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A story about a duck who likes being different

The hilarious "Duckie Duck" by Kate Toms is one of my recommendations for kids learning to read. My son got this book from his aunt in Calgary a few years ago and since then has become one of his favorites. First of all, this is not your average duck tale. This is a story about a fowl who, candidly, seems to have missed the memo on duck protocol. Most ducks quack, but Duckie whistles. Others love to swim, but not him — Duckie likes boat rides. While other water birds fly, he enjoys floating inside a hot air balloon. The rhyming text and delightful hand-stitched illustrations make the book visually appealing to children. So, if you're looking for a book to teach your quirky little kids to read, "Duckie Duck" is just perfect.
Recent posts

Acorn-shaped meditation pod

Created by LFZ Studio , this giant acorn in France is a cool space to escape the digital deluge. For some, the wooden pod is a temporary escape from reality. For others, it’s a nice place to take a nap. And for a select few, it’s a nerve-wracking dive into claustrophobia. The pod blends perfectly with the forest and the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds create a natural soundtrack for meditation. In this sanctuary, time seems to slow down, allowing for a deeper connection with oneself and nature. |h/t: Design Boom |

Hey, Wanna Build a Guitar?

Six strings attached to a wooden frame, capable of producing simple tunes and intricate melodies. But before a guitar reaches the Royal Albert Hall or the dark corners of your bedroom, it undergoes a fascinating transformation at the hands of skilled craftspeople like Nick Branwell. Guitar making is more than just assembling pieces of wood and strings; it's about understanding the connection between materials, design, and sound. It's a craft that requires years of dedication and a deep passion for music. The result is an instrument that is not only beautiful to look at but also capable of producing music that can move and inspire.

Biking to School with Kids

I love biking to school with my children. It's a great way to start the day, and it's a lot of fun. Both of them have their own bicycles, meaning I'm basically herding two slightly erratic cyclists. My kids' two-wheelers are quite new and pretty decent. Mine is more like a rusty ten-speeder with a penchant for chain slippage. It's a cheap, rickety bike from China but it's my vehicle of choice for running errands, and honestly, it gets the job done. My youngest is still working on his steering. My eldest, on the other hand, is all about speed. She thinks she's in the Tour de France, so I'm constantly shouting, "Slow down!" Of course there are moments of near disaster. But you know what? Despite the mayhem, there's something undeniably satisfying about arriving at our destination, slightly out of breath, on our bikes. There are also moments of pure, unadulterated joy – like when we are pedaling along the street, the sun on our faces, the wind...

Why Walking is Basically Magic

I like walking. It's really convenient and no fancy equipment is required. You can do it anywhere, anytime. It's also good for my heart and can somehow untangle the chaotic mess that is my brain. It's meditative, allowing my thoughts to flow freely and my anxieties to melt away. Whether it's a short stroll through your neighborhood or a long vigorous hike in the countryside, this TED-Ed video explains why walking is lauded as a cure for everything from boredom to slightly-too-tight jeans.

The Bizarre History of Rum

Back when I was drinking a lot more alcohol than I do these days, my go to beverage was rum. Born from sugarcane and with a past as rich and complex as its flavor, rum is inexpensive and has a smooth taste. The longer it ages, the better and more complex it becomes. Whether you're sipping a simple Tanduay and Coke or handcrafted cocktails like the Mojito, Daiquiri, and Mai Tai, rum is always a good choice.

Bats, Cats, and Dancing Skeletons

It’s now been fifty-eight years since Walt Disney died of lung cancer, and as a great way to remember his legacy is watch this short film he did in 1929. It’s truly impressive, and you can still see the impact he made on animation today.