I adore exploring the great outdoors with Beatrix. Whether we are in our backyard chasing chickens or at the nearby nature trails admiring the eccentric fowl, gathering sticks,pepples, and feathers nothing turns that frown upside better than fresh air and mother nature.
I want her to know and love the outdoors not only when it's 80 degrees and sunny, but when it's humid, hot, and sticky or cold and damp. Already, her passion for water is alive and well. "Splash" she says at the sight of puddles and streams! I can't help but smile with approval. I'm proud that at not even two years old, she knows how to make a good splash from a puddle of water. Rain is miraculous occurrence that deserves songs and dances for as long as it graces us with its presence. And - that when tossed into water a stone can do wonders for the ears and eyes - oh my - gurgles and ripples - who can get enough of that?
A couple of evenings ago, I was revisiting a book I love, Last Child in the Woods. I read a passage from one of the last chapters, one which resonates with me so deeply "The Spiritual Necessity of Nature for the Young." The author describes a meeting he had with a rabbi, a Catholic priest, a Protestant Minister, and an imam to discuss parenting. The rabbi defined spirituality as being constantly amazed. I like that.
I can only hope that Bea has many of those - moments of amazement - in her days. And I hope that these moments of amazement stay with her throughout her life, each one compiling and connecting to the other, grounding her, supporting her, as she becomes the person she is meant to be. And I like to think that taking her out for a winter hike on a cold and damp morning allows for such moments. One of the greatest joys to parenthood is to be present for these moments of amazement. In our adult mindsets, these moments can sometimes appear to arrive at inconvenient times or times that can just be easily overlooked. But really, if we can step back, pretend, remember, imagaine we know childhood, then just sometimes we can catch a glimmer of the world through their lens. Boy, oh boy, this universe really is amazing and wonderous and mysterious and all knowing. What a trip!
Beautiful post and adorable little explorer...
Posted by: Catherine | January 11, 2011 at 10:49 AM
I like what you wrote about experiencing nature in all kinds of weather. Lovely blog, and what a sweet little girl...hmmm it is 5 degrees here, but we're going for it! :) Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Ellie | January 11, 2011 at 05:24 PM
Thank you Catherine!
Posted by: Nichole | January 11, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Ah Ellie, 5 degrees is ccccooolllddd. We southerners like to freak out if the thermometer dips below freezing. But on the flip slide is summer...It's the time of the year I find myself most inclined to stay indoors!
So nice to meet you! I peeked into your blog. Your world looks so very beautiful. Looks as though old man winter is digging his heels in and making himself at home. :)
Posted by: Nichole | January 11, 2011 at 06:59 PM
This is such a beautiful written and photographed post. I am such a wuss about getting out into the cold and wet we have here in the NW. You've also reminded me to get that book! It's been on my list for far too long.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 13, 2011 at 03:22 AM
Oh thanks so much Kimberly. Thank you for stopping by. It's great to meet you.
Don't worry, I'm the same way in the summer here in Texas! SO HOT!
Posted by: Nichole | January 13, 2011 at 01:59 PM