Monday was National Sibling Day. I’m grateful to my three siblings, each for his or her specific contribution to my life. Admittedly, I was at times the bossy older sister, and it has been noted that my two youngest siblings were camped outside my bedroom counting the minutes till I packed up my things and left . . . Read More
Our Earth Day celebration of the Seed’s 40th birthday is just around the corner. In fact, it’s occupying most of my mental real estate at the moment. It’s an event that involves a number of lists, from which several of us are dutifully checking off items. This week I started a piece of art for . . . Read More
In case you haven’t noticed, the Seed needs a new sign. It’s been tagged on numerous occasions and has a few layers of paint on one side covering up the evidence. The other side has a small metal piece layered on with the website squeezed into a too small space. Our trusty, although outdated, sign . . . Read More
At first glance, the name of our summer art camp might seem odd. If you lean into it for a bit, I think you’ll understand. Our intention for the summer is to provide an arts program for children that invites creativity and self-expression. Additionally, this year we’ve included a social justice piece, as we explore . . . Read More
Seed magic was alive and well last night. Onstage for the first time in South Mountain High School’s auditorium, our Seeds put on a show that warmed hearts, dazzled eyes, delighted ears, and offered a message of hope. With Mem Fox’s book Whoever You Are (http://memfox.com/books/whoever-you-are/) as a starting point, one-year-olds through 4th graders danced . . . Read More
This week Gwen’s Castle and its outlying area became an art gallery. Inspired by the work of Andy Goldsworthy, a British artist who works with nature to create his art, the 3rd/4th graders made their own sculptures and arrangements. This project was part of the Seed’s Art Masterpiece program, where parent volunteers present a lesson . . . Read More
On Tuesday morning, the day of America’s notorious election, I took my daily walk. For a brief moment I gazed at the sky to see a cloud formation that reminded me of Arizona’s flag. At that particular time I wasn’t even thinking about the election, I was reflecting on a fleeting but meaningful friendship I’d . . . Read More
Halloween is a sweet time of year, and I’m not talking candy. Certainly it’s sweet when the temperatures fall below 100, even if it’s just barely in double digits. It’s fun to hear the kids talk excitedly about their Halloween costumes and what they plan to do at the carnival. As I wrote last week, . . . Read More
Sunday was the perfect day to plant a garden. In the morning it rained and later in the day it happened again. By the time I was ready to plant my seeds, the soil held just the right amount of moisture. The sky was full of dramatic cloud formations and by late afternoon, the light . . . Read More
It was dusk. Wednesday, the last day of the regular school year, was coming to a close. It was a full day, filled with awards, celebrations, graduation, and all the emotions that go with completion and letting go. There was a surplus of both cheers and tears. Although it was hot, our end-of-the-year party went . . . Read More
I’ve been a Joni Mitchell fan since way before most people around the Seed were born, staff and parents included. One of my favorites is her song, “River.” It has always spoken to me about the parts of life that carry us off to adventure, both actual and imagined. Daily activity in the sand circle here . . . Read More
The Seed is abuzz with Earth Day enthusiasm. This year our focus is on using reusable drink cups, containers, and shopping bags, as well as looking at myths surrounding recycling. Added to that, the lead staff met Monday to discuss an article called, “For Students, the Importance of Doing Work that Matters.” Author Will Richardson writes: “ . . . Read More