Summer, Goodbye...

The days are getting shorter, and the evenings are cooling off more. Jasper and Vivienne asked to take a lantern walk this evening. I love to watch the colors of the nature becoming mellow and golden. We are approaching our third week of school, each day adding a little more depth and consistency. It takes time for us to settle into our rhythm, but we are getting there. This week I hope to gain more fluidity in the flow of each day. I would like to incorporate more nature walks, bread baking, cooking, family reading time, singing and art making!  Mia is preparing her own circle garden, and I am starting to introduce biodynamic preparations to our patch of land.

 During my  Foundation Study program this past weekend, I got to learn more about biodynamic agriculture. It was inspiring to learn more about Rudolf Steiner's methods for healing the land. As we all know, it is a much needed impulse for these times. It gave me much food for thought.

Here are a few highlights from our last couple of weeks: Starting a fun tee-pee mushroom growing kit for Mia's 5th grade Botany block. Yes, you grow edible mushrooms on a roll of toilet paper! You have to check out Forest Organic's glow-in-the-dark mushroom kit, as well.  Expect an update in another 6-8 weeks!

 Some other enjoyable sources for Botany.

Making elderberry syrup for the cold and flu season. Many thanks to my friend, Ines, who shared her harvest of fresh berries. (Remember to be sure that you can properly identify a plant before you make medicine with it. ) Speaking of medicine making, the Southeast Women's Herbal Conference is around the corner and I can't wait! You will see me behind my camera, taking photos. What a wonderful weekend it will be!

Heritage Weekend at the Folk Art Center. We are blessed to have so many inspiring elders to teach the younger generations to appreciate and carry on the craftsmanship and fine skills of the mountains of North Carolina. Some of our favorite demonstrations included flax being transformed to linen for spinning and weaving, natural dying, wood carving, and pottery making. Mia enjoyed sharing a conversation with Bill Alexander about the bark basket that she made at roots camp, crafted just like the large berry baskets that he was demonstrating. Jasper watch as Hugh Baily made a whimsical horse and circus man from clay, and could have stayed the whole day. He was transfixed on the process. We also really enjoyed talking to Bill Henry about his beautiful miniature vintage tool replicas that he carves from tulip poplar with a pocket knife. I really enjoyed listening to the Blue Eyed Girl band, they really know how to play beautiful music!

Our nature table taking on an autumn theme...

And having our friend, "Uncle Cy " visit from Sunny California. We got to enjoy a breakfast of cat-head sized biscuits and "Uncle Funky's" grits at the Tomato Jam Cafe. Yum, delish. (We missed you, Lindsley!)

More celebrations of autumn to come!

Celebrating Beauty

This weekend was a feast for my senses. It was absolutely wonderful! Days as these remind me to love my life, to savor my friendships and the beauty present in the most ordinary things, when afforded attention and reverence.

I had the honor of being present for my friend Nikki's Blessing Way. Carla washed her feel in a bowl of aromatic herbs. Petals of rose , chamomile and lavender floated in the water, as her worries were washed away, and symbolically discarded with the bowl of water. Beads were dedicated to Nikki, each bringing well wishes and positive energy for the coming of the new little one. The women brought amazing food, laughter and stories, and the light and joy surrounded us all. I feel so blessed to be present for setting an intention of love and welcome for the sacred journey of this baby's arrival .

Sunday was a day for silk dying with my handwork group. We experimented with natural dyes, as well as food coloring to fill in the gaps. The beet dye worked beautifully. I used the peelings from a dish that I was making, and then cooked the scraps on the stove top for half an hour. They produced a lovely soft pink hue. The other color that came out nicely was from the Coreopsis that grows prolifically all over my garden. It has reseeded itself everywhere, and it was easy to collect ample blossoms for the dye pot. I love to see the kids take delight in stirring the colorful waters and then to watch the brilliant silks dancing on the line to dry.

Evening came, and there was more joy to be had. It was time for my beloved monthly book club gathering. This group is so special because we have such a beautiful friendship among us, and we all savor the chance to share a really fine meal together as women. There are no picky eaters, who snub the greens or beg for pizza or macaroni and cheese. We all love fine food, and take joy in cooking a meal for each other, and sharing it over conversation and book discussion. Did I mention the desserts? Oh my, it is not for the faint of heart! Last night it was a luscious espresso chocolate mousse, and beautiful authentic french tartes. Words cannot describe the bliss of this meal!

My contribution was the Carottes et Betteraves Râpées from Clotide's amazing Chocolate and Zucchini blog. It was a refreshing way to eat beets, and I will make this many times again.

Oh, so much to love.

Birthday Season comes to a close!

Today was the last of our four family birthday celebrations that occur between Christmas and Easter. Mia had a wonderful day with her Grammy, Grandaddy and Grandma who came all the way from Oregon.

We took joy in homemade carrot cupcakes (from Moosewood Restaurant Celebrates)

and craft making - paper bead jewelry (thanks Martha Stewart!)

and flower fairies (inspired by Sally Mavor's Felt Wee Folk - a wonderful resource!)

this one is Vivi's creation...