Here in New Zealand, we're in the depths of winter - the time to keep warm, the time to rest and renew, the time to keep one's inner soul light burning.  And it's also Matariki season, Aotearoa's celebration of the new year - when we reflect and take stock of the year that has just been and use the time to set intentions about what to plant in the coming year.  More about what I intend to bring into form in this new year a bit later. Read on!

I've been spending this time snuggling and dreaming, exploring my inner landscape and tending the hearth literally and figuratively. How could I say no to this unconditional love...?

On the winter solstice our family went with a friend out to our local beach to welcome the sunrise and acknowledge the shortest day of the year and the soon-to-be growing light.

I've been counting down the days until my 15-year-old daughter returns from her exchange in Norway and am imaging how delightful it will be to see her again.  I'll be all ears to hear the tales she'll share about her adventure.

My son and I have enjoyed doing some wintery crafts together.  We painted some watercolour paper to make this sweet little Waldorf lantern to light up our long winter nights and intend to make more.

My husband has been out photographing the stars in the wee morning hours.  See Matariki?

Click here to see more of his night sky photographs.

In this time of Matariki rising, I'm sowing seeds for the year ahead.  My plans include beginning another intake cycle of The Mother-Daughter Hearth.  Intuitively I feel that Matariki 2019 is the right time for this new beginning.  However, I have had interest and requests for a new group to start sooner.  These mamas and their girls don't want to wait an entire year to embark on their Mother-Daughter Hearth journey!  I'm open to this possibility if there is enough interest.  

I'm in awe seeing the girls in the current Mother-Daughter Hearth becoming more comfortable and confident in the group and sharing more of what is in their hearts and on their minds.  They love hearing a little bit more about their mothers and discovering new things about themselves in the process.  Each month we focus on a different well-known inspirational heroine.  As time goes on the girls are becoming aware that there are heroines right in our very own circle.  In fact, each and every one of us has the capacity to be her own heroine.

Are you one of those mamas ready to bring your daughter to the next circle?  If there are enough of you, I am willing to start another Mother-Daughter Hearth program sooner than winter 2019.  Speak up and let me know if you're interested in an earlier start.

Click the button below to find out more details about The Mother-Daughter Hearth and to register your interest.

Or, send me an email to tell me when you want to begin The Mother-Daughter Hearth with your daughter.

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Hope you are keeping warm this winter!