Pride Month

Pride month arives:

 A neat suggestion: https://www.kitchentableclassroom.com/rainbow-leaf-prints-with-washable-marker/

June 21 - Summer Solstice (Earth's Tilt and Spin) + International Yoga Day

 We finally got to celebrate such an important day today and to begin this occasion we share this lovely creative piece which you could purchase too at:  https://www.etsy.com/dk-en/listing/838382062/yoga-svg-namaste-svg-meditation-svg?ref=hp_active-mission-recs-rv-1-1

We welcomed international yoga day and summer solstice by doing a yoga sequence by listening to the Terra Earth Chimes: https://youtu.be/VVlLgvQQQgU while doing the poses suggested in this article: https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/summer-solstice-yoga-sequence  We did the Sukhasana (Easy Pose with Surya Mudra), Buddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose), Utkata Konasana (Goddess Pose), Vrksana (Tree Pose), Half Lotus Pose, Vipartia Karani (Legs-up-the-wall Pose), Savasana (Corpse Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose).

We did a Chakra Yoga Meditation Card selection chosing these from our set we purchased from the lovely: https://gabitatemporium.com/products/chakra-meditation-cards-for-children?pr_prod_strat=use_description&pr_rec_id=51712979a&pr_rec_pid=6076884025494&pr_ref_pid=6087946698902&pr_seq=uniform 

We also did an intention card selection for the beginning of summer, you can own this lovely set too: https://gabitatemporium.com/products/meditation-intention-and-affirmation-cards-for-children?_pos=3&_sid=d6ede5918&_ss=r

We also enjoyed a tarot reading for summer starting from this sweet product: https://www.littlepaganacorns.com/product/tarot-cards-for-kids/

and the free manual available at: https://www.littlepaganacorns.com/product/tarot-for-kids-manual/ 

Thought this tic tac couple doing yoga was super precious: 

We shared a few moments with the courageous and lovely people in Times Square NY doing live yoga with an amazing Yoga instructor Kirra. This Peloton Yoga instructor said find your center in the middle of chaos, greatest wisdom shared! Various Yoga events are happening throughout the day at: https://www.timessquarenyc.org/solstice-in-times-square.

These are the wonderful instructors sharing their teachings with us on this International Yoga Day: 2023 Class Schedule

7:30am – 8:30am Douglass Stewart

9:30am – 10:30am Peloton Yoga Flow with Kirra Michel

11:30am – 12:30pm Ruchika Lal, presented by Consulate General of India, NY (ASL interpreter present)

1:30pm – 2:30pm Marco Rojas (ASL interpreter present)

3:30pm – 4:30pm Nyota Nayo

5:30pm – 6:30pm Joseph Encinia

7:30pm – 8:30pm Matt Boylin

May the Midnight Summer Evening bring you peace, we never did yoga outside in the park and never thought of an evening yoga session, something to strive for perhaps in 2024.

Thinking how to define yoga we came across this,  Yoga is the coming together of the brain and the body as we learnt from Sesame Street Yoga School which also suggests to pay attention (focus) and concentrate. Practice and you will improve. Give Yoga Time. We did Warrior 1 arms above the head and warrior 2 arms extended out in front and warrior 3 is one leg up and stretching out your arms. Join the challenge at: https://youtu.be/2AACZ91BVUo 

Of course this day could not escape without the most wonderful Jamie from Cosmic Kids and our adventure with her today: https://youtu.be/KAT5NiWHFIU We did her Going on a Bear Hunt Session with our code word: Namaste Day We adore you Jamie you are a treasure.

Bear in Action with Jamie: 

Took a quick peak at Stonehenge on this Summer Solstice day: https://www.stonehengeskyscape.co.uk/

As this video explains it is the longest day with sunlight: https://youtu.be/tX8-ULtgI4M

Barron asked an interesting question about an autumn and spring solstice which there is not, instead there is an autumn and spring equinox. Basically in winter the shortest day (least amount of sunlight and more moonlight) occurs on winter solstice and in summer solstice the reverse happens more sunlight and less moonlight. On Spring and Autumn Equinoxes those days have equal amounts of daylight and moonlight. This is also explained in this way, "An equinox is one of the two times of the year when the amount of daylight and nighttime hours are just about of equal length. The vernal equinox marks the start of spring, and the autumnal equinox marks the start of fall. A solstice is one of the two times of the year resulting in the most amount of daylight time or the least amount of daylight time in a single day. Solstices mark the start of summer and winter." Source: https://www.dictionary.com/e/fall-equinox-solstice/ and in this lovely video: https://youtu.be/CSs8K_HQSZ4  

Equinox and Solstice Dates for us in North America according to this source:https://www.weather.gov/media/ind/seasons.pdf

VERNAL EQUINOX.....(SPRING) MAR 20 2023 

SUMMER SOLSTICE....(SUMMER) JUN 21 2023 

AUTUMNAL EQUINOX...(FALL) SEP 23 2023 

WINTER SOLSTICE....(WINTER) DEC 21 2023 

Remember the Earth's Tilt and the way the axis moves and spins around is the reason for us to have seasons. We are lucky to have four seasons as some locations only get two!

We also would not have a complete day without our seasonal mandala from the sweet shop creator: https://gabitatemporium.com/products/mandala-template     Barron made one to let summer in as did I:

 To end the day we lit a candle, well ours is battery operated: 

Coincidence, First, Second, and Third Person

Barron and I came upon the topic of coincidence, not too sure how it happened however it was interesting to learn what it is. A coincidence is something that happens without an explanation or purpose. Barron was able to create some examples to go along with mine such as, "If I was using a hot wheels car and my mom was using a hot wheels car at the same time even though we did  not talk about doing that, then that is quite a coincidence." Another example is thinking of Grandma getting her favourite treat and then she tells us later she had her favourite treat on the same day. A unique coincidence! A final example is Bear and Mom going to the store without telling Dad and suddenly he shows up at the very same store. A surprising coincidence!

This is a great video explaining the concept: https://youtu.be/aIB_7brb-nI  We referenced our favourite dictionary and learnt the following definition and examples: "coincidence: the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection. It was mere coincidence that brought them together so far from Chicago." Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coincidence

We also learnt about person, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person from this video: https://youtu.be/l3S_NI6kRv8 

First Person (I/Me/We)

An example would be: I have hellium inside of me. Plural form: We have got helium inside of us.

Second Person

An example would be: You are on a seriously long string. Plural form: You all have long strings.

Third Person

An example would be, He/She, or It will be popped. Plural form: They will be popped. 

Sometimes music helps explain concepts and we felt this song is first person:  https://youtu.be/sn19xvfoXvk  "Stand Up" - Official Lyric Video - Performed by Cynthia Erivo

This is an example of second person: https://youtu.be/Up5W_FBR368 Glory of Love- From The Film Beaches featuring Bette Midler  Barron suggested the Whopper song: https://youtu.be/9cPxh2DikIA or Honest Man by George Fox (the chorus only): https://youtu.be/j_jS7aKShVk

This is an example (mostly) of third person, beware there is a stripping artist in this video if you are sensitive to such artistry: https://youtu.be/papuvlVeZg8 -

Clean Bandit - Rockabye (feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie)

Remember Barron Nobody Matters Like You! Love xoMommyox

I also thought this would be a good time to discuss chorus with Barron, which is the part of the song that is repeated. In Neil Young's Harvest Moon the Chorus is "because I'm still in love with you, I wanna see you dance again, because I'm still in love with you, on this harvest moon." This song can be enjoyed at: https://youtu.be/n2MtEsrcTTs

Chris Sails - Me and You: https://youtu.be/edYGTAYCYT4  "It's supposed to be me and you."

He Ain't Me by Chris Sails - https://youtu.be/5RPwnch-jkw

"They say there is love in the air."

The Seatbelt Dance - P-Holla and BBD https://youtu.be/7wphKatrEho "Do the Seatbelt."

Drake - Hotline Bling  https://youtu.be/uxpDa-c-4Mc "You used to call me on my cell phone."

DJ Khaled - I'm The One ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne https://youtu.be/weeI1G46q0o   "I'm the one."

Bankrol Hayden - Costa Rica https://youtu.be/3sCXC71Azzk  "Costa Rica swipe a Visa"

Leviathan - Chug Jug With You  https://youtu.be/QqRLVFRe9AU

Kiesza - Hideaway  https://youtu.be/Vnoz5uBEWOA  Sometimes it can be a sound mixed with words as a chorus such as this case.

J. Balvin, Skrillex - In Da Getto https://youtu.be/MjlTKXujfwE

https://youtu.be/doLMt10ytHY Bad Bunny - Yonaguni  Challenge yourself to discover a chorus in another language such as this song in Spanish like we did. 

Barron also noted that songs like Jingle Bells have a chorus called Jingle Bells Jingle All the Way. 

Music Theory for Kids by Homeschool Pop: https://youtu.be/VxF7ebeXjfU

Parts of a choir like Glee and Church:

Voice is our instrument and the various types of voices: https://youtu.be/S0LJU1De7jM

Sister Act: https://youtu.be/VPpd-6X3tEo

https://youtu.be/lv7-ZLRMPMI falsetto/alto voices

Soprano Example from Mozart of the Jungle (a lovely series on Prime Video): https://youtu.be/FELccOh_xpg

Plates, Pangea, and Error Page

 This is so funny and unique:

Finally this source worked: https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/earth/plates-on-the-move2

Mountains form, volcanoes erupt, earthquakes shake. The earth's outer shell is divided into pieces called plates and most earthquakes, mountains, and volcanoes occur where plates meet. Places where plates meet are called plate boundaries. There are seven major plates and countless minor plates. The major plates are North American Plate, South American Plate, Pacific Plate, Antartic Plate,  Eurasian Plate, Africain Plate, and Indo-Australian Plate.Plates can be made of both oceanic crust and contiental crust. Interactions between plates change our planet.

                               -Contintental crust.

                          -Oceanic Crust.

                                    - The Seven Major Plates

June 21 Summer Solstice

 With Summer soon coming towards us this was a nice explanation of what is going on:

https://moonofgemini.com/summer-solstice-rituals/  light a candle at sunset

Source: https://rhythmsofplay.com/ways-to-celebrate-the-summer-solstice/

Craft that is pretty: https://busybusylearning.com/summer-celebrations-waldorf-inspired/

You can look at the skyscape of Stonehenge anytime at this link:https://www.stonehengeskyscape.co.uk/

"Four Rituals to Honor Summer Solstice

Honoring summer solstice is an act of reciprocity and gratitude: what you nourish in your life will flourish.

By Mara Branscombe

Summer Solstice is the precise planetary moment when the earth’s tilt reaches its zenith, bringing us the longest and lightest sun-powered experience of the year. 

As the spring seeds have made their way through the belly of mother earth, Solstice ushers in the next cycle of the ecosphere’s journey from darkness to light.

The earth’s most dynamic time of expansion, growth, and abundance becomes palpable: our senses come alive with the scents, sounds, and the sun’s glow touches us from within.

Celebrating Summer Solstice: Honoring Abundance, Illumination, and Expansion

“Solstice” is a Latin term that means to “stand still”—symbolizing the divine moment where the sun and earth meet each other in stillness.  The sun’s radiance invites us to merge with the earth’s abundance, illumination, and expansive freedom.  Imagine yourself running barefoot on the earth as a 7-year-old: wild and free! 

As the earth’s exquisite creations blossom before us, we too can tap into this fiery, fierce, and invigorating sun energy.  When we honor the summer Solstice, we expand our consciousness to a soul level and receive the potent light that naturally lives deep within each of us. A sacred power ignites inside this alchemical moment where the sun and earth stand in stillness and illumination together. 

Tree Meditation - MaraSolstice is a time to reflect on personal growth and get connected to playfulness, creativity, and expanding our consciousness into the realm of possibility. A time to rekindle who we are when we are most present to our true nature. Being present to the earth’s expression at midsummer invites us to expand our dreams and cast out our prayers that are most meaningful to us. 

Solstice requires us to ground our energy towards the earth so that we may fully receive the illuminated frequency sourced from the sun. Be curious about what thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and energies you are feeding or playing along with. Discern and release what no longer serves you. Discover what lights you up daily and follow the path of joy every step of the way.

As the earth and sun constantly give back to us, honoring summer solstice is an act of reciprocity and gratitude. What you nourish in your life will flourish.

May we gather in celebration for the bounty, abundance, and light in which the summer solstice provides. May we engage in a reciprocal relationship with the earth and acknowledge how she sustains us daily. May we be like the sun and give back in the way of self-love, radiance, and collective compassion.

Four DIY Rituals to Honor Summer Solstice

• Gather with loved ones to share a meal and celebrate abundance through food, storytelling, poetry, and dance. Share gratitude’s for all that is light and radiant in your life. Welcome in the power of playfulness and joy on all levels.

• Create an earth mandala, or outdoor altar. Gather seasonal items, stones, crystals, fallen branches and flower petals. Let your inner child go wild. Call forward your prayers for the earth and bask in the sun’s warming glow. Honor the bounty and beauty of the solstice season. Align with your essential self and clearly state your intentions or prayers for this cycle of your life. Merge with the fiery force of the sun’s power. 

Mara_Branscombe_Summer_Solstice_7• Honor the Sun’s radiance by creating a Fire Ritual. You can work with candlelight, or an outdoor fire if you have access to that. On one piece of paper journal what no longer serves you in your life. Express what has come to an end, or what you have outgrown. Burn it safely and visualize your body releasing the energy from the past. Now call forward what you are inviting in for the next six months until winter solstice. Honor the element of fire and wholeheartedly believe in your power to transform.

• Spend time in nature; garden, make herbal potions, forest bathe, dance barefoot on the earth, do an outdoor walking meditation. Any way you can receive the earth’s abundance with pure consciousness. Observe the inner shifts you feel when you merge with the elements." Source: https://wanderlust.com/journal/4-rituals-to-honor-summer-solstice/

Cheesemaking: https://youtu.be/hJ6RLCqQP0U

National Donut Day

"Every 2 June since 1938, we celebrate it - the donut or doughnut - on National Donut Day in the US. On this day each year, millions of Americans pile into bakeries across the country eating their way toward the more than 10 billion donuts made annually in the US. However, what many don't know is that the tradition dates back to the early 20th century on the edges of World War One battlefields in France. In 1917, the Salvation Army sent a group of woman to France, known as the The Salvation Army's Donut Lassies, to establish bases near the front lines. They would bake sweet circular treats, drawing soldiers to makeshift huts by the thousands. A group of women known as the The Salvation Army's Donut Lassies were active during World War One. Whether it was the glaze on the donuts or the smiles from the women who served them that boosted soldiers' morale, remains undetermined. After the US troops then known as the "doughboys" and the Donut Lassies returned home, the donut began its ascent toward the peak of American popularity. The first-ever National Donut Day was celebrated in Chicago in 1938 as a tribute to the Donut Lassies, according to the Salvation Army, which champions the day. The donut had been around long before, however. It first arrived to American shores under the Dutch name olykoeks (oily cakes). The fried treat that conquered the modern world. It took on the donut name in the mid-19th century on a New England ship where the captain's mother would make fried goods for the crew and stuff hazelnuts or walnuts into the centre, where the dough often didn't cook through.t Although donut historians debate who was the first to put the trademark ring-shaped hole in the centre, the woman's son, Hanson Gregory, is largely attributed with having created the circular phenomenon. " Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65692020

Barron created a donut with a new flavour called fruitloops and mine was strawberry fruitopia flavoured: 

Beach Side School

 This woman is a national treasure! I simply adore the creations made by this creative soul: https://beachsidehomeschool.com/2020/03/11/flowers-and-seed/  The quote she shares is so amazing and I was lucky enough to discover it for free in a pdf from the generous soul: https://livelaughrowe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/All-Good-Things-are-Wild-and-Free.-Thoreau-Quote-Printable-from-Live-Laugh-Rowe.pdf

Sweet April showers

do spring May flowers.

-Thomas Tusser

Springtime Truths: https://livelaughrowe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Free-Printable.-April-Showers-Bring-May-Flowers-from-Live-Laugh-Rowe.pdf

This is a lovely printable for the fall: https://livelaughrowe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Humbert-Wolfe-Free-Fall-Printable-with-Quote.-LiveLaughRowe.pdf

“You’re only here

for a short visit.

Don’t hurry,

don’t worry.

And be sure to

smell the flowers

along the way.”

-Walter Hagen

https://livelaughrowe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Find-the-Beauty-of-Everyday-Things-Printable-from-Live-Laugh-Rowe.pdf

https://livelaughrowe.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/8x10-Daffodils-Poem-Printable-from-Live-Laugh-Rowe.pdf

Make Something

https://livelaughrowe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Make-Something-Printable.-Free-8x10-Washi-Tape-Inspired-Printable-Live-Laugh-Rowe.pdf

June Moon + Dinosaur Day June 1

June's moon is the strawberry moon, how exquisite. If you adore it as much as us please purchase one from:  https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ofbeeandbearshop  

June 1 is Dinosaur Day. We have this great app from amazon app store called Dinosaur Train and we learnt and created a neat keepsake for the day. We also found some sweet dinosaur erasers from our local Walmart store. Barron likes the Pterodactyl as do I however we learnt it isn't a dinosaur from this song: https://youtu.be/ZO6DGWsW6Pc