My parents generously sent me a little money for Christmas and my birthday with instructions to buy myself some “warm boots”..

As much as I’d like warm boots (and I’ll get me some in January for sure) I’ve spent it on something else, a keynote speaker and a rainstick!

I’ve always wanted a rainstick so when I saw one in Bluestone Magik and Enchanted Crystal (this is such a cool shop- especially the back room) in Mahone Bay I grasped it firmly, tipped it and listened. Immediately it started raining heavily outside so it was a sign and now, at home, I have been annoying Hobbits, dogs and cats alike summoning the rain gods at every opportunity. (I will use this in 2012 for watering my vegetable garden)

Two wonderful speeches by Sir Ken Robinson who discusses the very ethos of the importance of creativity in schools- please watch and discuss!

The other thing I bought was a “keynote speaker”..

I’ve always been interested in alternative methods of teaching our children. Not every child thrives in a regular school system, sometimes creativity is a way a child can learn and grow and become brilliant in a sphere that is outside the box.

For some children school = boredom/anxiety or apathy. While some children thrive on structure and academia and have an affinity for these, others will only thrive and show interest/joy and brilliance in computers/art/sports/music/drama in a less structured and creative environment.

My educational hero is Sir Ken Robinson…

When I first heard him on TED.com I finally had found someone who was able to express the thoughts I had inside me in such a wonderful way that it was enlightening.

And now he is coming to Halifax in April and it looks like I’ll be travelling up to enjoy listening to the man himself.

I can’t wait…!