Youtube, so you can watch Episode 14 and check out all the other episodes too!!

💜Supported by the City of Windsor’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Fund (ACHF) achfwindsor.ca

Precious Pinata: Q&A with Author, Charlene Renaud

  

As our final Giggle Mat Episode for 2021, we have Precious Pinata by Charlene Renaud, who is a children's health and safety advocate.  Precious Pinata’s global mission is to end adverse childhood experiences and promote children’s health, safety, and life education. This is a wonderful book (with a vibrant stuffy toy included to complement the book!) that deals with many complex life topics that are essential to discuss at early ages to promote lifelong learners and help children thrive in an everchanging world.

Precious Pinata will be showcased Thursday, December 1, 2021 on The Giggle Mat , so you’ll want to tune in for that episode.

Here is the Q&A with Charlene for you to enjoy:

1.  I love how the book has so many different themes to explore and the plushy Precious Pinata toy is adorable with all the stuffed coloured balls inside its belly.  How did you come up with this concept?

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The concept came from my first book, the Pinata Theory which targets an adult audience. The Pinata Theory explains the dynamics and sources of human influence, stored in an individual’s subconscious mind, affecting a person’s beliefs and life outcome. “What’s in Your Stuffing” is the subtitle of this book, a metaphor to help people visualize the effects of life experiences coming from many sources, i.e., family, religion, social norms, culture, adversity, where you live, media, etc. 

The book speaks about “unhealthy stuffing” such as racism, greed, materialism, unhealthy family dynamics, childhood adversity, or trauma, which all contribute to a person’s life outcome (i.e., socioeconomic, health, relationships, self-image). The book contained “Sparkling Pinata Tips” which are life tips sprinkled throughout the book, highlighted with an adorable Pinata. I thought, why not make this cute Pinata into a toy for children to teach them about life, minimize adversity and promote health, safety, and life skills? Each of the balls relates to a life topic. Putting the balls inside of Precious helps children visualize the effects of healthy and unhealthy stuffing (life experiences) that go inside of them, or they share with others. 

The book “Precious Pinata What’s in Your Child’s Stuffing?” is read to a child by an adult, covering diverse life topics to prepare children for everyday life. The design of Precious was based on psychology, prevention, education, and mentoring, all produce a successful teaching method that works. 

2.  I think most of us wish that we learned more as kids growing up, but the resources were limited and conversations about mental health and other topics carried a heavier stigma than today.  How does Precious Pinata address tough topics so loved ones can navigate these waters effectively? 

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I agree! If we learned about real-life or had good discussions with an adult early in life about tough topics, many people would have had a better life, versus developing mental illness, addiction, or life-altering disease. Adverse childhood experiences are the greatest link to future disease. “One in three girls and one in six boys in Canada experience an unwanted sexual act” and “95% of sexual abuse victims know their predator. Source: https://littlewarriors.ca/about/information-resources/. Precious Pinata’s book covers abuse, unhealthy relationships, mental health and so much more. 

Being honest with children will save their life, health, and future. Precious’s book makes it easy for parents to teach their children about life, done in a child-friendly way. We can have a better world if we cut through the lies, stigma, and distortion, being transparent about sexual abuse, addiction, mental illness, and accepted norms that are wrong. 

Would you put your child in a car without a seat belt? Not speaking to them about real-life topics is leaving them blindfolded, naïve, and vulnerable. 

3.   You offer a lot of school programs and workshops which is fantastic. I’m wondering since kids are very inquisitive, what kind of questions do they ask you? On the flip side, since you also cater to parents, educators, and communities, what kind of questions have you encountered from them?

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The school programs did not start because of covid. If educators would like to have a presentation this fall moving forward, the school presentation includes interaction (learning, sharing), an appearance by the Precious Pinata mascot, dancing, and music, suited for children in Junior Kindergarten to grade 5. The school can request specific topics to cover in the presentation, i.e., Orange Shirt Day (Residential Schools, Indigenous Children, Racism), Pink Shirt Day (Bullying), 911, Healthy Relationships, Emotions, and Mental Health, for example. 

The topic of sexual abuse is a topic covered by a parent (or therapist) with their child, not in a group setting. Therapists use Precious Pinata with positive results with children who have experienced trauma. Children open up and share based on Precious Pinata talking about the brown ball – Pinata Poop Stuffing. Children are encouraged to share any experience that makes them feel sad, angry, afraid, guilty, or worried with an adult right away so they can get help with the situation and feelings. Parents have shared their children opened up and shared experiences and feelings with them. The book encourages dialogue, health, and growth tools. The book is designed to open up dialogue about important life topics and fill the gap that traditional education does not provide. 

A parent shared her seven-year-old daughter thwarted off a predator, as she was taught about familiar people acting strange, sexual abuse, and telling someone right away. A therapist in Montreal shared great success using Precious with autistic children. A teacher shared a shy boy opened up after she read portions of the book to him about sharing experiences and emotions. 

Many adults have said they wished Precious Pinata was shared with them as a child, as they would have been aware of the abuse and known what to do. Children are vulnerable. Precious Pinata educates them to remove the vulnerability. Predators are tactful and ruthless. We must be truthful with children, to avoid abuse and exploitation. 

4.  Collaborations are always a great idea.  Can you tell me more about the Precious Pinata song with music production and vocals by Julian Telias and how that came to life? It’s quite a catchy song!

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I did not plan the Precious Pinata toy and book, rather it just came to me. I knew it was needed for this generation. With the pandemic, I was unable to do live presentations. It was discouraging. I prayed for assistance and I was directed (through a thought) to write a song. I wrote it in 30 minutes. 

I posted a musical production project on Freelancer outlining the song project and purpose, with replies from across the world. I liked Julian’s style, talent, and voice, so I awarded him the contract. Within three weeks, the song was completed. Julian did an amazing job and recorded the song in English and Spanish. He is from Argentina. His friend did the translation to Spanish for the Spanish version. 

The song was designed to reach the masses, not just kids. The song promotes diversity, unity community and love. It’s very upbeat, danceable, and has words to encourage self-love, love of others, and the planet. We are at a critical stage in humanity, shifting from damaging social norms, moving to love, peace, unity, and breaking barriers through community action. Racism plagued people of this earth. Canadians have seen this in attacks on Muslims, Chinese and Indigenous people. 

5.  Are there any areas of Precious Pinata that you would like to expand on or include that you feel you haven’t already covered?

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Welcome a presentation by Charlene at your workplace regarding the link between adverse childhood experiences to future disease and the design, creation, features, and purpose of Precious Pinata. 

Other ideas to promote Precious Pinata and its mission: 

    • If you are an educator, contact Charlene for a school presentation with the Precious Pinata mascot. 

    • If you are a therapist or child psychologist, invest in Precious Pinata for use as a psychoeducational therapy tool. 

    • Police services and children’s aid services may also consider using Precious Pinata plush toys to comfort children and help them share difficult experiences. 

    • Retailers are encouraged to contact Charlene regarding carrying Precious Pinata in their store, to get Precious Pinata to the masses. 

    • Psychology students would also benefit from learning about the psychological approach and advantage of Precious Pinata for children. 

    • High schools and universities are invited to lead a project to expand Precious Pinata locally and globally (i.e., film, cartoon, apps, dance with Precious Pinata to a new Precious Pinata song.

    • Movie producers are encouraged to contact Charlene regarding collaboration on a Precious Pinata movie for television or theatre. 

    • Musical, acting, and/or dancing students and theatre crews are welcome to propose a live production of Precious Pinata, to help children (and adults) and address social problems with solutions. 

    • Investors and collaborators are greatly appreciated. 

You can learn more about Charlene and Precious Pinata at the following links below.

💜Website: www.preciouspinata.com

💜Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CharleneRenaudSpeakerAuthor

https://www.facebook.com/Precious-Pinata-239427400098291

💜IG: preciouspinata

💜LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-renaud-3b32b936/

💜Contact: info@charlenerenaud.com / 519-436-3911

BREWtiful Moments: Coffee Monster Q&A with Author, Nate Friedman

Author, Nate Friedman

A world-traveller, author and comedian, Nate Friedman is a former Windsorite, still living his best life through the unpredictable pandemic. His latest children's book, Coffee Monster is a story that everyone will relate to, both the young and the wise. Filled with humour, stunning imagery, touching moments, and valuable life lessons. 

Nate's book Coffee Monster will also be showcased October 1, 2021 on The Giggle Mat , so you’ll want to tune in for that.

Enjoy my Q&A with author, Nate Friedman below!  

1. So you’re from Windsor, Ontario yet now residing in Toronto, Ontario. Funny, this is the opposite of me! I was born in Toronto and now living here in Windsor. Tell me about that wild journey.

The journey to the big city! Haha, sounds quite the adventure when it’s put onto the page like that. Just a drive in the car for four hours with some bathroom breaks lol

It all started when I did some travelling after graduating from the University of Windsor! I lived in Australia for six months and got a chance to visit New Zealand. When I got back, I ended up moving for work, first to Owen Sound, ON for a little while, then Brantford, ON, both beautiful cities, learning some cool things along the way. 

Then I decided to pursue writing full-time which meant moving in with family in Victoria, BC and getting to work on some exciting projects and working on my first book tour in Ontario with Chapters. All while looking at some mountains.

Continuing to work on writing and pursuing Comedy, I finally moved to Toronto to work with some amazing teachers and returning to school at Humber College for Comedy Writing and Performance. Toronto just seemed the place to be with so many great people and projects! 

I’m still enjoying life in Toronto more and more, even during the lock down.

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2. Although there is a fictitious coffee “monster” lurking, your book actually delves into a heavy topic surrounding addiction. How did that come about?

The coffee monster is very real. The idea for the book came from a personification of how most adults (then me after University!) approached coffee in everyday life.

 Some of the lines in the book probably come straight from my Mom, don’t worry she’s a big fan. In writing the book and creating the character, it became apparent that there was a lot more there than just a surface level need. This started to help the book take shape.

I think we tend to look at addiction through a classic lens and our minds go to the worst places but the reality is that addiction can be found in many things like food, too much screen-time, needing attention, in addition to more serious substances. I felt it was important to encourage conversations and look at all areas of life in terms of excess and try to understand. 

It’s also important to face all of these things with a sense of humour. Coffee Monster is a very fun character and we can go on this journey with him and see what we learn along the way.

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3. Tell me about your illustrator, Saba Bushnaq, and how she made your vision come to life on paper?

In creative work it is truly 1+1 = 3. Here is a fun fact, I already had the book written for quite a while before I met Saba to illustrate it. I had tried a few other artists and he didn’t quite jump off the page like he does now. There’s a good lesson in there about not forcing things and letting things come together creatively. 

I was finally referred to Saba through my sister and everything came together from there. She is absolutely amazing! Her artwork is so colourful and makes you feel great and tells a story unto itself. 

From there, it was a collaborative process where I tried to explain the pictures that were in my mind and she was incredibly flexible in getting it just right. Had it been just me, I don’t think the stick person version would have been as enjoyable. This book would be nothing without her. 

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4. The talent bug hit you early on in life and you’ve been really pursuing your dreams as an actor, comedian, and of course author. So do all these elements intertwine in your writing style, or do you see them as separate?

This all would have been so much easier if I had talent. lol. Growing up, I was definitely creative but extremely quiet and was scared of speaking in front of people. I would shake and hesitate to have people read my stuff.  It took me a long time, even after high school to get to a point where I could share my ideas openly and even think to pursue writing, acting and comedy. 

There was a quality I picked up from playing sports growing up where you could always work the hardest and slowly start to get better and work my way into being one of the best on the team. It took me quite a while to have the courage to pursue my dreams and stop looking at back-up plans or what was “safe”. I

I’m so happy and proud of where I am at this point in my life. I want to help as many people as I can pursue their dreams too and be an example. If you’re reading this and are unsure, this is your sign that it’s time to start doing that thing you want to do. You were put on earth for this reason and the world needs your unique voice.

All of these things fit together and help one another in a big way. Even the skills outside of these I learned like ‘sales’, help me immensely in my career. That’s the beauty of these creative pursuits, they’re only enhanced by your life experiences and all of the amazing people you meet along the way.

I will share a funny story. It was my first author event in Windsor, I had been invited to speak to hundreds of children and had so much fun. After the event all the authors had a luncheon and we were all sitting at a table and someone asked about writing down ideas. They all proceeded to pull out their ‘notes app’ and one guy who was a Newberry/Caldecott Award winner had these beautiful poetry verses, the next lady had some prose and said she liked to write down these beautiful lines that came to her, then I looked at my phone. All of my notes were jokes and things that I find funny. That’s me.

At my core is this sense of humour and seeing funny things about the world and I carry that through to my writing and acting along with on-stage  work, as an improviser stand-up comedian. 

You also learn to get less precious about your material and get better at editing and improving with feedback as it is not all “magic”. Telling a joke and not getting any laughs is a great place to start,  it doesn’t mean it’s you as a person, you just have more work to do in conveying how it’s funny. 

Same thing with writing books and sketches and screenplays, how can we keep boiling this down and make it the best? You get this romantic idea and stroke of genius and effortlessness when the reality is, it’s a lot of hard work (and this hard work isn’t necessarily best measured in time). 

I work separately at each pursuit but no doubt in some way they all help with one another! If you’re a young writer (or simply young at heart) why restrict yourself, ride the wave, see where things take you 

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5. You have written Coffee Monster and the Land of Coffee, as well as the most recent one that we’ll be featuring on the Giggle Mat; Coffee Monsters. So are any other beverages in the works for a new book?

There are plenty of ideas floating around as always! “The Land of Coffee” was released just before the Pandemic began so there is still a lot of work to get those fun characters out into the world. The launch was postponed and will need to be done properly when it is safe to do so. Although I must admit, the extra time to write and read has been great. I choose to focus on the positive. When the time is right, I’m sure there will be more fun characters for you to meet! Coffee Monster is anxious for a new adventure. Do we want to see him go to space maybe?

In closing, I would like to thank everyone taking the time to read this post and thank you so much to the Giggle Mat for this opportunity!  

I always love to connect with people who are interested in writing and I am always available for events and inquiries. Just contact me on my website listed below.

💠

For more information on Nate and Saba, check out the links! 

💜 Website: www.natetfriedman.com

💜  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natefriedmanauthor

💜IG / Twitter

💜YouTube (comedy mainly): 

More on Saba:

💜IG

💜Art link: https://www.instagram.com/saba.bushnaq.art/

💜YouTube (as well in Arabic): 

A Pancake Mistake: Q&A with Author, Stri Anderson

A Pancake Mistake is a delicious story by Windsor, Ontario author, Stri. This book is stacked high with fun rhymes and energetic illustrations that everyone can enjoy reading. Also a good reminder that even in the messiest of situations, a good laugh together can always make everything better.   

Stri's book A Pancake Mistake will also be showcased Sept 1, 2021 on The Giggle Mat , so you’ll want to tune in for that. 

Enjoy my Q&A with Author, Stri.

Stri and his little Riv

1.  Okay let’s get the BIG question out of the way, what do you put on your pancakes?

Syrup of course. My son and I are BIG fans. Occasionally I'll use jam though. 

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2.  The bond between a father and a son is very precious, and I know you dedicated this book to your son, Riven. What was his reaction when you showed him the book? 

My son was an integral part of the process, and I couldn't have done this without him. The book is dedicated to him, yes, but his consistent assistance was as always, invaluable. That said, he WAS extremely excited when I first told him what I was planning, and that I wanted him to help with ideas and sketches throughout development. 

Even if this book isn't extremely successful, just seeing the smile on his face as he held a physical copy for the first time, definitely made it all worth it. 

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3.  Writing a book is not always a linear path. Did you encounter any obstacles in creating this book, if so, how did you navigate that? 

There's always challenges when creating anything, but this book in particular, thankfully had very few.

Creatively, we didn't really see any obstacles we couldn't easily circumvent, except perhaps how/where to publish and advertise.

As a new author, I'm not really sure of the best ways to get the word out, so for me personally, it's still an on-going learning opportunity.

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4.  I read that you consider yourself an “adversity survivor” so can you tell me a little more about how that term fueled your passion to write a children’s book?

There are plenty of reasons I could consider myself a survivor, but the truth is, the REAL survivor is my son Riven. 

He was born in The Hospital for Sick Children, with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Hypoplasia, and dextrocardia. Basically, that means there was a hole in his diaphragm, which allowed his intestines to enter and crowd his chest cavity, thus causing severely depreciated lung tissue, whilst pushing his heart into the axilla region (armpit).

In the hospital, during our many, lengthy visits to soothe Riven when he was in pain, I would sing/read him nursery rhymes. Eventually I ran out though, so I turned to writing poetry. I would read my poems to him so often, that other ill children began to gather and listen in. Their parents soon joined as well, until one day a parent suggested I write for children in a professional fashion.

I suppose that was the first time I had even thought about it, much less considered it. As a single father, I had spent many years by my child's side, worried about his well-being and inevitable future health complications. So my priorities had to remain there, with my little Riven, until his health improved.

Despite his prognosis, he has not only surprised the medical professionals, but has exceeded ALL expectations and I honestly couldn't be more proud. 

The love and mutual admiration my son and I have built and share, is a joy I hope every parent can experience one day. Thinking back, I truthfully cannot remember what it was like without him in my life, and for that, for HIM..I am eternally grateful.

Dedicating a series of rhyming, poetry based children's books to him, is just one small way I'm attempting to show my son just how much I adore him.

We have certainly struggled in numerous ways in addition to what I've said, but the bottom line is, together, we have successfully made it to today and because of this, I have found some time to pursue this poetic passion.

💠

5.  Will there be other books on the horizon for you?

Actually yes. This is shaping up to be a series. 

In fact, book two (titled: "Where'd you go? I don't know.."), is already written now and ready for purchase here!

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Check out all of Stri's links below!

💜Amazon: A Pancake Mistake  

💜IG striPlay

💜Facebook We See Poetry 

No Limits - ABCD is for Down: Q&A with Author, Cindy Lasi

With a mission to work toward educating the masses about inclusion in a fun and whimsical way, Cindy Lasi is a local author here in Essex County!  ABCD is for Down is filled with colourful illustrations and poetic verses and was inspired by her own little superhero; Noah.

Cindy's book, ABCD is for Down, will also be showcased August 1, 2021 on The Giggle Mat , so you’ll want to tune in for that.

Enjoy my Q&A with author, Cindy Lasi below!  

1. Since you will be featured in our “Superhero” episode on The Giggle Mat, “ABCD is for Down” was a perfect fit. How is Noah a superhero to you?

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When I think about where to begin, in answering this question I am immediately reflecting on what a superhero is. To me, superheroes, some of them anyway, started out as regular people that were cast into extraordinary lives causing them to be extraordinary! That is how I feel about Noah. In the eyes of our creator, and in the depths of my heart, he was ‘normal’ upon his arrival and is to live an extraordinary life, bringing with him what I think is his greatest superhero gift!

Different is as natural as night is from day. Somehow Noah seems to remember this! He does not question why he is ‘different’ because to him different IS normal, so why question or judge it?

Noah’s greatest superhero trait is not just the bravery he displays every single day when faced with the fact that clearly he is unable to do things exactly as his peers can do at any age he is in. No, he processes each incidence, in that moment and moves on from it completely.

His greatest superhero trait is not just his ability to know when his family or others are lost in day-to-day stressors and tells you matter of factly to …. Calm Down which is often so blunt that it ends up being funny and resetting you. Noah’s has an innate ability for self acceptance, because he does this so seamlessly that you are constantly in awe of it. Noah is a superhero to me because he has somehow managed to ‘normalize’ the word different. 

He has lived his current 9 years of life in such a way that yes, you are clearly aware that he was born with Down Syndrome but you literally have seconds before his radiant way of being and living over takes any predisposed judgments or assumptions about what different means and how we are supposed to feel about it and that has been an incredible gift to witness.

💠

2. Can you tell me about Noah and how the “No Limit Noah” brand came about?

No Limit Noah came to me one day as I was walking around the Children’s book department at Chapters/Indigo. Noah was 2 years old at the time. I was looking at all the fun, brightly coloured books but did not see anyone in all of these books that looked like Noah. Not a single book that featured a cool cartoon hero that just so happened to have Down Syndrome. This hurt my heart. What would I tell him when he was old enough to know? I wondered if he would ask, Why aren’t any of these characters like me?

“This isn’t right” I thought and I knew I needed to do something about it. A few weeks later I was driving Noah to a doctor’s appointment in Windsor. I remembered that moment and thought, I am going to write a book for Noah. Why cant he be the feature character in a book. He has no limits! No Limit Noah! I saw it in my minds eye.

My mind flooded with the book concept, then a few lines of text and even stronger were the graphics. I could see what they would look like in full colour. I literally had to pull over to write it all down. Noah was asleep. I looked at him and made a commitment right then and there to see it through. That is when No Limit Noah and ABCD is For Down was born.

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3. What are the biggest misconceptions about Down Syndrome and how do you think, “ABCD is for Down” tackles that?

I think the biggest misconceptions about Down Syndrome is that the child or person with Down Syndrome is perpetually compromised and leads a limited life because of the condition. Let’s also stop using the term…Has Down’s. They don’t ‘have Down’s’ they aren’t all sick with Down’s, they were born with DS. It is a condition, a chromosomal anomaly, not something they ‘have’)

So yes, I think that when a person meets someone with DS they immediately feel a sense of pity, curiosity or are figuring out how they feel about it.

ABCD is for Down was created to remove all of that. It was created to inspire others to realize that there are NO limits. That just because a person was born with DS, that does not mean they cannot live fully, with an adventurous inspiring fearless spirit! This little book incredibly has anticipated exactly, how Noah lives each day. He lives knowing No Limits! He has played on soccer and baseball teams and can hit a baseball farther than I can! He has adventured in Costa Rican waterfalls, and is a fierce self taught Ninja martial arts enthusiast! He has navigated the typical school system which was wonderful and lacking all at the same time. No limits. That is what his character inspires, this is how Noah lives.

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4. So you’re not only a professional author, but a nurse, as well as a mother of 4 wonderful children! How do you juggle all these responsibilities?

I will admit that much ‘living’ has happened since the writing of this book. I made the difficult decision to leave nursing in 2013. At the time I was fully immersed in the OT, PT and speech therapies that we had enlisted for Noah to give him every opportunity to live as fully as he was able. People with DS can do anything others can do, it just takes a little longer and a lot more work sometimes, but they truly are limitless. My heart as a nurse was far too big to allow me to leave the job at the door which created a preoccupied mind and so I left it behind. I wanted to be able to give 100% of myself to Noah and my other children. I have never looked back. I am now the General Manager of a not-for-profit store where I oversee 6 staff and just over 100 volunteers.

How do I juggle my responsibilities? Day by day. One bit a time with drive and passion for my work and my family. Do I do it well? I would like to think so, but reality says that there are definitely challenging days. This is where living with Noah is a gift to me. I watch him navigate and manage every challenge that comes before him. He doesn’t over think things or whine about it but rather he just works at it. He has taught me that sometimes today is not the day. Tomorrow. Yup, sometimes it’s a ‘tomorrow thing”. This is how I now live too.

💠

5. If you could offer a single piece of advice to any caregiver/parent, what would it be?

I wrote this book with new parents, families and friends in mind of children with DS and those without.

The advice was simply to know NO LIMITS with your child. To see NO LIMITS even if you are told they exist. I would like caregivers and parents to know that you and your child create the lives they will be living. Not what you are told they will be. Our children, ALL children regardless of challenge, ability only have the limits that we set upon them. So don’t go there. Different is just...different. Like night is just darker than daylight or up is just farther than down. There is real power and comfort in that.

Do not judge your success, happiness or how well you fit in with others, based on what your child can or cannot do. Rather, celebrate their uniqueness and the gifts they bring. And never ever forget to live like No Limit Noah! On the days that you do? Just Calm Down.

💠

You can purchase Cindy's book "ABCD is for Down" at the following links below!

💜 Chapters-Indigo 
💜 Amazon

💜 Balboa Press

My Special Blanket: Q&A with author, Pam Stradeski

Pam Stradeski is a fun-loving local children's author, living in Lasalle, Ontario. With several published books under her belt, My Special Blanket is bound to be a favourite to spark creativity in every child's heart, while encouraging special shared moments while feeling extra cozy. 

Pam's book My Special Blanket will also be showcased June 1, 2021 on The Giggle Mat , so you’ll want to tune in for that.

Enjoy my Q&A with author, Pam Stradeski below! 

1.   Your niece is such a talented artist, creating the illustrations for all your published books, including this one, My Special Blanket.  Can you describe your process of molding the writing and art together.  Does the story come first?  Do you get inspiration from the artwork?

My niece is a very talented graphic artist.  

All of the books were written before the artwork, but I always trust my niece to bring them to life beyond my expectations. 

💠

 2.   You have an extensive background working with children, did that experience help with writing this book? 

I have always loved spending time with children and writing poetry. I combined the two loves to create this book and all the others.

💠

3.  You are known as “Grandma Pam”  so what’s the best thing about being a grandma?

Honestly, EVERYTHING is the best about being a grandma! I am so blessed to be at home to help my 3 grand-daughters with their online learning.

💠

4.  Everyone is unique with how they learn and play. How important is it to foster imagination in children?

I think fostering imagination is very important.  It helps children reach their emotional and social potential. 

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5.  Where's your favourite “happy spot” here in Essex-County?

Now that Spring is here, riding my bike on one of Lasalle’s glorious trails is my happy spot. Once Summer arrives, I love to go in the swimming pool with my grandchildren. 

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Check out all of Pam's links below!

💜Website to purchase the book: https://www.grandmapam.com/2020/10/14/my-special-blanket/

💜Contact by email: beanie_crazed@hotmail.com

 

Wishes Do Come True: Q&A with author, Tara Shannon

 

Rabbit and Bear Illustration by Tara Shannon 

A book is a wonderful gift that will never go out of style. It may get a little dusty or the pages may wrinkle over time, but it’s often a treasure worth keeping. Once you open that first page, your heart skips a little beat because there’s an adventure waiting just for you and that’s pretty exciting.  A book is also like your own personal travel companion, as it goes wherever you go, no questions asked. 

Tara Shannon is an Ontario-based children’s author who recently published her exciting book Rabbit and Bear Make a Wish that sprinkles a little extra magic in every page, filled with hope, comfort and endless possibilities. It teaches us connection and helps to unravel those uncomfortable emotions that get stuck. The illustrations are simple and combined with meaningful verses in every line, Rabbit and Bear become your best friends and that will warm anyone’s heart. 

Tara's book Rabbit and Bear will also be showcased April 1, 2021 by Miss Kate – the librarian, on The Giggle Mat , so you’ll want to tune in for that here: Episode 3: Bunny Tales

Enjoy my Q&A with Tara below.

1. For your book, you chose an interesting pair; a rabbit and a bear. What’s the connection for you with these particular animals?

Rabbit came along out of the blue one day, or so I thought. About 2 years ago, I was looking for a way to relax and calm my anxiety and express my creativity. I decided to try and draw a rabbit and I searched Pinterest for photos. Surprisingly, my first few rabbits turned out well, so I kept going. I was adding to each image some dialogue with another animal, insect or element of nature. One of the friends I paired rabbit with was a bear and people really seemed to like the two of them together. 

It wasn’t until later that I realized the personal connections... there are a few. Bear was my nickname as a child (I couldn’t pronounce the *T* in my name and it came out sounding like a *B*) and I still have some family who call me that. I used to hate it but actually like it now because it’s a link to my childhood and my family. 

My parents died several years ago in 2011 and 2013. I also lost a pregnancy in 2009. Those combined losses affect me to this day. One of the gifts I received during my pregnancy was a toy rabbit. So, Rabbit and Bear are equal parts the younger and older version of myself and representative of those I have lost. My parents and grandparents in Bear and my baby in Rabbit.

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2. Let’s take a trip back to a nostalgic time. Do you remember your favourite childhood book?

I enjoyed Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit and A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh but it was the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams that had me by both heart and mind. I remember when my mom read it with me... it was so sad but so beautiful. Like life can be. 

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3.  One of your illustrations went viral around the world, which is amazing. Why do you think this particular drawing resonated so much with a global audience?

It tapped into the collective consciousness worldwide at the outset of COVID-19. I created that particular piece several months before it went viral, based on my struggles with anxiety and depression and my husband's struggle to know how to be there for me. At the time that I first shared it, it received a few likes and shares. Then, with COVID it seemed overnight hundreds of thousands of people understood anxiety, fear and depression in a way they maybe hadn’t before. They needed someone to sit with them. Rabbit and Bear were there. 

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4. Another passion you have is cooking.  I read that you were dipping your toes in culinary adventures in Dublin, Ireland. So of course, I need to ask, what is your number one comfort food that you like to make?

Yes! That was an amazing adventure that I will treasure always. I went to Dublin in 2016 for three months and stayed with my Aunt (my dad was from Dublin and much of his side of the family are still there) and earned a professional cookery certificate. Pretty well everything we made and ate was amazing but my go to for comfort food has to be just about anything with fresh pasta or mashed potatoes. That or Indian food. Absolutely love eating and making Indian food. 

Tara in the kitchen

The finished dish. Yum!

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5.  What is one piece of sage advice you’d like to share with anyone who is going through a difficult time?

If you feel you are out of your depth, ask for help.

I’m pretty much a die-hard introvert and I am stubborn but there have been times when I couldn’t go it on my own. My grief, anxiety and depression were too great and I was out of my depth. I had to ask for help. Sometimes we need help to get through difficult times. Don’t feel bad or ashamed about that. Ask for help. Reach out to a friend, family member, doctor or therapist. Pick-up the phone or send a message. 

💜You can find Tara’s book to purchase on Amazon, Indigo.

💜Website: https://www.tarashannonwrites.com/

Chuck Palahniuk Book Review: Hysteria is impossible without an audience

My book review on Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk

Channeling your inner diva to find the monster within yourself seems to be the best way I could describe Invisible Monsters by well-known author Chuck Palahniuk.

The story is told through the narration of a disfigured woman named Shannon McFarland, who was on top of the world being in love and living the dream of a fashion model. After a freeway accident left her disfigured and unable to speak, fair-weather friendships, an unfaithful partner as well as a shattered identity, the reader can get a real sense of how desperate times can often lead to desperate measures. Along the way, she befriends a pre-op transsexual named Brandy Alexander who is anything but what she appears to be and will teach a valuable lesson to Shannon; to take charge of one’s life means to stop trying to control it.  

As an author, Palahniuk appears to be cynical and probably the most jaded person on the face of the planet. He’s raw and unapologetic and a lot of the dialogue is extremely graphic and might even churn some stomachs. It’s anything but politically correct. The book does not follow any order at all either. It jumps around from thought to thought, weaving in and out to add some witty conversational dialogue, while still managing to tantalize the reader with intrigue. The foreshadowing of events that I picked up on were very subtle too. The laughter that escaped me came from Palahniuk’s twisted humour, showing the epitome of dysfunctional family dynamics. I’m still not sure how something so wrong (you’ll understand what I mean once you read this book) could fit in as well as it did, but I’m sure afterwards, you’ll be thinking your family life is perfectly normal.

Oddly enough, this book is a hit with creative story-telling, interesting characters, memorable lines and overall obscurity. I would consider this mature reading and so heed my warning if you are very conventional and squeamish.

I look forward to reading other books by this author. Surely a warning label should be on any of Palahniuk’s books though. When entering his mind, buckle up, but remember to enjoy the ride!

Chicken Soup for the Soul Book Review: Joy, pain, sunshine and rain.

My book review on Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings:

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings is a wonderful book, plain and simple. All the stories deal with the challenges that we all might face at one point or another in our lives, from broken hearts to broken promises and everything in between. Every story is personal and if you haven't gone through the situation before, you could at least empathize with the person who is sharing his/her experience with the reader and even recall what you can do if you are ever in crisis. 

Chicken Soup for the Soul books are always a favourite of mine because they are incredibly comforting, no matter what my mood is at the time. They are down-to-earth, emotional stories that are meant to be read by everyone, from very young children who want their parent(s) to read them a story before bed, to older individuals who are inspired and want to continue to share their wisdom with others by reading books.

The best part is how encouraging and positive the stories are, even in the worst conditions imaginable. Examples are: a divorce, leaves a family torn apart, and a mother hopeless and alone until finds her purpose again in life in the strangest of circumstances and a loss of a beloved partner allows a widow to reclaim her forgotten youth and find peace within.

A lot of the stories have a religious undertone, which some may not resonate with due to their own belief system or lack of belief. However, no matter what, I feel that everyone in their own way could appreciate the power of faith that is presented in this book.

To end this review, I must quote one of my favourite lines in a Depeche Mode song, which makes total sense because one can learn valuable coping strategies and lessons from this book. 

"Try walking in my shoes, you'll stumble in my footsteps."