What This Summer Has Taught Me

Here is what I learned this summer:

I know, I know. . . we already think we know it, but I know it deep in the fiber of my being.  I painted this little rock to put on my desk this year and remember.

This summer I removed everything familiar from my 4 year olds life.  I took him to a unique and wonderful place, but it was way tougher on both of us than I could have imagined.  If I had waited for creating the beautiful moment when we both looked good slathered in sunscreen playing blissfully on the beach, this summer would have been a huge disappointment.

Instead we just kept moving on in all our wonderful imperfection.  I tried to stay really present.  {I soo often didn't succeed!}  Except for work I let go of my agenda, and just started to see where life would take us.  We found parks and beaches I didn't even know existed.  {We love the swim area at East Harbor State Park.}  We learned how to use touch screen computers at the Port Clinton Library.  We were regulars at God Squad all summer.  We went to concert, and we met a new musician, Zak Morgan  We saw sunsets and did lots of beach combing for shells, glass, and smooth rocks,  We had so many people be so generous with us--so many more than I could even name here.

It wasn't all beauty and bliss!  There were lots of meltdowns {from both of us} and lots of good plans went the wrong way.  I had almost no time to myself all summer.  I have a super quirky boy, and that can be tricky.  We ate too much junk food, and I only had a few minutes here and there to do yoga.  I could probably do a mini program of mini sequences that work!

Now it's ending, and I will miss life near the lake.

It's almost time for school to start, and with the rock on my desk, here is some of my summer that I want to take into my classroom:

1.  It is about making each amazing moment matter

2.  Quirky kids are fun

3.  Sometimes you have to let go of the plan

4.  Sometimes it's going to be messy and there will be meltdowns

5.  Life is always smoother when I have time to myself on a regular basis

6.  I will be sad when it's all over, no matter how it turns out

What has summer taught you that you will take into your new school year?

Learn more about Brave Fall Retreat.

Super Excited About the 2013 Brave Fall Retreat

So excited!

Proudly presenting. . .

Sustainable U

2013 Brave Fall Retreat

September 27 - 29, 2013

Lakeside, Ohio

What's going to sustain you right now, right where you are?

Spend a weekend on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie engaged in mini-courses designed to support you on your quest toward sustainability.  Our focus will be sustaining yourself right where you are, doing what you are doing.  We will do this through a series of informal mini-courses for mind, body, and spirit.

This is my official invitation just for you to join us at the 3rd Annual Brave Fall Retreat!

Read all the details HERE!

New Creative and Engaging Toy

I have a VERY active and curious 4 year old son.  {It's very hard to keep his attention for more than 5 minutes.}  A few things can engage him--legos, for example.

We have a new favorite toy.  He can't get enough of them, and I love creating with them, too!

It's called Plus-Plus.  We have the minis.  They look like little plastic puzzle pieces, but the versatility is amazing.  It's made in Denmark.  There are various color packs.  They can be purchased in boxes of 100, 300, 600, or 1200.

When I say HOURS of fun, I'm not exaggerating a bit.  The possibilities are limitless.  You can see some amazing designs on the website, but just let kids enjoy.  You can find them online, but I would recommend that you let your independent local toy store know about them.  We bought them here in Lakeside at Fine Print Bookstore.  {They have a wonderful book selection and lots of great quality unique toys.}

If you're looking for a no batteries required toy for a child, I highly recommend Plus-Plus.  It's definitely our favorite toy find of the summer.

Fully Alive

I know that in just a couple weeks these moments are going to feel like distant memories.  I want to be fully alive and present and enjoying this all!

Fun For All: Rock Painting

I've had loads of fun this week painting rocks with my son.  It's so simple.  And so fun.

All you need are some rocks--try landscaping and gardening places.

Acrylic paints and brushes and newspaper to cover your work surface {and a spray sealant if you're leaving them outside}

Enjoy!

Here are some of our creations this week:

Sam's smiling head and mommy's help with body!

You can see other art I made this week HERE

What have you been creating in your corner of the world this week?