Photo of the Day.

Rejuvination.

I know, I know. More nature walks and being outside. Next week will be cold and rain - and so we take advantage of the gorgeous days now!


The first few days of nice weather the boys seem to run without seeing, freed, finally from the bounds of winter. After a few days of walks and exploring (something that is not frozen and white, that is) they begin to slow down, look at plants, listen to the birds, and notice more.


They also start to roam and explore, examine, and experiment. Oh, and run!!!

The sun and warmth rejuvenated me too, I think, which was much needed. We have some good projects for the boys this week - perfect for the rain to come...but we have just one more day of sunshine first!

Outside Play.

We have had a few days of nice weather, and have been able to spend a lot of time outside. Playing, picinics, playgrounds, nature walks, fresh air and sunshine.


There are still bits of snow here and there, but most has melted, and grass is starting to peek up. G was so happy to find a warm patch of grass, he had to lie down, feel the ground, and make "grass angels".

To run free and play outside again - ahhhh.

April...

I Go Among Trees and Sit Still

I go among trees and sit still.
All my stirring becomes quiet
Around me like circles on water.
My tasks lie in their places
Where I left them, asleep like cattle…

Then what I am afraid of comes.
I live for a while in its sight.
What I fear in it leaves it,
And the fear of it leaves me.
It sings, and I hear its song.

~Wendell Berry

I have been feeling like my creativity is tied to the weather - up and down, cold and warm, sunny and cloudy. The boys seem perfectly happy with the ups and downs of April though - getting outside as soon as a glimmer of sun comes up, and coming inside when it rains. They also enjoyed a surprise visit from my sister - always a good excuse to get out and do something different!

I have been feeling the spring itch -- all of my cleaning and sorting and organizing this week has me in the mood for some warmth and sunshine so I can throw open the windows and let it all in!

National Poetry Month.

The Swing

by Robert Louis Stevenson

How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
River and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside—

Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown—
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!

April is National Poetry Month. I have always been fond of poetry, and as a musician, always felt my song was my outlet. Poetry has always been there for me - silly rhymes, ballads, traditional lullaby's, jump rope ditties, and then into adulthood the classics, the contemporary, the spoken word, performance art.

Children have a natural love of poetry - rhymes tickle the tongue and bring joy to words and thoughts, develops rhythm and memory. There are so many awesome books out there - and we are going to be reading some of those over the next few weeks.


I'm going to be putting some of our favorites in my side bar book list as we go this month. Tara has some good recommendations posted already!

A few other places with book ideas:
-Children's Book Council
-Poetry for Children blog

Do you have any favorites??