
So it was a cold start for Waldorf co-op this morning. Some of the mamas were able to get a small fire going to help counter the chilly temperatures which I'm pretty sure set new records for this time of year in the Carolinas.
Most of us arrived bundled, but thankfully, the sun warmed things rather quickly, and just as fast, the layers were shed. This is a total aside, but why is it that little people desire to wear the least amount of clothing permissible, with little regard for current weather conditions? I feel like I spent the majority of a very chilly weekend repeating why shorts and t-shirts were not an acceptable choice for 50 degrees. Can't those little "skin and bones" arms and legs not feel that for themselves? Just asking.

(above photo credit goes to Lora, thanks for capturing the moment!)
Today was my turn to lead circle. Oliver is on my front and Finn on my back, in the carriers that Carrie so graciously lent me about a month ago, which I still have not returned. That act of kindness has changed my life in unspeakable ways...Carrie, thank you again and I promise to give them back whenever you need them or as soon as mine show up, whichever comes first!
I just need to say that I think the photo above is both beautiful and incredibly funny. The sunlight and the color composition are so gorgeous, meanwhile, the smoke coming off of the fire and our hands frozen in mid-air, make it look like we are casting a spell over a bubbling cauldron. I think what we were really doing is a verse about falling leaves!
Our circle follows a format of seasonal verses and songs that change every few weeks, as well as the telling of a story. This week I told The Anxious Leaf. I can't begin to tell you how many times I practiced this story. In the car, in the shower, while eating breakfast. I was so confident and guess what happened? Mid-way through, I got distracted by the crazy boy sitting next to me who could not sit still and the whole story fell out of my mind like sand through a sieve. One minute I was in the zone and then, it was gone. blank. nothing. I got so flustered I didn't even know where I left off and I have no idea if the second half even made any sense. Everyone was unbelievably kind, I mean what could they possibly say... uh, you are the worst story teller ever!! Oh well, better luck next time, that is if they ever ask me do it again!
The circle leader is also responsible for planning the craft for the day. There are so many great choices for leaves and Fall. I ended up settling on felt garland. It is an idea which I have seen so many times over the last few weeks, here, here, here and finally here. The boys and I were planning on making one for our family and then it ended up that I bought way too much felt, so it seemed like a good opportunity to pass it on.
I believe I ended up cutting close to 150 felt leaves, in every spare minute I could squeeze out of the last several days. Believe it or not, it didn't feel daunting, but rather inspiring that I was able to accomplish such a task by carving out a few minutes here, a few minutes there. It left me with a renewed sense of confidence about my ability to squeeze crafting back into my life.
Here is a glimpse of our finished product. The boys and I are pretty tickled!
AND GUESS WHAT???
It would make me so happy to continue to pass on the leaf garland love...
It turns out that I have the supplies to make one more batch of leaves, complete with the yarn to hang them on. I am offering up the chance for your family to create your very own bit of felt, autumnal goodness to be enjoyed this season and beyond.
If you would like a chance to win the fixin's for your very own leaf garland, leave a comment on this post and a winner will be drawn at random.
Comments will close Wed, Oct 21st at 9 pm. Good Luck!