We are all inspired by different things every day. These things help to encourage us when we doubt ourselves, to motivate us when we’re ready to throw in the towel and to believe that anything in life is truly possible.
Sometimes, our parents or teachers serve as reminders to help us stay on the right path, to push our potential and help us to focus on our strengths and not our weaknesses.
Other times, despite whatever advice or encouragement we receive we just don’t listen, or rather we can’t. We dwell too much on the negative that the positive attributes that make us unique and the dreams that help shape our future are lost silently in the wind.
It is in those moments where we don’t need reminding from others but rather an awakening in ourselves that we need to listen to our little voice the most.
Little Voice is more than just a children’s book, it a message that empowers us all to feel inspired, strong, hopeful, confident and, more than anything, determined to not only be proud of who we are but inspired to help others feel the same.
And by LOUD, we mean you can now find it not only online but in your favourite
Ottawa book store!
Little Voice has officially joined the shelves at Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books!
Located across from Lansdowne Park, this children’s book store carries not only Little Voice but a wide array of children’s literature!
Visit them today and get your copy of Little Voice! #wethelittle
The Alzheimer Society Walk for Memories is a province-wide event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and education. Held annually in more than 65 communities across Ontario, this inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to help support people living with dementia.
Author Amanda and Illustrator Samantha joined hundreds of others in this year’s
2015 Walk for Memories!
“Cause I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more!”
I was so honoured today to walk for my grandmother, Teresina Bernardo. She was 67 years old when she was officially diagnosed with this disease. Having lived with Alzheimer’s for over 19 years, she now finds herself in the final and more difficult stages of this disease.
Teresina Bernardo, grandmother to Author Amanda Bernardo.
The topic of Alzheimer’s has always been an emotional one in my family. It would be difficult for any family living with this disease to describe it. However, I recently read an article that truly took the words right out of my mouth; the article read: “The more I lose my mom to Alzheimer’s, the more I experience how painful it is to miss someone who is sitting right in front of you.” That’s just it, typically when we lose someone we have a chance to say goodbye, to mourn and to heal. Yet, with Alzheimer’s you don’t really get that. You say goodbye after each conversation and watch as this disease slowly strips you away from your loved one’s memories. You see someone you love disappear even though they are standing right in front of you.
Today, for the first time, I was surrounded by so many others who understood what it meant to live with Alzheimer’s disease. To see so many people together in one room, fighting for the same cause, was truly inspirational and I am truly truly honoured to have been a part of this initiative. Being part of today’s event gave me hope for a better tomorrow. It inspired me to continue fundraising, advocating and doing whatever I can to help bring awareness to this disease and the funding needed to finally find a cure!
This was my first year walking, but it most definitely won’t be my last!
– Amanda Bernardo, Author
Author Amanda & Illustrator Samantha Walking the 2015 Walk for Memories!
Today was a reminder of how Alzheimer’s disease has touched the lives of so many people. When I saw such a big community of people come together to walk, I was overjoyed with their positive spirits and hopes that someday, with much fundraising, we will find a cure!
Walking alongside Amanda today was truly wonderful. Ever since we launched Little Voice she has wanted to give back in some way or another to our community. I was 100% on board when she chose to help the Alzheimer’s Society. I knew why Amanda chose to donate to this cause, but today I was fortunate to have Amanda share with me her grandmother’s story. I am so proud to join her on this journey with Little Voice to now support this community we are so thankful to be a part of!
I look forward to walking many more kilometres in support of this amazing cause and I encourage you all to donate if possible or join us on our walk
next year!
– Samantha Clusiau-Lawlor, Illustrator
Amanda and Samantha circled the track 25 times and walked a total of 5 kilometres!
The Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County had over 600 walkers present, with 82 teams and … drum roll please … raised
T’was the weekend before Christmas and all through the mall
Shoppers were hurrying, they had to buy it all!
They looked at their lists, but still couldn’t find…
A copy of Little Voice, but they wanted it signed!
With only 5 days left, what would I do?
To top it off, I have to bake too!
When out in the parking lot arose such a clatter.
I peaked out the door to see what was the matter.
Away on the left, I saw a Little Elf.
I could have sworn it was the Elf on the Shelf!
I raced to my car, I was down to the wire.
And noticed he had left a colourful little flyer.
Little Sweets it had read, Monday on Preston!
A chance to buy Little Voice, it seemed it was destined!
But as I kept reading, my eyes grew real wide!
“Get Little Voice and some sweets on the side!”
Valentina’s Sweet Treats would save me from baking!
I was so excited, my legs started shaking!
I jumped in my car, no need for the mall!
I would just head to EVOO, they had it all!
Little Voice is very excited to announce that we’ve added one last event to our roster before the holidays! BUT, this isn’t just any ordinary event.
We are very happy to be hosting this next event alongside another local Ottawa company, Valentina’s Sweet Treats, for what we like to call Little Sweets!
Join us on December 22nd from 7:00-9:30pm at EVOO Greek Kitchen for your chance to pick up a copy of Little Voice AND a box of your favourite treats, perfect for any holiday get together!
Book a reservation for dinner and stay for Little Sweets!
