"Autumn days when the grass is jewelled and the silk inside a chestnut shell, smell of bacon as I fasten up my laces, all these things I love so well so I mustn't forget, no I mustn't forget, to say a great big thank you, I must't forget!"
Ah, this lovely little song was one we used to sing in assembly at school and I actually (although I really didn't like school very much) get very nostalgic for, I think, school experiences at this time of year... particularly of the autumnal nature, it's just my favourite season and in fact feels like the New Year for me. It's my birthday celebration (a new school year at least) and harvest. Gathering and sharing of all the goodies and gifts grown and flourished throughout the summer months. It just feels special. There is a peace and slowing as the nights draw in, hiding away of an evening in the dark and cosiness of fire and candle light.
I also love singing and have been bringing a lot more melody and little ditties into my storytelling sessions as of late - the nursery children seem to find it so relaxing and it's lovely to share childhood rhymes and songs from when I and my daughter were young - it keeps them alive and passing through the hands of time.
I have also had some beautiful golden, crunchy walks with my dog and many other dogs (if you know you know!) and collected some charming treasures, just like the leaf above which I have pressed. Sometimes the little gems find their way into a storytelling session, inspiring a tale or two... or perhaps adorning a window sill for an afternoon. The house is quiet now with my daughter away at uni and although I relish stillness, she is missed so very much and the small leaves, feathers and stones remind me of the many riches she would collect as a "Thing Finder" when she was a little girl and proudly supply me with.
Half term has now officially commenced (although I guess it differs slightly depending on location). In my neck of the woods it will be enjoyed this coming week and I look forward to some eerie tale telling and some spectral like devising with my Youth Theatre group - Tempest Theatre. Also to our Halloween workshop on Wednesday (I'll be sure to post some treats from the day!) Pumpkin carving and biscuit baking, shadowy crafting and phantom performing!
Do have a look at the brand new Lamda and Actors Academy for 5-15 year olds commencing November the 9th on Saturday afternoons in Wanstead. Great for those that want to do a lot of performance and work towards their exams.
I also have an 8 week - nurturing and inspiring - holistic creative expressive arts course - Perdita's Cabin starting in December through January - to keep you cosy in the Winter months - this is available to anyone that feels that it's up their street! It will be available online and in person - 1 to 1 for a more intense personal experience or in very small groups (max 4) if you feel you want to bounce off others and co create.
So, today, just like I sang all those years ago... "I mustn't forget to say a great big thank you" to this very precious time of year and to all the beauty and love that abounds.
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