Moms Inspire Learning

Open 2 Books: Where Would We Bee?

My teenagers and I recently started volunteering at a local, organic, community supported farm. So far, we've only done some yard work and weeding, but it's already been such an eye-opening and inspiring experience. We're really looking forward to seeing the whole process through.

Red, White, and Blue!

Don't worry.

Be happy.

I hope you had a berry nice weekend, and if you live in the USA, a memorable Memorial Day.

 

Father's Day Read Aloud Roundup

I'll get back to children's books next week, but since Father's Day is coming up next month, I figured I'd put together my previous series of related book and other gift recommendations. Hopefully something pops out at you that might inspire your husband or father to share quality, unplugged time with his children or grandchildren! You have to catch it while you can these days, don't you?

So, here's my roundup:

Problems, Solutions, Ripples, and Waves

And so I had an interesting conversation with two moms this weekend. One is an avid reader like me, and the other is a 4th grade teacher.

Here are the two main issues that were discussed:

Are Librarians Ready to Roar?

"We need librarians more than we ever did." ~Seth Godin

Friday Photo Fun: Goslings Go for a Dip

After a few days of rain, I couldn't help but return to the pond to take photos of those goslings I mentioned in my last post! There must have been between 8 and 10 the other day, and we didn't see that many today. I hope the others are around somewhere.

I was surprised the ones above ventured into the water on their own, but the parents were not far behind.

Later on, we spotted 2 others swimming with their parents. You have to look very carefully to see the two of them toward the right, in between the parents:

And here's a lone swan:

I hope you have a peaceful weekend!

The Wonder and Nature of Animals

"We still do not know one thousandth of one percent of what nature has revealed to us." ~Albert Einstein

The Nest Outside my Window

"Life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch." ~E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

When we returned from Italy a few weeks ago, we found this pleasant surprise right outside our dining room window!  What beautiful, blue Robin's eggs.

Random Shots from the Tuscan Countryside

It doesn't get much better than this. Sunny spring weather, mountains, stunningly beautiful and solid architecture, trees, grass, and unbelievably delicious food. Oh, and did I mention the grapevines?

Aside from some haze covering up the mountains, this region of Italy is paradise. Here are just a few random shots, but you really must capture the beauty yourself one of these days. It's the trip of a lifetime!

Nature is an amazing thing, isn't it? It can cure just about any mental and physical ailment.

Life is beautiful when nature runs wild and free, but I would venture to guess that the majority of us are not surrounded by this much open space.

Somewhere in your world, there must be a special place in nature that you visit when you need a little time away from the daily grind? I usually head to the pond, preserve, or beach and take a walk or read. It could take 30 minutes or 5 hours, but it's so worth it.

Why not give yourself a breath of fresh air today? Hopefully, you have some in a place near you. We'd love to hear about it, if you care to share!

But hey, if you're stuck behind that screen all day, here are some prior posts which might just help you breathe a sigh of relief:

• No Words Necessary

• Waiting to Get Your Feet Wet

• A Trail of Jellyfish

• Summer 2009 Bermuda Photos

• A Voice to Inspire All of Us

• What color is your genius?

Open 2 Books: Farming, Families, and Food

Cow greets me at Long Island farm © D. Morris

If you've been reading my blog for a couple of years now, you know that I just love Thomas Locker's picture books relating to science and nature (see end of post for links). He brings his paintings to life for people of all ages. And so, when I decided to seek out some children's books relating to farming,  I immediately remembered he had written a picture book called Family Farm (Picture Puffins).