Winter Art

Living in Manitoba, we're used to whatever winter throws at us: snow, sleet, blizzards, ice and extreme cold, -40 degrees C cold! This year we had a long stretch where the extreme cold conditions just didn't want to let up. There were even a few days when the schools were closed due to the weather. However, we do not have a lot of snow, at least not in our area. We're usually able to make a big snow pile for the children to play on. So far, we've not been able to do that.

So, we planned a field trip and took the students to Valley View Bible Camp, where they have a huge hill for sliding. (More on that in a later post.)

Still embracing winter, throughout the last few months our art teacher, Elma did some neat art work with her students. There are too many to post all pictures, so here are a few samples for you to enjoy:

Walking in the Snow

 #1

 

#2

 

 #3

Winter Trees - Water Colour

#4

#5

#6

Symmetry

 

#7

 #8

 #9

I've numbered the pieces just for the purpose of identifying them, as the students didn't choose a title for them. I like all of the winter pictures posted on our hall bulletin board at the moment, but there's always one or two that stand out, or speak to me. Of all things winter, snow covered bare trees always show COLD the best. And my favorite piece is #6; five trees huddling together, trying to stay warm. 

What is your favourite? Feel free to share why you like that one best.

Pennies for Port-au-Prince

Photo Credit: Sonia Maendel

One thing about this Manitoba deep freeze we're in right now, we sometimes see gorgeous sun dogs. Right now the temperature sits at -26C, with the wind chill it's more like -46C. Yes, extremely cold! My hat is off to my sister, Sonia for venturing out to capture the sun dogs.  But, she's heading to Haiti tomorrow, so perhaps she's trying to soak up some cold to take along. Apparently it's around 30C there right now. She's going with a group of other Hutterites from various colonies. Baker Colony financially supports a number of schools in Haiti and about twice a year a group goes there to show support in other ways. In the past, they've helped clean and paint buildings or sew blankets for beds in an orphanage; which is another outreach program Hutterites are involved with.

This trip to Haiti reminds me of the earthquake in that country on January 12, 2010.

That year the world channeled rapt attention toward the devastation an earthquake wrought on Haiti. Hearts were moved to reach out in some way. For many it meant donating money. Others gave their time and effort to help with the clean-up and rebuilding. Some sewed clothes and bedding for the people who were left with nothing. Hutterites sewed quilts. This outpouring of love gave a hurting Haitian nation hope and began the healing process.

Our Grades 1-3 students were studying developing countries at the time, and had started collecting pennies in Oct. 2009. When they learned about the Port-au-Prince disaster they felt compelled to help. The youngest children probably couldn’t comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, or even grasp what an earthquake is. Nevertheless their hearts went out to these poor people. One of the children asked, “Maybe we could do something to help.”
 

Given that this was an excellent opportunity to teach philanthropy along with biblical truths, teacher, Elma Maendel encouraged a discussion. “Jesus taught us to help the poor,” one little girl stated.

“That’s true.” Elma, their teacher replied. They talked about different places they could donate their money to. With renewed resolve they canvassed for pennies from anyone who crossed their paths. 

“We’re collecting pennies for Haiti. Do you have any?” They requested cheerily. With the help of the older children they rolled and counted their pennies and were delighted to learn that they had $100.00 for Haiti.

                 

On a frigid day in February they bundled up and took their pennies to the bank to cash in for a hundred dollar bill. From there they went to the MCC thrift store. Even though their young minds couldn’t fully understand this desolation, their hearts knew what they needed to do. The joy this brought them was written all over their shining faces, as they handed over their offering.

It's heartwarming to see that Hutterites still support Haiti eight years later. I'm hoping to post pictures when my sister comes home in about ten days. Stay tuned!

               

 

Flowers in the Dead of Winter

 

Watching blossoms unfold is always a wonder, but never more than when the temperature's hovering around -30°C, which is where we're at right now. Oh, I should add, with the windchill, that means it feels like -40°C. Yes, extremely cold! But, I still wouldn't want to live where there is no snow - my winter has to have cold, blizzards and lots of snow.

Anyway, we started this Amaryllis before Christmas; the children excitedly rushed into my classroom each day to see how much our plant had grown. The first flower brought squeals of joy just before Christmas. I came to school almost every day over the break to check on it. There was pure awe on theie faces when they saw all eight flowers open after the break.  I'm not sure I ever saw an Amaryllis that had all eight flowers open at the same time, so I was in awe as well. 

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful: 

they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul. -Luther Burbank

Did you get an Amaryllis this year? They're a beautiful Christmas plants, and come in a variety of colours. I had luck with getting my orchid to bloom again, so am excited about trying to get our Amaryllis to bloom again next year as well. Thankfully, I found a website with tips to do that. In case you want to try that too, click here.  I'd love to hear from anybody who has ever got an Amaryllis to bloom again. 

my orchid

Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful...

But staying home is so delightful!

A winter blizzard has lingered for two days over a large area in Manitoba, including where I call home. Schools and highways are closed all over the place. Normally our school stays open, since we're all right here on the colony and can easily walk to school. This time is different. Our snowblower found a very inopportune time to take a break, and our bobcat can't keep up clearing the sidewalks, driveways and roads. So walking to school can be quite an adventure, and almost impossible for little ones. With all the snow that is being dumped, and gusting wind, we decided it's best to cancel classes here as well. I didn't mind in the least. In fact, it was quite delightful to be at home with a storm raging outside.

I found plenty of activities to fill the days with: First I sewed a dress, then I knit a scarf. It was also a perfect opportunity to light some scented candles, turn on some Christmas music and wrap gifts. As you can see, I also fit in a bit of blogging.

My two nephews stayed at our house yesterday, so you can imagine the challenge to keep those two rambunctious boys occupied - toys can only do the trick for so long. (I know, toys nowadays are over-rated. When I was a little girl, my toys kept me much busier and happier for longer periods of time. There were puzzles, board games, dolls, tea sets, etch-a-sketch... remember those? But then, I never had tech toys to mess with my ability to play with real toys.) Anyway, back to today. Thanks to my nephews' Grandma Waldner, who gave them a Gingerbread Train Kit, there was something else to keep them busy. For a while, anyway. My sister, Sonia was the brave soul who went to work with two little boys as 'helpers'. How do you tell young children to stop eating the candies, taking a bite out of the cookies or licking icing, while trying to build an edible train?

Not easy. But she somehow managed:

Let it snow! 

                               Let it snow! 

                                                             Let it snow!

I'd love to hear what you do when you're storm-stayed?

Christmas Blessings!

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” And I love it! I know, many don’t share my excitement over snow, but I sure didn’t want to see a snow-less Christmas. So yes, I’m very happy about the lovely snow decking the outdoors; so pretty and peaceful!

 

“Peace on Earth." is what the angels proclaimed so long ago. Today we hear the phrase in songs and read it in cards and we wonder if there’ll ever be peace on earth, what with all the unrest in so many places. Even though peace can be felt in our little corner of the universe, there are so many for whom peace is but a dream. Hopefully many will have this dream realized as they make their home in new countries. It's impossible not to think about the refugees, as we enjoy our own Christmas festivities.

This year has been an exciting one for me, as my book Hutterite Diaries was published in May. It has been so rewarding to read reviews and hear from people via phone calls, email and through my blog. I’m humbled each time someone tells me how much they’ve enjoyed my book. Recently writers have asked me if they can use Hutterite Diaries excerpts for their websites and newspaper columns. Click here to read one by author and columnist, Melodie Davies, Herald Press. This one appeared in eight different newspapers. 

Yesterday we had our annual Christmas program. Practicing for this event is always a frantic time, and yes, at times also frustrating. But it’s so worth all the hard work by both students and teachers. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share the Christmas message with songs, poems and plays! From all accounts it was an enjoyable evening for everybody -- there were happy, sad, hilarious, 'Bah Humbug' and 'Aaahhh' moments. Although blustery and cold outside, inside we were warm and cozy and grateful to have this peaceful and joyous time together, celebrating the birth of Jesus.

As part of our school Christmas festivities we always make gifts for each family on the colony. A few years ago it was the bird on a tree ornament you see above. This year we created these wall hangings. They’re all ready to be delivered in a day or so. These gifts are always made by the older students and the teachers. My little contribution was adding the decoration at the top. It took me a few afternoons – a relaxing few hours away from hectic practices; settled in a quiet classroom, Christmas music playing… and being creative. Heavenly! 

Wishing you peace, love and joy for Christmas and the New Year!

Finding Time to have Outdoors Fun - even on sub-zero days

Each winter we book our school for an afternoon of sledding at Valley View Bible Camp. The hill where all the winter fun takes place is known as Roger's Hill. Without fail, this is always a fabulous time. Our last trip, yesterday was no different. They temperature hovered around -16 degrees Celsius, which made the hill super fast. We need not have worried that it would be too cold for our students - the only time most of them came into the hut to warm up, was at snack time. And then they were itching to hit the slopes again. Some of the teachers have apps on their phones that enabled them to record how fast it really was. The fastest time was 51 Kilometers per hour. Yeah, very fast! And a bit scary for some. I heard one boys encouraging himself as he flew down the hill, "I will not be scared! I will not be scared." It must have worked, for he kept going - riding up and sliding down.

As far as most were concerned the cable that pulls you back up the hill is almost as much fun as flying down. I was not one of them. I chose to walk up, well, ok huff and puff myself back up. True, I didn't get as many rides down, for once I was up there, I had this great urge to stay awhile. You see, the view from the bottom, does not compare with the one at the top. Couldn't be that I needed time to catch my breath and muster up courage to rush down and drag myself back up again. You see, I really don't enjoy holding on to a cable for dear life, slanted back at a ridiculous angle, all the while making sure you don't slip or flip to the other side of it while being pulled to the top. Thus, I decided on walking up (oh, and did I mention dragging the sled along) each time, which makes for a strenuous workout you don't get on a regular basis. (I've almost convinced myself to get one of those thread mills with an 'incline' option. :)

Still, it was all good: walking, huffing and puffing, sliding, riding, 'flying', screaming, laughing... - and all outdoors in the middle of our Manitoba winter. I think that's what they call embracing the cold.

What made it extra fun, was the fact that our friends from another colony school were there as well!

Let's see how long we can stay together.

 Going solo is fun too, because it seems to be faster.

 I really admired the courageous souls who went down head first.

 Hanging on for the ride up.

And yes, that's one view from the top!

I caught one of the teachers racing a rider to the top. 

Looks like the rider is ahead, at this point anyway - if indeed that

was the rider he was racing with. (:  I guess we'll never know.

Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun. 

Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture.

The Scenic Eisacktal, Tschötsch, Süd Tirol, Italy

I have to post these gorgeous picture! (No, I'm not wishing winter back.) As you know, I was in Europe last August and part of that trip was spent in Süd Tirol, Italy. Robert and Marta Hochgruber and family were our sweet hosts. Back then I wrote about my room with a view, as it overlooked the scenic Eisacktal. Simply breath-taking! Knowing how much I loved this view and that I'd expressed interest in seeing it in winter, Robert just sent me these pictures. They bring back so many special memories!!! I think I want to go back there in the fall now.

Aahhh, the church in the valley - loved the sound of those bells early in the morning!!

The mountains Jakob and Katherina Hutter walked on, from St. Lorenzen to Klausen, where they were captured.

Auf den Nebel folgt die Sonn'. (Sun follows fog)

Bright blue sky and a valley full of fog.

Vielen Dank, Robert und Marta!!

I'm so grateful that I met you and your dear family 

and that we're now friends!

Snapshot Muse #3 - The Wind was like Sand in my Face...

May as well talk about the wind today, (everybody else is) which has been howling haunting songs since last night. Right now the weather report looks like this: Light snow and local blowing snow ending this morning then clearing. Wind north 50 km/h gusting to 70. Temperature falling to minus 19 this afternoon. Wind chill minus 33. So the wind is settling down somewhat - it was gusting to 80 early this morning, as I was enjoying my second cup of coffee.

Strange weather all over Manitoba, for sure - major roads and schools closed as well. Some describe the wind as 'a gale'. And oh the howls and whistles! I actually love hearing wind songs, cozy inside with a good book and a hot beverage.

The howling wind actually brought back a few lines from a song I heard many years ago - haven't thought of that one for a loooong time - and strangely enough, the only words I remember are: From out of the north the wind came howling. The wind was like sand in my face... For some reason, I think it's a cowboy song. Does anyone know that one? I'd appreciate if you'd let me know!

Winter Windows

Since we're a school that practices and promotes recycling, we always keep our eyes open for new and exciting re-purposing ideas. Recently, though we used an older method of reusing the pictures from old wall calendars. They're always too pretty to throw out, so we have all our families send them to school, where we try to give them a new life. We made winter windows and have them displayed on our hallway bulletin board.

 

 

Clearing the Road

The River

Oh Deer!

Hazy Morning

Winter Blanket

Winter Wonders

Serenity

Sunset

Hoar Frost Days

Winter Job

Do you have any ideas about what to do with old wall calendars, that you'd like to share? I'd love to hear them! We still have tons of pretty calender pictures around that we'd like to put to good use. 

Which one of these is your favourite? My students would love to know what you think.

Blessed New Year!

Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things hath done, in whom the world rejoices.

Who, from our mothers' arms, hath blessed us on our way,

With countless gifts of love and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God, through all our life be near us,

Give ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;

And keep us in his grace, and guide us when perplexed,

And free us from all ills, in this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God, the Father now be given,

The Son, and him who reigns, with them in highest heaven,

The one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore,

For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.

"Nun danket alle Gott" 

Martin Rinkart, 1586 - 1649

Johann Crueger, 1598 - 1662

Snow Chuckles

I few days ago we had relatives visiting from South Dakota. At one point in the evening we were sharing snow stories. They say they have/had as much snow as we. But I'm positive we had more. ('had', because it's gone down about a foot. We marked how high it was on a tree in our yard, just so we can look at it and feel cool during the July heat wave.) This is Manitoba!

Anyway, back to my original story. One of the ladies visiting told us this funny story about her grandson:

In school the teacher told the children last month, "It's the first day of spring today." The little boy took one look out the window and announced, "Teacher, I think you not know your seasons."

our back deck during a storm

It's snowing right now. And I'm dreaming green.


Prairie Morning Magnificence





Nothing's on fire. God is saying, "Good Morning!"

There's something to be said about winter sunrises on the Prairies...
if I could find the words! 

And I have the blessing of seeing these magnificent views
almost every morning on my way to school!


 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. 
- Psalm 19: 1-3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lean On Me... when it's your first time on skates

It's got to start somewhere...

I caught this trio on the way home from school a few years ago. I still have to chuckle when I look at these pictures. I guess they bring back memories of my own unstable moments on skates, and the not so graceful landings. My 'rink' was the frozen La Salle River, full of perfect cracks to get your blades stuck in.  I never saw past my fear of breaking an ankle. So, that's where my dream of skating died - forever frozen or flowing on the river, depending which season we're in.

This 'skating rink' was behind our school. The boy obviously never even made it home after school, as he still has his school bag on his back. He was so bent on helping his friend learn the art of skating that he forgot about after school snack.

Lean on me.....

"You can do it! Don't worry, we'll hold you up."

"Did you say, you'll hold me up? Didn't work."

"I think you should go like this. See, it's easy."

"I'll try it on my own now."

 

 

 

"Nope, it's not easy and the ice is really hard, too."

"I think I'm catching on! Woo-hoo!"