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
Friday, March 11, 2011
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!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
What is Candlemas?
The families of Greenwood Tree (GWT) represent the full spectrum of Waldorf-knowledge- and I am on the far end of the "very new to it" side. I have an emotional draw to it but not much actual experience with it or information about it- yet. However, I am learning. Each time I go to a program with my sons I witness something new -either from the facilitator or another parent- and I try to read up on it during spare moments.
One question I've been wondering about lately is "What is Candlemas?"
Here is a link to another blog that gives a great explanation of Candlemas. The blog, called The Parenting Passageway, looks like a great resource of information also.
As I read this I was struck how many different cultures have a seasonal celebration around this time of year, and the many different ways families make this a special day. I think a candlelit honey-pancake dinner sounds good!
Take Care,
Nancylee
One question I've been wondering about lately is "What is Candlemas?"
Here is a link to another blog that gives a great explanation of Candlemas. The blog, called The Parenting Passageway, looks like a great resource of information also.
As I read this I was struck how many different cultures have a seasonal celebration around this time of year, and the many different ways families make this a special day. I think a candlelit honey-pancake dinner sounds good!
Take Care,
Nancylee
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