waldorf mama

rain!

oh yes, indeed, a bit of a much-needed but brief reprieve from the crazy drought we're having here in central texas...

we're hoping for more!

ten good things...

inspired by soulemama, here is my 'simply ten' list...

~ afternoon light

~ freshly washed woolens

~ knitting outside

~ fresh fruit, granola and kefir for breakfast

~ bright blue skies and autumn trees

~  a big stack of handknits

~ waldorf dolls

~ the changing colors of fall

~ a rainbow of yarn

~ this amazing online community of friends!

little signs of autumn...

come little leaves, said the wind one day

come o'er the meadow with me to play...

put on your dresses of red and gold,

summer is gone, soon the days will be cold...

{from autumn, by wynstones press}

(yes, indeed it is true...we got a little bit of rain today! hallalujah!)

martinmas...

we enjoyed a lovely martinmas celebration last week. truly my favorite and the most magical of all of the traditional waldorf festivals. a time of celebration as we welcome the outward darkening of the year and bring the light inward to the warmth of our home...

according to old customs during this time of year as the days become shorter and the stars appear earlier, children walk with lanterns through the streets singing and offering small gifts of light. and as is the tradition in all waldorf schools, the children make lanterns in preparation for this special lantern walk...

we celebrate the age old story of saint martin, the roman soldier who cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm to save the beggar from dying of the cold...

we have begun a family tradition of giving maya a handmade woolen garment on this day, as well as giving away any outgrown coats and sweaters to others who may be in need. this year, maya received this beautiful handknit hooded sweater (scrappy-style, the work of a dear friend - i still need to sew in a zipper)...

in gratitude for this lovely time of year, the gift of light and warmth, and the joy of giving...

michaelmas...

brave saint micha-el is my guide,

as free and fearless forth i ride

with courage of saint george of old

i dare to fight fierce dragons bold.

. . . . . . . .

the festival of michaelmas was celebrated yesterday at our waldorf school, marking the beginning of autumn and the shortening of days. what a lovely sight it was to see all of the children on the playground...running in their golden robes of silk! all of the students at the school were invited to watch the fourth grade's performance of the traditional michaelmas play, and maya came home singing songs of micha-el. what a lovely way to commemorate this change of seasons. happy michaelmas to all!

welcome, autumn...

happy autumnal equinox!

(to those of you living here in the northern hemisphere)

more autumn leaves...

and enjoying these beautiful autumn days,

shelley