Meet Azalea: The Real Goose Behind the Silly Goose Classroom Decor Theme
When I first dreamed of life on a little farm, I pictured geese waddling through a flower-filled garden, baby goats playing in the grass, and the comforting charm of an English cottage. That dream came to life in 2022 when we moved into our cozy farmhouse, and a year later, on February 27th, 2024, a tiny, fluffy gosling named Azalea hatched into the world.
@creatively_carissa Welcome to the world, Azalea. We're so happy to have you ❤️ #hatchinggeese #Sebastopol #hobbyfarm #farmlife ♬ True Colors (Film Version) - Anna Kendrick & Justin Timberlake
What I didn’t realize then was that this little goose would one day inspire my Silly Goose classroom decor theme, a collection created to bring joy, color, and playfulness into classrooms and daycares.
From the very beginning, Azalea was different. She was curious, bold, and a little bit mischievous—okay, a lot mischievous. I named her right away, wanting each goose to be named after a flower. Azalea, Rosie, Hyacinth, and Iris were the original crew. Eventually, my son rescued two more geese from an animal auction: Goosteau and Angel. Angel, who was missing part of his foot and had a condition called "angel wing," reminded us daily of the resilience and heart that animals can bring into our lives.
But back to Azalea—our little whirlwind of personality. As a gosling, she had a rather, um... enthusiastic relationship with her siblings. She began plucking their feathers, and as much as it broke my heart, we had to separate her for their safety. She wasn’t mean—just intensely curious, always nibbling on shoelaces, tugging on fingers, and investigating the world with her beak. We hung soft baby toys in her pen to keep her busy. Her favorite was a crinkly stuffed octopus, which she’d yank on with dramatic flair. It was clear: Azalea wasn’t just a goose—she was a character.
@creatively_carissa My sweet little monster 🩷
♬ Countryside - Andrew Joy
During that spring, I spent every day outside with her. She followed me everywhere, my shadow in the garden. We weeded together (though she preferred to eat the tulips rather than the weeds), and she’d toddle behind me as I planted flowers or hung laundry. She became deeply attached to me, and honestly, I became just as attached to her.
I used to call her “my little monster.” She was like a toddler—endlessly curious, occasionally frustrating, but absolutely full of love. And eventually, she outgrew her biting phase and rejoined the flock. Today, we have six geese who roam the property freely, honking to alert us when strangers arrive (our Amazon driver learned this the hard way). After one particularly chaotic delivery, I added a sign to our gate: "Beware of Guard Geese."
Azalea has grown into the sweetest little goose in our flock. She still strolls through the gardens, splashes in her pool, and sunbathes with her beautiful curly feathers shimmering in the light. And yes—she still eats the tulips. And the daisies. And the roses.
Azalea: The Goose Who Inspired My Silly Goose Classroom Decor Theme
When I began designing classroom decor for my shop, Azalea kept popping into my mind. There was something so joyful and authentic about her—her quirks, her resilience, her unexpected sweetness. She reminded me of the kinds of children I’ve worked with over the years: the ones who might struggle at first, who test boundaries, but who—when given love, patience, and the right support—blossom into the most wonderful beings.
Azalea became the heart behind my Silly Goose classroom decor theme, not just because she’s adorable (which she totally is), but because she represents something: the belief that every child has potential, even the “silly” ones. Especially the silly ones.
I imagine teachers walking into their classrooms, seeing Azalea’s goofy face on the wall, and smiling. I hope she reminds them that every day is a new opportunity to connect, to laugh, to grow, and to see the beauty in the chaos. Azalea may have started out as a tiny feathered troublemaker, but she grew into a gentle, loving friend—a perfect symbol for every child who just needs someone to believe in them.
@creatively_carissa Just me and my goose 🥰 I love her 💕 🪿 #Azalea ♬ Belong Together (Sped Up) - Mark Ambor
If Azalea could teach children (and teachers) one thing, it would be this: With love, understanding, and a little patience, even the wildest hearts can bloom.
So next time you see Azalea the Silly Goose decorating your classroom, know that she’s more than a theme. She’s the heart of my Silly Goose classroom decor theme—a little piece of my story, and now, hopefully, yours too.
