I Love Hafiz

Have you heard about the happy virus (by a chap called Hafiz). Goes like this:
I caught the happy virus last night,
When I was out singing beneath the stars.
It is remarkably contagious.
So kiss me.

What is it about singing?

Each week I conduct and rehearse 3 choirs in W.A. The sound of human voices is absolutely incredible when it comes together to create harmony. here's some info from my friend Dr. Andrew Kirke. General Practitioner Kalgoorlie WA and Choir Director, Two Up Two Down Community Choir

To anyone who has sung in a choir this might seem a silly question. Every singer knows of the post-singing high you get after a good rehearsal or performance and then there’s all that fresh air and breathing. How can it not be healthy? On the other hand some of the health problems of our professional singing stars today would suggest perhaps singing is a dangerous occupation.
Defining health is a challenge in itself. Do we mean the way we feel about ourselves or are there some measurable outcomes that might be attributable to singing?

People feel better after singing Numerous psychological studies support the anecdotal evidence that people feel better after a session of singing. There are significant measurable changes in
mood after a singing session. Listening to music can have the same effect but participating in singing increases the boost to your mood. In choirs targeting disadvantaged people, there have been measurable effects in improving self esteem as well.

More to come...


People feel better after singing
Numerous psychological studies support the anecdotal evidence that people feel better after a session of singing. There are significant measurable changes in mood after a singing session. Listening to music can have the same effect but participating in singing increases the boost to your mood. In choirs targeting disadvantaged people there have been measurable effects in improving self esteem as well.

10 Most Magnificent Trees in the World.

"A tree is a wonderful living organism which gives shelter, food, warmth and protection to all living things. It even gives shade to those who wield an axe to cut it down" – Buddha.

There are probably hundreds of majestic and magnificent trees in the world – of these, some are particularly special:

http://www.neatorama.com/2007/03/21/10-most-magnificent-trees-in-the-world/

Charlie & Moon Website is launched

Dear Friends,

Happy to let you know that the website of "The Adventures of Charlie and Moon" is launched. Feel free to browse through www.charlieandmoon.com, read the prologue and chapter 1, buy the book, and keep checking as in the coming weeks, we will be bringing more fun and serious stuff from the young members of the Eagle Spirit Team.

Copenhagen Petition

Hi,

Why not join over 10 million people in the world's largest ever climate petition.
There has never been a more important time to add your name − our message is being delivered to leaders at the Copenhagen climate negotiations later this week.

Please add your voice at:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_copenhagen_now/97.php?cl_taf_sign=cf4b3af892b86937c0601edad807b80a

Defenders of Animals

Defenders of Wildlife Action Center:
Source: bit.ly

Right now, a poison made by an American company-- a product that the Environmental Protection Agency says is too toxic for use in the U.S.-- is driving some of the last wild lions of the African plains to extinction.

Copenhagen

Why do our leaders take years to catch onto the fact that the earth has been stuffed up? The meetings and talkfest always seem to come to late or are knee jerk reactions to problems that are almost unsolvable.

Reading at Primary School

Yesterday, I read The Adventures of Charlie & Moon to 75 primary school children and their teachers at Bibra Lake Primary School in Perth. We had such a great time.

At the end of the reading, I taught the group a funky song about the environment. Many of the children played clean air-guitar.

Hope to have some photos soon.

http://www.crowfliespress.com/the-adventures-of-charlie-and-moon_by-martin-meader.html

Your first book

So I am about to launch my first book into the world. Would love some feedback from other writers and their experience of what they expected, what happened and how they view it now, looking back. Cheers, Martin

The Adventures of Charlie & Moon - Promo 2

Book being printed

Hi Everyone,

The book is finally being printed by McNaughton & Gunn and is being published by Crow Flies Press, a green and independent publishing company (www.crowfliespress.com).

The book illustrates the themes of species in danger, the environment under attack and how the heroic journey of a child (Charlie Ramsbottom) overcomes the odds to defeat Skunk Weavel, the villain of materialistic greed in the City of the Quincequonces.

Watch this space!

The Adventures of Charlie & Moon

Hi Everyone,

Everyday we are getting closer to being printed. very soon, you'll be able to buy direct from www.crowfliespress.com

Big wave from down under where we are just moving into summer. Martin

Charlie & Moon nearly ready

Hi Everyone, The final galley of The Adventures of Charlie & Moon is with the publisher. By the end of November, the book will be available for purchase. Visit www.crowfliespress.com for info and a peek at the book cover. Cheers, Martin

The Adventures of Charlie & Moon

Hi Everyone, We are down to the wire. Just reading through the last galley and then we are off to the printer's. The cover is done (it's being kept secret) and here is our first review.

“The Adventures of Charlie & Moon is charming! It will appeal to a wide range of children but should be especially welcome to younger fans of the Harry Potter books. It has the classic feel and lovely language of Tolkien but with plenty of contemporary bits. I particularly liked the wonderfully flowery descriptions of people and places. The ‘English-ness’ might have turned off some readers before Harry Potter but now even the youngest kids know what ‘cream buns’ and ‘waistcoats’ are. I also love that the violence is kept low key & somewhat cartoon-y. I can’t wait to have it in the store.” Kat Goddard New England Children’s Booksellers

Newsflash!

The cover art for The Adventures of Charlie and Moon is complete and looks fantastic. Dawn Meader has created a wonderful image. More soon!

Progress Report

Hi Everyone,

In Perth and Massachusetts, we are checking the galley of the the book. Almost read to print. Dawn Meader (www.dawnmeader.com) finished the painting for the cover of the book yesterday and it looks terrific. Very soon, we'll have the image in digital format, ready for the graphic artist to do his cover design work. And it looks like the book is going to be recommended for the IndieBound Independent Booksellers Network in USA. Jana Laiz, the publisher of Crow Flies Press, is also entering the book for a number of prizes.

Speak soon.

Martin

The Journey Begins

Hi Everyone,

This is the first blog for The Adventures of Charlie & Moon. The book will be published in USA and Australia very soon by Crow Flies Press (www.crowfliespress.com) and we are looking forward very much in getting it out to as many children (and big kids) as possible. I have had much help along the way especially from Jana laiz, Irena Mihova, Deb Saville and Lindsay Breach.

I am very proud of how Jana has pushed me and cajoled me into moving the book to a higher level.

I'm new to blogging so watch this space and hopefully I'll bring you some interesting updates.

Very best wishes,

Martin Meader