the cure

Nothing better than children's affection to heal broken hearts and/or stressed souls. 

The joy of my day (maybe the whole week) was received so much endearment from little people who are just sincer while saying they love you. 

Priceless... It's magic work with kids. 

I'm very very lucky!

¡atención, mamás!

DO NOT leave your children without guide to Facebook, among all others social networks. 

Besides harassments and pedophilia, itself, there are unacceptable and offensive behaviors which must be avoid - from kids, I mean. Parents must be both watchful and attentive about what their descendants post.

Guns, drugs, violence, promiscuous language, lies... There are many bad influences (from anywhere!); unfortunately, some, they simply don't catch. After all, there are still innocents - even if measuring more than us! However, I strongly believe that if they want to use it, they must distinguish good from bad by themselves - at least, a little (try to... Be wise!).

Love, dialogue, explanations, books, reading, newspapers, (good) movies, less videogame and internet - that's what they need to understand in a better way this world and for a responsible usage of medias and technology. Further: this inducement provided by their progenitors, then, with school's orientation - mainly nowadays, with all this bullying stuff.

winter memories

photo: Fanny Perret

We'll never forget the first snowstorm we witness... Freezing, wet, white, it's something! At the same time, it may be awesome for who is not used to. Become beautiful to foreign eyes... A romantic souvenir, even if chaotic.

All novelties turn us into a kid. That is wonderful, although all damage and trouble caused by this worst blizzard occured in Montreal area in December.

the magic of December

I miss that!

While living in a northern place, landscape must be completely white in the end of the year! Thick ground full of snow... to play and have fun! 

Like a child.

I just wait for this moment as soon as summer end!

about life, or its end...

Many interesting people died in 2012:
(in chronological ordem)

Etta James, U.S. singer 
(January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012);

Wisława Szymborska-Włodek, Polish poet 
(2 July 1923 – 1 February 2012);

Ben Gazzar, U.S. actor and director 
(August 28, 1930 – February 3, 2012);

Wando, Brazilian singer-songwriter 
(October 2, 1945 – February 8, 2012);

Whitney Houston, U.S. artist 
(August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012);

Chico Anysio, Brazilian comedian 
(12 April 1931 – 23 March 2012);

Millôr Fernandes, Brazilian cartoonist, humorist and playwright 
(August 16, 1923 – March 27, 2012);

The Lord of Loud, Jim Marshall, British businessman 
(29 July, 1923 – 5 April, 2012);

The sambaman Dicró, Brazilian artist 
(February 14, 1946 – April 25, 2012);

Tinoco, Brazilian sertanejo music artist, singer-songwriter 
(November 19, 1920 – May 4, 2012);

The Beastie Boy Adam Yauch, U.S. artist 
(August 5, 1964 – May 4, 2012);

The disco diva Donna Summer, U.S. singer-songwriter 
( December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012);

The Bee Gee Robin Gibb, British singer-songwriter 
(December 22, 1949 – May 20, 2012);

Tony Scott, British film director and producer 
(June 21, 1944 – August 19, 2012);

The moonwalker Neil Armstrong, U.S. astronaut 
(August 5, 1930 – August 25, 2012);

The "gracinha" Hebe Camargo, Brazilian television artist 
(March 8, 1929 – September 29, 2012);

The entity of Marxism Eric Hobsbawm, British historian 
(June 9, 1917 – 1 October 2012);

The Deep Purple Jon Lord, British music artist 
(June 9, 1941 – 16 July 2012);

Dave Brubeck, U.S. jazz pianist and composer 
(December 6, 1920 – December 5, 2012);

The (almost) immortal Oscar Niemeyer, Brazilian architect 
(December 15, 1907 – December 5, 2012);

The Indian influence of Beatles, Ravi Shankar, Indian musician and composer 
(April 17, 1920 – December 11, 2012);

There is still time for more...  Unfortunately. Even more along current prediction for the end of the world in December 21 2012. I hardly believe that many people may commit suicide due to that.


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On the other hand, there was many childbirths:

(in alphabetical ordem)

Adriano;

André Luis;

Antonia;

Antonio;

Beatriz;

Caetano;

Cecília;

Chaytón Hendrix;

Isabelle

João Vicente;

Julia;

Leonardo;

Luiz;

Maria;

Vicente;

besides a boy and a girl I still don't know the names chosen.

There is still time for others... Fortunately, in this case!

*On the top of others who are comimg, probably only in 2013:

Cristal;

Francisco;

Olívia;

Otávio;

Sebastião;

two Valentinas;

two other boys and one girl whose parents haven't choose their name yet;

and two others we are expecting to know the sex.

The best of all these babies and pregnancies is that they are of friends. From important people to me. Real, close.

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the last kiss

 

Hooray!

Today it's HIS day! 

Although it's said Noël, in French, that means 'day of birth', the occasion we celebrate the saint is on the day of his death....

The first time he was cited stablishing his relation with Christmas, was in 1822 by Clement Clark Moore.

In the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" the patron of children, was described as Santa Claus, giving them gifts in the Eve Christmas. Maybe that's why this opus is also called "The Night Before Christmas".

In fact, he hadn't wear yet a red suit. Created by Haddon Sundblom, this image we all know nowadays: the fatter figure of a old man, came in 1920, with Coke (Coca-Cola) advertisings.

The biginning with conspicuous consumption linked with Christmas Holiday!

Anyway...  

I have just to thank him for giving me graces ♥

Long live to this legend!

for well

I tip my hat to Ryan Hreljac. 

Aged of only six years old, this praiseworthy Canadian kid was determinated to help people in Africa, building a well for them. Touched by a class in which his teacher Cathy Prest talked about water problems in African continent, he decided to do something. 

It started with $70, charged by doing some home services for his parents. Later, he raised the amout of $2,000 with neighborhood contribution. His first well was built in 1999, when he was seven. Today, he has his own Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars, contributing a total of 518 water and sanitation projects in 16 countries serving over 640,000 people.

How only a single person  can change the world? With will (whatever the age). Small initiatives, anyone, count.

Watch a little passage of Ryan's Well, a documentary about this inspiring story.

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*This is just another reason to be pround of Canada. 

 

that's true!

Imagination is something. Who is not able to imagine the characters, the main or  secondary ones, from the books? 

Even with some suggested illustrations, eveyone has his own way to bild all personages in his mind. Furthermore, the environement, clothes, objects, furniture and other accessories. Nothing is let aside by our creativity. Even about the future of each story, (fairy)tale or novels don't end, sometimes, as author propose...

Often, we go forward. Writing better, is just one of the advantages of reading.

In a time of babysitter television, short ciphered sentences online or in texts traffic sent by youngs, parents should think about and take it as a tomorrow investment. Beyond doubt: very prosperous. Not only for kids, though...

Knowledge is priceless! It makes all difference. 

___________________________________________________________ 

I simply loved this add from Toronto Public Library!

boo!

Fantômes, vampires, sorcières, loups-garous, zoombies et toutes les genres de monstres typiques d'Halloween... Je jamais ne pensais d'être si impliqué dans cette culture!

C'est beau... les enfants (et même les adultes!) se déguisent, puis les gamins cherchent des bonbons, plusieurs histoires d'horreur sont racontés, les maisons et les rues sont fortement décorées pour cette occasion. De plus, c'est le meilleur party de l'année! Le plus trippant!

En étant à l'Amérique du Nord, c'est impossible ne pas s'engager! C'est comme aller au Brésil et ne pas y célébrer le carnaval! En outre, pour eux, c'est vraiment comme ça: leur carnaval!

___________________________________________________________

xô!

Par contre, je comprends les gens là-bas qui s'opposent à ces festivités qui ne nous appartiennent pas. Je suis d'accord: sauf les écoles d'anglais ou de la culture anglaise, je ne crois pas qu'on doive les fêter avidement alors que certaines traditions brésiliennes, plus significatives à nous, sont mises de côté pour commémorer la réjouissance des autres.

Dans ce contexte, au pays du soccer:

Salut au Saci Pererê et à Mula Sem Cabeça! Vive le folklore nationale!

good sportsmanship

For who learned how to play cards before writing, amuse myself by games it's not a novelty.

Nevertheless, it's ALWAYS a good experience! - between friends, couples, in family, with own children, or other kids.

I like competition, use track logically, improve performances, share knowledge, help people in order to enjoy the moment together.

The die is cast... Good luck!

a gift

It is fairly certain this!

I would like to be one... a model.

On the top of thank all them who transform me (at different levels) in the person I am, not a ordinary one. I became a better me because of them, their lessons I followed.

In the same way, I would like to show people another window of life. Apart from helping them to identify the landscape they see, of course.

Happy Teacher's Day for all!

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my contribution

 

I haven't had kid or adopted one yet, or even planted a tree. Nevertheless, nowadays, in my current situation, in my limited universe (but, at the same time wide due to the knowledge), I can help children by reading.

Thus, I finish this post with a Mário Quintana (my favorite poet) quote, which resumes the issue:

“Books don’t change the world. People change the world. Books only change people.”  
  
The secret for a better world, and future.

children's day!

(today, in Brazil*. For me, as well, independently of the current commercial approach)

I take the opportunity to put in debate this vast matter: kids. Let's see...

To think list:

- if we are giving suitable attention to them;
- which education they are receiving?;
- are them reading enough?;
- which kind of model we are for them?;
- should we give them more gifts or affection?
- what kind of world they are inheriting;
- are them playing enough outside, socializing with other children?
- TV isn't babysitter: doesn't replace parents, besides not being a substitute of school. The content their receive from it may influence their lives;
- internet may be very dangerous, a no limit field, if with no supervision;
- typing makes children write worse, in the same way chat acronyms and text message shorthands;
- which are their worries, goals, priorities, fears, values nowadays;
- definition of school and parents roles in their education;
- are we raising them for what, for which kind of future?

- if we are obligating them to mature earlier;

- freedom bring them maturity;

- sex issues must be discussed;

- violence beget disrespect/ gentleness generates gentleness;
- a natural childbirth is always better then a cesarean section procedure;
- breastfeed is the best nourishment a mother can give to her children until six months, minimum;
- have them not to be involved... it would be better have thought about that before!

- all they need is love (actually, everyone...) 

Many points! Not evident answers, though...

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priceless

While enumerating, I was wondering myself about be a mommy... Oh, God, it is a HUGE responsibility! 

What both difficult and complex it might be! Nevertheless, I'm pretty convinced that it is a challenge which worths!

It's an experience like no other.

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*In Canada, they celebrate on 20th November. Check other countries dates and costums out here.
 

turning...

into a delicate situation:

Everything was fine until a little detail broke the harmony. Then, all problems came out. A complete 180-degree turn in seconds!

The end of the day was lost by complaints about life - which is not perfect FOR EVERYBODY. Well, never mind... I may make things worse saying that (or anything else). 

Too bad! - for health, heart, love, relationship...

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twice stronger

For some (in North America), Halloween (which celebrates death on 31th October - that is: soon!); for other, St. Cosmas and St. Damian Day (commemorated yesterday, with lots of goody and candies - as it will be here in the end of the month)... I prefer the second choice, once it's my culture, besides being connected to children. 

*By the way, so I am by now. What a grace! 

The best way to enjoy it is being with them. Perfect. ♥

ex/é change

- C-H-A-U-D.
- Parfait! Tu l'as écrit correctement... Mais, c'est quoi "chaud"? Est-ce que tu sais ce que ça veut dire? 
- Oui, c'est "hot"!
- Ok... [en fait, pas convaincue, en attendant une réponse liée au climat, temps ou à la temperature] Et, quel est le contraire?
- C'est "cold", n'est-ce pas?!
 
It's impressive how easily bilingual children change from English to French (mode) in Montreal.

Il est impressionnante la facilité avec laquelle les enfants bilingues changent du (mode) français au anglais à Montréal.

(*they put adults to shame - including me! / *Ils mettent les adultes la honte - moi compris!)

A flourishing future wait for them! / Un avenir prospère les attend!

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bilingüismo

Eu adoraria que o mesmo acontecesse na América Latina com o português e o espanhol!

¡Me encantaría que lo mismo sucede en Latinoamérica con el portugués y el español!

des petits poissons

Michelle, 3 ans et demi - Elle nage toute seule dans une piscine d'adultes. 

Colin, 1 an et demi - Il se débrouille facilement tout seul dans l'eau de la piscine pour les enfants, sans des bouées bras.

Ceux-ci sont des exemples à être suivis pour tous les parents, contre la hausse de noyades au Québec cet été.

Il y a des bons conseils au Infant Swimming Rescue (ISR). 

Et félicitations à mes cousins pour son initiative, qui soit l'idéale, de leur enseigner à nager.

dutch machine

Despite of a school bus, in Holland is like that: kids pedal to go study!

Yes, a (different kind of) bicycle is their transport. What a good idea!

I love that... Everything related to their means of transportation.

(It's a good thing that in Montreal the spirit is the same! I'm really glad to be here - witing for summer, to finally ride a bike...)

nouveauté

À Montréal:

   de la neige 

+ de la bonne humeur 

_________________________

= des gens qui viennent d'arriver

*Je suis contente (comme un enfant), je confesse. 

enfin

La première neige on n'oublie jamais!

Je suis contente!

Je me sens comme un enfant... je confesse.

un délit?

Parc Lafontaine

Un petit gamin fait pipi près d'un arbre.

(Il n'est pas carnaval, c'est l'été des indiens, mais... quand même) Est-il un hors-la-loi?  

Au Brésil, oui, il le serait - n'importe quand. 

Bon, je ne suis pas d'accord avec le mamans que laissent ses enfants pisser partout (surtout les garçons!), mais, quand il faut, il faut...  C'est comme ça, ici ou là-bas!

bienvenue!

Usually, in the first-world countries it’s rare see a adults with two children… So, three is practically a miracle! In Brazil, it’s different: anywhere you can meet many infants provided basically by couples with both no instruction and  economical conditions (having much more than two, inclusively).

Here, it’s impossible walk dans les rues and simply ignore the fact that there are many babies in the city. Young couples are procreating… A LOT! A 'baby boom' has happened! 

I like seeing that once I think about my friends who would like to have all this structure and basis to carry their kids whatever they go. In parks, malls, supermarkets, on the streets or metro - they are partout! 

There are as much as pigeons at Copacabana, for example - even more…! It’s not a plague just because they were (and are!) welcome here. Nobody looks at them seeing a problem, even their crying. A 'baby atmosphere' is all over! Everybody helps... It seems perfect.

It’s really nice see my contemporaries forming happy families. Yes: H-A-P-P-Y. Very satisfied. They are not losing anything while having babies. On the contrary… any programming of the parents here includes les enfants. Wonderful for who loves ces petits.

Writing about that right now, I realized some huge difference between quebecoises and bresiliens: I haven’t seem yet kids with babysitters or grandparents. They are always with mama, papa or playing with some family’s friend(s). Everybody enjoys them - wherever!

Definitively, it’s a perfect place to do that. So, let’s practice!

a single problem

Considering a city crowded by children, of course there is a parade of good fathers… REALLY good, indeed! For me, a single lady (mainly today - on The Single’s Day), this is the “worst” part of the city.

By the way, even late (it was yesterday their official day): my compliments for all daddies. Oh, God!