art by Nataša Pantović

It perhaps takes a special kind of courage to perform at Malta’s National Theatre, Manuel Theatre, built in 1731 by the Knights of St. John, in one of the oldest working theatres in Europe, as a young 18-25 year old artist staging a Maltese production. There they are, handling a space and expectation of audience that has seen arguably the greatest shows of Malta, but still working with amazing 'but we think we can make an extraordinary piece of music theatre...’

Manuel Theatre 9th April 2022 Dancers Opera Ciklu, Photography by Karl & Camille Fenech

Introducing tales from 21st Century women, set to lyrics, music and dance highlighted contemporary social issues. Without using the obvious, subtly but significantly tweaking the story interpretation, reunited with the nuclear family in the production. Led by their teacher’s motto: “There is nothing more beautiful than giving your soul to the audience:” the performers were able to zoom in and out and tell a bigger story of individuals and about community

We were invited to join a 70 minute journey through various life struggles as the young cast of opera singers and dancers experimented with contemporary youth opera and dance, inviting the audience to join the conversation.

Shopping is also simple and easy. All you need to do is select the store you plan to purchase from, input your size and the type of designer you're looking for, and you'll be presented with several options so you are able to choose the one that catches your eye. To make your shopping experience a lot more simple, think about the possibility of doing some research on the various brands and designers to help you to discover the items you require with greater ease. If you go to the store for shoes, you'll be able to see that they are organized in different sections and the fashion of brand names that are popular with shoppers. In a traditional store, shopping is time-consuming and you might not find what you're searching for. However the internet provides all the information including size, color, designer and cost, making it easy and fast.

More info: https://www.taosneakers.com/h-product-detail.html?goods_id=3218

Willa loves getting treasure that falls into the Monkey Pit at the zoo even if it means she has to climb onto the ledge to get it. Getting in trouble for going on the ledge means that mama takes her dangly earring treasure. Thinking of an idea to get it back, Carter, a little boy, comes to look at the Monkey Pit and has a conversation with her. He also leaves his new backpack and he needs it for school tomorrow so Willa decides to leave the zoo and find Carter.

I enjoyed this story. I found it fun and interesting. I liked that Willa made friends outside of the zoo. The best ones were the chipmunks. Exploring the world outside the zoo was fascinating as Willa learned what was good and what was unsafe. Meeting some mean critters and people taught her to hide but she does not let it deter her quest. The other characters, especially Carter, are good. Villains abound as Willa tries to help. A good story for beginning readers.

Tumen wants to go home so Jack and his crew take him back where they are greeted by his family and friends. Throwing a celebration dinner and story telling cause Jack and his crew to dream of the City of Gold. Waking the next day there are persona non gratis because the amulet leading to the City of Gold is missing and Tumen's great-grandfather is ill. Knowing they did not steal the amulet leads Jack and crew to search the island where a small doll is found with the mark of Madame Minuit upon it. Now they must sail to New Orleans and find Madame and retrieve the amulet.

I enjoyed this story. It starts a little slow but once they hit New Orleans it gets exciting. We find out about Madame Minuit and more about the amulet. We also learn more about Arabella. The ending sets up their next adventure (I hope) and I am ready for it.

Jesse is hoping to be the fastest runner in the 5th grade this year. So he's out practicing every morning when little sister May Belle comes telling him of a new family moving in. She hopes there is a little girl to play with. When Jesse meets the girl that moves in, she's in his grade so no playmate for May Belle. Leslie, the new girl, is different from the rest of the students. Her family wants to simply their lives. Jesse decides to include her in the races and she changes everything for him.

I enjoyed this story. I saw the movie first and remembered the ending somewhat but not the details. I did not remember I would need practically a box of tissues for the ending. I loved Jesse. His was not an easy life. Leslie, his neighbor, brightened his world as they went off to Terabithia and created their own world. Jesse also sees his father in a different light because of Leslie.

What a wonderful book! Full of imagination but bound in reality. I'm glad I read it even if I am an adult.