Showing posts with label waldorf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label waldorf. Show all posts
Based on the autumnal French tradition of Martinmas, last week we enjoyed a very special lantern walk of our own at Hugo's school. There was much excitement on the evening when we met at Hugo's class at dusk, which was beautifully decorated with glowing jack o' lanterns. The peeps hung their lanterns on pegs and went inside for songs and a puppet show by candlelight.
Afterwards we went back outside to light our lanterns and made an illuminating procession through the school with more jack o' lanterns lighting the way, down to a bonfire. In the gloaming we made a large circle of glimmering lanterns and sang songs around a beautiful bonfire.Lantern walks are popular with young children who are keen to see the dark autumn evenings brightened. Hugo thought it was magical and it was a treat for me to celebrate a traditional festival in the appropriate season. As the days become shorter, it brings about a feeling of cherishing the light in preparation for the coming darkness of winter. A very magical and wondrous festival.
Hugo finished playgroup. Every Friday for two years we've been going to play, make craft, eat warm bread and see puppet shows. It's something we've both enjoyed in our week. For our last day, each child was presented with a tiny red present:: a tiny crochet brooch.
He is so proud of it and hasn't taken it off. Such a small handmade gesture means the world to children. Something I'm mindful of in the lead up to Christmas. Next year, he moves up to pre kinder and for one day a week I. Leave. Him. There. All. Day. He can't wait. Sob.
Meanwhile, Elsa has been filling the house with small vases of flowers from the garden. This little bunch was waiting for me on my bedside table last night after returning home from a late shift at work. So sweet. I felt very special as I feel asleep.
We also have a guest, he doesn't say much, and we're not sure what he likes to eat, but Elsa has made up a lovely house for him. He brings a gorgeous festive sheen to the house. We hope he likes it here.
These are some of the precious moments from our week. I'm trying to focus and remember them and forget about the crazy chaos that takes up most of my time. I hope you've had some precious times in your week too.
Last year's Blogtoberfest set the great challenge of posting every day, so I couldn't resist signing up again for Tinniegirl's annual blogstravaganza.
To make things easier, I'll have a theme of sorts this year. I'm thinking of basing each day's post on one of three themes :: in the kitchen, in the garden, in the valley.
But to kick off a month of daily posts, I'll start with a snap of our spring table. Blooms from the garden, collected by Hugo, Miss Spring made by my clever sister.
It will be a little while yet before we have our Christmas tree up, but yesterday I spurlged on this beautiful handmade nativity set from Brazil. I love their little sweet faces, and Elsa is completely smitten with the angel.As soon as Elsa and I placed them on the mantle this morning, I instantly felt overcome by an incredible sense of calm. Our home has a new energy today. They must be magic.
We had such a busy day at the Spring Fair at our local Waldorf school. This is the school that Hugo will start in a few years and hopefully Elsa will in the not too distant future (she's on the waiting list). It's such a marvelous day full of gorgeous children's activities. First stop, off to see the gingerbread houses and decorate our own little men and hearts. Then more decorating in the craft room. This time a candle. Next, a visit to the Children's Tent, which is so special. No adults allowed, the children wander through a pick a handmade treasure to take home. I poked the camera through to take a snap though! Doesn't it look a treat?
Waldorf doll clothes made from recycled fabrics
buckets of irises
Hugo decorates a candle
decorating gingerbread
sweet gingerbread town
secret children's business
Although it's October, I really feel like painting some eggs right now and hanging them from the tree on our seasonal table. The garden is full of new spring growth, the hens are laying eggs like crazy and there are rabbits everywhere. Pure Easter.
Fröh Ostern
Last day of school holidays today, sigh. It's been so relaxed and warm and fun. I didn't get nearly half way through my planned activities for the little ones, like collect shells from the beach, a bush walk and paint the fence.
I had also stocked up on craft supplies for the holidays from a gorgeous tiny new Hobart store called Lyrebird, they specialize in Waldorf inspired toys, crafts and unicycles(!).
So with our beautiful Lyrebird wool we tried felting today as per Amanda's lovely book. I was hoping to make some eggs for the nest we found that's displayed on our Spring nature table.
A bowl of hot soapy water and roll the wool into shapes - too easy. Although I'm glad Amanda cautioned that it's about the process rather than the product, but we did manage a few eggies of sorts. Lots of splashing and lots of fun.
Hugo and i went to our Waldorf playgroup today. It's such a calm and beautiful environment - we both love going there. It was our turn to bring the bread dough, and the children knead the dough and make rolls for afternoon tea. First the teacher sprinkles flour over the children's hands to make a flour hand print on the table.
The room is so beautiful and set up for creative play. You can see how ordered the toys are. It's a real fantasy...
The room is so beautiful and set up for creative play. You can see how ordered the toys are. It's a real fantasy...
