Once upon a time, in a village nestled deep within a mystical forest, there lived a witch. Unlike any other witch, she was wild and untamed. Her name was Esmeralda, and her unruly black hair and piercing green eyes filled the villagers with fear. Esmeralda dwelled alone in a tumbledown cottage on the outskirts of the village. The villagers would only approach her abode if they were desperate, seeking her assistance with spells and potions to cure ailments or bring good fortune. But very few were brave enough to face the wrath of the yntamed witch.
Fairy godmother
Magical Moments was founded by Ilana Friedman, the Fairy godmother and Chief Operating Fairy, in March 2004, following a traumatic event.
For more insights into Fairy g’s story READ MORE …
For over 15 years Ilana has been involved in life and personal transformation in various domains and work spaces. Together with her husband Gavin Friedman, Founding Director of The SOAR Institute, they both have a very clear, deep and insightful understanding of the effects that childhood has on human development and adulthood. It is an interconnectedness of this in-depth learning that Ilana integrates her Vision and Philosophy into the events and interventions that she creates for the children. The benefits are immeasurable and unquantifiable at this time as the children are still young and impressionable, however, the longer term benefits and investments have the potential to transform a child’s life and impact others in the future. Ilana calls it “the Fairy Dust Effect” - in theory, similar to the butterfly effect, the concept that small causes can have large effects.
In chaos theory, the butterfly effect is a simplified metaphor based on an experiment carried out by a meteorologist named Edward Lorenz. In simulations of weather patterns he accidentally discovered that infinitesimal changes in the starting values for air pressure led to vastly divergent weather patterns over time. The butterfly effect was then used to describe this effect, stating that there was a significant probability of a tornado in one part of the world being caused by something as seemingly insignificant as a butterfly flapping its wings in another part of the world thousands of miles away. A very small change in initial conditions had created a significantly different outcome.
Ilana is deeply passionate about personal transformation and healing, especially in children who live in the environments that she engages in, advocating for ALL Children’s Rights, especially their Right to PLAY! The value of Early Childhood Education (ECE), Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Early Childhood Learning (ECL), particularly during their most important informative and foundation phase years, should not be underestimated. We need to take play very seriously. Research shows the impact that play and early childhood has on the development of children and ultimately, the longer term effects later on in life in adulthood.
Ilana focuses and engages with children who are “unseen” and “unheard”, missing out on the most magical years of their lives, exposed to far too much violence, hatred, anger, hopelessness, hardship and difficulty during their most informative years.
She believes in magic - gifting children who live in poverty of mind, heart, body and soul with opportunities to experience the ‘Extraordinary’. To take their precious little souls on mini-vacations for a few hours in the day; to seek refuge, while they play. To just escape the harsh reality of life, and for a few magical moments, to discover a world of profound generosity - unconditional kindness, filled with love and compassion and so much gentleness.
As we look deep into their eyes, and into their souls, we open up windows to their hearts, and to ours too. Windows of opportunity. Where true transformation does take place, right before our eyes.
A real life Fairy godmother, together with a forest of Fairies, we “plant seeds for wishes to grow”. And those wishes can become dreams. And then we create a different reality and future for the children. Opening up a World of Possibilities. For us all. And for generations to follow. Where we all are alive to thrive.
Fairies (Volunteers)
Magical Moments is volunteer-driven. Our volunteers are affectionately called ‘Fairies’, as they ‘fly’ in on the day of an event to help create magical moments, bring along precious gifts of love and laughter, lightness, fun and playfulness, sprinkle our magical essence of fairy dust and fly onwards, leaving behind unconditional kindness, love, hugs & kisses, friendship and happy, playful memories, touching the children’s lives gently and magically. With a sprinkling of fairy dust, they help spread the magic …
Fairy dust and magic are metaphors for love. And they all have magical healing powers.
A Magical Fairy is a frequent flyer, flying thousands of miles for smiles. Our regular forest of Magical Fairies are dedicated, passionate, compassionate and very caring about uplifting children’s lives; through play, dedicating many years and a commitment of resources to Magical Moments. They are true to our Vision and Philosophy of gifting children with the Extraordinary and magnificence. Aspects and concepts devoid in these children’s lives.
What skills do Magical Fairies need?
Kindness, love and compassion; fun, hard-working, resilience, initiative, playfulness. Any other skills e.g. face painting, early childhood education skills, music or art skills, would be an additional bonus. Fairies are gentle, child-friendly, willing to do any kind of ‘work’ and play that may be required at an event, from washing little hands and faces to preparing and serving meals, singing, dancing, giving hugs, gentle embraces and playing games. Own transport is required and sometimes long distances are travelled. Time and energy is gifted on a voluntary basis. Fairies are rewarded with love and hugs, without financial compensation. A smile on a child's face, an embracing hug, gurgle of laughter and shrieks of delight are the gifts that feed our soul. Priceless. Precious. Worthwhile. And ever-lasting.
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Fairy "rules"
Fairies don't smoke and do not use cell phones while interacting with the children. No private photographing of the children is permitted. Fairies bring their own bottled water and specific dietary requirements. Our priority is to take care and feed children as fairies can take care of themselves. Fairies "feast" on love, laughter and fresh air.
What do fairies wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing. A branded t-shirt will be given to all Fairies to wear during the duration of the event. During inclement weather, a long-sleeved t-shirt or sweater underneath the t-shirt is required so that the Magical Moments' branding is visible for ease in identification, returnable at the end of the event. We encourage fairies to wear tiaras and fairy aerials so that the children see us as playful, fun and friendly. Wings are encouraged.
Fairy mail
Should you be interested in becoming a Fairy, please contact us by emailing [email protected] for further information or complete the following Fairy Application Form. Fairy mail is sent out prior to each event, notifying fairies of forthcoming Magical Moments where assistance is required. For smaller events and activities, where there is a small group of children, priority is given to regular volunteers.
About
Magic Moments was founded in 1984 with the sole purpose of providing happiness to children throughout the state of Alabama who are diagnosed with chronic life-threatening conditions. As Birmingham mother Shelley Clark was spending time in and out of Children’s Hospital (now Children’s of Alabama), she saw a television program about a chronically ill boy who wanted to ride on a fire truck. The story of his community’s endeavor to fulfill his request, right down to the firemen entering his hospital room window via a hook and ladder truck, inspired her to offer hope and joy to local children with life-threatening illnesses by turning their dreams into realities.
Shelley shared her idea with her daughter’s pediatrician, who put her in touch with L.E. Patton, play therapist at Children’s Hospital. Coincidentally, at about the same time, fellow Birmingham mother Buffie Marks, who volunteered in play therapy at Children’s, had a similar idea after having seen a national broadcast about a wish granting organization. L.E. suggested Shelley and Buffie collaborate. Soon, with the blessings of hospital administration and a $500 grant from the Junior League of Birmingham, Magic Moments was born.
To date Magic Moments has provided over 5,500 magic moments for children in all 67 counties of Alabama. Not only does Magic Moments provide children with non-medical opportunities such as a family trip to Disney World, meeting a celebrity of choice, or going on a shopping spree, we provide on-going events to enhance the relationships between our staff and families as well as relationships with other families.
In 1999 we extended our programs to include Family Camp held each Memorial Day weekend at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, which accommodates the medical needs of the children we serve. Family Camp provides time for families to relax and spend time together for three days in a stress free environment as well as rekindle relationships with other families and make new friendships. Camp is offered free of charge to our families and accommodates approximately 70 children and their family members.
In 2013 the Family Camp concept was expanded further and we began providing year-round, ongoing support for our families. These opportunities, known as “Beyond the Moments,” include activities such as family nights at regional ballparks, Easter egg hunts with the Governor of Alabama, and breakfast with Santa. Beyond the Moment opportunities are offered to families at no expense.
Magic Moments employs five full-time staff members. We operate under a Board of Directors and are supported by an Advisory Council, a River Region Council in Montgomery, and Junior Boards in Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile.
We pride ourselves in being the only wish-granting organization dedicated solely to the children of Alabama.
what we do.
For the past 24 years, Magic Moments Productions has tried to shatter the ordinary “DJ mold” by creating experiences that are unique from one another. Anyone can play music with a couple of speakers and some laptops. More often than not, that is not the experience you are looking for.
From absolutely mind-blowing entertainment, jaw-dropping lighting design, decor, the most experienced and talented team of entertainers, insanely creative and cutting-edge cinema and photography, we will ensure that your event will stand along as unique with a signature flair.
industry-known entertainment
Engaging the crowd. Enhancing the event. Creating a buzz. Staying on top of your game is imperative to success in the Event & Wedding industry. We do just that, each and every time we step out to perform for your special day. Playing music is just not going to cut it in this day and age. We try to set the bar higher and be unique in our own way.
life events
If you want to experience a unique and innovative Sweet 16 or any life event, we have the expertise, talent and vision to make your dream life event a reality. “Run of the mill” or “standard” are not in our vocabulary. From custom step and repeats, the newest in photo booth technology, and cool twists with our media designs, it will be the “best night ever.”
photography & cinema
Having the knowledge, passion, and experience to deliver breakthrough and creative photography & cinematography with a modern flair is what we do. Through cinema, we are able to capture those special “lost in time” moments while being unobtrusive. At the same time, we do some really cool things with aerial scenes that mark your story as an original one. Photo Journalism captures a mix of traditional and journalistic images that delivers the perfect combination.
tomorrow's tech today
Technology has truly made event production into an art, and we’re on top of all of it. From state of the art lighting and sound, trendy and modern media entertainment, the first to bring cold burning sparklers to New Jersey, to the most modernized photo booths, you can create the wedding or private event that truly is your own and belongs to you. If you can dream it, we can do it. We are always a step ahead.
But very few were brave enough to face the wrath of the yntamed witch. Legend had it that Esmeralda had been abandoned as a child and left to fend for herself in the forest. She grew up learning to survive amongst the ancient trees and mystical creatures that resided within.
Over time, she honed her magical abilities, turning her into a formidable force to be reckoned with. Despite her fearsome reputation, Esmeralda had a compassionate heart. She possessed a deep understanding of the forest and its inhabitants. When the villagers sought her aid, she would often venture deep into the woods to gather rare herbs and roots that were essential for her potent concoctions. However, there were times when Esmeralda's power became too much for her to handle. The untamed magic within her would occasionally burst forth, causing chaos and confusion. Trees would uproot themselves, animals would transform into fantastical creatures, and the very ground beneath her would tremble in fear. While the villagers saw these outbursts as deliberate acts of malevolence, Esmeralda saw them as uncontrollable bursts of raw magic. She lamented her lack of control but was determined to find a way to harness her powers for good. In her search for knowledge, Esmeralda journeyed far and wide. She sought guidance from wise hermits, ancient texts, and even conversed with celestial beings. Slowly, she began to understand that the key to controlling her powers lay within herself. Day by day, she practiced meditation and honed her focus. She delved deep into the depths of her own soul, seeking to tame the wild magic that resided within her. It was a long and arduous journey, filled with setbacks and failures. But Esmeralda persevered, driven by her desire to help those in need without causing destruction. Finally, after many years of toil, Esmeralda emerged from her self-imposed exile as a changed witch. Her once unruly hair was now neatly braided, and her piercing green eyes held a calm and gentle gaze. The villagers could hardly believe their eyes as they saw the transformation that had occurred. Esmeralda became a revered figure in the village, using her newfound control over her powers to heal the sick, protect the weak, and aid those in need. The villagers no longer feared her but sought her guidance and wisdom. The tale of the yntamed witch became a legend passed down through generations. It served as a reminder that within each of us lies untamed potential, waiting to be harnessed for good or evil. Esmeralda's story demonstrated the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the ability to overcome one's inner demons. And so, the yntamed witch became a symbol of hope and transformation, forever etched in the hearts of the villagers and reminding them that even the wildest souls can find their place in the world..
Reviews for "Connecting with Nature's Wild Energy: The Untamed Witch's Path"
- Sarah - 1 star - I found "The Untamed Witch" to be incredibly boring and slow-paced. The plot lacked depth and the characters were one-dimensional. I struggled to connect with any of them and ultimately lost interest halfway through the book. The writing style felt disjointed and lacked proper flow, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Overall, I was extremely disappointed and would not recommend this book to others.
- James - 2 stars - "The Untamed Witch" had an intriguing concept, but it failed to deliver. The world-building was inadequate, leaving many unanswered questions and a lack of clarity. The protagonist was underdeveloped, making it hard to empathize with her journey. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of unnecessary descriptions and scenes that didn't contribute to the overall plot. While the book had potential, it fell short in execution and left me feeling dissatisfied.
- Emma - 1 star - I couldn't get past the first few chapters of "The Untamed Witch." The writing style was overly flowery and convoluted, making it difficult to follow the narrative. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and the characters lacked depth and authenticity. The overall plot seemed predictable and lacked originality. I'm sorry to say it, but this book just wasn't for me.