6 November 2011

Storytelling Sunday: The mud pies

Hi, today I am joining in with Sian and her storytelling sunday.

This is a very simple story that makes me smile.

The location: The school woods.

The time: A sunny saturday afternoon.

The culprits: Three eight year old girls.

On a saturday afternoon the boarders who are in for the weekend either have matches or they have time to play. Time, to run around, make things, ride their bikes or build dens in the woods.

It was my turn yesterday to supervise the children playing in the woods. I hasten to add that this is one of the childrens favourite activities and my least favourite especially when it is cold.

But, the sun was shining and the children were keen and excited. So, donning the wellies we marched into the wood and there opened up for them a world of leaves, branches and superb den building space.

Half an hour passed and the shouts of the children echoed around the beautiful space. Squelching along I soon came across three of the girls. Each girl was standing in the muddiest place they could find and were picking up huge sloppy lumps of sticky black mud.

On asking what they were doing they gave me a time honoured answer  "we're making a mud pie."

And what was I to do but smile and take the photos? The sleeves weren't rolled up, trousers were coming out of wellies, mud was plastered over jumpers, arms and faces yet they were having the time of their lives. The didn't need expensive playstations or tv's. All they needed was a mess.

And at the end of it all, they were popped straight into a bath.

Who was I to stop them?

11 comments:

Maria Ontiveros said...

Love the first photograph - a perfect shot to go along with the story.
Rinda

debs14 said...

Fab story Abi and Rinda's right, that first photograph really sets the scene for the story.

Sian said...

Brilliant! has anyone ever told you that you will make a brilliant Mum? because with an outlook like that you will, for sure! I do love a simple story with a big meaning, just like this one.

It's lovely to see you at Storytelling Sunday this month Abi :)

Alison said...

Glad to hear that children still enjoy making mud pies! What a great way to spend your Gap year Abi
Alison xx

Lizzie said...

Oh well done Abi! It's very refreshing to hear someone take such a sensible attitude - so many people now will not let kids play in the woods -let alone get all mucky and messy. And it is such fun!
Great afternoon activity too. I bet those kids think you are Fab!

Amy said...

Oh Abi, this is just great! I can certainly vouch that young children love mud, and big boxes for that matter, much more than any screen game!
Rinda is right too, that first shot is perfect for this story!

Beverly said...

Pure, simple fun still abounds and brings joy, thanks for sharing with us, Abi!

Irene said...

Such freedom to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and get their hands dirty. Lucky them to have you supervising their outdoor pursuits! Great photographs. Irene

Miss Smith said...

Oooh, delicious! Lovely story.

And I've just noticed your blog header - I usually read in Google Reader so don't always got blogs. Anyway. Just wanted to say it's beautiful.

Jimjams said...

Lovely tale - and a supremely sensible attitude!

humel said...

That does sound like a happy time :) Sometimes I really do feel too grown up - like when I don't feel like making mud pies because I don't want to get messy...