As you probably know I have been working pretty hard on the course for for the Wildcraft game. But also, along with that, I have been creating Ella’s preschool curricula. We have attended a playgroup (that gave me some great ideas for my home program!) But for an all natural play group we had to drive an hour all the way to Portland (plus it was a little spendy, and in this economy we just couldn’t spend the money). So I became very inspired by Kristy Earthschooling.com  - she has tons of great video tutorials, creating a program, natural toys and activities etc. It is wonderful!

So I have decided to start a nature based program  myself! Since there is nothing like this anywhere near where I live, I am hoping I will get a few moms that may be interested.

So, I made these squirrels really fast for me and the kids ‘circle time’ today.  

Every morning during circle time me and the kids sing songs and tell stories. I thought it would be really cute for my ’5 squirrels’ story if I could make some finger puppets.

I had no idea these would be such a hit. The kids LOVED the squirrels. So since then I have made a few birds as well.

 Now I am on an craft kick LOL! Not only is it economical but really fun! The kids love the handmade toys.

I am really excited to start needle felting small bendy dolls for the kids. My kit arrived today (needles, felt, wool) this starter kit is only $12.71 and it has everything you need to get started, including a nice amount of wool, pad,  and 3 needles!

 Have you heard of needle felting? If you have not here is an example of some really cute ideas. I don’t have any affiliation with Forest Whimsy or The Rowen Tree, I just though I would show you a really cute needle felting project.

http://forestwhimsy.net/dolls.htm

And this one from the Rowen tree http://beneaththerowantree.com/ROOTEDnov08.html

What I love about the felting is you have to stab the felt several times with the needle- I find this stabbing really relaxing! LOL!

The felting projects I make will be a little more simple right now (nothing attached that the kids can pull off). My plan for Ella’s birthday is to make a felt family (a fantasy theme complete with a wizard, fairies, a woodsman and his wife) I have built a small wood kitchen table for them to sit at- later on will be a bigger project of a tree house to scale to fit the dolls.

Kristie over at Earthschooling.com has some great needle felting projects on video - even ones that you can do with 3 yr old and chop sticks (instead of sharp needles)! Also, some great knitting projects- she has TONS of other great info as well, check it out!  

Anyway, I am looking forward to blogging more now that my major herbal project is complete. Look for more articles on being an authentic mama soon!

“Why is it that when I don’t know what I want, there is always someone waiting to tell me what it is? I’m just lucky I guess. ~ Anne Wilson Schaef

Do you really know what your needs are?

If you are not living authentically, you may wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and wonder who the person is that is staring back at you.

If we get used to doing what everyone else expects of us, we may loose the ability to determine what we want. We may get confused about what it is exactly that is good and right for us.  Our needs are not being met because we do not know what those needs are.

Unless you know what you want, what your values are, and what is right for you, you cannot be an honest person. You are not only being dishonest with yourself, but you are being dishonest with everyone you are trying to please. You may think you are pleasing them, but the reality is they will never get to know the real you.

People who will try to punish you for being authentic

In The Essential Laws of Fearless Living by Guy Finley he states ” Walk away from anyone who “helps” you to feel that it’s necessary for you to hurt; leave anyone who causes you pain for “your own good”.

Often we may fear being authentic about our wants, needs and values because of the reaction of others. In my view, honesty is the best policy. Real love is unconditional.

“Never accept as natural or necessary any relationship outwardly- or inwardly – with a person or psychological state that punishes you. Say “NO” and just go! A whole new independent life awaits you.” Guy Finely

Here is a great needs inventory from the Center For Nonviolent Communication

This list may help you in your path to authenticity, do you recognize any of these needs that may not be getting met in your life right now? Are you able to communicate these needs in a healthy way with others?

Here are some great products and resources:   Guy Finely Fearless Living