Mapel Syrup Shots: New Englad Fall

"The only question in life is whether or not you are going to answer a hearty YES! to your next adventure."
-Joseph Campbell

If that isn't the theme of my life at this point I don't know what is. This fall I have done my best to fully exemplify this quote. This is the season, more than any other season of my life that I felt completely and totally in my element. I wish I could name what made it so fundamental for me, but that just wouldn't be good enough of to keep me on my toes.

I can say that I have absolutely been swooned by New England with it's always changing foliage, grade B maple syrup, and nearby adventures. There was only one day (thank goodness it was the day I was packing) that I really didn't want to go out and frolic in the forests. Otherwise as soon as I awoke I was heading up or heading out on the next excursion. This season I had quite a few partners in crime which made it all the more enjoyable. The issue, most of the time ,was getting to the destination. I distinctly remember, on my way up and back visiting my ultimate fall partner in crime in New Hampshire. We stopped at least 20 times, because it was just too pretty not to soak of all the fall colors and take a few too many picture. Other adventures were similar on the scale of oooooooooo and ahhhhhhh. I revisited the Whites of New Hampshire, ran a half-marathon with Vermont's Green (but yellow and orange at the time) Mountains as the backdrop, went to a stone soup festival and found some great live music, hiked the only 'real' mountain in Massachusetts: Mt. Greylock in it's transition from fall to winter, hiking the most hiked mountain in the world on the busiest weekend of the year, apple picked, frolicked through a chasm of rocks, and chased the leaves through parts of Connecticut, among a handful of others. Is was all so breath taking! Those who joined me on these adventures seems more amused by my glee over the colors than the actual colors themselves. All I can say is I am hooked.

Now: Leaves. Let me tell you about the magic they hold. As I hinted above, my coworkers were constantly amused by the collection of leaves I would collect after a morning out with the kids. Leaves come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and I was... ok am... continuously amazed  every time I walked outside. Giddy for the colors and what different changes they all go through in their short lifespan.

I can also say that working for Nature's Classroom strikes a primal chord with me. Walking the
woods with the youth of America and then pulling them into a classroom to learn why hot air balloons work or how the value behind the craftsmanship of creating ones own wooden furniture and an opportunity to make their own has shown me such an easy way to spark imagination and moreover inspire. Although I had some more difficult individuals in some groups, all in all I was amazed with the passion, questions, and excitement I have been able to evoke from the kids. Looking back to a full three years ago the depth of knowledge I have attained and been able to then teach is truly amazing. Sure I get paid for this, but it is a solid education for me as well. I feel so grateful that this is my life and that I enjoy what I do so much.

I thought I would share a poem written by a dear friend from my time at Echo Hill. This poem I read to my kids at the end of most weeks in a conversation about remembering Nature's Classroom, remembering me, and remembering that they have to power to really make a difference.

It's not everyday you get to see the sparkle in a child's eye,
A glimmer of understanding,
A moment of affirmation that what you've said,
Or precisely, what they have experiences has made a difference,
Metamorphosing their beliefs in untold ways to reach new heights,
And to explore unknown depths,
All for the sake of knowledge.
It's not everyday that a child truly feels nature in their soul,
Striking a primal chord,
Awakening a seemingly lost relationship with the Other,
The vulture and the pine,
The connection with a world walked by our ancestors,
Enlightening the child's passions and creativity
Whilst captivating their attention
In the sanctity of the present moment.
It's not everyday a lesson can inspire a group of children to tear down the dam,
The accept a new world view, even if unintentionally,
Or a fresh perspective,
Or more likely, the reemergence of an age old comprehension
That changes the dominate culture through a ripple effect
And leaves behind a peaceful wake,
Led by happy passionate children.
It's not everyday unless...

Patience has gotten me somewhere this season. I was really living in the moment and not focused on the winter at all. In writing this blog I figured out how much I need to go back to Nature's Classroom again, and also how much I need to keep exploring the world of Spanish. My indecisiveness or lack of focus on the future worked out well. I'll be heading home for a bit of the winter to work and volunteer and then I'll be headed back to South America to farm and travel a bit and do some more work for VISIONS before heading back in a new role at NC. I really do believe that things always happen for a reason...