Book Review: I Love Dirt
Aug 29, 2008
Most of us (adults as well as children) don’t spend the time outdoors that our ancestors did in the past. Because of this we’ve grown rather disconnected from the wonders of nature. Research has demonstrated how beneficial being outdoors is for children’s mental & emotional well-being and yet we may still neglect this part of our lives.
Jennifer Ward has put together a marvelous little book that gives all sorts of creative ways to interact with and explore our environment. Most of her suggestions are simply ways to open our eyes to the details around us. She alerts us to things we may not have noticed before. I know I especially need this. I want to spend time outdoors with my daughter but I oftentimes don’t know what I should be doing out there with her. After reading her book I now have lots of options! Most of her ideas do not require any special equipment other than the five senses. While reading, several art/craft projects did come to my mind that would compliment nicely the activities she mentions. I appreciate how the book is organized by the seasons, so you can just turn to the section that applies to you at the time. In my efforts to live a more simple yet deep life, this book will be most helpful. I plan on purchasing this as one of my primary resources for Emma’s home-school Kindergarten this year.
Posted In: Green Living | Gardening | Parenting | Book Reviews • Comments (2)
Simplicity in Flower Arranging
Jul 29, 2008
More is not always better.
While large flower bouquets are quite attractive and glorious, sometimes the simple displays offer even more. Individual flowers can get lost in a large arrangement and their simple beauty may go unnoticed. The next time you pick flowers from your garden consider picking just a few stems and placing them in separate bud vases. One of the advantages of arranging flowers this way is that you don’t have to have the quantity that is needed for a larger display. You don’t even have to have flowers blooming. Different sprigs of greenery can be relaxing to gaze upon as well. In the winter you can use a single branch or a sprig of evergreen.
Since displaying flowers this way, I’ve noticed that I look at them more often. In addition, my 4-year-old daughter, Emma, has learned the names of each flower I bring inside.
Pictured from left to right: Geranium, Butterfly Bush, Black Eyed Susan
Posted In: Gardening • Comments (2)
Wordless Wednesday: Peonies
Jun 04, 2008
Peonies are my new favorite flower!
Posted In: Gardening | Wordless Wednesday • Comments (6)
Spring Is Here!
Apr 18, 2008
It finally feels like spring here! The weather has been in the 60’s this week and the daffodils are beginning to bloom. I have to say, I totally love the different seasons! I find that I’m ready for each seasonal change as it comes along. Winter provides a great chance to rest and store up energy for the spring and summer. By Fall I’m ready for a nice winter rest. I don’t think I could ever live in a place that doesn’t have four seasons!
Posted In: Gardening • Comments (0)
Book Review: On Meadowview Street
Mar 03, 2008
“On Meadowview Street”
by. Henry Cole
This was a refreshing book to read. In this children’s book a young girl named Caroline moves to Meadowview Street. Ironically there are no meadows to be found there. Without realizing it Caroline ends up creating her own meadow in the family’s yard. Their “yard” becomes a habitat for insects, birds and wildflowers. Eventually the whole neighborhood follows her lead and every yard is transformed into a natural habitat.
I love this story because I’m not a big fan of the pristine American lawn. The idea of such a huge monoculture just doesn’t seem very natural to me. If I had my way my lawn would be a natural habitat just like Caroline’s with a variety of plants and creatures all working together in harmony. Until then I can dream can’t I?
Posted In: Gardening | Parenting | Book Reviews • Comments (0)
