Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Creating Magic





We gathered on Sunday with our community to celebrate the birthday of a little one turning two. The invitations were sent out a couple of months ago and required us to bring our creative thinking caps and logs, wood, tree branches or whatever else we could think of, to create a natural play space for the birthday girl.

This is right up our alley, after all we created such a play space for Reece two years ago when he was two. Justin and I put our thinking caps on and decided that since the banging wall in our backyard is a huge hit when kiddos visit to play, it would be a great idea to create one for this space. I did check with the birthday girls mama first just to make sure they wouldn't mind the noise, but I kinda already knew they wouldn't mind.

Sunday was a perfect day to be working outside, it was sunny and warm with a lovely breeze blowing to keep us cool. As the families arrived everyone shared their ideas and once we had it all planned out we got to work.

The banging wall was created. A lovely kid size birds nest was built. A sandbox was made with logs. A little covered walkway to enter the play space was made from branches. A balance beam was constructed. And a teepee was started. By the end of the afternoon an amazing natural play space had been created.

The afternoon was more then just creating a play space though. This was an afternoon of sharing, working together, deepening connection and celebrating. There was a magical energy in the air as children played, adults worked and a new space came together.

Just before we headed home a circle was formed to sing to the lovely birthday girl. I have written about the power of the circle recently, and there was power in this circle. Gratitude was shared, blessings were offered for the birthday girl and a joyful, love filled rendition of Happy Birthday was sang. It was in this moment that my heart swelled to be among these wonderful people, to share in this moment with them, to feel the love and strength of this community and to know we are a part of it.

I left feeling full...full of love, gratitude and hope, for what already is and for what is to come with this community.

***Sharing just a few photos. Many were taken but since they include other people's children I don't feel they are mine to share.

16 comments:

  1. Fantastic! I too hope to create such a space one day for my girls. I just wish it could be now in these precious formative years.

    What a great way to celebrate a girl then giving her a place to play.

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    1. It was pretty awesome KC! A wonderful way to celebrate.

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  2. What a beautiful idea! And what a lucky little girl to have such love surrounding her.

    Any houses for sale near you???

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    1. I thought so too! And yes, lots for sale around here. Actually house next door to where the party was is for sale...dated house but 2 acres close to the water :)

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  3. I remember you sharing your place space and I think it's a great idea as a gift. I'm so happy for you that you have bosom friends :) (I also do not share photos unless I explicitly have permission, that's why I do lots of nature photos)

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  4. what a wonderful birthday idea. It sounds like you have an amazing community!

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    1. Yes, feeling very grateful to have found them.

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  5. A banging wall, what a great thing!!

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  6. What a wonderful idea! Wish I had thought of something like this many moons ago when my girls were little (though I have a feeling they'd love it now as well)!

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    1. It was such a great idea, and we had so much fun Shel. I bet your girls would still love it, so much fun to be had and how they play in the area changes as they age.

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    1. It was really lovely, and we are so happy we got to be a part of it.

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  8. This is INCREDIBLE! Wish we were in a place to do something similar, but we'll work with what we have. This is so inspiring.

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    1. It was pretty incredible, and so much fun!

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