Palo Alto Tender Tracks Day 6, Sept. 29, 2011

Waxing Moon
Hidden Villa

Today Laurie was not with us and Grace was home sick.  We sent love and then carried on in our circle.  This day was peaceful and with ease all except Jasper.  By the end of the day he was holding onto something so big that we almost could not leave Hidden Villa as he was undoing his car seat.  When I just sat with him his anger collpased into my arms and he rested his head in the crook of my neck but, when we truly had to go, he was mad and strong about it.  It was slightly building throughout the day with insisting things go his way when he was playing with the children but in truth, I have no idea what really was the trigger for his need to have control and final say in things.  So, with gentle boundaries and lot’s of love we finally made it back, a bit late, and hopefully with some peace and unfolding at home.

However, as to everyone else, they were GREAT friends to him as they all have been to each other.  I do hear at home though that there is talk of not liking this person or that person.  From my experience, this is what happens and I do my part in providing space for them to be true to their honest feelings in order to honor them along with becoming respectful social beings.

Our circle was sweet. I was going to bring a variation on the story today but it seemed just right to tell it again and they flowed right with it.

Our existing feathers on our counting stick weren’t working very well so I put the Earth Namers “feathered rope” on our counting stick and YES, these showed the winds movement very well. So, we checked out the wind, the sky, the sounds and made guesses as to what the weather would be for the day and what we should wear.   Then off to Hidden Villa to see if the pigs have grown and if there were any chicks.  Most, from last year, REALLY wanted to catch a chicken but, “Roxanne isn’t here.  How will we catch one now?!”
‘Roxanne showed us and now it is up to us to learn how to do it ourselves.’ And, WE DID IT!!!
After arriving, playing in the garden, eating in the garden, climbing thru tunnels in the garden we first, went to see the sheep and pet them, and then off to the pigs and the chickens we went.

Well, Audrey and I caught a chicken straight away and then Aleki went to town for the rest of the day.  He was SOOOO proud of himself and in utter joy.  Anjalie, with the help of others was able to catch one too and she was very happy as well!!  This was so much fun. And then, the pigs.  Two great big ones and a couple smaller ones. They are just too fun and too great so we spent a great deal of time looking at them.

Caroline was a bit scared of the chickens so she stayed close to me and at least half  we had to encourage to leave when we needed to. Some of the children were ready to go so we went to the pond near by along with the big climbing Oak tree with the brass ring. There was a very large horse ‘s head sticking out of the barn and I thought it was real at first.  I was quite taken a back by it and it was quite daunting.  It turns out that it wasn’t real.  I do not know why they have it there.

The children played and created games by the pond and climbed up and down the tree all taking turns. Here is where Jasper really struggled and Bodi was found in tears as Jasper wouldn’t let him climb.  We took care of that need, at least for Bodi but alas, Jasper was not content.

The day needed to end so off we went back to the bus for our travails.  It was hot in that bus and the children were, in spite of it all,  really patient and helpful with Jasper.  They changed seats for him, sang to him, gave him suggestions.
A warm and compassionate group.