Many bridges to cross for children in Krishnagiri

In the village of Mundrampatti, in Krishnagiri district, a couple of 17-year-olds are preparing to lobby their village panchayat leader. When I meet them it’s almost 8 pm on a Wednesday and the two teens are consulting with the trainers from the Child Friendly Village project of the district administration and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). N Priya and R Renugopal want their panchayat leader to take up on an urgent footing the need to improve bus services to their village.

Priya has just completed her class XII but has dropped out of higher education. From her village – a couple of kilometres from the state Highway at Mittapally – Priya will have to travel either to Krishnagiri or to Thiruvannamalai. Daughter of agricultural workers, Priya says her parents cannot afford to admit her to private colleges nearby. But with just two bus services, one each early morning and late evening – Priya cannot attend the affordable government colleges either at Hosur, Krishnagiri or Thiruvannamalai. Read More >>

[Via http://eduworldinfo.wordpress.com]

Aoyama ginkos

Less famous than spring cherry blossom viewing or fall maple viewing, the Aoyama ginkos draw a crowd to see the gorgeous double allée of ginkos turning bright yellow. Last weekend was probably the peak days, with just the right balance of leaves still on the trees and enough on the ground for children to toss into the air.

As dusk approached, the leaves became even paler and more luminous. It’s wonderful to see how Tokyo residents appreciate well-cared for trees and join together in public to share this seasonal moment.

The ginko tree street is officially called Icho Namiki Meijijingu Gaien. Below is an image from the Tokyo Gymnasium looking out to Gaien Nishi Dori.

[Via http://tokyogreenspace.wordpress.com]

In the gutter, looking at the stars

Tallulah comes running into the kitchen:

‘Daddy! Daddy! Can I ask you a question?’

Jason: ‘Yes Tallulah. What is it?’

Tallulah: ‘Are you an astro fizzy twist?’

Jason: ‘A what?’

Tallulah: ‘An astro fizzy twist.’

Jason: ‘What’s that exactly?’

Tallulah: ‘Someone who looks at the stars and knows important stuff about them?’

Jason: ‘Absolutely.’

Tallulah: ‘That’s BERILLIANT.  Thank you daddy.’

Jason: ‘You’re welcome!’

She goes running out:

‘Tilly! Tilly! Daddy is an astro fizzy twist and he knows everything about the stars, and that’s really important and useful.’

n.b. Jason is not an astro fizzy twist.  He is a very silly boy.

[Via http://katyboo1.wordpress.com]

Checking in-Tampa Lifestyle Photographer

I know, I know! I promised to catch up on my blog this week but I am so slammed with sessions and editing, I barely have time to eat! Seriously, I lost a few pounds this week! So, I just wanted to touch base and post a pic, so that all of you faithful readers know I AM working, and not goofing off

Here is Mr. Evan, one of my baby planners at 4 months old. Yes, only four months and has already had three sessions with me! It has been so fun watching him learn and grow, and oh, his smile just melts my heart!! Will post more from his session this week

[Via http://amberdebyah.wordpress.com]

Down to 2

Fifi and I went to visit her relatives in The Shire (New Hampshire) this past Thanksgiving weekend. This batch of relatives has 4 boys from ages 2 to 11- and also there was another little girl also 2ish. All 5 kids spent the latter part of the afternoon hopped up on Twizzlers and ran circles around the house while screaming near satanic stuff that I couldn’t understand.

One of the boys stopped in front of me on the couch after completing a lap around the staircase and said something in a tongue you’d find in a Da Vinci Code movie as he threw a Star Wars figure at me in the slowest motion ever. I think I was able to see everyone’s smile around the room until the toy reached its final destination of my upper lip. I don’t remember much afterwards, I might have suffered a concussion. I think they might have called cops to arrest that kid for assault with a Death Ray weapon.

After possibly wanting 3 kids (Fifi wanting 4), I am down to only needing 2 max. The second clearly being an accident.

[Via http://brownmancity.wordpress.com]

Term 1 2010

Arion Football Academy will be starting a new term next year on the 9th Jan 2010.

The term will last 12 weeks and will finish on Sunday 28th March. Cost for this term is $180. If interested please do email us on arionfa@gmail.com. Please note the 1st session is a free trial session.

We are happy to announce the following changes to our class structure:

Sat Classes

Under 4 (Group 1) – 9am to 10am

Under 4 (Group 2) – 10am to 11am

Under 6 – 9am to 10.30am

Sun Classes

Under 4 (Group 1) – 9am to 10am

Under 4 (Group 2) – 10am to 11am

Under 6 – 9am to 10.30am

Under 8 – 9am to 10.30am — NEW —

Tues Classes

Under 6 – 4pm to 5.30pm — To be confirmed —

(Please contact us if you are interested)

[Via http://arionfa.com]

Too much tinsel

I haven’t put up our real Christmas tree yet.  I did, however set up an artificial one that my mom bought for us last year.  The boys were anxious to decorate.  It didn’t take long for me to put the tree together and it was nice that the fake tree came with the lights pre strung. After plugging the tree into the wall, I let the boys have at it.  They hung plastic shiny balls on the tree.  It was beautiful………and then they found it…….tinsel. 

The 2 packages of tinsel that I stuffed away in the cubboard last year had been discovered. Why didn’t I just toss that out when I had the chance?  The boys were extremely excited about the 2 bags, especially Matthew since he is so partial to shiny things.  As bad as I wanted to shout, “no tinsel!”, I couldn’t because I promised they could decorate that tree however they wanted. 

They were so proud when they finished.  They love the tree.  I like it too, even though it looks like it threw up.

[Via http://greatvillage.wordpress.com]