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COMPANIONS ON THE ROAD Naniloa Smith and Mary Koehler
January, February, March 2009 Vol. 15 ‘Companions on the Road’ is an ongoing column created to help us ‘adults’ remember we are children, too, and want to play. In the Desert Children’s Project offers many activities and projects on the web site. (www.inthedesertchildrensproject.org ) The section called ‘Easy Activities is added to frequently. This quarter Mary and I found ourselves enjoying those activities in a new way and have been inspired to share them with you in this issue. An easy ‘click’ is provided for you as each one is referred to. From Mary Koehler The last couple of weeks we had a lot of snow and it was wonderful to let go of schedules and plans. I found myself enjoying walks in the snow, playing games and enjoying meals with family and friends. Everything slowed down, and the simple activities of everyday life felt renewing. ‘What are you Wearing?’ (http://inthedesertchildrensproject.org/Activities/what_are__you_wearing.htm This activity unfolded in a new way this winter. I find myself asking my child first, “What color do you want to wear today?” Maybe purple or green would come up…and then I could see what the child would love to wear. It is fun to add a scarf, brightly colored socks, hair clips or jewelry. I find that with snow, the child wants special boots, mittens and a hat. Involving the inner child in what to wear helped me start the day in a sweet way. I spent an
hour recently with a family member cleaning-up a bookcase, letting go of
pictures, games and books. It felt good to wash the shelves down and put the
things back in new places. The room felt fresh and new. I noticed that once the
job was done, new games and pictures showed up. I now feel happy just sitting in
the room. New Year Clean Up 1. Choose a closet, a drawer or a room to clean up and make new. 2. You may be inspired to look at how much time to spend on it first (15 minutes, an hour, an afternoon) Best not to over-do-it! 3. You may want to invite a friend to assist. 4. Check to see if things are to stay, be moved or be given away. 5. The space may have a new purpose or use…be open as you go. From Naniloa Smith During these winter months ‘play’ has moved inside for me. I have found that some of the simple games of childhood have been coming forth and have provided instant fun for the moment. Tiddley Winks 1. Purchase or find Tiddley Winks. 2. Check to see if you can let go of the rules. 3. Follow your inspiration for the moment of how to play. For example it may be to pop the wink into a tea cup or off the edge of the table…who knows. Play and see ideas that come. 4. Laugh with it. 5. Celebrate a shot made. 6. Perhaps your game lasts only 2 minutes – it doesn’t matter. 7. Happy Tiddley Winking to you. Jacks This game showed up as a way to rest. While feeling a need to rest I was inspired to play the game of jacks. I was amazed at how rested I felt after just a few minutes of play. Recipe The holidays brought an opportunity to cook and ‘play’ in the kitchen. The activity ‘Favorite Foods’ came to mind. As I asked myself what is my favorite food, it was the shrimp roll ups my daughter had made during her visit. Favorite Foods http://inthedesertchildrensproject.org/Activities/2001Feb.htm Shrimp Roll Ups For the roll ups you will need: Rice paper Cooked shrimp (or any cooked meat) Lettuce, carrot shavings and cucumber slices. Blue Solar Water Sauce Peanuts (optional) Immerse rice paper in boiling water and remove to a plate to open. Lay in ingredients preferred. Gently roll up rice paper. Immerse another sheet of rice paper in water and wrap again. Have your sauces on the table for each individual to top or dip the roll in. Vietnamese or Thai sauces are excellent. Response from Readers on the Road I had so much fun with ‘What are you Wearing’, I wanted to share with you the idea that I had. I was inspired to sit and make a drawing of a horse. I began to talk to the horse and discovered that she wanted a scarf and leg warmers. I drew those. Then it was ear muffs. It became so playful and alive. I felt I had beckoned my child to play with me about what she wanted to wear for the day. I was READY. Thank you. NS
In the Desert
Children’s
Project is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation organized for
educational purposes. It accepts monetary contributions, as well as gifts of
charitable gift annuities, real estate, stocks, bonds and other tangible assets. www.inthedesertchildrensproject.org
Send gifts to: In the Desert Children’s Project 425 10th St. Moline, Il 61 Naniloa Smith has a MS in education. She is President and Founder of In the Desert Children’s Project. She has spent over 30 years in the classroom. She believes that 'we're all children' and want to play. Naniloa lives in Moline, Illinois. Mary Koehler has a BS in education. She has raised 7 children with her husband Kurt. She loves doing art projects and exploring new activities. Mary resides in Hillsboro, Oregon
Thank You
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