“There has never been a more important time for our children to understand their connection with nature and to learn how to protect the Earth. Indeed their very survival, along with that of every other creature around us, depends on it.” Alison Kerr, 2010
Do you remember wild outdoor adventures you played as a kid? Children today spend more time playing indoors than at any time in the whole of human history. And it is not good for them. What you do in your garden is really important to the next generation.
America’s Great Outdoors
On April 16th, 2010 President Barack Obama signed a memorandum establishing the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative. It was a landmark move in the quest to reconnect kids to nature.
But President Obama’s initiative could be said to be of little consequence to Marghanita Hughes, one of the active adult players in the #playoutdoors movement. Not only does Marghanita live in Canada, but she has been publishing books which connect kids to nature since 2007.
The Little Humbugs
I first met Marghanita online during 2009 under her @littlehumbugs Twitter name. I was new to nature blogging and seeking out connections with others who believe in the power and joy which comes from everyday interaction with wild things in our gardens and communities.
I have to admit that at first I thought the name Little Humbugs was a bit quirky – aren’t humbugs a type of striped hard candy? And, being new to Twitter, I was very wary of being pitched at by marketers. But Marghanita immediately distinguished herself as a generous and supportive mom and artist who really cares. Indeed, I’d say she is an exemplary person.
Many of us grew up believing in the importance of nature and our place in the world. Marghanita Hughes is one of these people. But Marghanita goes far beyond simply admiring nature.
Protectors of Mother Nature
Marghanita blends her love of nature and children, her knowledge of the forest, and her considerable artistic abilities to create her Little Humbugs books, her environmentally conscious soft toys, and her inspiring website and blog.
“We’re the little humbugs, protectors of Mother Nature.” Jasmine and her friends Chloe, Chou, Lucy and Nika are Little Humbugs. They are magical creatures: like you, but with just a little extra. They are Butterfly Girls and Dragonfly Boys and they talk to the animals and birds of the forest; they are the protectors of nature. Through the words and illustrations of Marghanita Hughes they share their stories.
Bringing Out the Best
Often it is the little things that count. Marghanita takes this principle into the production of her products. Little Humbugs chapter books and picture books are printed in Canada on 100% post consumer waste paper (chlorine free and old growth free). They are printed using vegetable based inks. They are bright, engaging, and attractive to kids.
Little Humbugs Dolls come with minimal packaging and are stuffed with 100% recycled content, made from recycled plastic bottles. And Kati, the Canadian Doll, gives back to Monarch conservation in Mexico through Global Releaf.
And Marghanita brings out the best in the people she touches through her own writing and her connections with both kids and adults. Marghanita’s blog is an absolute inspiration, full of gorgeous, but manageable, nature craft ideas, beautiful stories of wild things in Canada, gardening tips, tales of her own family, and well-crafted guest posts from experts in nature, gardening and the outdoors. She is an artist through-and-through.
So, don’t wait, go and visit Marghanita and her Little Humbugs and get inspired to strengthen your connection with nature. You might even rediscover your inner child!
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by activekidsclub, Alison Kerr. Alison Kerr said: New Post – Nature Mom Brings Out the Best http://ow.ly/2rR6J – love what @littlehumbugs does #playoutdoors #gardening [...]
Oh my goodness Alison, I feel incredibly touched by your beautifully written post. A friend commented on my recent blog post saying I looked way too happy to call it work and she’s right. I absolutely love what I do and believe wholeheartedly that I was meant to do this. It hasn’t been an easy journey and there times when I think of giving it all up then I’ll receive an email from a parent thanking me for what I do and that’s what makes it all worth while, knowing you are making a difference, however small it may be. I am continually learning from nature, my own children and the children I have the pleasure of teaching. Children and nature were meant to be together. I feel incredibly positive about the future knowing that so many organizations and more importantly, individuals like yourself, Balmeras and all the “playoutdoor” posse are working hard to make the future a happier and healthier experience for children. Thank you so much for this beautiful post Alison, you are such a gifted writer.
Thank you Alison. xx
Marghanita, it was really enjoyable to write about you and what you do. I hope I bring more people to benefit from your various initiatives.
Hooray for the playoutdoors posse! You both do so much to make a difference – especially by providing inspiration to moms like me! I learn so much from both of you. Thank you!
Michele´s last blog ..Make a Splash!
Michele, if I’m inspiring then I’m doing my job and I’m happy. Thanks for your encouraging comment.
I think of the importance of being in the garden with my daughter every time we’re there together. There is little that brings more joy to me than my daughter handing a stranger a lamb’s quarter leaf or a nasturtium leaf and saying an earnest “you can eat it.”
Great work marghanita! and thanks alison for the link.
Amelia Meister´s last blog ..Some Days are Easier Than Others or be gentle to yourself
I say Great Work Amelia. You’re the one there teaching your daughter! Thanks for sharing your story.
Amelia, you are giving your daughter the most precious gift. There is nothing more beautiful than spending time with your children in nature. Enjoy your garden together. Wishing you and everyone a beautiful day.
Marghnaita Hughes´s last blog ..Butterfly Girl Fairy Petal Crowns
Thank you Michele and Alison. Three cheers for the “playoutdoor” posse-What an inspiring bunch of individuals and organizations, thrilled to be part of the movement.
Marghnaita Hughes´s last blog ..Butterfly Girl Fairy Petal Crowns