Wonders: Wind

Elisabeth has long been terrified of wind. As we live in a part of the world that can be quite windy at times, this fear of hers can be a difficult thing to work with. This spring, she and my husband bought a kite and had some exciting first kite adventures, which helped with her fears a bit.

Then, on a recent breezy afternoon, Elisabeth had the idea to take her rainbow silk outside and play with the wind. The wind really became a playmate that afternoon, lifting, rippling, and dancing with the fabric. We were so delighted to see the great joy that the wind took in playing with us and our silk. It was so lovely, so tangible, and so sacred.

I'm certain that Elisabeth is not "cured" of her fear of the wind. But I think she has a different respect for its playfulness now, not just its perceived malevolence.

Wonders: Nest

{We are out in nature this week, enjoying a camping trip ~ just the four of us.  Since I didn't want to leave the blog with no activity for two weeks in a row (last week & this week), I'll have it on auto-pilot the next few days, sharing a few wonders we have witnessed around our home over the last week or so.}

We found this nest near our home last week. It had fallen from its tree some time before and was overturned and left behind, having served its purpose.

We have all been amazed by it, spending long, thoughtful times examining and talking about it. The care with which it is constructed, the softness of the whorls of grass to cradle the precious eggs ~ it is all so beautiful and humbling.

Welcome, busy April

It seems that April is one of the busiest months of the year for our family. Of course, Elisabeth's birthday on the 10th is huge. But Easter also falls in this month (most years), and there are a slew of other birthdays -- from my brother, to nieces & nephews, to two of our family's closest little friends -- to prepare for and celebrate.

So, I'm spending a lot of time looking over my "lists" (don't laugh -- I go completely crazy without them), planning & making gifts, cards, Easter goodies, and birthday party fun. There has been much knitting going on over the last week (the vest will be completed in time!), and there are still some sewing projects to complete before Elisabeth's birthday. And we'll dye eggs, of course, and probably do some other Easter crafties ...

Of course, during all of this busyness (yes, I know that is not the correct spelling of that word), spring is sneaking up on us, and my wee ones are getting off to bed before dark. After their bath the other night, this fact really seemed to feel "real" to all of us, and there was some impromptu frolicking on the grass in summery pajamas before going in and settling down to some poems.

And then it's back to work for Mama. But not without a treat.

{Edited: I so rudely neglected to share what this treat actually was. It was strawberry sorbet topped with vegan chocolate chips and some coconut that I toasted in my toaster oven. I don't know how many times I've mentioned our allergies on this blog already ~ maybe 70? ~ but, James and I are both allergic to milk. So, no real ice cream for me, and no milk chocolate, either. Although, honestly, I don't really mind about the chocolate bit, at least. Chocolate is neither here nor there for me. ;)}

Solstice

Winter

Blow, North Wind, blow,
All the leaves are falling;
Cold, frost and snow
Winter comes a-calling.

Mother Nature sleeps now,
All the earth is bare;
Deep in the ground
She guards her treasures rare.

~Margaret Morgan

We are Christian and we will celebrate Christmas in the traditional way next week, but I also like to mark, in just a small way, this shortest day and the time for quiet and reflection that this time of year so naturally brings.

May this day be one of peace for all of you; a time of quiet in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation.

Blessings, Grace

first snow

Yesterday was our first "real" snow (other than a few flakes here and there). It's so exciting! We're transitioning to Advent mode and doing some decorating. More tomorrow!