Archive for November, 2009
Children and Nature Movement in Rhode Island
November 10th, 2009 | Author: Shannon
“Perhaps because Rhode Island is the second most-densely populated state, Rhode Islanders have always promoted efforts to protect the natural areas that define their state through support of state and local bonds and creation of parks and preserves. The Ocean State boasts over 300 miles of coastline, and, thankfully, supports a number of growing efforts through conservation groups, schools and political leaders to get children out-of-doors to connect with the nature that they find in their communities. But like every state, Rhode Island can do much more — in fact, it could become the leading state in the children and nature movement.”
Community Naturally
November 8th, 2009 | Author: Shannon
Playgrounds and parks level the nature experience. It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you come from, or who you know, or what you believe, or who your ancestors are: playgrounds and parks are for everyone. City kids can go on scavenger hunts, look for squirrels, climb on rocks, pick up sticks and stones, play with a ball, have a catch… you name it. I love the playground in our little town. I always meet new people and my son has a great time.
Community gardens offer the chance for urban folks to grow food and community. I’ve driven through many cities where lush abundant thriving gardens pop up out of nowhere. Happy families gather and tend their crops engaged eachother as they strive to live close to the earth (despite all the pavement). Kids can always plant a few bulbs in a pot in the house and wait for them to grow (also called forcing). Or wheat grass seeds sprout quickly and grow easily on a tray of seed starter. Growing bean sprouts or alfalfa sprouts on the kitchen counter can be a simple way to connect children with food growth.
Farmers markets are sprouting across the nation; families have easy access to foods straight from the farmer. I love the look on a boys face when he sees carrots straight out of the ground, or a girls face as she realizes where honey comes from. Farmers markets put community back into the shopping experience and farmers are (almost) always so excited to share their stories with children.
I set out to write something geared for city folk, but these examples are relevant to anyone with or without children. These places are the epicenters of community where children, families, adults, and old folks can come together to acknowledge and appreciate the abundance that comes from nature.
Chop Wood
November 7th, 2009 | Author: Shannon
This past week Jeremiah and I spent one morning stacking wood; one of my favorite fall jobs.
After we finished, we had a little sandwich snack and took each other’s pictures.
Jeremiah took this picture of me… pretty good for three!
Now I am looking forward to the wonderful warmth of the wood stove, and the smell of wood drying.
How are you getting ready to stay warm this winter?
One, Two, Three…… Jump
November 5th, 2009 | Author: Shannon
Playing in the leaves is to fall as sledding is to winter….. thankfully we have an abundance of leaves to enjoy.
Want a productive Green Hour? Here’s a top-notch, fun, chore that’s a sure way to burn some calories (for mom or dad) and keep the kids happy and in the fresh fall air.
No trees in your yard? Here are some other fun ways to enjoy the crisp air… and speaking of crisp, apple season is almost over, have you gone picking this year?
Who do you think jumped in those leaves right after him? What’s your favorite apple crisp recipe?
10 Reasons I love Raising Chickens
November 4th, 2009 | Author: Shannon
- Eggs are a great source of protein.
- Commercially raised eggs purchased from the store can be months old.
- Eggs from my backyard can be minutes old.
- Chicken manure is a great additive to my garden soil.
- Children can tend to chickens.
- Offering my kids real jobs encourages responsibility.
- Children feel trusted when they have real jobs.
- Chickens love to eat kitchen scraps… reduces waist!
- We walk to our egg source, reducing the amount of gas used for transportation.
- Chickens are cute.
Do you have chickens? Why do you love raising them?
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I am participating in 31 Days to Build a Better Blog by Darren Rowse of Problogger. This is day 2- writing a list post. I’ve done my best in the time I have. Great exercise!
Climbing the Tree (of Life)
November 3rd, 2009 | Author: Shannon
My little man is growing up; he’ll be three at the end of the month. I still remember the overwhelming joy I felt when I realized I was pregnant; the absolute love when I first looked at this little naked body; the joy when he first nursed; the terror with the first big cut (a lip wound) and all the blood; I remember the first steps; potty training, weaning…. and now my little baby boy is climbing trees.
This time of year change is so obvious and natural and gentle. I enjoy taking the children outside to experience the everyday changes of falling pine cones, falling leaves, acorns etc.
Last week, we went to the park where there was a cute little squirrel gathering goods for the winter and running up and down one tree. My son, who genuinely thinks of squirrels as his friends and playmates, began chasing after it. In complete terror, the squirrel perched on one very high branch.
Jeremiah is learning from his nature buddies and I am learning to appreciate the changes and seasons as a mother.
Have a great day! Be happy!
Colors Galore
November 3rd, 2009 | Author: Shannon
Good Morning, Happy Monday.
In my extra hour this weekend, I took some time to appreciate the colors. I am in total awe of how radiant the woods near my house look. The red, orange and yellow leaves contrast so spectacularly against the green pine trees.
One day last week when I was busily rushing home I just look out the car window to see all these colors and all this beauty.
It will be gone soon. Here’s out pond, many of the leaves have already fallen, reveling the grey branches beneath. 
Today I strive to rake the biggest, funnest leaf pile ever! And will post back here about it just as soon as possible.
