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I think the best thing to do with kids on Earth Day is to spend your day playing outside. Maybe structure sometime to venture out on a hike or dig in the garden- but spending time together under the blue sky and on the green grass- is the best.

Now, that’s what I think everyone needs to do everyday. So what makes it special on Earth Day? Do it with intention.

Rather then spending your Green Hour outside, unconsciously having fun; put your heart into it… get connected with the Earth.

Maybe you need a physical connection: roll in the mud, dig in the dirt, climb a tree, catch a frog, dive into a fresh water pond, learn the song of a bird, hug a tree, or maybe even eat a worm.

Get connected.

Anyone can pick up garbage, or plant a tree; outstanding people feel up-lifted and nurtured by doing this.

A couple weeks ago I lead a  workshop for early childhood educators on Linking to Nature. I really think one of the most important things for caregivers to do is explore their own beliefs and limitations about playing outside.

So, of course, we went outside on a scavenger hunt and got connected to nature.

Each group got a list of items to find outside. It was a windy, cold day and even this self-proclaimed “nature nut” had a tough time hanging out in that weather!

Despite this, these teachers did it and upon returning to the classroom, I asked them to create something with their items.

Here’s what two groups made:

Here in my backyard, this is what we’re planning to do for Earth Day- we’re gonna head out to the pine forest and create Earth Sculptures- some might even call them “alters” to the Earth.

Above all, my intention will be to share with the children the magnificence of our World and honor the piece of the Earth that we live with.

I’ll be sure to take pictures and share them here later this week!

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Thanks once again for joining the Nature and Children Blog Carnival link-up. I’ve enjoyed each moment reading all the spectacular posts submitted the past few weeks.

In honor of Earth Day I am keeping the links open until 11:59 pm 4/22/10. Share what you did for the day (or stay unplugged)!

I am a part of such an outstanding group of nature lovers and each of you make my connection to the Earth a little better every day.

Thank you- from the bottom to the top of my heart.

Come back next week too! (Ain’t this kinda fun- like a mid-summer campfire cookout?)

Themes:

April 28th Mayday and Kids

May 5 writer’s choice

Please remember to link back to this post and other then that- unplug and get outside!

~ Shannon (The Backyard Mama)

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I’ve been doing some spring cleaning; but unlike most folks who clear the clutter and re-organize inside, I’ve been outside, spreading compost, planting seeds, expanding the garden- beautifying my little piece of this great planet.

And then I came across a gnarly, nasty stump, and for the past two weeks I’ve been chipping away at it, lopping one feeder root after another till today; success and a job well done!

So, I am really feeling connected to the root kingdom right now; and I got to thinking- this is really a metaphor for removing the “stuck” stuff in my life.

We’ve all got “those things” that we want to get rid of, belief systems, ideas, traditions, rules, that set limitations on beautifying life. And they get really rooted in their, like the stump, there are big roots near the surface, lots of smaller off shoots, and then a deep feeder root that’s big and deeply rooted at the core.

Well, so long as we’re diligent, persistent and steadfast, it is possible to uproot those limitations, to break free from the “stuff” that binds us and then voila:

There’s space to fill in with new ideas; or new soil- fertile grown in which to plant flowers or bushes, fruits or vegetables; this is beauty to nourish my senses and my soul.

Thanks to the root kingdom for setting me FREE!

This is part of the Steady Mom 30- minute blog challenge- “say it with me only in 30 minutes”!

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Today we made a trip out to our compost pile and found hundreds of happy little worms turning our “waist” into fertile soil.

I’ve been spending time lately thinking about what I want to grow for myself this year: in the garden, in my life, in my community. I’ve started planting the seeds by 1) heading out to the garden and planting peas, lettuce, spinach, garlic, onions, broccoli, and kale; 2) taking my ideas of how to connect children and nature into the broader Rhode Island community through workshops; and 3) starting a blog carnival each Wednesday here at Backyard Mama.

I am starting to see the fruits of my labor which fills me with satisfaction.

Of course there are disappointments too: some of my lettuce didn’t come up, some peas floated away in the flood, not all workshop participants were enthralled with my ideas and the first carnival was much more successful than the second.

It’s through these expereinces that my soil becomes richly fertilized. The mistakes or failures that I let go of, fall to the grown like leaves from a tree and as they are transformed through my thoughts, they become the compost of next year; ever reminding me that what I let go of today, will feed me tomorrow. 

One reason I love to learn lessons from nature is the simplicity of the life cycle: birth  (springtime), ripeness (summertime),  death, (autumntime), and transformation (wintertime). As I connect inside to these outer processes, letting go becomes as simple as breath.

Many thanks to my worms for reminding me that my thoughts can turn the ”waist” of my mind into rich fertile soil in which to plant the dreams of my lifetime.

This post is part of the 30 minute blog challenge over at Steady Mom. It’s a delight to share my thoughts with all these great ladies!

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I love the innocence of children.

Today I watched as my little ones ran through our flower garden, full of blooming daffodils they planted in the Fall.  Jumping and singing and being totally present in their play.

A few weeks ago my son wrapped up blocks and gave them to me as presents. Then built me a “sink” (not sure why he picked a sink maybe it’s where I spend most of my day) but this is what he created:

He loves to craft and create and listens eagerly to us as we discuss modifications to the house or the yard.

Then in his play (like with his sink) he imitates everything he has heard (learned) from us adults.

I’ll admit, when I see him in the garden digging holes and “planting”; or building houses; or planning yard projects like adding compost to one side of the yard and moving rocks from one place to another; or when he gathers his tools to get some dirt from the forest.. I really smiles inside and out- because I know that as he imitates me, he is learning to care for the Earth.

We’re planning to pick up garbage for Earth Day, what’s your plan?

This is part of the Steady Mom Blog Challenge- dare I tell you the truth? Start to finish post time- 12 minutes.

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Here I am, getting into the grove of tilling our newest garden row.

Photo credit: Jeremiah, 3 years old.

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Debi over at Go Explore Nature gave me this idea, so I figured after the thrill of thinking about it, I’d share my discovery with you!

Our Backyard

We currently spend at least an hour a day outside, usually more… I want to keep this going.

I also want to explore our backyard more by:

• making a nature trail through our woods
• expanding our vegetable garden
• building a sunflower house (ref. Roots, Boots, Buckets and Shoots)
• having many backyard cook outs
• camping out in our pine forest this summer
• pick blueberries while canoeing on our pond

Local Exploration

We have an incredible number of local hiking places, yet we have so much fun at home, we rarely venture out… I want to:

• canoe or kayak down the Wood River
• wade in tide pools at low tide
• hike in Ninigrit Park
• visit Kettle Pond
• hike and take pictures at Trustom Pond through the seasons
• go to Normon Bird Sanctuary
• swim in the ocean
• take the ferry to Block Island

Further A Field

These are long term goals, so if I only get to one or two this year, I’ll feel successful but I’ve enjoyed thinking about some adventures for me and my little tree climber.

• go on an overnight backpacking trip with my son
• drive across country staying at National Parks and camp grounds
• go snowshoeing or cross country skiing in really deep snow
• visit organic or biodynamic farms locally and across the country

I’m excited, stir crazy and rearing  to head outside!

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I love it when I see folks doing meaningful work with their creative genius. I went to school with the guys that made this video about the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti.

Thank you Remedy for this gift from your Heart.

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Head over to Loving Nature’s Garden to see what my adventurer has planned this weekend!

Thank you Alison for this great opportunity!

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“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ” 1 Corinthians 13:4

According to Hallmark 188 million valentines cards are given world wide; which means the cards are manufactured, shipped, distributed, purchased, sent or give. A whole lot of energy and fuel goes into this love holiday.

I challenge readers to hand make valentines cards, chocolates and buy real plants or seeds for their loved ones this year. Find lovely verses, like the age old favorite, “roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.” Hand write your love.

I challenge readers even further to let your love shine throughout the year with love letters. Make simple hearts out of construction paper and send them to friends and family, teachers, bosses, ministers, priests, librarians, all the people who serve our lives. I am going to send a love letter to my husband once a week this year. Reminding him of all the reasons why I chose to spend my life with him.

Homemade is special

In third grade, I have my teacher a handmade Valentines Day card, I made if from purple construction paper and glued dried flowers on it. When I graduated from eight grade, he gave it back to me as a memento from elementary school. Handmade cards mean so much to the giver and receiver.

Three years ago, instead of giving everyone in my family chocolates, I made a meal and invited all to share it with me. I decorated the table with chocolates, a beautiful table cloth and our best china, we spent the evening together. I did purchase little cards for each person, but I had a newborn baby and only had time for either cooking.

Three ways spend that special night

1) Have a potluck. Instead of heading to the restaurant, invite friends over for a candle light dinner; plan for a house large enough to accommodate kids with a movie and special dinner while the parents (adults) have a special night of conversation and cocktails. The romance can happen at home!

2) Go for a walk. Watching the sunset, snuggled under a blanket at the beach or on a mountain top or in a field of long grass is more romantic then any restaurant. Bring a picnic basket of your favorite finger foods, leave discussion of bills, and school, kids, or cars problems at home, and spend the evening basking in the last rays of the sun and the warmth of your honey’s arms.

3) Partner Yoga Find a class or get a DVD and roll out the yoga mats in the living room (maybe by candle light). Learn a new way of relating to your loved one by moving together through yoga poses to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and bring you closer. (Other stuff can come later- that’s out of my comfort zone folks- I am talking YOGA here.)

What other simple fun (inexpensive) ways do you share your LOVE on Valentines Day?

This post was originally a contribution to 5 minutes for Going Green. Check out what the great writers over there have to say!

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Fasting means to “hold firm” or “have firm control of oneself”, it is associated with abstaining from food for religious observance or for medical reasons.

I woke up this morning thinking about fasting.

A few years ago, I did a weekly day long fast but with motherhood (and nursing) I abstained from fasting to keep my energy up. (Interesting that fasting- as in getting faster- is actually a way to slow down?)

But fasting is not just about limiting food; it can be about limiting some foods, or limiting “plugged in” time, or certain thoughts and words.

“Holding firm” or having “self-control” is what motherhood is all about. Motherhood (in some ways) is about fasting from self-centeredness and selfishness; it’s about making sure that our children learn self-control and discipline.

There are many ways to fast some are a physical fast (as in limiting food) some are more a mental fast (as in limiting thoughts or words).

Cleansing the body is partially about cleansing the mind- because it takes the ability to “hold firm” and be disciplined; and cleansing the mind is partially about cleansing the body.

I am interested in exploring the Master Cleanse for a physical fast and I am considering re-committing to a weekly day-long fast from food. This summer I would like to try a longer fast (10 days perhaps) when I have lots of fresh veggies in my garden and can prepare my body with abundant homegrown raw foods.

Ash Wednesday is next week and in some religious traditions lent (which starts on Ash Wednesday and ends at Easter) is a time of fasting. Some fast from sugar, or chocolate, but this lent I want to go deep within myself to fast from negative thinking, from being critical to myself, and from setting my expectations so high that they lead to disappointment.

Not as a Christian tradition, but as a human spiritual tradition, what might you cleanse from this lent? What can you let go of that’s keeping you from your highest purpose?

This is part of the Steady Mom 30 minute blog challenge. Thanks to Jaime for this great opportunity to link-up and share with other mama bloggers. Have a great day everyone and be gentle to yourself and eachother! Please read about and support Love 146.

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