I swept the kitchen floor this evening. As I enjoyed the rhythmical, calming activity, I got to thinking how I regret never having found a nice, small broom to give to the Blue-Eyed boy or Curly-Locks. Its really a shame. Yes, I discovered a couple of different models in the toy shops but always so unnecessarily cold, and stiff bristly. And artificial. Just couldn't convince myself I wanted to spend my money on them.
What I should have done was gone to the hardware store, bought a smallish broom and simply cut down the handle. That's what Helen did for her boys. They loved their brooms and felt proud to be able to help.
Sometimes it's the simplest gifts/toys that are the most successful.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Picking up a thread
The title I've just written reminds me of my mother. She had a few superstitions and one of them was that if you picked a thread off someone else's clothing, that would mean good luck. Provided they didn't thank you!
Many's the time, however, that I've thanked my mother. You could say I 'got lucky', but it's far far more than that.
In any case, it's about parents that I want to talk today.
Recently I wrote about the karmic connections children have with their parents. What I want to bring to you now is one of the first ideas (I would call it a truth, but leave it to you to live with for a while and see if it resonates for you) I heard about when I came into this way of Magical Motherhood. This is that children choose their parents. While still in the heavenly world, we see which mother and which father will best serve our needs and the development steps we need to take in our forthcoming incarnation. And we help bring the couple together!
Now of course, none of us is perfect, so not everything we as parents give to our children, not all the ways we treat them, or the habits and traits we pass on can ever be ideal. Nevertheless, it can be affirming to know that we are the chosen ones, the couple who can best guide and bring up our children.
So, dear readers, when you feel you fall short, remember this and take comfort.
Many's the time, however, that I've thanked my mother. You could say I 'got lucky', but it's far far more than that.
In any case, it's about parents that I want to talk today.
Recently I wrote about the karmic connections children have with their parents. What I want to bring to you now is one of the first ideas (I would call it a truth, but leave it to you to live with for a while and see if it resonates for you) I heard about when I came into this way of Magical Motherhood. This is that children choose their parents. While still in the heavenly world, we see which mother and which father will best serve our needs and the development steps we need to take in our forthcoming incarnation. And we help bring the couple together!
Now of course, none of us is perfect, so not everything we as parents give to our children, not all the ways we treat them, or the habits and traits we pass on can ever be ideal. Nevertheless, it can be affirming to know that we are the chosen ones, the couple who can best guide and bring up our children.
So, dear readers, when you feel you fall short, remember this and take comfort.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Living with the festival year
"Will you be having a sleigh ride this year?" My husband asks our overnight visitors, a note of hope in his voice.
"Most likely," comes the answer.
Yes, you'd be right in thinking this is a bit of a festive tradition for our friends. Right now, as we look towards the first Sunday in Advent and the weeks that build up to Christmas and the thirteen Holy Nights, I wanted to write a little bit about festivals in general and why observing them is helpful for children.
What springs immediately to mind is the fact that rhythm sustains us. So, in living with recurring festivals we lay a good ground for the child's sense of security and joy in life and the world. Festivals can be deeply nourishing for the children's souls... and for ours, for that matter. But traditions and events and celebrations don't have to be big or elaborate. Sometimes just a few small efforts are enough to set the mood and open the heart.
But be aware that how you begin is how and what the small children will expect next time too, and probably into the future.
On Sunday I'll hang up this painting. It was done by our younger daughter while she was in primary school. Wet on wet water colour is fine, but when our basement flooded it suffered water damage, as you can see. Nevertheless, her depiction of Mary wandering over stars and gathering threads of starlight for her little child, is one we love to live with during Advent and the Christmas season.
"Most likely," comes the answer.
Yes, you'd be right in thinking this is a bit of a festive tradition for our friends. Right now, as we look towards the first Sunday in Advent and the weeks that build up to Christmas and the thirteen Holy Nights, I wanted to write a little bit about festivals in general and why observing them is helpful for children.
What springs immediately to mind is the fact that rhythm sustains us. So, in living with recurring festivals we lay a good ground for the child's sense of security and joy in life and the world. Festivals can be deeply nourishing for the children's souls... and for ours, for that matter. But traditions and events and celebrations don't have to be big or elaborate. Sometimes just a few small efforts are enough to set the mood and open the heart.
But be aware that how you begin is how and what the small children will expect next time too, and probably into the future.
On Sunday I'll hang up this painting. It was done by our younger daughter while she was in primary school. Wet on wet water colour is fine, but when our basement flooded it suffered water damage, as you can see. Nevertheless, her depiction of Mary wandering over stars and gathering threads of starlight for her little child, is one we love to live with during Advent and the Christmas season.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Making magic
"Advent is my very favourite time of the year," says my dear friend and overnight guest. And, having stayed with her around this time, I know why.
She's lucky enough to live on a large piece of land. I've accompanied her into the wild to pick red dogwood branches to decorate outdoor urns and indoor spaces. In general, her home is redolent with all the best things about the run up to Christmas. It's a wonderful time for children, and I don't mean because Santa will soon be here with presents.
In England, this coming Sunday is traditionally known as 'Stir Up Sunday'. It's the day when Christmas cakes and puds need to be made... ahead of time, so the flavours can blend and mature.
I'm sure you know that small children love baking. It's surprising how much they can manage to 'help' and how much they gain from it. I remember when I taught the Blue-eyed boy how to crack and egg. After doing it and thinking about it, he turned to me so sweetly and said, 'I love you, Nana'.
Food for the soul, for sure.
(more on making magic in the next post)
She's lucky enough to live on a large piece of land. I've accompanied her into the wild to pick red dogwood branches to decorate outdoor urns and indoor spaces. In general, her home is redolent with all the best things about the run up to Christmas. It's a wonderful time for children, and I don't mean because Santa will soon be here with presents.
In England, this coming Sunday is traditionally known as 'Stir Up Sunday'. It's the day when Christmas cakes and puds need to be made... ahead of time, so the flavours can blend and mature.
I'm sure you know that small children love baking. It's surprising how much they can manage to 'help' and how much they gain from it. I remember when I taught the Blue-eyed boy how to crack and egg. After doing it and thinking about it, he turned to me so sweetly and said, 'I love you, Nana'.
Food for the soul, for sure.
(more on making magic in the next post)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Be awake to your child's future destiny
A new friend asked me, "How was it that you came to North America?"
So I explained about the practical side, how my husband had been offered work, it was time for us to downsize and so forth. And then I also told her about how Ben, our fourth born, knew that his future destiny lay on this continent.
Which brought something from long ago back into my mind.
I must have been around ten years old and very much into my ballet dancing when I wrote my first poem. Unfortunately, my mom was the opposite of a packrat and at some point in my teens or twenties she threw away all my first writings. (balance in all things, people!... but she was generally so wonderful that I don't hold it too much against her. It's just that looking back would be interesting.)
I don't remember the first lines, but somewhere in the middle I wrote:
And I will go, over the sea
To study in America.
Yes. Here I am, even if it is in my elderly age rather than the younger. Because I went to England not so long after I wrote that.
As I wrote in an early post, the demands and wishes our children place upon us vary from the simply (!) physical, to the more difficult soul needs, and then to the more subtle and harder to catch spiritual aspect. Future destiny, I'd say, lies in this last, and it's helpful if we can be awake to what the child intends and wants to do in this present earthly life.
Actually, I'd say that, for me, my ballet had to do with finishing off something from a previous incarnation. Why else, when I'd been so passionate about it, would I have been able to let it go so easily when I turned eighteen?
But that's by the way. What I can tell you now is that, like his dad, the Blue-Eyed boy is all about design. As a small example, here's one of his recent 'plays', done all by himself and almost by instinct.
So I explained about the practical side, how my husband had been offered work, it was time for us to downsize and so forth. And then I also told her about how Ben, our fourth born, knew that his future destiny lay on this continent.
Which brought something from long ago back into my mind.
I must have been around ten years old and very much into my ballet dancing when I wrote my first poem. Unfortunately, my mom was the opposite of a packrat and at some point in my teens or twenties she threw away all my first writings. (balance in all things, people!... but she was generally so wonderful that I don't hold it too much against her. It's just that looking back would be interesting.)
I don't remember the first lines, but somewhere in the middle I wrote:
And I will go, over the sea
To study in America.
Yes. Here I am, even if it is in my elderly age rather than the younger. Because I went to England not so long after I wrote that.
As I wrote in an early post, the demands and wishes our children place upon us vary from the simply (!) physical, to the more difficult soul needs, and then to the more subtle and harder to catch spiritual aspect. Future destiny, I'd say, lies in this last, and it's helpful if we can be awake to what the child intends and wants to do in this present earthly life.
Actually, I'd say that, for me, my ballet had to do with finishing off something from a previous incarnation. Why else, when I'd been so passionate about it, would I have been able to let it go so easily when I turned eighteen?
But that's by the way. What I can tell you now is that, like his dad, the Blue-Eyed boy is all about design. As a small example, here's one of his recent 'plays', done all by himself and almost by instinct.
Monday, November 21, 2011
A Simple Gift
With the approach of the holidays, you might like to engage your 4, 5 or 6 year old in making some Christmas gifts.
If you look at the photo (yes, I'm trying to revive those drooping hydrangeas) you'll see my vase is standing on a green felt circle. This Helen made for me way back in her kindergarten days, and I've found it useful ever since. Now that it's old, I see I need to fix that stray thread, but otherwise, it's stood up to the years very well. The thing is to see if the child can master the simple overstitch that borders the felt.
Friday, November 18, 2011
p.s. re painting
Nana: some years ago when the Blue-eyed Boy was smaller, "Here you are, here's a paint brush for you."
(hands him one of the cheaper variety I had left over from the days when I used to teach a bit.)
He stretches forward to reach the brush container: "No, I want this one."
Which just happens to be my best sable brush.
All to say that yes, on an instinctive level, children do respond to quality.
(hands him one of the cheaper variety I had left over from the days when I used to teach a bit.)
He stretches forward to reach the brush container: "No, I want this one."
Which just happens to be my best sable brush.
All to say that yes, on an instinctive level, children do respond to quality.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Weekend recovery: PAINTING
Many teachers know that, for the children, Monday is a day of recovery from the weekend. Cheryl had Armistice Day off, and so she and the boys were away. Now that Nana is somewhat incapacitated because I'm waiting for a hip replacement, my time with the boys is curtailed. And so, they have an au pair helping out. And Cheryl wanted to show her Niagara.
In her own words, the Blue-eyed Boy and Curly-Locks had 'a rough weekend'. Translation: too much TV and ice-cream.
It happens.
So what to do to help the recovery? Yesterday morning my beloved husband took them on a hike. Being in nature is always restoring. Then Curly-Locks spent the afternoon here with me, while the Blue-eyed Boy had some 'alone time' with the au pair.
First of all he bounced in, so delighted to be here he didn't know what to do with himself. Then he had to explore the old, familiar toys. What's struck me about these lately is how much mileage you get from good, wooden toys. At 5 and a half the Blue-eyed Boy will still play with the cars and planes and animals that he's been busy with since he was around 2.
After I coaxed Curly-Locks away for some brown rice and avocado (take that, ice cream!), which he devoured quite happily, he went for a nap. When he woke he wanted to paint.
"Good," I thought, "that's exactly what he needs."
Now, setting up painting for the little ones and supervising is a lot of work, as my artist son-in-law found out when he was visiting last Christmas. But thanks to him I had a suitable brush and proper watercolour paper to hand.
Before we started, I made sure that Curly-Locks was wearing a pinny. And during the process I kept a close watch on the blue paint, which stains quickly and permanently if it spills. I cut the corners off the paper, wet it and laid it carefully on the painting board. He set to work and was quickly absorbed in the process, engaging with the colours as they 'talked' to each other, and melded.
Wet on wet watercolour painting has something special about it because the colours move. You could say this is something like being in the heavenly world. At Curly-Locks's age there's no question of painting something for 'result': i.e. depicting an object, although he tries to draw when crayonning. It's simply a matter of letting the soul engage and be restored.
In her own words, the Blue-eyed Boy and Curly-Locks had 'a rough weekend'. Translation: too much TV and ice-cream.
It happens.
So what to do to help the recovery? Yesterday morning my beloved husband took them on a hike. Being in nature is always restoring. Then Curly-Locks spent the afternoon here with me, while the Blue-eyed Boy had some 'alone time' with the au pair.
First of all he bounced in, so delighted to be here he didn't know what to do with himself. Then he had to explore the old, familiar toys. What's struck me about these lately is how much mileage you get from good, wooden toys. At 5 and a half the Blue-eyed Boy will still play with the cars and planes and animals that he's been busy with since he was around 2.
After I coaxed Curly-Locks away for some brown rice and avocado (take that, ice cream!), which he devoured quite happily, he went for a nap. When he woke he wanted to paint.
"Good," I thought, "that's exactly what he needs."
Now, setting up painting for the little ones and supervising is a lot of work, as my artist son-in-law found out when he was visiting last Christmas. But thanks to him I had a suitable brush and proper watercolour paper to hand.
Before we started, I made sure that Curly-Locks was wearing a pinny. And during the process I kept a close watch on the blue paint, which stains quickly and permanently if it spills. I cut the corners off the paper, wet it and laid it carefully on the painting board. He set to work and was quickly absorbed in the process, engaging with the colours as they 'talked' to each other, and melded.
Wet on wet watercolour painting has something special about it because the colours move. You could say this is something like being in the heavenly world. At Curly-Locks's age there's no question of painting something for 'result': i.e. depicting an object, although he tries to draw when crayonning. It's simply a matter of letting the soul engage and be restored.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Karmic connections
Karma and our karmic connections have been much on my mind lately. So much of our interrelations can become clearer if we look at them in the light of previous experiences together. I'm leaving aside the concept of new karma for now because there are a couple of points I'd like to raise as regards our children.
In my experience and observation, it's true that mothers are likely to have the strongest karma with their first born. Sometimes this can lead to difficulties and clashes that need to be worked through somehow or other. I was fortunate that this wasn't the case with me and Miranda. In fact, rather the opposite. My sense is that our connection from previous lives is stronger than that with her dad, whereas with our second daughter, Helen, it's the other way around.
This, of course, has nothing to do with love and doesn't interfere with it. It's simply that there are differences.
And of course we also know there are differences brought about through the very fact of birth order. Since Dr. Karl Konig's groundbreaking book 'Brothers and Sisters' other research has been done and is easily found. But his small book was useful to me. Anything to help us understand the enigmas that are our children, right?
In my experience and observation, it's true that mothers are likely to have the strongest karma with their first born. Sometimes this can lead to difficulties and clashes that need to be worked through somehow or other. I was fortunate that this wasn't the case with me and Miranda. In fact, rather the opposite. My sense is that our connection from previous lives is stronger than that with her dad, whereas with our second daughter, Helen, it's the other way around.
This, of course, has nothing to do with love and doesn't interfere with it. It's simply that there are differences.
And of course we also know there are differences brought about through the very fact of birth order. Since Dr. Karl Konig's groundbreaking book 'Brothers and Sisters' other research has been done and is easily found. But his small book was useful to me. Anything to help us understand the enigmas that are our children, right?
Friday, November 11, 2011
Activities that make sense (yours, not the child's)
I've just been cleaning. Cleaning is satisfying and makes me feel good. Far more so than hitting the keyboard for hours while spinning thoughts in my mind. Well, it's different of course.
While we were away over the weekend we were fortunate enough to stay with good friends who own a lovely house. For some reason, what I noticed particularly was the spotless, shiny bathroom. My friend has a cleaning lady once a fortnight and she must be the best in the land!
We can't obsess about these things, but putting in even a small amount of good tidying and cleaning will helps the house spirits and they in turn can help us. We do what we can do. And what we do with our limbs works into the future, especially when you're dealing with young children.
I was thinking about this after that 'karmic' meeting I mentioned in the last post. The poor woman looked tired, and who could blame her. Sometimes, she said, it felt like all she did during the day was change diapers and wipe bums. But you know what? Even if that's all child care amounts to, at least the caregiver can go to sleep knowing that her or his actions have made sense. Give yourself credit, dear readers.
While we were away over the weekend we were fortunate enough to stay with good friends who own a lovely house. For some reason, what I noticed particularly was the spotless, shiny bathroom. My friend has a cleaning lady once a fortnight and she must be the best in the land!
We can't obsess about these things, but putting in even a small amount of good tidying and cleaning will helps the house spirits and they in turn can help us. We do what we can do. And what we do with our limbs works into the future, especially when you're dealing with young children.
I was thinking about this after that 'karmic' meeting I mentioned in the last post. The poor woman looked tired, and who could blame her. Sometimes, she said, it felt like all she did during the day was change diapers and wipe bums. But you know what? Even if that's all child care amounts to, at least the caregiver can go to sleep knowing that her or his actions have made sense. Give yourself credit, dear readers.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Cleaning scents
Over the weekend, my husband and I went to a workshop back in our old haunts. There I met a wonderful woman I hadn't seen for a few years. She has a certified daycare/kindergarten where she looks after over twenty children between the ages of 18 months and 5+ years. It's a challenge, especially as (as she told me), she's dealing with all the 'a's. She meant, ADD ADHA, asthma, autism and allergies.
It's the last 'a' that I want to talk about today.
Recently I read an article where the research spotlight focussed on what we use for cleaning in our homes. You'll probably be unsurprised to hear that strong scents are now considered harmful and likely to cause allergies. Therefore, we're exhorted to look into our supplies, discard those and replace with gentler products that have softer scents.
Years ago, my dear friend and spiritual mentor brought this to my attention. She simply showed me the product she was using, a soft pink paste. "Why do you use this?" I asked. Her simple answer? "Because it's not so strong."
At that time, we didn't have the abundance of choice available now. We are fortunate. Let's choose wisely and well for the health and well-being of our families.
It's the last 'a' that I want to talk about today.
Recently I read an article where the research spotlight focussed on what we use for cleaning in our homes. You'll probably be unsurprised to hear that strong scents are now considered harmful and likely to cause allergies. Therefore, we're exhorted to look into our supplies, discard those and replace with gentler products that have softer scents.
Years ago, my dear friend and spiritual mentor brought this to my attention. She simply showed me the product she was using, a soft pink paste. "Why do you use this?" I asked. Her simple answer? "Because it's not so strong."
At that time, we didn't have the abundance of choice available now. We are fortunate. Let's choose wisely and well for the health and well-being of our families.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Who (or what) are we scaring at Hallowween
In November, the so-called dead are closest to the earth. We see this in the Christian calendar in All Saints and All Souls Days, and other religions have similar timing for remembering their loved ones and ancestors who have passed over. The first statement also applies to those who have remained too entangled in the earthly realm to access the heavenly i.e. ghosts.
Now, the origins of Halloween lie in lighting lanterns to help guide those wandering spirits home. On the other hand, people wanted to protect the children from malignant forces. Thus the 'scary' element on the outside of houses.
But today I have to wonder: who are we scaring?
When the blue-eyed boy was no more than three, something happened that still brings me pain when I recall it. On Halloween, it was already dark and he was sitting at the end of the table, eating dinner. The door bell rang and he turned his head. Unfortunately, he could see the door. And what he saw was a black and white mask of 'The Scream'. I swear that poor child jumped at least three inches and went totally pale.
A shock like this is really damaging for a small child. So I would urge you, somehow or other, protect your little ones this Halloween. I know some parents who put up a notice saying 'no scary masks', but in any case, be vigilant. A mask, after all, hides our humanity.
Now, the origins of Halloween lie in lighting lanterns to help guide those wandering spirits home. On the other hand, people wanted to protect the children from malignant forces. Thus the 'scary' element on the outside of houses.
But today I have to wonder: who are we scaring?
When the blue-eyed boy was no more than three, something happened that still brings me pain when I recall it. On Halloween, it was already dark and he was sitting at the end of the table, eating dinner. The door bell rang and he turned his head. Unfortunately, he could see the door. And what he saw was a black and white mask of 'The Scream'. I swear that poor child jumped at least three inches and went totally pale.
A shock like this is really damaging for a small child. So I would urge you, somehow or other, protect your little ones this Halloween. I know some parents who put up a notice saying 'no scary masks', but in any case, be vigilant. A mask, after all, hides our humanity.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Simply a link
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/technology/at-waldorf-school-in-silicon-valley-technology-can-wait.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all
Monday, October 3, 2011
Oils and Lotions
This post will be kind of rambling, but I hope you'll bear with me!
Over the last few years I've had the joy and privilege of accompanying first the Blue-eyed Boy and then Curly-Locks to parent-and-tot mornings at our local Waldorf Schools. Mid-morning, the adults and little ones sit down for a snack, but before that, everyone parades out to the washroom to wash hands. And afterwards, in the classroom, comes one of the parts of the morning that the children really love.
The teacher has a bowl, and a towel and some wonderful smelling Weleda lotion. One by one the kids approach, get their hands rinsed off and dried, and then comes the anointing of the hands and fingers. A special hush seems to descend on the room as the tots absorb the sensation. Do I even need to say that such a practice nourishes the sense of touch? We already know how important that is, and even adults can be deprived of the touch of fellow human beings.
So for myself this morning I was using some lavender oil, which is soothing and calming. Lavender can be used to help a child wind down after a busy day and prepare for sleep in various ways. If you have Lavender bath milk, for instance, or a lavender filled small pillow, or the said oil could be stroked into your child's arms.
Another useful herb is rosemary. This can help the child to wake up properly in the morning, which will also help towards healthy sleep at night. Maybe I mentioned before that a simple wipe of the face with a washcloth can do the trick, although you wouldn't want to use rosemary anywhere near the eyes.
Let's use the wonderful gifts that nature provides.
Over the last few years I've had the joy and privilege of accompanying first the Blue-eyed Boy and then Curly-Locks to parent-and-tot mornings at our local Waldorf Schools. Mid-morning, the adults and little ones sit down for a snack, but before that, everyone parades out to the washroom to wash hands. And afterwards, in the classroom, comes one of the parts of the morning that the children really love.
The teacher has a bowl, and a towel and some wonderful smelling Weleda lotion. One by one the kids approach, get their hands rinsed off and dried, and then comes the anointing of the hands and fingers. A special hush seems to descend on the room as the tots absorb the sensation. Do I even need to say that such a practice nourishes the sense of touch? We already know how important that is, and even adults can be deprived of the touch of fellow human beings.
So for myself this morning I was using some lavender oil, which is soothing and calming. Lavender can be used to help a child wind down after a busy day and prepare for sleep in various ways. If you have Lavender bath milk, for instance, or a lavender filled small pillow, or the said oil could be stroked into your child's arms.
Another useful herb is rosemary. This can help the child to wake up properly in the morning, which will also help towards healthy sleep at night. Maybe I mentioned before that a simple wipe of the face with a washcloth can do the trick, although you wouldn't want to use rosemary anywhere near the eyes.
Let's use the wonderful gifts that nature provides.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Do Not Disturb!
I'm sure it's not news to you that bringing up children requires a lot of learning for their parents and care-givers. More and more we're required to manage our souls in a more conscious way.
What I'm particularly thinking about right now are interruptions. Specifically, when little ones are absorbed in play. Of course, there are times when they have to be taken out of their games such as, when dinner will soon be served. It's helpful then if they're given some warning like, 'three minutes more'. And they soon find out this can be used for their own purposes, like for e.g. 'let me play for another three minutes'! Curly-Locks used to be funny about this, because he'd try and hold up the appropriate number of fingers, but he couldn't quite do it, so we got a kind of waggle.
But there are times when we need to hold ourselves back. I remember calling, 'Hey, look at the squirrel hopping along the fence!' when the Blue-eyed Boy was lost in a game. Mistake. He didn't need to be torn out of his world right at that moment, and squirrels would surely hop for him another time.
What I'm particularly thinking about right now are interruptions. Specifically, when little ones are absorbed in play. Of course, there are times when they have to be taken out of their games such as, when dinner will soon be served. It's helpful then if they're given some warning like, 'three minutes more'. And they soon find out this can be used for their own purposes, like for e.g. 'let me play for another three minutes'! Curly-Locks used to be funny about this, because he'd try and hold up the appropriate number of fingers, but he couldn't quite do it, so we got a kind of waggle.
But there are times when we need to hold ourselves back. I remember calling, 'Hey, look at the squirrel hopping along the fence!' when the Blue-eyed Boy was lost in a game. Mistake. He didn't need to be torn out of his world right at that moment, and squirrels would surely hop for him another time.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Supplements
Supplements are big business, and they can be useful. Just yesterday my eye was caught by a newspaper report that suggests Co-Enzyme Q10 can be helpful for women trying to conceive and for the possible prevention of miscarriage. Seeing as these days more women are delaying pregnancy until they enter their thirties, I thought this would be worth a mention.
As to small children, a dietary supplement can make a big difference. I'm thinking of times of convalescence, or when your kid is looking 'peaky'. The one I can recommend is Catalyn Chewable, which is a produce by Standard Process. And no, I have no vested interest in promoting that!
In fact, my instinctive preference is not to take supplements at all. However, in today's denatured world, that's not necessarily wise or the best way to go. Like anything to do with the computer, I take this on a 'needs to use' basis. And yes, supplements have helped me considerably in the past. As has the computer, for that matter!
As to small children, a dietary supplement can make a big difference. I'm thinking of times of convalescence, or when your kid is looking 'peaky'. The one I can recommend is Catalyn Chewable, which is a produce by Standard Process. And no, I have no vested interest in promoting that!
In fact, my instinctive preference is not to take supplements at all. However, in today's denatured world, that's not necessarily wise or the best way to go. Like anything to do with the computer, I take this on a 'needs to use' basis. And yes, supplements have helped me considerably in the past. As has the computer, for that matter!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The better one!
Right. So here's what the Blue-eyed Boy got for his birthday. And many happy minutes have been spent since, by him, by Curly-Locks and all the neighbouring kids.
(not a great pic. Sorry)
So, why don't little children get tired and nauseous when they swing for what can seem like forever? The thing is, they tend to live in the periphery, not their centres as we do as adults.. They love to feel way out there.
I suppose it's a matter of consciousness. More and more as we grow and develop we feel our consciousness to be in our heads, but that's not really the case for the small child. If all is well, they should feel more connected to their surroundings, everything in nature and the universe. Which is truly a wonder and a gift for us adults to behold.
(not a great pic. Sorry)
So, why don't little children get tired and nauseous when they swing for what can seem like forever? The thing is, they tend to live in the periphery, not their centres as we do as adults.. They love to feel way out there.
I suppose it's a matter of consciousness. More and more as we grow and develop we feel our consciousness to be in our heads, but that's not really the case for the small child. If all is well, they should feel more connected to their surroundings, everything in nature and the universe. Which is truly a wonder and a gift for us adults to behold.
Monday, September 19, 2011
The swing
This is the first bit of a twopart blog post, mainly because I haven't yet taken the second photo for you. But I thought you might get a giggle out of seeing what my laundry line looks like after the Blue-Eyed Boy used it for a quick swing.
Now I'm going to leave you hanging till next time, when I'll write about why small children so love to swing, and how it happens that they can go on for so long.
Now I'm going to leave you hanging till next time, when I'll write about why small children so love to swing, and how it happens that they can go on for so long.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Best thing since sliced bread?
If you'll bear with me, I'd like you to follow my train of thought this morning.
We're planning to make a curry tonight, shades of our Sunday night tradition from years ago when we lived in London and used to go to an excellent and cheap restaurant called the 'Shah'. Our recipe book details the spices to be used, and preferably ground in a mortar and pestle by whoever's cooking.
This in turn reminded me of when my cousin gave cooking demos in Cape Town. This was actually for a soy meat substitute and one of the dishes she made was curry. Anyhow, she got into a conversation with a woman of Indian ethnicity, who insisted curry was best when made with freshly ground spices. "Come back tomorrow and taste mine," my cousin suggested, as she'd run out. So the woman did, not knowing whether her suggestion had been followed. But when she tasted the dish, she knew. "But you didn't grind your spices," she said.
So, what did she pick up? I'd like to suggest that freshly ground spices would have been more alive in some way. Yes, we're back to the life force again and starting to look at how it can be destroyed. Machines in particular can damage it. i.e. by grinding the curry powder.
We don't make curry that often, but we do eat bread. And we prefer to slice it ourselves. It's convenient to have a thinner or thicker slice, depending on need and mood and the toaster, but I also think there's a difference when we eat those slices, as opposed to the ready-presliced.
Bread is our staff of life, and wheat connected with the sun. Our wonderful South-African bio-dynamic farmer pioneer used to do something quite wonderful, something she learned overseas which I believe is still customary in some Eastern European countries. And that was, to hold a large loaf against her ample bosom and slice towards her heart. Can't you just see it?
Yes, life, and having it more abundantly, that's what we're after.
We're planning to make a curry tonight, shades of our Sunday night tradition from years ago when we lived in London and used to go to an excellent and cheap restaurant called the 'Shah'. Our recipe book details the spices to be used, and preferably ground in a mortar and pestle by whoever's cooking.
This in turn reminded me of when my cousin gave cooking demos in Cape Town. This was actually for a soy meat substitute and one of the dishes she made was curry. Anyhow, she got into a conversation with a woman of Indian ethnicity, who insisted curry was best when made with freshly ground spices. "Come back tomorrow and taste mine," my cousin suggested, as she'd run out. So the woman did, not knowing whether her suggestion had been followed. But when she tasted the dish, she knew. "But you didn't grind your spices," she said.
So, what did she pick up? I'd like to suggest that freshly ground spices would have been more alive in some way. Yes, we're back to the life force again and starting to look at how it can be destroyed. Machines in particular can damage it. i.e. by grinding the curry powder.
We don't make curry that often, but we do eat bread. And we prefer to slice it ourselves. It's convenient to have a thinner or thicker slice, depending on need and mood and the toaster, but I also think there's a difference when we eat those slices, as opposed to the ready-presliced.
Bread is our staff of life, and wheat connected with the sun. Our wonderful South-African bio-dynamic farmer pioneer used to do something quite wonderful, something she learned overseas which I believe is still customary in some Eastern European countries. And that was, to hold a large loaf against her ample bosom and slice towards her heart. Can't you just see it?
Yes, life, and having it more abundantly, that's what we're after.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Sleep
A baby's sleep is holy. In fact, sleep during the first three years has a completely different of quality than the rest of life. You could think of it as magic and creative, whereas later on sleep does the job of restoring, refreshing and adjusting our bodies and souls. So it's vital that baby gets as much sleep as possible.
But sleep today can be a huge problem area. Why that is, I can't say. What I can tell you is that three of my children had no problem getting off to sleep, and the fourth was the opposite. Maybe it had to do with the house not being so settled, because his older siblings would be busy with homework, reading, playing or simply chatting.
We tried 'sleep training' him and there'll be a link for on on this later. Didn't work. When we left him to cry, he'd simply get more and more upset, and so would we. Then the comforting would take even more time. So, night after night, one of us sat with him, singing until he drifted off. Sometimes big sister would play her guitar and that was good. A lyre would have been even better.
Fortunately, once he was sleeping, he tended to stay that way. Not always the case with sleep problem babies, I know. Sometimes I wonder if the 2-hour feeding schedule demand fed babies are inclined to fall into add to the waking up syndrome.
Anyhow, I have no words of wisdom to add to the topic. All I can do is refer you to a book that a good friend and long-time kindergarten teacher and trainer recommended to me. It's called 'The No-Cry Solution to Sleep'.
And here's the link to a recent Guardian article if you're interested:http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/sep/12/health-dilemma-sleep-train-baby?
p.s. yes, I do believe a regular bed time ritual can help. So don't give up on this!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
How homeopathy works
My last post gives me a good way in to explain homeopathy.
One day I was sitting on the beach chatting to a young doctor. She said, 'I'm interested in homeopathy, but I don't understand how it works.' At that time, sadly, I hadn't thought it through. I only knew it worked like magic on me and my family. However, before I go any further let me say that some people respond better to homeopathy than others. Also, it's important to have the right remedy.
If the idea of formative forces resonates with you, then you'll have an idea, because it's in this realm that a homeopathic remedy takes effect. The potentized medicine will stimulate that area of the etheric/life body which is ailing and therefore act to heal and strengthen. This is why sometimes a one-off course of treatment can completely cure a chronic complaint.
Potentization is something conventional medicine can't get its head around. There has been quite some controversy around the theory that water carries a memory and that's why the remedy remains 'in' the liquid. This theory has already been demolished by traditional science because, duh, memory lies not in the physical realm.
Exactly!
One day I was sitting on the beach chatting to a young doctor. She said, 'I'm interested in homeopathy, but I don't understand how it works.' At that time, sadly, I hadn't thought it through. I only knew it worked like magic on me and my family. However, before I go any further let me say that some people respond better to homeopathy than others. Also, it's important to have the right remedy.
If the idea of formative forces resonates with you, then you'll have an idea, because it's in this realm that a homeopathic remedy takes effect. The potentized medicine will stimulate that area of the etheric/life body which is ailing and therefore act to heal and strengthen. This is why sometimes a one-off course of treatment can completely cure a chronic complaint.
Potentization is something conventional medicine can't get its head around. There has been quite some controversy around the theory that water carries a memory and that's why the remedy remains 'in' the liquid. This theory has already been demolished by traditional science because, duh, memory lies not in the physical realm.
Exactly!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Formative forces
The most recent report on research to catch my attention had to do with putting on weight. More specifically, the researchers focused on cannabis users who, as is common knowledge, suffer from 'the munchies'. What the researchers proved was that the 'smokers' didn't put on weight as other people would, but they had no idea what the reason was.
Spiritual science brings an explanation.
One of the basic tenets is that our physical body has an overall organizing principle. This is what sustains our form and prevents us from the 'dust to dust' that happens after we die. We call this the etheric, life-body, or, most accurately, the body of formative forces. Now, at the risk of upsetting some folks, I have to suggest that using cannabis interferes and even destroys this body of formative forces. Put another way, you could say any kind of drug-taking has a chaoticizing effect. (quick note: if you've done some of these in the past, don't beat yourself up. What's done is done.)
So, with regard to our children, we want to preserve these etheric forces that begin to work in the womb and are mostly strongly present during the child's first seven years.
The best way to do this is by providing your child with bio-dynamic food. I know this is not always possible or easy. For myself, I've rather lapsed over the last years and have simply gone with organic. But last week a friend was away and offered me her CSA share from our local b-d farmer. We got onions, potatoes, tomatoes, red peppers, beans, marrow and parsley. I haven't used them all yet, but the first thing that struck me was the parsley. When I began chopping some to add to a soup, the most parsleyish smell drifted into my nose. Amazing!
Then there were the onions, the shape most pleasingly round. And the layers of flesh... All I can say is that it was somehow denser, crisper. That applied to the potatoes too. All this made me realize how kind of soft and sloppy my usual onions and potatoes are. And I started thinking, 'yes, I need to make the effort again and get me some bio-dynamic food'.
Spiritual science brings an explanation.
One of the basic tenets is that our physical body has an overall organizing principle. This is what sustains our form and prevents us from the 'dust to dust' that happens after we die. We call this the etheric, life-body, or, most accurately, the body of formative forces. Now, at the risk of upsetting some folks, I have to suggest that using cannabis interferes and even destroys this body of formative forces. Put another way, you could say any kind of drug-taking has a chaoticizing effect. (quick note: if you've done some of these in the past, don't beat yourself up. What's done is done.)
So, with regard to our children, we want to preserve these etheric forces that begin to work in the womb and are mostly strongly present during the child's first seven years.
The best way to do this is by providing your child with bio-dynamic food. I know this is not always possible or easy. For myself, I've rather lapsed over the last years and have simply gone with organic. But last week a friend was away and offered me her CSA share from our local b-d farmer. We got onions, potatoes, tomatoes, red peppers, beans, marrow and parsley. I haven't used them all yet, but the first thing that struck me was the parsley. When I began chopping some to add to a soup, the most parsleyish smell drifted into my nose. Amazing!
Then there were the onions, the shape most pleasingly round. And the layers of flesh... All I can say is that it was somehow denser, crisper. That applied to the potatoes too. All this made me realize how kind of soft and sloppy my usual onions and potatoes are. And I started thinking, 'yes, I need to make the effort again and get me some bio-dynamic food'.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
p.s. make that...
Ooops, not that it matters so very much, but I remember now that the game the children played was 'sardines'. i.e. one person goes and hides. when somebody finds him or her, they hide alongside until all are squashed into the space like sardines in a tin.
Here's a pic for you of Curly-Locks's rainbow silk scarf. Yes, the couch covering is much too busy for little ones, I know, but I had it covered long before the Blue-Eyed Boy came to join us. But at least it's linen and the cushions are down!
Here's a pic for you of Curly-Locks's rainbow silk scarf. Yes, the couch covering is much too busy for little ones, I know, but I had it covered long before the Blue-Eyed Boy came to join us. But at least it's linen and the cushions are down!
Games small children love to play
This year we had a family vacation. The granddaughters-of-my-heart are now eleven and nine years old respectively, and the boys are five and three. We stayed in a large house which was on three levels and proved just perfect for hide and go seek. That soon became the boys' new favourite game. They wanted to play every morning and every evening. The girls thought it got a bit old, but they indulged their younger cousins (good for them!)
Babies, from a surprisingly tender age, love it when you play 'peek-a-boo'. They'll smile when you dip down and then bob up so they can see you over Mom's shoulder. Later on, a silk scarf covering a two or three year old's head can be pulled off so they can 'appear' brings much delight.
I was thinking about all this and wondering what the deeper, underlying appeal might be. Then inspiration struck. Of course! This is our whole, hidden, life's goal: to seek for our true selves, the self that most often hides from us.
So join in, and teach your kids to play 'hide and seek'. It will be fun for you as well.
Babies, from a surprisingly tender age, love it when you play 'peek-a-boo'. They'll smile when you dip down and then bob up so they can see you over Mom's shoulder. Later on, a silk scarf covering a two or three year old's head can be pulled off so they can 'appear' brings much delight.
I was thinking about all this and wondering what the deeper, underlying appeal might be. Then inspiration struck. Of course! This is our whole, hidden, life's goal: to seek for our true selves, the self that most often hides from us.
So join in, and teach your kids to play 'hide and seek'. It will be fun for you as well.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Unnecessary stress on children
Yes, I'm back, and hoping to post at least once a week in future. Meanwhile, I'm working on a new parenting book proposal so I can send it to my agent. Some of the content will be based on previous posts which I intend to elaborate and substantiate. It's so encouraging that more and more research confirms what I wrote in 'Magical Motherhood'.
Here's a confession: I find myself asking my grandsons to make too many decisions. Is it something in the air or the water? I'm sure I didn't take this question route with my own kids. Not when they were small anyhow.
I've written before about the unnecessary stress we can inadvertently subject our little ones to. So before I go much further, maybe you'd like to follow this link and read about what's considered a new phenomena in adults: 'decision fatigue'. Actually, this is something I've been aware of for years... in fact, ever since the day I first set foot in a North American supermarket and was faced with a mind-boggling choice of different varieties and brands of... rice!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/magazine/do-you-suffer-from-decision-fatigue.html?_r=1
You think our kids don't suffer? Staying in the supermarket setting I've heard mothers ask their small children 'what vegetables would you like?' and even 'what cereal?' Apart from believing it's our responsibility to make the choices and make them healthy, I can see how much trouble this attitude is going to cause down the line. After all, who really should keep the power in this relationship?
So as for me, I'll keep my questions to a simple either/or and even try to avoid that.
Here's a confession: I find myself asking my grandsons to make too many decisions. Is it something in the air or the water? I'm sure I didn't take this question route with my own kids. Not when they were small anyhow.
I've written before about the unnecessary stress we can inadvertently subject our little ones to. So before I go much further, maybe you'd like to follow this link and read about what's considered a new phenomena in adults: 'decision fatigue'. Actually, this is something I've been aware of for years... in fact, ever since the day I first set foot in a North American supermarket and was faced with a mind-boggling choice of different varieties and brands of... rice!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/magazine/do-you-suffer-from-decision-fatigue.html?_r=1
You think our kids don't suffer? Staying in the supermarket setting I've heard mothers ask their small children 'what vegetables would you like?' and even 'what cereal?' Apart from believing it's our responsibility to make the choices and make them healthy, I can see how much trouble this attitude is going to cause down the line. After all, who really should keep the power in this relationship?
So as for me, I'll keep my questions to a simple either/or and even try to avoid that.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Summer vacation
My apologies, dear Readers. I'm relishing the summer, busy with other writing, but hope to be back next month. Till then, take good care.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Struggling can be good
Last evening we had a lovely, unexpected visit from Curly-Locks. Although, it didn't start off so happily because he came to us because he had an ear-ache. The rest of the family and visitors were off elsewhere.
At first he only wanted to sit quietly and have me read a couple of his favourite books for him. Fortunately, Apis Levisticum soon had him feeling better and as the evening was warm and completely still, when he wanted to play outside, I felt that was okay for him.
And then I had an idea. Cheryl's birthday will be coming up before long and why not let Curly-Locks plant some radishes to give to her? Yes, she likes them, and they're fast.
So that's what we did. Then they needed watering. This summer we have water restrictions in our area and we're making use of our waterbarrel. Oupa fixed a short length of hose onto the tap, and we fill the watercan from there.
Curly-Locks decided he was going to do this all by himself. First of all, the tap was tight so he had to battle to open it. I stood by, so tempted to help, but holding back. Lo and behold, soon he succeeded and managed to turn it off properly as well.
He syphoned water into the can. "It's heavy," he said. "Can you manage?" I asked. "Yes." So, getting totally into it, he watered the newly planted seeds, the flowering beans and the fruiting tomatoes.
We both came back inside with a sense of accomplishment.
Sometimes it's hard not to step in and help, but it's hugely advantageous to the child if he or she can struggle a bit... and often succeed. If help is needed, that's okay too because already they've put their will into the task. A good lesson and practice for later on in life.
At first he only wanted to sit quietly and have me read a couple of his favourite books for him. Fortunately, Apis Levisticum soon had him feeling better and as the evening was warm and completely still, when he wanted to play outside, I felt that was okay for him.
And then I had an idea. Cheryl's birthday will be coming up before long and why not let Curly-Locks plant some radishes to give to her? Yes, she likes them, and they're fast.
So that's what we did. Then they needed watering. This summer we have water restrictions in our area and we're making use of our waterbarrel. Oupa fixed a short length of hose onto the tap, and we fill the watercan from there.
Curly-Locks decided he was going to do this all by himself. First of all, the tap was tight so he had to battle to open it. I stood by, so tempted to help, but holding back. Lo and behold, soon he succeeded and managed to turn it off properly as well.
He syphoned water into the can. "It's heavy," he said. "Can you manage?" I asked. "Yes." So, getting totally into it, he watered the newly planted seeds, the flowering beans and the fruiting tomatoes.
We both came back inside with a sense of accomplishment.
Sometimes it's hard not to step in and help, but it's hugely advantageous to the child if he or she can struggle a bit... and often succeed. If help is needed, that's okay too because already they've put their will into the task. A good lesson and practice for later on in life.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Another quickie
The Blue-eyed Boy loves stories. Don't we all? He loves to be told a story, but he also loves books. At 5 years old he can already enjoy the kind where Dad reads a chapter a night.
So here's a recco: Recently Allison Utley's 'The Adventures of Sam Pig' was a great success.
p.s. And no, he hasn't been taught to read yet. More, this won't happen any time soon. Think about it. What happens once you can read? Your eye settles on letters, words and willy-nilly the sense, news, emotions they contain enter your brain -- and your soul. Truly, reading is a kind of trap (much as I love it!). Small children need the chance for their minds to be free and unpolluted for as long as this is possible.
So here's a recco: Recently Allison Utley's 'The Adventures of Sam Pig' was a great success.
p.s. And no, he hasn't been taught to read yet. More, this won't happen any time soon. Think about it. What happens once you can read? Your eye settles on letters, words and willy-nilly the sense, news, emotions they contain enter your brain -- and your soul. Truly, reading is a kind of trap (much as I love it!). Small children need the chance for their minds to be free and unpolluted for as long as this is possible.
Monday, July 25, 2011
The Magic of Play
A wonderful young woman has been caring for the grandsons, granting me time to concentrate on my other writing. But this also means I haven't had the inspiration for blogs happening right before my eyes.
Anyhow, last night we had the whole caboodle -- family plus two -- to Sunday dinner and a good time was had by all. As our dining table can't accommodate more than six people, the boys had to eat separately. Curly-Locks knew exactly what he wanted. He bustled about, carried a small table down from the deck to the lawn and arranged it table and two chairs under the maple tree. I brought out mats and cutlery and his brother took their places. Cheryl sat outside with them for a couple of minutes, to see that they started eating properly, but she soon left them to it. They were fine. She told me later that was one of her favourite things to do when she was a child... eat outside, just the children.
Soon after they'd done eating, they came inside and began playing so wonderfully. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to experience this. It hasn't been easy for the Blue-eyed Boy to come to terms with a sibling taking up 'his' space, but things are different now. Helen actually told me that, with her boys, they only really started playing together when the younger could talk well. And I think that's the secret. Partly. I believe it also helps that they have minimum access to television and other media.
I have to say, I believe we are truly fortunate when our children can play. More and more recognition is being given to this. Last weekend, I ran a workshop on creative writing and I realized again how much a playful attitude helps. As adults it helps keep our thinking mobile and gives easier access to our creative imaginations... something so valuable for the future of our world if used in the right way.
Anyhow, last night we had the whole caboodle -- family plus two -- to Sunday dinner and a good time was had by all. As our dining table can't accommodate more than six people, the boys had to eat separately. Curly-Locks knew exactly what he wanted. He bustled about, carried a small table down from the deck to the lawn and arranged it table and two chairs under the maple tree. I brought out mats and cutlery and his brother took their places. Cheryl sat outside with them for a couple of minutes, to see that they started eating properly, but she soon left them to it. They were fine. She told me later that was one of her favourite things to do when she was a child... eat outside, just the children.
Soon after they'd done eating, they came inside and began playing so wonderfully. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to experience this. It hasn't been easy for the Blue-eyed Boy to come to terms with a sibling taking up 'his' space, but things are different now. Helen actually told me that, with her boys, they only really started playing together when the younger could talk well. And I think that's the secret. Partly. I believe it also helps that they have minimum access to television and other media.
I have to say, I believe we are truly fortunate when our children can play. More and more recognition is being given to this. Last weekend, I ran a workshop on creative writing and I realized again how much a playful attitude helps. As adults it helps keep our thinking mobile and gives easier access to our creative imaginations... something so valuable for the future of our world if used in the right way.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Summer traffic
Too many distractions at this time of the year mean that I don't have so much time to think or to blog. So, posting will be sporadic for a while, and I apologize.
Meanwhile, here's a smile for you:
We're driving with the grandsons in the car... or rather, we're at a standstill on the way home.
"Move! Stupid traffic," shouts the Blue-Eyed Boy. "Move!"
Gently, Oupa explains that this is not a good way to talk. But while he's doing that, lo and behold, the traffic starts to move forward.
"But see?" says a rather baffled child. "It worked!!"
Meanwhile, here's a smile for you:
We're driving with the grandsons in the car... or rather, we're at a standstill on the way home.
"Move! Stupid traffic," shouts the Blue-Eyed Boy. "Move!"
Gently, Oupa explains that this is not a good way to talk. But while he's doing that, lo and behold, the traffic starts to move forward.
"But see?" says a rather baffled child. "It worked!!"
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Names
I devoted some space in one of the Magical Motherhood Letters to Cheryl about naming a child. Now I can't resist commenting on the choice Victoria and David Beckham made for their much-longed-for daughter. As one article pointed out 'Harper Seven' reflects the trend away from girly-names.
Well, it's individual, certainly. Maybe there's even something musical there to tie in with my previous two posts? Can't be bad to be a harper... in fact, rather lovely. But Seven? I simply can't get my head around that. It's as bad as calling your child by two letters of the alphabet, like T.J., something that's also happened.
Adam and Eve were given the great privilege of naming the animals and the plants. Also in the Bible, St. John's gospel begins with: 'In the beginning was the Word'. These days words have fallen far from their heavenly origin, but we can still use them and name our children with good intent, consciousness, and an artistic feeling for what the child might need.
Sounds are what it's all about, surely. For me, it was an amazing and revelatory experience to see my children's names done in eurythmy. And helpful for me to do my own, I should add.
These are my reactions. Overall I'd say it's important not only to think of the child and what would be a helpful name for him or her to carry through life, but also to consider how others will react.
Well, it's individual, certainly. Maybe there's even something musical there to tie in with my previous two posts? Can't be bad to be a harper... in fact, rather lovely. But Seven? I simply can't get my head around that. It's as bad as calling your child by two letters of the alphabet, like T.J., something that's also happened.
Adam and Eve were given the great privilege of naming the animals and the plants. Also in the Bible, St. John's gospel begins with: 'In the beginning was the Word'. These days words have fallen far from their heavenly origin, but we can still use them and name our children with good intent, consciousness, and an artistic feeling for what the child might need.
Sounds are what it's all about, surely. For me, it was an amazing and revelatory experience to see my children's names done in eurythmy. And helpful for me to do my own, I should add.
These are my reactions. Overall I'd say it's important not only to think of the child and what would be a helpful name for him or her to carry through life, but also to consider how others will react.
Names
I devoted some space in one of the Magical Motherhood Letters to Cheryl about naming a child. Now I can't resist commenting on the choice Victoria and David Beckham made for their much-longed-for daughter. As one article pointed out 'Harper Seven' reflects the trend away from girly-names.
Well, it's individual, certainly. Maybe there's even something musical there to tie in with my previous two posts? Can't be bad to be a harper... in fact, rather lovely. But Seven? I simply can't get my head around that. It's as bad as calling your child by two letters of the alphabet, like T.J., something that's also happened.
Adam and Eve were given the great privilege of naming the animals and the plants. Also in the Bible, St. John's gospel begins with: 'In the beginning was the Word'. These days words have fallen far from their heavenly origin, but we can still use them and name our children with good intent, consciousness, and an artistic feeling for what the child might need.
Sounds are what it's all about, surely. For me, it was an amazing and revelatory experience to see my children's names done in eurythmy. And helpful for me to do my own, I should add.
These are my reactions. Overall I'd say it's important not only to think of the child and what would be a helpful name for him or her to carry through life, but also to consider how others will react.
Well, it's individual, certainly. Maybe there's even something musical there to tie in with my previous two posts? Can't be bad to be a harper... in fact, rather lovely. But Seven? I simply can't get my head around that. It's as bad as calling your child by two letters of the alphabet, like T.J., something that's also happened.
Adam and Eve were given the great privilege of naming the animals and the plants. Also in the Bible, St. John's gospel begins with: 'In the beginning was the Word'. These days words have fallen far from their heavenly origin, but we can still use them and name our children with good intent, consciousness, and an artistic feeling for what the child might need.
Sounds are what it's all about, surely. For me, it was an amazing and revelatory experience to see my children's names done in eurythmy. And helpful for me to do my own, I should add.
These are my reactions. Overall I'd say it's important not only to think of the child and what would be a helpful name for him or her to carry through life, but also to consider how others will react.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Talents our children bring with them
Yesterday I mentioned a little girl with a musical talent she got from her dad. Maybe she'll so something with this when she's grown. But maybe it won't turn into her career. In any case, music is such a wonderful hobby to have and such a help in all sorts of ways. The interesting thing is, she's set on becoming a writer and already has quite some stories written.
When you read biographies or interviews with famous people, it's remarkable how often they claim a very early awareness of what they want to do or become. Two I've heard just recently, from people with backgrounds that we could call less than enabling, were: "I'm going to be an opera star." and "I'm going to be a New York Times best-selling author."
So, what's it all about?
We bring resolves with us from the heavenly world and come to earth with certain intentions. One of these is to work on our karma, and (hopefully) turn it to the good. Let's pray we all help our earth to survive for long enough years to come so that we can accomplish this.
But we also come with certain gifts to bring: talents, abilities, that start to manifest quite early. It's good to notice them and even better if you can make some notes in the child's book, you know, that one you've kept from babyhood where you've written down funny sayings as well as how the little one's dentition progressed and what illnesses have come along. You have been doing this, haven't you? If not, there's still time to start. Yes, it's an effort but one that pays off down the line.
The thing is, the guidance we give our children doesn't stop when they go to school, or start driving a car, or even when they leave home, have a family of their own and so on. We need to be as wise as we can for them. Observation of such things as talents and intentions can help along the way.
When you read biographies or interviews with famous people, it's remarkable how often they claim a very early awareness of what they want to do or become. Two I've heard just recently, from people with backgrounds that we could call less than enabling, were: "I'm going to be an opera star." and "I'm going to be a New York Times best-selling author."
So, what's it all about?
We bring resolves with us from the heavenly world and come to earth with certain intentions. One of these is to work on our karma, and (hopefully) turn it to the good. Let's pray we all help our earth to survive for long enough years to come so that we can accomplish this.
But we also come with certain gifts to bring: talents, abilities, that start to manifest quite early. It's good to notice them and even better if you can make some notes in the child's book, you know, that one you've kept from babyhood where you've written down funny sayings as well as how the little one's dentition progressed and what illnesses have come along. You have been doing this, haven't you? If not, there's still time to start. Yes, it's an effort but one that pays off down the line.
The thing is, the guidance we give our children doesn't stop when they go to school, or start driving a car, or even when they leave home, have a family of their own and so on. We need to be as wise as we can for them. Observation of such things as talents and intentions can help along the way.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Sunshine
How precious to us is the sunlight. It's so easy to take for granted that the sun will rise and set every morning and evening, and yet how much we owe to this most important of planets. To mention just a few of its blessings: a bright day will lift our mood, help the plants to grow, illumine the world and bring us that all-important Vitamin D.
But these days, with the depletion of the ozone layer, we need to be cautious and careful with the children's sun-exposure. As mention already, exposure before 10 a.m. and after 4 or even 5 in the afternoon is beneficial. Don't forget the hat!
Hmmm. Maybe I'll ask the grand-daughter-of-my-heart to compose a little ditty to promote hat-wearing. She's musical and good at improvising... something she gets from her dad. I'm intending to write about heredity in a later post.
Meanwhile...
Remember that the skin is the largest organ of the body, and that it absorbs ointments, unguents, oils and so on. It's important to use organic products. I've recommended the Dr. Hauschka sunscreen before, and Badger also makes an excellent line. But bear in mind that sunscreens inhibit skin function. So it's best if you can wash off the barrier in the evening before you put your little ones to bed... and for you too, for that matter.
Thinking about bath-time, I realize it's harder in summer and during vacation-time to keep to a normal rhythm of life. Still, it's helpful to the child if you can keep the bed-time ritual going at least to some extent. This adds to the little one's sense of security and helps towards healthy sleep.
But these days, with the depletion of the ozone layer, we need to be cautious and careful with the children's sun-exposure. As mention already, exposure before 10 a.m. and after 4 or even 5 in the afternoon is beneficial. Don't forget the hat!
Hmmm. Maybe I'll ask the grand-daughter-of-my-heart to compose a little ditty to promote hat-wearing. She's musical and good at improvising... something she gets from her dad. I'm intending to write about heredity in a later post.
Meanwhile...
Remember that the skin is the largest organ of the body, and that it absorbs ointments, unguents, oils and so on. It's important to use organic products. I've recommended the Dr. Hauschka sunscreen before, and Badger also makes an excellent line. But bear in mind that sunscreens inhibit skin function. So it's best if you can wash off the barrier in the evening before you put your little ones to bed... and for you too, for that matter.
Thinking about bath-time, I realize it's harder in summer and during vacation-time to keep to a normal rhythm of life. Still, it's helpful to the child if you can keep the bed-time ritual going at least to some extent. This adds to the little one's sense of security and helps towards healthy sleep.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A Pause to Refresh
Dear Carers,
My computer is ailing, so I'm taking that as a Sign. Although I'm writing, observing, and thinking what needs to be said, I won't be posting again until the beginning of the second week in July.
In the meantime, keep an eye on our future by caring for and protecting the souls and bodies of your little ones.
My computer is ailing, so I'm taking that as a Sign. Although I'm writing, observing, and thinking what needs to be said, I won't be posting again until the beginning of the second week in July.
In the meantime, keep an eye on our future by caring for and protecting the souls and bodies of your little ones.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Father Sun, Mother Earth
In these summer days and nights my focus is generally more outward than inward, which means my mind isn't much occupied with what I want to say on my blogs! So my apologies if posts are somewhat sporadic for a few weeks.
For the children, though, summer means more sun and more connection with nature. This is kind of my theme today. To begin, here is a simple verse that children can echo:
The sun is in my heart
It warms me with its power,
And wakens light and love
In bird and beast and flower.
What very great blessings we find in sunlight. But we also have to beware of it and take care that children don't get burned. This means limiting their exposure from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. As I suggested before, Dr. Hauschka sunscreen for children is good to use. However, all sunscreen inhibits skin function so remember to wash it off after use.
Did my children ever get sunburned? Yes, they did. When Ben went out for the day with friends he came back with reddened skin, although his hat had protected his face. Luckily I had some Weleda Combudoron lotion (for burns) on hand. I ran a deep bath, added the whole bottle, and let him soak for twenty minutes.
And now to Mother Earth.
Soon it will be Cheryl's birthday. One of the things I'm planning to do with the boys is plant radishes to give her as a present. Yes, she likes them. We'll prepare a small patch about two weeks before, and then plant the seeds. While doing so, we'll acknowledge the earth by saying this simple verse:
Mother Earth, Mother Earth,
Take our seeds and give them birth.
These verses are helpful for small children, especially as we want to nurture and encourage awareness of the wonders of nature. Little kids have a natural affinity for the spiritual, both within and without. But they also have a natural curiosity! I won't be at all surprised if Curly-Locks digs up some seeds 'to see what's happening'. I'll be sure to plant enough, in a longish row, so that won't be a problem. Then we'll thin the radishes out at some point and the children will see the roots. But before we do that, we'll warn the plants' unseen helpers-to-their-growth to prevent them getting a shock.
For the children, though, summer means more sun and more connection with nature. This is kind of my theme today. To begin, here is a simple verse that children can echo:
The sun is in my heart
It warms me with its power,
And wakens light and love
In bird and beast and flower.
What very great blessings we find in sunlight. But we also have to beware of it and take care that children don't get burned. This means limiting their exposure from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. As I suggested before, Dr. Hauschka sunscreen for children is good to use. However, all sunscreen inhibits skin function so remember to wash it off after use.
Did my children ever get sunburned? Yes, they did. When Ben went out for the day with friends he came back with reddened skin, although his hat had protected his face. Luckily I had some Weleda Combudoron lotion (for burns) on hand. I ran a deep bath, added the whole bottle, and let him soak for twenty minutes.
And now to Mother Earth.
Soon it will be Cheryl's birthday. One of the things I'm planning to do with the boys is plant radishes to give her as a present. Yes, she likes them. We'll prepare a small patch about two weeks before, and then plant the seeds. While doing so, we'll acknowledge the earth by saying this simple verse:
Mother Earth, Mother Earth,
Take our seeds and give them birth.
These verses are helpful for small children, especially as we want to nurture and encourage awareness of the wonders of nature. Little kids have a natural affinity for the spiritual, both within and without. But they also have a natural curiosity! I won't be at all surprised if Curly-Locks digs up some seeds 'to see what's happening'. I'll be sure to plant enough, in a longish row, so that won't be a problem. Then we'll thin the radishes out at some point and the children will see the roots. But before we do that, we'll warn the plants' unseen helpers-to-their-growth to prevent them getting a shock.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Child's Urge to Imitate
To start, here are a couple of anecdotes.
We're at the beach, and the Blue-eyed Boy has a handful of damp sand. He's staring at his aunt, who's eating a packet of chips. As she brings the chip up to her mouth and pops it in, he raises his hand, ready to... eat the sand!
Of course, we alerted him.
The family plus uncle, aunt and two older girl cousins are out for lunch. Auntie points to her younger daughter and says 'Ah hah', in a mocking way. Before long, Curly-Locks points to Auntie and says, with the exact same falling intonation, 'Ah hah.'
The Blue-Eyed boy comments, 'Bad example!'
'Nuf said.
Now, the 'theory' (if you take theory as meaning the ideal to strive for) is that, because it's natural for small children to imitate us, we should not only do what is worthy of imitation, but think and feel thus as well.
I suppose it's like those three conjoined monkeys, a knickknack I saw often as a child. They sat crosslegged, one with a hand over his mouth, the other blocking her ears, the third covering his eyes. They represented 'Speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil.' Strange in a way, because I'm sure monkeys are absolved, or rather, innocent of all such.
Okay, so this is our challenge. Even as a grandmother I find the children present me with developmental opportunities all the time! Let's take them in order and think about speaking no evil. How easy it is to be negative about this or that situation or person or creature. But this kind of 'slander' is not helpful for little ones. And as for 'hearing no evil', how often do we listen to gossip or engage in arguments or worse?
My analogy doesn't work for the 'see no evil' however. Although I'm always on about protecting the children from ugly and evil images, as adults we need to cultivate our awareness of evil so that we can recognize its presence. Then we can deal with it.
Remember, from the 'doing' point of view, meaningful work is what children will love to imitate.
We're at the beach, and the Blue-eyed Boy has a handful of damp sand. He's staring at his aunt, who's eating a packet of chips. As she brings the chip up to her mouth and pops it in, he raises his hand, ready to... eat the sand!
Of course, we alerted him.
The family plus uncle, aunt and two older girl cousins are out for lunch. Auntie points to her younger daughter and says 'Ah hah', in a mocking way. Before long, Curly-Locks points to Auntie and says, with the exact same falling intonation, 'Ah hah.'
The Blue-Eyed boy comments, 'Bad example!'
'Nuf said.
Now, the 'theory' (if you take theory as meaning the ideal to strive for) is that, because it's natural for small children to imitate us, we should not only do what is worthy of imitation, but think and feel thus as well.
I suppose it's like those three conjoined monkeys, a knickknack I saw often as a child. They sat crosslegged, one with a hand over his mouth, the other blocking her ears, the third covering his eyes. They represented 'Speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil.' Strange in a way, because I'm sure monkeys are absolved, or rather, innocent of all such.
Okay, so this is our challenge. Even as a grandmother I find the children present me with developmental opportunities all the time! Let's take them in order and think about speaking no evil. How easy it is to be negative about this or that situation or person or creature. But this kind of 'slander' is not helpful for little ones. And as for 'hearing no evil', how often do we listen to gossip or engage in arguments or worse?
My analogy doesn't work for the 'see no evil' however. Although I'm always on about protecting the children from ugly and evil images, as adults we need to cultivate our awareness of evil so that we can recognize its presence. Then we can deal with it.
Remember, from the 'doing' point of view, meaningful work is what children will love to imitate.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Summer time = Beach time. It's elemental!
Yesterday we did the summer thing and took the boys to the beach. Of course we made sure they had snacks to eat, drinks to keep them hydrated, coverings to keep them from getting sunburned and so on. Truly a lot of clobber!
Little children benefit from some sun exposure, but it's good to keep in mind this is best before 10 a.m. and later than 4 p.m. for safety. In between time, wearing rashers is a good idea. Sunscreen on the face... nothing better than Dr. Hauschka.
But a word of caution re rashers: watch out that your little one doesn't get cold. Try and take the garments off before the children start shivering, or get that bluish/mauve shade around the mouth.
It's no secret that little kids love the beach. And why shouldn't they? They get the chance to spend time and revel in the elements of earth, of water, of air, and warmth.
Why do they enjoy this so much? I think it's simply because of those four elements. If you consider that small children, having prepared for this incarnation during the time they spent in the heavenly worlds, want to be here on earth, then it's helpful for them to connect with the elements. After all, we carry them inside ourselves as well as finding them in the outer world. Earth/mineral: bones. Water: blood, secretions and everything else of a liquid nature. Air: the breathing in and out; and Warmth: our temperature.
So making the real time connection is helpful and healthy for them. And for us adults, as well, of course.
Little children benefit from some sun exposure, but it's good to keep in mind this is best before 10 a.m. and later than 4 p.m. for safety. In between time, wearing rashers is a good idea. Sunscreen on the face... nothing better than Dr. Hauschka.
But a word of caution re rashers: watch out that your little one doesn't get cold. Try and take the garments off before the children start shivering, or get that bluish/mauve shade around the mouth.
It's no secret that little kids love the beach. And why shouldn't they? They get the chance to spend time and revel in the elements of earth, of water, of air, and warmth.
Why do they enjoy this so much? I think it's simply because of those four elements. If you consider that small children, having prepared for this incarnation during the time they spent in the heavenly worlds, want to be here on earth, then it's helpful for them to connect with the elements. After all, we carry them inside ourselves as well as finding them in the outer world. Earth/mineral: bones. Water: blood, secretions and everything else of a liquid nature. Air: the breathing in and out; and Warmth: our temperature.
So making the real time connection is helpful and healthy for them. And for us adults, as well, of course.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
A Shortie
'A shortie' is what my parents in law used to call an extra, neat, small alcoholic drink when they felt like an extra boost of an evening. Sometimes, looking after the grandsons, I wish I were an alcohol drinker so I could sit down at sundown and enjoy a whisky. Still, I enjoy my teas.
However, that's by the way. Today I want to let you know I'm taking a long weekend writing break. You can look for me again towards the beginning of next week.
Meanwhile, remember your role as guardian and protector. In these hot summer days (cold winter ones in the southern hemisphere) you'll be doing your children a big favour if you remember to make sure they wear a head covering when out of doors. Yes, remember to keep them protected from heat and cold, and too much inpouring of the cosmic forces.
Asta la vista, and auf wiedersehn.
However, that's by the way. Today I want to let you know I'm taking a long weekend writing break. You can look for me again towards the beginning of next week.
Meanwhile, remember your role as guardian and protector. In these hot summer days (cold winter ones in the southern hemisphere) you'll be doing your children a big favour if you remember to make sure they wear a head covering when out of doors. Yes, remember to keep them protected from heat and cold, and too much inpouring of the cosmic forces.
Asta la vista, and auf wiedersehn.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Birthday Book
When you're the much-adored first born, it's not always easy to adjust to the arrival of a rival i.e. a younger sibling. The Blue-Eyed Boy still struggles with this, although he asks for his brother if Curly-Locks isn't around. So, as I wrote already, I bought a book for him for his birthday.
The book is 'I Love You, Blue Kangaroo' by Emma Chichester Clark, and I can recommend it. I ordered and bought it through an independent book store... please, let's support those valuable resources!
Anyhow, it went down well. On request, we read it three times in a row!
Which brings me to something I wanted to say. A while ago, the Blue-Eyed Boy was getting a ride back from kindergarten with friends who lived near by. He was restless in the car, so his dad suggested the taxi-mom give him a book to read (or rather, to look at). So she took books in the car and this worked fine. Until she reported that she'd run out of books!
'Just give him the same ones,' Dad replied.
And she did.
Yes, children can live with the same few books and toys for years. In fact, this is a better way to go than always providing new things to adjust to. Especially if these books and toys are of good quality, they lessen anxiety and add to the child's sense of security.
Next up: how to 'read' to your small child
The book is 'I Love You, Blue Kangaroo' by Emma Chichester Clark, and I can recommend it. I ordered and bought it through an independent book store... please, let's support those valuable resources!
Anyhow, it went down well. On request, we read it three times in a row!
Which brings me to something I wanted to say. A while ago, the Blue-Eyed Boy was getting a ride back from kindergarten with friends who lived near by. He was restless in the car, so his dad suggested the taxi-mom give him a book to read (or rather, to look at). So she took books in the car and this worked fine. Until she reported that she'd run out of books!
'Just give him the same ones,' Dad replied.
And she did.
Yes, children can live with the same few books and toys for years. In fact, this is a better way to go than always providing new things to adjust to. Especially if these books and toys are of good quality, they lessen anxiety and add to the child's sense of security.
Next up: how to 'read' to your small child
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A Good Way to Go
'What's Oupa doing?'
As soon as Oupa goes into the garden, or outside the house, this is Curly-Locks's question. He already knows that Oupa is likely to be 'doing', and, moreover, what Oupa is likely to be doing is what you might call 'meaningful work'. So, he might be digging, mowing the lawn, relaying some sunken paving stones (the latest, and most fascinating project) or moving leftover gravel to make a base for our garden-equipment box. This is good because recently a small skunk has tried to make its home under there.
If I'm busy inside I'm likely to be cooking, cleaning, or washing-up. Outside, at this time of year, planting seeds or hanging out laundry. When Oupa takes Curly Locks for a walk, they'll most likely go to see how our latest nearby road-construction is getting on. Later this will lead to play with the little boy's favourite toy:
All this is helpful for Curly-Locks to have going on around him. Why? Because it will help him be active in life in a good way. Plus, it will help him to enjoy life's simple pleasures, which is reward in itself.
A couple of days ago his dad posted a photo on facebook. It showed Curly-Locks in the kitchen of their new house. Kitchen reconstruction has been an ongoing project for the last couple of weeks, and now at last dad had installed the double sink (a desirable thing to have so you can rinse the soap off the cutlery, dishes and pans easily). Curly-Locks stands on a stool with a washing-up brush in his hand, busy with the dishes. But what's heartwarming and magical to see is the smile of delight on his glowing face.
I doubt you'd see anything like that expression if he were sitting at the computer ;-)
Children can be given simple tasks from quite an early age, say from two years old onward. Try to be alert as to what they might be able to do. At almost 2 and a half, Curly-Locks used to carry his china plate from the table to the dishwasher, and return his glass to the counter. "Did it!" he'd proclaim triumphantly. He was also able to peel a carrot using a peeler.
It's good if the kids struggle a bit. Don't jump in too quickly with help, and try to allow them to reach for an ability you may think is beyond them.
To sum up: look for 'helping' activities the small child may be able to do. Be aware that what you are doing will impact the child.
To repeat, when our children are grown, it will be important and advantageous to them if they can be men and women of initiative.
Email me:magicalmotherhood@rogers.com
As soon as Oupa goes into the garden, or outside the house, this is Curly-Locks's question. He already knows that Oupa is likely to be 'doing', and, moreover, what Oupa is likely to be doing is what you might call 'meaningful work'. So, he might be digging, mowing the lawn, relaying some sunken paving stones (the latest, and most fascinating project) or moving leftover gravel to make a base for our garden-equipment box. This is good because recently a small skunk has tried to make its home under there.
If I'm busy inside I'm likely to be cooking, cleaning, or washing-up. Outside, at this time of year, planting seeds or hanging out laundry. When Oupa takes Curly Locks for a walk, they'll most likely go to see how our latest nearby road-construction is getting on. Later this will lead to play with the little boy's favourite toy:
A couple of days ago his dad posted a photo on facebook. It showed Curly-Locks in the kitchen of their new house. Kitchen reconstruction has been an ongoing project for the last couple of weeks, and now at last dad had installed the double sink (a desirable thing to have so you can rinse the soap off the cutlery, dishes and pans easily). Curly-Locks stands on a stool with a washing-up brush in his hand, busy with the dishes. But what's heartwarming and magical to see is the smile of delight on his glowing face.
I doubt you'd see anything like that expression if he were sitting at the computer ;-)
Children can be given simple tasks from quite an early age, say from two years old onward. Try to be alert as to what they might be able to do. At almost 2 and a half, Curly-Locks used to carry his china plate from the table to the dishwasher, and return his glass to the counter. "Did it!" he'd proclaim triumphantly. He was also able to peel a carrot using a peeler.
It's good if the kids struggle a bit. Don't jump in too quickly with help, and try to allow them to reach for an ability you may think is beyond them.
To sum up: look for 'helping' activities the small child may be able to do. Be aware that what you are doing will impact the child.
To repeat, when our children are grown, it will be important and advantageous to them if they can be men and women of initiative.
Email me:magicalmotherhood@rogers.com
Monday, June 13, 2011
Soul Shocks
As carers for small children, we stand as guardians to their souls. The younger the child the more vigilant we need to be. Although, having written that last sentence, I have to say this applies even and especially during the teenage years too. However, it's different during the first seven years because this is the time when children are building their bodies and what is experienced in the soul can affect future health and strength.
Above all, you should try to avoid soul shocks. The Blue-eyed Boy is extremely sensitive. I'll never forget the day I took him into a harmful environment. He must have been 18 months old or so. Cheryl had enrolled him in a 'music and movement' program. This sounded like fun and other children his age from their street would be there too. Fine.
Now, picture a gym. A cavernous space with glaring fluorescent overhead lights, garish colours. Nothing warm or soft in the environment. Not one thing.
The Blue-eyed Boy stepped inside and paused. I read his expression 'What have you brought me to, Nana? I trusted you but... ' It was just too overwhelming, and you can imagine how terrible I felt. I suppose I should have left right then, especially as the young woman running the course had no clue and there was nothing nourishing or helpful for the little kids in what she brought. In fact, she didn't appear again. But by then, of course, the damage was done.
Sometimes we do harm when we have the best of intentions. This is why it's important to check events and courses and places and so on and do as much research as you can before exposing your little one to a new situation.
And on another note, as a follow-up to my previous post, I have to confess my memory was playing tricks with me. What I was referring to re art was a guardian.co.uk video, which actually promotes a new 'art pass' that's being introduced into the U.K. As far as I can judge, the video has been taken off the site. Sorry!
Above all, you should try to avoid soul shocks. The Blue-eyed Boy is extremely sensitive. I'll never forget the day I took him into a harmful environment. He must have been 18 months old or so. Cheryl had enrolled him in a 'music and movement' program. This sounded like fun and other children his age from their street would be there too. Fine.
Now, picture a gym. A cavernous space with glaring fluorescent overhead lights, garish colours. Nothing warm or soft in the environment. Not one thing.
The Blue-eyed Boy stepped inside and paused. I read his expression 'What have you brought me to, Nana? I trusted you but... ' It was just too overwhelming, and you can imagine how terrible I felt. I suppose I should have left right then, especially as the young woman running the course had no clue and there was nothing nourishing or helpful for the little kids in what she brought. In fact, she didn't appear again. But by then, of course, the damage was done.
Sometimes we do harm when we have the best of intentions. This is why it's important to check events and courses and places and so on and do as much research as you can before exposing your little one to a new situation.
And on another note, as a follow-up to my previous post, I have to confess my memory was playing tricks with me. What I was referring to re art was a guardian.co.uk video, which actually promotes a new 'art pass' that's being introduced into the U.K. As far as I can judge, the video has been taken off the site. Sorry!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
About beauty
I read a good article the other day about how looking at good art increases happiness. It was great to see this truth becoming more widely recognized. Right now, I can't find the link, but will post it for you as soon as I do.
Now, the thing is, all the art that was used to back up the argument was from the Renaissance period. Nothing modern. And I can understand why. Although I'm a big fan of abstract art, much of contemporary art to me appears the opposite of beautiful. In fact, while seeking to hold up a mirror to our society, it's often deliberately ugly, hideous and shocking.
This applies too to many images on the web, in movies and books as well.
Remembering that we're trying to make childhood a good experience, I think this is something all those who look after small children should be aware of, and guard against. Soul-shocks are to be avoided if at all possible. I'm gearing up for a long post on the subject, and you can look for it by Monday. Yes, this weekend's a busy one for us because the Blue-eyed Boy is turning 5! I'm off to buy him a new book which I ordered. If it lives up to my expectations, I'll give you the details.
Meanwhile, look on beauty every day, if you can.
Till soon.
Now, the thing is, all the art that was used to back up the argument was from the Renaissance period. Nothing modern. And I can understand why. Although I'm a big fan of abstract art, much of contemporary art to me appears the opposite of beautiful. In fact, while seeking to hold up a mirror to our society, it's often deliberately ugly, hideous and shocking.
This applies too to many images on the web, in movies and books as well.
Remembering that we're trying to make childhood a good experience, I think this is something all those who look after small children should be aware of, and guard against. Soul-shocks are to be avoided if at all possible. I'm gearing up for a long post on the subject, and you can look for it by Monday. Yes, this weekend's a busy one for us because the Blue-eyed Boy is turning 5! I'm off to buy him a new book which I ordered. If it lives up to my expectations, I'll give you the details.
Meanwhile, look on beauty every day, if you can.
Till soon.
Friday, June 10, 2011
A Taste for Healthy Food
Writing about Curly-Locks not wanting to eat anything earlier this week reminded me of something. I was chatting with a retired teacher and grandmother recently and telling her that the Blue-eyed Boy and Curly-Locks have a good instinct for what they need to eat. Well, mostly. She commented how rare that is today, which got me thinking how we pollute our sense for taste. But it doesn't necessarily have to be so.
But this is why I'm sharing this link with you today. Also, because the ever-increasing incidence of diabetes and obesity has to be a concern. So take a look.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jun/09/sugary-drinks-dull-tastebuds-study
Now, I believe in the benefits of eating organic foods, and best of all, bio-dynamic produce. I've observed that not all organic produce tastes as good as it should, but still, sometimes it's a matter of what you're not ingesting rather than what you are. And the smaller the child, the stricter you should be. However, never be fanatical. (!) I'm not in favour of cutting sugar out of a child's diet completely, unless there's ADD or some other soul or bodily reason. I doubt a little good jam, for instance, does much harm. And honey is a fine sweetener once the child is more than a year old. I'm glad I didn't know about the age restriction when my children were small! Ah well. Be well.
But this is why I'm sharing this link with you today. Also, because the ever-increasing incidence of diabetes and obesity has to be a concern. So take a look.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jun/09/sugary-drinks-dull-tastebuds-study
Now, I believe in the benefits of eating organic foods, and best of all, bio-dynamic produce. I've observed that not all organic produce tastes as good as it should, but still, sometimes it's a matter of what you're not ingesting rather than what you are. And the smaller the child, the stricter you should be. However, never be fanatical. (!) I'm not in favour of cutting sugar out of a child's diet completely, unless there's ADD or some other soul or bodily reason. I doubt a little good jam, for instance, does much harm. And honey is a fine sweetener once the child is more than a year old. I'm glad I didn't know about the age restriction when my children were small! Ah well. Be well.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Just Imagine!
It's amazing how even quite small children light up when you use your imagination. They love it, and it's a helpful tool.
To give you a glimpse, yesterday the Blue-eyed Boy was up in the play structure when snack time came around. So I put his rice cake with apple butter on a wooden plate, poured his drink and went outside to give it to him. I said, 'Here's your drive-through order', and held it to the gap. His face lit up immediately. 'That'll be two dollars and fifty cents,' I told him. He handed over the money and I gave him the change.
Here's the drive-through 'window':
Now, I have to say that imagination was not a tool I made much use of when my own children were small. Grandad and Dad were the two who told stories, not me. That I only learned a few years ago when I took a course with the wonderful Nancy Mellon. Her book, 'Storytelling with Children' is available from Amazon.
So it was only after I turned 35 that I began to develop my imagination. For me, water colour painting and creative writing formed the key.
A while ago the Blue-eyed Boy brought some behaviour back from elsewhere. 'I am a robot', he chanted in a weird voice, and accompanied this with a stiff marching walk, hands thrust forward from his elbows. Nana is not big on robots for one simple reason: they're mechanical. So what I did to transform the situation was chant and stamp low to the ground 'I am a dwarf', and then, on tip-toes, 'I am a butterfly'. He got swept up in the imitation of stamping, fluttering like a butterfly, stinging like... no, not that!
This reminds me of a story a dear friend told me. Her son came to her one day, arms straight by his side, walking and standing stiffly. 'What's the matter with you?' she asked. The reply came, 'I'm bored stiff!'
When your children say profound and amusing things, do your very best to write them down. You promise yourself you'll remember, and maybe you will... one or two. But many will be lost. I only managed to keep a good record with Ben. When he turned 21 we had a dinner party for his coming-of-age, and I read a selection out to him. He nearly fell off his char laughing.
To give you a glimpse, yesterday the Blue-eyed Boy was up in the play structure when snack time came around. So I put his rice cake with apple butter on a wooden plate, poured his drink and went outside to give it to him. I said, 'Here's your drive-through order', and held it to the gap. His face lit up immediately. 'That'll be two dollars and fifty cents,' I told him. He handed over the money and I gave him the change.
Here's the drive-through 'window':
Now, I have to say that imagination was not a tool I made much use of when my own children were small. Grandad and Dad were the two who told stories, not me. That I only learned a few years ago when I took a course with the wonderful Nancy Mellon. Her book, 'Storytelling with Children' is available from Amazon.
So it was only after I turned 35 that I began to develop my imagination. For me, water colour painting and creative writing formed the key.
A while ago the Blue-eyed Boy brought some behaviour back from elsewhere. 'I am a robot', he chanted in a weird voice, and accompanied this with a stiff marching walk, hands thrust forward from his elbows. Nana is not big on robots for one simple reason: they're mechanical. So what I did to transform the situation was chant and stamp low to the ground 'I am a dwarf', and then, on tip-toes, 'I am a butterfly'. He got swept up in the imitation of stamping, fluttering like a butterfly, stinging like... no, not that!
This reminds me of a story a dear friend told me. Her son came to her one day, arms straight by his side, walking and standing stiffly. 'What's the matter with you?' she asked. The reply came, 'I'm bored stiff!'
When your children say profound and amusing things, do your very best to write them down. You promise yourself you'll remember, and maybe you will... one or two. But many will be lost. I only managed to keep a good record with Ben. When he turned 21 we had a dinner party for his coming-of-age, and I read a selection out to him. He nearly fell off his char laughing.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Behaviour
Curly-Locks has a tummy bug, so I'll be going around there soon to take him a remedy. Yesterday I thought he didn't look 'right' and was a bit concerned. He wouldn't eat anything, and fortunately I didn't push. Sometimes I do, because sometimes the smallies need encouragement to eat. The trick is to know which to do when!
But I was thinking of the various factors that can affect a small child's behaviour. Certainly, they can act up when they're getting ill i.e. before there are any symptoms to warn you that this is the case. Yesterday, with 'what affects behaviour' as the question on my mind, I made a short list which I will share with you today, without much explanation (for the moment).
The onset of illness
What they've seen/experienced (other children's behaviour, adults ditto, TV if they come into contact with such images)
The phases of the moon (could extend this to all the planets' activity in fact)
The days of the week.
Lack of sleep
Overstimulation
Food
Tuesday after all is Mars day, so it brings that kind of energy. I'm going to ask a teacher to do a guest post for me at some stage to characterize the different energies the different days bring.
Now I'm going to be mercurial and whizz off. Till next time!
But I was thinking of the various factors that can affect a small child's behaviour. Certainly, they can act up when they're getting ill i.e. before there are any symptoms to warn you that this is the case. Yesterday, with 'what affects behaviour' as the question on my mind, I made a short list which I will share with you today, without much explanation (for the moment).
The onset of illness
What they've seen/experienced (other children's behaviour, adults ditto, TV if they come into contact with such images)
The phases of the moon (could extend this to all the planets' activity in fact)
The days of the week.
Lack of sleep
Overstimulation
Food
Tuesday after all is Mars day, so it brings that kind of energy. I'm going to ask a teacher to do a guest post for me at some stage to characterize the different energies the different days bring.
Now I'm going to be mercurial and whizz off. Till next time!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Reincarnation and how this may affect you and your child
Two posts ago, I mentioned reincarnation to back up my position on the gender neutral baby. Now I want to take this a little further.
Am I a believer? You bet. Or rather, let's put it this way: I live my live as if it were true. Why? As I wrote before, because how else do I make sense of life events, trials and relationships? Taking the view that this is one life in a series of lives helps me with my own development and growth (it matters more). But it also widens my possibilities for understanding and approaching with more generosity of soul than I might otherwise those with whom I come into contact. This means people who are close (friends and family), medium (again, friends and family) and far (acquaintances, business colleagues, store clerks, passers by etc.)
Especially, though, for me the idea of reincarnation helps when dealing with children. I mean, we all want our kids to be beautiful, intelligent and perfectly behaved, right? Now, if it's all down to me as biological parent and heredity, I'm going to blame myself if my child doesn't measure up to that impossible standard. But if I take the view that some difficulty is a challenge he or she has brought with her from a past life, then I can do something. We can work together to bring help and healing.
Also, we can take comfort in the thought that babies bring with them everything they need, as potential, anyhow. We don't want to divert or undermine their spiritual heritage. This is why I'm always on about protecting the body and the soul, especially from shocks and age-inappropriate activities.
Am I a believer? You bet. Or rather, let's put it this way: I live my live as if it were true. Why? As I wrote before, because how else do I make sense of life events, trials and relationships? Taking the view that this is one life in a series of lives helps me with my own development and growth (it matters more). But it also widens my possibilities for understanding and approaching with more generosity of soul than I might otherwise those with whom I come into contact. This means people who are close (friends and family), medium (again, friends and family) and far (acquaintances, business colleagues, store clerks, passers by etc.)
Especially, though, for me the idea of reincarnation helps when dealing with children. I mean, we all want our kids to be beautiful, intelligent and perfectly behaved, right? Now, if it's all down to me as biological parent and heredity, I'm going to blame myself if my child doesn't measure up to that impossible standard. But if I take the view that some difficulty is a challenge he or she has brought with her from a past life, then I can do something. We can work together to bring help and healing.
Also, we can take comfort in the thought that babies bring with them everything they need, as potential, anyhow. We don't want to divert or undermine their spiritual heritage. This is why I'm always on about protecting the body and the soul, especially from shocks and age-inappropriate activities.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Promises, promises
I see I promised to write more on reincarnation today, but actually I'm not. I thought it was time for a couple of images, so you'll be getting those instead.
But before I go there, let's back up. I told you I was going to do something and then renegued. Not a good idea, especially when dealing with small children. In order to avoid disappointments and unfulfilled expectations (i.e. negative impacts on the soul) it's better not to say 'after lunch we'll do this or that', or 'tomorrow we'll go to the beach' in case something else comes up and you don't manage. In any case, children live in the present and while they're small it's better to keep it that way. A corollary would be, too, not to call on their memories. For little ones, what's past is past and it can be anxiety-making and stress-inducing if you ask them to recall experiences (what happened yesterday?) or people (do you remember so-and-so?), for instance.
Enough already. Here are the pics I want to share with you today. First of all, a couple of treasured wooden elephants.
And now, a little fox that Curly-Locks loves.
I picked him up at our neighbour's garage sale a couple of weeks ago. Quite delightful, non?
So, you ask, what's significant about these? Well, simply that they capture something of the essence of elephant, the essence of fox. These days I notice many toys, soft ones in particular, that are so far from anything of the essence of an animal you can hardly tell what they are... dog or rabbit or bear?
We all carry animal nature within ourselves. "You rat!' "You snake!" You...er... elephant?" From what I read about elephants, that's more likely to be complimentary than derogatory. Still, it's more helpful for a child if they can see the essence of various animals. And please, not, if possible dinosaurs. That would be my exception to the concept.
And tomorrow? More on reincarnation. I promise.
But before I go there, let's back up. I told you I was going to do something and then renegued. Not a good idea, especially when dealing with small children. In order to avoid disappointments and unfulfilled expectations (i.e. negative impacts on the soul) it's better not to say 'after lunch we'll do this or that', or 'tomorrow we'll go to the beach' in case something else comes up and you don't manage. In any case, children live in the present and while they're small it's better to keep it that way. A corollary would be, too, not to call on their memories. For little ones, what's past is past and it can be anxiety-making and stress-inducing if you ask them to recall experiences (what happened yesterday?) or people (do you remember so-and-so?), for instance.
Enough already. Here are the pics I want to share with you today. First of all, a couple of treasured wooden elephants.
And now, a little fox that Curly-Locks loves.
I picked him up at our neighbour's garage sale a couple of weeks ago. Quite delightful, non?
So, you ask, what's significant about these? Well, simply that they capture something of the essence of elephant, the essence of fox. These days I notice many toys, soft ones in particular, that are so far from anything of the essence of an animal you can hardly tell what they are... dog or rabbit or bear?
We all carry animal nature within ourselves. "You rat!' "You snake!" You...er... elephant?" From what I read about elephants, that's more likely to be complimentary than derogatory. Still, it's more helpful for a child if they can see the essence of various animals. And please, not, if possible dinosaurs. That would be my exception to the concept.
And tomorrow? More on reincarnation. I promise.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Keeping your house spirits happy
I was going to write more about reincarnation, but will leave that for tomorrow. The thing is, I prefer to share with you what's living in my soul at this present moment. Kind of like a version of the Facebook question: What's on your mind? Although I don't really address that when I post there. I much preferred the old question of 'What are you doing right now?' (can't remember the exact wording).
Okay. So I want to talk today about tidying. Mostly this is because, last week, I didn't. All my energy was directed elsewhere and I decided 'no, I can't do that'. Now, usually, when the boys are here, I'm inclined to tidy bits and pieces as we go so the place doesn't get completely chaotic. And at the end of the afternoon, I sometimes manage to get them to help me put things away. In any case, before I go to bed I like to have my environment under control. Why? Because then the rooms welcome me in the morning.
Try it yourself. See if you feel the difference.
In the days when I first began to give daycare to the Blue-eyed Boy, and later for Curly-Locks, I'd prepare the space by laying out a few, carefully chosen toys on a low stool. They'd happily go and start playing. And, as a side note: in these days when children are inclined to have a bounty of toys, it's a good idea to 'disappear' some of them from time to time. Then they'll be discovered anew and with delight.
I think a tidy-ish house helps the unseen beings feel at peace and therefore, benevolent. Last night I did a push and really felt the difference when I came downstairs. Then I began a bit of cleaning, wiping with a damp sponge. Water, as we know, helps the (good) negative ions in the air. This is why our house spirits really like it when we clean in this way.
Now, it's not that I want to put a heavy trip on you. No. We can't always manage everything we'd like. I'd say it simply makes a difference if we're aware and consciously let this or that go. Then our house spirits will understand and cut us some slack.
Okay. So I want to talk today about tidying. Mostly this is because, last week, I didn't. All my energy was directed elsewhere and I decided 'no, I can't do that'. Now, usually, when the boys are here, I'm inclined to tidy bits and pieces as we go so the place doesn't get completely chaotic. And at the end of the afternoon, I sometimes manage to get them to help me put things away. In any case, before I go to bed I like to have my environment under control. Why? Because then the rooms welcome me in the morning.
Try it yourself. See if you feel the difference.
In the days when I first began to give daycare to the Blue-eyed Boy, and later for Curly-Locks, I'd prepare the space by laying out a few, carefully chosen toys on a low stool. They'd happily go and start playing. And, as a side note: in these days when children are inclined to have a bounty of toys, it's a good idea to 'disappear' some of them from time to time. Then they'll be discovered anew and with delight.
I think a tidy-ish house helps the unseen beings feel at peace and therefore, benevolent. Last night I did a push and really felt the difference when I came downstairs. Then I began a bit of cleaning, wiping with a damp sponge. Water, as we know, helps the (good) negative ions in the air. This is why our house spirits really like it when we clean in this way.
Now, it's not that I want to put a heavy trip on you. No. We can't always manage everything we'd like. I'd say it simply makes a difference if we're aware and consciously let this or that go. Then our house spirits will understand and cut us some slack.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Gender Neutral?
You've probably read about the Canadian couple who are keeping their baby's gender a secret. They've engendered (sorry) quite a lot of media attention.
I wondered why this disturbed me, so I began pondering what it might mean, and how this might impact their child. Actually, I doubt it will make a huge difference during the first couple of years. But after that?
Several aspects came up for me. What I'm really disturbed about is the attitude, which comes across to me as using your child as an experiment. Surely this is materialistic? Like regarding the child as a kind of widget?
Here's the thing. I believe that to make any kind of sense of our lives, our destinies, and our connections with other human beings, we have to at least entertain the idea of reincarnation. So, if we look at this as if we come to earth to experience different aspects of the human condition, you'll realize it's very different whether you've come as a man or a woman. There's plenty of documentation to prove this, but seeing as we're focusing on experience, I'd like to offer something from Rudolf Steiner that's been a revelation to me. He says that in general men are too deeply incarnated in their bodies, and women not quite incarnated enough. You can find a fun illustration of this in the June 2 post on Jennifer Crusie's blog http://www.arghink.com Hit 'read more' and then scroll down to the box where you'll see something about telling jokes.
Yes, there's a reason the book 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus' was such a mega best seller, and still is.
It's helpful for our children to see the masculine and the feminine. This is why small children benefit and enjoy it when we, as mothers, grandmothers, nannies, etc., wear long, flowing skirts. Do I? Mostly, not. Since coming to North America I find myself in pants more and more often, although less so in summer.
But a while ago my husband was away for over three weeks, coinciding with March break. Knowing I'd find providing day care for the Blue-eyed Boy as well as Curly-Locks too taxing without his support, I asked my dear Acadian soul-sister to come and be with me. A hippie princess, she still loves to wear those long, floaty skirts. In fact, she deliberately brought along a couple. And I noticed how much Curly-Locks enjoyed them. He'd stand close to her, clutch handfuls of fabric and peep out at me through the folds. Somehow too, that was comforting for him.
Something like this is not imposing on our children in any way, and of course some girls will be tomboys and some boys will be 'softer' than others. But surely life today is confusing enough without us having to be confused about our gender?
I guess what I'm really trying to say is that our gender has meaning. Don't you think part of our striving should be to raise our manhood or womanhood to a higher, better level?
I wondered why this disturbed me, so I began pondering what it might mean, and how this might impact their child. Actually, I doubt it will make a huge difference during the first couple of years. But after that?
Several aspects came up for me. What I'm really disturbed about is the attitude, which comes across to me as using your child as an experiment. Surely this is materialistic? Like regarding the child as a kind of widget?
Here's the thing. I believe that to make any kind of sense of our lives, our destinies, and our connections with other human beings, we have to at least entertain the idea of reincarnation. So, if we look at this as if we come to earth to experience different aspects of the human condition, you'll realize it's very different whether you've come as a man or a woman. There's plenty of documentation to prove this, but seeing as we're focusing on experience, I'd like to offer something from Rudolf Steiner that's been a revelation to me. He says that in general men are too deeply incarnated in their bodies, and women not quite incarnated enough. You can find a fun illustration of this in the June 2 post on Jennifer Crusie's blog http://www.arghink.com Hit 'read more' and then scroll down to the box where you'll see something about telling jokes.
Yes, there's a reason the book 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus' was such a mega best seller, and still is.
It's helpful for our children to see the masculine and the feminine. This is why small children benefit and enjoy it when we, as mothers, grandmothers, nannies, etc., wear long, flowing skirts. Do I? Mostly, not. Since coming to North America I find myself in pants more and more often, although less so in summer.
But a while ago my husband was away for over three weeks, coinciding with March break. Knowing I'd find providing day care for the Blue-eyed Boy as well as Curly-Locks too taxing without his support, I asked my dear Acadian soul-sister to come and be with me. A hippie princess, she still loves to wear those long, floaty skirts. In fact, she deliberately brought along a couple. And I noticed how much Curly-Locks enjoyed them. He'd stand close to her, clutch handfuls of fabric and peep out at me through the folds. Somehow too, that was comforting for him.
Something like this is not imposing on our children in any way, and of course some girls will be tomboys and some boys will be 'softer' than others. But surely life today is confusing enough without us having to be confused about our gender?
I guess what I'm really trying to say is that our gender has meaning. Don't you think part of our striving should be to raise our manhood or womanhood to a higher, better level?
Friday, June 3, 2011
When you move a sleeping child
I'm gearing up for a longish post on that 'gender neutral' child. Meanwhile, a shortie as I'm taking a day off.
I was listening to the radio a minute ago and a woman was talking about her earliest memory, how she woke up in a strange house and started crying.
My dear mother taught me that, when you move a sleeping toddler or small child, it's good to murmur, and tell him or her what you're doing, and where you're going to lay them down. Ben did this instinctively, which made me happy. Do it, even if they're fast asleep. Those words will provide comfort.
I was listening to the radio a minute ago and a woman was talking about her earliest memory, how she woke up in a strange house and started crying.
My dear mother taught me that, when you move a sleeping toddler or small child, it's good to murmur, and tell him or her what you're doing, and where you're going to lay them down. Ben did this instinctively, which made me happy. Do it, even if they're fast asleep. Those words will provide comfort.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
A Birthday Cake to Nourish Body and Soul
My edit deadline is tomorrow, so I'm taking an easy route today and giving you a recipe.
Here's the cake I baked for Curly-Locks's birthday. Apologies for the blurry quality of the pic. No apologies for how the cake looks. Curly-Locks was thrilled. Small children are not critical, remember? Plus, they pick up the effort and love you put in.
It's all good, folks. And please note the beeswax candles. This is the third time we've used this particular lot. I made the wheels by taking an organic granny smith apple, cutting thin slices, then rubbing with a cut lemon so they didn't go brown. For a train rather than a car, use more wheels. I used pitless prunes for the headlights.
Here's the recipe. My ingredients were all organic, except for the icing sugar.
PENNY'S LEMON LOAF (Penny is my sister-in-law. She always has good and easy recipes.)
1/2 cup soft butter
1 1/2 cups flour (organic wholewheat works fine)
3/4 cup sugar (the cake is not very sweet, so don't use less)
2 rounded teaspoons baking soda
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2- 3 teaspoons grated lemon rind.
Combine all ingredients and mix to a smooth batter.
Bake in a loaf tin (I used 2, a smaller from Ikea and a larger), 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes. (adjust if you're making the 2)
Icing:
1 cup icing sugar
2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (I used a butter icing, as this is simply a glaze).
Here's the cake I baked for Curly-Locks's birthday. Apologies for the blurry quality of the pic. No apologies for how the cake looks. Curly-Locks was thrilled. Small children are not critical, remember? Plus, they pick up the effort and love you put in.
It's all good, folks. And please note the beeswax candles. This is the third time we've used this particular lot. I made the wheels by taking an organic granny smith apple, cutting thin slices, then rubbing with a cut lemon so they didn't go brown. For a train rather than a car, use more wheels. I used pitless prunes for the headlights.
Here's the recipe. My ingredients were all organic, except for the icing sugar.
PENNY'S LEMON LOAF (Penny is my sister-in-law. She always has good and easy recipes.)
1/2 cup soft butter
1 1/2 cups flour (organic wholewheat works fine)
3/4 cup sugar (the cake is not very sweet, so don't use less)
2 rounded teaspoons baking soda
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2- 3 teaspoons grated lemon rind.
Combine all ingredients and mix to a smooth batter.
Bake in a loaf tin (I used 2, a smaller from Ikea and a larger), 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes. (adjust if you're making the 2)
Icing:
1 cup icing sugar
2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (I used a butter icing, as this is simply a glaze).
Monday, May 30, 2011
An Answer to a Question re Nightmares
In the comments, Inge-Barbara asked if any of my suggestions had helped my grandson with his nightmares. As his dad said, 'Magic!'. So, I'm happy and grateful to report that they did.
The Magic of Silver
Gifts are still on my mind because I went to a baby shower last Saturday. Actually, it was more of a 'welcome little stranger' party, because the baby was there and no shower had previously happened. Recently I've observed that more and more mothers-to-be are saying 'no' to knowing the baby's sex before it's born. Maeve lay there, so sweetly still, so heavenly, so very precious. I know it's almost a cliche, but truly, little children come 'trailing clouds of glory', as Wordsworth so aptly said.
I happened to be sitting next to an elderly German woman, and mentioned to her how one of the best gifts Miranda had received after she was born was a silver spoon. I used this to feed her her first solids, and gave it to her when she established her own home.
"We used to put our water in a silver jug," my neighbour told me, "because we believed that was healthy."
This made total sense to me. After all silver (argentum) is used as a remedy in homeopathic medicine. Silver is connected with the moon forces, and we know that we're affected by the moon in its waxing and waning, approaching and retreating. As we are to all planets, in fact.
Matthew was given a small silver cup. When I find it I'll take a photo because the shape is ideal for giving baby those first sips out of a cup, and manageable for a toddler to hold on his or her own.
How much more wonderful than plastic. And still unbreakable!
On another note, one of my blog readers remarked that I have a lot to say. Indeed! Almost every post leads me in at least two more directions! So I'll pick up some threads as I go along. In the meantime, I'm still on deadline and have to delay a longer post that's on my mind. Also, the family's move to a new home is completed. I want to share with you the wonderful thing Cheryl did to help the boys with the transition. So I'll ask her to tell me again, make some notes and then put them up.
Till next time, love and light to you all.
I happened to be sitting next to an elderly German woman, and mentioned to her how one of the best gifts Miranda had received after she was born was a silver spoon. I used this to feed her her first solids, and gave it to her when she established her own home.
"We used to put our water in a silver jug," my neighbour told me, "because we believed that was healthy."
This made total sense to me. After all silver (argentum) is used as a remedy in homeopathic medicine. Silver is connected with the moon forces, and we know that we're affected by the moon in its waxing and waning, approaching and retreating. As we are to all planets, in fact.
Matthew was given a small silver cup. When I find it I'll take a photo because the shape is ideal for giving baby those first sips out of a cup, and manageable for a toddler to hold on his or her own.
How much more wonderful than plastic. And still unbreakable!
On another note, one of my blog readers remarked that I have a lot to say. Indeed! Almost every post leads me in at least two more directions! So I'll pick up some threads as I go along. In the meantime, I'm still on deadline and have to delay a longer post that's on my mind. Also, the family's move to a new home is completed. I want to share with you the wonderful thing Cheryl did to help the boys with the transition. So I'll ask her to tell me again, make some notes and then put them up.
Till next time, love and light to you all.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Birthday gifts that nourish the soul.
Tomorrow is the Blue-eyed boy's birthday, so I'm a little pressed for time. i.e. this'll be short. Really. And I guess this post applies more to older children rather than the under threes.
In any case, I'll be baking him a train cake. That will be a lemon loaf (yes, I have some organic lemons), made out of wholewheat flour and other healthy ingredients. Icing will have to be a given. But to cut down on the sugar overload, I'll make wheels out of orange slices, and use blueberries for other necessary knobs and such. Any suggestions for the chimney?
What to get him for a present was a problem, but I found something good in the floral department of our local store. It's a kind of gardening purse with outside pockets containing a small trowel, a fork and a hoe. Inside is a packet of pumpkin seeds, but I don't think that will work. So I'll replace that with sunflower seeds. One of our New Zealand grandsons received a packet as a party gift, and he was thrilled to watch the sunflowers grow and get taller than he.
For boys, in the past, I've bought such items as a small flashlight, and a measuring tape. Girls often love stationery. In general, my advice to you is to think outside the toy store.
Asta la vista!
In any case, I'll be baking him a train cake. That will be a lemon loaf (yes, I have some organic lemons), made out of wholewheat flour and other healthy ingredients. Icing will have to be a given. But to cut down on the sugar overload, I'll make wheels out of orange slices, and use blueberries for other necessary knobs and such. Any suggestions for the chimney?
What to get him for a present was a problem, but I found something good in the floral department of our local store. It's a kind of gardening purse with outside pockets containing a small trowel, a fork and a hoe. Inside is a packet of pumpkin seeds, but I don't think that will work. So I'll replace that with sunflower seeds. One of our New Zealand grandsons received a packet as a party gift, and he was thrilled to watch the sunflowers grow and get taller than he.
For boys, in the past, I've bought such items as a small flashlight, and a measuring tape. Girls often love stationery. In general, my advice to you is to think outside the toy store.
Asta la vista!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
A Picture and a Poem
We have the family staying with us. One more night and they'll be in their new home. I thought I'd share this picture with you. It was given to the boys' dad by his godfather, who carved the beautiful frame, and it normally sits in the Blue-eyed boy's room. The original painting of this angel can be found in the National Gallery in London. Go see it if you get the chance.
When Curly-Locks was a little more than two years old, Miranda send me a notebook from Florence, Italy, with a cover that showed the 'Birth of Venus' by Botticelli. That's the one where the woman rises from the ocean, standing on a shell. Curly-Locks would pick it up, hold it between his dimpled fingers, and gaze intensely at the image. He still loves to do this.
In the last post I mentioned energies. Objects and images can give off energies, vibrations, call them what you will. Whether you believe this or not, wouldn't you say this is a gentler, more beautiful image for a child to absorb than the bright cartoons so ubiquitous in childrens' surroundings today?
This poem I wrote is called 'A Baby's Plea'
Spread wide your Madonna veil
Enfold me.
Protect me from the unnatural,
the piercing, startling sounds of
electronics and machines;
the cold, unfriendly feel
of polyesters and nylons.
Provide me rather with the truth
of cotton, silk or wool.
Let me hear real, gentle voices
And see shimmering, rainbow colours
To remind me of that
heavenly bridge so I don't
too soon fall
and forget
my heavenly heritage,
the gifts bestowed and brought
by me to earth.
For my eyes and ears are unaccustomed,
my senses open wide to you
and the world.
So I have no defences
only my trust
in you
to defend me.
When Curly-Locks was a little more than two years old, Miranda send me a notebook from Florence, Italy, with a cover that showed the 'Birth of Venus' by Botticelli. That's the one where the woman rises from the ocean, standing on a shell. Curly-Locks would pick it up, hold it between his dimpled fingers, and gaze intensely at the image. He still loves to do this.
In the last post I mentioned energies. Objects and images can give off energies, vibrations, call them what you will. Whether you believe this or not, wouldn't you say this is a gentler, more beautiful image for a child to absorb than the bright cartoons so ubiquitous in childrens' surroundings today?
This poem I wrote is called 'A Baby's Plea'
Spread wide your Madonna veil
Enfold me.
Protect me from the unnatural,
the piercing, startling sounds of
electronics and machines;
the cold, unfriendly feel
of polyesters and nylons.
Provide me rather with the truth
of cotton, silk or wool.
Let me hear real, gentle voices
And see shimmering, rainbow colours
To remind me of that
heavenly bridge so I don't
too soon fall
and forget
my heavenly heritage,
the gifts bestowed and brought
by me to earth.
For my eyes and ears are unaccustomed,
my senses open wide to you
and the world.
So I have no defences
only my trust
in you
to defend me.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
What forms and influences us?
Our environment, surely. So that means, the physical environment, the soul and the spiritual.
Today it's the physical environment that's on my mind, because it's moving day for the Blue-eyed Boy and Curly-Locks. Not many people are fortunate enough to grow up surrounded by one set of familiar four walls. As a side note, I was once told by a wonderfully insightful woman who works in personal development that she'd noticed a difference in the soul configurations of people who had grown up in larger versus smaller homes. Nothing positive or negative, simply different.
Transition times are always difficult. Small children generally do not do well with change. You don't want them to see or experience their home being dismantled because they might feel as if they're being pulled apart. What, I wondered, would be the best way to handle a house move for the little ones?
Soon after I began school, my parents bought a house fairly nearby so I could be in walking/biking distance. This meant, of course, that I was older and so could cope quite well with the breaking up of our old home and settling into the new. But my mom did a good thing, I think. She took me to school that morning (two bus rides were involved! In Johannesburg at that time there were no such things as school busses), and after school I went straight back to the new house. My room was already set up, with all my dolls, books and other treasures around me.
This made me feel fine. She was a wise and good woman, my mother.
Of course, a period of adjustment was still necessary. Every place has its own particular geophysical conditions which affect us in various ways. For the first seven years in particular, the energies in our environment form and influence us. Even today, when I pay a brief visit to Johannesburg, I feel as if I breathe in a different way. I feel strengthened and affirmed.
Today it's the physical environment that's on my mind, because it's moving day for the Blue-eyed Boy and Curly-Locks. Not many people are fortunate enough to grow up surrounded by one set of familiar four walls. As a side note, I was once told by a wonderfully insightful woman who works in personal development that she'd noticed a difference in the soul configurations of people who had grown up in larger versus smaller homes. Nothing positive or negative, simply different.
Transition times are always difficult. Small children generally do not do well with change. You don't want them to see or experience their home being dismantled because they might feel as if they're being pulled apart. What, I wondered, would be the best way to handle a house move for the little ones?
Soon after I began school, my parents bought a house fairly nearby so I could be in walking/biking distance. This meant, of course, that I was older and so could cope quite well with the breaking up of our old home and settling into the new. But my mom did a good thing, I think. She took me to school that morning (two bus rides were involved! In Johannesburg at that time there were no such things as school busses), and after school I went straight back to the new house. My room was already set up, with all my dolls, books and other treasures around me.
This made me feel fine. She was a wise and good woman, my mother.
Of course, a period of adjustment was still necessary. Every place has its own particular geophysical conditions which affect us in various ways. For the first seven years in particular, the energies in our environment form and influence us. Even today, when I pay a brief visit to Johannesburg, I feel as if I breathe in a different way. I feel strengthened and affirmed.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Overnight gleanings and a link for you.
The Blue-eyed boy and Curly-Locks spent the night last night. A couple of things came up for me. Both of them have to do with making children's experience of growing up a good one. This is another of the greater aims for this blog, as it is in my book 'Magical Motherhood'.
The boys arrived in their pjs, and I didn't have any clothes to dress them in. With this in mind, I wanted Curly-Locks to put on a bib when he ate his oatmeal so that he didn't drip on his top. He had the bib on for about ten seconds, then he reached back and pulled it off. He's done this before, but I never thought much about why he disliked wearing a bib. This a.m. the penny dropped. The velcro fastening was irritating the back of his neck. You know how itchy a stiff label can make you feel? That's what it was.
Cheryl arrived early for a chat and to take them home. She mentioned how Curly-Locks always sleeps sideways in his bed. Now, I'd checked on him a couple of times, but he was in the normal position. However, when he woke early and came to join me in mine, he scooted around to lie sideways. Again I wondered why. Then I realized the beds in our guest room are oriented north to south, whilst mine is east-west. And I remembered my dad saying north south was the way to go. Now, my father was anything but a flake. Not only that, he'd learned to sleep well in the roughest of conditions because he was 'up north' in the Second World War. That meant, a lot of the time, he was camped in the desert.
So here's the link I found when I googled. Scroll down and ignore most of the stuff about cows and sheep until you get to an anonymous post that begins 'The Hindu sages...' Interesting too is the earlier comment that REM sleep is increased with a n/s orientation.
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread385292/pg1
Maybe I'll move our bed. The good thing is, my computer sits east/west.
The boys arrived in their pjs, and I didn't have any clothes to dress them in. With this in mind, I wanted Curly-Locks to put on a bib when he ate his oatmeal so that he didn't drip on his top. He had the bib on for about ten seconds, then he reached back and pulled it off. He's done this before, but I never thought much about why he disliked wearing a bib. This a.m. the penny dropped. The velcro fastening was irritating the back of his neck. You know how itchy a stiff label can make you feel? That's what it was.
Cheryl arrived early for a chat and to take them home. She mentioned how Curly-Locks always sleeps sideways in his bed. Now, I'd checked on him a couple of times, but he was in the normal position. However, when he woke early and came to join me in mine, he scooted around to lie sideways. Again I wondered why. Then I realized the beds in our guest room are oriented north to south, whilst mine is east-west. And I remembered my dad saying north south was the way to go. Now, my father was anything but a flake. Not only that, he'd learned to sleep well in the roughest of conditions because he was 'up north' in the Second World War. That meant, a lot of the time, he was camped in the desert.
So here's the link I found when I googled. Scroll down and ignore most of the stuff about cows and sheep until you get to an anonymous post that begins 'The Hindu sages...' Interesting too is the earlier comment that REM sleep is increased with a n/s orientation.
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread385292/pg1
Maybe I'll move our bed. The good thing is, my computer sits east/west.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Hello Dolly!
Isn't she the darlingest doll you ever saw? And that old chair is beautiful too.
So why am I showing you this, and why does she have a pen on her lap? Well, that's to give you an idea of her size. She's quite big, and belongs to a slightly older girl (i.e. more than 3). Here's another photo for you to show how even active boys can relate!
You know how some children have imaginary companions? I think the bigger doll for older children acts like a kind of alter ego that's helpful for them. Plus, there could well be some social benefits in how they care for others down the line.
That's all for this weekend, folks. I hope to see you back soon because there's an abundance of thoughts I'd like to share with you.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Evolution
This morning I drifted over to my neighbour to see what she had on offer at her garage sale. I scored a couple of good things for the grandsons: a wooden set of dominoes (not black), a globe showing the countries of the world, and a pack of Uno cards. Those last two I'll put away for use further down the road.
As I arrived, a three year-old boy from across the street whom I've never spoken to before came up to me.
He said, "I saw a spider in a movie. It was as big as your head."
I replied, "Well, I've seen lots of spiders in my life and I can tell you I've never come across one that's bigger than this." And I made a circle with my thumbs and forefingers, a little smaller than my palm.
Back at home, I got to thinking. There were a couple of issues there, the first being kind of connected to my last post. i.e. didn't the parents think he might be scared when they exposed him to the image of that giant spider? Maybe they hadn't taken the time/trouble to view that movie first?
And the second thing I asked myself was "Why did he straight away share this with me?"
For comfort and reassurance, I presume.
Some years ago, I was staying at a friend's cottage when her five-year-old daughter came to visit. It was the first time I'd met her. She came up to me and she said, "You have magic powers."
More than somewhat taken aback, I denied it (which was stupid, actually). "Yes you have," she insisted. "I can see them."
I'm still wondering what exactly she could see.
The point of my recounting this small anecdote is not so much to give myself some credibility, but more to illustrate that small children are very likely to perceive much more than we do. And this is where I think evolution comes into play.
I don't think we're likely to evolve any further on the physical level... well, maybe the brain, but who knows? No, to me, where evolution is really happening is on the level of our consciousness, and you could call this the soul-spiritual level.
If you read Stephanie Meyer's 'Twilight', you'll know that each of the vampires had different psychic gifts. This is a trope I see more and more in popular fiction today, especially when it comes to young adult books. Because I'm an author myself, I keep an eye on what's going on in these areas. What I'm also noting is that there's a great deal about the world of fairies, or rather, the fae. As in the old folk tales, these beings are not always benevolent. But to me all this indicates that we're becoming more and more of the 'unseen' world.
So, to get to the point of this post, I'd like to suggest you keep open to the idea that your children will be more evolved than you, and are likely to have perceptions that are beyond your grasp. Do them a favour, and don't deny them, as I did to that little 5 year old.
As I arrived, a three year-old boy from across the street whom I've never spoken to before came up to me.
He said, "I saw a spider in a movie. It was as big as your head."
I replied, "Well, I've seen lots of spiders in my life and I can tell you I've never come across one that's bigger than this." And I made a circle with my thumbs and forefingers, a little smaller than my palm.
Back at home, I got to thinking. There were a couple of issues there, the first being kind of connected to my last post. i.e. didn't the parents think he might be scared when they exposed him to the image of that giant spider? Maybe they hadn't taken the time/trouble to view that movie first?
And the second thing I asked myself was "Why did he straight away share this with me?"
For comfort and reassurance, I presume.
Some years ago, I was staying at a friend's cottage when her five-year-old daughter came to visit. It was the first time I'd met her. She came up to me and she said, "You have magic powers."
More than somewhat taken aback, I denied it (which was stupid, actually). "Yes you have," she insisted. "I can see them."
I'm still wondering what exactly she could see.
The point of my recounting this small anecdote is not so much to give myself some credibility, but more to illustrate that small children are very likely to perceive much more than we do. And this is where I think evolution comes into play.
I don't think we're likely to evolve any further on the physical level... well, maybe the brain, but who knows? No, to me, where evolution is really happening is on the level of our consciousness, and you could call this the soul-spiritual level.
If you read Stephanie Meyer's 'Twilight', you'll know that each of the vampires had different psychic gifts. This is a trope I see more and more in popular fiction today, especially when it comes to young adult books. Because I'm an author myself, I keep an eye on what's going on in these areas. What I'm also noting is that there's a great deal about the world of fairies, or rather, the fae. As in the old folk tales, these beings are not always benevolent. But to me all this indicates that we're becoming more and more of the 'unseen' world.
So, to get to the point of this post, I'd like to suggest you keep open to the idea that your children will be more evolved than you, and are likely to have perceptions that are beyond your grasp. Do them a favour, and don't deny them, as I did to that little 5 year old.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A habit you don't want to establish
I'm busy with revisions for 'Cape Town', my novel that's coming out next spring, so this post is going to be short and, perhaps, both sweet and not-so-sweet.
Before I start, here's a pic for you that may or may not have any relevance to what I want to say today. (sweetening the deal maybe?)
As you can see, this is what we use our TV stand for. As a place for toys and books to reside, it works rather well. On the wall behind, you can get a glimpse of 'the king was in his counting house', from 'Sing a Song of Sixpence'. This is a series of watercolour nursery rhyme illustrations my dad did for me when he was 'up north' during the Second World War. One of these days I want to publish them in a book because they're really quite delightful. And not cartoonified, as are so very many of the children's books available today.
Okay, so the habit you don't want to establish for your child is the TV/computer habit. More and more research is coming out that proves the deleterious effects and how the hours spent in this fashion are increasing year by year. Quite apart from content, and no matter how much this might be touted as 'educational', it means children are sitting passively instead of doing what they should be i.e. experiencing the world in real time and space.
The approach I'm advocating on this blog is all about life and having it more abundantly. When you're tempted to expose your child to the virtual world, just ask yourself, wouldn't the real world be better?
Before I start, here's a pic for you that may or may not have any relevance to what I want to say today. (sweetening the deal maybe?)
As you can see, this is what we use our TV stand for. As a place for toys and books to reside, it works rather well. On the wall behind, you can get a glimpse of 'the king was in his counting house', from 'Sing a Song of Sixpence'. This is a series of watercolour nursery rhyme illustrations my dad did for me when he was 'up north' during the Second World War. One of these days I want to publish them in a book because they're really quite delightful. And not cartoonified, as are so very many of the children's books available today.
Okay, so the habit you don't want to establish for your child is the TV/computer habit. More and more research is coming out that proves the deleterious effects and how the hours spent in this fashion are increasing year by year. Quite apart from content, and no matter how much this might be touted as 'educational', it means children are sitting passively instead of doing what they should be i.e. experiencing the world in real time and space.
The approach I'm advocating on this blog is all about life and having it more abundantly. When you're tempted to expose your child to the virtual world, just ask yourself, wouldn't the real world be better?
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