betty's place

I spent Autumn Equinox at the Kindergarten Forum in Saratoga, led by Betty Peck, the doyenne of Waldorf inspired education and the self-proclaimed Queen of Kindergarten.


Betty's house is incredible. She is so very much like Tasha Tudor (so sad to lose her recently) - she seems to inhabit a different time and space. I hope I can be equally eccentric, creative, and intelligent when I get that old.


There is an amphitheatre in Betty's garden, where plays and presentations are held under the twisting vines.


Benches and tables appear around tree filled corners, ready for tea and organic, vegetarian treats.


You can feel the little people here, they are happy and well fed. The veil here is thinner, especially at this time of year.


Painted furniture, pots of colorful plants and flowers, and a bucket for the compost.


Inside are stacks of books, shelves of artifacts, mystic puppets, and a real skeleton.


Cats, birds, frogs, bugs, fairies, elves, sprites and children.... all are welcome here.


Angels beckon: Learn the songs, return to the garden, feed your inner child. Go back to Kindergarten through the spirit of the plants and the music and find hope in the world again.


See the beauty all around you. Focus on the light, find the time to drink deeply and just be.


Leave your boots by the door, and enter a magical world of innocence and unconditional love.


Taking tea with Betty and the circle of magical Kindergarten teachers was amazing. I toasted the Autumn Equinox with water (Betty calls it "Adam's Ale) and felt the fleeting balance as we began the tilt towards darkness.


Hoping to return soon.