School's In

If you live in British Columbia, it's most likely that your children are not in school.  The teacher's strike continues and there is no sign of it ending quickly.  I will not comment either way on the issue, I just pray that it gets resolved soon so that the children can get back to school. I feel both for the children and the parents as they worry about their education.  I feel for the teachers while they are out of work and not receiving an income.  It's hard all around no doubt.

I'm fortunate in that my children attend private school.  That seems to be a touchy topic these days as I prepare for my kids to go back to school.  People either tell me that I'm lucky in a snarky voice or that they couldn't afford private school as if to infer that I can.

I can't afford private school.  But we do it.  The last three years that our children has been in private school has been the worst financially for us.  Not only is our business on the verge of failing, I don't have another outside job and yet we manage to scrape together the $580.00 a month it takes to pay for schooling.

Let's see, I don't live in a fancy house.  I don't own a fancy car.  My once expensive minivan has paint peeling off the front fender that we can't afford to fix.  My husband is driving a 12 year old car with broken air conditioning, windows that won't roll down and the ceiling fabric is coming away from the interior so it's falling on his head.  We don't have cable and sometimes foods a little scarce in my cupboard and some days or months the bills are er delayed. We can't afford trips to Disneyland or heck even up the mountain to go skiing.  Extra activities are limited to one thing per child and pretty much the cheapest thing we can find.

Is it worth it?  I would have to say yes.  My kids feel safe and secure where they are.  They are being cared for not just taught. My oldest is no longer bullied and while she may still not fit in completely with her autism, they are working to include her into programs that ensures she gets the social interaction she needs.  Paying for private school is like making a car payment without the new car. ;)

What do you think about private school?

Zeemaid

In Which Life Goes On

Not every day is full of sadness. After all, life continues and I have a husband and three children to keep going for.  They need me more than ever and it seems like this summer has been one complete whirl of busy-ness that it's all become a blur.

We sold our house.  Finally!  After six months.  Like every other house we've sold, the process has been long drawn out and torturous.   However, the deal is signed and if everything goes alright with the home inspection on Friday the SOLD sign will be gracing our front lawn.

Back to School with Crayola

Not quite back to school herein British Columbia, school is still out but we're hoping and praying that the strike will be over soon.

In the meantime, we need to keep the kiddos busy and an easy way to do that is ART. My favourite go-to medium in the realm of art supplies?  Why, Crayola, of course!  Crayola is not just about crayons, from markers to mess free color wonder inks to craft kits, Crayola has something for everyone.

Breaking the Silence

It seems when you stop writing, it's hard to get back on the proverbial horse.  Inspiration can flicker only to be snuffed out by apathy. Apathy, lethargy, depression.  You think you are on a certain path in life and in a moment it can be altered.  

Journey to Rainbow Island - Book Review and Giveaway

Journey to Rainbow Island written by Christie Hsiao

Journey to Rainbow Island is about an 11-year-old girl named Yu-ning who thinks her perfect life on Rainbow Island will never end.  That is until a nasty dragon called the Obsidigon returns from beyond the grave. Now her beloved island is in flames, her best friend has been kidnapped, and the island’s Sacred Crystals have been stolen.  Yu-ning has been chosen to embark upon the dangerous journey to the dark corners of the world to uncover secrets, find a weapon thought long destroyed, and recapture the seven sacred stones.

I love to read so when I am asked to read and review a book, I am quick to say yes even if it may be a little “young” for me.  This book is written for grade levels 2 through 7 but, as often is the case, proves just as entertaining for the grownups as it is for the children.

Having said that it did take me a little bit to get into the book.  While Christie Hsiao’s descriptions of the island and the children who lived there are beautiful, I did find myself tripping over the names of various people, places and creatures at first.  Words like Obsidigon and Metratron do not exactly roll off the tongue easily.  Still the story engaged me and it’s simple message of love and courage was carried throughout it.

I appreciated that the main character of the story was actually a young girl.  Girls today need to see that it is possible for them to lead and be leaders.  While Yu-ning certainly was young and often scared, she was able to find her courage and do what was right. 

While the premise of the book certainly sounds like it might be a dark one what with crystals and dark corners of the world etc, this book is not dark. Although some situations Yu-ning finds herself in can be dangerous, it is not overly graphic or violent.  There is one scene in the book which refers to the slaughter of animals by a woodsman which may upset younger children who are perhaps unaware of such things.  As well, if you object to sorcerers or wizards then this book is not for you or your child. 

I think overall Christie Hsiao’s vision to create positive, uplifting entertainment has been achieved in this story. I also feel that young readers aged 10 and up would appreciate this story the most. 

For more information on Journey to Rainbow Island and Christie Hsiao, you can check out her website at http://journeytorainbowisland.com/site/.

Available for sale now through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  

Would you like to win a copy of Journey to Rainbow Island?  

ENTER TO WIN

1.     Mandatory Entry – share what you’re currently reading

Extra Entries

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Contest ends April 3rd and is open worldwide.

Zeemaid