Nature In the City

I was out taking photos of trees in the city yesterday when a squirrel caught my attention and led me into a cemetery where upon this beautiful majestic stag lay peacefully, occasionally glancing over to another younger prince and doe...what an incredible privilege it was to sit and observe.

I had my sketch book with me and the deer seemed incredibly relaxed about my presence, the stag even seemed curious, moments when our eyes met, soul to soul. I was able to make a few little sketches - trying to capture the essence of the moment, feelings, emotions, colour, even the winter scent in the air, the gracefulness of the spirit being before me.

Truly grateful for this sacred time with these beautiful soulful beings.

There was an incredible peaceful energy in the air. Heart to Heart - Soul to Soul - I left feeling deeply loved and connected to all life.

We are one

May you all be blessed with peace during these strange and bewildering times....with love Marghanita x

One day at a time

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu

During these strange and bewildering times, we can feel a little lost in the dark. And yet there is so much light, so much love, so much beauty. Mother Nature is constantly reminding me of this - the wild ocean has been an inspiration for my latest oil paintings; the dark foreboding skies reflect their menasing rage on the vast ocean waters, a vibrant turquoise light cuts the darkness with it's illuminating light - no storm today.

The winds die down and the gunmetal grey in the sky turns to petrol blue with shades of emerald green - the darkness passes revealing the most exquisite array of blues like a male peacock's attire. And like a moth to the light, my heart flutters and I too am drawn to even the tiniest slither of light, pulling me in and lifting me up - I am filled with courage, faith and hope. The light is food for my soul, recharging the light within. 

Taking one day at a time, I allow the day to unfold and embrace it with an open heart. Making time for nature, just being in nature and meditating; making time to play and paint and journal, explore, examine, wonder. Journaling and painting are beautiful and nourishing ways to reflect, record and express creatively what we have noticed, experienced, wondered. They play a vital role in helping bring harmony and balance into my life.

May the light shine bright for you today and every day, May you find peace and harmony and may your light within shine bright. Sending love and light on this sacred new day, Marghanita x

Visit my Urban Nature Art Program

The Arts are Alive in the Natural World

SUNRISE - Awaking with Mother Nature

David Hughes

Mother Nature is my inspiration for my work as an artist and educator, she is also my Medicine

Below I share a short verse I wrote about a sunrise earlier this week, the video doesn’t capture the true magnificence of the early morning performance but maybe my words can help you “feel” the love and beauty.

SUNRISE - Awaking with Mother Nature

I walk barefoot on a carpet of dew drenched moss to enter the wild theatre.

Crimson red clouds part to reveal the giant blood red orange orb rising; flooding the vast waters of the ocean with it’s radiant colour.

The water ripples, creating waves of soft rose, apricot and peach; changing to crimson, lilac and violet, then melting effortlessly, into gold.

The gold fades to a softer light - a light so pure; what I have come to call God’s light. The pure light expands covering the whole sky, to the mountains and beyond.

And as the drama builds, poetry and music of the ocean fill the early (November) morning air.

Breathing in the wild raw air, the music, the poetry; the abundant love and beauty; my heart begins to sing and my spirit dances in communion with all of creation, I too, become part of the performance.

I am filled with deep gratitude for the gift of this sacred new day; grateful for the privilege to experience the arts of nature in such magnificence, the beauty and truth now embedded in my heat and soul.

May you all get to experience and be part of at least one of the performances our Mother Earth gifts us throughout each day.

For those of you who are in lockdown this (longer version of the video) performance is for you.

I hope and pray it will not be too long before we can all hold hands, free of hand sanitizer and masks and dance down by the ocean, under the giant cedars, high on the mountain tops wild and free.

Sending love and light to you all on this sacred new day, Marghanita x

Learning Alongside Nature

Changes in Nature, Changes In Me

I invited my student, Elise to take part in the “mail a smile” - inviting her to create a mixed media smile as part of our investigation about autumn trees. Elise and her sister collected the fallen leaves prior to our online meeting. I really miss our one to one in person session, however I am thrilled to still get creative with the girls online post Covid.

When Covid struck, many of us started wearing masks which hide our SMILE - this makes me sad. One of the most beautiful things is a person's smile. I know we can smile with our eyes when we are wearing our masks, however I long to see everyone's smile. So I am asking you to join me on this delightful quest to POST A SMILE. Now I am not asking you to take a photograph of you smiling and post it via email or instagram - NO this doesn't involve technology....This involves drawing or painting a smile, putting it into an envelope and sealing it with love and posting it to a loved one by good old fashioned snail mail.

MAIL A SMILE - Watch the Video

As Autumn slowly comes to an end in order for Winter to begin, we notice the changes. More and more of the deciduous trees stand naked, fragments of rusty gold, burnt amber and withered ruby red tenderly cling to the bare arms. Soon, they too will fall and be covered in snow - Elise and Lilianne manage to collect a full rainbow spectrum of leaves this week.

The sisters delight in the hunting and gathering treasure from Mother Earth. Lilianne has been homeschooled since Covid and now joins Elise for the nature art therapy sessions.

The girls choose which mediums they want to explore and create with, pastels, chalks and water colours, adding their leaves and flowers once the paint has dried.

Experimenting with the leaves, which ones to use, where to place is all part of the jot filled process.

These portraits are truly a beautiful expression of who they are - I can feel their love and joy - their unique spirit and who ever receives these SMILING portraits will be smiling too, every time they look at them - so precious…..I think everyone should participate in this art activity and share the joy a smile brings to us all!

Older students can write a message if they so wish, on the SMILE portrait before popping it into an envelope and posting it to a loved one or friend.

Elise loved the process so much she wanted to make another smiling portrait.

Further investigations - Lilianne and Elise will investigate the history of mail, when was the first stamp produced and when did the first ever letter get posted, to whom and where. What year did the first post office arrive in BC. I will then invite them to design their very own stamp. (My older brother collected stamps, on monthly arrivals, we would all gather round to see what stamps had arrived in the post.) Do you know how a stamp is made? It’s a fascinating process! Don’t you just love learning!

Hope you are inspired to draw, sketch or paint a smile and mail it the old fashioned way.

Sending love and gratitude and oodles of smiles on this sacred new day, Marghanita x

Mail a Smile

"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love." - Mother Teresa

When Covid struck, many of us started wearing masks which hide our SMILE - this makes me sad. One of the most beautiful things is a person's smile. I know we can smile with our eyes when we are wearing our masks, however I long to see everyone's smile. So I am asking you to join me on this delightful quest to POST A SMILE. Now I am not asking you to take a photograph of you smiling and post it via email or instagram - NO this doesn't involve technology....This involves drawing or painting a smile, putting it into an envelope and sealing it with love and posting it to a loved one by good old fashioned snail mail.

WATCH THE VIDEO

There are many of us who are really missing loved ones, and cannot visit them due to Covid travelling restrictions so I thought this would be a beautiful thing to do for loved ones - they can hold the smile and feel the joy, the happiness, the smile… always with them.

I wrote this underneath my little smile picture -

“When I think of you it makes me smile and I feel happy - I wanted to send you my smile so that you can see how happy you make me - how much I love you. Missing you and love you so very much, Marghanita x”

Smiling makes us happier! A smile spurs a powerful chemical reaction in the brain that can make you feel happier. Try it right now - "just smile" force it if you have to, but try it !

SMILE - how do you feel? .....happier - right! How powerful is that!

I hunger for good old fashioned ways of communication....as much as technology has been, and continues to be, a great tool, especially during covid in helping us all stay in touch with loved ones, family and friends around the world. I do, however, miss the written word and receiving letters - an email just isn't the same as receiving a hand-writen letter in the post, opening it up and reading the words. Holding the letter in your hands, re reading it over and over again. Placing it somewhere I can see it, each day, a reminder. By sending a hand drawn smile or self portrait of you smiling not only gifts the person receiving it an enormous amount of joy, I promise you, that you too, will experience great joy in the process of creating. It can be as simple drawing or a detailed one in any medium, it can even - just be a doodle. The only rule is that it must be a smile and popped into an envelope (that is part of the magic) and sent by mail. Ofcourse this can be delivered in person by hand, if possible.

Mixed Media Self Portrait by Elise - “SMILE”

Mixed Media Self Portrait by Elise - “SMILE”

I invited my student, Elise to take part in the “mail a smile” - inviting her to create a mixed media self portrait as part of our investigation about autumn trees. Elise and her sister collected the fallen leaves prior to our online meeting. I have been providing nature art therapy for Elise online post Covid. Will be sharing this beautiful creative activity with you later in the week - stay tuned!

Studies have shown that just the act of smiling (making the physical facial shapes and movements), whether the result of real joy, or an act, can have both short- and long-term benefits on people's health and wellbeing. Here you can read about how smiling can also : Relieve Stress; Elevates Our Mood; Is Contagious; Boosts Your Immune System; Lowers Your Blood Pressure; Makes Us Feel Good; Makes You Look Younger; Helps You Stay Positive; Makes Us Attractive...artcile on the benefits of smiling

And another link Why You Need to Smile More

SAFETY: In order to be super safe, only use stamps and envelopes that DO NOT REQUIRE you to wet the surface. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) have assured us the risk when handling mail, including international mail, is low. According to the PHAC, there is no known risk of coronaviruses entering Canada on parcels or packages.

If you feel concerned about the safety measures of mail handling then of course taking a photo and sending via email is an option. According to the Centers for Disease Control and the Surgeon General, there is no evidence to suggest COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.

SMILE and the world Smiles with you!

NATURE ART WORKSHOP - Dancing with the Cedars

Super excited to invite you to attend my latest Nature Art Workshop - Dancing Under the Cedars

Watch the little Intro:

This unique workshop will help nurture your whole being, body, mind, heart and spirit through playful, creative explorations - bringing harmony and balance back into your life. And you don't have to travel to the forest, I will bring the forest to you.

In this workshop we will play, explore and create under a canopy of Western Red Cedars (some 700 years old) and other tree friends, (300ft high) ancient Douglas Firs, 100 year old broadleaf Maples and 300 year old black Cottonwoods

I will share with you several soulful nature art activities with a focus on self-expression, creativity, love and compassion and connection. Through exploration and discovery, these nature based activities awaken our senses, minds and hearts and help us to express our feelings, ideas, thoughts and urges. Providing us with a better understanding of our connection with nature and each other in ways that are fun and encourage us to explore and celebrate our unique sense of creativity.

We will take a peek at Canadian Artist, Emily Carr and how she inspired me to visit the rainforest. I will also lead you on a short, magical walk through the enchanting forest. I am super excited to share this sacred place with you and hope we can follow up after the workshop via Facebook or email to discuss your feelings, your thoughts, your art... and together, explore possibilities on how to bring peace into our lives.

Special Autumn Offer - $19.99 (Regular price $29.99) Friday 16th October 2020

PRE-ORDER WORKSHOP

Purchase your ticket today - limited spaces - Workshop access will be available on 16th October and lifetime access to all ticket holders - spaces are limited as I wish to communicate with all participants after the workshop. Once you have purchased your ticket you will receive an email confirmation with details on how to access the workshop. On the 16th October you will receive your access code to attend the workshop. And receive your Free Tree Module

PURCHASE TICKET HERE:

With the constrictions of Covid plus trying to present a live performance in the forest where the internet connection is very limited (thankfully) - I decided to record the workshop so you can attend from your home. This allows you to pause the workshop at any given time to work on activities, take notes and revisit whenever you wish. The workshop is for yours to keep.

For a limited time I am offering a FREE module to accompany the workshop. This free module is from my Nature Art Program for educators " Why Trees Matter" - with a value of $22.00. Everyone who purchases a ticket for the workshop during this special Autumn Offer will receive the Free Tree Module.

This workshop is for anyone wishing to bring harmony and balance back into their lives through creative expression. If you are a teacher you can use this workshop for personal development and can receive a certificate. 

"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in." - Rachel Carson

Children find trees a great source of inspiration and comfort. By allowing children to choose their own tree, they feel an instant connection. They can feel the texture of the tree and watch it dancing in the wind. They can explore the birds and insects that live in and around the tree.

“Lead your students toward nature, into nature! Let them experience how a bud is formed, how a tree grows, how a butterfly unfolds, so that they may become as rich, as agile, with as much self-will as nature in all its grandeur.” - Paul Klee

Back to school - Back to Nature - Nature Is Our Greatest Teacher

Yesterday was my first nature art session online with my students - I wanted to provide as much a natural playful session that resembled our in person sessions. My students are 6 yrs plus. I personally, do not feel comfortable in providing any kind of online class for children under 5 yrs. I have several online nature art programs for educators and parents that help foster a deep love and connection with the natural world though soulful nature art for all age groups (4yrs-100). Encouraging children and adults to explore and celebrate their unique sense of creativity.

Exploring the changes in Nature and in Me

I felt the Autumn trees would be a good starting point for my students. By following the changes in the seasons we can observe, explore and discover that we too, are continually changing. We too, can weather these challenging times we are experiencing during covid. We can observe the changes in the trees during this beautiful colorful season. We can watch how they bend in the wind, with their deep roots, they stand strong and can withstand many storms.

Here is a snapshot of our first session

First Session: Autumn Tree Driftwood Mobile

We began with a little talk about the trees and a few simple tree yoga moves to relax us into our art during our short Skype session - no longer than 20 minutes. I do NOT wish my students to be online any longer than 20 -30 min maximum - all other artwork will be completed at their own pace, following short video workshop and PDF notes for parents which follow by email.

This workshop involved observing the trees, become the trees with simple yoga poses.A simple meditation. Collecting and gathering leaves of all different shapes, size and color. Creating an Autumn color spectrum using pastels.

What names can we make up for our colored leaves? Burnt Sienna; Yellow Ochre; Raw Umber; Permanent Rose

Another exploration to the lake to hunt and gather driftwood to make our colorful leaf mobile. Such a beautiful multi-sensory experience. Connecting to the natural world through playful, creative explorations.

This workshop and many more are available online. We would love you to join us at Educating the Heart with Nature Art - We provide Nature Art Programs for Educators, Parents and Individuals - helping to nurture the Body, Mind, Heart and Spirit.

Wishing you all a beautiful and creative Autumn, know you are deeply loved, peace Marghanita x

Reflections: What do you miss the most during COVID?

I am grateful for virtual communication but I miss the real “human” in person contact - I miss seeing my students eyes sparkle as they discover a leaf or a tiny bug under a rock - I miss their smiles and laughter, I miss hugging them and holding their hands. I miss my family back in Scotland - I miss my mother most of all.

Watch the video: Time to Reflect - In the video you can hear the Loon calling - I am here, where are you.

I long to hold her in my arms, feel her heart beat next to mine., look into her sparkling blue eyes and tell her I love her with all of my heart. I hope it is not too long before we can all dance once more, hand in hand, heart to heart, soul to soul.

Back in February, I made this little earth being for my mother, I sent the doll by post and kept the shell to give to her in person, when I would visit in October. The visit ofcourse is not possible due to travel restrictions so I will keep the shell close to me for now.

Dancing Under the Cedars

I keep returning to Mother Nature - she is my medicine, she has a magical way of reminding me what is true, what is real. She helps me focus, she soothes my soul, she keeps me positive and is a constant source of inspiration for my work as an artist and educator. I am truly grateful for Mother Earth’s love and nourishment during these strange times.

I have faith and hope that one day we will all dance hand in hand under the cedars…

What are you missing the most during these strange and bewildering times? Please do share. By sharing our stories, we can help each other navigate through these difficult times.

Know you are deeply loved my beautiful friends, know Mother Nature is here for you too - stay well, stay positive, step outside - love and gratitude on this sacred new day, bless you all, peace, Marghanita x

You can follow me on instagram: INSTAGRAM

Soul Food - The Ocean

The raw wild ocean had me spellbound

Tofino, Long Beach, BC Canada

Pure joy flowed throughout my entire being as I sat mesmerized by the vast roaring ocean before me. The wild sounds and smells, the giant waves crashing and smashing against the rugged rocks were a feast for the senses. 

Tofino, BC - photo - David Hughes

Every salty splash that reached me, made me tingle with excitement -

I felt so Alive!

Tofino, BC - photo - David Hughes

Wild yet Gentle

When the sunbeams kissed the water, as if by magic, a thousand water fairies, crowned with jewels began to dance majestically to a more gentle rhythm of the ocean.

I breathed in all the gentle love and wild beauty and became the ocean, the sky, the cragged rocks. I was one with all creation.

Humbled Peaceful Content

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” - Gandhi

Tofino, BC - photo - David Hughes

These magical, wild and free days at the ocean, away from technology, will forever be in my heart and gifted enough soul food to keep me nourished until I return later this season. So grateful to be able to spend this sacred time with Mother Earth. The ocean will be much colder and heavy mists will hug the shoreline, creating a more moody, mystical atmosphere….how magical.

Nature is my Medicine

That's what I love about the changing seasons; each one invites us to experience the seasons unique, enchanting gifts. Natural gifts that can nourish our body, mind, heart and Spirit.

Feeling Overwhelmed by these strange and bewildering times?

When I can't get to the wilds - I bring the wilds indoors - you can do this too - play some ocean music, close your eyes and imagine you are on the rock where I was sitting and let yourself be spellbound by the music and poetry of the ocean...

Although it is not possible to share the ocean and forest with you all in person, which I would so love to do, I am however, currently creating a series of mini (very short) video meditations of some of BC’s most enchanting landscapes which we have visited during our three months of van life.

“Nature is my Medicine” mini series - These very short videos can provide a happy boost - during these strange and challenging times, great for the body, mind, heart and spirit....

Simply leave a message below on my blog post and I will send you a FREE link to the first in the series - Nature is My Medicine - Ocean (to be released on 1st October)

Sending love and wishing you oodles of creative adventures with our Mother Earth, know you are deeply loved, peace Marghanita x

Notes on Clay Play for Parents and Educators

Watch the video then listen to my notes below…

Please click here to listen to my notes on clay play in the classroom or at home:

Please click here for your FREE PDF

What we experience as a child establishes deep rooted connections that 

influence our development and what we might become 

I cannot finish without sharing one of my favourite quotes by the beautiful artist Paul Klee. He found nature a constant source of inspiration for his art. As a child he would spend hours in the garden drawing. 

“Lead you students towards nature, into nature; let them learn by experience how a bud is formed; how a tree grows; how a butterfly opens its wings, so that they will become as rich as variable; as precious as nature herself.” 

Wonders of the Natural World - Natural Clay Play

Nature Art in it’s Purest Form

It was an extremely hot day so I went down to the creek next to our camp to cool down and play for a while. To my delight, I found natural clay and began playing with the organic matter…I was beyond excited about playing with Natural Clay in it’s natural environment. 

When you play in nature; observing, exploring what interests you - you discover things - Magical Things!!! - Like Natural Clay!  I didn’t set out to create anything - just to play but I found myself making a little pot, several infact as I couldn’t pull myself away from the creek and the playful fun I was having with the clay. 

My little daisy pot I made is special - for it holds magical memories of my time at the creek, a time of freedom and pure joy, of communion with the natural world. It is a little piece of me and my story, the cedar, the daisy embedded in my little rugged pinch pot, not perfect by any means. It tells of the joy and delight of creative play, the freedom to explore and express myself in my own unique way. We are all beautiful, highly creative beings who need time to express our feelings and emotions and when we do, it brings harmony and balance back into our lives and right now I believe we all need this more than ever before.

Watch the video: Natural Clay Play

 

Now that you have watched the video, how can you and your students experience clay play in your classroom, outdoor space or at home?

FREE NATURAL CLAY PLAY Podcast and PDF

Simply by leaving a message below you can Listen to my short podcast on the video - Natural Clay Play and receive a FREE Clay PDF and discover the magic and wonder of this multi-sensory experience.

CURIOSITY AND WONDER

I am still that young child full of curiosity and wonder. What is clay? What is it made of, where can you find it - you can explore all these wonderful questions with your students and learn together. 

Messy Play - Many children never get to be really messy - clay is messy, that’s part of the fun!

Whats really important is that the children (adults) get to play, explore and discover for themselves the joy of creative expression…the freedom to play with the clay without direction or judgement. 

When the children have had many wonderful playful experiences with clay you can invite them to make something simple like a pinch pot or clay deer; owl…whatever. Very young children will be happy to play along side the older students with the same materials.

We Protect What We Love

Playing in nature with nature helps nurture a deep love and lasting relationship with the natural world.

Down at the Creek immersed in the flowing water, playing with the clay, surrounded by the cedar I felt one with all creation. It felt natural to paint my body with the clay, I know children and adults would love to do this too. Watching the clay designs dry on your body is super cool and what a thrill tit was to allow the force of the pounding water to wash it all away. How quenching and invigorating! 

Truly grateful for this beautiful creative exploration and thrilled to be able to share with you all a tiny glimpse of the magical wonders of the Natural World. Inviting us all to Play, Explore, Imagine, Create…wishing you all a beautiful and creative September - how exciting to witness the changes that will take place during Autumn - a most magical season - enjoy!

A Journey Back to Contentment

During the last few months of COVID, I found myself spending a lot more time on the computer which was affecting not only my eyesight but my overall health and wellbeing. Overwhelmed and exhausted by the events happening around the world, left me feeling lost, somewhat disconnected from the circle of life and what makes me feel harmonious. I knew I needed to unplug and return to the wilds of Nature. Not just unplugging from technology for a few hours or even a few days, more likely weeks or even longer.

Covid has turned all of our lives upside down

During the recession of 2009, we lost our home, the car was repossessed and all credit was cut. At first we felt bewildered, lost and fraught with fear and anxiety, like many of you who are experiencing difficulties during these challenging times of covid. Over time my husband and I began to see the silver linings. Our bond with our children and each other grew deeper and we experienced a greater appreciation for the small things, they became the big things. What really helped nurture us through these difficult times was our time spent in nature, together as a family and solo time; among the trees, the birds, the flowers, the wild things.

Last month our landlord informed us that we needed to vacate the rented property we had called home for many years. We knew this day would arrive but not during COVID when very little rented property was available; only highly expensive summer vacation rentals. 

Something was stirring in us and it seemed as if a path was being chosen for us. With an open heart we listened to what the universe was offering. Most of my work involved interaction with my students both young and old outdoors in nature. When COVID arrived all my classes, workshops and school visits were cancelled. This was hard on so many levels, but it was the human connection that I missed the most. Which led us on to this new journey.

Swapping bricks and mortar for Van life

We took a leap of faith and gave up the comfort of a traditional home. Transitioning from a 2 bedroomed home in the countryside and all its comforts to one tiny space measuring just 21ft by 6 ft has not been easy, however, we are adapting to a new rhythm. A rhythm that speaks to our souls and nurturing our whole being: body, mind, heart and spirit.

We’re Passionate about helping others Reconnect with Nature

We needed time to reflect on what had been happening and how we could move forward during these strange and challenging times; yet still be able to follow our passion - helping others to reconnect with the natural world. With no internet connection to lure us onto our computers we were free to simply-just be.

Thankfully the BC parks opened for summer, as we knew staying local was paramount and the best route to staying safe and being respectful of others during COVID.

Rewilding Our daily Lives - The Elements

“We drove along the winding roads far from the madding crowd. 

It’s there we found Valhalla on the outskirts of town. She had the kind of beauty only a mother could gift. 

It was upon her shores; my mind began to shift.” – David Hughes

Unplugged, we begin to slow down and relax. Immersed in the raw wilderness surrounded by the elements, we feel more alive, more receptive to what is around us. Fully present in the moment, we tune into the natural sounds, the whispering wild winds, the raging creek crashing over boulders large enough to jump from one to another, like we did as children; We notice the different smells that fill the clean crisp air, the sweet smell of pine, the perfumed scent of wild roses. We gaze in awe and wonder at the vast expanse of the glacier mountains and all their grandeur and feel invigorated by the refreshing lake water lapping across our bare feet. The wild and raw sounds, the smells, the mesmerizing flames of the crackling campfire dancing before us as the night sky descends; a feast for our senses. Nourishing our whole being; reminding us of who we are. 

Making time to reflect

FEELING HUMAN AGAIN

Washing dishes and clothing are all done outdoors, the wind and sunshine dry our clothes quickly. When the rain arrives and the wind nips a little, we just add more clothing and sing around the fire. It’s just the two of us, my husband (David) and I - together, wild and free. We are used to being together for long periods of time without interaction with others. We obviously miss our friends and family, especially those so far away back in our homeland of Scotland, (and I miss my one to one classes with my students, their faces, their smiles, their wild, creative spirits); however, we are adapting to a new rhythm, one that makes us feel more human. 

The fire and the surrounding landscape have replaced Netflix and are now our new enriching entertainment (fires are allowed at certain BC Campgrounds) along with new books to read and old and new music to discover. David was a singer/song writer when we met 34 years ago, and he hasn’t really written anything since our children arrived. Now, he has started writing and singing again. Music, like all the Arts is deeply therapeutic and it can transport you to memories past, evoking deep emotions. It can sooth and help ease tension, to make sense of the world around you; and to create your own music, however basic - gifts immense joy.

Moving forward in the time of Covid

Feeling content and nourished by nature, we are able to reflect more positively on the past few months seeing the silver linings, the small but precious gifts that we can build upon to make the future brighter. As we navigate our way forward it is vital that we listen to our hearts and inner knowing. To be open to change and embrace the unknown with an open heart and mind; and a willingness to learn new ways and share our own experiences.

We know Nature is a powerful Medicine

ABUNDANT RESEARCH MAKES CLEAR THAT SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS CAN EASE SOME SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION, ENHANCE MEMORY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION, REDUCE STRESS AND IMPROVE CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING. 

(see note for research links credit) 

Not every day is blissful, there are always challenges, however, a strength comes from being in harmony – nature always seems to provide the perfect antidote to days frustrations. We are excited to begin this new chapter and share our experiences living a creative life in our little Van (Indigo) immersed in nature. We appreciate many cannot get out into the wilderness, so part of our journey is to share the wilderness with you through video and workshops. As an artist and educator, I feel compelled more than ever to share the health benefits of combing nature and art as a very powerful natural medicine that we can all benefit from especially during COVID.

Watch our short preview here:

What would you like us to share?

What would you like us to share? What do you miss about the natural world - what are your favorite sounds in nature - maybe we can record them for you - what landscapes sooth you and make you feel calm - does the bird song make you feel happy? What wildlife stirs your curiosity? What would you like us to share about our creative journey; our personal connection with nature? What would you like to learn? Let us know in comments below or message me or you can reach out via email. We would love to hear from you. Sending love and wishing you all a peaceful and healthy summer sprinkled with oodles of creative adventures. Love Marghanita and David xx

You can follow us on Instagram @ roadtowildwood

and sign up for our newsletter @ Marghanita.com

Notes - Research links via article by Denna Shaffer Instructor, Sociology, Ryerson University. - From an article in the Conversation (Academic rigour, journalistic flair)

Nature Play - The Preciousness of Make-Believe

It will soon be International Build a Fairy Home and Den Week June 21st - June 28th - Join us for some Fairy Fun and help raise awareness of the importance of nature play.

Nature play improves all aspects of child development – physical, cognitive, social and emotional

Here is a FREE PDF Booklet - BUILD A FAIRY HOME AND DEN WEEK

Please note this booklet was created a few years ago so please be mindful of COVID restrictions depending on where you are living. Not only is this a beautiful way to actively engage children with nature, it is an escape for "all of us" - both children and adults - from the stresses and worries we are all experiencing during this very challenging time. 

Play is imaginative, and play’s openness, aliveness, and newness are essential to creativity.

Joseph Cornell

Playing in nature, with nature has always held a fascination to me - one single leaf can have me spelled bound, a fallen branch can morph into a little earth being, or a shell may become a home for one of my little fairy friends.

“The child awakens to a universe. The mind of the child to a world of meaning. Imagination to a world of beauty. Emotions to a world of intimacy. It takes a universe to make a child both in outer form and inner spirit. It takes a universe to educate a child. A universe to fulfill a child.”

— Thomas Berry

If you are in lockdown, you can bring nature into your home. We can visit local parks and woodland areas with our children. We can grow flowers in pots; build a fairy home on the smallest of balconies; make flower crowns outdoors in the yard. Every child, young and old, should spend at least part of their day immersed in the natural world.  Bringing nature into a child’s life is needed more than ever before!

Click here to Download your FREE PDF BOOKLET

Play energizes and enlivens people’s experience of nature

The child and the wizard went into the forest and listened with their hearts.

They heard the beautiful music that emanated from the forest - the sweet bird song, the whispers of the wind, they even heard the fairies giggling. They breathed in all the love and beauty, they smiled at each other, content and peaceful, at one with all creation.

After a while, the child looked up at the wizard and asked, "why do you walk with a limp?". 

“I am old and my legs are not as strong as they used to be." - replied the wizard.

The child jumped up and grabbed a nearby stick. He waved it back and forth in front of the wizard - "I will turn you into a frog so you can hop with me around the forest" - declared the child excitedly.

The old wizard smiled. He crouched down and let out the words..."rivet, rivet" and the child and the wizard hopped and jumped and skipped around the forest like wild frogs; and they laughed and played until the first star twinkled in the early evening sky ...

And the forest echoed with laughter once more...  

More wizard stories in the making!

"When absorbed in deep play, our sensory awareness is heightened. We become immersed in the present moment and feel intensely alert and alive. Because play is joyful and rewarding, we operate at the peak of our mental and physical capacity." - Richard Louv, (forward from Joseph Cornell’s book Nature Play)

Wishing you all a magical and playful weekend, with love and gratitude Marghanita x

Nature Art - A Friend to Play with Outdoors

I miss my students, both young and old. I miss their smiles, their joy and laughter. I miss holding their hands, greeting them with a hug. Looking into their eyes and feeling their spirit.

I was hesitant about virtual classes for my students for many reasons, the main one being unable to interact with them outdoors in nature, after-all, my classroom is outdoors all year round. However, I decided, if I can be outside and get them to participate outdoors too - it was worth a try. I wanted to keep the virtual one to one sessions short (30 mins) - I did not wish to add to their growing screen time, simple, fun and make them as interactive as possible from a distance.

Flower Power

Last week we were exploring plants, so this week we were continuing where we had left off. Flowers are fascinating to children and offer magical explorations with their varied color, shape, size, texture, not to mention the cool visitors that frequent the beautiful and enchanting perfumed flowers.

Today, in our one to one virtual session, we were exploring the flowers colors, texture, smell etc

When I turned on my computer I was greeted by a huge smile (from my special needs student - Elise), a familiar smile and it felt wonderful. I could have cried. I smiled so hard I thought my face might burst. I asked how she was - “I’m Good”, she replies and proceeded to tell me about the robins building nests in her garden with such excitement in her voice. The natural world thrills Elise, she is animated as she talks. We giggled a lot and shared stories.

Storytelling with Nature - Rainbow Flower

My students have made many little stick people over the years using natural materials found in nature such as foliage, mud, sticks and feathers etc, materials that allow the little stick being to stay outdoors and eventually be returned to Mother Earth.

Today however, I wished to share a little stick being that could last a lifetime. A little colorful friend for my students who are experiencing a very challenging time. I feel for them, how difficult it must be not to be able to play with their friends. I wanted to provide a playful character that not only was fun to make and play with; and a cool way for the students to explore the flowers outdoors but also an invitation to use the rainbow flower to express how they are feeling. Storytelling is a wonderful way for children to express their feelings both orally and through drawings and illustrations.

 This is a multi sensory experience involving clay work, hunting and gathering, exploring the natural world - inviting storytelling and playful adventures indoors and outdoors

Watch this short video

Exploring Flowers - Match the Colours

Elise loves rainbows and was so excited to make her colorful stick being.

This is just an example, a starting point. Inspiration and an invitation to create - Tyler may not want to make a flower and instead uses the clay and painted stones to make a rainbow dinosaur who loves to eat colorful plants or Lucy may be happy making her stick into a rainbow snake, simply painting her stick and slithering it among the flowers to match the colors. Very young ones will love just exploring the clay, poking with the sticks, squeezing with their hands, touching and smelling the flowers.

As soon as she attached her colourful clay head to her stick body, she announced that her rainbow flower was called Polkadot. She held her up and asked if I wanted to play hide and seek with our rainbow flowers - so we played and laughed so loud and played some more.

We shared a few more stories before we waved goodbye - she pressed her rainbow flower to the screen and made a big kiss sound with her lips…a goodbye kiss.

Exploring together, discovering the joy, excitement, and mystery of the natural world

Later that afternoon Elise went outdoors with her mother on an adventure - in search of plants with the same colors found on her rainbow flower.

Hunting for colours outdoors in nature, we get to experience the wonders of the natural world. Along the way, we might hear a bee, the birds singing, smell the blossoms, feel the wind in our hair or the rain tickle our cheeks. The earth below maybe wet and squelchy, dry and dusty. Snails may slither, worms wiggle, butterflies flutter from one flower to another.

Nature Play - Indoors and Outdoors

Having matched the colors outdoors, we can do the same indoors, only this time instead of plants we can search for anything with the same colors. There are so many learning possibilities that you can expand on with this one single little stick being.

Have fun creating, playing, exploring!

Nature art is for all ages, including Adults!!! Nature Art can be a pathway to health and happiness.

Wishing you all a beautiful and creative week, with love Marghanita x

If you would like to discover more about my Nature Art Programs, workshops and coaching - click here:

NATURE ART with Marghanita

Storytelling with Nature - Here is a little sketch of my stick people family - holding hands with my flower being, deeply rooted - we are one - we are part of nature.

FREE NATURE ART WORKSHOP AND PDF

FREE Nature Art Workshop

with Marghanita Hughes - BIRD SONG

These challenging times can seem quite overwhelming. It has been a time of mental stress and anxiety for many. 

One way to relieve some of the stress is to be creative. 

Self-care is vitally important and when we combine nature and art we get a double dose of very powerful natural medicine.

This week I have been focusing on the bird song.

"Once upon a time...there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk was to heal the world through joy.

The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated."

-Terry Tempest Williams

I love music, we all have our favorite music and bird song is one of my most favorite of all  - it lifts my spirit - the bird song speaks to my soul. Nature, even from a distance, can help nourish our body, mind, heart and spirit.

Nature Art is Nourishing and Healing

Today I am sharing a Free Workshop and PDF on how we can experience great joy through Nature Art. Download the FREE PDF and watch the video:

WATCH THE VIDEO

Free PDF to accompany this video is available here:

FREE PDF

The nature art workshops are based on the spirit of sharing and caring and connecting with our natural world. Our first session is celebrating our feathered friends and their song. In this unique session we will do a short meditation - awakening the senses, before playfully exploring bird song and what it means to us personally and collectively through expressive art.

Be Kind to Yourself - Make Time for Creativity

Nature Art I can be helpful for self-care, mental health and developing your creative process. Heart to heart - soul to soul.

“Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others, motivated by genuine desire to make a positive difference.  We know from the research that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected. The research shows that kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem.  Kindness can even improve feelings of confidence and optimism.” Mental Health Foundation 2020

Wishing you all a beautiful and creative weekend, know you are deeply love, Marghanita x

Staying Connected to Nature During Covid-19

Due to COVID-19 all of the in-person nature art therapy sessions were suspended in March and I was waiting to see if our sessions might be able to move to online sessions...which we did late last month. 

All of my nature classes are held outdoors, so I wanted to incorporate as many outdoor experiences as possible for my students yet keeping mindful of certain restrictions.

Nature Art Hunt

Last week I decided to invite my students on a Nature Art Hunt where they had to look for Nature Art I had made outdoors and hidden in locations that they frequented throughout the year during our one to one sessions. This way the students and myself were visiting "our" familiar nature space albeit not at the same time. 

For this particular session I decided to create 4 nature art pieces they could find easily. And invite the students to create their very own nature art from natural materials they could collect from that environment they were visiting. I made a short video and sent over instructions. 

Elise’s older sister reads the instructions while Elise studies the drawings

Being in nature decreases stress, relieves attention fatigue and increases creativity

These multi sensory experiences help nurture the whole child - body, mind, heart and spirit

A break away from the screens and the stagnant atmosphere of the indoors This simple nature art session is very therapeutic and provides an opportunity to: 

• Relax and enjoy the soothing rhythm of the lapping waves - time in nature reduces stress levels

• Feel the sunshine gifting warmth and Vitamin D which is important for bone growth, muscle function

• Playing wild and free on their own - before and after their Nature Art Hunt, they played without any agenda

• Excercise: walking to the location, hunting and gathering natural materials for their own creative adventures

• Challenging landscape is great for motoring skills - spacial awareness 

• Measuring distances, observing and reading maps and following instructions; journaling 

• Oodles of playful creativity, imagination and storytelling.

First on their Nature Art Hunt, they had to find a Mandala made from pebbles I had created on a large rock surface.

They were then invited to create their own rock art while down at the lake - Elise and her sister decided to create this beautiful love heart which I had the pleasure of finding yesterday when I returned to the location. Made my heart sing!

Making mandalas and rock art is a beautiful relaxing, meditative experience for all ages…what a joy it was to find their love heart!

Creating mandalas and rock art is a beautiful relaxing, meditative experience for all ages. At home the children are also invited to create a mandala from items found around their home…for example fruit skins - here I peeled a lemon, a lime and anorange then cut the skin into petals…Citrus oils are great for energising the brain….go on have a go

Not only do these mandalas look great they smell wonderful too!

Elise also had to find a pebble painted ladybug and a bee (that I had made) for their Nature Art Hunt; (the bee will lead us into our next session this week on plants and pollination). During the Nature Art Hunt, older students can record sightings of real bees and other insects in their nature journals.

Back at home, Elise made her very own bee and lady bug…look where she decided they should live for a while…snuggled up beside her tomato plant…how adorable!

Finally the fourth item on their Nature Art Hunt was the Rainbow Gnome made from driftwood. The rainbow gnome is the keeper of the treasured gemstones. He is quite small and very colourful. He loves the trees, especially the Ponderosa Pines. His favourite thing to do is climb the trees. 

Once they have found all the nature art they are invited to make up a story connecting all 4 items, the bee, ladybug, mandala and the rainbow gnome. They can tell the story orally or can share it through words and illustration or by acting it out as a short play...

Very grateful to Elise’s mother for recording their playful, creative adventures during and after their Nature Art Hunt

Nature play indoors and outdoors

Although I was not on the NATURE ART HUNT in person, I was with them in spirit. Being able to provide a session of sorts has gifted much joy and a feeling of normality during a very strange and bewildering time.

Children and nature were made for each other. I really hope you are all able to get outdoors and get a good healthy dose of VitaminN - our body, mind, heart and spirit need it more than ever.

Wishing you all a beautiful and creative weekend, with love and gratitude Marghanita x

Nature Art is a pathway to health and happiness - for more inspiring nature art adventures for children and adults - checkout my nature art programs here: NATURE ART

Nature is my Medicine

March 2020 was a challenging month, waves of heaviness and bewilderment at the uncertainty of it all, yet Mother Nature kept her promise of Spring and showered us with an abundance of new growth, new life...

and hope

My eyes are weary from the extra screen time, looking up from my computer, I gaze out the window...the Arrowleaf balsamroot cover the hillside. The waves of golden smiles invite me to come and play - how can one resist such a colourful invitation.

Time to take a break from Technology

Nature is forever inviting us to play, explore, create....to observe, listen or simply to sit in stillness

gifting harmony and balance back into our lives.

BC Health officials have said it’s fine to go outside as long as a distance of two metres is maintained between people at all times.

Morning

The early morning light in Spring creates a magical and enchanting atmosphere.Spider webs glisten with a hundred jewels. I stand barefoot under the arch of the most delicate white blossoms (the saskatoon), pure and innocent in appearance, the blossoms only last a few days before winds carry them off creating a new love song to fill the Spring air.

Below, deeply rooted next to my barefeet, the golden sunshine faces of the Arrowleaf balsamroot dance majestically - bursting with happiness. Their vibrant, silky flower heads are fully open and so too is my heart; open to receiving the warmth, the light, the energy of the early morning sunshine.

Afternoon

The light is less forgiving, a little harsh but the heat of the midday sunshine is delicous. Bees visit the golden globes of the dancing arrowrleaf and abundant dandelions. Hummingbirds dart back and forth among the ponderosa pines and the saskatoon. Robins are nest building, chickadees playfully chase each other, crows caw and flickers drum and the forest is alive with the sound of music.

My good friends the deer wander in, they are elegant and proud as they walk garcefully through the carpet of gold and emerald green. 

One is curious and comes a little closer. The deer are used to me being around.

I put my camera down to fully appreciate the presence of this beautiful wild animal. To be still, fully present in the moment.

I may have seen the deer a thousand times or more, yet each meeting is like the first, magical and enchanting. 

"It's being still so that the wonder of spirit can flow outward, so that the world touches me and I touch the world"

Richard Wagamees

I gaze into the eyes of this wise soul and my heart melts. Soul to soul. Sunbeams kiss my face, the wind, the flowers, the trees, the birds and bees in the distance become part of the poetry that envelopes my whole being. I breathe in all the beauty, the love, the light, the music and poetry and dance with Mother Earth. I become one with all creation. It is blissful. My heart is full, full of love and gratitude for this sacred day, a gift, a miracle...how precious.

Nourished, I head back indoors feeling calm and peaceful.

Evening

The light is very different. The wind is cooler yet still gentle, caresing the flowers and myself with whispers of love. 

I love this time of day when the light is softer, one last photograph of the golden blooms before they close and sleep under the starynight.

photo by David Hughes

photo by David Hughes

The evening sun will slowly slip behind the mountain and I know the deer will soon be heading back up the hill. Another opportunity to simply sit and be in the moment.

A moment to reflect and appreciate all of the days little miracles. 

All we have are Moments

Some of the greatest photographs are captured without the camera - thay are captured with the heart - heart to heart, soul to soul. These are the ones that can never be lost or forgotten. Taking time to open our hearts and touch nature and be touched by all of creation is nourishment for the whole being - the body, mind, heart and spirit, bringing harmony and balance back into our lives.

May you all be blessed with an abundance of moments with our Mother Earth and your loved ones as the month of May unfolds. If you are in lockdown and unable to get out into the wilds, remember, the wild is in you and even one single dandelion is an invitation to be touched by Mother Earth's love and beauty, touched by all creation.

With love and gratitude on this sacred new day, bless you all, Marghanta x

FREE Nature Art Online Workshop - BIRD SONG

Your Invited to Celebrate our Feathered Friends through playful Nature Art with Marghanita

A Free Online Nature Art Workshop on Tuesday 12th May 2020

Collective Nourishment

These interactive nature art workshops with Marghanita are  based on the spirit of sharing and caring and connecting with our natural world. Our first session is celebrating our feathered friends and their song. 

In this unique interactive one hour session we will do a short meditation - awakening the senses, before playfully exploring bird song and what it means to us personally and collectively through expressive art. The beautiful, peaceful - joy-filled energy we create will go out into the world. Heart to heart - soul to soul.

Creativity is ancient and part of what makes us human

What you seek is seeking you

Rekindling our sacred relationship with Mother Earth - Soul to Soul - Heart to Heart through Nature Art

This 1 hour session is all about the creative process - the flow of love.

You will require to register for this free session - see form below

PDF

May 12th 10am (Pacific Time) BC, Canada (please make sure to check your time zone - Australia will be a day ahead)

This workshop is for Adults

What you will need:

A large, quiet space to move around, with no interruptions

A computer with good Internet access 

Note pad or sketch pad or several single sheets of paper

A Large piece of paper/card - (the larger the better for movement)

Oil pastels or chalk pastels as I would like you to experience blending the colours- however, if you don't have pastels, water colour inks or wax crayons will do or even kids chalks..or something similar. (Coloured pencils could work too - we just wont be able to blend and smudge).

I look forward to sharing this beautiful creative play with you all, sending love on this sacred new day, Marghanita x

You will require to register for this free session

Tues 12th May Workshop is NOW FULL

you can register for the next free workshop

and you will be notified by email of the date and time

Subscribe

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

We Are All Beautiful – The Power of Storytelling

I believe we are all storytellers and Mother Nature is the best storyteller of all.

Mother Nature is forever inviting us to play, explore, imagine and create.

It’s through nature play that I discover more about myself, the environment in which I live and it’s where stories find me.

WATCH THE VIDEO and find out how stories can find you

My greatest tool is my imagination

Your imagination is the key to unlocking the magical stories hidden in nature. Each leaf, pebble, fallen branch has a hidden story…There are certain leaves, pebbles, feathers, rocks that you are destined to find – they contain a hidden story that only YOU can unlock!

The debt we owe to the play of imagination is incalculable

Carl Jung

I have never had to go looking for stories, they always find me….here is a simple example.

Having been away for a few days I arrived back to find this potato on the counter-top had grown a tail, on closer inspection I saw two eyes, a snout and there he was, my little potato pig….which I have named Pablico.

The child within has never left me, I am still that curious 7 year old full of wonder and excitment at the unknown, wanting to play, explore, discover and create and learn.

PROCESS OVER PRODUCT 

It is the creative exploration, the process, the journey that really matters! Growing up I had the freedom to play, explore and create in nature every day. No one told me what I should play or what I should create. There were no rules, no judgement. My early childhood education was at home and I had the freedom to express myself creatively and believe every child should have that freedom, throughout their lives. It’s the journey that nurtures the heart and soul and creative intelligence. It’s wonderful to create a beautiful product but it is the process that gifts us the most joy. CLICK HERE to view a snapshot of my

Early Childhood Education

From the Earth

Holding Pablico in my hands, I am so mesmerised by his magnificent tail…beautiful purple hearts cascading from a vibrant green waterfall.

I am excited to draw Pablico, the first little sketch helps his story to unfold. I decide to give him extra long legs. With his magnificent tail and long legs he looks very different to all the other pigs. This is his story he wishes to share with others. It is okay to look different. 

We are all unique, we are all beautiful. It is our differences that make us unique.

“Our similarities bring us to a common ground; our differences allow us to be fascinated by each other”

– Tom Robbins

Here is a brief summary of Pablico’s story.

Pablico the pig had a very unusually tail – he had beautiful purple hearts sprouting from his tail and had very long legs almost as long as a giraffe. All the other pigs made fun of him. This made Pablico very sad.

One day locusts flew in and ate up all the ground food and the pigs began to get hungry. Pablico with his very long legs was able to reach the fruit trees and shouted to the other pigs, come and feast on the fruit as he dropped the fruit to the ground. The other pigs were delighted to have food and as they spend time with Pablico, they begin to feel his love radiate from his beautiful tail. They were amazed it had sprouted hearts. Pablico plucked a heart for each pig from his bushy tail and created a heart necklace for every pig, now you can feel my love always he declared. His love was so powerful, all the pigs wanted to play with him and share their love and that is why pigs are so happy and full of love….they celebrated Pablico’s tail and were forever grateful to his long legs.

What stories from nature will you unfold this week?

Have fun with your stories, with love and deep gratitude on this sacred new day, Happy Friday beautiful people, know you are deeply loved, peace Marghanita x

Nature Art is a pathway to health and happiness

The arts enrich every aspect of our lives..if you would like to learn more about our Nature Art Programs for children and adults please click on the link here:

NATURE ART ONLINE PROGRAMS