Antarctica

Antarctica takes up one-tenth of the earth's land surface and is one-and-a-half times the size of Europe. It is the coldest, driest, highest, and windiest continent. There are no "Antarcticans"--the only people there are temporary residents. However it is home to the penguins and seals which we read about in Helen Cowcher's wonderful book: Antarctica.

Raven

Serendipity

Tonight I will drive out to Pumpkin Ridge in an attempt to see the aurora borealis, which may be (fingers crossed) visible due to an explosion on the sun just two days ago. Tomorrow's class will be dedicated to a Native American myth from the Pacific Northwest which explains how the sun was given to the people. As we enter into the deep of summer, it may be worthwhile to celebrate the power of the sun from the vantage point of various traditions and histories. Here's hoping for another sunny day on the decks of Green Bean Books! See you tomorrow!

Inti Raymin

Every winter solstice, when the sun is farthest from the earth, the Incas gathered to pray for the Sun God's return. This annual festival takes place in the city of Cusco, Peru. Given the mercurial weather in Portland, it seemed appropriate to make our own original Inti (Sun God) masks. Perhaps they will come in handy for those rainy days to come?

Dreamtime

We had another sun-filled afternoon on the deck listening to the drones of the didgeridoo while drawing and painting animals inspired by Australian aboriginal art by contemporary artist Bronwyn Bancroft. A story of the platypus became a lesson for peace and acceptance. The platypus, despite sharing traits with each refused to join the mammals, the birds, or the fish. All groups were desperate for domination over the others. The platypus remains neutral. As reward for his wisdom, the hunters will not hunt the platypus.

The Great Race

Why is there no cat in the Chinese zodiac? Because the rat sabotaged the cat's chance of being one of the first dozen animals to cross the river as the Emperor Jade had requested by pushing him into the river as they were riding on the back of the ox! They remain enemies ever since.

Celtic Designs

It was yet another glorious and breezy summer afternoon on the deck of Green Bean Books. It was great to see a few familiar faces from last week's class and just as wonderful to make some new friends. First, we read Mrs. McCool and the Giant Cuhullin, an Irish tale of cunning and foolery. Then, we explored Celtic Designs through knots and letters from illuminated manuscripts.

If you want to learn more about Celtic Designs, check out this website.