another thought on last day at padilla bay.
the interpretive center was packed with end of the year field trips. at one point a chaperon from another school poked her head into the small classroom area where children worked on drawing and playing with puppets to holler, and i mean holler, for a child engaged in an activity to the point that the world outside of her head was dulled and slightly forgotten.
which is a good thing, right?
the woman growled the girls name. it's the impatient tone of an adult on a schedule. i've growled like that before.
when it was time to gather up the greenwood tree kiddos a few of the adults decided to do so by singing the "follow me" song. as our voice lifted up, so did the heads of the adults and children looking at star fish and listening to eagle calls.
it was a beautiful sight. a beautiful sound. and another reminder for me that there is always time to add some more beauty into this world.
i want to sing more. growl less. i appreciate being around other folks who inspire me to do just that.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
what a caring community looks like
today was the final day of our spring season. the group was gathered at padilla bay where the eel grass grows and the mud can suck off your boots faster than a crab can scurry. the sun peeked out now and then, but mostly the rain showered us with various size of drops. not that the kids minded- most seemed to ditch the rain gear after the potluck anyway to run on the grass and into the sand with slick skin.
yes, it was a sweet gathering complete with thoughtful gifts for the board members and facilitators. it was another lovely opportunity to chat with friendly folks and my boys were blissed out on being in nature with their best buds.
until seren fell.
one minute he is running on the beach, a member of a swirling pack. the next his soft face is hitting a hard rock. right on his eye. i heard his wail and went running toward him.
seren is very expressive about his pain. and about his joy. so it's a good balance. but it can be hard to know exactly how badly he is injured because any injury elicits a BIG reaction. sure, it's the pain of it. it is also the injustice of it- how one minute is so much fun and then suddenly a slight shift takes all that away.
immediately, there were mamas swarming. one mama went to get my younger son from the beach. several mamas rushed to their cars for their first aid kits. a mama and papa soothed seren and peered at his injuries. even the kiddos stood by to offer love- and to see how much blood there was.
if you kid has to get hurt- and as i explained to seren everyone does get hurt in life and most of the time we don't know when it will happen- it's much more pleasant to have an injury happen in a supportive community. if i had been alone with my boys when that accident happened i...well, i don't even want to think about that.
we made it home quickly and seren settled into a comfy chair with his softest stuffed animals. the body starts to repair itself immediately but seren was still shaky, still worried, still hurting.
on top of that was the disappointment that such a great day ended so abruptly with serious pain. we nursed his wounds, made soup, snuggled deeper. and one of the things that helped him to feel much better was the folks who called to check in on seren as the day went on. and that made me feel better too.
if you're kid has to get hurt- it's nice to know he's got friends that will check up on him, send him love, wish him well.
yes, it was a sweet gathering complete with thoughtful gifts for the board members and facilitators. it was another lovely opportunity to chat with friendly folks and my boys were blissed out on being in nature with their best buds.
until seren fell.
one minute he is running on the beach, a member of a swirling pack. the next his soft face is hitting a hard rock. right on his eye. i heard his wail and went running toward him.
seren is very expressive about his pain. and about his joy. so it's a good balance. but it can be hard to know exactly how badly he is injured because any injury elicits a BIG reaction. sure, it's the pain of it. it is also the injustice of it- how one minute is so much fun and then suddenly a slight shift takes all that away.
immediately, there were mamas swarming. one mama went to get my younger son from the beach. several mamas rushed to their cars for their first aid kits. a mama and papa soothed seren and peered at his injuries. even the kiddos stood by to offer love- and to see how much blood there was.
if you kid has to get hurt- and as i explained to seren everyone does get hurt in life and most of the time we don't know when it will happen- it's much more pleasant to have an injury happen in a supportive community. if i had been alone with my boys when that accident happened i...well, i don't even want to think about that.
we made it home quickly and seren settled into a comfy chair with his softest stuffed animals. the body starts to repair itself immediately but seren was still shaky, still worried, still hurting.
on top of that was the disappointment that such a great day ended so abruptly with serious pain. we nursed his wounds, made soup, snuggled deeper. and one of the things that helped him to feel much better was the folks who called to check in on seren as the day went on. and that made me feel better too.
if you're kid has to get hurt- it's nice to know he's got friends that will check up on him, send him love, wish him well.
Monday, May 16, 2011
This week!
Parent Education Night
Greenwood Tree is a Waldorf-inspired cooperative in Skagit. We offer weekly programs and parent education nights.
Our next Parent Education Night will be Wednesday, May 18 at 6:30 at the Burlington Senior Center (1211 E. Greenleaf Ave Burlington WA).
Adrienne Doucette from Whatcom Waldorf School will present a talk titled, “Protecting the Young Child - a Waldorf Perspective' and will address the following questions: What does the young child really need to be healthy and happy? How can we support and encourage the child's natural development, accept him in each phase he goes through, and meet him there? What does a child need to be protected from out in the world, at home, and with others? This talk will look at these questions in regard to children from birth to seven years
The event is open to all and is free to GWT families with a suggested donation of $5 from the greater community. Children are welcome to attend but there will not be childcare provided in a separate space, so please bring a quiet activity for your children.
Greenwood Tree is a Waldorf-inspired cooperative in Skagit. We offer weekly programs and parent education nights.
Our next Parent Education Night will be Wednesday, May 18 at 6:30 at the Burlington Senior Center (1211 E. Greenleaf Ave Burlington WA).
Adrienne Doucette from Whatcom Waldorf School will present a talk titled, “Protecting the Young Child - a Waldorf Perspective' and will address the following questions: What does the young child really need to be healthy and happy? How can we support and encourage the child's natural development, accept him in each phase he goes through, and meet him there? What does a child need to be protected from out in the world, at home, and with others? This talk will look at these questions in regard to children from birth to seven years
The event is open to all and is free to GWT families with a suggested donation of $5 from the greater community. Children are welcome to attend but there will not be childcare provided in a separate space, so please bring a quiet activity for your children.
Friday, April 8, 2011
One of our new families shares...
Last Friday, April 1, was our first day at Greenwood Tree. Natalie (5.5) is in the Seedlings Group and Laurel (1.5) is in the Root Children Group. The girls and I both enjoyed our Friday experience - from the songs and stories to the baking, crafting and playtime in the rain. But it wasn't just the things we were doing, it was who we were doing them with: each other, other families seeking to nurture their children, loving adults and friendly children - a community.
Several days later, at dinner, as I sat at the table holding Laurel I was feeling thankful for being able to hold my warm, nourished child and for being relaxed and in a peaceful place. With that in mind, I asked Natalie if she knew what gratitude was, what it meant to be thankful. "Oh yes, Mama," she quickly replied. "I am thankful for Greenwood Tree, because it's a place that we can go and still be together but do all sorts of fun things with other people!" Oh yes, me too, Natalie, me too.
Friday, March 11, 2011
spring love
I picked up my oldest son today from GWT. He was flushed with a day of friends and activity. I could smell the light scent of sweat in his hair as I snuggled him welcome. As we settled in the van, little brother asleep in the back- worn out from a morning of songs and baking with the seedling group, Seren said in a contented voice, "I love greenwood tree."
Me too, I thought as my throat constricted a bit. I'm easily moved to tears these days- especially when this blessed feeling lands on my shoulders, lightening my burden, clearing my eyes. I have sought a community for my children, our family since the July day Seren was born almost nine years back. What a joy-filled relief to know that for a few hours each week my children are held in a community that accepts them, encourages them, loves them.
And that they love this community back with equal sincerity- another blessing!
As King Winter's reign melts away we are looking forward toward Spring Season at Greenwood Tree. This season will begin with April and end with May- a bit shorter than winter season as the board feels the strong need to focus on the infrastructure and fundraising during the summer months.
We are now accepting enrollment and tuition deposits for continuing families. Open enrollment for both groups- the seedlings and saplings- begins on Friday, March 18th. As we count the interested families it seems that the seedling group may be busting at the seams which is delightful and challenging. The love is growing! The board will be discussing solutions so that we can include as many families as possible. In the mean time, please express your intention and ideas freely. We can be easily reached through email at greenwoodschool.info@gmail.com.
Spring blessings to you and your families!
-nancylee
Me too, I thought as my throat constricted a bit. I'm easily moved to tears these days- especially when this blessed feeling lands on my shoulders, lightening my burden, clearing my eyes. I have sought a community for my children, our family since the July day Seren was born almost nine years back. What a joy-filled relief to know that for a few hours each week my children are held in a community that accepts them, encourages them, loves them.
And that they love this community back with equal sincerity- another blessing!
As King Winter's reign melts away we are looking forward toward Spring Season at Greenwood Tree. This season will begin with April and end with May- a bit shorter than winter season as the board feels the strong need to focus on the infrastructure and fundraising during the summer months.
We are now accepting enrollment and tuition deposits for continuing families. Open enrollment for both groups- the seedlings and saplings- begins on Friday, March 18th. As we count the interested families it seems that the seedling group may be busting at the seams which is delightful and challenging. The love is growing! The board will be discussing solutions so that we can include as many families as possible. In the mean time, please express your intention and ideas freely. We can be easily reached through email at greenwoodschool.info@gmail.com.
Spring blessings to you and your families!
-nancylee
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Dragons, candles and heart cookies
I have the 60 second intro to Greenwood Tree down. I recite it to folks in the Co-op, the park, where ever. I have been known to approach families I do not know simply because they have "that look" and ask them if they know about us. I can give them the gist of us pretty quickly.
What I can't describe, though, is the sense of magic that my two sons experience each Friday. I probably could tell them the details about how my oldest made a paper dragon to honor the Chinese New Year (welcome year of the metal rabbit!) and brought it home. But, like most magic, it needs to be experienced hands-on to truly know it.
There are small moments in our life as parents where we are awestruck with the beauty of our children, the innocence of their mind, the courage of their spirit. These fuel us through the days when there is too much laundry and not enough quiet spaces between the chaos.
For me, Greenwood Tree has made more of those magical moments happen for my children- with me watching. When my two year-old made beeswax candles for the first time- his chubby fist gripping the bamboo twig and his eyes intent on the sinking candle- with the smell of honey and wax all around us- it was a gift.
Yes, I know I could, in theory, create these moments at home. But honestly- I don't always seem to get to baking fresh bread or felting wool. Each Friday I bring my boys to this blooming community and they get to the baking fresh bread and felting wool along with some great kids. I didn't have to do the planning or the shopping. I do get to sit beside them and help or just take in how they focus on pushing a needle in and out of a brown groundhog puppet, how they hand a heart cookie to their grandma with pride because they helped to make it.
What I can't describe, though, is the sense of magic that my two sons experience each Friday. I probably could tell them the details about how my oldest made a paper dragon to honor the Chinese New Year (welcome year of the metal rabbit!) and brought it home. But, like most magic, it needs to be experienced hands-on to truly know it.
There are small moments in our life as parents where we are awestruck with the beauty of our children, the innocence of their mind, the courage of their spirit. These fuel us through the days when there is too much laundry and not enough quiet spaces between the chaos.
For me, Greenwood Tree has made more of those magical moments happen for my children- with me watching. When my two year-old made beeswax candles for the first time- his chubby fist gripping the bamboo twig and his eyes intent on the sinking candle- with the smell of honey and wax all around us- it was a gift.
Yes, I know I could, in theory, create these moments at home. But honestly- I don't always seem to get to baking fresh bread or felting wool. Each Friday I bring my boys to this blooming community and they get to the baking fresh bread and felting wool along with some great kids. I didn't have to do the planning or the shopping. I do get to sit beside them and help or just take in how they focus on pushing a needle in and out of a brown groundhog puppet, how they hand a heart cookie to their grandma with pride because they helped to make it.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Building Community- a bit differently
Today the blog goes out to the world! A fascinating new tool to reach out and spread the word about what Greenwood Tree does...and hopes to do.
We hope to have two new board members soon. Maybe it's you or someone you know?! Our board meets monthly- usually during a weekday morning- a great group of mamas and babes. The only board meeting I have ever been to where there's typically at least one child nursing, and now and then something unexpected happens like a disheveled girl runs into the house and announces "The dog is eating one of the chickens!" And yet, this board has accomplished amazing things.
In a few months we have gone from being an idea around a farmhouse kitchen table to having inspiring weekly programs, festive seasonal celebrations and establishing a solid community of families.
In the coming months we will work on becoming a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, fundraising and expanding our programs to help serve the needs of the families in our cooperative. We hope that you'll be part of our growth!
We hope to have two new board members soon. Maybe it's you or someone you know?! Our board meets monthly- usually during a weekday morning- a great group of mamas and babes. The only board meeting I have ever been to where there's typically at least one child nursing, and now and then something unexpected happens like a disheveled girl runs into the house and announces "The dog is eating one of the chickens!" And yet, this board has accomplished amazing things.
In a few months we have gone from being an idea around a farmhouse kitchen table to having inspiring weekly programs, festive seasonal celebrations and establishing a solid community of families.
In the coming months we will work on becoming a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, fundraising and expanding our programs to help serve the needs of the families in our cooperative. We hope that you'll be part of our growth!
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