Archive for November, 2009

Part of my personal mission as a Backyard Mama is to bring to my readers some local Rhode Island stuff that involves connecting children and  families to nature. A few months ago, I learned of  RI Families in Nature, a local group that meets once a month to go for a hike.  I signed up and today I am excited to bring to you Jeanine Silversmith the founder and director of this group. 

Join Rhode Island Families in Nature December 30th, 11 am

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s
McIntosh Wildlife Refuge and
Environmental Education Center
1401 Hope Street (Rte 114), Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-245-7500

Jeanine provided me with this lovely picture of her family.

Me:  How do you and your family incorporate nature into your day to day life?
Jeanine: Unless it’s really raining hard, or bitterly cold, we go outside every day. Sometimes the kids play with neighbors, sometimes with their toys, sometimes with whatever they find. I’m always amazed at how little it takes to keep them occupied – a few rocks, some falling leaves, a walk in the woods. In addition, we try to go on a hike at least a couple of times a month. Nothing big – even just a half mile or so can be an all-day adventure! During the warmer months, we try to plan at least one camping experience. Oh, and our annual family vacation includes hiking in NH.

 Me: As a child, did you spend time in nature and what was that like for you? Did you have a favorite activity? What was it?
Jeanine: Although I didn’t spend any time at all hiking or camping, I just remember always being outside. We had a slew of neighbors. Almost all of our activities included no toys, just ourselves and our imaginations. My favorite was this complicated tag game called ringolevio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringolevio). I also remember helping my father in what seemed to be our gigantic garden.

Me: What was the impetus behind starting the RI Families in Nature? Who is involved? Has it been successful?
Jeanine: In September of 2008, I went to CCRI in Warwick to see Richard Louv speak about his bestselling book, Last Child in the Woods. The book itself had a profound effect on me, and also his ideas about “Family Nature Clubs.” These are basically free, outdoor-based networks of geographically-linked families. Honestly, I’m not a religious person, but it was as if the heavens opened up and a beam of life shined on me; I was going to start RI Families in Nature. As of Nov. 24, we have 217 people signed up to receive our monthly electronic newsletter, representing well over 500 people of all ages. The newsletter contains tips and resources to help adults get kids outside more for unstructured playtime. That’s the key: the play needs to be unstructured. So while organized sports are wonderful, they don’t really fit the bill here. I also lead one hike a month. The hikes are easy, short trails open to everyone (not just members who receive our newsletter, and not just young families – singles, seniors, and students are all welcome too!). Sometimes we are a group of more than 50 stomping through the woods! As of now, I’m the only person organizing RIFIN, but I get a lot of support from friends, family, and members. From what I hear on our hikes, and the fact that we’re growing every day, yes, I’d like to think it’s been successful!

Me: Earlier this year I read your article Nature Heals; how have the healing properties of nature affected your life?
Jeanine: I think I just enjoy motherhood more when we all get outside to play regularly. My kids are happier, they eat, sleep, and behave better, and my job’s just a whole lot easier. We were lucky enough to move into a house this past summer with a neighborhood full of families who spend time outside, woods in our backyard, and a lot more time to just play. So I’d say that after 4 1/2 years of motherhood, I think I have more fun just being a mom.

Me: How can the Backyard Mama promote and collaborate with the Rhode Island Families in Nature?
Jeanine: Can you post our hikes each month? Or put a link on your site to ours? Could you invite people to come on our hikes and/or sign up for the newsletter?

Me: Would you list a few of your favorite nature resources?
Jeanine: My favorite books:

My favorite websites:

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Rhode Islanders

This could be the perfect kid activity while the cook’s in the kitchen.. get ‘em outside! Letterboxing with kids in Rhode island.

Again, All that Matters is hosting yoga t-day morning with Coral Brown… stretch before the stretch and don’t forget to dedicate your practice!  A nation united in Thanks Giving is a powerful moment. Community yoga at ATM is this Sunday.

Schools in South Kingstown, Rhode Island are inspiring children to learn about the great outdoors. {It’s this a great program… my delightful yoga teacher Rebecca is at the helm too.}

The Yoga School of South County offers a variety of wonderful classes, including mom’s yoga with childcare.  Rebecca teaches there… check ‘em out!  They are located right next to the guild and the kiddos can enjoy the park while mom {or dad} “gets centered”.

This Saturday the locals can attend the  Coastal Growers Winter Market  in North Kingstown… we went last week and I had a hard time pulling Jeremiah out of there; he loved the music and the energy. Not in South County? There’s always the Wintertime Farmers’ Market in Pawtucket.

Around the Blogosphere

Keep that wallet locked-up this Friday and honor  Buy Nothing Day. {I will confess I will have to go purchase a few things for my sons birthday, but I fully support this event and this confession is with my tail between my legs}.

Another reason it’s only a myth that city folks can’t be homesteaders. These folks raising shared urban chickens are really using their full brain capacity. Yeah for community!

For those of you like me scrambling for the perfect Thanksgiving table decorations these eco-kids are awesome- wouldn’t you say? Here’s to a crafty Thanksgiving… or translate it to the upcoming Christmas season! The Green Hour blog also has wonderful ideas!

Jump into the holiday comsumer spirit by checking out hese top 10 eco friendly toy manufacturers before heading to Wal-Mart. {Please}.

Back home in my Backyard

Our chickens are producing lots of eggs… great for upcoming cookie baking.

The kids planted garlic on Tuesday and there’s a thick bed of nice rotting hay over it.  I can’t wait to harvest next summer!

My friend Andrea found local grown and milled corn meal.  I think it might make the perfect homemade cornbread mix for Christmas gifts.

THIS FRIDAY, my adorable, handsome, smart, nature-boy turns three.  We are celebrating by pressing cider, roasting hot dogs {local grass-fed beef dogs} and having a fire-work display.  We might make some lanterns too.  It’s an evening outdoor party so we can enjoy the splendor of the late fall night sky.

And now, this Backyard Mama, is off to make some pecan pie! { Using agave- I’ll let you know how that goes!}

Be safe, be happy, and ENJOY this lovely day of THANKS GIVING.

May there be adundance, grace and peace everywhere.

Stay tuned for What’s Happening Wednesday next week too… and remember to share great links with me at {shannon [at] backyardmama [dot] com}.

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Taking a walk in nature can be the most rewarding, inspiring, relaxing, bonding time for families.  So this Thanksgiving give one another breathing space. Take sometime to walk on the fresh solid ground; feel the depth of the soil, the firmness of the rock foundation, the lightness of the air, the coolness of the breeze.

While on your nature walk, collect beautiful natural treasures to share as decorations for the Thanksgiving table.

Try to remember not to ambush one another, as happened on the first Thanksgiving.

Be truthful, be grateful, be wonderful.

I feel grateful for the coziness of the forest and for the time I can spend in the place out of time.

I feel grateful for everything that was, everything that will be, and all that is right now in this moment.

{This is part of the 30 minute blog challenge brought to us by Steady Mom… take sometime to check out all the great posts!}

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Rhode Islanders kick of the holiday season with some fun local events.

Local foods can still be purchased in time for Thanksgiving!  Attend the first Coastal Growers Winter Market this Saturday in North Kingstown.

Not in South County? There’s always the Wintertime Farmers’ Market in Pawtucket.

For local made handcrafts the Meadowbrook Waldorf School holiday faire  is this Saturday evening and all day Sunday- great fun for the kids and lots of neat stuff for the ‘rents. (I LOVE the bookstore).

Shakta Kaur Kalsa, author and yogini, is coming to All That Matters this weekend, learn about yourself, learn about your children… Kundalini yoga will take you places you have never been.

Get ‘em outside! Rhode Island Families in Nature is taking a hike this weekend at Ryan Park, Oak Hill Road, North Kingstown. 

Stay Healthy.. Stay Happy..

Concerned about the flu? Stay away from the doctors…. and take a hike instead.

Around the Blogosphere

Suna {LobsterMonkey} is an friend from college and an outstanding mother, blogger and crafter. Still looking for the perfect homemade centerpiece for Thanksgiving?  This just might be the answer.

Why do we blog? Here’s one blogger’s answer. (Isn’t she cool?)

Maybe while outside hiking this weekend, you can take some time to reflect on celebrating.  What’s your 5ives?

And I’d be deficient if I went without mentioning these great posts… so get ready for winter tracking or plan a meal (in Kansas).

Back Home in My Backyard

We’re getting ready for Jeremiah’s 3rd birthday…. (how’d he grow so fast?).

We’ve got lots of leaves ready to spread in the garden… and we’re harvesting seaweed and planning another trip out for manure.

Flower seeds abound… seed saving/ spreading is in order.

We’re gearing up to make some potato stamps to decorate name place cards for our Thanksgiving dinner table.

What’s happening in your backyard?  Please send interesting links to post here next Wednesday. {shannon at backyardmama dot com}. Thanks for reading! Now go enjoy the sunshine..

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Here’s another view of our Climbing Tree.

This beautiful little maple tree is in our front yard and these radiantly red leaves have fallen to the ground in the past month.

Remember as a child watching the leaves fall to the ground, dancing in the gusty wind? And then trying to catch them? 

Last Thurdsay was the perfect leaf catching day here in our backyard so we ran and danced and caught leaves and made wishes with each successful catch.

This brought back such found memories of my childhood.

This morning, I found this wonderful little poem in a book called Autumn**.  

The Wind and the Leaves

1) ‘Come, little leaves said the wind one day,

Come o’re the meadow with me and play;

Put on your dresses of red and gold, 

Summer is gone and the days grow cold.’ 

2) Soon as the leaves heard the wind’s loud call,

Down they came fluttering, one and all;

Over the fields they danced and flew,

Singing the soft little songs they knew.

3) Dancing and whirling the little leaves went

Winter had called them, and they were content,

Soon, fast asleep on their earthy bed,

The snow laid a coverlet over their heads.

The colors, smells, warmth of the last days of Autumn are so beautiful and I can’t wait to get outside and enjoy them!

**Poems, Songs, Storied collected by Kindergarten Teachers from Steiner Schools in Britain for use in their work,  1983, Wynstones Press

{The is part of the 30-minute blog challenge brought to us by Steady Mom.}

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Finding a name for someone or something is a remarkable thought process. How can we capture the essence of something?

I was inspired to write this post after reading Don’t Call Me “That Blogger from Kansas” and I want to share a part of our woods.

Children love to give places names and “my kids” have a name for everything.  What’s nice about this is that I know they have a connection to the places they play. When we give something a name it becomes a part of us.

I remember when my son was nursing, he played with a freckle on my inner  arm. I am sure in his mind he had a name for it.

As  he got older and connected to the surroundings of the house, he gave people, places, and things names.

Now, he is an adventurer- a skill I encourage- and he has begun to name our local geography- namely the trees. And here’s what he calls them:

The Party Tree: This is where birthdays and tea parties take place. It’s also where we feed our birds. The stones on the ground are sometimes used as a fire pit for cooking.

The Climbing Tree: For obvious reasons, this tree is affectionately called by it’s name. It sometimes serves as a bus stop or train station for folks coming to the Party Tree since it’s just across the yard.

The Monkey Tree: Rhode Island monkeys actually climb on pine trees! This tree is a little further from the house and involves trekking up and down a knoll.  It’s a big beautiful pine tree where we love to monkey around.

The Playing Tree:  It was the first tree he really connected to and the first he named.  We spend many hours each week playing here, laying on the tree, appreciating the roughness of the bark and the softness of the pine needles.

Through this naming, my son and his friends are learning geography and the spacial relationship between places that are important to them.  Places without which they feel they cannot survive.

The child(ren) is/are able to navigate from one tree to the next totally independent of me and without direction. It has fertilized their confidence and security and confirms they are part of nature and nature is part of them.

This, after all, is the point of all the nature play stuff. So take time to name the places you visit. Simple, straight forward names given by the children can lead to extraordinary learning.

And it’s useful, I know if push comes to shove- for instance, a fire in the house- I can tell all the kids to go to the playing tree and they will know exactly what to do. They have named their own independence.

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Somethings you (might) not know about my blogging history:

1) The Grass Stain Guru, Bethe, was the first complete stranger to comment on my blog. {Thank you Bethe!} I felt like a little girl in a candy store when I read it.

2) The first blog I started following was Metropolitan Mama.

3) As a result of Stephanie’s Tuesday Tours {on MM} I started contributing to 5 Minutes for Going Green. {And have a post Timeless Toys featured there today}.

4) Alison of Loving Natures Garden gave me a ton of advice for plug-ins and info on how to use Twitter. She’s loaded with wisdom about nature.

5) You can follow me @backyardmama {but I am learning so be gentle- please!}

6) Carey Baker of Midnight Son Designs is a great website/ blog designer and he’s given me a lot of great advice about blogging.

7) Carey also blogs at North East Abundance.

This is my 50th post… to  many more. Thanks all for the encouragement.

I look forward to sharing more about me as time goes on… I am off for some fresh air and cloud cover. Ugh…

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When my son was a baby 5-8pm at night was a time I tried to “get through” as quickly and methodically as possibly. As he grows that time is easier to handle, this past summer I’d send him outside to get vegetables for dinner, or play in his sandbox; now it’s DARK at 4:45pm and I’ve been brainstorming how to make this time work for our whole family. Here are a few ideas I’ve come up  with for 5 o’clock blues with tired toddlers and preschoolers.

1) Make place cards for Thanksgiving dinner.  Use card stock (or for the especially green mama use old paper bags) and pictures from catalogues or stickers or print out pictures of family members coming to the big feast, paste these items on the cards.  Family members are sure to give the children lots of compliments!

2) Find some grape vines and make wreathes by weaving the vines in and out of each other.  Using a glue gun, add shells, small rocks, driftwood, family photos, pine cones… use your imagination. Or find bittersweet, or evergreens to add to the wreath and then use for holiday decorations.

3) Paint on flat(ish) stones collected earlier in the day from stream or pond or the ocean. Paint as many as possible, then divide into groups of ten, put in bags and give away as “worry” stones to all your relatives.  Or for smaller rocks make ornaments for the tree by gluing on a string loop.

4) Make Christmas tree ornaments. Growing up my family had a tradition and each year a family member had the responsibility of picking a theme for the tree- one year my brother and father made gingerbread men from thin pieces of wood using a jig saw and a cookie cutter outline. Another year we made tissue paper roses. It’s so fun to be creative and personal with these ornaments! Make extra to give away!

5) Make a menorah and candles.  Drill eight holes in a sturdy branch, cut a flat bottom and voila! Purchase beeswax and candle wick. Melt the wax in a double boiler, tie the wick to a stick, weight the wick down, then dunk the wax- over and over and over again till the candles are big enough to fit in the holes of your menorah (more details on candle dipping).

Fun is the most important ingredient!  Any of these activities serve as wonderful together time and prepare everyone for the joy of the holiday season.

What do you do as the nights come on earlier? Which other activities are fun to do with children?

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This time of year the darkness sets in so early that candles can be a really fun activity that can represent “lighting the way to a new year”.

Shopping List:

• Candle Wicks  (available at craft and hobby stores)
• Beeswax (available at Amazon- might be available locally too)
• Other needs:
• Small sized coffee cans
• Newspaper
• Lots of pot holders
• A large pot
• Sturdy twigs

1) The beeswax comes as a big block; chop this up into small pieces that will fit into coffee cans.

2) Fill a pot with water and place cans of beeswax into the pot. Don’t let the cans float (remove some water if they do).

3) Allow the wax to melt in the cans. (Adding fresh chunks as the wax melts).

…….While the wax is melting.

4) Cut 12 inch wicks. Tie one end of each wick to a twig.

5) Remember to check on your melting wax! When the cans have 6-8 inches of  melted wax, remove from the heat and place on a newspaper-covered area. (Note: use newspaper it’s a mess otherwise).

6) Dip the wick into the wax while holding onto the stick. “Dip it down; pick it up.”

7) Allow the wax to harden on the wick then re-dip… over and over and over again. Till the candle is large enough to fit in a candle holder. (To flatten the bottom of the candle, use wax paper and with each dip tap the candle on the wax paper- it will make the candle a tad easier to use in a candle holder).

Once you’re done, save the cans for next year (you can remelt the wax that’s left inside) and keep the newspaper for a fire in the wood stove (the wax on the paper will help the fire ignite).

Add some education to the process? Make honey cakes, use beeswax and talk about the gifts from the honey bees!

For more information or for guidance on making candles in a classroom setting, read Earthwaysby Carol Petrash.

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I ventured out of my habitat this morning and am inspired to write a bit of a rant because I’ve gotta get this off my chest.

Why’d the anti-abortion community get the phrase “pro-life”?… it really doesn’t seem like these folks are really “pro-life” at all.  And, although in conventional terms I guess I am “pro-choice” come on, who isn’t? (That’s WHY we have 6 different kinds of ketchup at the grocery store).  I definitely am not “pro-abortion”.

I drove by Planned Parenthood this morning, all along the street were LARGE images of aborted fetus’, neatly propped up by well-meaning anti-abortion activists. Most of the images were very distorted, unrealistic and gross. I was horrified when I came to a full stop at a stop sign with my 3 year old son gazing out the window at these pictures. And the organizer stood by our car, a huge grin on his face, trying to hand us a leaflet. (I have studied the teachings of Ghandi and Dr. King and had to pull from this non-violent foundation to keep from ramming into this guy.)

Then, I got to thinking about how it would be for me if I was stuck with the “choice” of abortion and had to walk by these people. I am now convinced that anyone willing to go through that and actually follow-though is amazing, brave, courageous, and a lot of other things…. Is it really more responsible to bring an unwanted child into a world of violence or abuse?

I will not join a picket line to hand out “pro-abortion” pamphlets either. I feel that choice is between a woman and her God.  And I can assure you, the guy grinning at my son was not “pro-life”; anyone with any sense would be embarrassed to have a child see those pictures.

With great relief I turned the corner to head home.

Back home to my natural habitat:

We watched a big tractor working on our street.

Did a little work in the garden.

Looked at some beautiful fall flowers still blossoming (and dying) in our yard.

Watched a blue jay eating at our feeding station.

Baked cakes in the sandbox.

And ate a “tv” lunch of fresh eggs and quinoa.

And THAT is what childhood is meant to be.

I have limitless gratitude that I was ready to be a mom when my time came; and I know my son is the one that benefits the most from this.

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