Halloween story, poetry, and art for kids and families

The Pumpkin Who Lost His Glow

Poem: Once there was a pumpkin bright,
Glowing softly through the night,
But one dark eve, his light went poof!
And shadows danced upon the roof.

He searched for spark through autumn air,
Through crunchy leaves and children’s stares,
Till one kind witch with silver thread,
Sewed moonlight right into his head!

Now, every Halloween he beams,
Lighting up the children’s dreams.

Story:
Jack, the pumpkin, felt sad when his candle blew out on Halloween night. He thought he’d never glow again—until a kind witch shared a bit of moonlight magic. Now, Jack glows brighter than ever, guiding trick-or-treaters safely home.

The Witch Who Loved Halloween

In the town of Plum Pudding lived a witch named Wanda. Now, Wanda wasn’t the green-skinned, cackling kind of witch you read about in old books. Wanda was a real witch, which meant she had a pointy purple hat, a broomstick that sometimes needed a jump-start, and a very fluffy black cat named Midnight.

Every year, Wanda looked forward to one night more than any other: Halloween.

Wanda loved the spooky decorations, the crisp autumn air, and especially the children. But most of all, she loved the magic of the night. You see, on Halloween, the veil between the ordinary world and the magical world is thin, and Wanda felt the magic humming like a happy beehive.

This year, Wanda had a big problem. Her cauldron, which she used to make the most delicious, fizzy, rainbow-colored treats for the trick-or-treaters, was broken! It had a tiny, hissing crack right near the bottom.

“Oh, Midnight, what will I do?” Wanda sighed, tapping the cracked cauldron with her wand. “No Rainbow Fizzies this year!”

Midnight, who was busy trying to catch a spider web floating in the air, stopped and looked at Wanda with his big, yellow eyes. He purred a deep, rumbly purr that sounded a little like a suggestion.

Wanda gasped. “You’re right, Midnight! I don’t need a cauldron for all my treats. I just need a little help from the magic of Halloween!”

She grabbed her broomstick, which sputtered twice before zooming into the sky.

Wanda flew over Plum Pudding, watching the children in their costumes. She saw a little astronaut, a brave knight, and a tiny, wobbly pumpkin. Each child was a little spark of Halloween magic!

Wanda landed gently in the middle of the town square, right next to the giant, friendly pumpkin display. She pulled out her wand and pointed it at the biggest, roundest pumpkin.

“Abracadabra, Alakazam!” she whispered, “Let the Halloween magic fill this squash-y friend, and turn it into a treat-making machine!”

Fwoomp!

The pumpkin didn’t turn into a machine, but something even better happened. It began to glow with a warm, orange light. Wanda realized the pumpkin wasn’t a machine, it was a giant mixing bowl!

She quickly gathered her ingredients:

  • Three spoonfuls of moonbeam dust for sparkle.
  • A cup of autumn leaf crunch for flavor.
  • And a pinch of black cat purr for extra luck.

Wanda stirred the mixture with her wand. The pumpkin glowed brighter and brighter until,Pop! it began to shoot out dozens of small, perfect, rainbow-colored candies! They weren’t the fizzy ones, but they were even better: Magical Mood Candies.

When the trick-or-treaters finally reached Wanda, they were amazed. She wasn’t standing at a door; she was standing next to a glowing pumpkin that was spitting out candy!

“Happy Halloween, little ones!” Wanda cried, handing out the treats.

A little girl dressed as a princess took a candy and popped it into her mouth. Suddenly, she felt so happy she started to giggle uncontrollably.

A boy dressed as a pirate took one, and he felt so brave he decided to stop being scared of the dark.

Wanda smiled. She didn’t need a perfect cauldron. The real magic of Halloween wasn’t in her spells or her tools; it was in the joy and imagination of the children.

As the night ended and the moon began to set, Wanda flew back home, Midnight tucked safely in her hat. She looked at her cracked cauldron, and this time, she didn’t sigh. She knew that next year, she wouldn’t even bother to fix it.

She had found a new, much better way to make her Halloween treats: with a little bit of magic, a lot of color, and the help of a happy, glowing pumpkin.

The End

. The Ghost Who Couldn’t Boo

Poem: A tiny ghost named Boo-Boo Blue,
Tried so hard to say, “Boo!”
But all that came was “peep” and “meep,”
The cats would laugh, the bats would weep!

He practiced high, he practiced low,
He even scared a scarecrow!
Till one dark night, he found his cue—
The wind howled, and out came “BOO!”

Now Boo-Boo Blue’s the loudest ghost,
The one the pumpkins fear the most!

Story:
Little Boo-Boo Blue was the shyest ghost in the graveyard. No matter how hard he tried, his “Boo!” came out as a squeak—until the Halloween wind helped him find his scary voice.

Black cats, black cats,
Sugar and spice.
Add a little spook
To my Halloween night!

-Lizzie Barbie (and Eve)

Eve

Venus of BoticeLilli. Boticelli by Lilli

We loved learning about Athena, and we drew lots of Athena images. I did not share with you, my Athena paper doll. I have a bad excuse. It was imperfect… I get it, it is not a good trait to teach my daughters, to be a perfectionist, so, I will show you on my next post. I will re-create my Athena paper doll until it is perfect. Those are opposing statements, but I will show you the imperfect job, then I will recreate and perfect.

But this is not about me, or my perfectionism.

This is about Lilli.

I sent Lilli to the computer to work on her Duolingo lesson. But I got distracted by a funny picture of one of the Duolingo characters “dressed” as the Venus of Boticelli. I had been meaning to show Lilli because of how funny it looks and the fact that Lilli knows about Venus and that painting (I am a bit obsessed with the goddess).

Since we learned about Athena, the next goddess we were going to learn about was Aphrodite. Of course, Venus is the Roman name for Aphrodite. Lilli likes Aphrodite even more than Athena, she said. I realized that we must not forget Artemis….

I started with Athena on purpose. I intended to initiate the ancient goddess club with the wise one. Obviously.

About Lilli’s Boticelli inspired Venus:

I was making fun of this hilarious Venus inspired character when I started talking to Lilli of the famous painting which she already knows and considers sus(picious), because, well, Venus is undressed in the painting and covering up with her fabulous hair, just like this hilarious character is covering up with his beard.

The painting is of her birth. According to myth, she was born fully grown like Athena, with one difference, Athena was born in full armor, Venus, was born fully grown and without clothes. Int he very gorgeous Boticelli painting, Venus is being offered a gorgeous cloth to cover herself up.

Duolingo’s Oscar as Venus (Inspired by the famous Boticelli painting)

Between one joke and the next, we were looking up the famous Boticelli picture. We saw that there were countless pictures of it for sale and Lilli was amazed at how expensive they were, and I told her that is really nothing for a copy of one of the most famous paintings in the world. One of the most reproduced paintings ever.

I realized that the original painting is so old that it precedes copyright laws and thus it is completely free to be copied and used in any way and even to sell. I immediately told Lilli that she should draw her, not thinking anything of it. I opened Duolingo and went to work with Lizzie on her story, I will write about that story as soon as she is ready, but it is a marvelous project.

While I was sitting with Lizzie at her computer, Lilli calls me, and she shows me this incredible Venus art! I was speechless.

Venus of Boticelli by Lilli

Lilli dressed her Venus! That was sweet. Something about her wearing rags, though, she said since the Greeks tied their clothes. But I am not certain why she dressed Venus in rags but for a child, it is much better than in her birth suit. So, I take her creativity, and I loved it.

I am simply in love with that hair, and you bet I will spend the better of the next 5 years drawing my Venus of Boticelli. That was a joke….

Boticelli and his birth of Venus painting

Take advantage and learn some art history through the links below:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Birth-of-Venus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandro_Botticelli Learn everything about Boticelli, the painter.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Birth_of_Venus Learn everything about the painting.

(How are the kids’ language learning going? Lizzie did her first ever Duolingo class today, that was a huge success, and she noticed what she didn’t know, of course, but I noticed how much she actually knew. Perspectives.). Lilli and Vivi both do Duolingo Spanish. I have to remind them, but they understand so much. I am getting Alex (4) to understand what it means that other language Spanish, huh, he doesn’t fully get it yet, but he likes papas fritas (fried potatoes)….

Meanwhile, I am learning three languages. I will have to go back to the drawing board with my initiative for teaching the children languages. However, the children have learned Spanish, they simply are not language “nerds” like me. The thing is I love language learning. They love art and games. To me language is art and fun.

NOTE: I used the word nerd full of love and with no judgement. I think language nerds are some of the coolest people ever. Perspectives.

Let us talk again soon,

Eve

The natural world in Home Education

Ideas to include the natural world as inspiraion or setting for learning. These are ideas for me, rather than things I already do.

1. Nature Journals

  • Activity: Encourage kids to observe their surroundings and document plants, animals, weather patterns, or seasonal changes in a nature journal.
  • Inspiration: Create sketches of plants, press flowers or leaves, and write descriptive passages or poetry based on what they observe.

2. Outdoor Reading Sessions

  • Activity: Set up a cozy outdoor reading nook where your kids can read books, poetry, or historical texts while surrounded by nature.
  • Inspiration: Choose nature-themed books, like Walden by Thoreau or poetry by Robert Frost, to enhance the connection between the environment and the lesson.

3. Eco-Art Projects

  • Activity: Collect natural materials (leaves, stones, twigs) to create art projects such as collages, sculptures, or land art.
  • Inspiration: Teach about land artists like Andy Goldsworthy, and let kids create their own nature-based installations.

4. Botanical Studies and Garden Projects

  • Activity: Study local plants or grow a homeschool garden, teaching kids about botany, plant life cycles, and sustainable gardening practices.
  • Inspiration: Let them grow herbs, fruits, or vegetables and document their growth. Connect lessons to ancient herbal practices or mythology related to plants (like Demeter’s story).

5. Nature-Inspired Poetry and Writing

  • Activity: Use the natural world to inspire creative writing or poetry. Have children write poems or short stories based on their outdoor experiences.
  • Inspiration: Use prompts such as “Describe the feeling of the wind,” “Write a poem from the perspective of a tree,” or “Tell a story about a day in the life of a bird.”

6. Science Experiments in Nature

  • Activity: Conduct outdoor science experiments, such as studying the water cycle with evaporation bowls, or testing soil pH levels in different parts of the yard.
  • Inspiration: Discuss the role of the elements in ancient philosophy or how natural processes were understood by early civilizations.

7. Forest School or Nature Walks

  • Activity: Take learning outside by exploring local forests, parks, or beaches. Use these environments to study ecosystems, geology, and wildlife.
  • Inspiration: Teach map reading, track animal footprints, or explore ancient pathways and relate them to historical events if possible.

8. Stargazing and Astronomy

  • Activity: Set up a stargazing night where children can learn about constellations, planets, and the movement of celestial bodies. I use a star tracker app and follow astronomical news to stay informed.
  • Inspiration: Connect the stars to mythology, teaching about ancient star-gazers and their interpretations of the cosmos (e.g., Greek myths behind constellations).

9. Outdoor Problem-Solving Challenges

  • Activity: Use nature to create puzzles or challenges. Build a simple outdoor shelter, use the sun to tell time, or create a natural scavenger hunt with clues that teach about local plants and animals.
  • Inspiration: Encourage teamwork by incorporating lessons from early survival techniques used by indigenous peoples or explorers.

10. Barefoot Earthing and Sensory Exploration

  • Activity: Have your children explore nature barefoot to connect with the earth through sensory experiences. Encourage them to describe the different textures and sensations of the ground, plants, and water.
  • Inspiration: Discuss the benefits of grounding and mindfulness practices. Pair it with a nature meditation session or reflective writing about how the earth feels beneath them.

11. Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation

  • Activity: Set up a birdwatching station or take field trips to observe animals in their natural habitats. Teach about local wildlife, animal behavior, and ecosystems. Set up a hummingbird feeding station. We feed the birds in our yard.
  • Inspiration: Encourage drawing or note-taking on bird species, and perhaps connect to the ancient Greek fascination with augury (bird-watching for omens).

12. Weather and Climate Studies

  • Activity: Teach about weather patterns and climate by observing cloud formations, measuring rainfall, or tracking temperature changes. Make it fun by having the kids draw the different weather patterns. We love to draw the sun.
  • Inspiration: Build a simple weather station, then discuss the importance of weather in historical events or mythology (like Zeus’s control over thunder and storms).

Nature offers endless opportunities for rich, multi-disciplinary learning! You can combine these lessons with mythology, literature, or philosophy for a holistic approach to your homeschool experience.

Other ideas:

  • Make a fairy garden
  • Start a rock collection
  • Volunteer at a farm
  • Decorate your yard
  • Paint rocks for the garden or a path
  • Start composting
  • Create a rock garden
  • Decorate for Halloween
  • Go camping
  • Make a vegetable soup ehile teaching the children about vegetables

Let’s Connect: Eve Lovestar on Social Media

Hello,

I’m Eve, and I’m a poet, writer, and home education mom. Today, I want to link up to my different artistic outlets. Let’s connect!

If you would like to talk to me, do so through X. @evelovestar

Payhip Shop

On my Payhip Shop, you will find poetry gifts, ancient poetry translation, Spanish poetry translation, and more to come.

RIMA Y RITMO: MY SPANISH WITH POETRY CLASS
https://payhip.com/b/NLMdU: Let’s Connect: Eve Lovestar on Social Media

On this post, I give you the formula I’ve discovered, which led to my deep connection with my lover, Scorpio
In this post, I teach you how to manifest a new love or deepen your connection with poetry and romance. It worked for me!
Poetries in the wind speaks of my personal creative process. I since rewrote this poem into a masterpiece.
On this post, I beat AI at love letter writing. On an upcoming post, I beat AI at poetry writing. My job is safe so far… 😆 🤣 😂

My poetry collection

My poetry comes in different flavors: Love and Romance, spiritual, soul Poetry, poems about poetry, inspiration, and whatever else I’m thinking about.

Social Media

X (Twitter): @evelovestar

https://twitter.com/EveLovestar?t=DcKtDixHApEhcq66IFemHw&s=09

Pinterest: Eve Lovestar

https://pin.it/38ZYFucCq

https://amordivino888.wordpress.com/

Our Videos

You can find links to everything I do on Pinterest, I’ve been on there longer than any other social of blog.

Watch my family videos on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@TheSistersGamers234

Some of my videos are about language and poetry

My kids videos are about gaming


Thanks for connecting with me,

With Love,

Eve

Baby DIYs, new arts and crafts projects

As I’ve said before, I finish more craft projects that I post on this blog, let me update you on all the new projects I’ve finished since my last post. And hey, I’ve been working on art projects too! Well I started this post pregnant, since I’ve given birth and the little girl is over 1 week old now! But I’m not forgetting to share!

DIY Baby Projects

I’m happy to have finished my “take baby home outfit”. My baby will actually be born at home so it’s actually a cute outfit matching my magical yellow dress to take pictures once I give birth and we travel from my bathtub to my bed (my bathroom is in my bedroom so we’re not traveling far)

Crochet storage hanging basket
Best crochet hat I’ve ever made

New Sewing Projects

Baby dress and headband
A new curtain for my bedroom
Another red napkin. Now have 4 in this set

Paintings

As I’ve been organizing like crazy, I got out all my canvases out and decided to use all of them. My children painted some and I the rest. I decided to make a sun inspired small gallery to go with the small sun I painted previously. I watched some painting videos on YouTube University and this time my paintings were much more beautiful and I finished them within a day. I painted a sunflower, my favorite flower and a rose (new baby’s middle name), the rose is yellow and orange to go with my sun gallery. On an adjacent wall I hung a larger painting of a tree with a sun around it and a small painting of a peacock, my favorite bird which I painted when I was pregnant with my first daughter and hung behind her crib, that was my first painting other than watercolor.

Sun art gallery by Eve and daughters
Sunflower by Eve
Sun by Lilli Barbie
Orange rose by Eve
New sun by Eve
Sunflower by LizzieBarbie sun girl

My mom, the gift that keeps on giving

Mom is the best crafter (is this a word?) I know and obviously I learned from her. During my pregnancies, she has made all kinds of adorable items for my babies, here are new cute ones for this little new addition to the family. Mom is learning new skills and getting so much better (like me)

Cuban style baby outfit
Cuban style baby outfit
Mom just learned to paint fabric to save time in embroidery!

Dear friend, as I’ve mentioned before, I’m pregnant. I’m now 9 months and in labor! I have been getting ready for baby, getting the house and children ready, doing last minute shopping, and finishing lots of DIYs and crafts. I have been getting myself really tired and have had to kick count because I rock the baby to sleep with so much movement, and when I got lucky, I slept for an entire day. This is why I’ve not been blogging lately. I hope to blog when I have the baby and spend 5 days in bed. Lol post baby update: I broke the 5 day bed quarantine and when I emerged from my bedroom spring had started!

I’ve more to share! Talk soon!

And now a picture of the newborn!

Newborn baby and mom

For more crochet, follow my Crochet I love Pinterest board:

https://pin.it/2xR7oIf

What crafts or arts are keeping you busy?

Thanks for visiting,

Eve