March 2025 - niskipisim (Geese Moon)

During this moon, I am struck by the amount of space around me and the importance of staying in the present moment.

Welcome to the twelfth post in my 13 Grandmother Moons journey. It is startling to realize how fast time has passed! The weather is changing again, and though there is still ice and snow on the ground, the sun's rays are getting brighter and warmer. One of the things I have been reflecting on this moon is the name that I use to call my special place of land-based learning.

In a recent conversation with Dr. Dwayne Donald, who along with Kehteya Bob Cardinal guides our learning though this course, I was reminded of the proper term for this place I have been visiting, learning from, and establishing a relationship with. Dwayne gently reminded me that "Mill Creek is a misnomer ... its proper name is kahasiniskak sipisis - a creek with lots of rocks. So, Mill Creek Ravine would be kahasiniskak sipisis pasahcaw". I will strive to use this term going forward.

As I am walking and resting and looking at my special place, I am struck most at how while things are always changing, they also stay the same. I am reminded of the importance of appreciating what is here and now, rather than what what has happened or what will come to be. In my other visits, I feel like I have been situating this space and myself within a circle: spring turns to summer, soon fall will come, the chill in the air reminds me of winter ... but I feel like there is beauty and importance in being mindful, and present, and just enjoying what is here and now.

The other thing I am perceiving is space, and I am a bit surprised by this. When I think of the trees and their leaves, I picture winter as the time when branches are barren. However, after paying close attention this year, I am realizing that this point right now is when there is the most space between branches and trees. Spring and summer involve growth and abundance, in fall leaves turn and fall, yet in winter many still cling to the branches. It is only now, after harsh strong winds have blown and no new growth comes to replace them, that the maximum of space is present between the trees and their branches. I can see farther now, to the opposite bank, because so little is between me and the land but clear clean air.

I watch the water, and notice how it seems to dance in a playful way. Sunshine sparkles off of the creek, and the last bits of ice clinging to rocks begin to melt. Soon, all the ice and snow will be melted and washed away - but for today, I feel myself becoming encouraged to appreciate this day, right here and now, without reflecting on the past or projecting into the future.

What is being communicated to me is the need to just be here now, and not be pulled into what has happened or what is yet to come. Space is also strongly communicated - there is space to see, to grow, and to be here, out on the land. Finally, what is being communicated to me is the consistency of the elements - the sun, the earth, the water and wind, the moon and stars. Once again, it is impossible to ascertain how this is being communicated to me. I perceive these things strongly, and just sense them deeply. I interpret the space and need to be present as a reminder that here, I can unfurl, and there is meaning and richness in just being present, rather than drifting into the past or projecting to the future. I will communicate what I am learning with my own constant, creating winter count symbols of reliable, sturdy peg dolls.

Each moon I have tried to choose just one peg doll from the set to be my favorite. I did not expect that an entire set would stand out above all of the rest! But these peg dolls are different. Rather than reflecting what is being communicated to me this moon, they represent elements that are with me and part of the land during each day, year, and over millennia - the sun, moon and stars, wind and water, earth and growing life.

I had intended to trim the grassy peg doll representing all living beings and plants, but she is perfect in all her wild glory. I accidentally discovered that my paint can be used almost as a sculpture material, because it has turned three-dimensional and can act as both hair and the rays of the sun. I chose not to further adorn the blue peg doll, which represents both wind and water, but if you closely you can see a wave or breeze on its back! Finally, the earth doll - yes, as my son asked, it really is dirt! These pictures don't really do them justice, especially the moon and stars, but I hope you can appreciate their meaning.

Enjoying the Spring

As the earth begins to warm up again, excitement fills the air when working with children. They feel the spring thaw, and can't wait for longer days outside, and the new life that spring ushers in. Here are three tips for enjoying the spring with children!

1 - Wait to Rake

For years I have been spring cleaning the yard as soon as possible, to expose the grass and move the dead leaves away. However, recently I have learned the value of letting the leaves lie on the ground just a little longer. Early spring cleaning can disturb plant and insect life who still need protection when the nights get cold. Waiting to rake increases diversity of life, including butterflies, ladybugs, and other helpful creatures, and also protects plants who are still slumbering. Leaving the ground until it dries out also protects it from children's feet as they run and play on the wet earth. Best of all, when you let the earth rest until it is truly ready, you increase the chances of finding and observing amazing creatures like this ladybug who mysteriously appeared inside one spring!

2 - Start Ordering Seeds

I adore having a children's garden, and because of the short growing season in Alberta some plants, including cucumbers, squash, and brussels sprouts, can now be started indoors. I don't decide on a garden plan myself, instead I gather the children and we talk about and look at pictures of the wonderful things we might grow. Together we pore over seed catalogues - Vesey's, OSC, and West Coast Seeds still mail out real paper catalogues, which we love - and choose what we will grow. I also look at our old seeds and saved seeds, and we often turn this into a field trip by shopping for earth and containers to start the seeds!

3 - Consider Hosting Bugs!

While this isn't for everyone, we have had a lot of joy hatching various insects over the years. One of our all-time favorites is Painted Lady butterflies, they are available from several suppliers including Education Station, and always offer weeks of wonder as they grown and then emerge from their chrysalises. We have also hatched praying mantis egg cases, but those are harder to find, and you have to be careful about introducing insects who are not native to the area. Costco and Canadian Tire sometimes carry them, order early to prevent being disappointed! Finally, ladybug eggs or full grown ladybugs can be available, but source them early - as I type this every place I can find is sold out!