I had a lovely time in the woods today – helping out with Forest School at my children’s old primary school. I help out with the reception class and it is so fascinating watching them all go about their natural play.
It is lovely to experience an hour or so through the eyes of 4/5 year olds. A little group envisioned a house where tree trunks and vines were intertwined. A chandelier was created (with a vine ‘pull cord’ to switch it on), a doorbell and cuckoo clock were installed, and it also had heating! There was also a bit of tree climbing, and branch swinging that proved just right for them to extend their confidence. I enjoyed myself thoroughly – it felt so good to enter their world – and house! Little moments like this are so important and help to create a love for the outdoors but also helps them to become resilient individuals. Learning their limits through gentle guidance, rather than structured play.
I would like to share with you my fourth short story, ‘Teal & the Deer’. It describes a lovely moment shared between Teal and a deer named Betty. I hope you enjoy it.
Teal (5 when I drew her) lives in Norfolk, in the UK with her family – the Howell’s. You can read about them here and how they helped kick-start my project ‘Drawing Nature In’.
Teal & the Deer – a little story
“ Teal had been lucky enough to see deer gallop unhesitatingly across fields and even sometimes stealthily make their way through her garden. Looking about themselves with every step they took. But she had never seen one up close – or got the privilege to stroke one. Until she met Betty.
Betty was so beautiful – ‘Beautiful Betty!’ exclaimed Teal as she saw her at an animal sanctuary. Not shy at all, Betty followed Teal around enjoying the contact and the conversation. Her fur was soft but wirey and the warmth of her body was so comforting. Betty decided to sit in the cool shade of a lovely big beech tree.
‘Can I join you?’ Teal asked.
The sensation of the damp grass beneath Teal’s feet was delightful as she took her shoes off to sit on the blanket her mum had just laid out. Betty was close and Teal felt very lucky that she stayed so close by. Both catching glances of each other every so often. The pair enjoyed the companionship – both full of wonder of each other.”
Sharing beautiful moments with wild animals is so magical. That moment of connection and understanding.
If you haven’t already, you can read three stories about Teal’s siblings – ‘Saffron by the Sea’, ‘Stella & Mr Robin’ and ‘Moses in the Meadow’. They are all first drafts which I hope to one day collate into a book full of other stories. Sharing their joy to others. Tell me what you think. I would love to hear your thoughts.
This story accompanies my illustration art print ‘Teal & the Deer’. A printed copy is sent with each purchase of the print.
Click here to go straight to the shop page.
Warm wishes
Juliana x