For summer travel, beach trips, and even restaurant visits it is nice to take along a toy or two that pack small and can be used in many creative ways.

Some of our lightweight  favorites to pack and play with in hotels, friends houses and public places are:

Playsilks at the beach

Long ago, in China, the Jade Emperor decided there should be a way of measuring time. On his birthday he told the animals that there was to be a swimming race. The first twelve animals across the fast flowing river would be the winners and they would each have a year of the zodiac named after them.

All the animals lined up along the river bank. The rat and the cat, who were good friends, were worried because they were poor swimmers. Being clever they asked the strong ox if he would carry them across the river.

Each year we make gifts to give to special friends, grandparents, and teachers. One of the easy and fun ones is making sachets.

Here is what you need:

Many of us, as adults, have a strong feeling of separation between our work and play. Work may be thought of as a more dreaded must-do activity; play something we do on our weekends and free time.  By incorporating the essense of creative play into our work we are happier and more productive people. Putting more of ourselves into each task we do is more fullfilling and soul affirming. Which brings more joy into our lives.

Whether it's a cape, skirt, belt or tunic making your own costume is easy with playsilks. Follow your child's lead, use what you have on hand, and have fun!

A little dollhouse or tipi is a wonderful gift! This one is easy to make yourself and can be taken down to store when not in use.

We use ours on our nature table and change the silks to go with the seasons.

You will need:

This has been a summer of change for us, and bittersweet.

Our son Noah has gone to college in Walla Walla, WA. And do we ever miss him. Before he left we all wrapped up in a giant starry night scape for a rare family photo.

 Steiner talked about rhythm of our days and weeks as being important for growth and developement. He also beilieved that color corresponds with our "feeling" life.

A lovely way to have  rhythm in our lives is to observe and perhaps implement a "color of the day" as is done in Waldorf early childhood settings.

The days go like this:

Monday is purple.

Tuesday is red.