Delightful Discoveries

I am a fan of all things organic, because I know it's the sure path towards a sustainable future for humanity and the earth. But when organic meets utter delight--well--my world just explodes in color.

I have always been a fan of Green and Black's organic chocolate. My favorite is Butterscotch which, unfortunately, isn't easily found. (D. and I are lucky to have sisters living in the U.K., ensuring at least a yearly taste.) But on this trip, we discovered a new to-die-for flavor: PEANUT. And don't you just love the packaging? It tastes like peanut brittle with a little bit of sea salt then bathed in a wonderful, creamy, not-too-sweet, organic milk chocolate.

What's my name again?

Green and Black's is available at Healthy Options, though I'm not sure they have this flavor in yet. Go and demand it! I've bought not-so-fresh bars there, so it's really hit or miss. But if you have relatives from the U.K. or the States who are just dying to bring home the perfect "pasalubong" for you, you know what to ask for.

AWAY FROM HOME

I do not enjoy airplanes. My sinuses act up, I come out looking rumpled, tired and ill, so I look upon travel with both excitement and dread. But once landed and unfurled, I am quite glad for the suffering! Look at this magnificent view.

We watched the sun disappear rather quickly into the sea--from a fantastic and surreal orb of flame, to what seemed like a portal into the next life, and then into a blip, before leaving behind this breathtaking sight.

There, on the hill, braving the biting cold, there was only gratitude.

EARTH HOUR

Yup. It's candle time again tonight. I'm thinking of bringing out the citronella incense and sitting out on my balcony. It's very windy where I am, so I'm not sure my candles will remain lit, but it would be nice to be outdoors, totally enfolded by the darkness.

8:30. Tonight. Turn it off.

Sunday Chair

This is where I like to get my vitamin D. It's my bedroom balcony overlooking the garden. I love this "me space" that is so very special on Sunday mornings when everything is so still and quiet.

Today a huge black crow landed on the tree before me. Despite the happy sunshine, I couldn't help but ask myself, "Already? Today?", but decided not to let my own black humor darken the day. It landed briefly on a branch, with all the character of a handsome stallion among geldings. A few seconds later, three other birds landed above him. All was still for a second. Then the crow made a hasty departure, which caused hysteria and frantic circling among the birds. They caused quite a ruckus. I am not familiar with bird behavior. Would you know what that was about?

I'd like to think they followed the crow and hoped I was dinner, but then the crow left, saving me but infuriating them. Their drama unfolded somewhere above these trees.

I'm so lucky to have this mini forest right outside my home. I think about this each time I'm here, soaking in the sun and breathing in the fresh air. I am currently battling the practice of chemical fogging in my village, but mornings like this strengthen my resolve. There is much to be grateful for and there is so much responsibility that comes with it.

Happy Sunday!

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

The Institute for Steiner’s Ideas in Practice (ISIP) Philippines

with

Rudolf Steiner Education in the Philippines (RStEP)

is proud to present

Intensive Beginner’s Course in Waldorf/Steiner Early Childhood Education

ISIP Center, 6241 Palma cor Mañalac Sts.

Poblacion, Makati City

The two-part course is for parents, school administrators, curriculum developers, teachers, and other individuals interested in age-appropriate early childhood education and in personal development. Part 1 is Foundation Studies: What is Anthroposophy and Part 2 is Waldorf Early Childhood Studies.

Rarely is the Intensive Beginner’s Course in Waldorf/Steiner Early Childhood Education given in the Philippines, facilitated by the pioneers of Anthroposophy and Waldorf education in the country, Bella and Jake Tan.

**Pay only P13,000 FOR PART 1 AND PART 2 if fully paid and registered by March 12, 2010!**

Part 1: Foundation Studies: What is Anthroposophy?

Dates: March 12, 13, 19, 20 for a total of 4 days (two Fridays and two Saturdays)
Fee: P5,000 not including meals

Part 1 presents the principles of Anthroposophy in a direct, understandable way. It gives an overview of the introductory books written by Rudolf Steiner, as well as how the arts, sciences, education, agriculture, medicine, architecture have been permeated and transformed by the impulse of Anthroposophy. The basis for Waldorf education, bio-dynamic agriculture, eurythmy, anthroposophic art, medicine, etc are explained.

Part 1 also shows how Anthroposophy brings together the spiritual and practical, gives a deeper understanding of the nature of the human being, and provides answers to some of the most challenging riddles of human existence.

Part 1: Foundation Studies may be taken independently of Part 2: Waldorf Early Childhood Studies. It also serves as a pre-requisite to Part 2.

* * *

Part 2: Waldorf Early Childhood Studies

Dates: April 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 for a total of 9 days (three Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays)

Fee: P10,000 not including meals

Part 2 delves specifically with the Waldorf curriculum, with special emphasis on the development of the Child from conception to 7 years.

Topics include:

- Biography work

- Preparing yourself and your kindergarten

- Introduction to singing

- Recorder playing

- Wet-on-wet painting

- Eurythmy

- Speech

- Clay modeling

- Storytelling

- Doll- and toy-making

Experts Grace Zozobrado-Hahn (Eurythmy) , Kathryn Perlas (Form drawing), and Reimon Gutierrez (Art), will conduct modules.

You can only sign up for Part 2: Waldorf Early Childhood Studies if you have taken Part 1: Foundation Studies.

**Pay only P13,000 FOR PART 1 AND PART 2 if fully paid and registered by March 12, 2010!**

Completion of the entire course qualifies you to participate in follow-up courses to enhance knowledge, capacity, and skills. For those who will begin a playgroup/kindergarten, or will teach in one, mentors may be invited to observe you so you may benefit from their feedback.

The Intensive Beginner’s Course in Waldorf/Steiner Early Childhood Education will be held at ISIP Center, 6241 Palma cor Mañalac Sts., Makati City, near Rockwell and Ateneo ProfessionalSchools.

For more details call 899 4675; text 0917 557 7427 (please include your name); or email ISIP.Philippines@yahoo.com

About the Facilitators

Bella Tan is an early childhood educator, teacher/trainer and mentor for Rudolf Steiner Education in the Philippines (RStEP). She is a pioneer of Steiner/Waldorf education in the country, having introduced it here in 1992. Trained in Australia , Bella initiated the Parent-Toddlers Program in 1997. She also writes children’s books.

Joaquin (Jake) Tan is a natural health practitioner and teacher/trainer for Rudolf Steiner Education in the Philippines (RStEP). He trained in Anthroposophic Pharmaceutical Preparations and Medicine in Bad Boll, Germany , and took the English course in Anthroposophic Medicine in Arlesheim , Switzerland . Also trained in Acupuncture, Jake gives lectures on the health aspects ofchild development.

Both Bella and Jake are co-founders of the first Waldorf Kindergarten/School in 1994, and MIKAEL Playgarden, the first full-day co-parenting center in 2006. They travel to Hong Kong, Taiwanand Mainland China and co-lecture on early childhood education and health.

BRING ON THE CHANGE, PEOPLE!!!!

CLICK ON THE IMAGE, PLEASE!