This spring as the earthed warmed from it's winter's sleep I was enthralled (like I always am) by new growth. As little seeds opened themselves up to the wonder of living things, I watched with fascination at the workings of nature. In the spring plants began as young shoots and by fall have transformed into something very different. One plant that caught my attention was milkweed.
In early spring when it just begins it's rise towards the sky and is less than 15cm tall, it is edible. I've never tried one but it is said to be as delicious as asparagus, cooked greens or vegetables. There are poisonous look alike so be wary. When I get to know the plant and am positive in identifying it, I will become familiar with it's taste. Until then I am observing and learning.
As it gets energy from the sun, minerals from the earth and water from above it grows and flourishes into a plant as high as 5 ft tall. In late summer flowers bloom and become a haven for monarch butterflies, honey bees, humming birds and other insects.
Soon comes fall and flowers turn into pods where silky white milkweed fluff is stored. I recently found a patch of these tear dropped pods and collected them for the children in my life. I knew that these treasures would bring excitement and awe to their great, creative minds.
The pods were opened and small fingers took out the soft fluff. Each pod holds many seeds and each seed a new plant. We watched as the breeze gently carried the seeds away, drifting, floating like a dream. Without a word or a formal lesson children understood the importance of wind in the cycle of life. Stories are like that sometimes told without a word, without a sound and felt in a space that is deep within.
Here is an empty pod that we will keep for a future craft. With our imaginations we will find a creative use for it, a boat perhaps, a flower petal maybe, time will tell. I love how mother nature provides us with craft supplies that are free and biodegradable. Thank you mother Earth for providing us with such abundance. :)
Before I leave you, here is a little verse to do with your friends:
In a milkweed cradle all close and warm,
(place cupped hands together)
Little seeds are hiding safe from harm.
(keep hands closed)
Open wide the cradle now. Hold it high.
(open cupped hands, raise them above your head)
Come along wind, help them fly.
(Sway open hands in the air).
Taken from Earthways by Carol Petrash which is a great book if
you are looking for activities that are simple and earth friendly.
Ciao for now!
We just got back from our Christmas in Corbeil (where I grew up). The drive was beautiful. I couldn't help myself but take pictures of ice glistening in the sunlight.
A new tradition has sprung. We just got back from a sleigh ride at Pinto Valley Ranch and Oh! what a good time we had!!! From the minute we got there we were greeted by a very vibrant, confident 8 year old girl by the name of Reece. She was the perfect tour guide and began by showing us the animals in the barn. There were horses, Lamas (my favorite) and new piglets born this morning. Unfortunately the piglets came with a sad story. The mother birthed 6 (I believe) and only 2 remained as she'd sat on the newborns and suffocated them. Even while we admired the wee ones the humongous mother was having problems caring for her young without sitting on them! Oh! How sad we all felt for her. In the time we had our sleigh ride and came back another piglet was in need of help. Her mother had sat on her too many times and Tracy the owner of Pinto carried her in her coat to keep her warm. They will keep vigil overnight and care for her in hopes of saving her. Zoe went to bed wondering she is going to make it.
The sleigh ride itself was wonderful! The crescent moon shone upon us and the stars shone bright. I think we've found a new yearly tradition :) I hope the beginning of winter has found you in many new adventures with lots of learning. Ciao for now.
I love my sister. This past weekend we spent some time together in the woods with our kids. Even though we live in the same city and I care for her child we don't get to spend much time together. I love spending time with her. There are so many things I admire about her and one of them being her sense of humor and wit. Together we can fall into fits of laughter by a simple phrase or look. She is a special person and in this coming year I vow to spend more quality time with my younger sister whom I love very much.
To connect with my kids I sit down with them and have family art time. We light candles sit in a circle and allow the creative juices to flow. I really cherish these times. The house is quiet, the candles send warmth and there is a specialness that flows between us, binding us, creating ties. These times are precious to me.
I've gotten back into knitting. Knitting always makes me feel connected to my grandmother. She taught me when I was twelve. My grandmother was an amazing woman who raised 9 children. In those days she knit not for pleasure but as a necessity to keep her family warm. As a woman she was strong and lived through many hard times. Her spirit lives in me and I feel her strength.
This spring as the earthed warmed from it's winter's sleep I was enthralled (like I always am) by new growth. As little seeds opened themselves up to the wonder of living things, I watched with fascination at the workings of nature. In the spring plants began as young shoots and by fall have transformed into something very different. One plant that caught my attention was milkweed.
As it gets energy from the sun, minerals from the earth and water from above it grows and flourishes into a plant as high as 5 ft tall. In late summer flowers bloom and become a haven for monarch butterflies, honey bees, humming birds and other insects.
Soon comes fall and flowers turn into pods where silky white milkweed fluff is stored. I recently found a patch of these tear dropped pods and collected them for the children in my life. I knew that these treasures would bring excitement and awe to their great, creative minds.
Here is an empty pod that we will keep for a future craft. With our imaginations we will find a creative use for it, a boat perhaps, a flower petal maybe, time will tell. I love how mother nature provides us with craft supplies that are free and biodegradable. Thank you mother Earth for providing us with such abundance. :)
I felt this strength of the Great Mother as I hiked through the woods with my dear friend Jay. She (Earth Mother) touched, caressed and grounded me and reminded me of the need to keep grounded within myself. I found this grace as I often do while in nature.
We began our forest walk on a well trodden path which led us to a beautiful lake. Here we decided to go around the lake. In this decision we found ourselves bush whacking it, trail breaking around the body of water.
Every turn held a surprise, bright green moss, huge mushrooms, a beaver damn...
a reflection of God's gifts .
Busy beavers left signs of their work.
Mushrooms of different kinds adorned trees and sprouted through wet earth.
By the time we circled around the lake the sun was setting. We took a moment to
