The clouds loomed over our heads while the fog grew thicker as we climbed up the muddy path in four wheel drive.  Butterflies whirled around my gut and not just from my Traveling Man’s determination to go through every puddle we found.  As water and mud splashed over the top over our SUV, I tried not to bite anxiously at my nails.

I could not help but think of all the friends around the world who purchased and gave and encouraged and… And I wanted the day to be perfect.

It quickly became apparent that any worry was silly because these children, though shy at first, were delighted by the simple fact that we came.  As we pulled little tubs of Play-dough from our bags like Santa and his elves, their eyes did not light up with excitement.

Not because they were ungrateful, but because of the simple fact that they had never played with such a precious thing.  As we talked about our dough being similar to their mother’s bread dough, the excitement in the room began to build.  They squished and patted and puckered up their faces in determination…

There was a happy buzz of encouragement from us as little tables and chairs, bowls of fruit, and desks with students sitting in them began to take shape…

No tiny detail was forgotten in the tea pots and miniature tea glasses either.

And while they worked we kept peeking out the door… still misting outside.  Our photography project was looking less and less likely…

But we forged forward with the hope that the sun would soon smile it’s happy face upon us.  As the play dough was set aside we filled tiny cups with nuts and dried fruits and even a few chocolates as a little treat.

Our first assignment was to form simple shapes… just to get them warmed up to the idea of food being art…

And then they began to make something that was special to them.  Oh, how I wish I could share each one of their creations with you!  Little houses, mothers, best friends… there were so many special things to represent with their little raisins and almonds!

We were surprised by their eagerness to create something so personal, but thrilled by their excitement!

Next we allowed ourselves to be silly a bit as we acted out a story book together…

But as they listened to our sweet friend read about rain, they laughed and pretended with us as we swam deep seas, drank from an elephant’s watering hole, and even splashed in muddy puddles.

In spite of the sun’s stubbornness, the mist began to dissipate and we ran outside to snap a few photos.  It did not escape our notice that none of the children had ever taken a photo before… and might not again.  But none of us really minded.  It was a moment meant to inspire and I think we did just that.

Some snapped away quickly with a click, click, click while others took their time, carefully peeking through the window and holding their camera just so.

By the end of our time it seemed that all shyness had been replaced with  joy.  They were encouraged to know that we would return and with happy faces they waved at our vehicles as we began to bump along the muddy path back to town.  We were all smiling too, because today was a good thing, a very good thing indeed.  What an indescribable happiness we felt in our first day of He{art} for Morocco.

And this is just the beginning!  Tomorrow we hope to do similar lessons with another school… and then Wednesday we have a very special guest artist coming to teach and paint.

We are drinking joy in gulps today… what a happy, happy day!

originally posted on TravelingMama

It’s my favorite time of the year…I love the colors, the weather, the food, the holidays, the light jackets and scarves….all of it.  Fall in Africa….not the same. The last three years I’ve missed this season and all it brings so being in Copenhagen last week was so amazing.  Although the sky was gray the city was vibrant with the changing colors…the trees, the cobblestone streets…all of it covered in amazing color.  The weather was crisp, and we even occasionally caught the smell of roasting chestnuts.  This is how Fall is supposed to be done and I enjoyed every minute of it.

The air was cold and crisp.  The sky was gray and wet.  As we drove towards our rental cottage we all tried not to show the excitement that was bubbling up in us as we took in the fairy tale-like place.

The kids could not take it anymore as we passed the little pond with ducks sitting so perfectly… it was as if they were posing for a photo.  The cottages were closely knit, a reflection of the people and their way of life.

Little sneak peeks into the tiny gardens surrounding each home revealed intimate gardens, cobblestone paths, and bicycles just waiting for their next trip to the market.

It was like stepping onto a movie set… because nothing could possibly be this picturesque in real life.  And yet as we drug suitcases, a stroller, and all our souvenirs from Paris across the threshold of the lovely cottage of Marion and Mikkel, we were instantly transported home.

A fire in the wood burning stove awaited us like an old friend and greeted us with it’s happy warmth.  The floors were white wood, the wood beamed ceiling steeped and merely added to the charm and coziness.  Bookshelves brimmed with books, and to the delight of my children, an aquarium with a little crocodile whose mouth opened every once in a while as if to remind the little fish who was in charge.

Local art filled the walls alongside a bold mix of African art and treasures from India.  Seashells and sailboats served as a reminder that the sea was very close indeed.  The zebra print armchair in the master bedroom begged to be sat in with a warm cup of tea and a classic novel.

The cozy kitchen with it’s green cabinets and eclectic mix of bowls, jars, and spices reminded me of my own kitchen and I instantly felt at ease.

There was so much to take in and I felt like jumping for joy for our good fortune in finding such a place.  What a way to start our little adventure in this fairy tale land.

Life in transition.  Still where I am, still loving what I’m doing…but also looking ahead.  Travel, airplanes, goodbyes and plenty of hellos.  No shoes….comfortable with all of it.  The look…not anger but one of focus and determination.  Loving where I am….who I have become….excited about the future…enjoying transition.

We interrupt this program to announce that a great discovery has been made!  Thin Mints!  Well, Hallellujah!  These babies are pure HEAVEN.  Trust me- if you are frugal, live far from cute little Girl Scouts, or just want a bite of delight- then this is the recipe for you!

I have a little secret… lean in now…. you ready for this??  Okay, shhh… you cannot tell a soul, but these are BETTER, yes better, than the expensive ones that come in the green box and you can have them all year long!  Now head over HERE for the recipe.  Go on, run on over there and if you are like me you will be heading directly to the store for the ingredients.  One bite at a recent party had my mouth watering for more!  Well, what are you doing hanging out here still?  Go make some thin mints and let me know what you think!

It’s my favorite season of the year….not sure why.  Maybe it’s because I seriously don’t like hot summers so I’m always grateful for the cooler weather.  Maybe it’s because I get to dress in layers and drink lots of coffee.  Maybe it’s because it’s a festive time of the year with fairs, carnivals, pumpkin patches and boiled peanuts.  Or maybe it’s  for all of these reasons.

It’s different in Africa…no pumpkins, fairs, boiled peanuts but it does bring amazing apples, much needed rain and most importantly….cooler weather.  Here’s to Fall!