Little treasures

Wow!  What a busy month it has been!  So busy, that I feel at times I have only just been keeping my head above the water.  Just this week I have been thinking about that, and the need to slow down a little... just enough to "smell the roses" as the saying goes.  But I have no roses to smell here in Mongolia so I have been looking for the "little treasures" that are all around me.  Instead of focusing on the difficult things, I need to continuously look for the delightful things.  Things that make me smile, things that bring joy and a little laugh.  Things that remind me that it is good to be here- and that I am not crazy for living in this chaotic and foreign city.  So, here are my "little treasures"...

The first green grass sighting after a long and cold Mongolian winter...

This beautiful little felt bird mobile that I bought at a fair-trade type shop here in Mongolia...

A beautiful hair clip and felt box- a very thoughtful birthday gift from one of the girls who comes to my playgroup...

New life sprouting from some branches I cut with the view of making tree blocks (if you are wondering what tree blocks are take a look here, you'll also find some other lovely ideas for natural play)

Recycled and fabulous- a giant pickle jar I found discarded outside, along with the bottle caps that I am collecting for the children's play... simple bottle caps in an instant become make-believe food, or a sorting game, or a glorious artwork...

"Rainbow rain" by Uduku aged 6...



The amazing view from my window...



Bright orange ger furniture...



Mongolian teachers engaged and excited about teaching and learning with young children...



Children discovering and delighting in a new book together...

These gorgeous little toadstool salt and pepper shakers I found at a little corner store- I am envisioning a fairy or forest friend playscape with these included, and being delighted in by a little person...

So you see, there are many little treasures to be found and delighted in.  What little treasures have you discovered lately? J