In A Nutshell: Creating Light in the Dark
Plus, mid-November 2024 events and December preview
Dear Friends,
If the time change, chillier weather, and headlines have you feeling out of sorts, you’re not alone. This month in particular has been a struggle for my mental health, too.
I’m doing my best to get outside as much as possible, but it’s challenging later in the day when the sun sets earlier. Recently Z’s been waking up from her afternoon nap asking, “Is the dark here?” Then she slowly opens up the drapes to find out.
If it isn’t dark, we seek the light while trying to poke around in the leaves in our yard and look for any remaining raspberries or check for books in our nearest Little Free Library. If it is dark, we find ways to play indoors. Some not-so-fun germs have been circulating, so we’ve decided to improvise by creating the light at home, instead.
Z and I have made a cozy “campfire” spot in our living room by piling up pillows and blankets on the rug to snuggle in front of our faux fireplace (complete with crackling sounds and projected flames) and flickering candles (battery-powered, because…cats). Then, we pull out books and puzzles and toys. Or, we turn on the music and have a dance party (stuffies are always invited).
Want to venture outside at night with lights? This weekend you can join Madison Parks for an evening haywagon ride to see the Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park.
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16 and 17 from 5-8 p.m.: Hayride through Holiday Fantasy in Lights, Olin Park, Madison ($3/person, children 2 and under are free)
It’s a strange feeling to witness so much joy radiating from a toddler while there is simultaneously so much sorrow in our world. But, for those of us with littles who are too young to comprehend daylight savings time, let alone global politics, it’s personally been a blessing in disguise. It’s a reminder that there is always light. Even in dark times. Sometimes it’s up to us to create light. We owe it ourselves and the next generations.
In their recent enewsletter, Nearby Nature Milwaukee (a nonprofit I met this summer during the Green & Healthy Schools Conference) shared these words from executive director Timothy Scott that really resonated with me: “Remember, it’s okay to feel anxious or stressed, but it’s important to take proactive steps to care for ourselves. Let’s support one another in prioritizing our well-being. Together, we can create a movement that encourages everyone to appreciate the calming influence of nature, even as we navigate the complexities of our world.”
I look forward to gathering with you in community soon, perhaps at this week’s collaborative events! I’ve also added a few adult-only events to the calendar below to hopefully spark creativity and growth for you, too.
Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 9 a.m.: Trail Tuesday with LC Babywearing Hike & Connect + Contribute with Playful Acorns, Pheasant Branch Conservancy/Orchid Heights Park, Middleton (FREE hike; optional photo add-on for $30; just show up!)
Check out photos from our last meet-up.
Half of the photo proceeds will be donated to your choice of nonprofits: Madison Babywearing / Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 9:30-10:45 a.m.: Season of Thankfulness Musical Playdate with The Wonder Studio and Playful Acorns, Seven Acre Dairy, Paoli ($20/family, register in advance)
Check out this reel from our last event.
I’d love to hear how you and your kids are doing, how you embrace the Danish concept of hygge in this season, and how we can reimagine a more equitable, inclusive, peaceful, and playful future, together.
In case you missed it, I’m working on a new resource map that will hopefully make it easier for you to navigate everything that our community has to offer — from family-friendly coffee shops and activities to outdoor nature play spaces. Please reply to this email if you’re interested in providing feedback on the early version. :) In the meantime, here’s a gentle reminder from nature to breathe:
Are you new to Playful Acorns? Welcome! You can read our story here and most recent posts here.
Upcoming Community Events
Playful Acorns programs/those that Sam are involved in are bolded. There are several other local organizations holding awesome family-friendly events that might be of interest to you, too! Many of these events focus on nature exploration, true play, and process art. Remember to check out more events listed at Macaroni KID, NatureNet, Dane County Forest Friends, Hike It Baby Madison WI, Madison Area Nature Playgroup, Friends of Urban Nature, Madison Parks, MMSD Play & Learn, Monroe Street Arts Center, Madison School & Community Recreation, local libraries, gyms, and more. Here are a few recurring events to check out!
Henry Vilas Zoo (Stroller Safari: select Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Olbrich Gardens (Story and Stroll: select Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays)
Neighborhood House (Busy Town: Tuesdays and True Play: Thursdays)
Our Backyard Playgroup (6705 Wesner Ln, Verona: 9-11 a.m. Fridays; not 11/29)
Fitchburg Public Library (Playdates: Saturdays through 12/7)
Please confirm registration details, costs, and age ranges at the links below. Stay tuned for more events in the next email!
* Events with one asterisk are evening events
** Events with two asterisks are for adults only
*Saturday, Nov. 16: Hayride through Holiday Fantasy in Lights, Olin Park, Madison
**Saturday, Nov. 16: Community Fair & Birthday Bash from 5-8 p.m. (shop local, women-owned businesses), Lioness Fitness, Fitchburg (RSVP here, adults only)
Sunday, Nov. 17: Yoga & Music for Kids with Lagom: Harvest, Present Not Perfect Play Co., Lake Mills
Sunday, Nov. 17: Family Nature Program: Preparing for Winter, UW Arboretum, Madison
**Sunday, Nov. 17: Learn to Grow Native Plants, Lussier Family Heritage Center, Madison
Sunday, Nov. 17: Fall Lantern Walk with Naturing in Madison, Hoyt Park, Madison
*Sunday, Nov. 17: Hayride through Holiday Fantasy in Lights, Olin Park, Madison
Monday, Nov. 18: Toddler Yoga with little om BIG OM, Middleton Public Library
Monday, Nov. 18: Toddler Yoga, Wishing Tree Studio, Oregon
Monday, Nov. 18: Wiggles and Words (weekly storytime through 12/16), Goodman South Library, Madison
Tuesday, Nov. 19: Trail Tuesday LC Babywearing Hike & Optional Photos, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton (meet at Orchid Heights Park)
**Tuesday, Nov. 19: Sowing Native Seeds Over Winter, Pinney Library, Madison
*Tuesday, Nov. 19: Family Sing-Along, The Wonder Studio, Verona
Wednesday, Nov. 20: Season of Thankfulness Musical Playdate, Seven Acre Dairy, Paoli
Wednesday, Nov. 20: Play & Learn (en Español), 4-C, Madison
**Wednesday, Nov. 20: Reignite Your Dreams: Navigating Tough Times to Rediscover Your Passions, Virtual Dream Bank
Thursday, Nov. 21: Day of Play, Explore Children’s Museum, Sun Prairie
Thursday, Nov. 21: Creative Movement from Global Perspectives with Isthmus Dance Collective (series through 12/19, no class 11/28), MYArts, Madison
**Friday, Nov. 22: Empowering Change in Maternal Health Policy, Goodman Community Center, Madison
Saturday, Nov. 23: Bird & Nature Adventures, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona
**Saturday, Nov. 23: Exploring Nature Poetry and Art, UW Arboretum, Madison
Sunday, Nov. 24: Parent Child Music and Movement Happy Hour, Garver Feed Mill, Madison
Thursday, Nov. 28: Birdie Derby 5K/10K benefits Tri 4 Schools, Agora, Fitchburg
Friday, Nov. 29: #OptOutside Walk, Owen Conservation Park, Madison
Monday, Dec. 2: Lil’ Explorer Adventure, Lussier Family Heritage Center, Madison
Tuesday, Dec. 3: Tiny Play Cafe, Alicia Ashman Public Library, Madison
Wednesday, Dec. 4: Nice Age Tales, Madison Children’s Museum
Thursday, Dec. 5: Baby Play Date, Goodman South Library, Madison
**Thursday, Dec. 5: Nature Printing on a T-Shirt, Monroe Street Arts Center, Madison
**Thursday, Dec. 5: Pressed in Nature: Linocut Art Workshop (ages 14+), Lussier Family Heritage Center, Madison
*Friday, Dec. 6: Indoor Playground, MSCR West, Madison
Saturday, Dec. 7: Yule Log Decorating Family Workshop, Schumacher Farm Park, Waunakee
Sunday, Dec. 8: Yoga & Music for Kids with Lagom: Penguins, Lioness Fitness, Fitchburg
Sunday, Dec. 8: “May You Always Find Wonder” Book Launch Garden Party, Grace Coffee, Cottage Grove
Tuesday, Dec. 10: Tiny Play Cafe, Alicia Ashman Public Library, Madison
**Tuesday, Dec. 10: Shinrin-Yoku: Forest Bathing, Olbrich Gardens, Madison
Wednesday, Dec. 11: MOMS Club Open House & Playdate, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Madison
**Thursday, Dec. 12: Learn to Grow Native Plants, Lussier Family Heritage Center, Madison
Friday, Dec. 13: Madison Area Nature Playgroup: Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona
Friday, Dec. 13: Music Together with Catherine, Middleton Public Library
Friday, Dec. 13: Madison Babywearing Meeting, Hawthorne Library, Madison
Friday, Dec. 13: STEAM Time: Beaks, Feathers, and Adaptations, Madison Children’s Museum
Saturday, Dec. 14: Winterfest, Madison Waldorf School, Madison
Saturday, Dec. 14: Free Playgroup, University Houses Parent Co-op Preschool
Saturday, Dec. 14: Free Kindling Community Art, Eastmorland Community Center, Madison
Sunday, Dec. 15: Yoga & Music for Kids with Lagom: Snowy Animals, Present Not Perfect Play Co., Lake Mills
Sunday, Dec. 15: Winter StoryWalk Celebration, Community Park, Cottage Grove
Sunday, Dec. 15: Family Nature Program: Animal Tracks, UW Arboretum, Madison
Sunday, Dec. 15: Family Sing-Along: Christmas, The Wonder Studio, Verona
Monday, Dec. 16: Toddler Yoga with little om BIG OM, Oregon Public Library
Tuesday, Dec. 17: Tiny Play Cafe, Alicia Ashman Public Library, Madison
*Tuesday, Dec. 17: Family Sing-Along: Christmas, The Wonder Studio, Verona
Thursday, Dec. 19: A Sprinkle of Hope Musical Playdate, Seven Acre Dairy, Paoli
Saturday, Dec. 21: Flicker Winter Solstice Sacred Circle and Wild Wander, Farley Center, Verona
Saturday, Dec. 28: Bird & Nature Adventures, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Monona
Saturday, Dec. 28: Friends of Urban Nature Winter Solstice Walk, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton
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