The Let’s Go Outside Revolution

Peace in the heart, vitality, awe…some of the things I want my kids to feel…things that nature nurtured in me…a cool breeze on a warm day, the sparkle of fresh dewdrops on early morning grass, the quiet reflection of the setting sun…and a powerful emotion evoked with the smell of dry earth after soft rainfall…  My kids loved The Lets Go Outside Nature Camps – thank you so much Marghanita to you and Christine, Jasmine and ‘cool dude’ Sam (as my son would say) for awakening this in my kids and setting their imagination free. The wonderment on their little faces after each new critter found under a rock in our garden..testimony of their happiness. We look forward to the ‘Lets Go Outside’ Revolution! Sue Robinson

It was a truly rewarding experience teaching your spirited children Sue, thank you for sharing your children with us.

I am constantly learning from the children in the nature classes and feel privileged to be able to work and play with them in nature. It is thanks to you and your spirited children, and other families, individuals and organizations supporting the REVOLUTION and believing in the importance of connecting children with nature, that are creating a better future for our children. YOU ARE THE REVOLUTION!

Let’s Go Outside Revolution in your neighborhood…

The Revolution nature classes and workshops take to the road in November. En route we will be making a documentary to share all the fabulous work individuals, parents, schools and organizations are doing to connect children with nature.  We hope to provide solutions to the problems we are all facing in this fast paced, electronic obsessed society in which we live.

Workshops In Your Neighborhood
Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre’s Annual Conference, Vancouver:  Sat 19th November 2011
Workshop: Connecting Children With Nature presented by Marghnaita Hughes:  scheduled for 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and continuing from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m.

Join us  – We would love to meet you : Let’s Go Outside Revolution

• Would you like to hold a Nature Event in your neighborhood, local park or school?
• Would you like to feature in the documentary?
• Would you like to volunteer?
• Would you like to sponsor the Revolution?
• Contact Marghanita : info@marghanita.com  or info@letsgooutsiderevolution.com

Let’s Go Outside…Together we can make BIG change!

My heart is full of love and hope, knowing so many care. I cannot express the joy it gifts me, meeting all these wonderful children who will one day become the stewards for our beautiful planet, thank you with all of my heart….Marghanita xx

My book characters the Little Humbugs are eco warriors and love to fly and walk everywhere. From a distance they love to watch the HUMAN children walk and bike too. I try to walk or bike whenever I can. Lately I have been doing a lot more biking. I’ve even started delivering my environmentally friendly books and educational dolls locally by bike.

And I’m loving it!

The larger orders are a bit more challenging. Like the box on the back of my pannier but I’m managing so far.

SO WHY DO I BIKE?

• It’s good for the planet
• It saves me money
• It keeps me fit
• I get to be a good role model for my children
• I get to meet my retailers face to face

You can hear the bird song, stop and watch the amazing wildlife we are so fortunate to have here in the Okanagan. Even in a city there is always a tree or a bird to appreciate on your travels. Yes, it’s really hard work especially when it’s a 45 minute uphill ride home but it’s so worth the effort when you think of all the positives.

And what about the children….

Samuel and Jasmine have walked or cycled to and from school every day for the last 3 weeks. Now that the weather is changing, we will revert back to using the car some days.

Appreciation

It’s been hard work walking home but they have become the best of friends on their walks to and from school. Last week Sam had to walk home with his saxaphone (which is almost half the size of him). That night when I was tucking him into bed, I told him how proud I was of him for walking all the way home with his heavy saxaphone. He held out his hands and showed me blisters that had formed on his little hands from carrying the case.  As I kissed them better, he turned and looked up at me and said, ” at least I didn’t have to walk 8 hours to collect water Mum”.

I wept.

The Ponderosa Pines in the back garden are literally crawling with White Breasted Nuthatchers. They creep up and down the tree trunk like little mice.

Each season brings new visitors to the garden.

These adorable little visitors are extremely acrobatic, pausing occasionally to hang and hammer at a crack.

They get their common name from their habit of jamming large nuts and acorns into tree bark, then whacking them with their sharp bill to “hatch” out the seed from the inside.

Connecting Kids to Nature

Not only do birds brighten up your day with their beautiful chorus, they are also fascinating to watch with your family.

Bird watching is so much fun.

Children are naturally curious and love to learn. The behavior of wild birds is what makes them so fascinating to watch.

Binoculars are a favorite with Sam…especially when we are on our deck watching the Vultures.

Encourage the birds to your yard – Make a Bird Feeder

Now that most of the berries and acorns have been eaten, the birds will need your help. Make your own bird feeder by recycling an old plastic bottle or using pinecones.

Watch my video on how to make a Pinecone Bird Feeder

Encourage your children to make a bird journal. Samuel loves to draw, so he is adding bird sketches along with his photographs, to his journal.

Borrow a Bird Guide book from your local library. Here’s a great site to help identify the birds in your backyard: All About Birds

Birds are an Inspiration

Children are born with a sense of curiosity, joy and wonder about the natural world. Climbing trees, picking berries, splashing in puddles, planting seeds, listening to bird song and chasing butterflies should be part of every child’s playtime.

A sense of discovery will allow children to appreciate the beauty of nature and the natural treasures it holds, and through discovery, they will gain respect for the wildlife and will ultimately want to help protect it.

My hope is that my Little Humbug book characters inspire children to go outside and discover the birds, the trees, the bees and the butterflies in their own backyard or the local park or forest.

Introducing one of my book characters : LUCY THE BIRD KEEPER

Lucy is like a mother to all the little birds of the forest. She treasures each precious moment spent with her feathered friends. That is why she’ll make time to join them, at first light, in the sweet singing of The Dawn Chorus.

Lucy the Bird Keeper Doll is a Butterfly Girl and comes cocooned in a chrysalis just like real butterfly. The cocoon was designed to double as the packaging-eliminating the need for wasteful packaging.

What birds visit your garden? Do you have a favorite?

My friend Bethe Balmeras suggests- If you have a budding scientist on your hands or want to suggest a project to your child teacher, check out Project Feeder Watch: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/

Getting teenagers outdoors and connecting with nature….

UNPLUG and go on an adventure. Teenagers love adventures especially if they are challenging….and I’m more than happy to lead by example.

Hey guys wait for mum!!

David Montana and Jasmine were in their element. They loved every minute of the challenging rock climb to reach the waterfall.

David Montana made his way back to help his sister navigate the slippery log.

Once at the top, my 18 year old rested against a rock  to appreciate the beauty of the powerful waterfall.

We all need the tonic of wilderness, especially teenagers. We all need time to renew ourselves, to strengthen our depleted resources.

We evolved in nature – if we become disconnected from the natural world we lose something magical, something so precious. We lose part of what it means to be human.

Children need nature and nature needs children

I am passionate about getting kids outdoors and connecting with nature. I believe if we inspire a love for nature in a child, it will lead to a desire to protect it. First we have to give children the opportunity and freedom to go outside and explore, discover the magic Mother Nature has to offer, only then can they understand how precious it is.

More than anything I hope that children get the opportunity to get up close to nature at an early age before the onset of the technological world that will undoubtedly become part of their everyday life . I was fortunate enough to have a childhood filled with fun adventures, discovery, laughter, make belief, outdoor magical worlds and parents whose love for the natural world inspires me to this day. I feel it has come full circle, being a nature loving parent who is inspired to share walks down forest paths, clambering over slippery rocks to reach a waterfall, enjoying storytelling on a warm summer evening …moments of pure joy!

As parents, if we show an appreciation for Mother Nature, the children in our lives will follow us. Lead by example, take a walk in the park, help your child grow vegetables in a pot, go on a bug hunt, let them climb a tree, collect fallen blossom, make smelly potions and mud pies.

This weekend why not head outdoors into the wilderness, your family will thank you for it.

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend in nature. xx

I am thrilled to be working with Italian mother and writer-Claudia Porta on her exciting new book about play and yoga for kids. Let’s Play Yoga.

Claudia is a mom, a writer and a yogi. She practices yoga with her three kids and they also write a lot of books together. On her blog La Casa Nella Prateria (The Little House on The Prairie), Claudia shares her family’s adventures since the day they left the city of Turin (Italy) to live in the French countryside. Together they explore nature and enjoy every single day of their new life.

Claudia with her youngest, Chiara.

I  love practicing yoga with my own daughter and many of the simple poses are named after animals and nature, so they appeal visually to children and learning them stimulates their imagination. Sam and Jasmine have been posing for me which has made this project an enormous amount of fun to illustrate.

…Two kids, Leonardo and Gloria, are playing together. They imagine they can fly around the world and visit foreign countries. They pretend they can transform into different animals and creatures and live wonderful adventures.

Through their journey, they do several yoga poses and even learn the secret of wisdom.

On the above page, I have illustrated Gloria in the Butterfly position - La Farfalla

This is a favorite pose among kids. In this pose the kids are asked to sit cross legged and they are then asked to place their hands on the knees. The kids then move their knees in the same way a butterfly would flap it’s wings.

Claudia’s daughter, Gloria enjoying her yoga outdoors in the fresh air.

In the book, simple yoga poses teach children about nature, their environment and inspires their imaginations. They learn by playing, singing, moving and imitating.

I can’t wait to share the finished book with you all later this year.

You can ctach up with Claudia on her wonderful blog: www.lacasanellaprateria.com

RECEIVE A FREE  SUMMER ACTIVITY (Printable) BOOKLET (BOYS 2010)

CALLING ALL OUTDOOR BOYS -The Dragonfly Boys want to know:

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER OUTDOOR ACTIVITY?

Just leave a comment below telling us your favorite outdoor activity and you’ll receive a FREE PDF printable copy of BOYS SUMMER ACTIVITIES. (Just in time for summer holidays)

Once the Dragonfly Boys have collected enough activities they will compile a SUMMER printable booklet with the COOLEST  summer activities from around the world.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

TELL THE DRAGONFLY BOYS what country you live in.

Dragonfly Boys live deep in the forests in many different parts of the world.

Help the Dragonfly Boys make the COOLEST “GREAT OUTDOORS” Activity Booklet EVER!

What’s your favorite Summer Outdoor Activity?

Swimming in the Lake? Fishing by the River? Flying a Kite? Cooking marshmallows on the Camp Fire? Making a Bow and Arrow? Collecting Bugs?

Just leave your comment below and your activity will be included in the FREE printable booklet .

Don’t worry Girls-The Butterfly Girls will be calling for your Favorite Summer activities next week-stay tuned!

Time to get on my bike…

At last, the weather was mild enough to get on my bike….Yippee!!!

Juggling work, demands of the children, husband and home- leaves very little “ME” time. However, last week, I was determined to make time to meet my dear friend for lunch. She’s an absolute gem and we both love biking and the outdoors. With all my family back in Scotland (and working from home) I very rarely get time away from the children. I’m not complaining-but we all need time away from our loved ones, (even if it’s just an hour with a friend). The kids need it as much as we do.

When I’m on my bike I feel like a kid again. That sense of freedom-that I can go wherever I want.

Heading down to the lake I snapped a shot of the view.  It’s a beautiful ride and easy too… down hill all the way.

My friend and I shared a few laughs and collected little treasures from the shore. As we neared the end of our walk along the lake appreciating the tranquility and the lapping of the water, geese arrived. Lots of geese.

Both my friend and I spend a lot of time outdoors with our families.

And guess what…so do Geese!

These gorgeous birds are real family-oriented birds. Usually in their second year of life, a Canadian goose will find a mate and stay with it for life. Both parents look after their young and the family spends all of its time together.

Then they were off…

And so was I…I had to meet Sam coming out of school.

Happy to be free from school- Sam gave me one of those loving-happy smiles that makes a mother melt. He asked for the bike and helmet, lowered the seat and handed me his back pack.

Guess who was walking home.

As I walked, he peddled slowly (he wouldn’t be going anywhere fast-it’s up hill all the way home). Having spent a wonderful hour down at the lake with my best friend, I was relaxed and eager to hear about his day and I felt totally tuned in.

Sometimes I’m not tuned in

When your in the house,  although you’re there in person, occasionally, you’re not always tuned in-giving them the full attention they so rightly deserve.

Being Outdoors (and grabbing some ME time) helps you tune in

An hour later we arrived home……….. happy and healthy.

What do you do with your- ME time?

Canadian Geese -Get the Facts from Canadian Wildlife Federation

Canada geese and other migratory waterfowl make use of natural wetlands as habitat. Unfortunately, Canada’s wetlands continue to disappear. As much as 70 per cent of Canada’s original wetlands have been lost in some areas of the country.
Help conserve these precious habitats for Canada geese, other wildlife and people. Learn more about how you can help conserve Canada’s wetlands! visit: http://www.ducks.ca/conserve/index.html

Hope your enjoying watching the Winter Olympics. Now that the Games are in full swing what better time to announce the winners of KATI the Canadian Butterfly Girl.

Thanks to all who either commented below or left email messages. All the comments/messages were awesome. It was wonderful to read how much you all love the outdoors in Winter!  Too hard to choose winners so I decided to put all the names in a chrysalis and pull out 5 lucky winners.

It’s time for the lucky winners to step up to the podium and receive their Gold medals!!

And the winners are: Watch this video:

All winners will be notified by email- I will require a postal address. All dolls will be posted in the first week of March 2010.

Previous post:

Celebrating the 2010 Winter Olympics

Kati from Canada is flying  into Whistler to watch the Winter Olympic Games.

With Kati the Butterfly Girl being a super fit athlete herself and holding the record for the fastest flying Butterfly Girl, she is super excited about the Winter Olympics being held in BC Canada.

Kati is on a very important mission – to raise the awareness of the importance of butterflies to our eco system and encouraging kids to Go Outdoors and discover the Magic Mother Nature has to offer…

Connecting Kids to Nature…

Kids are spending less time outdoors than ever before. Kati and all her Little Humbug friends get kids super excited about nature and help them see the outdoors as a fantastical playground. I believe if you instill a love of nature in a child, they will want to protect it. You first need to get the child outside and enthused about nature. When children and nature mix, something magical happens. All children deserve that Magic in their lives.

Lets Go outside… Kati shows kids how to make a Snow Angel

Lying flat on the snow, Kati moves her arms and legs back and forth, with lots of giggles…

…to create her very own Snow Angel

Kati takes a minute to admire her Snow Angel

Although Butterfly Girls can’t normally fly in extreme cold weather, they still love to play outdoors-especially in the snow.  Kati the Canadian Butterfly Girl has been given magical crystals (from Jasmine-the seed keeper and leader of the Little Humbugs) to help her fly through even the most treacherous snow storms.

Monarch Butterflies in Winter

When I heard that the Monarch Butterflies winter habitat was under threat, my first thought was how can I help.

That’s when I decided to create Kati the Canadian Butterfly Girl. Kati is just like my other book characters- The Little Humbugs, only she is my little Canadian Nature warrior – educational doll, helping to raise awareness of the importance of butterflies and in particular, the Monarch Butterfly.

Kati the Butterfly Girl 2010 Winter Olympics Competition

WIN a Kati Doll

To celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics being held in BC where I now live and was inspired to write about the Little Humbugs, I’ve decided to give away 5 Canadian Dolls.

To Win a Kati Doll just leave a comment telling me why being outdoors in the winter time is special to you. My daughter will help me choose 5 winners. The winners will be announced and contacted via email on the opening day of the 2010 Olympic Games.

For every Award Winning Kati doll sold, a tree will be planted in the conservation project ‘Trees for Monarchs operated by the Global ReLeaf organization(American Forests). A certificate is included with every doll.

• Connecting Kids to Nature
• Educational and Fun
• Helping to protect the Monarch Butterflies
• Planting a Tree for every doll sold
• Doll comes in a chrysalis just like a real butterfly
• No wasteful packaging-the chrysalis is the packaging

As the monarch is threatened by deforestation of its winter habitat in the fir forests, this is a great way to teach kids about endangered species and motivate them to get outdoors and explore Mother Nature.

Please leave your comment on why being outdoors in the winter is so special to you, thanks!

Call for Action- Mass Bike Ride

We headed down to the Rotary Arts Centre to join in the Mass Bike Ride. The event was part of 350.org’s Day of Action.

David Suzuki, a long time activist to reverse global climate change has been working hard to find ways  for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us. The David Suzuki Foundation have been raising awareness of the International Climate Action Day and have over 4000 events organized across Canada.

Thanks to Urban farmer, Curtis Stone who organized this bike event along with Angela Reid and Tolmi Greaves in an effort to raise awareness of the need to reduce harmful gas emissions.

Great to see so many people making the effort to participate….Great ride!

Everyone knows the benefits biking provides not only to our own health but our planet too.

As a family we love to bike, especially mountain biking in the forest but more importantly our teenage son uses his bike as his mode of transport from early Spring to the first snow fall.

After the event, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and cycled along the boardwalk, reminding ourselves how lucky we are to be able to cycle around one of the most beautiful parts of the Okanagan.

Who wouldn’t want to bike around here? BIKES ROCK!!!

TODAY IS WORLD OCEANS DAY.
When you read facts like: 70% of the world’s coral reefs have been destroyed or are currently threatened you really feel you need to do something to help. Help spread the word today about our damaged Oceans.

Here are some amazing people doing incredibly great work to help save the Oceans:
http://www.philippecousteau.com

http://www.earthecho.org

http://www.theoceanproject.org

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Oceans/OceansDay

Please click below for a FREE World Oceans Day Colouring sheet for kids:

FREE Dragonfly Boy World Ocean Day Sheet
Here are some ways you can help:

1. Become more mindful of plastic consumption and trash production.
2. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
3. Say “no” to plastic grocery bags
4. Think durable not disposable.
5. Buy food that is produced locally
6. Watch what you put down your drain. Use green products.
7. Spread the word – Wear Blue and Tell Two on June 8th.