ROSEMARY'S BOOK CORNER

The Joy of Books

2012-01-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Do you enjoy books?If so, you have come to the right blog.

We love books. Real books made of paper and bound - pages to turn and feel and enjoy.

Get a taste of the joy of books with this fun video clip.

Progress, Progress - New Book to be Released

2012-01-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

Post prepared by Zanado

Isn't the image above fascinating? It reminds me very much of the process of creating a book. Ideas flow, pages fill with ideas, thoughts, concepts. Step by step, word by word, sentence and chapter accumulate and gather and then, before you know it, the book is ... a book.

Well, the PROOF copy of R.A. Kahn's latest book has arrived. It has been read again from cover to cover. How exciting. The book is just as gripping and thought provoking reading it to proof for about the 8th time as it was when read the first time as just a manuscript.

Now the proof copy has been read. The book is about to come out onto the shelves.

Stay tuned. Watch this space. THIS one.

We look forward to announcing the book is on the shelves of bookstores.

New Book - Soon to be Released

2011-12-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

Post written by Zanado

Have you ever read one of Rosemary Kahn's Books? Mostly she has written children's books, picture books, school readers and the like. You will notice information on 3 of her books right here on this blog.

If you have not yet read her books, you are missing out. BUT, not to worry, there is a NEW book - soon to be released. This one is a novel for teens. It is gripping, exiting, fun and more.

WOOHOO!! Keep a look out!! Watch THIS space.

Details to follow.

Handy Tips

2011-12-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

Some handy tips found on the net.

Links listed as credited where possible.

We kept a few tips for another post, so do come back to enjoy some more.

Enjoy

Store bedlinen sets inside one of their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles for a match.

Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone / iPod in a bowl – the concave shape amplifies the music.

Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags.

Add this item to your beach bag. Baby powder gets sand off your skin easily – who knew?!

..

Attach a velcro strip to the wall to store soft toys.

..

Look up! Use wire to make a space to store gift wrap rolls against the ceiling, rather than cluttering up the floor.

.
.

Gotcha! Find tiny lost items like earrings by putting a stocking over the vacuum hose.

.

Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting x's into a box lid.

.

This one is great for those who can’t stand the scrunching and bunching: how to perfectly fold a fitted sheet.

.

Forever losing your bathroom essentials? Use magnetic strips to store bobby pins (and tweezers and clippers) behind a vanity door
.
.

A tip for holiday packing. Store shoes inside shower caps to stop dirty soles rubbing on your clothes. And you can find them in just about every hotel!

.
Via: familyfun.go.com

A muffin pan becomes a craft caddy. Magnets hold the plastic cups down to make them tip-resistant.

.
.

Via: unplggd.com

Bread tags make the perfect-sized cord labels.

Who Is A Teacher?

2011-12-07T01:12:00.001-08:00

From A School Principal's speech at a graduation..

He said "Doctor wants his child to become a doctor.........
Engineer wants his child to become engineer......
Businessman wants his ward to become CEO.....
BUT a teacher also wants his child to become one of them..!!!!
Nobody wants to become a teacher BY CHOICE" ....Very sad but that's the truth.....!!!

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued,
"What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

To stress his point he said to another guest;
"You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Teacher Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied,
"You want to know what I make?
(She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't
make them sit for 5 min. without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?
(She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them how to write and then I make them write.
Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.
They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need
to know about English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they
were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life

( Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ALL YOUR LIVES,EDUCATING KIDS AND PREPARING THEM TO BECOME CEO's ,AND DOCTORS AND ENGINEERS..........

What do you make Mr. CEO?

His jaw dropped; he went silent.

Visit to Stellenberg Gardens

2011-11-30T08:55:00.001-08:00

Above image is not of the Gardens mentioned in the article

Visit to the BeautifulStellenberg Gardens –

Sunday 6^th November 2011

These tranquil gardens were open to the public on Saturday and Sundaylast week. As I buy most of my plants from their nursery and because CarolineMagowen, who is now their head gardener, helped me sort out my little gardenwhen I moved in here 11 years ago, I decided to pay them a visit. Thesegardens, about a kilometer from my home and almost next door to a house ownedby my father’s brother, Edgar, in the ‘70’s, have always beena favourite spot of mine.

We were blessed with a glorious sunny day after a week of inclementweather. I strolled through the tendifferent sections of the gardens and although there were many other peopledoing the same thing, I was filled with peace. It was in fact, like walking through a stately “home” withthe many rooms divided by neatly trimmed hedges and some walls; with waterfeatures and majestic trees including many old oaks. There was a pathway of green moss, runningbetween some graceful trees, in one section, definitely the home of fairies! Thelawns were so lush and soft that, had I been younger, I might just have rolleddown one of the banks, so inviting were those slopes!

The “Medieval Garden” is actuallya most interesting vegetable garden with four sections and a fountain in themiddle. Companion vegetables and herbs are laid out in rows, some straightothers diagonal, and there are fruit trees as well, all looking lush andhealthy, much of it ready for picking.

I especially enjoyed the “Garden of Reflection”which is planted in various shades of green, with a hint of blue and three“black” ponds made of slate, in which the water was so still thesurrounding trees were perfectly mirrored. As I walked slowly, deep in thought, I suddenly found myself at theentrance to the “Cherry Walk” and the trees there were heavy withthe most beautiful clusters of pink and white blossom. What a sight!

I could have spent the whole day there, but unfortunately, I had othercommitments. I will look forward to a return visit next time they open thegardens to the public.

Rosemary, wearing my gardening hat this time!

1950's version of an E-Mail

2011-11-24T10:32:00.001-08:00

Long ago and far away, in a land that time forgot,
Before the days of Dylan , or the dawn of Camelot.
There lived a race of innocents, and they were you and me,

For Ike was in the White House in that land where we were born,
Where navels were for oranges, and Peyton Place was porn.

We longed for love and romance, and waited for our Prince,
Eddie Fisher married Liz, and no one's seen him since.

We danced to 'Little Darlin,' and sang to 'Stagger Lee'
And cried for Buddy Holly in the Land That Made Me, Me.

Only girls wore earrings then, and 3 was one too many,
And only boys wore flat-top cuts, except for Jean McKinney.

And only in our wildest dreams did we expect to see
A boy named George with Lipstick, in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We fell for Frankie Avalon, Annette was oh, so nice,
And when they made a movie, they never made it twice..

We didn't have a Star Trek Five, or Psycho Two and Three,
Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty in the Land That Made Me, Me.

Miss Kitty had a heart of gold, and Chester had a limp,
And Reagan was a Democrat whose co-star was a chimp.

We had a Mr. Wizard, but not a Mr. T,
And Oprah couldn't talk yet, in the Land That Made Me, Me.
We had our share of heroes, we never thought they'd go,
At least not Bobby Darin, or Marilyn Monroe.

For youth was still eternal, and life was yet to be,
And Elvis ;was forever in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We'd never seen the rock band that was Grateful to be Dead,
And Airplanes weren't named Jefferson , and Zeppelins were not

Led.

And Beatles lived in gardens then, and Monkees lived in trees,
Madonna was Mary in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We'd never heard of microwaves, or telephones in cars,
And babies might be bottle-fed, but they were not grown in jars.

And pumping iron got wrinkles out, and 'gay' meant fancy-free,
And dorms were never co-Ed in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We hadn't seen enough of jets to talk about the lag,
And microchips were what was left at the bottom of the bag.

And hardware was a box of nails, and bytes came from a flea,
And rocket ships were fiction in the Land That Made Me, Me.

Buicks came with portholes, and side shows came with freaks,
And bathing suits came big enough to cover both your cheeks.

And Coke came just in bottles, and skirts below the knee,
And Castro came to power near the Land That Made Me, Me.

We had no Crest with Fluoride, we had no Hill Street Blues,
We had no patterned pantyhose or Lipton herbal tea

Or prime-time ads for those dysfunctions in the Land That
Made Me, Me.

There were no golden arches, no Perrier to chill,
And fish were not called Wanda, and cats were not called Bill

And middle-aged was 35 and old was forty-three,
And ancient were our parents in the Land That Made Me, Me.

But all things have a season, or so we've heard them say,
And now instead of Maybelline we swear by Retin-A.
They send us invitations to join AARP,
We've come a long way, baby, from the Land That Made Me, Me.

So now we face a brave new world in slightly larger jeans,
And wonder why they're using smaller print in magazines.
And we tell our children's children of the way it used to be,
Long ago and far away in the Land That Made Me, Me.

If you didn't grow up in the fiftys,
You missed the greatest time in history,
Hope you enjoyed this read as much as I did.
If So, Share ....

Places I have and have not been

2011-11-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

Guest Post by Unknown Author -

We found this on the Internet, Author was not indicated. If you know who the Author is please let us know. It is BRILLIANT!

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

And, sometimes I think I am in Vincible but life shows me I am not!

I have been in Deepshit many times; the older I get, the easier it is to get there.

Learning from Rose

2011-10-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

You might have read this before, if so, it is well worth reading again. It is a story that has done the rounds, but has a message each time you read it.

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.

I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being..

She said, 'Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?'

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, 'Of course you may!' and she gave me a giant squeeze..

'Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?' I asked.

She jokingly replied, 'I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids...'

'No seriously,' I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.

'I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!' she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake.

We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this 'time machine' as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor.

Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, 'I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know.'

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, 'We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.

There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die.

We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!

There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.

If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight.

Anybody! Can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets.

The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets..'

She concluded her speech by courageously singing 'The Rose.'

She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those months ago.

One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.

Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.

When you finish reading this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they'll really enjoy it!

These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE.

REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. We make a Living by what we get. We make a Life by what we give.

G-d promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If G-d brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Competitions

2011-08-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

Some years ago I wrote a piece about the many people I had observedbuying magazines, not necessarily for the articles themselves as such, but forthe competition prizes offered therein.

This fascinated me at the time. I knew of at least one woman who wouldbuy up to thirty magazines a month and then laboriously fill in, cut out andsend off all the entry forms. At thistime she told me that she had already won sunglasses; beauty kits; twohandbags; a scarf; beach towels; costume jewellery and a suitcase.

Now years later, I was waiting for a friend in the coffee shop attachedto Exclusive Books and to pass the time, (I was early and she is always atleast fifteen minutes late), I selected a few magazines from a shelf nearby, outof interest. I am still not a buyer of magazines, so I was curious to see howthey had changed.

Well, they are certainly glossier on the whole but those obviously forwomen up to the age of forty, contained the usual fashion (most of it hideous),make-up ideas; diet tips; exercise advice; and all they could regurgitate aboutpregnancy; childbirth; breast feeding and child rearing; recipes and healthylunch box ideas, etc., as well as many “success” stories. These covered therange of illnesses overcome; huge financial obstacles and lack of any form ofsupport and how they had managed to turn their lives around and do good / makevast sums of money / renovate houses / start their own successful businesses / travelto distant shores / put themselves through University / and finally to proclaimthemselves unsung heroes or heroines, or have someone else do it for them. Thisis not to belittle their individual achievements, which are undeniably great inmany cases but to wonder if these people had really managed all this as easilyas some had reported, almost single-handed, and if they had given adequatecredit where credit is due?

Then of course, there seemed to be sections devoted to the antics andactivities of film and stage stars, very few of whom would make good rolemodels. So all in all, these magazines were a supposedly eclectic mix ofnothing much to attract my fancy or attention, until I found the “WIN” pages!

My, how those have changed! No longer did I find the “small” offerings of the past. Now each magazinetried to out do the next –

WIN A HOUSE

WIN A CAR

WIN A SEA CRUISE

WIN A TRIP to Disneyland for the wholefamily!

Win a computer / I-pad / state of the art music centre

Where have our values gone, now that simply filling in a form or questionnairecan put one in line to receive one of these huge gifts? What sort of world arewe actually living in, if this is what one has to offer in order to enticepeople to buy a glossy magazine? It verymuch seems like the beginning of yet another decline and fall of civilization!I do suppose it is really to try and keep in line with the fast pace of lifeand today’s tear away, disposable, here today and gone tomorrow type of lifestyle.

I prefer a slightly slower, calmer pace, at my age and if I were toenter a competition, I would be very pleased to win anything at all, as long asit was tasteful and had its uses! What do you think?

Rosemary.

Things that go bump and Crash in the night

2011-08-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

Things that go bump and Crash in the night
Musings from Life by Rosemary Kahn

It was well after midnight. I know, because that is when I turned off my bedside light. Reading in bed is such a pleasure, especially in winter!

I must have been asleep for about an hour, when a loud crash woke me. I lay quietly listening in the dark for any other noises. There was a rasping and scraping sound and then silence. I did a mental check - all the downstairs doors were locked on the inside; the security gates were locked; my car was locked and in its garage. I crept out of bed. It is always quite light in my bedroom, inspite of the curtains being closed. The apartment block to the right of my building has had very bright spot lights installed and my neighbour had left his garden spotlight on as well. This lit up my own garden and I was able to see down to the gate, which was locked. There was no movement anywhere. I stood and watched for several minutes.

Should I risk going downstairs, or should I go back to bed? Where exactly had the crash come from anyway? It had sounded very close by. Perhaps it was just a ferral cat, of which there are a number in the vicinity, on the prowl. It might have knocked over a pot plant on one of our patios. With a sigh, I decided to go back to bed. I felt safe enough upstairs and all was quite again and I refuse to live in fear. After all, we have electrically operated security gates and seven rows of electrically wired fencing all round the property. We also have a security guard cycle patrol on duty 24/7. I climbed into bed and my last conscious thought was,

"What a way to live!"

People Watching

2011-07-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

As a writer, one of my favourite pass times is "people watching". So during the recent school hoildays, I took myself off to the local Mall, notebook in hand, and found a vacant bench on the ground floor, fairly near the lifts and escalators. What I saw was indeed a complete eye-opener! From babies in prams, completely covered by blankets, so that no one could see that baby and the baby could not look out; to mothers hurrying along, with children trailing behind, often in a crowd. I saw crying children; rude and cross children, whining and begging children and very few who looked as though they were actually enjoying themselves or the outing. Often the teenagers had sort of disowned their parents, which is probably to be expected! The whole scene reminded me of a project I did with my class years ago.

Of course, during the 25 years of my teaching experience, shopping, as such and shopping projects changed with the times and no longer did we set up quaint little grocery stores in a corner of the classroom. Instead, we had real cake or cookie sales; or used real stationery, pencils, erasers, etc, or hand made crafts, or even the children's own paintings to be sold, to teach the concept of buying and selling and the value of coins.

One day, during a class discussion, a child said, "Mrs Kahn, do you know that I HATE going shopping? It is NOT a treat."

When I asked her to explain in more detail, she said this, and I have never forgotten it.

"Just think of us for a moment. We are shorter than adults, sometimes much smaller. We get bashed by other people's parcels and handbags and all we can see are legs!"

Rosemary - July 2011.

All we will have left are memories and hopefully they cannot be changed.

2011-07-26T00:59:00.000-07:00

9 Things That Will Disappear In Our Lifetime

Whether these changes are good or bad depends in part on how we adapt to them. But, ready or not, here they come.

1. The Post Office

Get ready to imagine a world without the post office. They are so deeply in financial trouble that there is probably no way to sustain it long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive. Most of your mail every day is junk mail and bills.

2. The Cheque

Britain is already laying the groundwork to do away with cheque by 2018. It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process cheques. Plastic cards and online transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the cheque. This plays right into the death of the post office. If you never paid your bills by mail and never received them by mail, the post office would absolutely go out of business.

3. The Newspaper

The younger generation simply doesn't read the newspaper. They certainly don't subscribe to a daily delivered print edition. That may go the way of the milkman and the laundry man. As for reading the paper online, get ready to pay for it. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has caused all the newspaper and magazine publishers to form an alliance. They have met with Apple, Amazon, and the major cell phone companies to develop a model for paid subscription services.

4. The Book

You say you will never give up the physical book that you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music from iTunes. I wanted my hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered that I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music. The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. And the price is less than half that of a real book. And think of the convenience! Once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book, you find that you are lost in the story, can't wait to see what happens next, and you forget that you're holding a gadget instead of a book.

5. The Land Line Telephone

Unless you have a large family and make a lot of local calls, you don't need it anymore. Most people keep it simply because they've always had it. But you are paying double charges for that extra service. All the cell phone companies will let you call customers using the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes

6. Music

This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It's the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear it. Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels and the radio conglomerates are simply self-destructing. Over 40% of the music purchased today is "catalogue items," meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with. Older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit. To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book, "Appetite for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, "Before the Music Dies."

7. Television

Revenues to the networks are down dramatically. Not just because of the economy. People are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers. And they're playing games and doing lots of other things that take up the time that used to be spent watching TV. Prime time shows have degenerated down to lower than the lowest common denominator. Cable rates are skyrocketing and commercials run about every 4 minutes and 30 seconds. I say good riddance to most of it. It's time for the cable companies to be put out of our misery. Let the people choose what they want to watch online and through Netflix.

8. The "Things" That You Own

Many of the very possessions that we used to own are still in our lives, but we may not actually own them in the future. They may simply reside in "the cloud." Today your computer has a hard drive and you store your pictures, music, movies, and documents. Your software is on a CD or DVD, and you can always re-install it if need be. But all of that is changing. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all finishing up their latest "cloud services." That means that when you turn on a computer, the Internet will be built into the operating system. So, Windows, Google, and the Mac OS will be tied straight into the Internet. If you click an icon, it will open something in the Internet cloud. If you save something, it will be saved to the cloud. And you may pay a monthly subscription fee to the cloud provider. In this virtual world, you can access your music or your books, or your whatever from any laptop or handheld device. That's the good news. But, will you actually own any of this "stuff" or will it all be able to disappear at any moment in a big "Poof?" Will most of the things in our lives be disposable and whimsical? It makes you want to run to the closet and pull out that photo album, grab a book from the shelf, or open up a CD case and pull out the insert.

9. Privacy

If there ever was a concept that we can look back on nostalgically, it would be privacy. That's gone. It's been gone for a long time anyway. There are cameras on the street, in most of the buildings, and even built into your computer and cell phone. But you can be sure that 24/7, "They" know who you are and where you are, right down to the GPS coordinates, and theGoogle Street View. If you buy something, your habit is put into a zillion profiles, and your ads will change to reflect those habits. "They" will try to get you to buy something else. Again and again.

What do you think or feel of the list above? Please share your comment on the blog below. We'd love to hear from you.

Keeping your figure

2011-07-25T00:08:00.000-07:00

"If you want to keep your figure, dear," said my Piano Tuner's mother, who lived round the corner, "don't ever stop skipping!" Well somewhere along the line I did, (stop skipping) and my figure suffered. We moved house and with all the stresses and diversions a move like that brings, my rope was never found - that is, until about a week ago!

I was searching in my children's game box which had been carefully packed away for over 30 years, (the contents of which was hopefully to be enjoyed one day by any future grandchildren I might have.) I wanted to send my grand daughter, who lives with her family in Australia, a certain game I had been telling her about. As I lifted out each box, I could clearly picture my own family, years ago, sitting round a table or on the floor, usually shrieking with laughter ( or sometimes sulking), as we played first the easier games, like "Snakes & Ladders" or "Ludo", (remember them? ), and then of course "Monopoly"; "Rich Uncle" or "WHOT"., to mention but a few.

At the very bottom of the box, when the last jig saw puzzle had been unpacked, lay my old rope, with its lovely wooden handles. Yay, yay and double yay!

Guess who is skipping her heart out every day on the lawn, in preparation for summer? MOI, and I am loving it!

Why Unicorns Eat Lavender Receives Another Compliment

2011-07-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Rosemary

Thank you for your book, "Why Unicorns Eat Lavender"

It is a wonderful book and my son loves it. Just yesterday he quoted it, saying he wanted to keep a secret that would keep him warm in summer and cool in winter.

I had to correct him about the actual quote, e.g. cool in summer and warm in winter, but nonetheless, the book clearly made an impression on him.

A grateful mother

(From USA)

The Demise of Handwriting as we have known it.

2011-07-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

When I was about 32 and teaching a class of very active 6/7 year olds, one of my pupils shouted out during a writing lesson, "Mrs Kahn, when you were young, did you write with a feather?" The rest of the class burst out laughing and so did I. It was funny, although the children could not have really known that. At that stage of their lives they had no real concept of educational progress or of the passage of time.

I have always felt that it is vital for children to be taught to write legibly and neatly and I am most certainly not ready to give up that idea, not quite yet, anyway.

I do concede, however, that learning to type quickly and accurately is just as essential these days. So my question is, why can't children be taught both skills, perhaps in a new and imaginative way? They serve different purposes after all but I do I believe that learning to write is a very important skill for the general development of the child. I do not intend to go into details here, but many studies have indicated this.

Therefore, I find it immensely dissatisfying and indeed very worrying, that in America, 41 of their States have already declared that it is no longer a requirement to teach children handwriting, although each individual school is at liberty to decide that for themselves! I would like to think that most schools will continue to do so as part of their regular curriculum, slotted in somewhere, perhaps in Arts and Crafts lessons, should those lessons still exist. When the current batch of teachers retire and new younger ones step in, I am sure the age of technology will take over completely. Perhaps then the only writing that will be required of children will be the ability to sign their names, and we all know that most signatures are entirely illegible in any case, so any old squiggle will do! I should imagine that practically anyone can do that, without resorting to the good old "X", which would be a giant step backwards.

What do you think?

Do send your comments!

Rosemary

Feedback From Tampa, Florida USA

2011-07-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Rosemary!

I wanted to let you know that Joseph (my son) loves "Why Unicorns Eat Lavender."
We have read it every night for the past week. Seriously. He is very intrigued by the Ice Queen and the King of Fire.
It is a wonderful book.
Such a great story with elments of myth and legend. I like it very much also.

Marie-Louise

Sighting Space Shuttle Atlantis on her final voyage.

2011-07-21T01:47:00.000-07:00

I happened to turn on the radio in time to catch the announcer reading out the exact time and place to view this exciting event, on Tuesday night, 19th July. I remembered the hype when this space shuttle was first launched, and determined to watch its final voyage and wave goodbye!

It was a clear dark night in Cape Town, not a speck of cloud about anywhere. A few stars were visible as I went outside, with my Dad's old binoculars, just after 7.00 p.m. At exactly 7.08, as announced, a bright light appeared to the west, just over the tip of Table Mountain and I was able to follow it for at least 3 minutes as it moved towards the east, trailed by another equally bright object. For some reason, I was really excited! As it disappeared from sight, I waited a few more minutes, thrilled to have witnessed this special event!

Below we include for you, video clips of:

1) The final take off of Space Shuttle Atlantis

2) A sighting of Space Shuttle Atlantis as seen from an aeroplane

3) Some thought provoking background into why this important work is coming to an end and the implications to others of this final event.

P.S.. Space Shuttle Atlantis has just touched down safely in Florida USA, (at 12 noon RSA time, 21 July 2011) closing the chapter of 30 years of successful space travel - I think that is amazing!

Well done to all concerned!

Favourite words

2011-03-02T00:19:00.000-08:00

Every morning after my prayers and meditation, I choose my favourtie word for the day. That's one of the luxuries of being retired. One has a little extra time to spare!

Yesterday I chose "rattletrap" because unfortunately, we seem to have more and more of them on our roads, here in the Western Cape.

Today's word is "dab". It is such a cute little word with quite a few meanings. As a teacher of young children, I was often fascinated by the way some of them would dab colour onto their painting paper - it is such a rhythmical word, isn't it?

My children might remember that this is not a new pastime for me - I can remember us laughing at words like "elbow" and windowsill" ; "grouch" and "hackles"; "nub" and "moggy". Sometimes we would select our word for the day by the word that sounded the funniest, most obscure or unusual.

I wonder if there is a word for playing this game and if any of you out there also do this?

If not, why don't you start today? It's just a bit of fun to relieve the tension of our busy lives, as we rush to complete our tasks each day.

Rosemary.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD.

2011-02-21T02:47:00.000-08:00

This is probably one of the most important decisions your will ever have to make for your child. Their school days are vital to their development, both socially and academically. Here are a few tips to help you.

1. By the time your child reaches the age of three, it is important to start thinking about schooling because these days one has to register the child at your chosen school early. You might even decide to choose two schools to be on the safe side.

2. Start by looking in your immediate geographical area. Consider the routes to the school and the distance from home.

3. Then make an appointment during school hours, to pay a visit to the school. Meet with the head teacher, or someone else in a senior position. Ask to be shown round the school. Take particular note of the noise volume; the general cleanliness; state of the toilets; the facilities offered (e.g. a well equipped library; computer rooms; music facilities; a gym; sports fields; a swimming pool; tuck shop and what they sell there; after school care, should you need it, etc.)

4. Ask for any year books; brochures; or other literature about the school.

5. If possible, have a good look at staff members. Are they relaxed and happy, or do they look harassed? If you come across any of the children, do they greet you politely, or do they push passed you rudely?

6. How much are the school fees, if any and where does one purchase school uniforms? How much will one be expected to outlay for those?

7. If you are thinking about a private school as opposed to a state school, once you have determined the cost per term, including books, stationery and extra-murals; ask yourself whether this outlay is within your financial means. One has to bear in mind that there will always be extra costs, too, for school outings; for the upgrade of certain facilities, and also for end of term plays, which will include costumes, and even props, to be paid for by the parents.

8. HOME SCHOOLING:

This is becoming quite a popular way to educate one’s child / children, providing that you have the time, not only to teach but also for the preparation of lessons.

This can be great fun and is very satisfying for certain children. In many countries there are home-school organizations, which can be found on the internet. It is very important to get in touch with one in your area, as this will help in many ways, e.g sharing of ideas and materials; obtaining the curriculum; socializing; educational outings; etc

For sport, see the local school in your area. Some schools are very happy to include a home schooled child in their extramural programme. This is great way for your child to meet other children with similar

interests.

A final word on this subject: Do make use of the internet. There are some excellent teachers out there, who have produced up to date and exciting teaching material for almost every subject including worksheets; projects; mathematics; creative activities, etc, much of it is free of charge, surprisingly enough! One can just down-load it.

Best wishes to you all for joyful and successful schooling.

Rosemary Kahn

_________________________________________________

Rosemary Kahn is a highly skilled and professional teacher with many years teachign experience. She is also a published authoress. If you would like a consultation via email or skype regarding the educational needs of your child, you are welcome to email her or her secretary to schedule an appointment.

What Has Happened to our Polite Society?

2011-02-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

What happened to good old fashioned "Service with a Smile"?

I think the beginning of this Century will go down in History as the age of Rudeness.

Matters seem to get worse by the day. P's and Q's hardly exist and has anyone recently received a Thank you note from any young person to whom you have sent a card or gift. There are a few exceptions, of course, but as a general rule, you are lucky if you get a one line email.

Just this week I have been ignored yet again when trying to pay for purchases at the check-out counter in my local supermarket, because the "lady" at the till happened to be having a long conversation with her friend at the next till. She could not be bothered to return my cheerful greeting, or to make eye contact with me. Not until I had said very loudly, "Are you going to serve me, or should I call the manager?", did she deign to ring up the few items I had placed on the counter. She took my cash and handed me my change whilst starting up another conversation, this time with a packer. I believe that this sort of behaviour is not uncommon. Many people on talk radio shows have commented on it.

Last week I had an appointment to see a doctor in a fairly large hospital. I arrived a little early, knowing I would have the usual forms to fill in as a new patient. On entering Reception, one lady behind the counter was eating a sandwich and had a mug of coffee in her hand, which she used, without a word, to point me towards the opposite counter. The lady there was sucking a red lollipop, which she did not remove from her mouth for the entire time it took her to take my name and give me the necessary forms; to ask for my I.D. Book and Medical Aid card, which she took away to photocopy. She handed the items back to me with a "lollipop-in-mouth" smile, stick bobbing up and down and that, as the saying goes, was that.

Two weeks ago I was in a long queue at the Post Office. I counted 21 people, all waiting to be served.

There were five empty counters. One elderly lady asked whether there was a strike on, or if their staff were off "sick"? "No," came the reply, from the one and only person trying to get through all the customers, "They are all on tea".

"How can this be allowed? Where was the postmaster?", someone else asked.

"Gone out". Was the curt reply. And with that three of us walked out.

Have you noticed how no one returns calls these days?
How one is kept holding on for ages, only to be told that the person you need to speak to urgently, is in a meeting?
Is that all anyone does these days? Attend meetings and then NEVER return calls?

Shopping is no longer the treat or a pleasant experience it was when I was young. There is no one around to help you and if you should be lucky enough to find someone eventually, they are so disinterested, you almost feel sorry to have bothered them.

I could go on and on - rude drivers; inconsiderate cyclists; etc; etc. Perhaps I should end with one last piece.

On a recent trip to the Cinema, I asked for two seats near the back on the aisle.

"Sorry, I can't do that," said the young man serving me." I can give you 5 rows down."

I sighed and took the tickets, only to find, as the lights went down, that there were only 3 other patrons besides us, in the whole place! Takes the cake, doesn't it?

by
Rosemary Kahn

A visit to one of the world’s most magnificent gardens

2010-10-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

A visit to one of the world’s most magnificent gardens.

(A place of historical interest.)

Written by Rosemary Kahn, Photographs by Deidi Gee

On the Eastern slope of the famous and majestic Table Mountain in Cape Town, there is a wonderful garden called Kirstenbosch. It is of world class botanical interest, open to all, cherished by thousands and the proud winner of many gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show!

Although it is mid-winter here, it is a warm and sunny day, with the bluest of skies and no wind. A perfect day for a walk .

The first curator of Kirstenbosch, Professor Harold Pearson, who trained at Kew, let the Garden develop naturally, to fit in with its surroundings, without formal landscape planning. As always, I visit the Dell and Colonel Bird’s Bath first, built by him in 1811, in the shape of a bird, over a crystal clear spring. It is my favourite spot. Here, on the steep slopes surrounding the spring, in the dappled shade of Tree Ferns, the famous Cycads, planted by Prof. Pearson grow, making this the heart of the Garden. It is hard to describe its beauty. There is a small cave and a waterfall and I sit for a while on a wooden bench, and listen to the sound of the water rushing over flat stepping stones. It pools below the waterfall, overflows and becomes a stream which runs right through the Garden, and eventually joins the Liesbeeck River.

I take the mountain pathway out of the Dell, and look towards the peak of Castle Rock as it stands guard over this area. Here above the Dell, the Proteas are in bloom and I watch several Cape sugarbirds collecting nectar. Winter is their breeding season.

Table Mountain, clothed in “green velvet”, with little streams forming silver ribbons in between its many folds and crevices, is a perfect back drop for the winter garden. I look down on a sea of red hot pokers and vast carpets of pink, white, orange and yellow oxalis. Behind me are tall Silver trees, named for their leaves covered in silver hairs.

I pause in wonder, at the sight of the Great Lawn below, with its sparkling lily pond and make my way to the Sundial at its upper end. I reach it just before a group of school children, on a nature study outing. I brought many children here, during my teaching years, and just for fun, I read aloud the inscription on the dial.

                        Horas Signo                      I indicate the hours

                        Umbra Movente                By shadow moving

                        Flores Gigno                     I bring forth the flowers

                        Luce Fovente                    By sunlight nurtured.

I point out the time. The children check their watches to see if the sundial is correct!

I walk on down to the Avenue of old Oaks, their gnarled leafless branches waiting for Spring. I look towards the mountain once more and hear again, my three year old daughter’s words, as we stood beneath these trees, over 40 years ago.

“Mummy,” she said, clasping my hand to make sure she had my full attention. “This place is full of angels!”

And so it is.

Kirstenbosch, Cape Town

2010-10-04T01:55:00.000-07:00

Kirstenbosch is a spectacularly beautiful Botanical Garden situated in Cape Town, South Africa.

Kirstenbosch has to be my most favourtie place - it is so peaceful and beautiful. I

I hope you enjoy these photo's as much as my family and I do.

Whether we look at the beauty of the individual flower,

A small group or family of flowers,

Or the magnificence of the bigger picture

The beauty in this Botanical Garden is everywhere to be found.

Eating Fruit

2010-06-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think. It's important to know how and when to eat.

What is the correct way of eating fruits?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS!
* FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil....

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining — every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet, etc — actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will NOT happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene — the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content.. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can u believe this?? For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE': (THIS IS NOT A JOKE!) Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.

This article was forwarded to us by a friend, we do not know who the author is.

Don't Forget Your Sisters

2010-06-06T04:09:00.000-07:00

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother.

As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.

'Don't forget your sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.'

'Remember that 'sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.'

What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!'

But she listened to her mother. She kept contact with her sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her mother really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, sisters are the mainstays of her life.

After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:

     THIS SAYS IT ALL:

     Time passes.

     Life happens.

     Distance separates.

     Children grow up.

     Jobs come and go.

     Love waxes and wanes.

     Men don't do what they're supposed to do.

     Hearts break.

     Parents die.

     Colleagues forget favors.

     Careers end.

     BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you....Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family: all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Inspiring Images

2010-06-03T00:07:00.000-07:00

Even the pretty ones
are all alone sometime.

Remember the buddy system...
because two have more fun than one!

Take time once in a while
to just
enjoy the moment.

Always try to do what you are taught,
it can sometimes lead to beautiful things.

Don't worry about what you see in the mirror,
beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Remember, no matter how much
you resemble your siblings,
you are still unique!

Whenever possible, jump and clap for joy!
and...
Always keep in mind that
the world is filled with marvels...

You never know what awaits around the next bend!

The True Author of Naomi's Tonsils

2009-11-24T23:33:00.000-08:00

Photograph of the actual book cover "Naomi's Tonsils" On the image you can see
the Author:
Rosemary Kahn and the Illustrator Ian Lusted

In order to give a good service to our readers we regularly check the Feedjit to see what our readers are searching for that brings them to our blog. Recently we noticed a number of readers came searching for Naomi's Tonsils.

We decided to do a google search and to our dismay discovered that there are a number of websites that list this book under a different author. When emailing to request that they correct their error, we received a reply that there appears to be multiple authors.

We would like to draw your attention to the truth.

Naomi's Tonsils is a delightful book written by Rosemary Kahn specifically to ease the process of children needing to go to hospital for a tonsillectomy. There is and always has been ONLY ONE author. The book was published by Juta Publishers in South Africa and Rosemary Kahn holds the copyright for this book.

Jutas did sell the book to Nationale Pers however there was never any change of author.

If you are reading this post and have seen another author listed, please notify us as we wish to ensure that all information regarding this or any other books authored by Rosemary Kahn is correct.

If you are reading this and have a website with the erroneous information, kindly correct the error and notify us that you have done so.

Many thanks

Shoshanah
Manager of the Official Blog of Rosemary Kahn
http://rosemarysbookcorner.blogspot.com

While a Child is in the Book Corner

2009-11-22T08:11:00.001-08:00

One of our readers wanted to know what to look for or observe when a child is in the book corner.

The truth is that you don't have to observe anything. Allow the child to enjoy the book corner. When children are permitted to have time looking at books on their own, they will tell themselves the story from memory. They might add to or subtract from it according to their own tastes, memory, mood, what is on their mind, what is troubling them, how they want the story to be.

Children may also take a book that has not as yet been read to them, and tell themselves about the book / story according to the pictures. In this way, they have the opportunity to develop their imagination and creative thinking and also to increase their memory skills.

Although they will not be formally reading, this too is an important aspect of enabling a child to learn and to appreciate and enjoy books.

Children's Book Corner, With Photographs - Part 1

2009-11-10T00:13:00.001-08:00

Some readers have been searching for images of children's book corners. In this post we will start to give some thoughts with a few images. We hope to photograph a few other book corners too, so as to provide a little more variety and ideas for parents.

The images below are not placed in any special order.

This photo shows a boy who is already old enough to sit at a table on his own and enjoy looking through a book without supervision or assistance. Notice the enjoyment on his face and obvious concentration in whatever the topic of the book is. Behind him you see two shelves of books.

This could be a book corner or library at school, at a local library, or if his parents are well organized, even at home.

It looks as though the table top is raised slightly to assist him to look more easily. Since we obtained this image from microsofts free images, it is not easy to know for certain.

The next photo shows two boys sharing a book together. They look as though they are enjoying both the company and the book. It could be that a bookcorner is next to them, however not as easy to see in this photo.

What the photo does suggest is the importance of offering smaller children a table and chairs for them to sit at while looking at a book. Preferable table and chairs the correct height so that when they sit down, their feet can reach the ground. This frees children's energy from being busy about their position at the table to being able to concentrate on the book they are reading or looking at.

This photograph shows a father holding his child to show her a book. This could be in a library or next to the parents' bookshelves. Either way, it is another way to help children to realize the importance of books not only for them, but for the whole family. In this way, we can begin to help children to appreciate the value of books and why they should be treated and handled with care.

This photograph is just for fun, to show that a book corner can even be a collection of precious books tied up with a bow. In this image they are high up for the child. The child's own books should be within their reach.

This cute photo shows a little girl, enjoying a book, seated in a chair just right for a child. The chair is positioned in front of her book corner. This is an ideal set up for a child.

It seems from the photo that the child has already learned to appreciate books and is looking with care, her finger pointing or tracing hovers a little above the page.

Remember, when children look at books, it is good practice to teach them to always wash their hands prior to sitting down to look at a book, even their very own books.

We hope to put up some more photo's on this topic soon. In the meantime, if you have questions regarding reading skills either from an experienced teachers perspective or an occupational therapists, please either post a comment or email us.

Enjoy reading with your children.

An Unusual Maths Lesson - Enjoy!

2009-11-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

As a teacher, to interest the children, some of their lessons I would call the "wonder of number". For very young children, with a simple pack of cards, one can place 10 at the top and then going down,

9+1
8+2
7+3
6+4
5+5
4+6
3+7
2+8
1+9

Children love patterns and order. They "get it" so easily, if bonds are set out in this way. They need to see the numbers at work with each other. This is harder to do now that calculators are the thing in classrooms. While there is a need for them, and many valuable tricks and games can be introduced using them, children should see these wonderful, orderly patterns on paper, right before their eyes, first. They should have the opportunity to work out magic squares, for instance, and only then should calculators be introduced. The slides below will fascinate young and old alike. Do enjoy it. Right at the end you will find a special message.

Now let us take a look at the following:

From a strictly Mathematical point of view, what equals 100%?

What does it mean to give 100%?

How about ACHIEVING 100%

What equals 100% in life?

Remember, remember the 5th of November….

2009-11-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

Photograph courtesy of Shear Success Photographers

Yes, that day has rolled round once again! Guy Fawkes night, which marks the downfall of the Gunpowder Plot of 5^th November, 1605, when a group of Catholics, including Guy Fawkes, tried to blow up London’s Houses of Parliament. It has been celebrated in Britain ever since, and later, in the British colonies.

In Australia, the sale and use of fireworks was made illegal during the 1970’s. Sensible people, the Australians. They thereby protected countless animals from a night of terror, as well as saving money. There is a time and place for wonderful firework displays, but not in one’s back yard.

Here in South Africa, the meaning of the celebration has been largely lost or is ignored, but fireworks are allowed in certain designated areas. In Cape Town, where I live, many of our beaches have been set aside for tonight, as well of some of our sports club’s parking areas. People may gather in those places to light their crackers and their bonfires. However, year after year there are huge complaints afterwards, regarding the litter left behind. I suppose it is hard to clean up in the dark.

My father remembers that, as a child, own his father would bring home fireworks for them all to set off, under his strict control. At that time there was a firework factory on the Cape Flats and all the “cafes” and small corner shops sold them very cheaply. The Cape Coloured community loved Guy Fawkes Night and they even made up tuneful songs which they went round the streets singing, very much like the carol singers do, hoping to raise money to buy their fireworks.

Even today, many people choose to ignore the recent restrictions and continue to set off their fireworks at home, in the suburbs. Loud bangs and the whizzing noises from rockets may be heard all over the city, terrifying household pets and small children.

I suppose this year will be no different, but I for one, am praying for rain!

Rosemary Kahn

On Introducing Your Young Child to a Book Corner.

2009-11-03T21:01:00.001-08:00

I believe that it is never too soon to start showing books to babies. Small babies like the movement of the pages and the sounds they make, just as much as they love being held closely. The tone of your voice and the colours and shapes will hold their interest.

We all know the vital role books play in a young child’s life and how they can help with concentration; visual stimulation; language and listening skills and many more benefits. When a child reaches out and wants to hold his or her own book, the time has come to start planning a special “home” for the child’s very own books. This does not have to be elaborate in any way. A big cushion on the floor and a large box or carton to hold the books safely, without getting them damaged, is quite sufficient, as long as the child can reach the books easily.

You might want to clear the bottom shelf of one of your own book cases to house your child’s books. Or, as one of my daughters did for her little one, make and brightly paint a special bookcase for a corner in the child’s bedroom. Once again, the child must be able to reach the books and the experience must be cosy and inviting.

Once this is set out, the child will quite happily go there alone, to “read” for short periods. When the first sign of this happens, some simple rules should be set, in a relaxed and happy manner.

“Oh, good,” you might say “that’s a wonderful idea! I can see you have found your own special book corner. Now you can read your book and I will read mine”.

Toddlers often have very short attentions spans, but most will sit for a while with a favourite book, just looking at the pictures.

At the end of the little book corner session, it is important to make sure the books are returned to their box or shelf, preferably by the child. It is important too, to make sure that the reading activity does not involve any other activity at this stage – scribbling in books, tearing or cutting, is just not acceptable. So keep the crayons far way from the books, out of temptation’s way.

Visits to the children’s section of your local library are also a wonderful way to introduce the child to a home book corner. I have found children well before their second birthdays, know just what to do and where to go in their own special section of the library. There are often comfy little chairs and tables for the children, or cushions on the floor. I think it is a good idea to let the child choose a book unaided. The big picture books might even be in a special basket at just the right height for the child. And children delight in finding a copy of a favourite “home” book on the library shelves. The child will sit down and page through the book, reliving the story that has been read to them at home.

By introducing your child, carefully and lovingly to a book corner at home, you will be starting that child on the road to a life time of reading and enjoyment. Reading, as the child grows older, becomes a solitary pastime and pleasure, and it is never too early to lay the foundations for that satisfying experience.

Rosemary Kahn

Scottish Bird

2009-11-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

So, this bird walks into a store.........

Watch! He s-l-o-w-l-y enters the store......and then he runnnnnnns........OUT!

A seagull in Scotland has developed the habit of stealing chips from a neighborhood shop.

The seagull waits until the shopkeeper isn't looking (so a camera was installed), and then walks into the store and grabs a snack-size bag of cheese Doritos.

Once outside, the bag gets ripped open and becomes a feast, for other birds!

The seagull ' s shoplifting started early this month, when he first swooped into the store in Aberdeen, Scotland, and helped himself to a bag of chips.

Since then, he ' s become a "regular". He always takes the same type of chips.

Customers have begun paying for the seagull ' s stolen bags of chips,... because they think it ' s so funny!

Miracles DO happen.

2009-11-02T11:18:00.000-08:00

It was a day of gale force winds of the worst kind, along the Atlantic seaboard in Cape Town, South Africa. It was not a day to be out and about, but my cousin Raymond, who is not in the best of health and has great difficulty walking, had an urgent dentist appointment.

He and his wife made it safely to the Medical Centre. The procedure completed, they went back downstairs. There they discovered, to their dismay, that the wind had become even stronger. Nola offered to fetch the car, so that Raymond would only have to walk a short distance.

As it happened, he made it to the appointed spot but had to cling onto a pole for support, such was the strength of the wind. With difficulty, Nola brought the car safely along side the kerb and Raymond attempted to open the passenger door with one hand, whilst clinging onto the pole with the other. Because of the wind, he was unable to open the door wide enough to climb inside, so Nola, having pulled up the handbrake, got out of the car to help him.

However, the force of the wind was so great that two things seemed to happen at once. The car began to roll forward just as a powerful gust of wind forced the car door against the pole. Raymond let go just in time, but having no support, he immediately fell flat on his back, with his body on the pavement and his head in the gutter, mere centimeters away from the front wheel of the car, which was still moving forward.

He felt he was done for - certain that terrible injury or even death awaited him, as Nola, shaking like a leaf, rushed back into the car to try to stop its progress.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, there appeared a woman, wearing a helmet and riding a motor cycle. Leaving the cycle next to the car, she rushed up to Raymond and with tremendous strength in that very strong wind, she managed to lift his head up and out of the gutter and onto the pavement. She then rushed into a nearby shop and came out with a length of cord. With this, she quickly secured the broken door to the back door of the car, so as to enable the couple to somehow make their way home.

Then, as though it was all in a day’s work for her, and without so much as a backward glance, she mounted her motor cycle and took off into the teeth of the wind.

Raymond, who had thanked her profusely, only managed to get her first name out of her, which he now cannot remember.

Nola, still shaking, pushed Raymond into the back of the car on the driver’s side and somehow managed to get them home.

Who was their saviour? Had they been visited by an angel, or perhaps Elijah the Prophet himself, in one of his many disguises? Perhaps we shall never know, but for Raymond, it was obviously a miracle!

Puppy Size

2009-10-20T03:57:00.000-07:00

This story was sent to us as a forwarded message. It is so sweet we had to share it with you, our readers.

Puppy Size

This is one of the neatest stories. You will know precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end (you'll want to share this one with your loved ones and special friends)!

'Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this,' the mother told the volunteer.

'What is it she keeps asking for?' the volunteer asked.
'Puppy size!' replied the mother

'Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for.' 'I know.... we have seen most of them, ' the mom said in frustration...

Just then Danielle came walking into the office

'Well, did you find one?' asked her mom.

'No, not this time,' Danielle said with sadness in her voice. 'Can we come back on the weekend?'

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed

'You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply,' the volunteer said.

Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. 'Don't worry, I'll find one this weekend,' she said.

Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being too particular. 'It's this weekend or we're not looking any more,' Dad finally said in frustration.

'We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either,' Mom added.

Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning . By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs.

Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.

Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one.
One by one she said, 'Sorry, but you're not the one.'

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer.

'Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!' She screamed with joy. 'It's the puppy size!'

'But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks,' Mom said.

'No not size... The sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed,' she said.
'Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!'

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both.

'Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms,' she said. Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, 'Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!'

Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you sigh.

I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day. They are the sighs of God. Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear. 'Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.'

Love in Nature

2009-10-09T02:19:00.000-07:00

There are times that life gets tough, boring, challenging, hard in every respect. What can we do to keep our spirits up and maintain that confidence that everything is good and for the good?

Just when things seem the most challenging, nature provides us with beautiful pictures.

There are those who care

There is always someone there.

Even when we can't quite see it, sometimes we just need to turn a little or around.

But nature certain shows us that love is to be found.

From the love of dolphins

To those so different to us

To the beautiful swawns who show us

That we don't need to fuss.

The One who Created all of this, is always to be found
Even when He sits so high from our ground.

So let these pictures comfort you
For honestly it is true.
Life is filled with beauty and kindness
It is for us to embrace the Oneness
For within nature is the greatest love
Smiling down on you from the One above.

We hope these images bring you much peace, joy and love

Koalas Love Water

2009-10-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Koala bears love water? Have a look at these cute photos

These images were forwarded to me by a friend. We do not know who the photographer is. If you know who photographed these very cute images, please do let us know so that we can reference them correctly.

Recent Book Reading

2009-10-02T00:43:00.000-07:00

Book reading of Why Unicorns Eat Lavender at the Book Lounge in Roeland Street, Cape Town.

Notice how focused everyone is. Completely absorbed in the adorable story, being read by Rosemary Kahn, the author.

The original paintings on silk being shown to the children by the artist, Annie Pigott while Rosemary Kahn reads the story. Once again, notice how all heads are facing the illustrations and the story.

The next Book Reading is due to take place at Folio's, a new bookshop opposite Westerford School in Newlands.

To schedule a Book Reading, please post a request at the bottom of this post or send an email. To purchase your very own book, just click on Why Unicorns Eat Lavender or browse this blog for further details.

Bambi & Thumper

2009-09-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

Certain children's programmes or films became family favourites, of which Bambi is one. Did you know that Bambi and Thumper are real?

These delightful photographs taken by Tanya Askani demonstrate the ability of animals to live in harmony together.

May you always have
Love to Share,
Health to Spare,
and Friends that Care.

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL !!

2009-08-18T23:03:00.000-07:00

Why Unicorns Eat Lavender
- Written by Rosemary Kahn, Illustrated by Annie Pigott

In Honour of the Birthday of the Author, this delightful book
"Why Unicorns Eat Lavender" is being sold at the Special PRICE of ONLY US $ 7 instead of US$ 10.
The US$5 for shipping still remains.

If you would like to benefit from this special birthday price, please place your order any time between 19 and 21 August 2009.

To benefit from the special rate, please click on the wording
BIRTHDAY SPECIAL

Hurry Along now to make your purchase as there are limited copies available.

Feedback to the Wave Pictures

2009-08-14T00:41:00.000-07:00

Wave Photograph by Clark Little

It is always nice to receive positive feedback. After receiving an uplifting email of some stunning photographs, we obtain permission to post them on this blog. Having a few items listed on an Etsy Store, we decided to share these beautiful images with fellow artists on Etsy.

Here are just a few of the comments received from those who looked at the link.

We hope that you have enjoyed these and other inspirational images on this post. Do let us know which you enjoy and please share the link with your friends.

Living in a world where much of the news in the media is negative, it is special to have something good and beautiful to share.

Ericalev says: Amazing

Photomenagerie says: Those are stunning photos. Thanks for the link!

Mostlyart says: Those are the prettiest pictures I have ever seen! Thank you so much for sharing ♥

Kymsart says: Beautiful! Made my day!!!

Amyblandford says: amazing photos! thanks for sharing!

Modflo says: wow, gorgeous photos!

Snowdropsense says: love them!

Elizabellajewelry says: wow! they're beautiful.

Jeniferdenispotter says: So beautiful! And he must have a waterproof camera! Love those, thanks for sharing.

peacefrogdesigns says: WOW. Just WOW. :) Thanks for posting.

Artistically speaking says: Crabs and fish see this stuff every day ... now we humans can enjoy the beauty of surf, sand, and sky from a whole new perspective.

Glad you brought this to brighten our day.

What do you say? Take a look at the post immediately before this one, and let us know which one you enjoy the most and why.

Wave Photographs by Clark Little

2009-08-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

These exquisite photographs were sent to me by a good friend who herself is a wonderful photographer. We so enjoyed the images that we contacted the photographer Clark Little and requested permission to share them with you, the reader of this blog.

We are very grateful to have been granted permission to share these images. Please do visit Clark Little's website for further information about his work. If you do visit his site, you will read how he came to begin photographing waves. As the website explains, his wife had wanted some beautiful art for her walls. Being in Hawaii he decided to please his wife and went out with his camera to photograph. The results were so well received that he has continued to photograph waves, becoming an expert in this type of photography.

It is inspiring to see a live example of the saying "seize the moment". When opportunities come knocking at your door, follow through with them, you never know where it might lead to. Seeing these photographs it is evident what beauty is possible.

Sun . glints off wave
Clark Little/SWNS

Sand . in surf
Clark Little/SWNS

Tubular . shining
Clark Little/SWNS

Beach . surf crashes down
Clark Little/SWNS

Molten . liquid gold
Clark Little/SWNS

White . tumultuous water

Splash . stunning shot
Clark Little/SWNS

Break . wave crashes down
Clark Little/SWNS

The Sea-Through Sea Shell

Snow Sculptures

2009-08-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

Snow, as it settles, can give a beautiful effect to the landscape. The image above with the sunlight peeping above the trees, on its own is a stunning image. Did you think snow can become even more beautiful?

Sculpture is a medium of art that one usually associates with marble, wood or another form of stone. In more recent years, man discovered that other solid materials can also be used to form sculptures. Hence the incredible effects using butter, sand and more.

Making sculptures out of snow originated in Mandschu. In 1963 the first exhibition was held and in 1985, an annual festival began. This has developed to become a mass event attracting tourists from around the world.

Each team is given a snow block of 3 x 3 meters. Here we see these snow blocks being prepared.

Take a look at the incredible effects possible with snow. Since the temperatures remain below freezing for half of the year, these sculptures are able to last for quite some time.

Incredible to see the buildings created out of snow.
Gives a new meaning to the igloo.

The Magic of Bananas

2009-08-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

The article below was forwarded to me. Since my father loves bananas I began to realize there is good reason to.

I thought this was quite informative. A very inexpensive supplement.

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression 'going bananas' is from the effects of bananas on the brain.

Read on:

Never ever, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!

This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.

No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:

According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:

Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:

High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:

This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:

200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:

High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:

One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:

Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:

Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:

Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Overweight and at work?

Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:

The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:

Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use:

Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:

Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:

According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40% !!!

Warts:

Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape !!!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. Maybe its time to change that well- known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'

PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS

PS:

Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time !!!

I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes??

Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth.

Bananas are the most amazing fruit !!!

Modern Technology and the Older Generation.

2009-07-26T04:27:00.000-07:00

One cannot generalize, of course, but there are some “Golden oldies” who greatly dislike and even fear this age of technology. Here is an example.

Last night at a special dinner, I soon realized that at my table of eight, I was the youngest by quite some years. Everyone introduced themselves and slowly the conversation began to flow. It was soon found that four of the eight had attended the same school! There was great excitement at that and much reminiscing. “Do you remember so and so?” etc.,

Gradually the conversation swung round to the internet, because the school had a website and an “Old Girl’s section”. Two of the ladies admitted to not owning or having access to a computer. One of the other ladies declared that she simply hated all the “new” gadgets and went on to tell how her husband had given her a “Magimix” when they first became available, many years ago.

She had pretended to be delighted and very grateful but said that she would keep it for “PASSOVER”.

That first year, Passover came and went and the machine remained in its box. After all, she said, she was a very good cook, but she preferred to do things the way her mother had taught her.

Some thirty years later, that machine is still in its box, unused and in pristine condition. “And as for cell phones”, she remarked, “What use do I have for them? My telephone at home suits me fine. If I am in the bank, its banking I want to do, and likewise for the Post Office. A cell phone would just be a nuisance at Bridge games, and an invasion in the Supermarket. One doesn’t want one in the Cinema either. I don’t drive any more,” she added, “So I really don’t need one”.

And I must say that we all had to agree!

Some of the over sixties both male and female, have taken to each advance in the technological field with excitement and have studied the manuals, (grand children are a great help here ) and are quite at home with cell phones, remote controls for their television sets, calculators and of course, emails and the internet. But there are some, if they would only admit it, who live just as happily, without any of it!

Feedback and Comments Sent In

2009-07-24T02:10:00.000-07:00

The following comments have been sent in via Face Book, Twitter, Etsy and email. Do post comments directly to this blog too.

This comment was sent in after we posted the Perceptual images with a tree and...

"I like the baby one myself, thx. Tree picture that is..
Thank you. Love that kind of stuff :)"

Take a look at the images yourself and let us know which one you preferred.

Or

Read the other articles, look at the images, view the books and purchase one for a child you know. Remember, let us know your comments and feedback.

This comment was sent in response to the photographs of the Cape Town Thunder Storm

"They are amazing!"
" wow fantastic storm photos!"
"absolutely beautiful picture. what a place to grow up!"

In response to the book: Why Unicorns Eat Lavendar
Beautiful!! - Comment by an artist on Etsy

These comments were posted in response to the Snow Sculptures:

"Thank you so much for sharing. I have seen snow and ice sculptures in Idaho but these are amazing. I love the horses. Beautiful."

"stunning."

"Beautiful. That's some art.
I'm your first follower :) "

"Those are GORGEOUS! I like the woman the best."

Photographs of a Cape Storm

2009-07-23T20:19:00.001-07:00

Being a School Teacher provides the opportunity to hear the cutest sayings from children. The Cape is known for various storms, some years being stronger than others. In the 1980's there was a storm that was particularly strong. It rained for a few days, with heavy rains and a lot of storm damage.

At the end of the storm a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noticing this from the classroom window, a second grade child folded his arms, looked up at the sky, shook his head and said: "Promises! Promises!" After all, hadn't G-d promised not to destroy the world by flood? Well to a 7 year old boy, the city he lived in was his world.

Have a look at the photographs below for an idea of how this little boy felt.

Photo's taken in Somerset West, South Africa on Sunday 12 July 2009 when the Cape had a massive storm.

While the images of nature might be interesting, fascinating, even a beautiful image, the storm was very frightening to drive in....

One taxi or car load misjudged how deep the water was.

Cape Town Thunder Storm

2009-07-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

One of the Cape's best kept secrets is that during June and July and especially during the school holidays, we can experience wonderful balmy days with warm sunshine and no wind. Temperatures can reach 25 degrees C. and then one wonders why so many leave the Cape to go away for the holidays. It is a bit chilly for swimming, I suppose. However, just as easily and quickly one can awake to heavy skies and exciting thunder storms, with streaks of lightning. This might be followed by rain in abundance, which often causes rivers to burst their banks and general flooding of roads, especially in the low lying areas of the Cape Flats. Water cascades down the famous Table Mountain into the rivers and underground springs pop up in certain suburbs, most notably in Newlands, flooding houses and gardens and quickly causing swimming pools and ponds to overflow. Storm water drains are unable to cope with the extra volumes of water and raging torrents quickly build up, sometimes making it impossible for people to get into or out of their homes. Just as quickly, these storms abate and one has a period of relative calm and one or two of those beautiful sunny days mentioned earlier. The Cape Peninsula has nine different climatic regions and it is not unusual for Capetonians to experience all four seasons in a single day!

Here are some photographs sent to me by my friend Deidi that illustrate these incredible storms.

Isn't this sky incredible?

What a beautiful light...

THE DANGERS OF BOILING WATER IN A MICROWAVE OVEN

2009-07-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

The following e-mail was sent to National Safety from one of our readers.

“I feel that the following information that anyone who uses a microwave oven to heat water should know. My 26-year old son decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before.

I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he told me that he wanted to bring the water to boil. When the time shut the oven of, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the water in the cup was not boiling, but instantly the water in the cup “blew up” into his face. The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand but all the water had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. His whole face is blistered and he has 1^st and 2^nd degree burns to his face, which may leave scarring. He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in the microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc.

It is however a much safer choice to boil water in a teakettle.

Please pass this information on to friends and family.

General Electric’s Response:

“The e-mail that you received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it. To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup.

After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds before moving it or adding anything into it. I hope this helps. Should you need any further assistance, please contact us.

Response from a Scientist

“Thanks for the microwave warning. I have seen this happen before. It is caused by a phenomenon known as super heating. It can occur anytime water is heated and will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup). What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapour bubbles can form. If the cup is very new then it is unlikely to have small surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form.

As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat that has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point. What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred, which is just enough of a shock to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a carbonated beverage spews when opened after having been shaken”.

If you pass this on….you could very well save someone from a lot of pain and suffering.

What Do You See - The Tree or ?

2009-07-23T04:36:00.000-07:00

Look at the tree from a distance or through half closed eyes (ie through your eye lashes)

Can you see 10 faces?
If not, look again or for a little longer.

Now take a look at this image.

Can you see the face?

How about this tree?

Can you see the baby?

Why Unicorns Eat Lavender Gains in Popularity!

2009-05-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

Aren't these just delightful.

Still a few copies left of Why Unicorns Eat Lavender by Rosemary Kahn, but hurry along to purchase your book, while there are still some in stock.

ONLY US$ 15 - Shipping Included!

On Writing by Rosemary Kahn

2009-03-18T04:28:00.000-07:00

I am never at a loss for ideas for stories. I write these down in notebooks; in my diary; on scraps of paper; in the margins of newspapers and I have recently taken to keeping a small note pad in the kitchen. Ideas are one thing but my best sentences always seem to pop into my head when I am in the shower or driving in heavy traffic! Later, try as I might, I can never seem to get them as perfect as they were the first time round. I wonder if this happens to all writers?

It is important for any writer to be self-disciplined and well organized. Although the computer is an invaluable tool, I find I still like to store my ideas and even my first and second drafts of a story, in a cardboard folder. These I file and they are easily accessible. I also put any correspondence into that same file, even the rejection slips!

Reading is more than a hobby for me. It is an essential part of my writing. As Samuel Johnson (1709 – 1784) said,

“The greatest part of a writer’s time is spent in reading, in order to write…”

I read widely, on many subjects, for myself and for my writing. I also make a point of keeping up with what is on the bookshop shelves in the Children’s section and spend time in the library listening to the children’s comments on certain books.

As I write mostly for young children, I read my own work out aloud. In this way, I can correct the flow of words and also make sure that my meaning is clear. I always write with a sense of purpose and I keep asking myself if this is what a small child would want to hear. I try to include humour in every story for very young children. There is time enough for the more serious stuff later on. I also always try to put myself in the minds of the main characters. I ask myself whether their behaviour is

appropriate – sometimes the real humour stands out when it is not!

To any aspiring writer I would say, love what you have chosen to do. Enjoy the process. It is hard work but so too is everything else in any profession, including sport.

My mother used to say “If it’s worthwhile doing, it is worthwhile doing well” and I thoroughly agree with that, although writing is so subjective. Never despair when rejection slips roll in – keep on going. It is worth it in the end when that first break through comes. There are very few events in life as thrilling as seeing your own first book in print!

Best of luck to you all.

Rosemary

On Being a Long Distance Grandmother

2009-03-18T04:05:00.000-07:00

Recently I was reminded once again, just how hard it is to be living thousands of miles from our children and grandchildren. So far, I have been blessed with a beautiful 3 year old, who lives in Australia, and whom of course, I love dearly. That there must be many thousands of Grandparents in my position, does not help to ease the sadness in my heart, or the knowledge that this precious grandchild of mine will grow up without me really knowing her. We do see each other on Skype once a week and that is blessing for which I am not ungrateful, but I need more. I need personal contact. I have so much to learn from her, as she would have from me.

She is a bright little girl, and talks very well and sensibly for her age. It has been explained to her many times that her only granny lives far, far away. It’s a hard concept for her to grasp when she has never been to South Africa. She has not seen my home and probably never will. So I was doubly saddened a few days ago, when she turned to her mother, whilst we were on Skype, and said “ Mommy, can my Granny come for a sleepover this weekend?”

Blessings to you all.

Rosemary

Baking Hamantaschen Purim 2009

2009-03-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

This year, although I have no children at home, I felt like making Hamantaschen just for myself. As I am allergic to eggs, and as I did not want to use my usual recipe, adapted for the classroom when I was teaching at a Jewish Day School, I decided to search the web. This exercise brought up so many interesting sites, that before I knew it, I had forgotten about the Hamantaschen and had spent two very happy hours reading all sorts of other interesting items, such as how to make money from home and where to order beautiful wigs, a subject of my longing, but that’s another story altogether.

To return to the recipies. Here I was also distracted, as I scrolled through hundreds of kosher recipies for everything from bagels to Latkes. It seemed unbelievable that so few were egg free. At last I remembered my quest for hamantashen and eventually found an egg free one, using filo dough. It turned out to be very easy and quite delicious. I experimented with various fillings. My favourite being ground walnuts mixed with apricot jam. The recipe, however, makes 6 – 8 dozen! After the first tray, I began to make them bigger and in the end, had about 4 dozen, but even that was a bit much for one dieting granny. After 5 or 6 of the small ones, I had satisfied my craving and had thought through all my memories of “Purims” past and present. So I packed them up and delivered the lot to an old aged home nearby. They were delightfully sticky and I drove home humming, with the image of the oldies happily licking their fingers and smacking their lips!

Extra Tuition in Reading, Writing, Spelling etc., for Children in Cape Town

2009-02-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

EXTRA TUITION
experienced teacher

Grade 1-5

Reading • Comprehension • Writing
Spelling • Story Writing
Project Planning • Maths (up to grade 4)
Rosemary: Tel: 021 762 1577
Cell: 083 510 8709

My approach is to structure each lesson to the needs of the individual pupil, using all the experience and tools at my disposal. I have devised games for phonics which are suitable for older children who have not learnt these sounds at an earlier age and also for the difficult words which are the exception to every rule.

I keep each exercise short, and in an hour's lesson, there are a variety of activities to encourage the child to read. I have purchased books which are easy reads with the content of interest to 9 - 12 year olds. For those who are not interested in writing "stories" as such, we are working on lyrics set to well known pop tunes. I suppose one could call this a form of poetry! It is stretching it a bit, but one pupil in particular, has found this very exciting!

Children come to me after school, so that means they are quite tired and therefore each lesson starts with four Brain Gym exercises + that very important glass of water. After that, the hour goes quickly and at the end, the pupils seem reluctant to leave. I find it satisfying to see them leave with a spring in their step and a smile on their faces.

Windows on a Fresh New World

2009-02-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

As a teacher of young children, one has the tremendous privilege of opening their eyes to the many wonders of the world around us. Each and every day there is the opportunity to show them something new from the garden, from the school playground or playing fields. Weekend walks in the forest or on one of our beautiful beaches yield treasures without number. A perfect shell can be the start of a drawing or painting lesson; a lesson researching the names of shells and sea creatures. This could mean a visit to the school library where not only books but also charts can be found. A weaverbird's nest always brings the question of HOW a bird knows instinctively to build a nest to a certain pattern. Are they taught? They don't have pattern books like the knitters in the family. Hours of research and chatter will bring many fascinating answers but the best thing of all is that it has got children thinking.

Looking feeling; teaching and questioning are valuable experiences woven into the school day of the young child. In return, these little people provide their teachers with an endless range of "lessons" too.

As their vocabularies are enriched by their experiences, so their use of words is increased and the teacher is often surprised by the insight expressed in stories and poems, even by children in Grades 1 and 2. A child might write about a beloved grandmother and in a few short words, sum up the family situation. "My Granny is kind. She lives all alone." Speaks volumes, doesn't it?"

Most of all one has to love and admire the wisdom of the young child and the way it is expressed. So much can be learned, if one just takes time to listen. We as adults might say one thing, but their experience shows them another. Here's an example.

Once after a lesson about Noah and the Flood and the rainbow, which was to remind us of G-d's promise never to cause such a flood again, a small boy looked out of the open classroom door and across the passage, at a particularly heavy downpour. Head thrown back he surveyed the leaden sky and with his hands on his hips, said loudly, above the noise of the rain, "Promises, promises!"

The class was settled and the first lesson of the morning in progress, when suddenly the door was pushed open and a seven-year old boy rushed in.

"Sorry I'm late!" he said, "Today I walked to school through the clouds!" and that was almost true, for that morning there had been an exceptionally thick and swirling ground mist all the way from his home to the school and beyond. In parts it had been waist high.

"Was it wet and cold," asked a little girl?

"Just as wet and cold and soft as a cloud," came the reply. "I was just a little bit scared because the path had disappeared. But my feet knew the way!"

The class was silent, taking in all those feelings and then in a moment there was a burst of chatter and they had moved on.

The childhood years go by so quickly. Parents should take time in their busy lives just to stop and look at the world through the eyes of their children. This is your special gift from them to you. Keep your memories close to your heart so that one-day, perhaps, these precious gems can be shared with your grandchildren.

Why Unicorns Eat Lavender by Rosemary Kahn

2009-01-27T05:18:00.000-08:00

This is the most recent book, published by Rosemary Kahn.

Children always wonder about the Unicorn. Did it go into Noah’s Ark. Did it exist? What does it eat? If there was ever a Unicorn, why don’t we see them today?

Children also love fairy tale stories, something that touches the imagination.

As the book begins:

"Down through all the years of many long centuries, a secret has been kept.

Can you keep a secret?

I hope so, for if you can, it is one so beautiful that it will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. It will fill you with a wonderful feeling that has perhaps, up until this time, belonged only to the UNICORNS.

So listen carefully now…"

The book is 24 pages, soft cover, A4 sized, presented on glossy paper, with attractive print and has been published by Viking Printers cc. It was launched on 2nd of November and is a MUST for anyone who loves Children’s Picture Books. The book has been illustrated by Annie Pigott using paintings on silk. The silk paintings and child-like technique of the artwork was used intentionally to give a dreamy appearance and feel to enhance the fantasy of the book.

If you enjoy fantasy, fairy tales and especially if you love unicorns, then don’t miss this opportunity. The story is the type one wants to keep re-reading - your children will be captivated, enthralled and will LOVE it.

Just 500 copies were printed in November 2008 and there are ONLY 350 copies left so hurry along to get your copy and find out what the intriguing secret is as to “Why Unicorns Eat Lavender.”

GET YOURS BEFORE STOCKS RUN OUT!

Only $15. SHIPPING FREE!

Various Book Reviews of Grandma's Hat by Rosemary Kahn

2009-01-19T04:41:00.001-08:00

Here are a number of Book Reviews written about Grandma's Hat when the first publication came out. As mentioned, the book has been printed twice already and is due to be printed a third time.

The Argus (A Cape Town Newspaper)- Dec.1989

Grandma's Hat by Rosemary Kahn, illustrated by Terry Milne.

No one could tell stories like Grandma, especially those about her childhood in the Karoo. She tells of her Sunday best clothes which included a hat - the ugliest hat she had ever seen -and how she lost it. She gets a beautiful replacement and once again comes across the old one, now serving a useful purpose. A gentle story of a time gone by.

FAIR LADY Magazine

Grandma's Hat by Rosemary Kahn - A gentle, humorous story about a little girl and a dreadful hat, set in bygone days in the De Aar district. Lyrically illustrated by Terry Milne.

Grandma's Hat by Rosemary Kahn - thoroughly captivating! - Marina le Roux - ISKEMUS

Cape Times - Joan Shaper Cohen

Wallow delightedly in whimsical, witty words. Grandma's Hat by Rosemary Kahn seems to spring from deep emotions and recollections of childhood as Grandma tells her grandchildren the simple, real story of an episode of her life as a young girl living in a small Karoo town.

Book Review of Grandma's Hat by Rosemary Kahn - Review written by Kirkus Reviews

2009-01-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

From Kirkus Reviews

In a book from South Africa, Grandma tells a favorite story about her childhood, when hats were obligatory on Sunday. Her mother had bought her a particularly ugly hat--''it looked just like a potty turned upside down'' and was ``a horrible yellowy- mustard color.'' Fortunately, the family car was a convertible, and Grandma managed to let the hated hat blow away. Her mama was upset, but Papa proved to be silently sympathetic. Later, after the hat was rediscovered on a friend's scarecrow, the whole family joined in the merriment when Papa said, ``no bird would dare come near that dreadful hat!'' It's good to have such a warm family story from a country whose books are rarely represented here. In soft pencil and watercolor, Milne's art nicely evokes the setting in its many details, including Papa's general store (where the book's one black, a wistful-looking child, is seen from the back) and the flat, dusty landscape and utilitarian homes of the Karoo. (Picture book. 3-8) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved

Naomi's Tonsils by Rosemary Kahn

2009-01-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

Having ones tonsils removed is a relatively common procedure for children. Going to hospital is not a pleasant event and may bring up many fears, especially for a child.

In order to ease the process, Rosemary Kahn has written a book, entitled Naomi's tonsils to help explain to children what to expect. To verify any medical facts that are relevant to the book, Rosemary Kahn interviewed Ear Nose and Throat Specialist Dr Paul Crossland who practises from the Vincent Palotti Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. The book is written in easy English to enable those children who are able to read, to read the book for themselves.

Naomi's Tonsils is illustrated by Ian Lusted and has been published by Jutas as one of their "Star Story Books".

Grandma's Hat by Rosemary Kahn

2009-01-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

When you were little, didn't you just love to hear stories of what your parents did when they were young. To a little child the concept of age and the fact that their parents were once children is a hard one to grasp.

What about stories from the childhood of your grandparents? For those of us lucky enough to have met our grandparents and even more so to have spent time with them, hearing funny stories about when they were small has a certain specialness to it. There really are no words to the bond that forms between grandparents and grandchildren and the sharing of stories is a wonderful way to solidify this bond.

The first published book written by Rosemary Kahn came to provide exactly such a wonderful gift. Grandma's Hat is one of my favourite children's picture books.

Did you know that the book is based in part on a true story? The Granny in the story actually did have an experience with a hat all the way back in her childhood. This book has a fun twist to it, an ending that takes us by surprise and leaves us giggling.

Grandma's Hat was first published concurrently by Songololo Books, (at that time) the children's division of David Philip Publishers in South Africa, Viking Kestrel in USA and Walker Books in UK. The book was also translated into Afrikaans by Human and Rousseau, the Afrikaans title being "Ouma se Hoed".

The book was so well received that it has already gone into is second printing and is probably due for its third. The book has been sold and enjoyed in Africa, UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It was studied as part of the children's literature course of UNISA, was used as a school reader in Botswana and has had an article written about it in the Journal of Commonwealth Literature.

Grandma's Hat has been sensitively illustrated by Terry Milne from photographs supplied to her by the author. The illustrations have a softness to them and a quality that captures the atmosphere of the Karoo and leaves one feeling as though you have stepped into the past, into the life of Grandma as a little girl.

If you have children, this book is a must read. It has a very special quality to it and will be a wonderful addition to your collection of children's books

Rolling Out The Red Carpet - Introducing Rosemary Kahn

2009-01-13T07:02:00.000-08:00

It is with great honour that I come to introduce to you Rosemary's Book Corner. Rosemary Kahn is a very talented teacher with many years of experience. It just so happens that she was my very first teacher and still remains the best teacher that I have. Intermingled in her teaching, Rosemary would bring stories, poems all manner of ideas of her own creation. Whether it be a poster, a competition, a project, Rosemary would apply her wonderful creative skills to make each lesson that she taught fun, exciting and an adventure.

As children our own rooms would have beautifully painted murals. With thought, care and great devotion, Rosemary provided her daughters with a hand painted mural. The theme varied according to their interests and age but each mural was filled with colours and details that offered hours of enjoyment just looking at the mural. As mentioned, Rosemary loves to offer her ideas or illustrate something she is teaching through a story or poem.

Many of us have family members who threaten that one day they will write a book. We too heard of a desire to have these stories in print, but it was a mutual desire. As much as Rosemary spoke of one day being published, so we encouraged and urged her to do so.

One day in the 1980's this dream began to become reality. A story heard often in our home was finally becoming a book. With fascination we watched as ideas for illustrations were provided. Next came the galley prints. So many phases to a story becoming a book. Then all of a sudden it was no longer a distant dream. We were on our way to a book launch and so the first book was born. Grandma's Hat is a delightful story set in De Aar a small town in the Karoo area of South Africa.

On this blog we will introduce you to the books written by Rosemary Kahn. Each book written by Rosemary Kahn has been written with love, care and her own talent in English Literature.

If you would like further information either of where to purchase a book or the next book coming out or you wish to publish a Children's Book written by Rosemary Kahn, please do email us. We love to hear feedback and we find it very exciting to help our children to benefit from quality children's books.

--- Shoshanah Shear

If you Enjoy Reading With Your Child - Here Is A Real Treat!

2009-01-12T05:21:00.000-08:00

If you are a parent, a teacher or someone who takes care of children, you will probably find that at some point you wish to help the child in your care to learn to read. It is usually quite natural to want to sit down with a child and read a story to help quieten down for the night, to teach something or just for pleasure.

There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from books and finding quality books for our children is not always easy. If your child is very active and restless, the story line needs to be particularly interesting in order to capture his/her attention. If you are working on improving the child's own reading skills, it will also be important to find books whose content in and of itself provides sufficient motivation for the child to want to master reading.

Whether you have a child who is struggling to read, a child with a reading disability, or a child who masters reading so quickly that you need to keep providing more reading material, you will find what you are looking for in the books written by Rosemary Kahn.

Whether you are tutoring reading, teaching reading or just reading with your child, these books are filled with such delightful stories that you will be left asking for the next book.

Rosemary Kahn is a highly experienced teacher with her own love of literature. Her vivid imagination and beautiful usage of English is ever present in her books written for children. Whether they are school readers or a children's picture book, each book is the kind one wants to keep on reading, re-reading and then reading again.

Rosemary Kahn's latest book can be purchased right here and delivered directly to your door. It is only $15 including the shipping.

Hurry along and get your copy today. There are a limited number of copies – you don’t want to be without when ALL the copies are sold.