Introducing children’s author and creative writing mentor, Lee Edward Fodi, and his VALENTINE, actress and creative wonder, Marcie Nestman. They are both being interviewed here by one of Lee’s creative writing students, Chloe Kang, who he first met at CWC (Creative Writing Society for Children of British Columbia) which Lee is the co-founder of. This Valentine’s Day, we decided to focus on FRIENDSHIP + PARTNERSHIP. Having said that, we are happy to share such a story with you about what it looks like when you marry your BFF. These two lovebirds are both very creative in their own rights and a little bit nerdy as well. Let’s see what happens after they decide to join their ‘creative forces’ in a lifelong connection of their hearts and minds.

From the first time I saw you spinning on the ice, I knew you were for me, and hoped I would be for you. So be my Valentine, now and forevermore, and let’s continue this little adventure we have started together. From mountain to shore, and dawn to night, you are the one who makes everything feel right.

I can’t seem to help myself when I write songs. What comes out is the indescribably powerful emotions I feel about the most important people in my life.

Jarome Lochkrin, Singer/Songwriter

From our children to our art, our businesses to our charities of choice, there are many different kinds of legacies that we can leave behind for our loved ones; those that live on while keeping a little part of us still here in some special way. Today we are happy to introduce you to someone who is creating his own legacy, one song at a time.

We are so excited to be starting off a new year by expanding on our goals of connecting kids from across the world, through their own stories about their thoughts, feelings, and opinions about everything that is important to them. This is such a wonderful way to bridge the gap of communication and to offer more insight to us adults – parents, teachers, and caretakers alike – about what it is that is going on in the lives of our children and youth and how we can support them in this ever changing world.

We are so excited to be sharing some Holiday Greetings & Traditions by some of our favourite children’s performers & personalities from across Canada and beyond. 

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that children’s performers are a breed in themselves. They certainly are and this is a very good thing! Performing for children takes a special talent as you not only have to have the chops to hold their attention, but you also need to have an extra skill set to keep things moving and grooving. We are so thrilled to be introducing regular editorial features, event listings, and news from these super talented, creative and just over all fun human beings. We are so lucky that each and every one of you made the decision to share your talents and amazing personalities with our children, youth, families and classrooms.  We look forward to keeping in touch with each and every one of you and are thrilled that many of you creative gems are already scheduled to be featured here in the near future to share our stories with us. Happy Holidays to you all!

BOBS & LOLO

“For us, the holiday season is a time to reflect and reenergize for the New Year. We spend the days with our loved ones, celebrating family and friendship and filling our hearts with music, laughter and all the usual chaos that accompanies festive fun with little ones. Wave your antlers!” — Bobs & LoLo

Lose yourself here in the magic of Christmas. It’s not hard to do as everywhere you turn, you are allured to explore further, what you would like to share with your loved ones this holiday season.

Reviewed by Lorrie Holmes

When asked what Christmas means to store owner, Ed Holden, he offers, “I love Christmas. I personally like the good feelings it brings out in people. We are very fortunate to live where we do. I think most Canadians appreciate the peaceful lives we enjoy in this country, and these feelings come to the surface around the holidays.” As New Years Day rolls around, most of us will start packing up Christmas and focusing on the year ahead, but not here. After they put everything away and freshen up the entire store, Ed’s team of Christmas enthusiasts will be busy starting all over again, working on next year’s Christmas theme.

Our task is to create a magical experience that appeals to all ages and especially children, Ed reflects.

Painting by Child Artist, Lexi, who is a Grade 6 student.

WiSH NUMBER ONE – UNDERSTANDING

I wish for understanding. Understanding is important to kids because seeing things from different points of view makes us feel grateful for everything we have. As we see the world differently than others, it makes us want to help whoever doesn’t understand the way we see things.

by Parker, Age 11.

 

 

Starting off our CHRiSTMAS CONNECTiONS theme in this enchanted Christmassy village was so much fun. Surrounded by nostalgia of times gone past, it was the perfect reminder for both Anika and I, of all the simple things that bring us closer at this time of year.

Written by Marlene Lockhrin

I had heard through a friend that Burnaby Village Museum is quite charming and festive during the Christmas season, so I thought this could be a special start to our ‘CHRiSTMAS CONNECTIONS’ outings for me and my new-to-the-teenage-years daughter, Anika.  I envisioned us strolling through the winter lights, arm in arm. Yes, I confess, it was perhaps a bit selfish of me, just wanting to see her eyes light up the way a little girls does from the magic of Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, she still loves Christmas and all that comes with it, but I just wanted to bring out that sense of wonderment that sadly shifts as we mature.

This little gem of a toy store, is waiting with warm friendly arms to remind generations both old and new, what you can experience when visiting an independent toy store this holiday season.

Reviewed by Lorrie Holmes

 

There is something magical about a toy store at Christmastime. Especially a storefront one, where you can open the doors and be instantly greeted by all the sights and sounds that bring you right back to your own childhood.

We’ve chosen to do our first toy reviews this holiday season at such a place. This little independent gem is located right here in Delta, British Columbia, Canada. With such an interesting inventory and a very personable staff, Toys + Tech is one of those places that takes a lot of pride in making sure all of their customers are finding what they came in for, whatever that may be.

And so it begins. The struggles of raising a teenager are heart wrenching, frustrating, and just simply aging me. But we press on day to day with love in our hearts. It seems we receive the brunt of their anger and are the main target when they have bad days and sometimes I get tired of being seen as mostly the bad guy. As luck and fortune would have it, my daughter and I were graced with a 24 hour, epic getaway for just the two of us. It was something we both really needed. Life seems to have disconnected us as of late, so this was a chance to hopefully bond and give our mother-daughter relationship that much needed boost.  

Written by Marlene Lochkrin