Rain and cold doesn't stop us having fun ...

People often ask about rainy days at the farm ... we know how to do them well.  Yesterday was no exception ... freezing cold, pouring rain and Frieda, Ted, Ari and Mac had the BEST of days together.

The fire was on in the barn so anytime we needed, we could head back there to warm up and thaw out ... and while other visitors huddled in that space complaining ... nothing was going to stop this little gang from some time in the rain.   With hoodies and beanies on, we headed to the stables to find 'Boss' the little ... though, getting bigger fast ... kitten.   He was delighted to have our love and attention.   The children noticed the drain pipes running over and we had a fascinating time figuring out where the water came from ... and where it was going to.   Ecology in the moment as the children found out the rain fell on the roof, ran down the drain, was caught in the tank and when the tank was full it would spill over.   We also got to see how that connected with the windmill to make sure there was water all over the farm when needed.

Playing near the stables, one drain pipe was a  constant mini down pour.  When you've got gumboots and a good raincoat on, why not stand under it and experience the total delight of a natural shower ...  the children lit up over this, like it was the best thing you could possible be doing on a cold wet day.  With warm layers and the right gear, it actually is!

Frieda ...

Ted ...

Freida and Mac ... baking in the mud

Ari showing us all ... lifes good!

Bears at the farm .. ?

Yes ... Milana and Alessia Bear!

Alessia Bear doing what she does best ... telling the great story of her life.

Two little birds in a tree ...

Frankie and Jyra were pretty pleased with themselves and each other sitting in the mulberry tree ...

Full circle ..

This little story is a powerful one.  If you haven't already ... read here, here and here to set the scene.

The younger siblings of some of the children who were part of this story so far are now at the farm.  Harvey's brother Samson, Agnes's brother Kornelius and Pepper's sister Frankie.

Samson asked if we could go to visit the trees that Harvey planted.  When we got down there, he and Kornelius and Frankie were so proud as we talked about how those trees got to be there and who had made it so ... especially when Oli and Jyra were really interested and enthusiastic to know all there was to tell.

For me, the most beautiful thing of all on this visit, was that I experienced that something that had been quite sacred to many in that first little clump of trees that got cut, had been restored.  I heard it in the conversation ... 'Hey, look there's rooms in here.'  'Yeah, let's go in and look.'   Which is almost exactly like the first conversation that ever took place in the little clump of Ash that disappeared.

This post is with huge love and much appreciation for Harvey, Agnes, Pepper, Finn and Omkara ... I hope you all love seeing that your trees have grown big and strong already and that a whole new world has opened up for every child who now wonders that stretch of the Yarra trail ... like you did ... looking for an imaginal world to enter and play in.

Tribal business ...

Samson and Jyra ..

Oli and Kornelius and below joined by Frankie

Jyra ...

Some folly on fridays ...

Mac

Frieda singing ... she was being so sweet with Mac and I...  and really loved that she had a peacock feather to wear ... kinda suited the moment.

If you haven't had the pleasure, spending time with children as they discover the joy of a windmill shadow while the windmill is spinning is a must.  They get on board like that shadow like it is the most alive ride of a lifetime ...

Mac being a right clown.  He says, 'Hey nella, look at my smile.'  ... and as I look up ... well you can see ... it was quite a smile.

Samson and Frankie-Belle

Ari and Ted ...

Ari and Ted are two of the dearest little boys that you could ever hope to meet.  Recently we had a day at the farm that was just Ari and Ted ... very special indeed. 

While we walked and tree climbed and adventured to places we hadn't before, including a walk to the convent and through the art gallery in the St. Helliers store ... the thing that was most awe inspiring for these two boys to discover, was this sleeping blue tongue lizard.   The day was cool, and it lay in the sun, not moving at all to the point where we wondered whether it was dead.   Looking long enough, we could just see a faint movement in it's chest, showing us it was breathing.   Ari moved in for a closer peek and his shadow blocked the sun just for a moment.   That was time enough for the lizard to feel the cool and get uncomfortable and move. Then we saw it was alive.  Fascinating indeed.

Sonny ...

We have a new little friend on thursdays.  His name is Sonny and this first pic is one of the very few I have of me with any of the children.   It happened in the most natural and beautiful of ways.   We had gone into the goat paddock to get up close with the goats, who were all laying blissfully and peacefully in the sun.   A young mum nearby was watching us all and asked about what we were doing.   As I shared with her what our day was about, one of the goats nuzzled in behind me and started rubbing my shoulder and neck as I spoke.  When I stopped speaking she stopped nuzzling.  At the same time, Sonny got a smidge overwhelmed with the size of the goats as a few started to stand up.   So into my lap jumped Sonny.   When he did, the goats circled us and blessed us with some up close goat style love.   Jenny close by witnessed all this and said, 'I just have to take a picture of this for you.'  Which she did ... and here it is for your all to enjoy.  

Right after this snap I think it was, the goat over Sonny's head came down for a closer look and as she did, her two long silky ears dropped down, one on either side of his cheek and Sonny peered up at the goat between the ears.

So gorgeous, so intimate and for Sonny ... so safe with my lap to sit in while all this happened.

Guinea pigs are fun ...

... and so am I!

Kornelius ...

Get anywhere near Kornelius with a camera ... or even think of taking his picture and this is what usually happens ...

However pick your moment and you might just capture the beauty of him before he notices ... at times there's a gentle, deep contemplation about him that is simply beautiful to witness

Hey you've got the camera on me ... oops, caught your pic before your noticed K-man.

Peeking at thursdays ...

Alessia

Milana

Orlando

Anna

Alessia chatting to a little friend we often see called Ella