Wildflowers: October 8, 2025
A Magical Morning
The girls arrived to the glow of a cozy fire, its warmth taking the chill off the beautiful autumn morning. Waiting for us was a letter from Finny the Fairy, sparkling as always with wisdom and encouragement.
Finny wrote about how the trees whisper their thank-yous as they drop their leaves, and how real magic lies in giving and receiving, in helping one another, just as the trees help the forest. It set the perfect tone for our day of gratitude, harvest, and community.
Apples, Aprons, and Old Stories
We got our aprons on — some nearly a hundred years old, lovingly passed down from my aunt. I told the girls how special that is, how things can hold stories and memories, passed through generations like treasures. It tied beautifully into the book we read, The More You Give, a story about love that grows and continues long after we’re gone.
Helping Hands, Helping Hearts
Before we began cooking, we talked about the different ways to contribute when you’re part of a community. Some people peel and chop apples, others gather sticks for the fire, some keep company, some hand out bowls and spoons — all ways of helping, all equally important.
As we worked, a curious grasshopper joined us, hopping right into the middle of our preparations — a cheerful little reminder of life buzzing all around us. The girls took turns shaking a jar of cream until, to their delight, it turned into fluffy whipped cream. Teamwork (and some serious arm strength!) made it happen. Then came the applesauce, warm, sweet, and so satisfying after all that effort.
Adventures and Acts of Courage
After our snack, we set out for an adventure to a new place — Underwater Kingdom. To get there, we crossed the Blackfriars Bridge. For one of the girls, this was a brave step; she faced her fear of heights with courage and determination, and we were all so proud of her!
At the river, the girls discovered giant leaves and set about “cleaning” the water of what they called “the yucky green stuff.” But soon their curiosity led to new questions: What if it’s part of the river? Together, they began to wonder about algae — how even things that look “messy” might have a purpose in nature. Others climbed trees, showing more bravery and problem-solving as they figured out how to get down from tricky spots.
Honouring Life
When we returned to Heron Tree Estates, we discovered a small squirrel who had passed away. The girls were immediately thoughtful and gentle. They decided together to bury it. They dug a little hole, made offerings, and held a small ceremony. Three girls gave heartfelt speeches. Moments like these remind us how naturally children understand respect, empathy, and the cycle of life.
Face Paints and Playful Energy
Afterward, the energy lightened again as they headed to the mud kitchen. They mixed crushed chalk with water to create their own “face paint” — and I was honoured to be their canvas! Soon, a few of them drifted into imaginative play, capturing one another in giggly games, while others pulled out the yoga mats. Some stretched peacefully; others simply wrapped themselves up in them like cozy caterpillars.
Leaf Lessons
We finished our day at the park, rake in hand. The girls eagerly began building a leaf pile, remembering last week’s story about the perfect fairy garden and the importance of leaving some things wild. We talked about how fallen leaves create homes for insects, protect eggs over the winter, and make fairies very happy. But we also decided that balance is key — raking a few early leaves is just fine, since the Witch Tree still has plenty left to fall.
Closing Thoughts
It was a day full of warmth, gratitude, and connection — to each other, to the earth, and to the rhythm of the changing season. From peeling apples to facing fears, from small acts of kindness to bursts of laughter, the girls showed what it means to help with hands, hearts, and patience; just like Finny said.
Thanks for a great day Wildflowers!
