.: Three sets of hands working together to preserve the seeds from this sunflower :.
The work we do in our homes creates meaning within our lives together and shares with our children that we can create beauty in the things that we do as well as looking at our work in a positive light rather than hurrying just to get things done.
Taking the time to appreciate these slow processes not only strengthens our bonds together as a family it also creates lasting memories of fun, learning, and connection to see things done from start to finish.
.: A smaller sunflower variety that was sewn by the birds--now the seeds gathered by the children :.
A slow process we enjoyed over these past few days was that of saving seeds from our garden. We appreciate sharing with our children that through these processes that we can all participate in these intricate processes of nature and find beauty there.
.: Saving seeds, the important work and play that filled our day :.
As we harvested some of the sunflowers we learned so much-- from noticing the praying mantis that made it's home sitting atop these large sunflower heads--to just how many flowers will emerge from just one flower.
.: This gathering slowed us down while we just sat concentrating on our work :.
We learned about the circularity of life while noticing tiny worms that were feasting inside the sunflower seeds. We noticed the birds eating the seeds and planting them as they fell to the ground, growing their own food. We took notice of how saving seeds affects our lives in so many profound ways.
.: Noticing each and every chamber that holds a seed :.
Over these past few days of saving seeds we appreciated the beauty and variety of seeds, from size shape and color differences. This slow process allowed us to take notice of these things.
.: Two very different looking sunflower seed varieties were gathered today :.
We are gently reminded that life is a process of time and that all life begins anew with a special promise hidden inside a seed.
.: My oldest son sat the longest with his work :.
The children are excited to hold the seeds collected on this day and notice their diverse lines and textures. They know that running through their tiny fingers are fields of glorious Sunflowers, and they will stand eye to eye with them as friends only a summer's distance away.
.: This now empty sunflower reminds me of a honeycomb :.
The sunflower seed saving inspired us to take a walk around the yard to see what other seed heads shared themselves with us. We found an abundance of dried Iris pods and enjoyed the process of gathering as well as noticing the fine details of how this plant saved it's own seeds and how the wind shakes it's rattle- like pod to drop the seeds into the soil.
.:Each empty Iris seed head will now join the children's play kitchen to remind them of their efforts on this day :.
We enjoyed noticing the chambers of the Iris seed head and how it stored the seeds in just one chamber. We appreciated the beauty of each piece of this plant through it's various cycles and took note of the magic that every plant holds within.
.: Working together sorting Iris seeds :.
I look forward to creating a beautiful envelope for these varieties of seeds and look to the future when these seeds are sown into the soil and set free to perform magic!
.: The magic of a towering sunflower grown from a tiny seed defines a miracle to me! :.
