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I've shared a few times about the English Language School (ELS) at YWAM, Worcester, South Africa. I enjoy teaching there and meeting students from around the world. Today I'm sharing a video testimony of one of the previous ELS students, Simone. Part of it was filmed on our street and at our neighbor's house and it ends off at YWAM and the ELS where I teach. She's from Brazil and a survivor of abuse.
This second video is of a superb performance by two young kids singing, "You Raise Me Up." I showed it to Amanda and she was in awe, like me.
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Title: Magelica's Voyage | Author: Louise Courey Nadeau | Publication Date: June 1, 2013 | Publisher: Magelica Inc. | Pages: 48 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 10
Summary: Who ever heard of a girl being hatched from an egg the colour of sapphires? Magelica doesn't know where she came from or who she really is. But when she's transported to the Isle of Dreams in a flying bathtub, she launches into an adventure of discovery, and learns that wonderful things can happen when she uses her imagination, believes, opens her heart and trusts in love. Come fly with her and discover for yourself the power of imagination, gratitude, believing in yourself, and love! In this special first voyage, fantasy, adventure, magical illustrations, empowering messages, and a wonderful cast of enchanting characters come together as Magelica takes young girls and the special people in their lives on a fun, inspiring voyage about making your life magical.
Title: The Rescue (Magelica's Voyage, Book 2) | Author: Louise Courey Nadeau | Publication Date: May 27, 2015 | Publisher: Magelica Inc. | Pages: 48 | Recommended Ages: 5 to 10
Summary: When Magelica dreams of the prince lost on a deserted island, she realizes that it could lead to his rescue. She returns to the Isle of Dreams to tell Queen Raya what she knows. Can they save Prince Will before it's too late? Will the power of laughter and love be enough?
Amanda and I were delighted to receive a copy of both books in the mail all the way from Canada to South Africa. The illustrations immediately had Amanda's attention and she asked me to start reading Magelica's Voyage (Book 1) to her right away. She commented on how she liked Magelica's soft green hair. The story had her captivated.
We didn't read the whole book in one sitting. I usually prefer reading to Amanda at bedtime. So, over several evenings, I read the rest of Magelica's Voyage (Book 1) and The Rescue (Book 2). Amanda said that she loved everything about both books. Her favorite part was at the end of the second book when Prince Will says that he would help her find her family. That means there must be another book on the way and Amanda hopes to read it!
From a parent's point of view, the stories are fun and easy to read aloud. Magelica has unique adventures. She learns that singing and laughing help dispel any fears or gloom. She learns to believe in herself. She also learns the value of friendship. I highly recommend both books for girls ages 5 to 10.
The Buzz About the Books
"Magelica's Voyage is an inspiring, magical tale of a world that I did not want to leave. The author's imagination takes off with vivid magical characters transformed into beautiful illustrations that your child will love... When you open this book you'll instantly discover that magic is indeed in the air." ~ 5 Star Review, StevieV, Amazon
"This is a wonderful, enchanting book! The story is so imaginative and the illustrations are beautiful! It is delightful to join Magelica on her adventure to the Isle of Dreams, and it is great to see such a positive, confident heroine." ~ 5 Star Review, Laurie J., Amazon
"Magelica is easy to love; a child who accepts herself as she is but who questions the very world around her, is someone many children will be able to relate to. Give this wonderful story a try- you won't be sorry you did." ~ 5 Star Review, Shelley V., Amazon
"Magelica's Voyage by Louise Courey Nadeau is a beautifully written enchanting tale filled with alluring adventure. The story is magnificently illustrated, from the winsome depiction of Magelica to the creative Isle of Dreams, the authors gifted imagination is prevalent on every page... I highly recommend picking up a copy.." ~ 5 Star Review, Stacie T., Amazon
"I recommend it to every kid between the age of 3 until 9 whether it is a girl or boy. The energy when reading it is indescribable. Both [books] are well made and I recommend it to every parent that cares about how their children should be raised!" ~ 5 Star Review, Hassan, Amazon
"The Rescue is a beautifully illustrated and beautifully written children’s story with an important message about being happy and staying positive, even in very difficult circumstances. Louise Courey Nadeau presents this gentle lesson in a light-hearted and brilliantly illustrated manner that draws in readers young and old." ~ Bil Howard, Reader's Favorite, 5 Star Review
"Magelica’s Voyage: The Rescue by Louise Courey Nadeau is a beautiful story that will teach kids valuable lessons pertaining to staying true to their heart." ~ 5 Star Review, Jeff, Amazon
About the Author:
Louise Courey Nadeau
Louise Courey Nadeau
Passionate about empowering and inspiring children around the world, Louise Courey Nadeau, born and raised in Montreal, Canada, and mother of two girls and two boys created her first fairy tale Magelica's Voyage, with the second book in the series, The Rescue, launched June 2015.
"Through life's trials and tribulations, I always believed I could. With the Magelica book series my goal is to take young girls and their parents and teachers on empowering adventures and to inspire and encourage them to believe that they are amazing just the way they are, and to discover the power of love, positivity, and believing in themselves.
"Magelica's Voyage is inspired by my life, my family, and the special people and places I love", says Courey Nadeau. "All of the characters in the story, including Magelica are reflections of the person I am- the wacky part, the funny part, the philosopher, the teacher, the caretaker, the chosen mom, the giver, and of course the dreamer. What would Magelica do, I often ask, and I get the answer. When you fly with Magelica, the possibilities are endless and there is magic all around."
To read her blogs and learn more about Louise Courey Nadeau please visit Magelica's Voyage website at Magelica.com. You can also follow Magelica on FB, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
"We've rescued hundreds of children enslaved around the world, helped keep hundreds more from entering the sex-trade through our various prevention programs, ensured justice for those that have been wronged and have raised awareness to untold numbers. And, we'll continue to expand to help reach even more children in the days ahead!"
Here's a recent interview of the guy who left his job in Australia and moved his family to Thailand to help rescue girls who have been trafficked. On the Australian The Daily Edition:
Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.
Now on to my blog hop...
It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!
Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.
All family friendly blogs are welcome!
If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to
At the museums there were many sections with lots to see and learn. I hope you take a moment to check out my latest post on my travel blog:The Knysna Museums
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Moist Pumpkin Scones Recipe
Many friends in the blogging community are eagerly sharing their favorite pumpkin recipes and Thanksgiving themed tablescapes. I try to do something around Thanksgiving in South Africa, but it is a bit more challenging because we are usually experiencing the heat of summer at that time. Even now, while blog hops are showcasing Fall themed memes, those of us below the Equator are having Spring!
The other day I was given a pumpkin, not the jack-o'-lantern kind, but a Queensland Blue (an Australian variety). At first, I was a bit out of my depth with carving and peeling it. This was a task I would normally get my husband to do, but my mother-in-law was visiting and got it started for me. She made some pumpkin fritters with Jessica (my eldest daughter) to go with dinner and she made the task look so easy. Trust me, it's not!
My mother-in-law once gave me a wonderful pumpkin scones recipe and I decided to use the remaining pumpkin for that. The following day, I cut the rest of the pumpkin into wedges, peeled it, removed the seeds and baked it in the oven with butter and cinnamon sugar. And, the good news is that I never cut myself in the process! In case you are not familiar with the term "scone", it's a quick bread, often slightly sweet and sometimes with added dried fruit. In South Africa, it's often served with whipped cream, jam, and grated cheese. If you live in the States, it's similar to a biscuit.The trick to making a good scone is making sure the butter is cold and the dough is not overworked.
Ingredients: *1 cup baked pumpkin mashed (I'm sure you can use canned pumpkin puree) 2 cups flour 1 Tbs. baking powder 1/8 cup brown sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. allspice 1 tsp. ginger 2 tsp. cinnamon 6 Tbs. cold butter grated 1/2 cup raisins a bit of milk if needed cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling on top) *The baked pumpkin:
Cut the pumpkin into wedges, peel and remove seeds. Dot with butter and a little cinnamon sugar. Bake in the oven at 180 C / 360 F for about 30 minutes, until soft and the edges have begun to caramelize. You only need one cup mashed for this recipe. The rest you can mash and freeze in one cup portions for later use.
Method:
Preheat the oven to 200 C / 390 F. (I baked the pumpkin first. With the oven still hot, I turned up the temperature for the scones.) Sift dry ingredients. Grate the cold butter and blend in with a fork or pastry blender to resemble coarse crumbs. Stir in raisins. Work in the pureed pumpkin with a blunt knife. Don't overwork the dough or the scones will be heavy and stodgy. (I added a bit of milk at this point, because my pumpkin didn't have enough moisture to bring the dough together.) Pat into a round shape onto a baking sheet. Cut into 8 triangles with a floured knife. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar and bake for 20 - 25 minutes until golden brown and tester (toothpick) comes out clean.
Baked pumpkin
Cold butter grated and mixed into dry ingredients
1 cup mashed pumpkin
Dough patted into a round shape, cut with a floured knife into 8 triangles, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and then baked in the oven
Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.
Now on to my blog hop...
It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!
Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.
All family friendly blogs are welcome!
If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to
I’m a mom blogger and indie author. I post about books, share original photos, and host a weekly blog hop. Amanda's Books and More is based on my youngest child and our love of books.
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