Coming Home to Nature

 

After a long, blustery (and snowy!) winter, spring is a welcome change!

Despite our best intentions, the truth is that many of us have spent the majority of the last few months indoors--snuggly content to sip on hot cocoa, surf the net or indulge in a good book.

But now, with spring's arrival, many of us are finally venturing outdoors--rediscovering the world of nature we have been missing and the happiness that comes from being in touch with the natural world.  From the early morning calls of the Eastern Phoebe, to the scampering of squirrels still fat from their dormant winter to the delicate fuzzy buds forming on the Old Hickory tree here at ALNC, simple moments of happiness are all around for those of us who love the out of doors. Here is a quote from Jerry Wibler's book, Wit & Wisdom of the Great Outdoors, that does a great job of explaining this phenomenon:

"Happiness, for us, is a springtime full moon (though a half will do) wrapped in early mist and ribboned with an owl's hoot. Happiness, for us, is Mariah, the wind, arranging gray and white clouds above needled pines, long peaceful nights lit with heartbreak halfmoons, symphonies of loons riding low in the water, and the rumble of thunder on a hot summer's night. Happiness, for us, is sassy streams on a hot summer's night. Happiness, for us, is sassy streams somersaulting through forests deep, dancing wild flowers and wandering tribes of butterflies. For us life is tasted, touched, smelled, felt, seen and savored, and that my friend is downright happiness."

 Now, get outdoors and enjoy this sunshine!

Wonder Bugs Wednesday!

Happy Spring!

I thought I would share a song that you can sing  around the house  to celebrate (and  perhaps encourage nature to be a bit more forthcoming with spring weather)!  Be creative and  while you are out exploring with your wonder bug, add your own verses and keep on singing! For example you could add  this line, "the wind will start to blow." Then make your own kite out of newspaper and newspaper bags and go outside  and fly it! Emma and I  are excited  to try this again in warmer weather (see pics).

    When Spring Comes Rolling In! 

(Tune:  "When The Saints Come Marching In")

    Oh when spring, comes rolling in,
    Oh when spring, comes rolling in,
    The Bee's will all start to buzz,
    When spring comes rolling in.

    Oh when spring, comes rolling in,
    Oh when spring, comes rolling in,
    The tree's will all start to bloom,
    When spring comes rolling in.

    Oh when spring, comes rolling in,
    Oh when spring, comes rolling in,
    The rain will start to fall,
    When  spring comes rolling in. 

Sing loud and proud,

Miss Tara

Next Wonder  Bugs  Program:
MUD PIES IN THE SKIES
9:30-10:45am
Tuesday, April 5th OR Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
Registration Deadline: Friday, April 1st, 2011
 
As the ground begins to thaw we will dig and we will draw. There is more to soil than meets the eye. Come learn about fun critters that live in the mud. We’ll play and sing until we say bye-bye.Click here to register!

Single session: ALNC Members: $6/child; Non-Members: $7/child
Package option: All 7 sessions: $38.50/members; $45.50/non-members