Up above the ground, King Winter wears his crown

The days are cold, the winds doth blow,  We’ll soon need our little lanterns to glow

In Silver Birch Kindergarten we enjoyed many stories and songs about the winter weather as we eagerly prepared for our Mid-winter Festival.  King Winter is definitely about, and beanies and raincoats are getting plenty of wear.   We go outside in all but the wildest weather.

We have heard the story about the little gnomes who are busy in winter looking after the roots and seeds underground.  Even though some of the trees have no leaves they are still alive and their roots are being cared for under the earth.  We have tucked some little bulbs under the ground for the busy gnomes to tend until the sunny days return and the bulbs and seeds are ready to sprout.

In painting we have moved from our autumnal red to a wintery blue. 

It was a wonderful surprise to blend these two colours on our page and discover something new.  We immerse ourselves in the colours and process of watercolour painting with an intent of inner quietness which allows each colour to give rise to a new feeling in us.  We used some of our paintings to create our own lanterns for the festival.  How magical to see the lanterns glimmering in the forest at night.

Glimmer lantern glimmer, little stars a shimmer

Over rock and river stone, wandering tripping little gnome

Open up my heart to see starry light surrounding me