Permaculture in Action

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Birthday Wishes

Just before Christmas we had a call from a mum wanting to know if she could have a birthday party for her 4year old daughter, the very next day. Ever one to rise to a challenge, Mark said sure, we can do it.

How many children would there be?   Just one said the mum. The little girl just wanted her mum and dad at her birthday, but could it be at a farm.

I had CSA committments that day so it was mainly up to Mark to get the food ready. He baked a heart shaped banana cake and baked some crackers to have with the hommus. While I was out I bumped into my good friend Vicki, the story teller and she said she could make it to the party to tell the seasonal story. When I got home I iced the cake and made the hommus and some fruit and yoghurt ice blocks. In the morning I made pink lemonade, popcorn and fruit kebabs.  Up went the bunting decorations, the table was set for three and everything looked pretty.

 They had to drive for over an hour and they got lost, so were a little late. And the dad at the last minute was unable to make it, so just the mum and her child. It felt a little funny at first with just two at the party, but Vicki and I joined in and soon it felt natural. A young child needs very few guests at their party and this mum was clever to realise it and feel comfortable with idea. We had something to eat and drink and we got to know each other a little. Then off for the farm adventure. Jane was full of wonder and slowly took in every little thing and her mum continually said how grateful she was and how much she loved everything. We fed the ducks and geese, collected eggs, fed the pony and the guinea pigs and listened to a beautiful story about sunflowers and bees.


 
After the story we gave Jane her take home gift. A jar of honey and some sunflower seeds. She held that jar of honey in her hand and stared at it with awe and wonder. She said words like refraction and reflection and wise, wise Vicki said, "I know just what you mean. It glows in the sun" and Jane said "Yes, yes that's it" and danced around with her honey, holding it up to the light of the sun
 
 



It was one of the most beautiful parties we have had. Just one child and her beautiful mum. She wanted to give Jane a simple, child centred birthday and was very happy with the result. And Jane went home a very happy little girl full of wonderful memories of her day on the farm.

15 comments:

  1. Oh that is the most beautiful story, Kate. Thank you for sharing it. What a great mum to drive all that way to somewhere a little unknown to give her child a lovely memory of her birthday. She will never forget it I am sure.

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  2. Oh my goodness! How beautiful! You guys do an amazing job! I love the simplicity of it all. Brings it back to what really matters.

    And please, please can you give us a recipe for the crackers and the pink lemonade?

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    1. Thanks Linda. and sure I'll give you the recipes. Look out for them next week.

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  3. What a beautiful, magical party you describe and surely an experience the little girl will remember fondly all her life. I agree that little kids don't need many to make a great party. Our youngest had his third birthday at the zoo (two years ago) with just our family and two grandparents and he remembers it in vivid detail, pointing out 'his' party spot each time we revisit the zoo.

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  4. Absolutely amazing - and so wonderful to hear that this little one was satisfied with such a party, and didn't "need" modern 'must-haves' in order to enjoy her day. Back to earth - the simpler the better - and a day, I'm sure, that will live in her memory for a long, long time.

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  5. What a beautiful story. I am sure that the memories from this day will be be treasured, by both mother and daughter. Just lovely. Thankyou for sharing. x

    (another one keen for the pink lemonade recipe, too!)

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  6. Just lovely. What a wonderful experience for that little girl and her Mum, and what a shame Daddy couldn't be there too.

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  7. That is one little girl that is going to grow up to do great things. Awesome story!

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  8. I love this post for so many obvious reasons, but the main reason I love it is that it tells me so much about your philosophy at Purple Pear Farm and about the type of people you and Mark are. ♥ Generosity, kindness and an attitude of love. That is an unbeatable trio.

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  9. Awwwww! This is so wonderful! And so kind of you and Mark to make such a special day for the birthday girl.
    -Jaime

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  10. What a wonderful gift to a little girl. Between her mother and yourselves you've created a memory for her that will be with her forever...and who knows what it will lead to.

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  11. Absolutely charming, and the little girl sounds like a sweet child.

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  12. What a special birthday this was.....no doubt one that will be remembered for years to come.
    So nice to read about a birthday that isn't full of all the latest must haves and themed to death!!
    Simply beautiful.....


    Claire :}

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  13. God Bless You. This is the first time I have read your blog and I feel a connection already. Be Sure that I will be reading more often. Thanks for what you have done for the child and for being who you are.

    Antoinette

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comments Antoinette. I'm pleased you'll be visiting often.

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