english blog

What a relief to come up with an easy last minute alternative to egg dyeing.  Don't get me wrong, decorating eggs is one of my favorite traditions this time of year. I'm just feeling a bit protective of the few precious eggs our two sweet hens have just begun sharing again.  I often feel wasteful because after all of the handling and hiding and hunting that those pretty painted eggs endure- not much eating happens to these dyed varieties. Over the years, I've limited it to boiling or blowing a dozen eggs. That's 4 a piece for the three of us. Not nearly enough for family of makers. We always long for more. I love offering a sense of abundance wherever I can. So, this morning I started cutting out eggs from stiff water color paper. Lots of them. With promises of more if we ran out. We brought out the crayons and watercolors and this is what happened... Simple. Satisfying. Holes were punched. String was looped. Onto branches they went. No fear of cracks or breaks. And we ...

It's spring break at our place, but as there's snow on the ground... again... I hesitate to call it that. Besides around here it's essentially Horselandia- so we're officially on "horse break". What that means is that my daughter has hours and days to play with her growing collection of horses and invite all of her equally horse crazy friends over for an equestrian fest. Making stuff is the best part. Wire, leather, felt, ribbons...  and lots of duct tape are all out as bridles and saddles are constructed morning, noon and night. As a mom, I couldn't be happier! I'm still finding my way around all of this horse business, but what I've discovered is that it's wholesome, powerful and imaginative play that promotes cooperation and community with her friends. It's the perfect extension to my daughter's favorite part of the week- riding lessons.  When they are not inside crafting and playing... they're out back trotting and galloping. Go...

One of the most beloved holiday movies of the last few decades is “A Christmas Story,” the tale of a little boy who dreams of finding a toy gun under the tree but is constantly being told that he’ll shoot his eye out. Alas, toy guns aren’t the only dangerous playthings being marketed to kids these days. Some toys are dangerous to children’s health and safety, while others encourage values that parents may not want to reinforce. Here our dirty dozen toys, the ones responsible parents won’t be buying this Christmas. Read more »