a little holiday science

Winter solstice occurred yesterday, Thursday, at 12:30 a.m., Eastern time.

Yesterday I engaged in, overheard, and (thanks to social media) read quite a few conversations regarding holiday tradition.

The call to remember your "reason for the season" has been a softly pleading voice for years, but I think this year may have been the biggest backlash against black Friday and holiday gluttony I have witnessed so far. I'm happy to believe it's because a conversation has escalated that does more than demand answers about the distribution of wealth and access to opportunity in this country, it demands we ask ourselves about our personal choices. Do they reflect what we want to see in our country...in our children?

People are asking what the holiday really means to them. Many are not in the faith they grew up with, or have found meaning and purpose without religion. Parents are questioning the customs of their childhood...which to keep, which to leave behind. That's a lot to chew on at a time of celebration.

What the Solstice reminded me of is this: Science may offer an undeniable unifying element. We are all finding joy in the darkest days of our year. We are anticipating the return of the light. It's at this time that we depend on sharing, giving, and lifting each other's spirits. Family history and faith find their home here. Finding common ground does not mean leaving behind your faith, and you don't need to believe in anything other than humanity to celebrate.

When in doubt, nature has an answer.

Good Practice

"Mommy, are you sleeping out there?" I heard my daughter call from the back door. My eyes were open; she must have picked-up on the stillness. What is it about sitting down by the chickens that slows my breath and nudges my mind past thought? I watch it come over the kids sometimes...the eyes seeing everything and nothing for a moment as they hold a bird and listen to the sounds of the flock.

The same thing is experienced sitting within a herd of horses, or cows. After initial observation, the mind accepts the movements and sounds as a sort of rhythm. Even the occasional squabble rolls into the pattern. You are aware of it all, but without surface level thought. Could we say it's a moment of transcendental consciousness?  I think time spent with the healthy herd or flock can ease us into this state of relaxation. The dramas of the human experience are reflected in the animal kingdom; we can see them cycle and resolve, but aren't pulled into unnecessary action or judgment. We are invited to share the time and space without attachment. Good practice.

Seven Roosters – Japanese Woodblock Print by Hokusai. Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾 北斎, 1760 – 1849)


 

art, sex, and growing things - I want to learn more about Wanda

Wanda Gag is the writer and illustrator of one of my favorite childhood books, Millions of Cats.

I've always been drawn to her work. Gag's lithographs, book illustrations, and drawings use dramatic lights and darks that bring you to a place where the sun is low and the day borders on night - a magical time when evening pulls itself around you - where everything is a little more wild. The landscapes are sinuous and coax the natural world into pattern.

Dreamy

During our last trip to the library my daughter and I found this book to take home and enjoy

In the back there was a picture of Wanda Gag

That's Wanda? I got the feeling there was probably more I wanted to know. I went home and did some quick research. Did you know that this beautiful Bohemian was truly ahead of her time? Her freethinking politics predated the feminist, sexual liberation, and back-to-nature movements by almost fifty years. She designed her own clothing and once she was financially able, she moved to her own rural farmstead in New Jersey, which she called "All Creation."

Art, sex, and growing things - that's how Wanda described her three passions, in order of their importance. At the same time that her mind was free, she was also very disciplined. As a young teenager she was left to support her six younger siblings after her parents' death. As I learn more about her life, I'm beginning to appreciate her work in a new way.

This is on the reading list - should be good

The Choir of the Forest - a poem passing day

The Choir of the Forest


Long before Christ,
there was Krishna
& His cowgirls.


Whose time
are we in?
What’s the problem?


The solitary leaves
have their own
language


blinded by
the Soul’s
Beauty


the Earth
in love
with Itself


the Peace
underground
meditating…


-Vincent Ferrini

path to the creek - early spring

acrylic and oil on canvas

48x36

- Rosemary Markowski

the class moves outdoors

On the second day of the plein air painting class we got our sunshine. When we pulled up to the trail we felt raindrops, but decided to press on and be brave hikers. I'm so glad we we did, because fifteen minutes in the sun broke through the clouds full force.

The big rock was a great place to paint and lots of fun was found on the little hidden beach below us.

Looking out at the river (which happened to resemble chocolate milk after all the rain)forced us to tackle perspective and the children made some interesting observations as they laid out their composition.

small things that have no words

Do you remember the little chick from the last post? I am very sorry to say he didn't make it. Our best efforts could not stoke the spark of life; we hiked into the woods tonight to bury him.

We had a conversation about birth and what miracle it is when everything comes together just so to form a healthy thriving baby and that sometimes, despite our best efforts, that fragile life slips away. What a gift it is for children to spend time with animals, It gives us an opportunity to talk about the biggest topics of life...to feel them and digest them.

As a child I had special prayer that I always recited when I laid an animal to rest, here it is -

Dear nature, hear and bless

Thy beasts and singing birds:

And guard with tenderness

small things that have no words.

art classes

This summer I will be offering art classes in my home and in the Wissahickon for ages 6-9. The schedule is as follows:

July 6th and 7th, 10:00 - 1:00

Paper mache animals

$35.00 for both days, materials and a healthy snack included.

July 13th and 14th, 10:00 - 1:00

Drawing and painting the landscape - plein air. We will be walking in the Wissahickon and packing our supplies and lunch. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a backpack and pack a lunch.

$50 for both days, materials and a healthy snack included.

July 19th and 20th, 10:00 - 1:00

A second plein air session.