From their Branches: Patrick Dougherty Installation 2015

Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,”
they say, “and you, too, have come
into the world to do this, to go easy,
to be filled with light, and to shine.”  

- Mary Oliver























It was about 30 yrs ago when I happened upon the work of sculptor Patrick Dougherty and was instantly enthralled.  As a young girl who liked to play in the woods, climb trees, and build things like forts and tree houses - Patrick's work touched that part of me and transported me to a time when anything I could imagine was real.  It was my wish that one day I would help him build an installation.

In February I heard that Mr. Doughtery was coming to Reston to create an installation and I could hardly believe it.  I immediately contacted GRACE and volunteered to be on his team.   Long story short, for the last three weeks I've been living my dream atop a scaffolding bending sticks.  It has been an extraordinary experience for which I am very VERY grateful.

I would like to invite all of you to join us at the celebration in Reston Town Square Park on Saturday April 25th!!! 

Family Activities 2pm- 5pm

Opening Reception 5pm - 7pm

Below are some photos of the creation in process.  I hope you enjoy them.  May these words and images inspire you.



 

 

 

4th Grade Field Trip : National Symphony

The kids were enthralled with the symphony hall as much as the music.  The highlight was when the conductor engaged the children to create a storm with their bodies like the video clip below....

Butterfly Flutter on Parenting

We were tickled to discover that our butterfly feeder that we made some years ago made was featured on Parents Magazine's website, Parenting.com!!!



Get the how-to here!

Easter, Eostre, Ostara

The tight solitude of a seed,
Allowing it time
To shed the grip of former form
And give way to a deeper generosity
That will one day send it forth,
A tree into springtime,
May all that holds you
Fall from its hungry ledge
Into the fecund surge of your heart. - John O'Donohue, For Freedom


Eggs and bunnies...what could be better.

Spring Break 2015

"Spring and all its flowers
now joyously break their vow of silence.
It is time for celebration, not for lying low" - Hafiz

Some scenes from Spring Break...there was the giant indoor trampoline on the high pollen day, and the first visit from the ice cream man, and hammocks, and a visit from besties, and fossil hunting and a picnic at the bay, and it seemed as though everyone and everywhere was blooming.