In A Nutshell: Creating Light in the Dark
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In A Nutshell mental health

In A Nutshell: Creating Light in the Dark

Plus, mid-November 2024 events and December preview

by Samantha Cora Christian Haas

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.

When you can't find the light, create it.

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.

Outdoor and indoor options!

  • 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!)

  • 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:

Video: Breathe in and out with nature

Are you new to Playful Acorns? Welcome! You can read our story here and most recent posts here.

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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!

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

This may be the biggest maple leaf I’ve ever seen in my life…Wow! Nature is cool!
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Hi! I'm Samantha Cora Christian Haas, a Wisconsin-based author and artist inspired by nature, a freelancer of creative work, and the founder of Playful Acorns and Studi-yo!

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Samantha Cora's newsletter highlights nature-inspired writing, photography, art, children's books, and events around Madison, WI (In A Nutshell, On The Bookshelf, and Through The Viewfinder). Unsubscribe anytime to Under the Drumlin Sun. Thanks!

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