"In her shoes" a conversation with Brooke from Barefoot Five

I'm starting something new here on the blog, it is an on going interview/conversation with other blogger mamas called In Her Shoes. Kim from Mothering with Mindfulness and Your Green Baby was my first interview, though it was a bit incognito as I also did a review of her book and giveaway.

Today we are talking with Brooke, better known as Barefoot Mama. I found her via SouleMama. She writes a lovely blog called Barefoot Five. So, welcome Brooke!

Barefoot Five is such a fun name that rolls so easily off the tongue. I assume the five is for the five people in your family, can you describe your family in five words for us?
 
Yes, it is for the five people in our family. In just five words...Goodness, I will go with a little of each of us then. Steady, Artistic, LOVE, Grounded, Courage

You have created a fantastic blog filled with inspiring words and images. What first inspired you to create a blog rather then just journaling?
Blogging VS Journaling? Journaling is such a romantic way to record a Journey. I have been trying to keep a consistent journal since I was a young girl and have never been able to stick with it. I would get so frustrated with myself when I would sit down to write in March and see that my last entry was in December.  There are moments in the "ordinary" day that are so full of beauty and magic that you are sure you could never forget them and then somehow in the busyness of life, they get lost. So, I decided to try something new. See if recording our journey in a blog form would inspire me to write more than every few months.  I also had secret desire that I might find a community of like minded women. Blogging has given me all of those things and so much more. I never could have imagined the joy, friendships, inspiration and encouragement I would receive here.
Although I still have high hopes that someday down the road, I will able to keep a consistent journal. Right now, blogging is a gift to us and a wonderful place for this little Barefoot family to share their Journey.

I see that you are a homeschooling/life learning family, what are your favorite topics or activities? Do you have any advice for people just starting out?
NATURE, PLAY, NATURE, PLAY, NATURE and Maybe a little more Nature and play, they are the best teacher. Also, Art is life here, geography and history are on our list of top favorites. I traveled so much as a child and I think it gave me an appreciation for how different we all are and how beautiful that is. So, even though we don't travel with the kids as much as we would like, we spend a great deal of time learning about all of the worlds amazing places, unique people, traditions, festivals and cultures. My advice to people starting out is this...FOLLOW YOUR HEART!!!  No one, absolutely NO ONE knows your children like you do.

We try to follow their lead. We learn and assist in learning with the Rhythm of their interests and this has worked beautifully for us.


On my blog I talk a lot about food. As a mama of three what is your favorite go to snack?
Kale Chips are among our favorites and this was the first year we were able to grow enough kale to supply our addiction. hmm..also apples with lemon & cinnamon and juicing WE LOVE TO JUICE!! Our juice bar is always stocked with  celery, kale, apples, lemons, carrots, ginger, beets & radishes..so yummy!

I find that my children are my greatest teachers. They are often a reflections of myself, the good and the bad. What lessons have you learned from your children? 
From "Nim" that I worry too much, from "Joan" that I sometimes expect too much from myself and  the people around me, from "Tarzan" that I need to back off and let them just be children for as long as possible. By pushing them to learn, grow, practice, be responsible and do more for themselves I am also pushing them out of the most magical part of life...Childhood. A mistake I made with my first child who is now 20 at 7, a mistake I wish I could take back and a mistake I am working hard at not repeating. They also taught me that I am stronger than I ever imagined and I had a secret chamber stored and waiting for children, a chamber FULL of love I never knew was there.

What is your favorite places to go barefoot?
EVERYWHERE except in public (I admire that too I'm just not there yet) I hardly ever wear shoes around our farm and if I do they are moccasins with the leather bottom so that I stay stay grounded. Is there a better feeling in the world than being barefoot in a muddy garden, I think not!

I can see that you read a lot from all the literary quotes you have. Do you have a favorite book that you read read again and again? What are you reading now?
Until now, Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre are the only books that have earned a permanent place on my nightstand and Pride & Prejudice is the only book I have read over and over and can't ever seem to get enough of (and maybe one other that I won't admit to). I am reading Walden right now. I don't want to say too much about it because I have not finished it but as of now, it has been the most thought provoking book I have ever read. I have a good feeling this will certainly not be the last time I read this treasure of a book.

 I feel like I've sipped a cup of soul tea. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us.