When spring bursts, I feel invited outside. I am thankful to be living alongside my children as I have a keen awareness of the need for variability and activity. For the last decade, no matter the personality of the child, I have seen a need to change up their routines around this time of the …
Interesting that homeschool moms are questioned about their kids’ socialization. Meanwhile, kids are being transported to many activities every week: co-op, science classes, theatre or piano practice, baseball games, playdates, jobs. It’s the mamas that are driving, coordinating, managing a house, helping small children, and teaching lessons. By the end of the day, mama is … Continue reading
Every year, I grow starts from seed. Sometimes these seedlings will grow as expected, sometimes they won’t. Sometimes I’ll know why, sometimes I won’t. This year they grew happily in the greenhouse. Hundreds of them. From flowers to veggies. Then I placed a few in the open sun to harden off. And then I let … Continue reading
I’ve been in a state of soil building the moment I stepped onto the raw mountain land that I considered purchasing. Land watching. I paid attention to where the thimbleberries grew in a grove. That would be my garden. There was enough sunlight to grow something on this rocky mountain. Sunlight catching. After we purchased … Continue reading
When I was about six, I had the chance to be part of the sunday school Christmas presentation. I was the M of “MERRY CHRISTMAS”. But I wasn’t getting on stage to wish Jesus a happy birthday if my salvation depended on it. I had a bout of serious shyness (hard to believe when you … Continue reading
I have pretty high expectations of my kids and I know it. You and I can analyze where that came from, and whether I am always right each time, but I’ve settled into it until I have some compelling reason not to have high expectations. (High is my goal, not unrealistic. I recognize there’s a … Continue reading
This girl. I’m telling ya, there is nothing like an effort-filled family adventure than the addition of a puppy. I should clarify. Ours is not an ordinary puppy. In the words of a random stranger I met on a dog walk, even the owners of LGDs are rare breeds. Naturally I had to ask for … Continue reading
Purple coneflower, aka Echinacea purpurea, also known as my favourite floral centerpiece, is a natural pollinator attractor, a medicinal and a cottage garden staple. This year, I’m using it for more than my floral centerpieces. The benefits are too impressive. University of British Columbia research suggests that regular consumption will reverse or alleviate inflammation. I knew … Continue reading
