29 September 2011

tiny dancer



When we first thought about having owlets, Huz and I agreed, one of the main reasons was humor. While there are plenty of moments which are decidedly unfunny, we have certainly noticed an increase in unpredictable humor around the nest. A constant source of laughs is Tiny Owlet. And doesn't she know it?

Dancing

Her current *thing* is dancing. Every time she climbs up on something (another *thing* sigh...), or grabs something she was after, or eats something she likes, or gets the joke, or sees something fun, or hears music... She celebrates through dancing. Usually a little bobbing up and down or a body rock. Her music of choice is daft punk. But anything will get her going. The face cracks and her whole body breaks out in a smile.

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When was the last time you danced for joy? I think I might try it tomorrow. Just for fun. It looks like fun, doesn't it? xx

my creative space



My creative space this week consists of...

* Hair clips and onesies for an order for the Wilderness Society Shop. If you're in Hobart next week, pop in there and visit ;) I managed to make two hair clips at Brown Owls on Saturday. So Brown Owls may not be a space where I get heaps done, huh? Too much talking to do... You can read about the first Hobart Brown Owls meet here. It was excellent fun.

* More ric rac doll bits lying around. Need to get some more stuffing so we can continue.

* Choosing a project for me. Because it's most definitely time. Either a wrap skirt or a schoolhouse tunic.

* Knitting. This time, back to squares for Tiny's rug. Always knitting something.

* Planning gardens. Always planning. Looking forward to the actual gardening bit.

See other creative spaces here.

26 September 2011

unschool monday :: the cost

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So it pretty much goes without saying... you don't home educate if you want to be wildly affluent and independently wealthy. In the short term, at least. It's a labour of love, rewarding in so many ways other than financial, and all that... Actually, we're extremely fortunate to be in the position where I'm able to be at home with the owlets full time. But it wasn't always this way...

Once upon a time, I used to work from home and got to a point where the work just wasn't worth the time away from the owlets. It was going solely towards paying Big Owlet's kindergarten fees, plus a small saving for the coming year. We were paying a huge mortgage and scraping by. Then one night, in a fit of dissatisfaction, I decided to quit my job. And unschool the owlets instead. "Ok". Said Huz, and so we began. We looked at the financial side of it first and decided it wasn't as scary as we thought, going to just one income, from one and a half...

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Once we took out school fees (and potential school fees, as they were rising year by year), school camps and extras, equipment, and travel (Oh my goodness the travel! Twenty-five minutes in the car, each way, four times a day), and multiplied it by the number of owlets we could envisage filling our nest... It started to look do-able. Next we looked at the local public school and when uniforms, equipment, outings, camps, extra-curricular activities were all added up, unschooling still looked good on paper. We'd have to stick to a tight budget, maybe grow our own food, but that was one of the benefits of unschooling. Who needs a kitchen garden program, when you have a garden with food and every cookbook you could wish for and unlimited access? And when the whole world is your classroom, the cost can be worked around creatively, right?

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So now we're bona fide unschoolers, here's how it works... About 50% of our income goes towards our mortgage. Any financial advisor will tell you this is not good. But that's how we roll. We're in it for love, not money and this nest is part of the lifestyle and the place where we make memories and owlets learn. So, we're paying more than we should. Add to that all the bills, which are somewhat increased because we are home most days, rather than in school and an office. Electricity is possibly higher. Clothing is mostly second hand or handmade. You'd be surprised how much beautiful second hand designer children's clothing is available on the internet. For a pittance. Food costs possibly the same. But, I can gear our weekly meal plan according to how much money we have to spend and be a little flexible with that because I don't have to fill a lunchbox, just hungry tummies. Instead of tuck shop lunches, we go out and this is where it gets costly, especially on days where I don't feel like cooking. But, we can eat porridge or pasta for lunch if that's all that's available...



Resources. Here's the big one. Unschooling works when you strew materials and ideas for children to spark their interest and help them follow a learning path... We strew resources found at the library, free online sites, garage sales, op shops...

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There's an incredible amount available for free or next to nothing. It's rare that we buy books new. We see the world as our classroom, so going for a walk can lead to valuable learning. And it's free. The owlets take lessons in up to two paid activities each. Possibly more if they need to try something new, to see if they like it. Classes are expensive. We find friends to mentor and teach when we can. We seek out free activities in the city whenever we can. Birthdays are an excuse to bulk up our resources too... For example, Big Owlet was given a bunch of books and a world explorer's kit, full of science, art and other equipment, for her birthday. Outings and camps are part of our family weeks, so considered entertainment for us all, rather than a "school outing". I allocate a small portion of our budget each week to activities or resources, but often end up spending it on dinner out.

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So, if unschooling is all about following the child's lead, what if an owlet wants something and we can't provide it? We find a way. Either we save for it, or if it's something the owlet particularly wants (and we don't), they save for it. They get pocket money, but if there's something they could do that's surplus to their regular contribution to family life, we pay them extra for it. Then it's up to them to save. Right now, we're introducing the idea of a budget to Big Owlet. We're sharing our family budget with her and she's working out her own budget so she can save for a particular toy she wants. She'd like to set up a shop too, to kick-start her earnings.... If there's something really unattainable that an owlet particularly wants, we sit down and work out a way for it to happen. Everything's possible. If it can't happen, we're honest about that. So far it hasn't damaged their learning ability, but rather aided it. Everything, every conversation, is an opportunity to learn. And even on one income, life can be rich and fulfilling.

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Today's Unschool Monday topic was requested by one of the Sarahs over at Unschooling Sarahs. If there's something you'd like to know about, with regards to Unschooling and the owlet take on it, please feel free to ask. 



23 September 2011

things I know :: this is going too fast

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Word is that this *may* be the last time we do this baby thing. So we're taking it slowly. Relishing almost every moment. Breathing in that lingering baby smell. Holding her a little longer... But it's flying by. Tiny is ten months old now. TEN (and a bit). And although I don't know what the future will bring, I do know that it will be here quickly and before long, she'll be opposite me drinking a banana milkshake and looking a little like this...

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So gorgeous. Eyes full of love and smiles. But where did those five years go?

Babycino bubbles

Anyway, back to Tiny. Huz mentioned that I might want to blog the things *she* knows. Right now. Just so we remember all the cute.

* Babycinos are her favourite and her best. But mostly for blowing frothy bubbles across the table at everyone.
*When everyone is laughing, the right thing to do is join in. And slap your hand on the table. Cos it's probably the funniest thing ever.
* She can do laps of the coffee table, one handed, without pants. And she is FAST.
* Big sisters are hilarious. So is chasing them.
* Outside is the best place in the world.
* Steps are for going up. And down. And up. And down. And...
* An adult lying on the floor is an obstacle to be climbed over again and again.
* There are opportunities for peek-a-boo almost everyhere you look. 
* She can wave hello and bye-bye. And vaguely babble the words too.
* Sometimes when she's chatty, everything sounds like "Barbara".
* Saying "cuddle" prompts Tiny to snuggle into a shoulder. Or throw a tiny hand around our arm. This is designed to melt hearts.
* Saying "kiss" brings lip smacking and a muppet-like kissing action. Or a very wet, open mouthed face lick.
* Muppet-like kissing action with sucked in cheeks means "I'm a tad thirsty, I'd like some water out of my sippy water bottle please".
* Grabbing mama's top or slapping her chest with glee needs no further explanation.
* Cats are called "sss" (short for puss). Birds are called "bah". Dogs are also called "bah". It's all in the direction you point though.
* Pandy lives on the pelmet.
* Lights are up and cause one's neck to crane backwards and a funny grunt to come out.
* Sometimes dinner involves heavy breathing, and a trance like state. This translates to "compliments to the chef".
* Banana and rockmelon are not faves. Spicy food is totally ok though.
* A bowl on the floor means dinner's over.
* Sticking fingers in her ears means bedtime.
* Sleep time is over only when she's smiling. If she wakes up unhappy, she's not done. Feed back to sleep until happy face appears.
* Being strapped into anything (car seat, stroller, swing...) pretty much sucks. Unless we are moving. Then it's actually quite awesome.
* Mama's hip, or back is the best place to be.


Go see what everyone else knows over at Shae's and have a lovely weekend. xx

22 September 2011

harmony :: part two

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Last week it was Little Owlet needing some space to be heard, to sing loudest for once so we could find some harmony... Then by the weekend, we were hearing Big Owlet louder than ever. She needed space. She had a friend to sleep over and slept in the music room, as usual. But this time, when the sleepover was finished, Big Owlet asked to stay. Just another night. She wanted some space. We'd been talking about it for a while, noticing that she seemed to have transitioned into an older, more grown up self. Her play has changed. She's not as interested in the imaginative games of some of her younger friends, including Little Owlet. She still believes in faeries, and loves to dress up, but she tires of games easily. She's ready to start role playing real life situations and figuring out who she is right now. She's different to the Big Owlet who wanted clouds painted on her walls...

The owlets have moved in and out of each other's rooms on and off for years. We've moved their bunks in and out of each of the bedrooms, including ours, more than once. Always responding to what their particular needs were at the time. We've struggled daily with the mess of two individuals crammed into one small space. Every surface cluttered with their treasures and projects... It was time they each had a space to stretch out in. So, very slowly, we've begun to transform these rooms into spaces which reflect each of our bigger owlets and who they are. Everything has a place to fit and there seems to be harmony again.

Today, both of the bigger owlets had a head cold and snuggled in Big Owlet's bed all day. They're great mates. That won't change. But this time, I think, the move is permanent. For Big Owlet, it's time. Little Owlet looks quite small up on the top bunk, where Big Owlet once slept. She's waiting patiently until Tiny Owlet wants to join her in there... Some day. And then a whole new kind of song will be playing in our nest. I'm looking forward to hearing it.

19 September 2011

unschool monday :: social + learning

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There's been lots of change and transition happening for Big Owlet. Mostly it's been about finding her place in the world. Figuring out where she fits. She's been interested in conforming, identifying a crowd to cosy in with. She's tried on some more mainstream hats that didn't really suit and found out a little more about social groups and how they work. She's felt what it's like when a best friend turns on you, within a group. She's felt unsafe. Excluded. And she's figured out that she can survive it and be accepted and rather than just fitting in, be happy within her own skin. Her skin is thickening.  And she's learning to seek new friendships that fulfill her. Make her feel safe and loved and like she fits. I'm sure the process will ebb and flow, but for now, she's happy being herself.

For a little while, when people asked her why she wasn't at school, she'd get really uncomfortable. "I hate that question, Mum. I don't want to be different." I told her how I hated when grown ups used to ask me what I was learning at school... like it was all that I was. It made me think about how we categorise children and their experience of life. How we value their learning above all else. Big Owlet's  starting to realise now that her learning process doesn't define her, but rather gives her a chance to be herself. To define herself. And that's pretty cool. The other day when she was asked if she was still on school holidays, here's how the conversation went:

Insurance desk woman: "Are you still on school holidays?"
Big Owlet: "No. I don't go to school"
Insurance desk woman: "Oh. When are you allowed to do that?"
Me: "We home educate"
Big Owlet: "Actually, I'm unschooled"
Insurance desk woman: *crickets* *blink*
Me (trying to bite my tongue, failing): "She learns at home"
Big Owlet : "No. I'm unschooled"
Insurance desk woman: "Well, how does that work?"
Big Owlet: "I do what ever I want to do and learn as I go and Mum & Dad help me out if I need it."
Insurance desk woman: "Wow. You're lucky. I wish my parents had done that for me."

She carried her head a little higher after that conversation. She's starting to understand why we do what we do and is feeling good about it. Next, we wandered down the road (in rainbow faerie dresses... them, not me), to a family fun day at Forestry Tasmania. We didn't have lots of time, but were interested in a quick look. A friend of ours helped organise the day and greeted us at the door. We were handed a map and were told we had to get a stamp at each learning activity if we wanted to get a showbag. Well of course we wanted a showbag. But as Big Owlet said "I just want to do the activities in my own way, Mama. I don't want to do them all." And also, we didn't have time... we ended up running to each activity, not really sure what we were doing, being told we had to do the educational activity and learn something before we could earn a stamp. Ah, rewards. A concept somewhat foreign to the owlets. Big Owlet is starting to see how the way we view learning can be counter-intuitive and confusing... In the end we ran out of time to get all the stamps and she pleaded to our friend to just give her the showbag anyway... She did, thank goodness...

Later we drove through some forest, home from a friends house and Big Owlet said "You know, Mama, If you want to learn about the forest, you just go to one". Exactly.


See our other explorations in socialisation + unschooling here, herehere, and here






18 September 2011

made with love

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I love creating things. First the concept, then the colours and the pattern. I love mixing things up and seeing what works and especially working with things I've found along the way. As I create, I think about who it's for (because it's never for me)... I imagine their reaction when they receive it. I hope they will love it. As I do. And love that it was made for them, with what little time I have, and with love.

Yesterday I received a message from someone who did not like what I made for them. From the outset, the process was difficult. Communication was a major problem. They expected something different to what they received, despite my best efforts to make the process and the end result clear to them, and understand their expectations... Actually what they received wasn't at all what they thought it would be. And they expected it sooner than I, or the postie could get it to the other side of the world... They were unhappy. They were twisting the truth. And this time there as no mistaking what they were trying to say. Funny how the messages we deliver are often clearer when they are written in anger and people are direct. To the point of rudeness. I now have a big black mark against my clear record of happy customers. It just doesn't seem to be in the spirit of handmade.

Yesterday left a bad taste in my mouth. I learnt lots (SO MUCH!), but it never feels nice to be spoken to like that, to be misrepresented, without recourse... And it might be a while before I feel like making something for someone I don't know so well... I'm thinking on it... Actually, I'm super keen to make things for the ones I love best. Including myself. Because I think it's about time...

Ever had a negative response from someone you've made something for? How did it make you feel? How did you move past it? Ever have something made for you that wasn't what you'd hoped? How did you respond? Hope you've had a lovely weekend. xx

16 September 2011

{this moment} :: wheee!!



{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Inspired by SouleMama.

15 September 2011

my creative space...



Getting there... slowly. Grabbing snippets of time, with Big Owlet by my side, sewing Ric Rac dolls. Craft spells nurture for Big Owlet, so I'm making time for this when I can. I'm also looking forward to Brown Owls kicking off on Saturday week! I wonder what I'll take to work on?

Visit some more creative spaces here.

14 September 2011

worldly wednesday :: Scotland



There's been sickness (again!) in our nest, so the travel has been every other week. This week, with enthusiasm dwindling, we visited Scotland very briefly. We read stories, watched documentaries and talked at greater length about our own Scottish heritage. We have at least four ancestors who've come out from Scotland.... During the week we realised much of our comfort food may have resembled theirs. Porridge for breakfast and neeps and tatties for dinner, with chicken sausages in lieu of haggis... seriously there was no way I was getting the owlets to eat that, but the snags enabled me to explain what haggis is about.



Afterwards, we had shortbread and dundee cake and tea with the teapot my great, great grandmother brought out from Scotland. I told the owlets a few family stories... some true, some questionable...



Huz showed the owlets a Sgian-dubh (sock dagger) he'd be given a long time ago.



Then we looked up our family's tartans, for the few clans among our ancestors. Big owlet decided to design one just for us. Rainbow tartan. Perfect.

13 September 2011

Harmony



One of the first sounds I heard this morning as a little whiney voice at the end of my bed. Little Owlet has been feeling out of sorts. Wanting her voice to be heard a little louder. Little does she realise, her voice is often the one that rings the loudest in our nest. She's a complex sort and needs just a little extra nurturing most days. Of course, along with her complexity and sensitivity comes compassion and empathy and an awareness of her own needs. I love her for it, but gosh some days it drives me close to the edge... She's quite a lot like me. When I hear her whinging, I hear myself. 

Anyhow... back to me and the bed and this morning... I said to Huz that I didn't think I was up for a day of that little high pitched voice letting me know she wanted to be heard. Not today. So he said "She needs some attention. Some special time on her own. I'll take her to work with me." *sigh* Love that man. He was exactly right and that was exactly what she needed. Needless to say, they had a wonderful time...



So did I, with Big Owlet and Tiny Owlet. After a morning of nurturing Big Owlet in her most favourite way (sewing while Tiny slept), we headed into town for the library, lunch and laughs... 


It was so lovely to reconnect with Big Owlet again. We wandered hand in hand around town all day, like we used to when Little Owlet was snuggled on my back, rather than Tiny. And today, Big and Tiny played beautifully... 


When we all arrived back home, there was a certain sense of peace in our nest. Little Owlet still needed big cuddles and lots of mama time, but she was walking a little taller. Sounding a little happier. More content. As were all of us... A reminder that sometimes harmony happens when we each have a chance to be heard.

If you'd like to see what our days look like... I mean every minute of a regular, somewhat harmonious day, pop over to Dear Baby G tomorrow. I have a guest post there for her "What do you do all day long?" series. Thanks, Sarah! It was fun to take note of what I actually do!xx

12 September 2011

unschool monday :: art

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As soon as the owlets have been able to hold a crayon, I've encouraged them to make their mark. They hit the 8.5 month mark and suddenly they understand what I'm showing them to do and they give it a try. They smile. They love it. Next time they do it without hesitation. And they make their mark.

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Art is part of our every day. At some point the owlets will pull out paper and pen, or a sketchbook and pencil, or paper and brush and they'll disappear into a world of their own for a moment. So very busy. So focused.

When Big Owlet was three, I discovered art was the key to balancing her. On those days where she was "very three", I'd pull out an easel and splodge some paint in some cups and she'd go to her happy place. She'd become calm and centred for the rest of the day. Or a great portion of it. So, I'm sure you can understand why it became part of our everyday...

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I can't imagine their days without the freedom or the time to make art. When we were looking at schools for Big Owlet, a long, long time ago, we discovered her days would be devoid of her own kind of art. At the school we had chosen, she'd be encouraged to learn to make a certain kind of art. Beautiful, but not her own unique mark. At the school around the corner, creative work looked to us like colouring in. Art would be available to her, but only after school. As an extra-curricular thing. And only if she was "good" at it. How do you decide if a child is good or not. Aren't they all artists?

All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. ~ Pablo Picasso.

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Now that we are unschooling, I can see the importance of art. Having observed Big Owlet's and now Little Owlet's path towards writing and reading, I've watched as letters appear amongst scribbles and squiggles. I've watched words appear as part of drawings. Then annotations and then watched as the drawings annotate the writing. I've watched them use art for counting and mathematical thinking. I've watched them dissect what they are drawing into shapes. I've seen them appreciate the art in science and vice versa. I can't imagine life without art... And so today I'm sorting through their art, for our records. I can't separate it into subject areas, so I'll keep it together in one big lump of learning. And I'll tidy up our art supply cupboard so art is always available to them. However they choose to do it and in their own time.





9 September 2011

things I know :: community

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We just aren't meant to live like we do, I reckon. Each of us in our own house with our own car, each child in their own room, with their own i-thingamy. Families are spread across country, Grandparents, aunties and uncles working or traveling or busy with life. Perhaps on polite "hello" terms with the neighbours, but nothing more, sometimes less. Each of us heading off to work to pay for our houses and cars and i-thingamies and outsourcing things like care of our gardens, houses, pets, children... Surely the focus is wrong. The stuff and the things don't matter as much as the people who live in and use them. What matters is the connection. Right? Well that's what I thought after I had my first baby, bought my first house and had to head off to work to pay for it all... And because I was a bit lonely. I'm actually quite introverted. Not much of a people person, but they needed me at work... and as much as I was needed at home, it felt nice to be needed by more people than just one tiny person. And it was overwhelming sometimes too, being home with her. But leaving her felt wrong too. So wrong. I wanted so much to be with her every day... There had to be a better way. It takes a village. A tribe. But how do you find it?

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We moved to Tasmania, kissed family goodbye and set up home. We had to try and find some sort of support. Make some connections with people we didn't know. Where do you begin? Most of the friends I've come to know here, I've known online first. Finding an online community was wonderful, informative and nurturing, but still not helping me day to day, in a practical sense. I needed to make it a real life community. At first I found a couple of like minded families to meet up with. Then a homebirth community and a school community which later became a home school, earthy-birthy community. For a while we spent days in the park watching our children play. The owlets would always make it a goal to make one new friend each time. Nurturing those friendships was perhaps not as easy as making them. It takes time to get to really know people. To let them into your tribe...

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These days, I meet monthly in my nest with a group of amazing women for a women's circle for time to ourselves, to connect with each other, build friendships, release and feel nurtured. For the world to just stop for a moment. I'm so grateful for it. For them. But some days are hard and the world doesn't stop and I'm finding I need much more support in my weeks, to help them flow. And what I've noticed is the more that you let people help you, the more you help them, the more you just spend time doing regular stuff, the closer you become.

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So, after a couple of years of hibernation, waiting for Tiny Owlet, and an all-over the place winter of sickness in our nest, I'm making Spring a time for building even more community for myself and my family. For making a concerted effort to strengthen those friendships. So that on the toughest days we don't feel alone. Not just for our little family, but the amazing women, children, families we spend our time with. We all deserve community...

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Brown Owls is how we're building some creative community to nurture our love of making and designing things... Then yesterday, some friends and I held our first MamaBake. Our children, aged between 9mths and 8yrs, all played while we cooked meals for our families. SO many meals! We filled the fridge and that's just my family's stash! We have food to nurture us through those tough days where we don't feel like cooking. And it's made with love. For our own families and each other. For one day we parented and cooked together and it felt like the beginning of a village. Hooray for that!

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Next up is a regular group for our owlets to find their community. I'm looking forward to families growing together, learning together. Just having fun! What a beautiful example for the owlets to witness too. People working together... I've also got little seeds of other ideas; a gardening group among our families, perhaps some volunteer work at the local organic co-op, inviting the neighbour over for a cuppa... There's so much to do when you stop and think about it! So many friends to make. A whole village to build!

Do you have support? A village around you? Do you seek it?
Maybe you'd like to start up a Brown Owls or a MamaBake group too?

Read up on what some other wise peeps know about other things over here. And have a wonderful weekend! xx

8 September 2011

thankful thursday

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A simple thought... But I'm so thankful for the joy and sunshine that Tiny Owlet has brought into our lives. My happy, gentle soul. I'm also incredibly thankful for the others pictured here, whose utter delight and every happiness each day is just to make her smile... Love them. xx

More thankful peeps over here

6 September 2011

how now brown owl?

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Years ago, when I hadn't lived in Hobart long, didn't know many peeps, felt like I was on holidays... I missed creating with people. Having just left a design studio to work from home, suddenly creating was a whole lot quieter. Then I discovered blogging and found my way to Pip's. Not long after, she began a craft group called Brown Owls. I was sad that it hadn't been around when I was in Melbourne. Sad that it wasn't in Hobart... I joined up as a Faraway member. Pip sent me a kit with some stitchy work to do. That's it in the picture above. I never started it, but I liked the idea of it and I lived vicariously through the blogosphere...

Then I discovered Crafternoon. I think one afternoon a friend mentioned it and I googled and found Bec who invited me along for a crafternoon or two at her place and a gallery exhibition and some things thrown on a table at a market and before long here I was with regular market stalls and an etsy shop..! I think craft groups are good. They're an excellent way to meet other creative types, learn new things, multitask... See? I can talk and create and drink tea and eat cake! They're great for building community and making sure you set aside time to do something you love.... So Crafternoon ended and I miss it. And other crafty groups haven't been on at a time suitable for me, with three owlets in tow, or a tiny owlet needing me nearby at night... And many of my friends are in a similar boat. So, Hobart. We are about to have our very own Brown Owls group. Yay!

I've found us a perfect little clubhouse with space for a sewing machine or three and room for sitting and knitting, or crocheting, or whatever your thing is. It's located in a playground so if owlets need to tag along, they can, and they'll have a lovely time too. Our first meeting is at the end of the month. It's all just a little bit exciting!

If you'd like to join in too, check out the facebook group for Hobart Brown Owls here.
Or the Brown Owls Worldwide Clubroom here.
Or the Brown Owls Members Blog here.
Or follow the Brown Owls Twitter account here.
Or you can send me a message and I'll let you know when and where.

If you're not in Hobart, maybe you'd like to look up your local Brown Owls? Or do you have another crafty group you're part of? Or maybe craft's not your thing at all....

5 September 2011

unschool monday :: sunshine

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Spring has crept in. We hired a gardener last week to help us find our lawn and afterwards, the owlets crept out like little faeries, cartwheeling with delight. The next day there was sunshine and they spent the entire day outside. They set up camp, as we always do, with a rug and cushions.



Then I took out a box of ribbons and they decorated their sun hats and a hoop and watched the ribbons flow in the breeze as they ran. Yay! Spring!

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Then they visited the neighbour and came home with a huge bag of potatoes, and a plank of wood. They asked Huz to drill a hole and tie the plank to a tree and they had a swing. Then they pulled out forgotten bits and pieces of equipment... They set up the totem tennis, built a see-saw, made cubbies in the broad beans...

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The owlets built a playground. And played all day. Mother nature took over the job of facilitating their learning in the garden... While they were there they worked with measurement, counting, space, balance, thought about gravity, inertia... They were archaeologists and cooks. They recited poems, made up plays, wrote in chalk, drew and made their on musical instruments. They invented an obstacle course for us to explore their space...

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They reluctantly came indoors when the sun went down. And slept like logs. Goodness I'm glad to see Spring again!




4 September 2011

fathers

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To the man who instilled my sense of morals. Taught me how to care for others. Tucked me in each night. Always made me feel safe.

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Taught me how to colour inside the lines.  Showed me how to love. How to see the best in people and expect the best in life....

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Happy Father's Day. May it be the best, setting off on an adventure across the world. We look forward to hearing all about it and having big hugs when next we see you. I love you, Dad.

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To the man I share my life with... catcher of babies (baby), protector of owlets. Who loves us fearlessly and openly. Who evolves every day into the kind of man, partner and father he would like to be.



Who strives to see good and beauty in the world and show it to others. Who works to keep our nest and leave the world better than he found it.



Who demonstrates to the owlets how a man should be, and makes everything possible... Happy Father's Day, my love. We love you and we know we are blessed to have you. xx


If you are without a Dad in your life today, our love and thoughts are with you. xo