September 29, 2014 - INSPIRING MAX

“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines. In two straight lines they broke their bread and brushed their teeth and went to bed. They smiled at the good and frowned at the bad and sometimes they were very sad. They left the house at half past nine in two straight lines in rain or shine — the smallest one was Madeline.”

Growing up as a teenager I loved the Madeline books. Because I was studying French, I thought I was clever because I could also read the French version. From memory, the opening paragraph of the movie (above) is also the opening paragraph of the books. I like this as it automatically places you in the scene, allowing you to understand the order, values and safety in their lives.

Recently, I watched Madeline again, reliving many memories from my younger years. Madeline, (the only orphan of the group) is always getting into trouble but she has a big heart and connects easily with people of all ages. She and her friends have many adventures or break outs from the order of their lives—each one dealing with many different issues. Somehow, having these issues or movie themes addressed in a children’s movie seems to give them more power. The themes and life lessons I found Miss Clavel and her twelve little girls address through their adventures include:

1.Problem solving skills

2. Loyalty

3. The importance of friendships

4. Abandonment

5. Speaking your mind

6. Stray animals

7. Believing in yourself

8. Class distinction

9. Connecting with others

10. Standing up for what you believe in

11. Looking after each other

12. Orphans

13. Greed

14. Animal rights

15. PETA (People for the ethical treatment of animals)

16. Peer pressure

17. Hospitalization

18. Fun

19. Loss/Death

20. Change

21. Rich verses poor

22. Paris lifestyle

23. The Arts

24. Children’s education

25. Criminal activity

26. Rescuing others

27. Animal instincts

28. Attempting to fit into society

29. Vegetarianism

30. Family traditions

Next time you are considering a movie for all generations give Madeline a try. It has something for everyone. For a young girl Madeline has a strong and lovable personality. The movie has many lovable characters and has someone for everyone. Which movie character do you connect with the most?

Are you a picky eater? Share some of your favorite food quirks with us (the more exotic, the better!). Omnivores: what’s the one thing you won’t eat?

When asked about my food preferences as a youngster, I would say I eat everything. What I really meant was any usual food that may be put on my plate. Whilst in Australia this statement mostly remains true, the one thing I would like to try however I am unsure if I can put in my mouth is the aboriginal delicacy—the witchetty grub.

Eating a witchetty grub is an experience rather than a meal. They are found in Central Australia and are often on the bucket lists of travellers to the area. One day I will travel to the centre of our beautiful land. When that time comes I will have to decide if I am going to open my currently shut mouth to the experience.