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!