Friday finds
One fun fact, one thing to try and
one thought to take into the weekend.
Theme: Light Up the Little Moments
Hello, and happy Friday!
Our lives are made up of small everyday moments: the morning rush, the walk to school or work, the cup of tea, the bedtime chat. It's easy to treat them as things to get through on the way to something bigger. But they are the days. And a little light in the small moments can change how the whole day feels.
That's the heart of this week's finds, with a pumpkin glow to match the season.
Nature
Did you know?
Pumpkins are about 90% water, and botanically they're a fruit. And the very first jack-o'-lanterns in Ireland and Scotland weren't pumpkins at all: people carved them from turnips and put a glowing ember inside. Pumpkins took over because they're so much easier to scoop! It shows how a small change can make something glow.
Three pumpkin facts
- 90%of a pumpkin is water
- fruitwhat a pumpkin is, botanically
- turnipsthe first jack-o'-lanterns were carved from them
Creativity
On our bookshelf
The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim
“The world moves fast, but that doesn't mean we have to.”
Every moment has a little light in it, and slowing down helps us see it. Haemin Sunim's book is a gentle reminder that when we pause, even briefly, we start to notice the things we usually rush past: a kind face, a quiet second, a moment of connection. Those are often the ones that stay with us.
Mindfulness
Mindful practice
Light up a moment
For children, teens and grown-upsTakes one minute
Pick one ordinary moment today: pouring a drink, putting on shoes, waiting for the kettle, saying goodnight. Pause and take one slow breath. Then notice one good thing about it: a warm mug, a familiar voice, a quiet second. Picture a little pumpkin lantern lighting up inside you as you breathe out.
That's it. Small enough to fit into any day, and it adds up. Try it with children by asking, "What was the best little bit of that?"
Wishing you a warm, bright and happily spooky weekend.
We're so glad you're HERE.
Jen & Dana
Related activities from HERE
Want to take this week's ideas further? These free activities from the HERE library fit the theme.
For lighting up small moments
- Letting In Small MomentsA gentle reminder for adults that even the smallest pause counts, with three simple ways to reset in a busy day.
- Mindful Moments MosaicEach person fills a mosaic piece with one mindful moment from their day, then the pieces join into a shared picture.
- I Am GratefulA daily sharing activity that builds a habit of noticing the good.
- All The Good ThingsChildren and families write down the good things that happened and celebrate them together.
Questions this week
Is a pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?
Botanically, a pumpkin is a fruit. Pumpkins are also about 90% water.
What were the first jack-o'-lanterns made from?
In Ireland and Scotland, the first jack-o'-lanterns were carved from turnips with a glowing ember put inside. Pumpkins took over because they're so much easier to scoop.
What is The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down about?
It's a book by Haemin Sunim, a gentle reminder that when we pause, even briefly, we start to notice the things we usually rush past: a kind face, a quiet second, a moment of connection.
How can I slow down in everyday moments?
Try "Light up a moment": pick one ordinary moment, such as pouring a drink or saying goodnight, take one slow breath, then notice one good thing about it. It takes about a minute.
How can children join in with Light up a moment?
Try it with children by asking, "What was the best little bit of that?" It works for children, teens and grown-ups.