Singing, Playing, Stompy, Swaying...

The Family Dance Party!!!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:52:00 -0400

What an awesome event that was today! I'll be honest - there could have been more kiddies there and I WAS kinda sad about that...but I do know that everyone who DID come thought the Happy Moon Show was awesome and thought the whole event, in fact, was pretty special!

Special thanks to our Sponsors:

The Toy Space Inc. brought out their very fun Alien Mascot and did an awesome raffle for $100 gift certificate,
Beauticontrol brought amazing samples of their hand scrub (my hands are SO grateful!),
The Ultimate Kitchen showed us their Epicure and Tupperwear Selections,
Camp Gems Science Camp for Girls! ...omygoodness, my girls were fascinated by their demonstrations -
Fangs'n'Hiss brought out their very special books
Magnificent Creations showed us their uplifting messages
and Red Pearl Homeopathy also displayed their healthy wares...
and Irina Photography will be sending us pictures of the whole thing poste-haste! Whew!
Red Pepper Spectacle let us use their screen and decorated the space for us with their beautiful puppets and art...and Model Citizen couldn't be there cuz it was a pretty big day for his 264 Augusta Street Store at the kick-off for PS Kengsington (We'll be there next month!)
And A HUGE THANK YOU to the staff at the Gladstone Hotel who helped us with so much light and joy, and made the whole process pure bliss, really.

And the VOLUNTEERS - so many cool people - Samantha, Tamara, Ashley, Maxine, Ollie, Kofi and Rodney and Desmond...Omygoodness, I have a list more of people but I need to grab all the names from JERRY JEREMIAH - who launched his book today: SOMETIMES, THAT's ME!

And not to forgot the rocking, swaying music of I Eat Kids! who were a huge delight!

I AM THRILLED! SOMETIMES, THAT'S ME! :D

I'll be back shortly with some pics and other cool info from the Dance Party. Obviously - NOBODY palyed my video game (boo hoo! it's fun, y'all!), so I just left it at that but I DO owe you a video of Songs Are Not For Circles! I just couldn't find the time before this, (especially when I realized that the site (CircleSing.com) was, actually- after it's re-write, in need of a massive reorg to make it tighter, cleaner and easier to navigate). This week is all about adding this video (actually, I auctioned off the one copy I had but I did recieve THREE orders:) and will use one of those in the video) - and links for all our generous sponsors on the front page...look out for all that. You know I do all this stuff by myself, right? ;p Well, I do! Same as I raise my girl! (Well, I get a lot more help with that than this, actually - I have great friends!:) That's why, sometimes, things take a little longer...just so you know:)

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Thank you SPONSORS!...(and FREE STUFF)

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:29:00 -0400

Omygoodness, I'm getting so excited! This totally is promising to be one of the hottest events I've ever been part of and I can thank my sponsors for it's extra awesomeness! These people will be showing their wares and providing even MORE opportunity for fun times at the event (click to enlarge):

Camp Gems

Steve's Music Store

Model Citizen

The ToySpace

Irinaphotography

Zen . Tai Wellness Centre

Fangs'n Hiss Ltd.

Tupperware c/o The Ultimate Kitchen - Ingrid's Team

BeautiControl

We'll have a little loot for everyone who joins us on that day!!! and

Raffles for a Free SongBook (Songs Are Not Just For Circles!) and storybooks (Not-So-Only-Child) as well as gift certificates from Dominoes, candy(!!!) and MORE!

(your first chance to win is FREE with admission!)

More information to follow - I was just SUPER excited to say THANK YOU! to all the awesome, smaller, Canadian owned and run businesses sponsoring our event!!!

THANKS!!!

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WIN TICKETS with Desktop Tower Defense!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:51:00 -0400

This strategy game is one of my all-time favourites - for many reasons...they're all listed here in my little article below. I challenge you to beat my high score. But don't worry if you don't. The highest score (regardless of whether it beats mine) will win a full Family set of tickets to the Family Dance Party on May 31st at the Gladstone Ballroom - Click Here for that information.

Here is an example of how the game is played:

This guy is much better than I am (but still not the best) - I still juggle and I haven't yet reached this score.

Click HERE for the written instructions.

Click HERE to see the scoreboard.

It's called: The CircleSing! Challenge
(you have to be careful to type it EXACTLY as it is here or you won't find it.)

Also important: I still play version 1.5 MEDIUM (I do play to relax, after all) - if you play HARD, you won't find the scoreboard either. The PRO version is still very new and I haven't had a chance to check it out yet (Video game designers are constantly improving themselves at an alarming rate!)

Once you've finished the game (the whole thing lasts about 5 minutes), it will ask you to add your name to the High Scores. Choose a name and enter it. (You don't have to enter every score! Feel free to practice first:)

A page will open asking you to Add Score to Group. THIS is where you enter: The CircleSing! Challenge. Again - make sure to type that EXACTLY the same as it appears here. (no period)

Up there now is my score (jennielea!) and my friend's score (AnonymousOne) - just so you know you're in the right place. You can also click on our names to see the maps we used.

THEN: Send me an email at circlesing@sympatico.ca
Include your name, phone number and the name you used on the scoreboard.
This is important so I know for whom I'm saving the winning tickets at the door!
Also - even if you don't win the tickets, a lovely consolation (sur)prize will be waiting for you at the Family Dance Party JUST for having played.

Ready!? GO! : Desktop TD 1.5

The deadline for scoring is Friday May 23rd. I will call the winner on Saturday May 24th.

Why play a video game???

Recently there was a long and involved email chat between parents at Alpha Alternative (where Allegra attends) about video games. People get worried about these things. I can understand that. SO many video games encourage violence, there is the concern that children pull away from the real world in favour of the one on the screen...(I, myself, worry about screen addiction in general), there is a lack of physical involvement (which, I guess, Wii and DDR are trying to solve) and, many are concerned, understandably, with the "dumbing down" of our precious youngsters.

I don't entirely agree with all of these worries. But then, I really like video games - I always have. It's very natural to me - I grew up in a home where the PARENT was obsessed with every new system and game that emerged and started, myself, in the classroom of all places (although the teachers did put limits on it), with Space Invaders. Ha! 'Member that?! And while I feel that the obsession in my childhood home bordered on the unhealthy at times (we NEVER turned off the TV in our house, for instance), I'm also still able to see the merits of video games.

I find video games can be helpful for stress relief, particularly. Sometimes I NEED to get away. It's really hard for me to stop the whirring in my brain, and to step away from gathering the energy of any person sitting near me; to just pull away and rest. And I really need to rest far more often than my mind will allow in this busy world - I found that out the hard way. Eep!

I remember reading somewhere that brain waves are even slower when watching TV than they are when sleeping. Which makes sense to me, because sleeping can cause the mind to try and deal with issues from wake time on an unconscious level...especially if the issues are overwhelming. When watching TV, the mind doesn't have to create scenarios or solve problems or do anything really - just absorb. Video games, IMO, offer a nice balance there. They set up scenarios away from real life but require the mind to actively deal with them.

So, while Yoga is still my number one method of finding calm, video games come a close second - especially when I don't want to pull away for a long period of time but just need a moment or two to sit back and recoup. Or when I need more time but my body is tired from cycling and working. Also, sometimes the whirring gets the better of me and I have difficulty organizing my thoughts (particularly when I'm dealing with UGH! bureaucracy!) and I need something to set my brain straight STAT!

With regards to Allegra - I feel it's important for her to have this time to do what pleases her and also to practice getting up and walking away from it when it's time. I limit the amount of time she's allowed to play (no set limit, it depends on the circumstances of the day) and what she's allowed to play. Sometimes there is violence (in Role Playing Games (RPGs), mostly) - and I see that as an opportunity for us to discuss what is appropriate In Real Life(IRL) and what, clearly, only makes sense in a fantasy world. Also, I'm impressed with the skills she gathers during these games such as problem solving, math, language, strategizing, and the ability to take a failure and turn it into a success.

Video games are generally well-structured with regards to skill development, offering levels of increasing difficulty that make perfect sense. Each level increases the difficulty JUST enough so that boredom doesn't ensue and frustration is limited. Unlike school or other activities, "failures" don't have to be shared with everyone, they can be acknowledged and let go, thereby allowing room for improvement, limiting embarrassment and therefore discouragement. And the significance is ultra-low, it's not real life; there's nothing REAL to lose in failure...and there is ALWAYS another chance. That can make all the difference to a burgeoning self-esteem, right there.

HAPPY MOTHER's DAY!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Sat, 9 May 2009 18:55:00 -0400

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up barf saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here." Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can’t be comforted. This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse. For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON’T. This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they’ll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes. This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors. And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars. And that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say,” Of course, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world," and mean it. This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens. This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words. This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat. For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time.” This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead. This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot. This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home-or even away at college.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away. This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them. For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their14 year olds dye their hair green. For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting. For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely. This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war. What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby? The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home? Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying? The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation... And mature mothers learning to let go. For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers. Single mothers and married mothers. Mothers with money, mothers without. This is for you all. For all of us...Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them. And pray.” Home is what catches you when you fall - and we all fall."

~Anonymous

PS...That thing about the songbook was SUPPOSED to say next month...it's almost done! And the show's almost here! 3 weeks! Wanna win tickets? Stay tuned. Wanna Buy tickets? Paypal on my site at http://www.circlesing.com/events.html Get'em quick - they're selling fast.

Family Dance Party - May 31st!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Mon, 6 Apr 2009 13:42:00 -0400

click to enlarge

I am SO unbelievably excited to announce that our Family Dance Party is happening on May 31st at The Gladstone Hotel!!!

I know the Bunch Family has been hosting such dance parties and that people love them...and I, myself, used to LOVE LOVE LOVE the Kids' Rave at the Bamboo - unfortunately, I've never had the good fortune to be involved with those events so being the do-it-yourselfer I am, I'm organizing my own!!! With the help of Jerry Jeremiah, that is. And the kids - who are, themselves, excited to show you the flashy, snazzy show they've been sprucing up for the last year! I Eat Kids is a rock band made up of kids 10 and under, actually - they're awesome too:)

Jerry has designed a lovely book called: Sometimes That's Me - all about different emotions that little kids might have and the situations that lead to and from them. It's lovely. I can't wait for y'all to see it.

Myself, I've been trying to launch Songs Are Not For Circles for EVER! I'm just SO focused on keeping the program running in an inexpensive (for you!) way, developing new songs (cuz we need them!) and all the while ensuring emotional balance for my daughter and I (especially when things at home got so difficult for a while there) that gathering financial support for this endeavor has constantly been on the bottom of my priority list.

As I do with everything else (when I'm doing things that make sense in my world:) - I'm going with the flow...I can always afford to print one or two books at a time, so that's what I'm going to do. I'm customizing them for you! Then you can have a personal memory of the fun y'all had together when your kids were young. *sigh* That's what life's all about right there:) Sorta...

So, anyway, you can order your ultra-special personalized songbook - which will include your four favourites from a list of songs not already printed in the book and a special handwritten message from me. It's a brightly coloured laminated soft coil songbook that you can even hang on the wall and includes over 50 of your favourite songs already.

And I'm giving the first TWO copies away in a JellyBean/Skittle Counting Contest on May 31st at the Family Dance Party!

We're working on a simple YouTube Video this week, which will also include a newly recorded song from me! jennielea!, so you can see how lovely and jam packed this book is. Really - I've been ACHING to share it; I'm SO glad I've found a way!

You can buy tickets online through PayPal:

And if you're in one of our many areas (or in our workshops, of course) and would like to have tickets dropped off or have them mailed - you can drop me a line at circlesing@sympatico.ca or leave a message at 416-603-2335 and we'll hook you up asap:)

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This Thursday!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:39:00 -0400

At 10 am is the Free Family Circle in the Founders Room at Swansea Town Hall!

It's a Registration Date for the upcoming April 2nd Toddler Series (although some registrations have been taken by phone and email - it's ok to do it that way too!) do feel free to drop by even if you're unable to register - the more, the merrier:) On that day, anyway - the session is limited to 12 children and one series will be added at 11am should the need arise.

I'm excited to be going back to work there - I've missed my friends and families over there and even just the neighbourhood, itself. Living downtown is handy but not so much pretty the way it is over there....

Also, a date of May 31st is ALMOST confirmed for our Family Dance Party at the Gladstone.
We have a couple of surprises for that day (well, they're surprises for the moment but I'll let you know as everything gets firmed up) and it's an opportunity for Happy Moon Productions (Allegra and Luna) to show you our fun show they've been working hard to perfect for a while now.

At any rate - I'm excited. I'll wait until it's fully formed before I mention it again - promise:)

Not too wordy today - I'm draggy now: I had a big day with the little babies today. I SO love the way little babies ADORE their mamas. I think I said that 5 times today - I'm just having one of those days where I can't get over it, I guess. Lucky me:)

Have a singsongy day!

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Today's Google! Haha!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:05:00 -0400

I'm pretty selective (ok, I'm VERY selective - there are still less than 10 I use regularly) about the books I choose to use in my programs. They need to be rhythmic and lyric and, ideally, there are plenty of opportunities for group interaction. They need to include challenges that children make for themselves naturally; information that kids want. I have a strong interest in (what I call) 0-5 books - books that you can buy for your new baby and still be interesting (if not intact - although most board books are pretty resilient, in general) by the time their 5 - often even longer. I do find many books that don't quite enough lyrical flow for a larger group exploring music and rhythm but I would highly recommend for home, daycare and reading groups.

The Hungry Caterpillar (age 40 today!) is one of those books.
It has everything! Eric Carle rocks!

Bright simple pictures that can attract the eye of the very, very young (less is more). His interesting design and use of colour and texture means that, even as these simple pictures become clear and retain meaning, children are still drawn to their beauty and then, of course, the story itself:

On a practical level, he introduces the days of the week, counting up to 5, a range of clearly defined colours, a variety of fruit (which encourages good eating habits!), a tiny science lesson and offers an interesting sensory experience as it demonstrates, through it's design, how more things take up more space.

On an emotional level - children can empathize with the lonely caterpillar that can never seem to fill himself up. Even in the strongest family unit, we can all feel lonely - or alone - sometimes, as each of us has a completely unique journey to take to get through life. I don't mean in a deep depressing way, though. An example might be: the day that a toddler just wants to run and run and run and needs to be constantly reminded that "this" is not the time or the place. Why isn't everyone else wanting to run too? Or a child who just first attends daycare - where all the other children seem content to play and s/he can only pine for Mommy and Daddy all day....Just, sometimes, we feel like we're on our own. It's comforting to know that others feel like that sometimes too - even caterpillars. Complicated journey - simple tale....

And, of course, the caterpillar turns into a butterfly - which is every child's story really. A determined sense of adventure mixed with some nutrition and a little rest turns caterpillars into butterflies! Yay!

The Hungry Caterpillar has been in print for 40 years today and is being celebrated by everyone - even Google! and also Philomel, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, who is launching The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day on March 20th, They're even providing a downloaded activity kit for Librarians and educators complete with lesson plans, arts and crafts, and other activities for librarians and teachers to share with their students: http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/yr/pdf/caterpillar.pdf

Taken from Strollerderby Posted by Hannah Tennant Moore:

Born to German immigrants in New York, [Eric Carle] was upended at the age of six to move back to Germany, for which his mother was terribly homesick. The carefree freedom of the first six years of his life quickly eroded, replaced by teachers armed with bamboo switches and the panic of war. His father was drafted to fight for Germany, leaving Carle and his mother starving and spending much of their time hiding from bombs in their cellar.
******
“With my books,” Carle says, “I try to recapture a period I should’ve had and didn’t—for more fun, more nonsense, more humour.”

GREAT KIDS' STUFF SALE

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:23:00 -0400

My favourite way to shop! I always feel like we have SO much stuff in the world already, if we take good care of it we don't ALWAYS need to be making more...we can share! And share the cost of it, too, really - AND help others in the community while we're at it!:

You can click on the image to go straight to the site or here for North Toronto Moms Group.

From my inbox:
22nd Semi-Annual Great Kids Stuff Sale
Saturday, April 25th, 2008 - 9:00 am–noon
High quality items for newborns up to 6 years old. Clothes, Cribs, Strollers, Toys and More!! Thousands of brand name, new and gently used baby and kids' items at incredibly low prices!
St. Leonard's Anglican Church, 25 Wanless Ave ,
(just north of Lawrence, east of Yonge)
CASH ONLY PLEASE
Interested in selling your kids stuff? This is the best place in the GTA to sell used items. Clear out the stuff you no longer need and turn it into cash! WWW.GREATKIDSSTUFFSALE.COM

Please do let me know if YOU have a community event you'd like me to post here. It's FREE!

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Today on Queen and Spadina!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:20:00 -0400

Ok, so THESE pictures are not from today. This is Allegra a couple of weeks ago at Caribbean Jourvert for the Caribbean Catholic Church at Dundas and Ossington. She was stilt dancing with her bestie, Luna, and came home full of the zest of the day! I just had to let you see!

But today was our first day back on the street, busking in this beautiful weather. We didn't stay out long - after they'd finished choir practice this morning, they came back and helped me put this board together:It's a collage of thank you notes and seasons greetings and pictures, both drawn and digital that I've gotten together over the years. It's not all of them but it's many. Besides being a really simple way to let the poor wandering souls in the street know where we're coming from, it's a great way for me to share all these wonderful expressions I've received over the years! It really bothered me, as I collected them, that I didn't have a way to share them - and now I do! I'll bring the board out to Swansea Town Hall on Thursday March 26 for the free family jam, too! It's THAT portable! I can't bring it out all the time...but to special events, at least.

I'll try to bring it out tomorrow, to Metro Central YMCA FDC (you can always drop in there on a Monday), and the kids too! (Well, the kids are coming, most certainly - they're eager to strut their stuff once again.) We had a FABULOUS time today, working on some more moves before taking it to the streets. Our little vaudeville show really turns heads; it's really fun - I mean - I'm PRETTY sure that passersby find it fun...for us: I'm TOTALLY sure! Haha!

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Morning Music

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:05:00 -0400

Seriously - Could I be any happier right now?

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FINALLY!!! I'm BACK! YAY!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Sun, 8 Mar 2009 17:37:00 -0400

Swansea Town Hall
Thursdays: You can register at the FREE FAMILY CIRCLE
on Thursday, March 26 at 10am, Swansea Town Hall
(or even just come out to say "Hi!")

9:45am (a second class will be opened at 11pm based on interest)
The series runs: April 2nd to May 28th (no session on April 16th)

8 Weeks – SongBlossoms/BopSkipHop (toddlers 1-3 years old)
95 Lavinia Street (2 blocks South West of Bloor and Runnymede)
8 weeks/$110 - Siblings $60 or 4 weeks/$55 - Siblings $30

Register
with jennielea! at 416-603-2335
or email bookjennielea@circlesing.com
or at the FREE FAMILY CIRCLE on March 26th!
*********************************************************************************
Also, an early reminder about High Park Circles
every WEDNESDAY at 11am
beginning July 8th and running to September 16th.
These Circles are PayWhatYouCan events (min. suggested $5)
held next to the ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND in High Park (off Centre Road@Parkside Drive)

click image to enlarge

TELL YOUR FRIENDS! THE MORE THE MERRIER!

And keep checking in as a variety of family and children's events all over town will be posted here in the coming weeks as I get back into the swing of things!

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Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:15:00 -0500

This Holiday card is one of the things I've been learning how to do. I used an audio file I found by accident earlier this year and pictures and video from various sources on the internet. (and wait for it - you'll get to see the Jackson 5 bust a move!)

ENJOY!

Whoa, its' been a really long time! SoR-RaY! No, really, I am...I had an overpowering need to focus. I've been working really hard at developing the program and the shows I'm working on with the kids. I've been learning how to work with pictures and video. And I've been working to get my theories and philosophies clear. I have many and I'm often surprised by how "new" they seem to some people...and I realized that, if that's the case, I had better be VERY clear about what I mean. At any rate, it's all been great fun; I've also been REALLY distracted with ALL of my little friends...and, really, there are a lot more of them than there are of you just now...but never fear: This project is not lost. Just developing slowly.

Bigger companies have the luxury of Communications Departments! and Project Managers! that don't let us worker bees forget to say "Hi!" and "We're away right now but we'll be back!" often enough...alas...it is mostly just me here. I don't even want to be a big "business" (so weird to call what I do "business";p) - but I DO want to be an effective one. My life has been in constant flux with varying routines and environments and even lifestyles over the last 5 years....and my little Miss Bliss ALWAYS comes first! I've had to put a lot of effort into giving her the security of routine even as I've been so chaotic.

PS KENSINGTON OCTOBER 26, 2008
I AM OYA. THE PRIMEVAL MOTHER OF CHAOS.

So...through all of that...and especially as she's nearing her tweens and spending a lot more time by my side (YAY!); especially as I LONG for way to communicate with parents and other caregivers outside of workshops and events and I hope this will become an integral part of that focus I referred to...I'm working hard to create set routines and patterns that allow me to achieve all of my crazazay goals. I'm hoping this holiday downtime and new beginning (particularly this one, because up until now, I just really haven't been ready) will give me the time and space I need to do just that.

And may you also find all the time you need this holiday season to enjoy your friends and family, your home and it's surroundings, and to reflect on all the beauty that life has to offer.

Peace and Blessings,
jennielea!

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Do You Believe?

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:36:00 -0400

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An Hour of Your Time

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:41:00 -0400

A man came home from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door: "Daddy, may I ask you a question?"

"Yeah, sure, what is it?" replied the man.

"Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?"

"That's none of your business. What makes you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.

"I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?" pleaded the little boy.

"If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour."

"Oh," the little boy replied, head bowed. Looking up, he said,"Daddy, may I borrow $10.00 please?"

The father was furious. "If the only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you're being so selfish. I work long, hard hours everyday and don't have time for such childish games."

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boy's questioning. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money. After an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think he may have been a little hard on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often.

The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

************************************************************

"Are you asleep son?" he asked.

"No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.

"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man.

"It's been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here's that $10.00 you asked for."

The little boy sat straight up, beaming. "Oh, thank you daddy" he yelled.

Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some more crumpled up bills. The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again.

The little boy slowly counted out his money, then looked up at the man.

"Why did you want more money if you already had some?" the father grumbled.

"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied.

"Daddy, I have $20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?"

Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:56:00 -0400

MY PRINCESS BUNNIES!
Two had to be rehomed - but don't worry: I kept the one I made! ;p

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Happy Thanks and Giving!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:54:00 -0400

WARNING: Long post and a little personal...in my life, everything is connected and CircleSing! is a pure extension of everything I live for...
Well - I feel pretty good this Harvest Season. I've been spending the last long while reviewing my values and my goals, identifying my strengths and weaknesses; I've been spending a lot of time "taking care of business" in my heart and in my home (and in the business end of CircleSing! which is really a culmination of my personal striving...) and I've been clarifying my purposes. This is the first Harvest in a little while that I've felt really ready to celebrate...as though my time toiling in the fields was extended over several seasons. It's a good feeling when you can sit back and look at the fruits of your labours and share them with your loved ones - which in my case includes just about everyone:)

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about all the great people around me too. I've been reflecting on all the warm fuzzy blessings I've recieved and the fact that, even when things got really rough, I never felt hopeless or alone. Never for one minute.
That's pretty special:)

For more rambling and an AWESOME OFFER click Read More....

**********************************

One of the ideas I've been struggling with has to do with Marketing and Promotion (to bring things all the way down to the mundane very quickly!) I can't stand it. I can't waste bunches and bunches of paper so that people won't forget who I am - I know it works but I just can't do it. I have no problem printing a reasonable amount of cards and brochures for peeps who really want them but, honestly - I see Queen Street covered on the daily by cards and flyers! It's insane!

I'd like to buy more ads but have yet to generate the kind of income that will allow for that (although I did manage to get into Help! We've Got Kids! this year)

And I like to give back to the community. It's something passed down to me through my family but deep in my heart too - that we are all here to help each other. The funny thing is how that exact same thinking has, at times, held me back from gathering a greater financial stability for myself - thereby making it harder for me to give. *sigh* (I know I seem to sigh a lot but it's ok - it's part of a process that gets me to the next place...More like a deep breath as I dive in than a sigh...)

Another thing I've been struggling with (and winning) is time! It got to a point where I didn't have any money to give and I was fresh out of time as well - even for myself! It was a bunch of craziness for a good long while there as I tried to deal with the fact that there are only so many hours in the day...people will often say I'm lucky because I'm good at a lot of things - but, in reality, my wide variety of interest and aptitude has been the bane of my existence! (;p)

But I do enjoy a good challenge - so -

The schedule is revamped in a way that I can do all the things I like to do (presumably - it's hardly tested but my past experiences have been excellent information in this planning), one of them being:
FREE SHOWS!
(Or Circles!)
For audiences
from 10 to 200
Based on availability - 1st come, 1st serve
(with preference given to higher need communities)
Certificates available for
Silent Auctions
I currently have time in my schedule to do THREE free performances each season:
October to December, January to March,
April to June, July and August.
Charitable Donation Receipts are greatly appreciated but not necessary.
It is also of great service to me as it allows me to bring CircleSing! to a wider audience and in a way that makes much more sense to me on so many levels...
So if you book - Thank You!

AND If you know anyone who wants to PAY for a Show or a Circle -
please don't be shy about sending them in my direction too!

PS. I'll also post your community event for free on this blog!

Ask a Toddler

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 21:21:00 -0400

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Papa and Me Programs

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Sat, 4 Oct 2008 17:57:00 -0400

WWW.STRONGFATHERS.CA

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Bobby McFerrin - The Alphabet Song!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Sat, 4 Oct 2008 10:05:00 -0400

A MUST SEE!!!

From Bobby Mc Ferrin : Chant

It's the 21st Semi-Annual Great Kids Stuff Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 08:47:00 -0400

Hosted by North Toronto MOMS:
Saturday October 18, 2008 -
9:00am to 12:00pm

Clothes, Cribs, Strollers,
Toys and More!!
High quality used baby and kids items at great prices!

St. Leonards Anglican Church
25 Wanless Avenue (North of Lawrence, East of Yonge)
CASH ONLY

Interested in selling your kids' stuff?
Visit: www.GREATKIDSSTUFFSALE.com
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Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 23:58:00 -0400

So that's a song I'm learning for my peoples - I think it's so pretty and it always makes me think about my baby and cry happy tears late at night.

It's by Bobby McFerrin - look for his version! It's hard to find. The one I had found online is gone now:( It's called Mere Words from the album Bang! Zoom!

But I sing this one all the time too:

I've been spending some much needed time developing new material for workshops and trying to recover my music files *sigh*. Setting stuff up here is slow going - I'm still all on my own here (I'll go into that more later) and I really, really need to be creative. I also really need to be a Mommy.

I am SO lucky because my daughter and I share interests. We've been working really hard on rehearsing shows that I've written over the past couple years and routines that we developed just playing together. We took it out to The Scotiabank Marathon and PS Kensington this past Sunday - CircleSing! and Happy Moon (Allegra and Luna) Productions have officially hit the road with our little song and dance show.

This is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and also to work the kids' chops for their more formal productions including: The Spooky Special (not this Hallowe'en, sadly, we're aiming for February)and The Story of Joy.

We'll be out on Queen and Spadina (we're there erratically now - it's close by - you might catch us sometime!) on October 4th for Nuit Blanche (unofficially but we ARE, in fact, official buskers).

More after the JUMP!...

And the last PS Kensington is October 26. The Samba Kidz will be joining me as the night begins to fall in a presentation of OYA~! Inspired by the Yoruban Tornado Goddess, wife of Shango - God of Thunder. It's a 6th year tradition now (4 years in the Market) and such fun for me as I conjur the power of Chaos. Anything is possible as winter begins to close in around us, it's stillness offering respite from the toil that favours the mundane over the celestial. Chaos opens the heart and the mind - and sometimes the body - to allow the infinite range of possibilities available in the universe to flow through us.

ANYWAY! Hope to see you out there:) I'll be on Kensington Avenue at Sunset.

Still Here, Beautiful Babies!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 06:55:00 -0400

I haven't posted for a while because I've been SO busy singing and dancing AND dealing with Mommy and adult stuff...have I mentioned I get overwhelmed, sometimes? Thought so.

Swansea Town Hall has been canceled due to a combination of low registration and added alternate bookings. There are no current plans to return to that location in the immediate future. Everything else is still running (and going really well!) and afternoon Home Hosts are still possible but tentative bookings may become confirmed in the next week, leaving me open only for January.

ANYWAY: I'm tryna learn about flash and video in general - here's a start for you while I run out to meetings today. I PROMISE I'll have more information tomorrow about our fabulous performance in Kensington Market last weekend and upcoming events.

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Swansea Town Hall - Wednesday September 17

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:59:00 -0400

We still have spaces available for toddlers (1-3)
at Swansea Town Hall!
11am - 12pm September 17th to November 5th. $120

You can email Lucy at missjennielea@circlesing.com or call 416-603-2335 - she retrieves messages daily. You can also print or download a registration form here:
http://www.circlesing.com/workshop.html#info

And YAY! Busking!

Busking is one of my favourite things to do!
Especially, with the kids - it always puts an extra-wide smile on people at the end of a hard work day....

Now that all the summer fun has died down and we've settled in the school, Allegra and her Soul Sista, Luna (aka Happy Moon Productions) are heading out with me to Queen West @ Spadina to show them what we've got. They've got tonnes of experience already as spectacle performers, having stilt-danced at Harbourfront festivals, out-of-town events and also having performed with me at Family Pride this past June, High Park and various other events.

We're all excited about testing out all the work we've been doing this summer with song and dance and we're hoping to use this time also to polish up for a variety of shows that I've created with their imput....its all very exciting...but more on that very soon...cuz first I got some 'splainin to do...

Happy Teary Times!

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Sat, 6 Sep 2008 21:20:00 -0400

Edited to add: I'm just realizing how obvious it is, now, that I don't watch TV. Oopsie!
O how I wish I'd seen this when I first came back.
Close enough I guess...
this is SO lovely, I can't even tell you - just watch it:)

And I got some better info, actually, about this - it's after the jump:
Molten Orange: "Just to be clear, this particular video, and the story contained in it, has some factual inaccuracies. The truth is actually much more heartwarming and compelling than the events related in the video. First, the two men who had cared for Christian hadn't seen him in nearly four years...not one year, as the video suggested.

They bought him in '69, and in a year or so later, after he became too big, they sent him to Kenya. When they did make the journey documented in the video in 1974, they were warned that Christian hadn't been seen in months, and their hopes to see him were probably futile. They didn't have to go looking for him for days, though.

The night before their flight arrived, Christian and his lioness and their cubs showed up at the camp in Nairobi, with Christian perched on his favorite rock, as if he were waiting for something. As soon as his two caretakers arrived at the camp, Christian was there. He hadn't seen them for nearly four years, yet he remembered them as if a day hadn't gone by. For more on this story, you can visit snopes.com and search for Christian the lion."

START DATES

noreply@blogger.com (CircleSing!) — Fri, 5 Sep 2008 13:28:00 -0400

So, I posted the schedule without start dates, of course.
There is a click in the top right corner of this page that takes you to the live calendar (it does now, I promise:). But you must be signed OUT of hotmail or msn accounts. That's the calendar that Lucy updates for me so I know where to go;) You should always be able to check it to see what's going on. It shows a weekly view which can be advanced (as can the month) with the tabs at the top:
Start dates after the jump....

YMCA FDC - Ongoing
St. Joe's Babytime - Tuesday, September 9 and November 11
Swansea Town Hall - Wednesday, September 17
BandR - Thursday, September 25
Samba Famz - Saturday, September 13

Look out for event information coming up in a hot minute...Busking, the Spooky Special and The Festival of Lights...don't miss them!