I turn 33 today.

I was born to two phenomenal people who lived in the Renaissance Community, a hippy commune in Western Massachusetts.  I made my grand entry into the world at 5:35 am and when my parents brought me home from the hospital, their friends had filled the room with lilacs. That’s still my favorite smell.

Growing up we moved a lot- to Rhode Island, Chicago, Michigan, and New York, but we always planted a garden and spent our free time playing outside.

My parents tell stories of our our outdoor adventures when I was little, and I remember camping trips, hikes, nature walks, backyard play, gardening, kayaking, canoeing… all sorts of fun.

I went to Waldorf School, spurred by my parents love of nature and keeping us close to the earth and experiencing the changing seasons.

It’s not surprising that I have decided to commit my life to spreading the word about the importance of nature play.

I am so grateful for my life… for my family… for all the life that continues to sustain me.

Here are 11 things I want to do today on my birthday:

1. call my parents and say thank you!
2. run barefoot in the grass.
3. smell the lilacs.
4. practice yoga.
5. laugh with children.
6. drink a latte.
7. snuggle with my son.
8. pray.
9. listen to the wind.
10.  feel the sun.
11.  plant.

Here are 11 things I want to do this year:

1. grow a large garden and give food away.
2. start a business.
3. get my community excited about nature play.
4. encourage more unstructured play.
5. visit New Mexico.
6. go on an overnight backpacking trip.
7. sleep outside under the stars.
8. find treasures in the forest.
9. read books.
10.  teach yoga.
11.  grow.

And 11 things I want to do in this lifetime:

1. go to Australia (again).
2. deliver a baby.
3. hike (part of) the Appalachian trail.
4. live off the grid for an extended time.
5. be self-sufficient.
6. write at least one book.
7. learn to ride a horse.
8. travel.
9. always serve the highest good.
10.  spend time everyday with children.
11.  blossom.

And I’m off to reflect on what I’ve learned this year… and then snuggle on the couch with a book and some hot cocoa.

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