by supertwigs | Jun 9, 2011 | Books, Environment, Goals, Nature, Parenting, Photography |
I just finished reading Richard Louv‘s The Nature Principle. I was privileged to hear him speak a few weeks ago, here in Vancouver. As I told him then, his book, Last Child in the Woods, completely changed the way I want to parent. After reading The Nature Principle, I can say, it has completely changed the way I want to live my life.
In fact, it has informed many of the sneaking suspicions that I have had for awhile now.
Suspicions like the feeling that I need to reconnect with nature. I want that for my children, and myself. Suspicions about my career path, and how I can add environmentalism / conservation / good old-fashioned love of nature to my life. The suspicion that my time spent on a small island off the coast of Vancouver was one of the most enlightening times of my life. And not just for the friendships I made. For the time spent in nature. The ocean breeze blowing off rocky cliffs; the sound of whales passing, their flukes slapping the waves; the trees, and the tall grasses. The sound of birdsong, the sightings of deer and other forest creatures. I can feel these things in my heart.
Our kids are named for the sea and the forest.
I have known about this nature connection for a long time. But I have not known exactly what to do about it. To be honest, I still don’t know. I do know, however, that my mind is whirling. Something I always consider a good thing.
For my family, I am going to join a family nature club (or start one – anyone interested?). For myself, I am going to start loving my present landscape. Exploring it with a keener eye, and photographing it with my camera. Those are two small steps. But, I have a great feeling there will be more. And I can hardly wait to find out where this will lead me.
So, shameless plug for a book that has the power to change lives and the world. It’s dense, and choc-full of information. Read it and be inspired.
by supertwigs | May 22, 2011 | Health, Parenting, Photography |
My baby turns one tomorrow! I admit, I am still in shock. Maybe even denial. She has an older brother. With him, I anticipated every little stage and growth. Now, I am getting smarter. They are all over so fast. So, please, not so fast! I’m not ready for her to grow up. I just feels so unreal. How could a year have gone by?
Yet, looking forward to the second year of her life – complete with language acquisition, walking skills, and a mouthful of teeth – I prepare for her birthday tomorrow.
The question is, should it contain cake?
My personal feeling on the matter has always been that no one-year-old needs cake. Especially one that has been eating healthy, organic foods from day one. Fruits and veggies, meats, whole grains. Little or no sugar. And, of course, 90% breast milk (illustrative, not conclusive, statistic, but you get the idea).
Four Cake-Eating Philosophies Disputed:
1. The “poor child” philosophy.
My child may be poor, but don’t feel sorry for her because she isn’t eating cake. She doesn’t know what she is missing. (I’m not against fun, or sweets, per se. I love sweets. Which is why I know that she will know what she is missing soon enough. Why force the inevitable?)
2. The “photo opportunity” philosophy.
Why do people feel they need a photo of a person eating cake/blowing out candles to commemorate a birth? I am guilty of this. It just seems necessary on a birthday. Now, stop and think about it: how many “good” photos do you have of a person eating cake/blowing out candles on their birthday? Because all of the ones I have collected over the years are subpar. Pretty lame in the realm of photography.
Plus, they haven’t created any real memories (“Remember the time Sylvie ate that piece of cake?” “Yeah! That was awesome!” “Good times…”).
I herby suggest to myself and others, to commemorate future birthdays with a better photo, and a better memory.
3. The “one piece won’t hurt” philosophy.
Of course not. I can only counter this with, “why?” Why the piece to begin with? She’s a baby. I don’t believe cake on your birthday will cause longterm health effects, nor am I concerned about obesity in my one-year-old. Still, healthy choices just seem easier, especially when she’s too young to fight, whine, or cry over it.
4. The “normal” philosophy.
There are two reasons, I think, many people give their one-year-olds birthday cake. One: it’s the norm. Everyone does it, and many people simply don’t consider not doing it. Two: for the guests. I would suggest that birthday cake is more for the people watching (“look at them eating cake, isn’t that cute?”) than the child.
Sure, the kid likes sweets (although not always). But, I’m quite sure parents/grandparents/friends get more of a kick out of the eating than they do. Is that really a good reason to do it?
You be the judge. Maybe I’m lame on this one. Like I said, I love sweets (although I don’t actually love cake all that much), so I understand the draw. But, I have also seen my (older) child on sweets. And, let me tell you, it makes the day easier on everyone if we limit the sugar overload. Yikes.
So, does my one-year old need cake? No. (I think you’d all agree).
But, should she have it anyway?
And, while you’re at it: What other rituals/traditions/photo-ops do you use to celebrate birthdays?
by supertwigs | May 3, 2011 | Environment, Health, Nature, Photography |
It’s time write my post for Nature Connections this month. So, here are a couple of my favourite shots of us playing outside.
There is something so inviting about a picnic, and my son shares this sentiment. For a child who is a picky eater, and certainly doesn’t have a love affair with food, the lure of the picnic still holds strong. Just mention the idea and his eyes light up. True, he may not spend much time actually eating during said picnic, but, for him, it is always an adventure.
So, here he is. Check out the pride in his picnic-bench-picking abilities. This time we tried about 5 before we settled on the right one… We sat next to the lake, listened to the birds chirping. He explored, I fed myself and the baby. He even ate some himself. We both felt refreshed, and peaceful.
I truly believe time spent outside brings an aspect of calm to his normally “super-charged” personality. How do I know? The research, the evidence, and the fact that it does the same to me.
by supertwigs | Apr 2, 2011 | Creativity, Photography |
Last week’s theme for the photography challenge I’m a part of (Project 52) was just for fun.
In that spirit, here are a couple of photos from our recent trip to the zoo.
Just me practicing with my telephoto lens, and these guys being willing subjects.
Go ahead. Submit a caption or two. Just for fun!
This giraffe is screaming for a caption.
“exCUSE me! I don’t recall inviting you.”
by supertwigs | Apr 1, 2011 | Health, Parenting, Photography |
I found this lovely idea on one of my new favourite blogs, Wonder in the Woods. Nature Connections is a fun way to share a love of nature and outdoor play. The idea: you post photos of kids playing outside, once a month. So, I have a new challenge, a new blog button, and here is my new post.
Nature Connecting in the Month of March
We have a running bike, and my son, Dylan, loves to ride on it. He’s very proud of his helmet.
This one was taken when we took it to the zoo on the first sunny day of spring.
I’ve posted this one before, but since it’s my favourite photo from March, here it is again.
Cousin Ronan’s laughter always makes us feel great.
We went to visit my sister, and the cousins, who are only a few months apart, had a fantastic time playing together, as always.
The two little angels are so dear to my heart.
These really are the priceless moments.
by supertwigs | Mar 12, 2011 | Education, Parenting, Photography |
This was our favourite playground. It used to back onto a forest.
Soon it will be a school. Do children not like the trees?
I am deeply saddened.
I live here in a townhouse. My lot must have looked like this, too.
I am deeply saddened.
What do I say to my son?
Hi! I’m Kelly Woods, writer, mother & librarian. I write about beauty, creativity, green living and lifestyle design to help others live a life of inspiration, too.