Spring Wet Felting Workshop

Long Weekend

The height of spring is upon us.  The bright greens of fresh growth is vibrant, the bugs, new plants and the hot sun is here, and we are happy for that.   This weekend was a perfect weekend to sit back and appreciate the fruits of mother nature's  efforts.   It was a Jay and Annie weekend, as the kids were with their dad.  On Saturday we left the beauty of our lake (above), to visit Michele from Beyond Gluten Free and her family.  They recently built a yurt up on their land near Rupert.  Here is Michele in her "I am fending off the bugs outfit."

On our way to their land, we passed Juniper Farms, an organic farm.  We decided to be spontaneous and stop.  We left with the fixings for a small  organic garden of beets, lettuce, onions, cabbage, kale, spinach and swiss chard.  Neither of us have planted a garden before, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that it goes well.

I am in week 5 of Beyond Gluten Free's program and cannot express how inspired I am in the kitchen.  It's as though I have learnt a whole new way of cooking.  My slow cooker is always simmering with broth or a stew.  I have a stash of gluten free cookies in the freezer for those days where I just need something sweet.  My meals consist of 80% veggies and 20% meat, which means that I am eating way more veggies than before.  I am learning to love sauerkraut and basically having fun in the kitchen.  Do I miss gluten? yes, I do.  I miss it when I am at a party and I see a platter of breaded shrimp, but I feel empowered in being able to say no thank you and reach for the veggie tray.

"MOMENTS"

This week's "MOMENTS" shot demonstrates the joy of spring.  Yesterday, we went to the park and the dandelions were sprouting and the grass was a fresh green.  The kids picked flowers and rolled in the grass.  I revelled in their simple joy of simple things.  If only as adults we could find such joy in the simplicity of life!  Things do not have to be as complicated, as we make them!

Mother's Day Photo Shoot

On Friday, we turned our backyard into a photo studio.  It was so much fun and the children really enjoyed themselves. Here are some of the results. 

We hope that you had a wonderful Mother's Day, and that you felt celebrate and honoured as you should be. 

Our Backyard

Our backyard is not huge by any means, but it is enjoyed by all the children.  My favourite part  are the tree stumps, planks of wood, bails of straw and bricks.  These items are used daily and at any given moment there is someone building, climbing, balancing, and even helping one another navigate the labyrinths that were created by their very hands.  

 In my opinion these have more value than the stationary play structures you find at the park.  These movable pieces give the children a chance to create, to build, and organize their own play environment.  In this way, they problem solve, work together, and gain confidence as their skills improve.  It is a joy to watch them, especially when the older children, help the younger ones.  This is where unorganized play, creates the building blocks to learning.

I love the above picture, and the one below.  It was taken a couple of weeks ago.  On this day Lukas and Lucia played for a long time walking in the circle of planks that they had built.  They laughed great big belly laughs, and enjoyed themselves tremendously. 

MOMENTS

Today's MOMENTS is this hug by Aillie and Maisey.  Children so readily show affection for one another.  Sometimes as adults we hold back, and avoid showing the  people around us what's in our hearts.  There is so much a hug can represent like comfort,  affection, compassion and camaraderie. 

It is a great way to say "I love/care about you." 

As humans we need to be touched, we need to be reminded that we are loved, 

and supported.  

Who have you hugged today? 

Feeling Amazing

My Gluten Free changes are holding strong, and I am feeling great.  It's amazing what food can do to you.  It can leave you feeling sluggish, full and awful, or it can elevate you, and make you feel alive! It's been 3 weeks now of loads of vegetables, good fats, fruits and yummy protein from meat.  I am sleeping better (with a blindfold, which I love), and feeling energetic, and no it's not just the arrival of spring, it's my diet.  The beauty of it is, is that I don't feel hungry all the time, I don't feel deprived, I feel that my body is getting the nutrients that it needs.  Michele from "Beyond Gluten Free" is really showing me a different way of being in my kitchen.  My kids love it too!  Together, we are finding dishes that suit both of our needs.

Below are pictures taken from a walk in the woods with one of my dearest friends Shankari.  The pictures show my feelings of feeling healthy, happy and grateful.  I use that word a lot "Grateful", and I truly believe that it's the secret to a happy life.  There is so much to be grateful for, and I am grateful for you Michele!