Rhythm of Family

The Rhythm of Family: Discovering a Sense of Wonder through the Seasons

I have discovered the most wonderful resource for pagan families.  I am not even sure of the spiritual belief system this family follows, but their way of life is perfectly in tune with nature and the ever changing world around them.

The newest book, The Rhythm of Family, by Amanda Blake Soule and her husband, Stephen is phenomenal.  The text is written from the heart and full of the love they share for their family and the earth. The text goes through an entire year with the family.  Each chapter focuses on one month of the year and contains:

• thoughts fom mama
• thoughts from papa
• something to make
• something to do
• and possibly a little bit more.

I must admit after reading Amanda's forst two books I was a bit on the fence about having her husband as co-author to this book.  Boy, was I wrong.  He writes in much the same manner as his wife.  You can feel the family connectedness from the mere words he writes upon the page. 

This family lives in a way that is inspirational to all.  If only, I could do the same.

Books that Speak to the Soul

Two of my all time favorite books, Peaceful Piggy Meditation and  Moody Cow Meditates, helps children to decompress and ground themselves.

I bought both of these books when my oldest son was in second grade and needed to learn how to calm down and focus.  He was behaving oddly at school and overall seemed to be overwhelmed.

Peaceful Piggy Meditation is focused on creating a special place in the home for meditation.  A few suggestions to create a spot of relaxation in your home include:

• a small cushion to sit on
• a smooth stone to rub
• soft music to drift away to
• etc.

Anything that brings peace and tranquility are welcome.

The book also includes a description of how children can meditate, as well as, directions on how to create a Mind-in-a-Jar Experiment.

I could go into detail on the experiment, but I wouldn't be able to do it justice.  It is such a simple thing that truly demonstrates a peaceful, yet active mind.




Moody Cow Meditates was a must have in our family.  All my boys (husband  included) tend to get angry a bit easier than most.  Nothing terrible, but it often leaves them in a  funk.

Moody Cow Meditates goes through the day of Moody Cow as he experiences several unsettling things.  After all, who wouldn't be upset by bad dreams and wrecking your bike?  I know, I sure would.

Anyways... when Moody Cow returns home, he is visited by his wise grandfather.  His grandfather creates a Moody Cow Mind Jar to help the little cow to calm and refocus his day. 

The directions for creating the jar are in the back of the book.  Basically, you drop colored sparkles into the water... one pinch for each angry thought you had during the day.  You watch the water quietly until all the sparkles have settled calmly to the bottom.  By the time, the last sparkle falls the angry feelings will have vanished or at least subsided a bit.

The concept is again very simple, but works its magic on the mind of children both young and old.

The next time your child is experiencing soul fever or just having a difficult day consider one of these awesome children's books as a source of guidance.  Your child might just smile again before bedtime.

What are some of your favorite go to books for children? 

What books help your child work through a personal dilemma big or small?

Zen House Cleaning

Is zen house cleaning the way of the witch?  The more I read the more I think it might just be. 

My mom gave me the book: Zen and the Art of Housekeeping for my birthday.  When I first began reading I thought... "This is just crazy.  Housekeeping and 'zen'?  No way!"  But not far into the book, I made a discovery... Everything we do in life has a purpose.  We eat because we need the nutrition.  We sleep to rejuvenate the body and soul.  Why can't housekeeping have some higher purpose that just not living like pigs?

As you read the book (I am actually not that far into it... YET.), you begin to realize that cleaning the home can be very therapeutic and meditative.  After all, how many times have you made a life decision or come to a conclusion about something in life while in that deep thought evoking monotony of vacuuming or scrubbing the dishes?  I know I have, ALOT.

If house keeping can really become a zen experience, maybe (just maybe) I can keep it up.  We do not live in filth (not even close), but it does seem there is always something more interesting, shall I say, than cleaning my home.  Cleaning my home is a chore and not one I like at all. There are always dishes in  the sink and clothes in the washer.  Maybe if I begin to think of these things with a new perspective, my entire outlook on keeping my home the peaceful sanctuary I so desperately need will begin to become a reality.

How to you make cleaning your home a 'zen' experience?

What do you do to make cleaning less of a chore and more enjoyable?

Witchy Wishes Come True

House of Nights jewelry rocks!  I have been wanting this really cool triple moon pendant and celestial moon and my mommy finally got them for me.

If you haven't read the series, I would definitely check them out. 

Editorial Review from Amazon...

Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres not only exist but are also tolerated by humans. Those whom the creatures "mark" as special enter the House of Night school where they will either become vampyres themselves, or, if their body rejects the change, die. To Zoey, being marked is truly a blessing, though she's scared at first. She has never fit into the human world and has always felt she is destined for something else. Her grandmother, a descendant of the Cherokee, has always supported her emotionally, and it is she who takes the girl to her new school. But even there the teen stands apart from the others. Her mark from the Goddess Nyx is a special one, showing that her powers are very strong for one so young. At the House of Night, Zoey finds true friendship, loyalty, and romance as well as mistrust and deception. She realizes that all is not right in the vampyre world and that the problems she thought she left behind exist there as well. Readers will identify with many of the characters, especially the protagonist. The story moves quickly (a little too quickly at the end) and purposely leaves many unresolved issues. A good choice for those libraries serving fans of the occult, but be aware that the book contains some suggestive language and sex.

—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY



Nature's Playground



I received Nature's Playground  about a month ago.  I must say I am very impressed with the content. 

The book begins by going over outdoor places to consider, how to include the entire family and ways to encourage everyone to get involved.  After the introduction, the book divides into a section for each of the seasons, year long activities, activities for after dark, safety and resources.

This book is the perfect place to start if you are unsure on how to bring your family closer to nature.

The photographs are exquisite as they depict real children enjoying the great outdoors.


Several Suggestion for Autumn from Nature's Playground:

1. natural painting: using plants and berries to create paint
2. autumn collections: collecting various natural treasures most found on the ground
3. forest mobiles: using natural treasures to create mobiles
4. You must purchase the book yourself to find out details and more activities to get your family involved with nature.

Useful Resources:

• Nature Rocks
• National Wildlife Federation
• Be Out There
• Nature Club for Families Tool Kit
• Pathway to Nature

Additional Books to Consider:

Pumpkin Soup

I have never eaten pumpkin soup myself.  I actually do not like pumpkin, but  I couldn't resist sharing with you one of my favorite children's books to read a this time of the year...

Pumpkin Soup. 

This story is about 3 friends who love to make pumpkin soup.  Each friend has a specific job to do.  Everything is going splendidly until the day Duck wants to stir.

I love the fact that there is an underlining theme of friendship.  This theme is beautifully illustrated through both words and pictures.  Your little ones are soon to fall in love with this book and be begging for more.

Busy Bee Watch the World Go By

It has been so busy here in the Sanders' house.  I recently went on vacation.  I have informally started back to work.  I go up and work in the classroom on most days now... just bits here and there.  My house is always in a need for clean.  It seems it gets clean and then it's time to cook.  The unending cycle is relentless.

But, the most exciting adventure that has been keeping me from blogging on a regular basis and turned my interest a bit is a new book.  Simplicity Parenting is written by Kim John Payne and I must say the man is brilliant.  The book is a guide on how to simplify all aspects of your life and get back to basics.  Through simplification you not only get a clean streamlined home, but a calm and peaceful lifestyle full of free time to spend with the ones you love.

The benefit of simplification on children is amazing.  Children need a natural rhythm and flow to the day.  They need simplicity and only a few choices in life.  They do not need to hear adult conversations.

We are overwhelming our children nowadays with tv, technology, and world happenings.  Childhood is going by at warp speed and as parents we are missing out on so much.  As for our children, we are taking away a time of magic that cannot be given back.

Reading this book will change the way you see your home life and work life.  It will allow you to prioritize what is most important and map out the time to engage in those activities and be with the ones you love.

I have been asked to submit a weekly post to the Simplicity Parenting Blog sharing my journey on the road to simplification.  On my family blog, I will be keep a journal of sorts as I give myself 365 days to travel full circle from messes and mayhem to peace and harmony. 

OR at least that is the goal.

If you would like to read the book and share stories with others going through simplification in their lives, feel free to join The Circle.  We post the things we are trying out and ask questions to get advice.  It is a place you can go to work through the process with others that are on this same journey.

I promise to try to get back on schedule as best as possible.  Please continue to check in, but know that as I simplify I will be cutting back screen time as well.  I am hoping that means when I do post the content will have more meaning, a deeper insight, and more engaging seasonal activities to share with your kiddos.

Have a wonderful end to your summer.  I sure to plan to.

Book Review: Seven Spirals... A Chakra Sutra for Kids

Seven Spirals: A Chakra Sutra for Kids by Deena Haiber and Aimee MacDonald is a beautiful addition to anyone's children library.  This book was written by two SAHM that home school their children.  What started out as a project that was merely for fun turned into a wonderful resource for other families to use as well.

Seven Spirals contains:

• vibrant illustrations full of movement and life
• an explanation of each chakra including the associated color and chakra location
• a story about a little girl name Rowan focused around each of the chakras.

I honestly got this book not knowing anything about chakras myself.  The illustrations alone are enough of a draw to make this book worth purchasing, but then you have the story itself. 

I like that the story is divided into different parts because I can read a specific section as my boys need it.
OR
I can choose to go over one chakra at a time and revisit and discuss the appropriate section of the story for an entire week.

I would definitely suggest seeing if your local library has this book and check it out.  I wish I had a second copy, so that I could frame some of the illustrations for my upstairs sitting area.  They are simply magical.

Book Review: Moody Cow Meditates

Another wonderful book by Kerry Lee Maclean.  Moody Cow Meditates is about a young cow who begins his day by remembering a bad dream and the day continues to get progressively worse.

Moody Cow's bad mood leads Mom to call Grandfather to come over and have a talk with Moody Cow.  Grandfather makes a Moody Cow Mind Jar with his grandson (Directions are included at the back of the book.) 

Both Grandfather and Moody Cow use the jar during a short meditation.  By the time the contents of the jar have settled, the young cow is no longer moody.

I think I might make a Moody Cow Jar for home and school.  Perfect for those days that nothing seems to go your way.

Book Review: Peaceful Piggy Meditation

Peaceful Piggy Meditation by Kerry Lee MacLean is a wonderful book to teach children (and some grown ups as well) how to bring calm and peace back to the forefront of their lives.

From setting up a small area with a crystal, stone, and some flowers to meditation posture, this book will not disappoint.  It will provide you with some simple guidelines to allow your child's mind to relax and refocus.

I would suggest joining your child in a few minutes of silent, stillness every day.  This summer I plan on taking the boys outside to meditate each morning as a little ritual to welcome the new day.

New Books to Come

I love when I get home and there is a package on my door.  It's like a little party just for me.  I like it best when I didn't pay for it, but I get the same giddy feeling regardless.

I ordered 4 books from amazon today that you might find intriguing if you have little ones.

* How Robin Saved Spring:  excerpt from amazon... "If Lady Winter has her way, the world will stay covered in blankets of snowy white and icy blue. Sister Spring will slumber forever and the winter will never end. Can Lady Winter really keep spring from coming or is there something the animals might do to help? Led by harbinger Robin, the animals are determined to wake Sister Spring, but what price will they each have to pay?"

image from here

* The Sun Egg: excerpt from amazon...  "A mysterious orange egg has fallen into the woods. "It's a sun egg!" declares the elf who finds it nestled on the forest floor. Soon she and her friends find out what it really is, but not before the little elf has one of the best adventures she has ever had."

* When the Root Children Wake Up: excerpt from amazon...  "The tale itself is a gentle but joyous romp through the seasons. After Grandfather Winter returns to his palace of ice, Mother Earth wakes up her Root children, helps them dress in blossom clothing, and sends them up into the world. They frolic first with kind Aunt Spring and then with jolly Cousin Summer. The arrival of studious Uncle Fall signals a quieter time, and at last Mother Earth calls them back to their underground home and sings them a lullaby, while Grandfather Winter listens outside. The story itself is so evocative that it could be told without benefit of illustration, but in this case the pictures are so beautifully rendered that the words are almost superfluous."

* Grandfather Twilight: excerpt from amazon...  "Young children will be reassured by the gentle, glowing figure of Grandfather Twilight, whose nightly walk through the woods signals the onset of night and whose special task each evening is to place the moon in the sky."

I hope that When the Root Children Wake Up will arrive before Ostara.  I would love to read it to them the night before and have two little root children waiting for them on the table with a packet of seeds, a small tin can, stick with a blank flag attached (for writing the type of plant), and a wee bit off soil.  Oh, how much fun we could have!!

Ostara Children Books

I stumbled upon the top four books while looking for Ostara activities for kids.

I thought this was the perfect time to look up a few others and share with you.  You could put them on hold at the local library to read between now and the Sabbat.

Books to Consider...
The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth

Ostara: Customs, Spells & Rituals for the Rites of Spring
 
Caterpillar Spring, Butterfly Summer
 
A Kid's Spring Eco-journal: With Nature Activities for Exploring the Season
 
It's Spring by Linda Glaser
 
? How Robin Saved Spring
 
? Flower Fairies of the Spring
 
~ Fancy Nancy's Elegant Easter
 
~ The Easter Egg
 
** The Biggest Best Easter Basket Ever
 
~ The Queen of Easter
 
** The Butterfly House
 
** Charlie the Caterpillar  
 

__________________________________

 
**means I have read the book or recommend it
~ know the author has wonderful stories

? looked really good... I want to read them.

Ostara Magazine for Kids

Lora Craig-Gaddis has done it again.  I highly recommend anyone with young children to check out her 2009 Pooka Pages Magazine for Ostara.

This issue contains

• various stories... including one that it is rebus story even the youngest of children can follow
• luna cookies and moon milk recipes
• handmade drum, maracasas, and tamborine crafts
• coloring pages
• book reviews.

You name it and she has put it into this fun issue of Pooka Pages.

Pooka by the way is a real cat.  I have his autogroph in my Yule book by Lora.

Casting Spells

UPDATE:  The second book in series was published in 2009.  I just downloaded the eBook.  I will write a review as sson as I finish reading it.

Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton

I am not sure which of you recently read this book, but thanks for the suggestion.  This was a super, quick, easy read.  It was written in a conversational tone from two different points of view: Chloe and Luke.  Even though the book contains witches, shape shifters and the such, it is really more about finding love than magic.  The fact that there is a magical element to the book is almost left as an afterthought... definitely not described in detail.  The author has allowed you to use your imagination a bit more... which I like! 

Simple Summary:

Sugar Maple is a small, magical town protected by a spell cast by a Hobb family descent.  Chloe being the last living descent needs to find true love in order to keep this protective charm intact... as long as there is a female, Hobb descent, the entire town is seen through "rose colored" glasses by tourists and visitors.   Chloe being only of half sorceress blood has not come into any witchy powers of her own and has no idea where the heirloom book of spells has been hidden.

Can Chloe find true love before it is too late?  You have to read to find out.

Yule by Lora Craig-Gaddis

I was elated to receive my copy of this wonderful text for children.  The more short stories I read about Pooka (the mischievous black cat) and Elsie (the little country herb witch) the more I fall in love with these two.  Pooka gets into so much trouble it can be silly at times, but he is always learning the ways of the witch. 

What This Book Offers:

• again their are many blackline drawings for children to color
• stories related to winter, Yule, birth of the sun, etc.
• natural yule tree decorations
• how to decorate a Yule log
• recipes for gingerbread hot cocoa, magic fudge, peanut butter Yule log
• natural cold remedies
• witchy crafts for kids: spice beads, pomanders, potpourri gel jars, a Yule tree for the birds
• how to make glue from milk
• & a ritual for the Sun's birthday.

It is now time for me to order the book for Imbolc.  This is a collection I know I will use for years to come.

Books for Pagan Children

I was just reading over at Merlin's Magikal Mistress about how to use crystals for healing.  It is a fantastic post!  Definitely one to check out.

Anyways, I was looking for the title of a book on crystals that I recently read... Crystals R for Kids.  It is written for children, but has very good information for adults that are interested in pursuing more information on crystals as well.

As I was looking up this title on Amazon, I stumbled onto a pagan children's book list and thought I would share.  I looked over the synopsis of several books and some of them seem promising. 

I actually have a few of the titles.  I will try to read them to my kiddos over the next week and post a review of the books.  The titles I have seem to have much better illustrations that most "pagan" themed books I have come across.  I do not understand why people assume if you are pagan you would want muted colors and simple line drawings.  I must admit that most of the illustrations do not take away from the main theme of the story though.  I think I just prefer more colorful, detailed illustrations... especially since I can read 15-20 children's books in week.  

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Off topic but possibly worth sharing.  I recently (in the last month) began reading a blog called serendipity.  Under the blog title is the definition... to fall or stumble upon.  It seems that the word stumble as become a new staple in my vocab as of late.  Not sure why, but it just keeps coming up naturally in writing and during conversations.

Samhain: Elsie and Pooka by Lora Craig-Gaddis

This book arrived just days before Samhain.  It was perfect timing.  I opened the book and read it cover to cover.  Most of the stories in the book are about a little country witch named Elsie and her cat Pooka. Elsie teaches Pooka all about her witchy ways.

This book has so much to offer:

• black line drawings for the children to color
• mazes
• crafts: making an ancestor tree & pumpkin play-doh
• simple ways to experiment and understand divination: using pancake mix or a pendulum... simple and fun
• recipes: Granny Witch's Samhain Cookies & Spiced Cocoa Mix
• & stories: Remembering Granny Witch, Pooka Sees a Ghost, etc.

This book provides such a fun way to include paganism into your life.  It approaches it honestly, but is void of anything that might scare away some mainstream parents if your child was to discuss it with friends.

I have already pre-ordered the Yule book.  I can't wait until it arrives.