About Sylvia W. McGrath, Freelance Writer, Literacy Tutor, and Professional Book Reviewer.
A few years ago, retired and decided to follow a long-time dream of mine, of being a freelance writer, and specialize in writing for children and young adults with health and learning challenges. I have taken several courses, on writing and tutoring. I am a licensed tutor and professional book reviewer. In 2010 my daughter and I started Professor Owl's Book Corner and over the years have become a freelance writer, co-authored and published a Book with two Life Coaches titled "After the Diagnosis ~ The Journey Beyond, along with several poems.
Briony is free from the walls of Asperfell, but not from its strange and savage world.
Lost in the frozen wilderness, Briony leads her friends ever northward, in search of a rumored cave wherein lies their only hope of returning home to the kingdom of Tiralaen with Prince Elyan, the rightful heir to the throne, to save her people from civil war.
What she discovers instead is an impossible kingdom of opulence and decadence beyond her wildest imagining. Here, an ancient goddess is about to awaken once more… and she has never forgiven Briony’s people for their intrusion into this world, nor the centuries of bloodshed that followed.
Caught in a deadly web of secrets and lies that stretches across generations, Briony holds the fate of two kingdoms in her hands. To leave this new world behind is to condemn its people to anguish and death. But to stay and fight, Briony must abandon her home and everyone she’s ever loved—including Elyan.
To save one kingdom, the other must fall.
A great fantasy series, the storyline and the characters really hold your attention throughout the book.
The plot and storyline just become more intriguing as the story and series develop. I am looking forward to the 3rd book in the series and cannot wait for it to be released. I give this book five stars!
I would like to thank NetGalley for the advanced copy so that I could review it for Professor Owl’s book reviews.
“Sexy, surprising, and full of secrets. These Hollow Vows is a lot like the world of Faerie – seductive, enthralling, and dangerous. With two very different love interests, lots of heated moments, and a spectacular ending, this is the fantasy romance I have been craving”—Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series
“A sexy new take on fae fantasy, THESE HOLLOW VOWS swept me away from the very first page and left me breathless and impatient for the next installment. Brie is a smart, capable heroine readers will love to root for in a dazzling new world filled with magic and romance. Prepare to fall for your newest book boyfriend.”—Lisa Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Magician.
“Lexi Ryan wrote a beautifully broken and epic fantasy that completely blew me way. Complete with twisted fae, love triangles that make my heart pound, and exceptional world building, These Hollow Vows is a must read for fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L Armentrout. I highly recommend and am in dire need for the next book!”—Carrie Ann Ryan, NYT Bestselling Author of the Elements of Five Series
“An enchanting story of magic, adventure, and the lengths we will go to for the ones we love. Lexi Ryan takes readers on a rollercoaster ride we won’t forget and leaves us begging for more of this story and world.”—Catherine Cowles, author of the Wrecked series
“Engaging writing and worldbuilding…. a compelling hook.”—School Library Journal
About the Author:
Lexi Ryan is the New York Times best-selling indie author of over twenty-five romance titles, and the 2018 winner of the Romance Writers of America RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Long. Her novels have sold over 725,000 copies. She lives in Indiana with her husband, two children, and a spoiled dog. Twitter: @writerlexiryan. Abriella was a great protagonist in my opinion. She was strong, powerful and never backed down from a challenge. There were times where I was expecting her to take the easy way out because that happens a lot with YA protagonists, but honestly Abriella’s actions even surprised me a lot of the time and I was very impressed with her as a character
My review:.
I found the faerie world to be fascinating and a total fun location for the book to take place. The author did a grand job of setting up the differences between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, emphasizing that neither one of them is “good” or “bad”. Overall, this made the story a more fun and realistic too.
I enjoyed this read so much, that I could not put it down until I reached the end of the book, I will certainly be getting the next book in this series when it comes out sometime next year to find out where the book takes us in Abriella’s next journey/
I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to get this advanced copy so I could review it for you.
Welcome to the “We are the World Blogfest” (#WATWB ). The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference, we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit.#WATWB was started in 2017, this month marks our forty-eight opportunity to share positive uplifting stories to inspire, give hope and motivate others. The last Friday of every month bloggers share their stories led by two co-hosts, this month’s co-hosts are myself Sylvia McGrath and Belinda Witzenhausen.
Those who know me can tell you how passionate I am about writing and promoting Disability awareness. Although originally filmed for the International Day of People with Disabilities 2018, I think it’s a message that should be shared everyday! Don’t Underestimate Me is a wonderful video that speaks volumes and I am sharing it for this month’s #WATWB.
For more information about #WATWB or to join us and help spread positive stories like this click here.
When twelve year old Joe and his two younger sisters visit Smugglers Cove for the summer holidays, they get caught up in a thrilling adventure that is beyond their wildest imagination.
Follow the children as they flee down a river, are chased by ferocious dogs, locked up in an old manor, get lost at sea, expose a spy, and more!
Book 1 in The Mystery Series, this adventure novel is set in 1950’s Britain, and will suit people who enjoy Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys or the Famous five books
I was a great fan of Enid Blyton books when I was younger and found the titles were very similar to hers, but it has a style all of its own. I really enjoyed the read. Looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Outsmart Your Enemies. Outrun the Galaxy. “Just please, remember what I told you. Run. Don’t stop running for anything.”
Tina never worries about being ‘ordinary’–she doesn’t have to, since she’s known practically forever that she’s not just Tina Mains, average teenager and beloved daughter. She’s also the keeper of an interplanetary rescue beacon, and one day soon, it’s going to activate, and then her dreams of saving all the worlds and adventuring among the stars will finally be possible. Tina’s legacy, after all, is intergalactic–she is the hidden clone of a famed alien hero, left on Earth disguised as a human to give the universe another chance to defeat a terrible evil.
But when the beacon activates, it turns out that Tina’s destiny isn’t quite what she expected. Things are far more dangerous than she ever assumed–and everyone in the galaxy is expecting her to actually be the brilliant tactician and legendary savior Captain Thaoh Argentian, but Tina….is just Tina. And the Royal Fleet is losing the war, badly–the starship that found her is on the run and they barely manage to escape Earth with the planet still intact.
Luckily, Tina is surrounded by a crew she can trust, and her best friend Rachel, and she is still determined to save all the worlds. But first she’ll have to save herself.
Buckle up your seatbelt for this thrilling YA sci-fi adventure set against an intergalactic war from internationally bestselling author Charlie Jane Anders
Book 1 of 2 in the Unstoppable Series ~ I am so pleased that this will be a series, it was a very well written book and the characters were all great. The story held my attention right up to the very last page. I have always been a fan of sci-fi and stories about space. This one could certainly hold it’s own against Star Wars and some of the great space adventure stories.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the advanced copy, so that I could review it for you this week.
Ivy Lovely is 16 and she has no idea who she is—or what her powers could be. When she crosses a magical boundary, she discovers a whole new world of enchantment and mystery. Making friends that will last a lifetime—and save her life—she steps into her own abilities and discovers more about her hidden past, magical blood, and the power of Croswald’s mystical stones. But all is not well: a dark history and an evil Queen threatens all that is good. Will Ivy’s bravery and wit be enough?
This is a page-turning fantasy in the tradition of fairy tales, whimsical worlds, and coming-of-age stories.
Curious and whimsical, both shy and brave, Ivy is a hero that connects with readers of all ages. For those who wished that Narnia, Harry Potter, and Alice in Wonderland could go on forever, Croswald opens a whole new world of magic. Recommended as a read-aloud for families and a first middle-grade fantasy read, The Crowns of Croswald is a four-part series that will carry readers to a whimsical world that they won’t want to leave.
This story from the very start is, full of magic and mystery, and plays with themes of belonging, self-discovery, and good and evil. It gave me all of the Harry Potter vibes (which I was so excited about) while still being unique enough to stand apart. If you are looking for a middle-grade fantasy, I highly recommend this one.
I received a copy through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
We are again at the end of June, and as in previous years we usually do not publish our newsletter in the months of July and August, and start in September with our back to school issue.
It seems that most people now have had their COVID19 shots and hopefully by the end of summer things should be on the way to a normal life again, and getting out with your friends.
As in previous years we will still keep our books of the week online, and have some really great New Books to review for you so stay with us to keep with us for some exciting reads.
A hidden world waits, a dark society schemes, and a ship sails to protect that which cannot be lost.
Salem Swan knows none of this as he arrives in Easterly. He knows only that he misses his recently deceased mother, that his new guardian, his uncle Ulysses is unique, and that the boat which will now be his home is unlike anything he has ever seen.
Fearful of this new reality, Salem starts to ask questions that uncover the truth about his distant uncle, his long-gone father, and the true nature of the ship. The answers lead him into a place of myth and legend, where fantastic creatures wage an ages-old war with a radical group bent on eliminating them forever.
Rich with mythology from around the world, Hidden Meridians is the first installment of a fantasy series that takes readers into that place that is just around Curiosity’s edge.
I just love this fantasy story, as Salem discovered a magical mystical world, his past, and an impending war, he faced his hardships head on and tried his best to survive and thrive. Salem the main character and secondary character and storyline where very well developed
The writing style was exceptionally beautiful; the story was well paced and held my attention to the end. as the plot developed and built up, I found that I could not put the book down until I reached the last page. I look forward to the next book, and the next adventure. I Recommend this book to every Fantasy lover, especially the young readers, you will not be disappointed.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity of reading and reviewing this exciting book.
The #WATWB was created as a mission to negate the overwhelming negativity that has been present in our social media streams. For every negative news story in the world, there are plenty of positive, uplifting stories that show hope, compassion and the resiliency of everyday people who face insurmountable challenges. Our hope is to share heartwarming stories that lift the human spirit. The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their stories led by two co-hosts, this month’s co-hosts will be: myself, Sylvia McGrath, and Belinda Witzenhausen;
Anyone who follows us on Professor Owls Book Corner, will no doubt know that we are advocates for children and young adults with special needs and learning challenges.
In this months blog we are featuring a young man that has by changing his way of thinking about disabilities is now living his dream of being an athlete.
Read about his story here and check out the video below…
Welcome to the June 16th, 2021 Weekly Issue of Professor Owl’s Book Corner Newsletter where in addition to supporting those with special needs and learning challenges, we are also committed to being more focused on YA New Adult reading and literacy. We will be featuring tips from a certified literacy tutor to help make your reading experience the best it can be.
We will also be encouraging young writers with tips, writing exercises and we will still be updating our Community News Boards with the latest news from Variety Village, Holland Bloorview Hospital and The March of Dimes. You will also find our new section on the Environment, Nature, and Climate Changes.
Hopefully we will come up with some ideas for you. If you love to read then below, you will find some ideas that just might interest you.
Please feel free to give us your feedback on our new issue, also send us any ideas you may have to help Professor Owl’s Book Corner be all that it can be. We look forward to hearing from you and bringing you a new, and more interesting newsletter.
Online learning Programs over 2021 Summer.
This will be our second year with Covid 19, restrictions and this summer will be the same as last year, You are probably wondering what am I going to do during the next few months.
Claiming to be Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids TDSRC works with more than 2,200 public libraries across Canada to host activities, like live readings by authors, and weekly trivia. This year’s program will launch on June 15th and will be completely online. For more information, visit tdsummerreadingclub.ca.
We are now in the month of June and the summer holidays are just around the corner. Most countries are still in lockdown. most schools will be closing soon.
Should I Take a Summer Class Online?
Are Online Classes ~ The Same as In-Person?
There are many great reasons to take a class online over the summer. Especially if so many of your favorite in-person programs are canceled. You can still find a way to have a meaningful and enriching summer right from your room.
While your classmates cannot hang out in-person after class, it does not mean you cannot get to know them and form lasting friendships. The Internet has allowed us to cross over borders and time zones, which helps us connect with people we otherwise would never encounter. It gives us the chance to learn more, in the classroom and about the world around us.
I have found several interesting online courses and virtual ways of meaningfully engaging middle and high school-aged students. They include STEM classes, academic classes, foreign language learning – even remote community service experiences!
In many obvious ways, the short answer is no. But does that mean they are worse? No! Online classes have many distinct advantages like being lower in cost and flexible to your schedule (especially if you need to juggle a job this summer).
While your classmates cannot hang out in-person after class, it does not mean you cannot get to know them and form lasting friendships. The Internet has allowed us to cross over borders and time zones, which helps us connect with people we otherwise would never encounter. Please, gives us feedback at professorowl@outlook.com so that we can truly give you the interesting newsletter you want to read.
Which is the biggest summer reading program in Canada?
The TD Summer Reading Club is Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, interests, and abilities. This free Club is offered at more than 2,000 public libraries across Canada, as well as online. The Club celebrates Canadian authors, illustrators, and stories, and inspires kids to explore the fun of reading their way. This is key to building a lifelong love of reading.
Check with your local public library to see when in-person registration opens—it varies slightly by location but is usually in mid-to-late June. Your child will receive a free notebook and stickers to track their reading. Your library may also have fun activities and initiatives for kids to take part in.
Thanks for joining us for the 2021 Teen Summer Reading Challenge. Get ready to expand your horizons, get creative, try something new, and have fun! From June 14 to August 31, download a summer reading challenge card, or pick one up at the branch nearest you. See how many you can check off before the …
For 2020/2021, due to COVID-19, we are taking our Youth Forum experience virtual! … weeks, including PD for teachers, guest speakers, and interactive student workshops! … Location: Remote & Indigenous Communities across Canada … This Youth Forum will engage your students in climate change learning and action, … Environmental Youth Alliancehttps://eya.c
Teach kids about the right to a healthy environment and the importance of getting out in … Encourage kids to spend time outside and teach them about environmental.Teachers across Canada agree! … of students to learn about environmental issues and make a superhero difference! … 2021 David Suzuki Foundation
Prompts are a wonderful way to kick-start your creativity and generate ideas. There isn’t a right or wrong way to respond, just be honest, be creative, and use your imagination. Your mission should you choose to accept it…It’s time that you broke up with your biggest fear. What better way for you to say goodbye than by writing them a letter telling them how horrible they are and why they no longer have a place in your life. Have fun with it, in my opinion, if you can learn to laugh at what scares you, then perhaps you won’t see that fear as being so intimidating.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~ Nelson Mandela
✒ Write, be creative and most of all HAVE FUN! ✒
Monthly Journal Challenge
All you need is a pen, journal and 15-30 minutes a day to write down your thoughts.
June Journal Prompts
Open your journal, set a timer and write! 🙂 Use the prompts to start your journal entry i.e. “My favourite thing about June is….”
Campnanowrimo
Your favourite thing about June.
A cause near and dear to your heart.
One thing you would change about the world.
Your favourite book genre.
A hobby you would like to take up,
Three things you are grateful for.
Your favourite song at the moment.
A fictional character you would like to meet.
What you have learned in the past year.
Your least favourite food.
What you would like to do in the future.
Three good things that have happened to you this week.
Favourite thing about nature.
Someone who inspires you.
Lazy day rituals.
Three things you want to change in your life.
How you handle difficult challenges and how does it work for you.
One thing that cheers you up on bad days.
A compliment that you received that sticks with you.
A goal you want to accomplish this month.
What it would take to make your dreams come true.
Favourite thing to watch on TV.
Favourite place to visit.
What good moment always makes you smile.
A movie that describes your life.
A secret you haven’t shared with anyone.
Your favourite author and why you like their books.
Write about a picture that catches your eye.
What you wish you could change about your life and steps to do it.
Favourite person in your life.
Haven’t heard of NaNoWriMo.org? Here’s the goods: every November thousands participate in an online writing event to complete 50,000 words in just 30 days. Now they’ve made it even better, CampNaNoWriMo.org is a virtual writer’s camp, designed to inspire you and keep you motivated while you work on your masterpiece. Camp NaNoWriMo.org runs twice a year in April and July and unlike NaNoWriMo welcomes word-count goals of 30,000 and up. Writers can tackle any project they’d like, including new novel drafts, revisions, poetry, scripts, and short stories. So sign up today! See you at camp!
Attention all aspiring young authors: Its’ that time again, we have one month until the July edition of Camp NaNoWriMo! 🙂 Now is the time to outline your novel and do your research! 🙂
When twin heirs are born in Tourin, their fates are decided at a young age. While Izaveta remained at court to learn the skills she’d need as the future queen, Asya was taken away to train with her aunt, the mysterious Firebird, who ensured magic remained balanced in the realm.
But before Asya’s training is completed, the ancient power blooms inside her, which can mean only one thing: the queen is dead, and a new ruler must be crowned.
As the princesses come to understand everything their roles entail, they’ll discover who they can trust, who they can love—and who killed their mother. When twin heirs are born in Tourin, their fates are decided at a young age. While Izaveta remained at court to learn the skills she’d need as the future queen, Asya was taken away to train with her aunt, the mysterious Firebird, who ensured magic remained balanced in the realm.
But before Asya’s training is completed, the ancient power blooms inside her, which can mean only one thing: the queen is dead, and a new ruler must be crowned.
As the princesses come to understand everything their roles entail, they’ll discover who they can trust, who they can love—and who killed their mother.
There were tons of twists in this story. The death of their mother was kind of glossed over at the beginning, and it ended up being part of a twist at the end. Everyone had secrets that led to a fast paced, exciting ending. It ended on a cliff-hanger, so I cannot wait to read the next book!
This was a great read, with all the twists and turns I just could not put the book down until I had read the whole story, I highly recommend this exciting new fantasy!
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Variety programming empowers children with disabilities to be seen, participate, and feel included. We bring accessible facilities to life with sports, fitness, activities, summer camps, skills training and coaching for competitive and Paralympic athletes. Through local partnerships, we extend our reach through accessibility training and education.
Events are a great way for us to reach people across the country so we can network, share information, raise money, and have fun – sometimes all at once! From Rock for Dimes to Opening Doors for Accessibility, we host a variety of events for a variety of purposes. Find out about MODC’s Fundraising Events, Sporting Events, and Free Community Events.
For 2020/2021, due to COVID-19, we are taking our Youth Forum experience virtual! … weeks, including PD for teachers, guest speakers, and interactive student workshops! … Location: Remote & Indigenous Communities across Canada … This Youth Forum will engage your students in climate change learning and action, … Environmental Youth Alliancehttps://eya.c
This online Mindfulness program, led by Family Leader Protibha Gupta runs every Monday evening from Monday June 7th to Monday July 26th, 7pm-8pm. Sessions on week 4 and week 8 will also offer a half hour Tea n’ Chat discussion session led by Family Leaders. The Tea n’ Chats will be offered from 8pm-8:30pm following sessions on June 28th and July 26th.
This program is geared to parents and caregivers of children with disabilities who would like to learn meditation, mindfulness and other practices geared toward enhancing resiliency and well-being. No prior meditation practice experience necessary. Each hour-long session will include short talks, guided meditations, small group discussions and Q&A. Attendees will learn:
– How to meditate through guided meditations
– The foundations of mindfulness of breath/body, feelings and thoughts
– How to cultivate self-compassion, lovingkindness and gratitude
– How the practices can help build resiliency and well-being
See below for Frequently Asked Questions about Mindfulness!
More about Mindfulness Teacher Protibha Gupta:
Protibha was certified as a mindfulness meditation teacher after an intensive two-year training program created and taught by Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield and the Greater Good Science Centre (UC Berkley). She is the proud mother of 3, including a very special young man with autism who is a former client of Holland Bloorview (HB). She has been a Family Leader at HB since 2018. Protibha is excited to have the opportunity to share her lived experience as both a parent and as a certified mindfulness teacher with HB families.
If you have any questions or require any special accommodations, please contact Family Support Specialist Steph Moynagh at smoynagh@hollandbloorview.ca or at 416-425-6220 ext. 6146
Once you have registered for this program, you will receive a Zoom link that you can access every Monday evening for the duration of the 8-week program.
1. Isn’t mindfulness just ‘paying attention’?
Frequently Asked Questions:
That’s partially correct. Mindfulness is paying attention to or being aware of whatever is being experienced in the present moment, without judgment.
2. My mind is always busy. Does mindfulness meditation involve having no thoughts?
The function of the human mind is to think! The main goal of mindfulness meditation does not involve being able to stop thinking, although with practice, the mind may become quieter.
3. Do I have to sit in a full lotus position on a meditation cushion?
One can meditate sitting, standing, walking and lying down. Sitting in a chair is fine. What’s important is to be comfortable and alert.
4. Is mindfulness meditation a religious practice?
Mindfulness is part of a rich spiritual tradition that developed 2600 years ago in South Asia but it is not a religious practice in itself. In the West, it is used in many settings to help people with stress, chronic pain, trauma and many other challenges. Just as you don’t have to be Hindu to practice yoga, you don’t have to be Buddhist to practice mindfulness.
Welcome to the June 7th, 2021 Weekly Issue of Professor Owl’s Book Corner Newsletter where in addition to supporting those with special needs and learning challenges, we are also committed to being more focused on YA New Adult reading and literacy. We will be featuring tips from a certified literacy tutor to help make your reading experience the best it can be.
We will also be encouraging young writers with tips, writing exercises and we will still be updating our Community News Boards with the latest news from Variety Village, Holland Bloorview Hospital and The March of Dimes. You will also find our new section on the Environment, Nature, and Climate Changes.
Hopefully we will come up with some ideas for you. If you love to read then below, you will find some ideas that just might interest you.
Please feel free to give us your feedback on our new issue, also send us any ideas you may have to help Professor Owl’s Book Corner be all that it can be. We look forward to hearing from you and bringing you a new, and more interesting newsletter.
Online learning Programs over 2021 Summer.
This will be our second year with Covid 19, restrictions and this summer will be the same as last year, You are probably wondering what am I going to do during the next few months.
Claiming to be Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids TDSRC works with more than 2,200 public libraries across Canada to host activities, like live readings by authors, and weekly trivia. This year’s program will launch on June 15th and will be completely online. For more information, visit tdsummerreadingclub.ca.
We are now in the month of June and the summer holidays are just around the corner. Most countries are still in lockdown. most schools will be closing soon.
Should I Take a Summer Class Online?
Are Online Classes ~ The Same as In-Person?
There are many great reasons to take a class online over the summer. Especially if so many of your favorite in-person programs are canceled. You can still find a way to have a meaningful and enriching summer right from your room.
While your classmates cannot hang out in-person after class, it does not mean you cannot get to know them and form lasting friendships. The Internet has allowed us to cross over borders and time zones, which helps us connect with people we otherwise would never encounter. It gives us the chance to learn more, in the classroom and about the world around us.
I have found several interesting online courses and virtual ways of meaningfully engaging middle and high school-aged students. They include STEM classes, academic classes, foreign language learning – even remote community service experiences!
In many obvious ways, the short answer is no. But does that mean they are worse? No! Online classes have many distinct advantages like being lower in cost and flexible to your schedule (especially if you need to juggle a job this summer).
While your classmates cannot hang out in-person after class, it does not mean you cannot get to know them and form lasting friendships. The Internet has allowed us to cross over borders and time zones, which helps us connect with people we otherwise would never encounter. Please, gives us feedback at professorowl@outlook.com so that we can truly give you the interesting newsletter you want to read.
The TD Summer Reading Club is Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, interests, and abilities. This free Club is offered at more than 2,000 public libraries across Canada, as well as online. The Club celebrates Canadian authors, illustrators, and stories, and inspires kids to explore the fun of reading their way. This is key to building a lifelong love of reading.
Check with your local public library to see when in-person registration opens—it varies slightly by location but is usually in mid- to late-June. Your child will receive a free notebook and stickers to track their reading. Your library may also have fun activities and initiatives for kids to take part in.
2021-05-27 · Get Ready for Winnipeg Public Library’s 2021 Teen Summer Reading Challenge! Hi there! Thanks for joining us for the 2021 Teen Summer Reading Challenge. Get ready to expand your horizons, get creative, try something new, and have fun! From June 14 to August 31, download a summer reading challenge card, or pick one up at the branch nearest you. See how many you can check off before the …
Teach kids about the right to a healthy environment and the importance of getting out in … Encourage kids to spend time outside and teach them about environmental.Teachers across Canada agree! … of students to learn about environmental issues and make a superhero difference! … 2021 David Suzuki Foundation
Deadline to apply is Sunday June 6, 2021. WHAT IS A PEER MENTOR? Looking to develop. Continue Reading. Get the latest EYA news!
For 2020/2021, due to COVID-19, we are taking our Youth Forum experience virtual! … weeks, including PD for teachers, guest speakers, and interactive student workshops! … Location: Remote & Indigenous Communities across Canada … This Youth Forum will engage your students in climate change learning and action, … Environmental Youth Alliancehttps://eya.c
Writing prompts are a wonderful way to kick-start your creativity and generate ideas. There isn’t a right or wrong way to respond, just be honest, be creative, and use your imagination. Your mission should you choose to accept it…
It’s time that you broke up with your biggest fear. What better way for you to say goodbye than by writing them a letter telling them how horrible they are and why they no longer have a place in your life. Have fun with it, in my opinion, if you can learn to laugh at what scares you, then perhaps you won’t see that fear as being so intimidating.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~ Nelson Mandela
✒ Write, be creative and most of all HAVE FUN! ✒
Monthly Journal Challenge
June Journal Prompts
All you need is a pen, journal and 15-30 minutes a day to write down your thoughts.
Open your journal, set a timer and write! 🙂 Use the prompts to start your journal entry i.e. “My favourite thing about June is….”
Your favourite thing about June.
A cause near and dear to your heart.
One thing you would change about the world.
Your favourite book genre.
A hobby you would like to take up,
Three things you are grateful for.
Your favourite song at the moment.
A fictional character you would like to meet.
What you have learned in the past year.
Your least favourite food.
What you would like to do in the future.
Three good things that have happened to you this week.
Favourite thing about nature.
Someone who inspires you.
Lazy day rituals.
Three things you want to change in your life.
How you handle difficult challenges and how does it work for you.
One thing that cheers you up on bad days.
A compliment that you received that sticks with you.
A goal you want to accomplish this month.
What it would take to make your dreams come true.
Favourite thing to watch on TV.
Favourite place to visit.
What good moment always makes you smile.
A movie that describes your life.
A secret you haven’t shared with anyone.
Your favourite author and why you like their books.
Write about a picture that catches your eye.
What you wish you could change about your life and steps to do it.
Favourite person in your life.
Campnanowrimo
Attention all aspiring young authors: Its’ that time again, we have one month until the July edition of Camp NaNoWriMo! 🙂 Now is the time to outline your novel and do your research! 🙂
Haven’t heard of NaNoWriMo.org? Here’s the goods: every November thousands participate in an online writing event to complete 50,000 words in just 30 days. Now they’ve made it even better, CampNaNoWriMo.org is a virtual writer’s camp, designed to inspire you and keep you motivated while you work on your masterpiece. Camp NaNoWriMo.org runs twice a year in April and July and unlike NaNoWriMo welcomes word-count goals of 30,000 and up. Writers can tackle any project they’d like, including new novel drafts, revisions, poetry, scripts, and short stories. So sign up today! See you at camp!
Dragon’s Source ~ Alveria Dragon Akademy
Part 3: Reign of Chaos
By Ava Richardson
The greatest enemy is the one within:
Prince Kai Afkarr-Younger hides a dangerous secret—he’s been infected with the Nightmare Plague. Exhausted from battle and illness, he must force himself to stay awake or risk spawning yet another monster attack on the already beleaguered city; an impossible undertaking without the strength of his tamer.
Mari Asadottier will do whatever it takes to keep Kai’s infection secret from Alveria’s scheming Council. Without the power she offers through their bond, he’ll never make it through the coronation ceremony in his weakened condition. And without the strong leadership only Kai can provide, Bellsor will devolve into pandemonium.
But their efforts to protect Bellsor are hampered when Kai collapses shortly after being crowned, spawning the deadliest monster of all. Driven to defeat what he’s created, Kai nearly loses himself in a rogue animalistic frenzy. Only Mari’s persistence brings him back from the brink, and sets him upon the path to discovering Chaos’s nightmarish plan to destroy the Sources of Magic.
If they want any hope of defeating Chaos and protecting magic, Kai and Mari must hunt down and save the Primal Sources of Magic before they are gone forever—and Chaos reigns supreme.
Queen of the Dragons’ Ava Richardson invites you to immerse yourself in a dragon-filled world with epic magic, fearless heroes and, at its heart, the deep bond between dragon and rider.
Excellent story with clever twist when they’re not expected. I am looking forward to the next book. Really enjoying the series.
I would like to thank Net Galley for the opportunity to Review this book for our readers.
Food Drive is Back! 🥫 Variety’s Food Drive is now running! Drop your non-perishable food items here at Variety Village – donations will go to Scarborough Food Securities Initiative and Women and Children shelters.
Where to leave your goods: Food Drive: May 11 to August 24 Drop offs: Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm Location: Variety Village (3701 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough ON)
Events are a great way for us to reach people across the country so we can network, share information, raise money, and have fun – sometimes all at once! From Rock for Dimes to Opening Doors for Accessibility, we host a variety of events for a variety of purposes. Find out about MODC’s Fundraising Events, Sporting Events, and Free Community Events.
For 2020/2021, due to COVID-19, we are taking our Youth Forum experience virtual! … weeks, including PD for teachers, guest speakers, and interactive student workshops! … Location: Remote & Indigenous Communities across Canada … This Youth Forum will engage your students in climate change learning and action, … Environmental Youth Alliancehttps://eya.c
Deadline to apply is Sunday June 6, 2021. WHAT IS A PEER MENTOR? Looking to develop. Continue Reading. Get the latest EYA news!
Ability in Action – Virtual Time is running out to book your virtual Ability in Action session! This program is FREE and available for booking until June 24, 2021. Virtual sessions are available through your choice of Zoom or Google Meets.
Food Drive is Back! 🥫 Variety’s Food Drive is now running! Drop your non-perishable food items here at Variety Village – donations will go to Scarborough Food Securities Initiative and Women and Children shelters.
Where to leave your goods: Food Drive: May 11 to August 24 Drop offs: Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm Location: Variety Village (3701 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough ON)
Head Office/Main Location Variety Village 3701 Danforth Avenue Scarborough, Ontario M1N 2G2
This online Mindfulness program, led by Family Leader Protibha Gupta runs every Monday evening from Monday June 7th to Monday July 26th, 7pm-8pm. Sessions on week 4 and week 8 will also offer a half hour Tea n’ Chat discussion session led by Family Leaders. The Tea n’ Chats will be offered from 8pm-8:30pm following sessions on June 28th and July 26th.
This program is geared to parents and caregivers of children with disabilities who would like to learn meditation, mindfulness and other practices geared toward enhancing resiliency and well-being. No prior meditation practice experience necessary. Each hour-long session will include short talks, guided meditations, small group discussions and Q&A. Attendees will learn:
– How to meditate through guided meditations
– The foundations of mindfulness of breath/body, feelings and thoughts
– How to cultivate self-compassion, lovingkindness and gratitude
– How the practices can help build resiliency and well-being
See below for Frequently Asked Questions about Mindfulness!
More about Mindfulness Teacher Protibha Gupta:
Protibha was certified as a mindfulness meditation teacher after an intensive two-year training program created and taught by Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield and the Greater Good Science Centre (UC Berkley). She is the proud mother of 3, including a very special young man with autism who is a former client of Holland Bloorview (HB). She has been a Family Leader at HB since 2018. Protibha is excited to have the opportunity to share her lived experience as both a parent and as a certified mindfulness teacher with HB families.
If you have any questions or require any special accommodations, please contact Family Support Specialist Steph Moynagh at smoynagh@hollandbloorview.ca or at 416-425-6220 ext. 6146
Once you have registered for this program, you will receive a Zoom link that you can access every Monday evening for the duration of the 8-week program.
1. Isn’t mindfulness just ‘paying attention’?
Frequently Asked Questions:
That’s partially correct. Mindfulness is paying attention to or being aware of whatever is being experienced in the present moment, without judgment.
2. My mind is always busy. Does mindfulness meditation involve having no thoughts?
The function of the human mind is to think! The main goal of mindfulness meditation does not involve being able to stop thinking, although with practice, the mind may become quieter.
3. Do I have to sit in a full lotus position on a meditation cushion?
One can meditate sitting, standing, walking and lying down. Sitting in a chair is fine. What’s important is to be comfortable and alert.
4. Is mindfulness meditation a religious practice?
Mindfulness is part of a rich spiritual tradition that developed 2600 years ago in South Asia but it is not a religious practice in itself. In the West, it is used in many settings to help people with stress, chronic pain, trauma and many other challenges. Just as you don’t have to be Hindu to practice yoga, you don’t have to be Buddhist to practice mindfulness.
Professor Owl's Book Corner 