52/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Reece, my sweet, sweet boy, what a week we have had, our first Solstice, and our first Christmas, just the two of us. They were so very special for me little man, and I do hope they were special for you too. We shared Solstice with friends, hiking in the woods and then coming back to our home for dinner and a fire. It was special in many ways, and felt like a huge step forward on our journey together. Christmas morning was quiet, but filled with a certain kind of magic, one I hope we can carry with us into the New Year. The afternoon was spent with family, and you loved being with your cousins, aunt and uncle, and nana and papa. The last two days have been quiet, calm and still. We have walked in the woods, tidied our home, played, watched movies, and just enjoyed the beautiful lull that happens this time of year. We have a few more days of the same before our friends arrive to ring in the New Year with us. Let's soak it up the best we can, okay little man? I love you.

Joining Jodi for the 52 Project

51/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Reece, I am not the only one sinking into the quiet of the season, you are too, in your own way. A few times this week I found you sitting quietly, needles in hand, knitting away. This particular evening, I stood watching you from the kitchen for quite some time before I grabbed the camera. It is such a beautiful gift to know when you need to quiet yourself, and to know how to find that quiet and solace. My hope is that you will always know the joy of this gift, and seek it out whenever you need it.

 

Joining Jodi for the 52 Project

Quietude

As the holidays approach, I am feeling the pull to step back from this space for a few weeks to allow myself the time and space to sink into the season. I want to linger in the joy of the season, I want to soak up time with my little man, and I want to find solace in the coming darkness and let it hold, and comfort me. I will be popping in with my photos for the 52 Project, but other than that this space will be quiet.

This is the season of light and love, and I wish you that, and more, as you celebrate, in whatever way you do, this joyous season. Wishing you and your families all the best, from my home to yours. Happy Holidays!

50/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Reece, you had just finished running free in the woods and meadows when I snapped this photo. It was a beautiful morning for December, no hats or coats required. You and your friends were free and wild, soaking up the sunshine and fresh air, laughing and playing, and having a great time. While you were a little tired when our morning came to an end, I could also sense peace and calm within you. Mother Nature has a way of doing that, bringing us solace when we need it the most, and allowing us the space and time to heal. She has certainly been a good friend to us the last few months, and I am so grateful that we both enjoy our time in nature.

 

 Joining Jodi for the 52 Project

Designing Spaces for Montessori Children {Giveaway}

I have said it many times over the years, I am amazed at the reach of this space, and the people it brings into my life. I feel very lucky to have so many wonderful people who visit this space every day, to read, to comment, to share in our days. Big thanks to all of you.

One of the people who visit is Simone Davies from The Montessori Notebook. A few months ago she contacted me to ask if she could use an image from my blog for an e-course she was creating. The photo was from our backyard play space, and would be used in the section on creating outdoor spaces for children. Of course I said yes. 

Recently she sent me the finished e-course, and I had the chance to take a quick peek, it is amazing! As a thank you for using my image Simone has offered up one space in her e-course Designing Spaces for Montessori Children for a giveaway. 

Before I give you the details, let me hand it over to Simone to share a little bit about herself and the course.

"Hi Kim. I’m so honoured to be able to share on your blog today. I love to share with others who practice mindfulness whilst raising their children.

My name is Simone Davies from The Montessori Notebook. I’m a Montessori teacher and parent of two children (15 and 12 years old). During the day I run classes for parents and their toddlers to help them learn more about the Montessori approach. In the evenings, when things go quiet around the house, I sit in front of my computer and tinker a bit, sharing via my website, videos, Pinterest and Facebook what I have learned about the Montessori approach and positive parenting. And, in between, my favourite thing is to sit on the steps of our house with a cup of herbal tea and a book and watch the world go by.

There is such a cross over between Montessori and Waldorf - respect for the child, bringing beauty into their lives, following their interests and rhythms, and creating rituals.

When my children were young, I started to reflect on what kind of school environment I wanted for them. I’d been to a very classical school where you sat in rows, listened to the teacher and did tests. 

I’m an idealist and wanted more for my children. I wanted them to love learning; to be able to make discoveries for themselves; to follow their own individual development; and to support them on this journey.

Montessori allowed for all of these things and living here in the Netherlands these schools (and Waldorf schools) are available in the public system. They could come into class and choose if they felt like starting with maths or language. They could work with a friend or by themselves. There were no tests as the teacher knew which lessons had been mastered and where they were up to. And with a mixed age group, the older children in the class were always available to help the younger ones, and the younger ones eagerly observed and learned from the older children.

With no homework, we had time to have lots of lazy afternoons exploring parks and playgrounds, cycling around the city, and afternoons at home baking and crafting.

I followed my children into Montessori and finished my training in 2004. I love working with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. And working with their parents too means that they can apply the same ideas in their homes. To include their children in daily life, helping to cook, learning to dress themselves, taking responsibility for their things as one of the family.

One part of being a Montessori teacher is setting up the environment. I sit on the floor to see how the space feels from the child’s height, what they can see, what is distracting, and how to make things as beautiful and attractive as possible. 

When you walk into our classroom, the shelves are low, the artwork is at the child’s height, and there are plants for them to care for. Everything is easy for the child to access by themselves, set up for them to be able to do so much for themselves - which they love!

I’ve helped lots of parents set up their spaces too and run a workshop regularly here in Amsterdam. This year I decided put together an e-course so people can follow along wherever they are. It’s been so fun to help even more families create spaces that are beautiful, engaging, clutter-free, cosy and reflect their family culture.

In the e-course, I draw on inspiration from my favourite blogs - including Kim’s! So Kim and I decided that it would be fun to do a giveaway and offer one of you the chance to win a free e-course to help you set up your spaces at home."

Thank you Simone.

**************************************

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment below.

I will choose a winner on Monday December 14, and announce it in this post.

Please make sure to leave a way for me to contact you, should you win.

And the winner is:

Alexa
"What a wonderful giveaway! I use the Montessori approach with my little ones and I just love it. The emphasis on child-led learning while providing structure and facilitating a child's success... love it all! Thanks for offering this course!"

Congratulations!!!

New Traditions

For the last eighteen years I have visited our neighbours down the road to get my tree. They have a lovely little tree farm and supporting those in our community has always been important to me. This year, with a tighter budget, and a desire to create a few new traditions around the holiday season, Reece and I decided to head out back, into the woods, to find our tree.

Yesterday morning, after our Sunday morning pancakes, we headed out in search of the perfect tree. Honestly, I thought we would be heading home with a little Charlie Brown tree, you know the ones. I was okay with that, it would be whimsical and fun. But as we walked we came to an opening and standing right there was the perfect tree! It didn't take us long to decide that it was the tree for us, and we got to work cutting it down. I dragged it home, tossed it over the fence, trimmed the bottom a bit, and hauled into the house. As the Christmas music played in the background, Reece and I got to work decorating the tree with ornaments we made together four years ago. To say we had fun would be an understatement, we had a blast!

We sat back once we were finished, and took it all in. Smiles crossed both our faces, and Reece said, "our first tree looks amazing mom". All I could say was, "Yes, little man, it certainly does."

49/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Reece, I captured you as you climbed over the fence surrounding our property this morning. You couldn't wait to head "out back" to find the perfect tree for our home. It didn't take us long to find the one, and soon it was in our home, being decorated by the two of us. It was a special morning, and a few times you stopped decorating, stood back to look at the tree, and said "our first tree". It isn't really our first tree, we have a tree every year, but yes, this is "our" first tree, just you and me, and to hear you say it, and to see the joy in your face as you said, well, it made my heart melt little man. Our first tree, the first of many. 

Joining Jodi for the 52 Project

Small Victories

Life isn't always about the big things, sometimes, depending on where we are on our journey, it is the small things, the small victories, that give us joy, and in some cases, makes us feel empowered. This transition I am moving through has been tough, and noticing the small things has helped immensely. Over the last few weeks as I take on looking after this homestead on my own, I have had many small victories that have empowered me, and had me looking for high fives. Here are a few:

~ I have sold 8, yes 8, dozen eggs...thank you chickens!

~ I have disposed of my first dead mouse, always Justin's job, but now mine, and it wasn't so bad

~ all the animals in my care, one dog, one cat, and sixteen chickens, are all still alive, and thriving

~ the internet went down, and I fixed it

~ the garbage and recycling are making it out on time, three weeks and counting

~ I have sold four rope baskets, and a lot of self care and herbal products

~ knitting commissions have been rolling in...and yes they are all due for Christmas

~ I did a solo (with Reece) IKEA trip to buy new furniture, and it was delivered yesterday...now I just have to put it all together

~ I have hosted friends for lunches and dinners, and hosted another handmade/homemade swap party, all in my home

~ I have made it through the first three weeks of being a single mama, something I never thought I would have to do, but I am doing it, and yes it is hard, but it is also pretty darn amazing

Not bad I would say. And yes, if you feel like sending a high five my way, please do, I will gladly accept it. The biggest victory in all of this, my connection with Reece is stronger than ever. We are riding through this transition together, growing stronger as a team each day. I have to admit having a lot of anxiety over how Reece would handle all of this, but he has been amazing, and together, he and I, are finding our way in this new normal, and enjoying it. We are strong, the two of us, and we are going to be even stronger on the other side of this.

Another big victory for me, in the personal area, has been the realization that the dreams I shared with Justin, are still my dreams. At first, I was lost, thinking I had to create a whole new future, new dreams and so on, but I don't. You see, living slowly, simply and mindfully, close to Mother Nature and her seasons, homesteading on this piece of land I call home, and homeschooling my little man is still the path I want to walk. Justin leaving doesn't change that. And with that realization I have been able to set new goals for myself, think about the future a little more clearly, and I feel confident moving forward on my path. With Reece by my side, we will move ahead, one step at a time, towards our dreams for this little life we lead. It won't always be pretty, and it won't always be easy, but that's okay, because that's life. All the beautiful and messy parts combined create a life, and I will take them all and make the best of it.

The Advent Gnome

The Advent gnome made his appearance in our home again on Sunday, much to the delight of my little man. The Advent gnome has been a part of our Advent season for three years now, and every year he is greeted with much enthusiasm from Reece.

As we journey towards the light during the Advent season, Reece and I will share our light and love with others in many ways. Following along with the Advent verse we use, each week is dedicated to a different kingdom. The first week of Advent is the light of stones, so our activities are planned around stones. We hiked and collected rocks on Sunday, yesterday we made window stars, today we will make snowflakes, and there are plans to felt the rocks we collected on Sunday this week, and also a day to make crystals.

As we move into the second week of Advent we celebrate the light of plants, and so we will make orange pomanders, plant bulbs for forcing, cut down and decorate our tree, buy some plants to tend indoors during the winter and even enjoy a little dinner date together.

The third week of Advent focuses on beasts. We will hike and feed the birds one day, and other days will see us making bird feeders for the backyard, leaving salt licks in the woods for the deer, donating some treats to the animal shelter and even treating our chickens to a few treats.

During the fourth week of Advent we celebrate the human light, and so our activities will focus on sharing with those in our community. We will bake cookies and deliver them to our neighbours, we will shop for food for the food bank, we will pick up mitts and hats to donate to a local organization to help keep children warm this winter, we will shop online through World Vision purchasing a gift that will help bring a smile to a child's face in another country, and we will celebrate the Winter Solstice with friends, hiking, and enjoying good food, and a backyard fire.

As we move through this dark season my hope is that we share a little of the love and light we hold in our hearts with those around us through these simple daily activities.

The First Light of Advent

The first light of Advent is the light of stones
The light that shines in crystals in seashells and in bones
 

The second light of Advent is the light of plants
Green plants that reach up to the light and in the breezes dance
 

The third light of Advent is the light of beasts
That shines in all creatures in greatest and in least
 

The fourth light of Advent is the human light
The light of hope and of thought, to know and do what’s right

~ Rudolf Steiner ~

On Saturday night, once my little man was sound asleep, I spent time preparing our home for Advent. Our dining table was cleared, and placed in the center was our Advent spiral along with our carvings of Joseph and Mary. Every day another candle will be lit as we say our Advent verse, and Joseph and Mary will travel along on their journey. We added this Advent spiral to our traditions last year, and it was definitely a highlight for both Reece and I. When he woke yesterday morning he was so happy to see the spiral, and couldn't wait for us to light our first candle.

I also changed our nature table, creating a rock spiral. Each day Reece replaces one rock with a star as we travel the path towards Christmas. I love this and it allows Reece to be actively involved in this journey. As we reach the end of the spiral a wooden cut out of Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus will be added to the nature table.

Our reading during the Advent season this year will include two books. The first is The Light of the Lantern, Stories for Advent. I so enjoyed reading these stories with Reece last year, and look forward to reading them with him again this season. The second book we will read from is Unwrapping the Greatest Gift, A Family Celebration of Christmas. We will of course be reading many other books through this season, books about St. Nicholas will make appearance, as well as many other winter and Christmas related books. As I pulled out our seasonal books yesterday Reece excitedly sat looking through each one, remembering them with a big smile on his face. He was so happy to see them all again.

Rhythm and ritual are big parts of my life with Reece. They guide us through our year, and bring us closer to the earth, her seasons, and the festivals and celebrations that flow through the year. Over the years we have slowly found the rituals that feel right to us, and help guide us through each season, and we welcome them each year with much joy.

How do you celebrate Advent in your home?

48/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Reece, my little man, you light up my life, fill my days with so much joy, and make my heart overflow with love. There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars that you chose me to walk beside you on your journey. To hold your hand, to guide you, to be your mama. I love you little man, and I hope you know just how much.

Joining Jodi for the 52 Project

Snow

We woke Tuesday to a gift...snow! Outside our windows was a world covered in white waiting peacefully to greet us. It was the first real snow of the season, and we headed out right away to take it all in. There is something so very peaceful and calming about the earth when it is covered in a fresh blanket of snow. As I stepped out the front door I wanted to tip toe so I didn't disturb the earth as it prepares for its winter rest. The air was still, and quietly singing from a tree was a chickadee or two. We walked in wonder, breathing deep, and expressing our awe at the beauty around us. The sun shone, creating snow sparkles across the ground, and around us, big fluffy flakes continued to fall. This time of year is hard for some, the diminishing light, the cold, but for me that darkness provides a time to tune in more deeply to who I am and where I am going, it allows space for evenings by the fire, reading and knitting, my little man sleeping soundly in the next room, it creates the perfect backdrop for living simply and mindfully, a way of life I try to embody all year round, but during the darkest time of the year seems much easier. As I walked slowly on Tuesday morning taking in the magic of the first snow, I breathed deeply, and when I exhaled the weight I have been carrying lifted, slightly, and in its place, a little light and joy crept back in.

More Making

The making continues around here, and I am having so much fun. From rope baskets, to soap, to body butter, to salves and lip balms, I am in my happy place when I am making things. Some of this making is for the holidays, but a lot of it is to sell. With this new path I am walking as a single, homeschooling mama I am looking to expand my sources of income. You know the old saying not to put all your eggs in one basket, well I am consciously trying to create different sources of income for Reece and I, and selling the things I create is one of the avenues I will explore.

I have, over the years, sold many of my products, but I have never actively marketed them, all my sales are from a small group of people, who continue to be return customers. But with this new path comes putting myself out there, and so I have been spending some time over the last few weeks building up a supply of products to sell.

For now, I am only going to sell locally, and then the plan in the New Year will be to add a shop to Life At Nature's Pace. I have had thoughts of opening a little shop in the cottage in the backyard, a little place where people can come to browse and chat, maybe even have a cup of tea, but that plan is a little further down the road.

There are a lot of ideas floating around in my head, and many things to consider, but I love making things, so it seems like a great idea to give this a go, and see where it takes me. Wish me luck, won't you?

********

And this is where I do a little self promotion...if you live locally, and would like to support a family in your community this holiday season by purchasing handmade items for gift giving, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.

47/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Reece, we were both hoping to wake to snow this morning. We had grand plans to hike and play in the fluffy white stuff, but it missed us, and we awoke to sunshine and chilly temperatures. Still, a good day for a hike in the woods, and a little seed pod collecting, which is exactly what we did this morning. We returned home with rosy cheeks and red noses, ready for the first hot chocolate of the season. Goodness, it was so delicious! Watching you in the woods this morning I noticed how much you have grown, both physically and emotionally. This transition we are moving through has brought about big change in our life together, but it has also brought about big change in you. Your confidence is growing, and all of sudden you are very independent, taking on jobs and chores around here without being asked, you are stepping out of you own boundaries, and finding joy as you open yourself up to possibility. It is a joy to witness this growth in you, to be a little part of the young man you are becoming.

Joining Jodi for the 52 Project

At the End of the Day

If you have read this blog for any amount of time, you know how important rhythm is to me, and in turn to Reece. It is grounding for both of us, and provides security and trust in knowing what is to come, both in our day to day living, and throughout our year. Some of our rhythms change with the seasons, and some of them change and evolve as Reece grows and matures. In the spring I added a little something to our end of the day rhythm, something that has made this time so very special for both of us...I began to ask Reece five questions.

After we have finished reading, and we are tucked in, snuggling under the blankets by the glow of a candle, I ask Reece the following five questions about his day.

What made you happy today?
What made you sad today?
What did you learn today?
What was the most fun you had today?
What are you most grateful for today?

He sometimes has an answer ready, and other times he is quiet for a moment or two while he thinks back over his day. At first, I asked the questions, and he answered, but a few weeks into this new rhythm he turned to me one night and said what about you mommy, what made you happy today? And so, it evolved and changed, and now we both answer the questions as I asked them, Reece always goes first, and then me. It is such a special time for us, sharing moments from our day, and I have to admit always interesting to hear his answers.

Once we are finished sharing bits from our day, I hold my little man and together we say this verse, one we have been sharing at the end of the day for three or four years now:

A star for you to wish on
The sun for warmth and light
The moon for you to think on
Sweet dreams, a kiss and a hug goodnight.

I say it often in this space, but it truly is the simple things that make life so darn amazing, and this addition to our end of the day rhythm is one of those simple things.

Gratitude

Gratitude, my friends, is the open door to abundance. I read that once, and have never forgotten it. I have a gratitude practice that has been ongoing for many years. At first it was a journal I wrote in each night before I went to bed, and then my friend Renee asked if I would be her gratitude buddy. I am sure many of you now this story, I have shared it a few times. Every night Renee and I email each other with our list of gratitude for the day. It is a special practice we share, and out of it, a wonderful, deep friendship has formed, a friendship that has seen me through the last six weeks.

Over the last six weeks, with the exception of one night, I was able to dig through the darkness and find the light. Some nights were harder than others, but I managed to find the simple things in my day to be grateful for, and I can honestly say it has been a big part of helping move through this transition.

I can't think of a time when I didn't look back on each day and offer gratitude, and I am so very grateful each day for this practice I share with Renee.

Now, a list to share with you. Today I offer gratitude:

~ for sunrises that fill me wonder and awe

~ for waking each morning to a brand new day full of possibility

~ for that little being right up there, he fills me with such joy, and I love him so very much

~ for the tremendous support, love and understanding received through comments and emails after my post on Friday...thank you!!!!

~ for my parents, their love and support through this has been amazing

~ for letting go and acceptance

~ for the little bits of light peeking through the darkness

~ for knowing I always have a choice

~ for spring-like days in November

~ for cups of tea, and chocolate

How about you, my friends, what are you most grateful for today?

46/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Reece, my wild child, you are at home in nature, finding peace, connection, and so much more. I so enjoyed watching you play in the trees on Friday, friends around you, all of you laughing, climbing, and exploring. To say this week has been difficult for us would be an understatement, but in the woods, among the trees, wrapped in the arms of Mother Nature, we both found solace. We are navigating a new path little man, but I know that together we are going to be okay, more than okay, actually, because we have each other. I love you little man.

Joining Jodi for the 52 Project

New Moon Beginnings

It seems appropriate that as the new moon rises this week, a moon which represents an opportunity to start anew, to refresh dreams, and to set intentions, that I share with you the new chapter I am starting.

I will not share too many details, as this story is not only mine to tell, but also Justin's. What I will share with you is that Justin came to me at the beginning of October to tell me that he was leaving.

Yes, I was shocked, upset, angry, scared, bitter...you name the emotion and over the last six weeks I have felt it. No, our marriage wasn't perfect, but nothing in this life is. It needed work, it needed care, it needed time, but those things only help when both parties are committed to working towards a common goal. Sadly, it didn't work out that way.

So, here I stand, a new moon rising, and a new beginning for Reece and I. I won't lie, there are moments when I am absolutely terrified, but throughout this there have also been moments of hope, hope for the possibility that stretches out before us. I know this new and different path we walk together won't be easy, gosh it has already been so tough, but I also know that life does go on, one moment, one step, one day at a time, and together the two of us will move forward, hand in hand.

*******

In the photo above are the lanterns we made this week to celebrate Martinmas.

Making

Tis the season, my friends, for making. Well, honestly, around here it is always the season for making, but this is the season of gift giving making, and goodness, I love it so much. There have been many things flying off the needles lately, fingerless mitts, hats, and a hitchhiker. More fingerless mitts are on the needles, and a beautiful ribbed scarf, and a few hats are waiting to be cast on. In the midst of all the knitting, a little hand sewing...another Maggie Rabbit for a special little lady in our life.

Giving handmade feels right to me, with each stitch knit, or sewn, a little piece of me is shared with the recipient, and a little of the love I feel for that person shown. My home is filled with handmade gifts, a lot of them from you, my friends, and every time I walk through my home I feel a connection to the people who have shared their talents with me. When I toss a handmade quilt over my lap, put my cup of tea down on a handmade quilted coaster, lean back on a quilted pillow, or use beautiful linen napkins at dinner, I am reminded of the work, care, and love that went into these creations, and I feel so much gratitude to be the recipient of such beautiful, generous gifts.

I do hope the recipients of my handmade gifts feel the same way.

What are you making these days?

45/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2015"

Reece, what a wonderful day we had celebrating you. It began early in the morning with a few small gifts and your birthday ring, and was followed by a fun filled day with your homeschooling pal. She and her family treated you to a day at the aquarium in Toronto, complete with a train ride to get there. You had a wonderful time, and it was a joy to share your special day with people who mean a lot to us. 

 

I still can't believe you are seven, but gosh I am so looking forward to your next trip around the sun, and all the adventure that awaits us. I love you little man, more than you know.

Joining Jodi for the 52 Project

Dear Reece

Oh sweet boy, how is it that you are seven (!) years old today. It seems like only yesterday that I held you for the first time, looked into those beautiful brown eyes and felt my heart melt. There are no words to fully explain how you have changed my life. The last seven years have been the most amazing ride, and along the way I have become a better person, because of you.

I am so honoured to be your mama, to hold your hand, to guide you, to walk with you, to laugh and cry with you, to witness the unfolding of the unique and beautiful person you are. It is a pleasure to spend my days with you learning, growing and changing, together. There have been moments over the last few weeks when I have quietly sat back and observed you, and I have seen the young man you will soon become. A caring, sensitive, joyful, stubborn, curious young man who will continue to challenge me, make me question myself, and force me to step up and be the mother you need me to be.

As we celebrate you today, I promise not to look back with regret at how fast time has gone, instead I will offer gratitude to you for making this journey the most amazing one I have ever taken. You are an amazing little man, and I can't wait to see where your next trip around the sun is going to take you.

I love you.

Around the Garden

Without fail, every autumn season brings us a few days of summer like temperatures, and this week was the week. It has been downright balmy here, and I took advantage of this wonderful gift from Mother Nature to get the final chores done around the garden.

Raised beds were topped with leaves, the garlic was planted and covered with straw, the strawberries got tucked in under a layer of straw, and another raised bed was covered with row covers, ready for an early spring planting. I can't tell you how lovely it was to be outside in the sunshine, feeling the heat of the autumn sun as I worked around the yard. It was filling on so many levels, and nourished my soul deeply.

There are still a few things to tend to around the garden. The blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all need a little pruning and care, and the asparagus needs some care, a top dressing, and a deep layer of mulch. Those things are on the to do list for the weekend. Once those are done the garden will be ready for its winter rest.

There are, of course, still a few things growing in the garden, tucked under the tunnels...Swiss chard, kale, beets and carrots. Every day I sneak out there to harvest a handful of fresh food from the backyard. Sometimes it is kale for a smoothie, or for kale chips, other times some chard to be sauteed for dinner, or maybe carrots and beets, harvested together, and roasted with garlic from the garden as a side dish for dinner. It's a good feeling to be able to harvest fresh food from the garden in November, and if all goes well, I will still be harvesting well into December, and maybe even January.

How are things around your garden?

**********

If you live locally, I have added a few new workshops to the winter lineup at Life at Nature's Pace. Check them out here!