September and Change

September has begun and has brought wonderful changes.  Singing Tree has opened it's doors to new families and we are loving the new energy this brings.   One of the best parts about being a care provided is getting to know the beautiful families in the Ottawa community.  It does feel like an extended family.

Yesterday, we went on a nature walk and it felt so good to collect sticks, rocks, plantain leaves, clovers and pine cones.  Children thrive in nature and I do believe that we as adults need to provide them with ample time among the trees and grass.  Children love to take off their shoes and feel the soft grass on the soles of their feet and the freedom  to run in an open field.  Nature is medicine.

Get out there among the trees, feel the healing energy of nature. 

 I have not said this in a while so I will say it here. I love my life. 

The Great Outdoors

                           

I read somewhere, that patients who can see trees outside of their hospital window, recover faster, than patients who can only see buildings, and I believe it.  Last week, we camped and slept in a tent for 6 nights.  We spent our days outdoors and cooked over an open fire.  It was heaven. Any stress in my body left me and I felt and still feel elevated from the experience and so relaxed.  I saw the change in my children as well.  Zoe delved back into her inner child by drawing for hours on end, read like a book worm and built a shelter in the woods.  It made my heart soar to see her express her creative side again, to see her inner child.  Owen played the long summer days, in the woods, creating, building, cooking and so much more.   What was most special was the 5 other families that joined us and celebrated nature with us.  We sang songs around the fire, shared stories and loved the freedom our children shared exploring in the woods and deepening friendships.  It struck me that I do not have to go far like Ecuador to vacation with my children.  There are so many things to do right here in Ontario. What's more is that camping is cheap, fun and therapeutic.

Nature is the natural playground

The simplicity of being surrounded by trees.

The glow of an open fire.

Swimming to a nearby island.  Precious.

Camping

Camping on Sharbot lake and attending Blue Skies music festival. Connecting with Zoe , Owen and family friends. There is nothing like surrounding yourself with people you love in the simplicity of nature to get grounded and feel love and loved. 

Leaf Rubbings

Some crafts are so simple and yet beautiful.   It's summer time and Mother Nature is in her full expression.  Look around and notice all the different sizes and shapes of leaves around you.   By simply noticing and recognizing the fruits of Mother Nature we can feel gratitude and wonder.  We become once again like children, in a state if amazement for the world around us.

Look at the size of this burdock leaf.

Simply place the leaf under a blank piece of paper and rub over with a crayon, length side down. 

While picking your leaves, don't forget to give thanks to Mother Nature. 

A Seed has been Planted

Do I believe in coincidences as omens or as signs, pointing  in me the right direction?  The answer is yes.  Throughout the years, I have followed the direction of certain signs and they have served me well. My good omens have guided me towards teaching prenatal yoga at Rama Lotus, towards the art of felting,  and even developing Singing Tree Daycare, a Living, Loving and Learning centre.  What I am most excited about sharing today is a most recent coincidence.

See this Ukulele in the below picture?  It was given to me on Friday by a sweet dear friend named Alicia.  It was her instrument until she gave to me, in thanks for opening my home up to her, for last 2 weeks.  What is the coincidence in that,  you might ask?   Well keep reading...

The coincidence is that Big Zoe was also given a Ukulele by her brother on the same week that I received mine! What are the chances that 2 people who work together are given a Ukulele in the same week?  To top it all off Zoe and I only have 2 weeks left of work together before she moves on to becoming a full-time student.  We are going to miss working together as we work so well as a team. We have become sisters and love each other deeply.  This giving of the same instrument on the same week feels like it's  a sign, like the universe is giving us a little nudge.  It's a sign to use our instruments as a common focus to gather and jam together, to keep learning and growing together as we've done these last 5 years. 

We see other possibilities, as well.  Since, we both love working with children. we can go on the road.  We can see it now The  Children's Traveling Caravan Presents; The Painted Gypsy (Big Zoe) and Annie Bananie the Clown (Me).    Our caravan brings joy, music, face painting, kids yoga and felting to a neighbourhood or birthday party near you :)   We are 2 passionate women, who love to learn and grow.  

I feel it, there is a possibility to make this grow :) 

I took this picture this past weekend.  Look at the daisy on the top left corner.  It's smiling :)  I think she is saying Zoe and Annie, go for it.  Take this idea and run with it. 

We just might...

In the Moment

Children learn from each other and the experiences that life brings.  

 Children are full of joy and

 energy.  

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As parents we must keep an open mind and heart.  We must be aware of all that our children have to offer, their uniqueness, and their light.  

Often as parents we race through life and  forget to take a breath and be in the moment, to see the beauty in our little ones.   This is a reminder to take a step back, to observe your children and see who they truly are, soak in their smile, their laughter, their cuddles and questions.  One day you will wonder where the time went and want to go back in time to live those moments again.  But time passes and one can never go back.  

Live without regret. 

Summer Fun

Summer, our favourite time of the year.  

We walk bare footed through green, lush grass. 

The sensation of rolling down hills is intoxicatingly fun and brings us into giggles. 

Feet running down the hill, gaining momentum, learning, playing, living our days to the fullest. 

Rainbow wands, streams of colour, fields of green. 

Down time is for painting and creative play. 

Airplane rides, now that's what you call fun!