“The Snow Lady” by Shirley Hughes

Montessori wrote a lot about inner preparation of the adult, meant to culture the sensitivity, peace, and curiosity that is best suited to meeting each child. Whether you are motivated to prepare for the children in your life, or to cultivate a bit of space in your own heart this season, you deserve to move at your own pace, even in December.

Pour a cup of tea and read an article; fill the sink with warm soapy water and hit play. Here are a few bits of space and wonder I’ve gleaned on the web lately:

Shirley Hughes’ BBC Woman’s Hour Takeover  I have such a fondness for the author of Alfie and Doggo (our favourite is her seasonal collection of poems called “Out and About“), and really enjoyed this hour of British radio where Shirley Hughes herself set the agenda. Pour that tea!

Mr Rogers wasn’t just nice — he wanted to take down consumerism

An introduction to storying – that is, telling a story as you craft it, or crafting a story outloud. Winter is the time for stories!

Take Peace! A Corgi Cottage Christmas with Tasha Tudor film on Prime Video. The beloved children’s illustrator shares memories of Christmases past, surrounded by her paints and her corgis. Quite dreamy.

Gaelynn Lea’s Tiny Desk concert (just a quick break from Mariah)

P.S. I’ve been asked whether I’ll have a 2019 gift guide, and the answer is yes! It’s on its way (in its own time).