brown robin

Intentions

2012-01-03T18:02:00.001-05:00

Ah, the new year. It's arbitrary, I know. I get jazzed though. I have always relished the chance to evaluate my life, and then decide how I want to do things better. Often, I fall way short of any of those aspirations... my friends and family can attest. It feels like a giant cleanse to take stock, and then make decisions about what I want to change.

How amazing it was to have 10 days off, to hang out with family and friends, to sew, to be outdoors. Oh, life is good. Now, I have a whole list of goals and intentions for this new year. Don't we all? Here's to a bright new year filled with peace, joy, adventure, love, and health.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

2011-12-23T20:17:00.007-05:00

Today was the first morning that I woke up and didn't have to get ready for work or take the kids to school. It was bliss. I opened my eyes and immediately felt jazzed about the day, and the next ten to come. No work, no school. I guess one of the truest perks of working (beyond income) is that it really makes you appreciate spending time with family.

The morning started with cookies being made, honey labelled with ribbons for gifts,and last minute wrappings of some felted ornaments that we have been making in the afternoons and evenings.

We met with friends for lunch at their home, and enjoyed spending time and exchanging gifts. This was one of the handmade gifts from my friend (above.) Isn't she so talented?! It is one of the most beautiful ornaments I have ever received. Today we took pictures of our children in front of the tree for their ninth year together. We have done this every year since they were born, and it is something that is a hallmark of Christmas for me now.

Every year, I remember the years before when they were all so much smaller, when somebody fell apart, when the picture was less than perfect, and we shook our heads and took the picture anyway. It is such a lovely way to capture each year as it passes in a tradition of being together and being who we are.

Presents aren't under the tree in our home yet, but there have been many closed doors in the house though out the past couple of weeks, with whispering and planning. Tomorrow is the day. Things will be wrapped and placed. There will be inspections by the 5 and 8 year old. What has their name on it and does it rattle when shaken?

A gift for our solstice this year from my parents. It is an heirloom that will be cherished. We grew up with one of these on our table every winter, and the candles were always lit for Christmas dinner. I was so touched, and we have lit it each night since the solstice. It has been an unspoken dream of mine to have one for our family, and now we do.

So.... I'd like to wish you all Happy Holidays. It's my hope that they are filled with peace, joy, and love where ever you are in this world. Many blessings.

Giving thanks

2011-11-23T07:14:00.004-05:00

wreath my husband made

So many things to be thankful for in my life. I am looking forward to slowing down over the holiday and snuggling in with my family. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Survivor's Day

2011-11-01T13:20:00.018-04:00

Today is Dia De Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. I am not Latin American, but found myself contemplating the holiday on this morning's run. Leaves littered the trail, and more were falling in the bright sunlight. The transition to winter was occurring before my eyes. I thought about those that have died in my life. That mixture of emotions that always accompanies such thoughts flowed through me, left behind with each stride. Then, I started thinking about parts of myself that have died, and been reborn. I started thinking in terms of all the seasons of change in my life, the many things that I have survived whether it was trauma from a dog attack, or my sister's suicide. I visualized all people in the world, and thought about how each of us is a survivor. We've all had struggles, illnesses, traumas, abuses, losses, defeats, challenges, heart break .... things that we have survived. I started thinking, "why don't we have a day that we call 'Survivor's Day?'" You know.... a day that we all celebrate being resilient, being strong, being hopeful, and nurturing every person's ability to rise above life's challenges. So, for me, every year, November 1, Dia De Los Muertos will be the day of the dead in which I celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of living.... Survivor's Day.

These days...

2011-09-18T16:33:00.002-04:00

I'm clinging to the last flowers of summer....

More than a little bummed that I couldn't do the Asheville Half Marathon with my running partner this weekend due to plantar fascitis that just will not go away....

Sewing tons for the November show because it hurts to be on my feet too much....
excuses, excuses, excuses.

Feeling pretty grateful and content, all things considered.

Goodbye, summer.

2011-09-04T14:40:00.004-04:00

I can feel the long summer days sliding into fall.

This year, it went by so quickly.

I'm going to miss these beauties.

A quilt for my sweet boy

2011-08-29T10:59:00.002-04:00

In the last two weeks, my little guy turned 5 and started Kindergarten! I can just barely wrap my mind around this. When we arrived at the door of his classroom on the first day, he stopped and said, "mom... I don't need you anymore." My heart did a flip flop, but I quickly recovered, knelt down and said, "okay, buddy, so you don't want me to come in the classroom with you?" He replied, "Nope... I got it." So... I gave him a huge hug, and watched him walk into his first elementary classroom (that was filled with the other parents and their kids.) I walked about halfway down the hill from the school before my thoughtful smile turned into tears. My baby is in Kindergarten, and he is soooo ready. I felt many different emotions just as I had when my first went to Kindergarten. This time, though, it was mostly a feeling of excitement for him.

A few days later, I got to bring Popsicles to the classroom for his birthday. The teacher greeted me and told me she couldn't believe that he was the youngest in the class. She told me that he was one of "the most with it" kids in the class and that he was doing awesome. Maybe teachers say this to parents all the time, but it meant so much to me. I have agonized about the decision to send him to Kindergarten when he would turn 5 after it started. The thing is, all indicators in every area point to the fact that he is completely ready. I can't tell you though, how strongly the majority of public opinion is slanted towards delayed start for our boys, ready or not. Everybody and their brother has expressed this opinion to me, which really is too bad. It's none of their business and it is hurtful. So I've held my head high, listened to my inner voice, watched for any signs that I got it wrong, and cheered him as he bounces in and out of the door to school each day.

I had hoped to have this quilt done by his birthday, but you know how it is. Instead, I gave him a stack of 20 improv log cabin squares that I've constructed over the past year. It was really so sweet to watch him carefully look at each one with his sister. He was over the moon that I'm making him a twin quilt for his bed. Now, I'm in the process of sewing on the sashing... Kona snow cotton. I'll explain that process when I get the top completely done and show it to you. My friend, Katie at sewkatiedid gave me the suggestion. (She's so smart!)

So this morning is really the first morning I've had to myself since they both started school. I decided to give myself a few hours for what I'm calling a mini-vacation since I never really had one this summer. It feels so good to let go and sew just for fun. I think I could definitely get used to this!

Camp Mommy

2011-07-27T19:50:00.009-04:00

She only gets one camp during the summer.... it's been that way since she was old enough to attend a program. Our little guy? Next year will be his time. It's what we can afford, so the onus has always fallen on me to stimulate their creative minds and meet their needs. We have a pool membership and that gets lots of energy out in the first part of the day. (That we've done for 6 years... no regrets and $ well spent.) So what do we do every afternoon? There are play dates here and there, but then there's "Camp Heather."

This summer it has been playing board/card games, sewing, artwork, reading, building with Lego's. My little guy still gets some quiet time most days, which often results in him falling asleep. (We all need a break from his exuberance.) It's funny how now that I'm working and putting my energy towards other people's children (doing therapy), I'm valuing this time with my own kids so much more this summer. There was a time, not too long ago, when big chunks of summer were grueling for me. I was often short tempered with two young kids for long hours, and sorely in need of some time to myself. I find myself stressed by different things now.... work, schedules, logistics. I make time for myself by rising at 5:30 a.m. and running. I crave time at home with just our family. I sometimes don't want to talk to anybody; I just want to escape from the problems and business of the world. I have to take deep breaths even more often these days, but it's in an effort to keep up with the pace of our busy schedule.

When did it all shift? I missed the delineating moment. Here we are, eight years later, and time spent with her in the afternoons is what can be so settling for me. Swimming in the pool with him can be the thing that brings joy to my day. Pinch me. It's all going too fast. Still, I'm far from perfect and one exhausted mommy at the end of every day. I want to hang on to it all and I'm driven to live every moment, even the difficult ones. My, what full moments they have been. How lucky I am to be at home with them, working part-time and not full-time. I remind myself every time I feel tired, stressed, or envious of others. I have a good life, indeed.... yes, I do.

Summertime sewing

2011-07-20T15:18:00.003-04:00

In between eating from our garden, working part-time, pool visits, running, and bike riding with the kids, I've been fitting in a smidgen of quilting here and there. This one's for my niece who turns 1 in a couple of months. I've got some other's that I'm working on.... really three, but who's counting?! They'll get done eventually and it's all about therapy for me if you get right down to it.

I straight line quilted this one and kept it nice and light for that sweet girl. The better to mush between her teeny tiny fingers as she's falling asleep.

I had a ball doing straight line quilting! I always use free motion because I so love drawing with the thread. I like the way it came together though, and the quilting fit the look of the quilt. There's squares from the clothing of my kids in there because every baby quilt needs that "I heart you history part." Really, lots of the fabrics in the quilt hold different memories for me. It was a lovely way to share a chunk of us with this spirited, beautiful, not-so-new addition to our family.

Honey and bees

2011-07-07T16:53:00.001-04:00

Oh... they keep us busy (the bees, I mean.) I've lost track of the number of swarms since this spring. I've also lost track of the number of gallons of honey we've harvested... 30, maybe? (Note that 4 year old ever so gently running his finger down the swarm of bees. Being raised with honey bees = complete comfort with them.)

It's just the busy time of year around here. Maybe it always is. Hmmm. Maybe that's not changing any day soon. Still, I love it.

All I need now is their infinite energy.

Food for thought

2011-06-20T16:00:00.013-04:00

Our daughter made this appetizer all on her own and surprised us with her creation. She went to the garden, picked the peas and basil, brought them to the kitchen, and created a dip with olive oil and sea salt. She displayed all of this with her usual artistic flair. I was completely surprised, but I shouldn't have been. She has been raised with parents who love sharing good food, and she is an incredible artist.

That got me to thinking. Is it just who she is, or how we've raised her? If I'm honest with myself, it's probably a bit of both. When it comes to parenting, the whole thing is largely an intuitive process for me. Some days I have it, some days I don't. My husband and I are good parents who make mistakes. Despite the mistakes, it's gratifying to realize that some of the things we've done along the way have affected our children positively. For our kids, raising food and having honey bees is one of those things.

My first vegetable garden was one that I planted was 15 years ago. I remember then, that it seemed like some mystery. How could people grown such an abundance of food from a few packets of seeds? A couple of friends gave me advice, I read "Square Foot Gardening," and I dug up the grass in the back of our rental to create my vege patch. I was completely awed that we had so much zucchini that summer, I didn't know what to do with it all. (I made a whole heck of a lot of zucchini bread.) Suddenly, raising vegetables was no longer something other people did; it became what I did.

I've had vegetable gardens every summer since. Some gardens have been more prolific than others, and I've learned a ton along the way. My biggest advice would be"just do it!" It's really not that difficult and there is plenty of room for error. Plants are miraculous in their ability to grow. You don't have to do everything perfectly the way some gardening books make it sound. Just put a plant or seed in the ground or a pot. See what happens. See if it changes the rhythm of your days, or the way you view the world. Maybe it becomes the center of your summers with your children.

But, back to that parenting part. I often notice parents who spend a great deal of time reading parenting books, or planning the activities that will enhance their children's future abilities. I worry sometimes, if we are meeting our children's needs. Perhaps I need to read a book or two. Maybe they should be enrolled in more activities. I have times where I question myself as a parent relentlessly. Then there is some small moment that reminds me that as a family, we're on the right track. We have a rhythm that works well for us. Naturally setting an example for our children by the way we live is one of the greatest things we could teach them. So the fact that our lives are infused by our vegetable garden and our honeybees is an incredible education. We didn't necessarily plan that, but it's an extension of who we are. Our children know where there food comes from. They are a part of putting the seed in the ground. They understand the importance of bees in the pollination of their food. They are in the garden several times a day, observing, picking, and playing. Without realizing it, we have given them a lifestyle that meets their needs.

So how, you might ask, does one plate of appetizers generate all that thought in this mama? I don't really know. That's me, I guess. I wanted to write it down so that I could look back and remember how right this all feels... how perfect the presentation of her appetizer was in my life on that June evening when she was eight. I wanted to have a written reference for those days when my head gets going and I lose sight of my inner peace. That plate of sugar snap peas and basil gave me a sense of serenity.... a reminder that I need to stop worrying, let go, and enjoy the abundance that we have. Living in the moment, rather than worrying about the future, is all about relishing that plate of food that my daughter picked from our garden and beautifully prepared for her family. Really. For me... it is.

Turning 40!

2011-05-31T06:48:00.006-04:00

I swear, 40 is the new 30, but it was a big deal for me. I'm not apologizing one bit. I went through a process with this one. It was something that I will value for years to come. A cliff notes version would be, "do I want to the next 4o years to replicate any/all of the same behaviors/choices as the first 4o years?" In the weeks leading up to the event of my birthday, I found myself feeling shaky, critical of myself, and low. It was kind of interesting. A month or so before that I had been feeling genuinely excited. Why the up and down?

In the end, my actual birthday weekend was just lovely. It was filled with my friends and family. There were sweet surprises, and caring gestures. It was everything that I could have hoped for. But there was more. I felt a shift within myself. I celebrated last weekend with another half marathon in the woods, this time by myself. It was equally as exhilarating as the last. I realized that I feel strong, loved, and I know where I want to go. In the last year, I have worked through a lot. In my lifetime.... well, I am proud of my accomplishments. They have all been hard earned, and I am graced by beauty and profound love almost every day.

So... the picture above? A mystery to you until now. That's me in the boat a mere 15 years ago, while my husband (friend at the time) watches me run a class V creek rapid on the narrows of the Green River in Western North Carolina. I have seen and done so much.... come so far. If you knew me today at the kids' schools, or at work, or in the grocery, you may never have guessed all there is to know about me in the past 40 years. The same is true for every single one of us in a variety of different ways. We all have pasts, we all have extraordinary moments, and we all have struggles. Living in the present is a constant mantra for me. But what if you dared to look deep into some one's eyes to know them more fully? If you did that with me, you would know the strength, feisty determination, and kindness all wrapped into one mama who turned 40 just a few short weeks ago.

Being a mama....

2011-05-04T16:44:00.003-04:00

How does it happen? Eight years can fly by. I still remember the absolute awe I felt at the swelling of my belly. Now, here she is. Eight years later. So much has changed. She has. I have. We have. I now know love that extends from the crown of my head to the tip of my toes. Being a mother challenges me and simultaneously completes me.

I've got this beautiful, intelligent, extraordinary eight year old who still loves to wear the clothes her mama makes her on her birthday. She wears them every day with leggings and t-shirts. As long as she's into it, I'm making her clothes!

There are so many things about being a mama that I never could have imagined. Sometimes I'm tired and ordinary, sometimes I'm awesome. Once I had one, then there came two; that changed everything. It's a struggle at times to juggle it all. Kids have more energy than adults... that is a fact that I dare you to dispute. Hands down, the blog, comes last. But can I just tell you that in some way, all of it makes me who I am? And in the very same breath, I can tell you that I am a better mama thanks to the eight year old and four year old who have graced my life. So... skirts for my girl, as long as she wants them, and blog posts every so once in a while!

Morels

2011-04-27T18:11:00.024-04:00

I've shared so many of our family traditions that it's hard to believe this one has never made it to my blog. One of the things that designates Spring for us is Morel hunting. It's an amazing thing to gather your food from the woods... food, might I add, that sells for over a $100 per pound. Lovely, earthy incredible morel mushrooms. (And I'm not the biggest mushroom fan on the planet.) In one haul this spring, my husband brought home 7 pounds! I have to tell you, it's kind of like Easter egg hunting, but on a much grander, more satisfying scale.

Friends of ours were here this weekend and they all went hunting. The kids were so excited to see what they brought home. We ate omelettes with Morel sauce, fish with Morels coating it, and a Morel white pizza with greek olives and roasted peppers. I'm still salivating over that pizza.

A quick recipe is to saute the morels in butter and olive oil with fresh chopped garlic and onions. Add in some white wine and reduce. Add in some sea salt, or truffle salt to taste. If you want a cream sauce, add half and half, or cream. If you want a clear sauce, add broth. You can skip both the broth and the cream sauce if you just want some sauteed morels to put over a dish. Have fun with it. You can't go wrong. It is oh, so good! (This approximation of a recipe is compliments of our friend who owns a pasta and wine shop.)

There are plenty of online sites that describe morels, how to find them, hunting with kids, and recipes. One is here. Maybe a new family tradition is waiting for you.

Happy Earth Day and Easter!

2011-04-22T17:22:00.001-04:00

taken from a Tasha Tudor book that was a part of my childhood

I have so much to show and tell, but it's that time of year isn't it? We're busy planting whenever we can, and life just keeps on clipping along. I have some sewing projects and a quilt to share. Just now, though, we're boiling eggs after quite the Earth Day celebration. Have a wonderful weekend with your family and friends! See you back in this space soon.

Friendship and Running

2011-04-11T14:36:00.037-04:00

I never post pictures of myself on my blog, so why I would start doing so with a picture taken after 13.1 miles is beyond me. I must still be on a runner's high. It was just so amazing. I loved every minute of the run. Running is something I started doing in junior high. I remember seeing my friend's mom jogging around the block. My brain went "click." "Oh," I thought. "I could do that too." I was already a soccer player, but it had never occurred to me that you could go running in your neighborhood with no other purpose than to make it from point A to point B. I was hooked. It became my therapy, and it still is today. It just makes me feel sooooo good. I signed up for this Half Marathon back in January. The run took place on my sister's death date and I figured it would be a way to celebrate instead of feeling sad. I didn't know another soul running it, but I signed up anyway. I have run by myself for years. I haven't had a running partner since my last one left the country more than a dozen years ago. (Don't raise your eyebrows. She didn't leave because of me!) The thing is, due to my fear of dogs thanks to this, I was running whenever I thought no one else would be on the trails. For instance, when it was 25 degrees early in the morning instead of a balmy 5o degrees in the afternoons. I was determined to keep running no matter how bad my fears were. All that changed when Liz and I started running together. She became the one who boosted my confidence about dog encounters and literally shielded me with her body by passing between the dogs and me. I was initially ashamed and embarassed that she had become a witness to my panicked encounters with dogs. Always, she made me feel normal as I struggled to work through the PTSD from the dog attack. Now, can you ask more from a friend and running partner than that? I am so grateful.

So, you can read all about her account of the Half Marathon and our friendship here on her blog. Just know, though, that I'm counting my lucky stars that she's been with me on all those training runs. She's one of the reasons I'm able to pass a dog without shaking uncontrollably, crying, or hiding behind trees. She's been a part of helping me to do something that has been bigger and harder than a Half Marathon (because the PTSD was really that bad for me a few short months ago.) She's been the friend that I couldn't have done it without. Thank YOU, Liz. Here's to years of friendship and running.

finished!

2011-03-25T06:01:00.002-04:00

Here it is! My latest quilt. It took me almost a year to complete, but who's counting. It's funny how hesitant I am to share any of my quilts on my blog. I am not prolific, nor extremely accomplished, but I do so love patchwork and free motion quilting.

This one is for close friends. In memory of their son, Alexander Oak. I quilted a tree in the middle and leaves throughout.

A quilt is the one way I know how to extend comfort to friends whose loss is beyond my imagination. Quilts are made to provide healing and happiness in my mind.

I fell in love with the backing. Lonni Rossi. She is so talented. This print seemed to embrace the cycle of life. I used fabrics predominantly by her with the exception of a few batiks and Aboriginal prints.

So, I've sewn the sleeve on the back for a wall hanging and the threads are snipped. Now, it's just ready to be delivered to it's new home. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Happy First Day of Spring!

2011-03-21T16:11:00.006-04:00

My sister was here for a week. She was the laundry fairy that I have always dreamed of having. Well, actually, you will be incredibly jealous to hear that she also cooked, cleaned, and helped with kids. It was a dream come true, and really, words can not express the gratitude I feel.

I greeted this day with a sense of excitement, hope in my heart, and laundry conquered. I love spring.

Prayers for healing and comfort

2011-03-11T15:14:00.003-05:00

(Bloodroot blooming in March, a Western North Carolina native)

I'm sending healing thoughts to all those suffering in Japan today.

March... you know what they say

2011-03-06T17:21:00.003-05:00

"In like a lion, out like a lamb." Okay, okay. It wasn't quite the winter scene below. That was a couple of months ago. However, it was a wintry mix all day, and I just couldn't drag my butt out for a run. Snow coating the hillside and rhododendron leaves, in between sheets of rain? No big deal. I'll wait till tomorrow to fit in a run, thank you.

We meant to craft, but it never really happened. There was cleaning, forts built (destroying the sense of cleanliness), quite a long period of imaginary play, "Go Fish" negotiated between a 4 and an almost 8 year old, and then basil seeds planted (just about the time I thought I might lose my mind.)

Finally, yes, finally. I got to work on my projects. Birthday secrets for my big girl... I was completely content cutting up and combining fabrics. It's quicker than a quilt, but with all the satisfaction of patchwork. I was happy to give up my plans of planting strawberries, greens, and new potatoes. There was no way I was going outside today. On days like this, bliss is drinking tea and eating my mother in-law's cookies. I'll run it off tomorrow while I piece fabrics in my head.

Wouldn't it be something to achieve that state of contentment and bliss all week? Alright, I know, it's a non-reality. I always have the highest aspirations. I am the horse that starts out of the gate, spirited head held high. Somehow, though, I always finish in a lack luster position of not-so-noticeable standing. Does anybody else get that? So, I remind myself to think happiness with a modicum of grace mixed in. Sound good? Alright then, I'm headed for Monday with enthusiasm (and the knowledge that my sweet sister is arriving in just 6 days.) Maybe she can conquer the laundry.

First blooms

2011-02-27T13:25:00.001-05:00

Is there anything more extraordinary than watching the first blooms pop out of the ground? These are the crocus bulbs that we handed out to friends and family at our wedding. My mom gifted these to me to plant in the ground at Thanksgiving for our new home. My dad and I were out there for a couple of hours that weekend, planting about 250 daffodils and crocus bulbs. He, shoveling the frosted dirt, and me on my knees, jamming the bulbs into the ground. I look at these crocus and it feels like a piece of our past transported to the canvas of this new nest. Two weeks from now will mark the first year of living here.... time has flown.

Spring Cleaning

2011-02-21T16:18:00.002-05:00

Such a lovely weekend we had! It's been in the sixties here and we just can't help but think about spring. Honestly, it's been hard to come indoors, and we've been working hard at cleaning up the yard and getting the garden ready. I did rummage around in my sewing room, and it's time to let go of some fabric. A Moda Wonderland Jelly Roll, anyone? We've been feeling the crunch of the recession on our family's business (and primary income.) I love all my fabrics, but it also feels wonderful to let go.

So, I'll be offering up yardage as I come across it (or can part with it.) Most of my fabrics are out of print, so there promises to be some good stuff over the next few weeks. If you're local and want to buy, email me and we can avoid the shipping and paypal costs. Any advice you have is welcome, as I'll be figuring this out as I go. I've noticed lots of folks destashing for seemingly fair prices, only to watch the buyer turn around and sell that fabric for more. That just doesn't seem right and I want to earn for the needs of my family. So... spread the word if you will, it's all here. I'd appreciate it.

Sewing with seven year olds

2011-02-15T14:49:00.008-05:00

Santa brought her a Singer 1507 sewing machine for Christmas. It was the one thing she asked for, so I was very relieved that he got it right. She's had a ball with it. Although she's used my machine a few times, we started with the basics. I let her get used to the petal on her new machine first. We did this without threading the machine. She ran the pedal with her foot, hands under her bottom, until she was able to start slowly and maintain a steady rhythm. Then we put thread in the machine and worked on stopping, starting, and following lines drawn on paper (straight, curvy, and angles.) It was worth the time at the front end to explain some use and care of the machine, along with the mini tutorials. We talked about the fact that everybody has to practice if they want to get better at something. I think that's such an important insight for kids, so I slip it in whenever I can. (Once in a while, I get some eye rolling from them, but I think they appreciate the reminder!)

Next, she moved onto making fairy quilts. She pieced blocks of fabrics, designing her layout beforehand. She created the entire mini quilt, start to finish, and was so thrilled. She made about ten more. The part that absolutely awed me was how she went about quilting each one. I was actually a bit nervous at first. She ran the machine like she was running a race; she looked more than a bit like a mad artist. I stopped myself from saying anything about needles and fingers, and just watched. I realized that she was essentially free motion quilting, just like she's seen her mom do so many times. The even more extraordinary thing (which will only mean something to you if you sew) is that she never dropped the feed dog, AND her stitches looked great! Hmmmm. If only I sewed as well as her when I was seven.

(Another one of her quilts, a felt bird that she made, and the pincushion I made for her to use with her first machine.)

What daddy made him and why it's so amazing!

2011-02-09T11:19:00.002-05:00

How cool is it when you're four and your dad makes you your own workbench? Especially if it's nicer than the average bear's! This creation has inspired hours of activity for our little guy. It has real child sized tools with it, including the safety glasses. It even has a handsaw that was his great grampy's. My favorite tool is the drill which is a Fiskar's old fashioned hand crank drill that really works. I've used it!

In this picture, he's got his piece of wood in the vice. It's cranked down and he hammers nails into the wood, saws it, drills it, colors it with markers.... you name it. When he was three, I remember starting to consider if little boys could be trusted to use tools safely. The resounding reply I got from several smart mamas was "ABSOLUTELY!!!"

Now that I see my little guy in action, I get it. He bangs on things anyway. He does big, loud, silly things. He takes risks that make me cringe sometimes, and I'm not a helicopter parent. He has this energy about him that is very, very boy. (Sorry to use the gender stereotype.) But... he can also be sweet and thoughtful and very directed in his activity. Giving him the responsibility for his own tools, the safe use of them, and a proper place to store them, has directed his energy and activity. Really. I'm a total convert. "Got some energy to get out? Why don't you go make something at your workbench, buddy." Bang, bang, bang. Everybody's happy.

Happy Groundhog's Day!

2011-02-02T12:47:00.006-05:00

Six more weeks of winter?! No way. We can't take it, so we're bribing our groundhog. A few carrots maybe? We dug these up yesterday! We were completely surprised and there were plenty of squeals. It's so much like an Easter egg hunt, digging up root vegetables. These had been totally forgotten about in our garden. They were seeded this summer and we only found them when we were getting a bed ready for potatoes. It never ceases to amaze me that our food can grow into something so sweet and crispy from a teeny tiny seed.

His gift to her

2011-01-31T14:58:00.004-05:00

My husband totally gets little girls and fairies. He constructed an outdoor fairy house with her a couple of years ago, and together their fascination with the fairy world has grown. (He's been known to visit crystal shops on secret missions.) When we were talking about what to do for the kids for Christmas, I mentioned that she would love an indoor fairy habitat. That was all. If there's one thing you should know about my husband is that he usually goes all out.... in everything. So this is Christmas morning (at 4:30ish, thanks to our four year old.) A fairy world awaited her in the living room. She was awed, as is everyone who sees it. I, myself, long to sit and play with it for hours. It is simply extraordinary fodder for the imagination.

I tried to take pictures of it for you, in case you feel inspired to make your own. Unfortunately, the pictures just don't do it justice. However, each is constructed on a wood pedestal, and each can be moved around so the configuration of the group can change. It is all coated in shellac, which is a fascinating natural substance made from bugs, worth reading up on in all your spare time.

He wired all of the Mountain Laurel branches with bonsai wire. The Laurel is cut live from our property. It should hopefully dry well, strengthened by the wire .

He also made tables, chairs, and beds out of wood rounds and Laurel. Each is carefully pieced, glued, and coated in shellac . (Below is a dog sled out of paddling foam, they made together on another occasion. I'm telling you, he gets little girls' imaginary worlds.)

I love walking through the room and seeing what new scenarios have evolved or which fairies are doing what. I imagine what scene may have been played out in her mind, or make up my own.

I was responsible only for dying a few play silks to use as hammocks. So easy in comparison to what he created. One of the things I've loved about this gift is that she took all the animals, fairies, wool roving, scraps of fabric, tiny boxes, etc. from around the house and created her fairy world. I guess what I mean is that it wasn't a gift given to her with all the parts included, it was something that she took and made into something uniquely fitted to her imagination.

I was wondering if these two owls were pairing up to provide us with some spring babies. Now wouldn't that be fun?

Now I'm going to start hinting around to him about a whole slew of fine furniture I'd like for the house. It's that, or he could start selling a few fairy habitats. Hmmm. Not a bad idea.

Blink, blink.

2011-01-26T09:32:00.010-05:00

I don't know where December and January went. They got covered over in snow and forgotten about on this blog. I laughed out loud when I saw that our school's billboard states "think NO SNOW." That's a new mantra that I think pretty much everyone around here shares.

I got jolted back into reality yesterday when reading an email titled "brown robin, where are you?" (So... this one's for you Jen.) Then there was a sweet card from my sister with a long list of thank you's. It had things on the list like, " thanks for always listening to me and gently confronting me" or "inspiring me to be brave." Now, that just whopped me upside the head. I have really been so down on myself lately, it never occurred to me that someone thought I was absolutely wonderful and thanked me for it too!

The winter blaws can just creep in I guess. They're stealthy like that. Not enough running and sunshine this time of year. It's not that I'm blue, it's just that I'm undecided about things and more than a little unmotivated. No fun. I'm looking forward to some kinder weather and being gentler with myself. Plus, I have oodles of pictures to show you from the past two months of lovlies that folks have made around here, so I best get back to blogging!

Sheet bees wax candle making tutorial

2010-12-12T16:24:00.005-05:00

This is the second time in a week that it's snowed! Frigid temps have made is it easier to stay inside and craft. We made about a dozen of the candy cane striped candles together. They're so easy that my 4 year old was able to fully participate. This is such a wonderful way to make candles if you're not ready for dipping or molds. It's incredibly easy, and instant gratification .... really! I promise.

This is my version of a tutorial for bees' wax sheet candles to create a two tone spiral candle. We ordered our wax from Brushy Mountain Bee Farm. This is where we get all of our beekeeping supplies. They are a wonderful North Carolina small business with excellent customer support. If you're local and want to make these tomorrow, you can also visit the Earth Guild in Asheville.

Ingredient list:
1) bees wax sheets (2 different colors for this craft)
2) wick, enough yardage to make the number of candles (1 yd for @ 3 candles is my guess,but don't trust my math. It depends on how tall your sheets of wax are.)
3) hair dryer (a necessity, so borrow one if you don't have one.)

Here we go....

Cut the wax upper left corner to lower right corner, making a triangle like the pic above. Do this with both colors of wax sheet. You will be able to make 2 candles total.

Layer the two colors of wax sheet like the pic above. The other two sheets of wax are sitting to the side ready to use for the next candle.

Tear a small corner from the top sheet bottom left corner (look closely at the white wax.) Use your hair dryer to warm the wax up, making it tear smoothly. You will use this bit of wax to prime your wick. Again, a little blast from the hairdryer will help to mold it right around the end of the wick. It should look like the pic below.

Now, you will lay the appropriate length of wick at the far left side of the candle. Use your hair dryer to heat up the wax. You can't hurt the wax. Just experiment with intensity of heat so that you achieve pliability. I use low heat when working with my kids, but high heat when I'm doing it myself. When your candle is mailable, start rolling. Once we get it going, I turn the candle toward the child so that they can roll TOWARD their body (rather than left to right.) My seven year old is good to go on her own. My four year old needs a little assistance with keeping the end of the candle flush. You'll see... and you'll quickly get the hang of it.
These are spectacularly easy and so much fun to make. Even if you don't have kids, it's just a wonderful craft that yields beautiful results. Need some inexpensive gifts? Give it a try. My guess is that you won't be disappointed.

Ornament Idea for you... or, some like it hot!

2010-12-08T17:06:00.008-05:00

We happened to have acquired quite a few peppers this fall....

Well, a lot, actually.

I got kind of inspired by all that red. I took out a needle and thread.... and got busy.

After a two hour movie, I had about a hundred to hang on the tree. The best part is that next year, I'll get to use them again. One of the cheapest, easiest, and most beautiful ornaments ever.
The secret to the effect is definitely in the sheer quantity, though. Somebody had a rockin' garden this year (and it wasn't me.)

So much to be thankful for...

2010-11-29T10:02:00.003-05:00

We've had such a wonderful holiday, despite my initial funk leading up to it. I think all the hype of getting ready for craft shows just does that to me. Despite the fact that it was another wonderful event, I just felt like I needed to go find a real job afterward. Hmmmm.

But it really was hard to stay in that state for long. Thanksgiving day was brilliant here. We went bike riding as a family, and had a really nice time with my extended family that evening. My dad helped me plant my my bulbs in the garden. I had a date night with my husband that included sushi and old friends. We decorated our beautiful Christmas tree. Four days were just jam packed with good stuff.

When the weekend got colder we shifted to a whole bunch of crafting and indoor play. Even my husband got artsy and made some wreaths, which I'll have to show you later. We're all definitely excited about spending our first holidays in our new/old house.

I had to snap a bunch of pictures of the little scenes of play that were happening around our house. It warms my heart especially because I made these fairy dolls last spring for my sweet girl's birthday. They've gotten so much mileage! They were definitely worth the effort. The book mentioned in this post is what I used to guide me.

Here's the dish I made for Thanksgiving, a secret recipe shared by the woman who catered our wedding. We begged her for it after the event, and it's something I take the time to make every year. I hoarded the leftovers and finished that bit off yesterday.

Butternut squash souffle

2 cups butternut squash, roasted, mashed

2 Tablespoon brown sugar

2 Tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon salt

3 Tablespoon corn starch

Mix until smooth. (I use my handheld Cuisinart)

1 stick melted butter

1 1/4 cup cream

3 egg yolks

Mix with butternut squash mixture until smooth.

3 egg whites

pinch salt

Beat in separate bowl to soft peaks. Fold this into squash mixture without over mixing.

Bake in buttered souffle dish at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Alrighty, then. Now it's time for me to re-enter the real world. Hope you were able to find some moments away from all the stressors this weekend. Have a great week!

I'm always reminding myself to...

2010-11-19T09:25:00.001-05:00

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Feel better now?

I do.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Getting in my groove

2010-11-11T13:57:00.000-05:00

Somewhere along the way in the last year, I lost my groove. It just happened. Certainly there was plenty of chaos and life stressors. It's easy to put oneself, or one's passions, on the back burner when it comes to raising kids. I'm fine with that these days although there was a time I felt decidedly more resentful. There is usually an ebb and flow, and I have a great life. Still, it just feels so good when some of my dreams take center stage.

Recently, several things converged for me artistically... drawing, block carving, print making, and sewing. They were driven by the deadline of our upcoming holiday show, but nevertheless, it got me in gear. These images are prints that I did on textile with my carved stamps. I did these more than a year ago, but I carved them again during my hiatus this summer (aka: dog attack recovery.) Plenty of helpful info is listed in this post and this one if you're interested in giving carving and printing a try.

I absolutely love drawing, and it is thrilling to see how your drawing will look once you've carved it. The printing process is equally as gratifying for me. There is something very meditative about it as you get into the rhythm of printing. These were my first attempts at printing on textile. I used linen and Pebeo Setacolour opaque textile paint from Dharma Trading Post.

Here's some of the results. The top two are being made into pillows. I also designed a messenger bag. I've printed up about 18 for the show and we'll see if I get them all constructed in time. Did I mention that the show is just 10 days away?! Hmmmm. My goal is to remain healthy while cranking it all out.

So... I've been a busy little bee, but that's usually the case this time of year. I find that I'm feeling really energized by my new creations, so let's hope is the drive that I need to get it all done. Really, though, even if I don't get everything made that I want to, the very best part is feeling like I'm back in my creative groove. Ah, yes. That's more like it.

Sushi by daddy

2010-11-08T14:01:00.003-05:00

It's always a good weekend when daddy makes sushi.

Remember how important you are....

2010-11-02T13:34:00.003-04:00

Vote!

Ten years of marriage or "go have an affair with your husband"

2010-10-26T13:11:00.002-04:00

Yes, I really did mean to say, "go have an affair with your husband (spouse, partner)." There is nothing like adventure, excitement, together time with no one else around... the thrill of being with somebody who still gets you jazzed up.

We've lived together for fourteen years and been married for ten. Had I known how amazing it would be to get away for an overnight without kids, I would have insisted on it a long time ago. It's the best therapy there is.

Let's face it. Relationships are never entirely carefree, no matter how much you love each other. Throw some stressors in, and well, I think we all know how NOT easy marriage can be at times. In reality, I'd say we have a really strong one; we are an amazing team, but we work hard at it.

We were gone for just 24 hours, but it felt like a whole weekend. We motorcycled up to the parkway and camped at Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi river. It was utterly amazing to camp on the ridge and be able to look off both sides. We took sushi and a bottle of wine. No cooking! Definitely the way to go.

The next day was coffee in our sleeping bags and some Lara bars. We did a couple of hikes right from our campsite. Our wedding day was during peak leaf season ten years ago, and it was that way this year as well.

My husband and I worked together in an outdoor program, and paddled together for a full year before we ever "got together." We have many years of adventures between us, and somehow going to the highest point in North Carolina for our anniversary on a motorcycle, and tent camping in 30 mile per hour winds with temps below freezing is what we call romance. I'm grinning as I write. It makes us sound pretty hard core, but I guess we are just a little bit. Still, with all our gear, we were never uncomfortable. In fact, I'd label us pretty much "blissed out" the entire time.

After being home and back to family life, the bliss definitely ebbed. It was back to a schedule and meeting kids' needs. No get-aways to high mountain tops with long uninterrupted conversations. We kept stealing looks at one another, co-conspirators of what it can be like without kids.

One thing we talked about on our get-away was that our past adventures are something we hold onto to keep us excited about our lives. Meaning, it's the experiences, not the attainment of objects, that we both treasure. I enjoyed spending time with my playmate again, letting the adventure unfold together. It was like stepping back in time fourteen years. I'm savoring it even now.

At it again

2010-10-21T06:26:00.002-04:00

I know, I know. I complain bitterly about sewing them up, but they're just so darn awesome. I want everyone to have one. We all have an artist within, don't we? I've been using my kids to do a little drawing lately. I think I may have to keep one of these new ones for myself. More here if you're interested.

Elderberry and Honey

2010-10-14T06:23:00.001-04:00

Elderberry syrup is something I meant to rave on and on about last year in this blog space. My friends have all heard an earful about it. We are an elderberry consuming family when cold and flu season comes around. The problem is that I was purchasing each bottle and it was running us broke.

The merits of elderberry and honey can be looked up all over the Internet now. I have no regrets about our consumption, even with the expense of purchased syrup. We are an inordinately healthy family and that is priceless. I'm secretly convinced it's because of a daily consumption of our own honey. Toss in the elderberry syrup during the dreaded cold and flu season, and we've avoided much of what we've been exposed to in the last couple of years.

What finally prompted me to make my own was when I felt the budget was too tight to splurge on the store bought syrup. (The bottle pictured above is what I would recommend if you're not going to make your own.) We quickly succumbed to whatever virus was making its germy way into our household. That's it. Elderberry and honey may not be the answer, but it seems to be a magic wand of sorts. I purchased dried elderberry and here's the recipe we used:

1/2 cup dried elderberries

3 cups water

1 cup honey

I boiled the water and elderberries and then turned down the heat to a simmer for an hour or so. I pureed with my trusty handheld Cuisinart. (I'm in love with this little gem and you can see it in the background of the above pic.) Some may chose to strain seeds with cheesecloth after this, but we skipped it. They are about like raspberry seeds, and pleasantly crunchy. Then we added our honey, using the Cuisinart to stir well. Let it cool and put in a lidded mason jar in the fridge. It will keep for months, but must be refrigerated. (I'm not a health professional, but the doses we use are 1 tsp for our 4 yr old, 2 tsp for 7 yr old, and 4 tsp for adults.)

This is the label for our honey, created by our talented graphic designer friend. It's for sale at tail gate markets around town or you can contact me. What do you think of that design? I gave her the name and she came up with it because she knows us well.

So... after not too much effort and $4.75 worth of berries, we had a huge batch. Easy peasy. I wish I had made my own about a year ago, but such is life. I'm always reminding myself that it's hard to do it all.

Fall in Western North Carolina

2010-10-12T14:50:00.004-04:00

What does this time of year mean for you?

Just what we needed...

2010-10-01T13:09:00.001-04:00

This is what it took to help me heal...

Running, swimming, playing in the sand, sea shell walks, sewing, reading, knitting, fishing, sitting in rocking chairs watching the ocean shift...

Eating sea trout, red drum, and flounder that my husband caught. Combining every good catch with beets, potatoes, basil, and the last of summer's tomatoes from our mountain gardens.

No phones, t.v., or Internet connections. No schedule... just the four of us.

I miss it already. It was extraordinary, and just the cleansing we needed as a family.

Happy 1st of October to you!

On hiatus

2010-08-28T16:12:00.002-04:00

It appears that I need to announce an official break from posting on my blog. Our gmail is down for the count, so I can't even answer emails... such a drag. However, the bigger deal is that I have been very sick and in pain every day since I was bitten by that dog on August 4. I've had four rounds of antibiotics now. My body is totally wrecked from fighing infection and dealing with pain. I wish I had more positive things to report, so.... I'm going to unplug and focus all my energies on healing.

See you all soon.

Knitting for that baby...

2010-08-17T07:32:00.002-04:00

.... the one we can't wait to meet. My niece! There's all kinds of excitement around here as we talk about babies and retell stories about, "when you were a baby..." I wish that I had taught myself to knit before I had babies. It's been the perfect thing to sit around and do.

This hat just begged to be modeled on the Effanbee doll that was mine when I was a child. (It's closing in on 40 years old.) But about the hat, so small that I can't believe a baby's head is ever so tiny. It's funny how much you forget.... how their head fit in the palm of your hand. This hat (70 stitches CO, size 2 needles) was knit using the Magic Loop Method and I loved learning it. I'll definitely be using this method again, and it makes so much sense. Easy... circular knitting with no double point needles... gotta love that! I added the I-cord up top for a little flower look.

The booties were a pleasure to knit. These from Erika Knight's newest book Natural Nursery Knits. This book, I got from our public library. It's just dreamy to look at with beautiful photos. You'll find yourself wanting another baby even if you don't knit. My husband and I keep joking about how wonderful it will be to have another baby in the family that we can love on and then hand back to mama and daddy. Perfect, if you ask me.

Feeling the light

2010-08-15T16:13:00.001-04:00

Thank you so much everyone who has sent their well wishes with a phone call, an email, a meal, or a comment left on my post. I do, indeed, believe that my recovery has been speedier thanks to all of the love and light sent my way. I can't tell you how much it has meant to me to have so many people that I don't even know expressing concern. It has renewed my faith in the goodness of people, when I must say that the owners of the dog have caused me to question that lately. So... thank you, thank you, thank you! You changed my life with your gestures of caring. Now isn't that just a terrific reminder of the power we all have? Really. It makes such a difference.

P.S. If you can believe it, our gmail account has crashed. So if you're not hearing from me via an email, that's why! Could be a while by the looks of things....

Really?!

2010-08-12T09:11:00.014-04:00

I was bitten (attacked, really) by a dog that was on leash when trail running 8 days ago. This picture is from day 3. It has been one long week, and I'm still struggling to wrap my brain around it all. This definitely falls in the unexpected events category for the summer. I've been dealing with alot of pain and I'll spare you the emotional details associated with being attacked by a dog.

I was inspired by this and joined team Improv(e) your Butt to focus on getting more excercise. I had no idea that my goal for getting healthier would be curtailed by a dog. I did, however, piece an improv doll quilt for our sweet friend's seventh birthday after I could move around again. She loved it and that made it all worthwhile.

My sister gave me a card addressed to "gimpy" and the inside said something to the effect, "that mama said there would be days like this." Really? O.K..... but such a huge chunk of the summer? Come on, now. It has to let up soon.

The new meditation

2010-08-03T15:53:00.002-04:00

Painting. I swear, I should have calculated the hours. I would be astounded. Nearly every bit of paneling on the first floor has been painted at this point.... by me.

Kitchen? Check.

Laundry room? Check.

Funky seventies bathroom with no less than 4 different colors of porcelain? Check.

I do believe it has helped my stress level just a tad. I love a task accomplished. To reward myself? Had to get a bird print from this talented lady.... it makes me very happy.

At the end of July

2010-07-30T09:45:00.004-04:00

I've been walking every morning.... early. It's the only way I've found in the last few weeks to get some time to myself, and get some exercise. At first, it seemed brutal to get dressed in the darkness of our quiet house. Now, I relish it. Each morning I am greeted by cool, grey mist and the singsong chatter of various birds. There is a mountain behind our house with neatly paved roads that I work my way up. It feels like a sense of accomplishment (which I'm not feeling as much in other areas of my life right now.)

It's been a difficult summer in both expected and unexpected ways. This is usually the time of season when I feel totally drained by the circus ride of providing an adventure camp for my children. It's amazing to spend so much quality time together, but the flip side of that is very little self care on my part. I also find that I am anxious about my mom and dad in ways that I have not experienced before. Suddenly, they both seem older and more frail. Maybe it is just my fears projected.

My mom is returning to outpatient radiology today for her second round of having her lung drained. Less than a week after the first procedure, her lung has filled again with an equal amount of fluid. (Last week they drained nearly two pounds.) So, today, is once more about letting go and sending good thoughts. My hope is to focus on the present, and enjoy this day without worrying endlessly about the future. No easy task for this girl, I tell you.

Headbands!

2010-07-26T13:29:00.001-04:00

Here's what we made... I fashioned my own pattern after looking at some others.

Here's what a friend made... just cut up strips of old t-shirts. Brilliant.

Here's what we found on the internet, should you be inspired:

fabric covered headbands

knit headbands

just one more (super easy peasy) knit headband

Have fun!

Good eats from the garden

2010-07-20T08:20:00.005-04:00

This is the time of year when the garden starts busting out bounty. Every afternoon we collect whatever it offers up. Now, I don't even have to beg the kids to save a few cherry tomatoes for dinner. There's always plenty.

Grilled radicchio has become my new favorite, thanks to introductions by my sister. Wash the leaves, pat dry. Coat each leaf lightly with olive oil and grill for a few minutes. (I use a grill basket.) Then bring it in and toss with fresh lemon juice and sea salt. I think it's AMAZING, but my husband and kids are a little less enthusiastic. It is this perfect blend of bitter, crunchy, tangy citrus, and salt. I could eat it all day. I bought radicchio seeds for the fall garden already. Guess they'll have to put up with my current obsession for a while.

This book was given to me last year by a friend. Absolute mind candy. The pictures are beautiful, and the recipes that I've tried are wonderful. I find myself dreaming about what to fix from the garden. There's a cherry tomato soup in there that I've got my eye on.

Lastly, a quick article of inspiration. I came across it this morning. It thrills me that these college students will be changing the state of the world through their ingenuity, and it wasn't a big market money driven endeavor. Go, girls, go.

Sprucing up the place

2010-07-13T14:24:00.025-04:00

I was antsy to get our home in order when I got back. That, and I wanted to nest, so the kids and I hung out for two days straight. It was like a little reunion, really. We didn't have a schedule. We played, crafted, read, cooked, sewed, and ate from the garden. I'm excited about the newest touches to our home. It's been lovely to slowly settle into this new space.

Some more cloth napkins. I was reminded of this print in my stash after attending a recent wedding. She had incorporated it beautifully in various parts of their reception. I couldn't wait to dig the fabric out, and I serged it up. (I definitely think I'll be selling napkins at our annual craft show in the fall. They are beautiful and environmentally sensitive gifts.)

A rocking chair and stool from my sister... before.

After.... an Anna Maria Horner fabric that I've had for a bit. Now I need to figure out how to recover that stool. Hmmmm. I started to tear it apart and it's not pretty.

Pillows using Joel Dewberry's Ginseng collection. I made a zip closure using Katie's wonderful tutorial. She is a fantastic quilter and an expert sewer. Go check it out. Easy peasy.

I feel this room is slowly coming together. It's been an organic process. Rather than filling it with clutter, I've waited to see what things the room needs. (Remember, we moved from a much smaller space and the new house is a tad empty in appearance.) Believe it or not, every single piece of furniture and lamp in this room was given to us or thrifted. We're getting there, and it feels like home.

While she naps...

2010-07-11T09:38:00.013-04:00

I'm back in my beloved mountains of North Carolina now and feeling grateful. My mom and dad are doing really well, and my mom is on her way to health. I got served breakfast in bed this morning by my husband. It was just so nice to have someone take care of me. I didn't know how much I needed that. I am enjoying being with the kids, walking around the garden, reacquainting myself with our home.

I am so thankful for all of the amazing friends that we have. It was as if the kids were on a mini summer camp; each day that I was gone was filled with special events and loving friends taking care of them. Meals rolled in the door too. Really, the last two weeks would not have been the same without so much support. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I got to do a little piecing when my mom was napping. I had intended to do something a little more off kilter, but found myself needing the stability of straight lines. I've been saving these fabrics for my son's four year old quilt. So I cut up strips and started putting them together however I felt. Therapy.

Honey, indeed!

2010-07-08T06:27:00.001-04:00

Guess what?! We harvested our first round of honey for 2010. It is liquid gold; we finished off the first pint in a day. I suspect that each of us kept sneaking a spoonful here and there. No matter, there's plenty. It's just an extraordinary thing to put honey in your mouth knowing it's from the bees you've been watching. We spun the frames ourselves this time and got about 9 gallons. Can you believe it? The next harvest should be in another 3 or 4 weeks. If you're local and you want some, let me know 'cause we're selling this year baby!

Our Independance Day weekend....

2010-07-06T14:01:00.006-04:00

... involved some much needed down time at our home just the four of us.

red, white, and blue.

My husband is calling it the bamboo forest. I spent an entire day in the garden staking tomatoes and weeding. I was desperate for some time in my garden after being gone.

Preparing for our evening together and keeping an eye out for the first lightening bugs to appear.

Celebrating with our campfire instead of fireworks, although we heard plenty.

Feeling grateful and content. Headed back to be with my parents tomorrow. My mom is home from the hospital and doing well, all things considered.

An update

2010-07-01T14:13:00.006-04:00

My mom did well in surgery yesterday. Her body and spirit were really strong. She had 5 bypasses, and is recovering in the ICU. The past 48 hours were grueling in many respects, but there were some amazing moments too. Being with my sisters, my cousin, and my dad while we waited was just wonderful. I also felt incredibly supported by my husband, friends, and other family members. So many people stepped up to the plate to care for our kids, and bring meals. It allowed me to drop everything and go. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I needed to be there. I truly believe that change is good, and positive things will be occurring.

In a state of shock...

2010-06-28T18:31:00.006-04:00

My mom had a heart attack yesterday.... out of the blue... on my husband's 40th birthday. She is stable in the ICU and scheduled for open heart surgery on Wednesday. I'm going there to be with her. Please send her your positive healing thoughts.... I believe it makes all the difference.

Remember me?

2010-06-20T13:27:00.017-04:00

Well now. Have you missed me? I know, I know. It's been a while. I could give you the novel or the cliff notes. I think the novel will need to wait, so I'll suffice it to say that there have been some ups and downs in the last couple of months, along with plenty of busyness on my part.

I have recently spent some time considering whether or not I want to continue this blog. I was surprised and gratified by people asking me when I would post again. I really didn't think that my absence would be much missed. Sometimes writing in this space seems a little silly and insignificant to me. Other times, I genuinely enjoy the process of sharing. In truth, it keeps my sisters and friends easily apprised of the things going on in my life.

We'll see what happens in the next few months. There's always plenty going on, and it may be the thing that has to give is the blog. But in the meantime, I'll show you some things I've been working on.

Teacher's gifts... I downsized the pattern for Amy Butler's swing bag. I like them just a little bit smaller than the original. (Now, do you see those doors they're hanging on? Each door was conditioned, stained, and polyurethaned by my husband and me. Then we put the hardware on and hung them. There's way more work in the doors than those bags, let me tell you!)

A quick cheater pillow. Japanese fabric machine appliqued onto a clearance priced pillow cover. Note that the trim is still not installed on the floorboards. Big sigh. This house is a work in progress, and I promise some pictures soon (for real this time, Jen!)

Working on a quilt for special friends who are grieving the loss of their son. It has helped to heal my heart as well.

And finally, the most gratifying for me of all, a vegetable garden at our new home. There is so much sun that I don't know what to do. I spaced things too closely because I'm not used to them growing so well. My husband protested when I asked him to till 8 rows that are 45 ft long each. Look! We needed every inch. It's packed, and things are cranking.

I walk out in my garden several times a day, and just watch things grow. I pick away at weeds, nibble the herbs, and revel in the dream of having a full sun garden... finally... after 14 years. Pinch me. Is this for real?

Twirly skirts and seven year old girls

2010-04-06T08:14:00.019-04:00

I absolutely love celebrating my children's birthdays. I am wrapped in memories of their births each year, and savor them like a fine wine. I get giddy planning the little surprises and treats. There is no shortage of excitement around here on birthdays. She was surrounded by loved ones and treats all weekend. It was unforgettable.

This year it was a bit more down to the wire than usual, but I was able to uncover my sewing machine and get busy making 3 twirly skirts for her. The tutorial is one that I found from 2008. It's here at Seven Layer Studio and gives directions for a range of sizes. I'm thrilled with it. It was quick to make and involved only 1 tier of gathering. That's a bonus! Last year I made this one and the second tier of gathering became tedious. I only made two more after that because I got tired of dealing with the gathering.

The only deviation I made from this tutorial was no topstitching and a rolled edge on the serger for the hem. Also, if you're serging, go ahead and do that gathering with your serger. Set the stitch length to the longest setting and differential feed to 2. Then you pull on the SHORTEST thread in the chain to gather. Easy peasy (unless you pull on the wrong thread.)

More of these skirts might be on the horizon. Really, there is nothing like making clothes for your children. It makes me grin to see her sailing through the yard in something I made for her. What warms my heart even more is when she comes to me with a specific request that I make her something. She's already asked if I can make some more skirts so she can wear one every day of the week. Sweet, huh?

Happy birthday sweet girl. It has been a joy to be your mother for these amazing seven years. Thank you for every inspiring minute of it.

The first of April...

2010-04-01T11:57:00.008-04:00

... is always the day that I celebrate the birth of my sister who passed away nearly seven years ago. I went for a run in the woods today and saw Spring Beauty, Trout Lily, and May Apples popping up along the trail. I also saw a calf energetically nursing, one lone Italian honey bee flitting about, and the white water of a rapid pulsing below on the river. Everything seemed crisp and bursting with excitement. I am here to tell you that great joy and beauty can permeate life despite terrible tragedy. Time is a healing salve.

I'm back....

2010-03-28T16:56:00.010-04:00

Today, I felt more myself than I have in a while. That's a difficult thing to explain. This past 3 months have been the hardest for me since our second was born. No one could have prepared me for the journey of the purchase of a home, it's renovation, a move from our home of 14 years, and the fixing up of said home for renters. That, and trying to remain a sane, kind, and cognisant mommy, wife, friend, sister, and daughter has pretty much pushed me to the breaking point at times. (Thank you everyone that has supported me in these last few months. It has been a roller coaster, and there were some unbelievably ungraceful moments along the ride. If you saw my not so pretty side, well then, you know what I'm talking about.)

Three years ago, I was snapping pictures of my beautiful little boy, reminding myself to appreciate every minute even if the beginning of his life was not the way I'd planned. This March, things are a little different, but I'm emerging to discover that we have acquired an incredible "new" home and I'm figuring out the rhythm of our days in this space.

Here's what I've been up to and where I'm going...

2010-03-08T13:22:00.009-05:00

These are pictures of the home with the previous owner's things. This is what we saw when we decided to buy. You definitely had to have a strong imagination. I'll show you more pictures later, and you'll see what I mean.

Another angle of that same room. See the back wall behind the unlit lamp? That's one of the ones we ripped out.

We've learned a lot about home renovation. It's been a lot of hard work on our part to keep the costs down. The kids have spent the past 6 weeks engaged in imaginary play about every form of demolition and construction. They've even helped in parts of the process, picking up nails, bringing buckets of gravel, sweeping, and fetching. It's been the subject of hours of discussions.

This is that same room sans a few walls with sheet rock, paint, and oak floors. Can you believe the difference? This week we're moving, and it's slow-going and exhausting. We're still staining doors, and there's painting left to be done. Then we get the house we're in now ready for renters by the end of the month. So.... I'll be focusing on some other things for a while, but I promise to be back in a couple of weeks.

Six year olds are just the smartest, aren't they? She needs a little down time, and she makes it clear (more or less.) Easy peasy. I'm taking my cue from her (more or less.)

March Snow

2010-03-03T09:54:00.015-05:00

Oh, why not? I'm laughing at myself for saying on Monday that I was ready to embrace whatever this week brought me. I didn't look at the forecast. Humph.

It is a beautiful one. Different from some of the recent episodes ... very wet, and falling off in great clumps. It is terrific for snow balls. Don't know what the bees think about all of this, though.

We actually had a lot of fun yesterday. It put the daily routine on hold again. Lots of playtime and crafting. Today is another day with no school. I'm starting to feel itchy, but every time I get grouchy, I pick up my knitting or put on some new music. I think we're breaking the baking fast and making banana bread today. Yesterday was several rounds of popcorn and Cara Cara oranges. Have you tried them? Amazing.

The biggest hit, beyond playing in the snow, was making horses from Ann Wood's horse template. She is such an incredible artist! I printed them on card stock, and both kids enjoyed coloring and painting. I made one too. Then, my daughter and I cut them out. We used craft brads rather than wire and buttons. These horses have provided plenty of entertainment in imaginary play. Their moving legs are just brilliant.

If you're running out of ideas, this one is well worth trying.

Edited: go check out Made by Joel; a friend turned me on to his blog in the comments for this post. You won't regret it!

Winter's wisdom

2010-03-01T06:37:00.015-05:00

Yes, we had more snow this weekend. I'm getting very used to it. The kids and I went on a great hike with a friend that involved some ice skating on trails. We spent more time in doors than usual, but filled it with a little crafting, playing, knitting, and sewing. (Baking is out because I'm not eating any more treats. "Enough is enough!" says my waistline.)

It was kind of nice to admit to you all how sad and tired I felt last week. I didn't try to jump start myself. Instead, I just kind of let myself curl up emotionally; I was more quiet than usual.

With my children, I find myself acknowledging and allowing for their "not-so-pretty" emotions... sadness, anger, frustration, boredom. You know the ones, and they usually don't contribute to serene days. I love the moments of joy and laughter, but for every wonderful moment there is a not so great one sure to follow. I'm always reminding myself that they are little humans and that all emotions are appropriate. I work to help them find ways to appropriately express whatever their emotion may be.

Last week, I gave myself permission to feel the not so great emotions. It was hard. Mama keeps the show running, and my kids were keenly aware at times that I was feeling sad. It gave us openings to talk about that. It was kind of nice. I realized that my children's empathy and understanding are deeper than I give them credit.

Yesterday, I perused old files of pictures. I looked my babies' birth pictures, and everything after that. It was so sweet, and I realized that life is catapulting forward. Were do the days go? This one is of my little boy looking out at the snow two Februaries ago. I can remember him chanting "snow, snow, SNOW!!!" with all the excitement of new speech. That, and it used to be a spectacular winter event that RARELY occurred in these parts. Not this year, though.

So, this week, I'm open to experiencing all that life has to offer, easy emotions and yucky ones. I want to continue living intentionally and savoring my time with my loved ones. It is a precious event.

Happy first of March, to you my friends! Here's to Spring creeping down the path. (May she hurry it up, just a little. No pressure, or anything.)

Some quiet time is needed

2010-02-25T12:51:00.010-05:00

I feel a need to withdraw officially from this space until next week. I've been grappling with grief these last few days, and some personal issues. My friend's son died unexpectedly on Monday; he would have been 21 in mid March. I've been holding my children a little more closely, and relishing their weight in my lap. I find myself silently reciting lines to a poem I wrote nearly twenty years ago.... probably about the time this young man was a toddler.

Winter's Women

It is the howling

of wolves, surrounded

by peaks of snow-packed

longing. Their necks extend

heads back, ears flattened.

They stand solid, shamelessly

each mouth wide, jaws

relinquishing the call that is

frosted hot and deep

like the wind.

I have seen these wolves

in women whose grief

demands release from the

muscles of their abdomens.

They toss back their heads,

eyes closed and twisted into

red grooves, as the sound rises

from esophagus to tongue, out

into the wind. It is a harsh wind

which soothes the scorching

phlegm of each wolf's agony,

and the women know it.

Our valentine's weekend

2010-02-15T13:21:00.018-05:00

Can I just tell you that I am astounded by the love in our life? I receive so much from my friends and family; it really is remarkable. I've always been an "in the closet" Valentine's day lover. I can look right past all the commercialism. The whole concept of expressing appreciation and love for those that you care about is my kind of holiday. That, and I secretly adore the combination of red and white. So, here are some glimpses of this weekend's treats.

Can you see the fairies flitting around with us in Friday night's snow?

I finally embraced the sheer beauty and stopped grumbling.

Chocolate peanut butter cup making.... the recipe from some one's blog, but I can't remember who now. Email me if you want it... it's too die for.

Placed in a reused container decorated with some Modge Podge and fabric.

Cookies made at a friend's, filled with their homemade cherry jam!

A quick little surprise for my big girl, using a nothing special shirt from her drawer.

What were your valentine's treats? I'd love to hear.

It's snowing again...

2010-02-12T15:30:00.016-05:00

Can you hear my curses from here?! It is beautiful, but will not really be enough to go sledding in. I was thinking about a trail run in the morning, but it will be enought to ruin that. Foiled again. I'm fluffing out the tops of my jeans, people! This is not good. I am NOT buying, or for that matter, making new pants. No way.

Thank you for all of your wise input about the quilt donation. I gave it to our school yesterday afternoon and the minute I walked out, I knew I had done the right thing. Oddly, my friend Liz let me know in the comments from yesterday's post that a bag I had donated for her school will be paired with her pillows in their school auction. And they didn't know we are friends! Another total aside is that the pink fabric in that donated bag is from skirts that I helped another friend of ours (Miss Heather G., you know who you are) make for their breast cancer fundraising walk in Boston. It just all comes full circle, this giving thing. Now, I just need to work on embracing the snow.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends, no matter what your weather brings!

A retrospective

2010-02-10T17:43:00.001-05:00

These photos make me nostalgic. I took these pictures at the end of November. I can't remember seeing this patch of ground without snow. It's been covered in shades of white since December 19. My, how February does drag on this year. I nearly killed myself going for a trail run on the snow and ice this week. Still, I slugged through six miles of varying degrees of ice, slush, mud, and snow. Mentally, I felt better for it, but I pulled my butt muscle. Well worth the sacrifice if you ask me.

This quilt was fun for me and quick. The design is Chinese stacked coins... I think. I used Moda Wonderland, and sliced up a jelly roll. I figured the layout and dimensions on my own. I was just itching to make a quilt and I feel that same itch right now. Sadly, it's not in the cards at the moment.

I made this lap size quilt for sale. My first. I listed it for $195 at our November show. My friend told me later that she felt it was under priced. It was such a lovely compliment. I have no idea. I never listed it to etsy, because I felt so conflicted. Making a quilt for sale just didn't feel quit right. That's hard to explain. I think it's because every ever quilt I've made was filled with intention for the recipient. I often stitch the word "love" into the the free motion quilting of a quilt that I make. That's pretty literal intention, isn't it?

So... because it never felt right to list it for sale, I'm considering donating it for my daughter's school fundraiser. It's a public school that is brimming with good things. What do ya'll think? I'm curious to know. I need to make my decision in the next few days.

Any thoughts?

Saturday night social

2010-02-05T11:50:00.028-05:00

This was a house warming gift to us from good friends. They purchased it from their neighbor, an artist who knew nothing about us. On the night before our friends came here, they called her up and told her they wanted to buy it and give it to us the next day. They had seen it once, and loved the colors and the dancing bears. The artist, Debbie Whitsett said it was unfinished, but that she would complete it that night and they could come by the next day. She finished the painting by adding the honey bees and a white wolf. Now, those of you who know us, just felt a little shiver. Remember, the artist knew nothing about us.

We had a white timber wolf hybrid for 13 years. She parted from this world when our daughter was two and I was pregnant with our son. We do not support breeding wolves with dogs, but Kogi entered into our life by chance from a situation of abuse. She was an unbelievable spirit and very wolf in every way. It was an absolute honor to be a part of her life. We were her pack, and she, the Alpha wolf, watched over us. My daughter still vividly recalls her time with this wolf, and she was only 2 when Kogi passed away. Then, of course, there are the honey bees which have become a constant in our lives. We carefully tend them, celebrate their presence, and eat their honey every day.

I have never received a house warming gift. I couldn't have. I've never purchased a home of my own before now because I moved in with my husband nearly fourteen years ago. I was brought to tears by the perfectness of this painting. The vibrancy of color... the joyous movement and magic throughout... well, it's just so us. It was the very first thing we hung on the wall (before we tore that wall down.) We camped out on the floor under it looking forward to years of enjoying it's presence in our lives, a beautiful reminder of tremendous hope and joy.

The current state of affairs

2010-02-04T13:30:00.011-05:00

This was the kids' bedroom.

This is what it looks like at the moment. I know, I know. Those of you who worship the seventies are devastated to hear that such beautiful avocado green carpet is now in a dumpster in the drive. Really, recycle, renew, reuse has it's limits. So the entire house looks like this at present. We hope to be in there in the next five to six weeks. Last weekend was just a sleep over, but it sure was fun.

In our new house...

2010-02-02T20:48:00.004-05:00

from our bedroom window... first thing in the morning.

same spot... mid morning. I think I can get used to this.

Drum roll, please....

2010-01-26T14:09:00.001-05:00

Apparently, I'm a big tease. I am, aren't I? Several emailed to ask politely if I'm pregnant. Gosh. That hadn't even occurred to me. Nope. We're done in that department.

We bought a house! Woo hooooo!!!! And we get to keep our current sweet home. Woooooooo hoooooo!!!! Even though I've been on Cloud 9, I am flat out exhausted by keeping up with two homes and all the logistics associated. (Plus, I am far behind in the 2009 entries to Quick Books for my husband's business. Details.)

We are readying our current home for renters. I am just thrilled to keep this sweet, sweet place. For a while in October and November, we entertained the idea of selling it and I was just beside myself. I love this home. Sure, it's old and it has it's issues, but it just a wonderful space. We have spent almost fourteen years here together. I go on a trail run from my back door. The gardens are phenomenal after years of work. The problem is that this precious little cottage is 940 square feet and the four of us are just bursting it's seams.

Our "new" home is a rancher born the same year as me. Yep. She's an early seventies girl and let me tell you, every aspect of the seventies is still intact within her solidly built walls. I will be spending many months painting. That's painting, not sewing. Good thing I love color, and painting.

So now, you can look forward to many posts about moving, painting, redecorating, and creating new gardens, I guess. (I know, I know. I promise to keep it interesting.) I have some other things brewing in my head that will surely make it onto the page. Alrighty, then. Time for me to go get busy. It was fun keeping you in suspense for a few hours though.

It's been an exciting start to a new year!

2010-01-26T10:05:00.000-05:00

I've got big news that I'm burning to tell you, but I haven't even had the time to talk with my sister yet, so I'd better get on that first. I promise to come back to this space soon and share.

Healing thoughts...

2010-01-14T13:23:00.000-05:00

... for those suffering in Haiti.

indoor "sand" box

2010-01-12T06:43:00.000-05:00

flour...

dried beans....

horses, elephants, and trucks... oh, my!

just a few minutes here and there for mama...

you get the picture.

Ice Fishing, of course.

2010-01-10T17:15:00.054-05:00

We always go on an outdoor adventure together at least one day on the weekends. That's our routine, like a glue that keeps us tightly joined. It was 23 degrees when we walked out the door this morning ( a much better alternative than staying inside with cabin fever percolating.) Since we don't have ice skates, and there's not much snow left, well then, fishing it is. We walked, wrapped like polypropylene mummies, to the pond.

The tedious process of cutting through the ice extracted a hunk that was around 6 inches thick. This was deemed safe and we proceeded to make the surface of the pond our playground.

Ta da!!!! An ice fishing hole. Initially, there was so much excitement around this hole and the possibility of catching a fish. We sat, we watched. No fish. The kids and I have an adventurous attention span. We were not the most loyal fisher persons.

Before long it was just daddy by himself while the kids and I walked all over water.

(Now, I recognize this is no big deal to my Canadian friends, but for those of us who have grown up in the southeastern United States.... a month of below freezing temps is just not reality. Honestly, I still can't wrap my brain around it. The rhythm of my days is seriously warped.)

I found myself wandering around, looking for images to capture. The kids were in bliss discovering things beneath the ice. Often I looked up to find them nose to the ice, oblivious to any discomfort. It was a brand new way for them to experience the pond that they know so well.

A lovely way to spend the morning, if I do say so myself (and I'm not much of a cold weather person.) We will always remember this day that we cavorted on the water of our pond. "Magic" is what I heard our daughter say to our son. In our own little world, we made history today. We walked, ran, slide, and fished on water. It will be entered into one of our family chapters... "Remember that winter when it was so cold, for so long, that we...."

gardening indoors....

2010-01-08T09:25:00.027-05:00

I saw this post this morning and it inspired some creativity on my part. We have become weary of indoor play and craft projects. Another day at home with single digit temps at the start. It's brutal and it's not as if there is any snow to actually play in. Our spinach and arugula has frozen under the frame. The kids were bummed. I was bummed. This many weeks of such cold temps are just not the norm around here.

So this little project was a perfect way for the kids and I to reconnect with our little gardening souls. A sweet potato and an avocado.... that's what we had in the house. I looked here and scrolled down to discover how to plant an avocado. I dug out my bulb forcing vases. We also planted the amaryllis bulb given to us. We had leftover dirt from the kit, so we found another vase and started brainstorming what else we could plant. We got out the leftover seed packets, and were fingering through them. I looked up. A rosemary stalk blossoming tiny perfect lavender blue buds. Ah ha! We had rescued it from the snow where it had been smashed and broken to the ground. We cut it's end and placed it in pot of dirt. (I'll ask my husband for some rooting hormone when he comes home. It should give it a stronger start.)

It felt so lovely to have dirt on our hands. My six year old told my three year old about how plants need water, light, and dirt to grow. Then we marvelled that the avocado and the sweet potato would root and grow without dirt. They named our new friends, Mrs. Avocado Egg and Mr. Potato Head. Perfect, don't you think?

Now we get to watch them grow when nothing outside is sprouting right now. The anticipation and the excitement got me all jazzed up too. I can't wait for warmer temperatures. Last year in February we were turning beds and planting potatoes. I can feel Mrs. A.E and Mr. P.H. growing as I write. Can you?

Fairyland

2010-01-05T13:55:00.002-05:00

My daughter received a wonderful gift from my parents which has inspired hours of play on her part. Many of the items within the gift were ones that my parents or my husband and I could have made (had we the time.) The mantra was "simplify" though, and the investment was well worth it. These tree blocks and furniture for the fairies, along with some small baskets, green wool roving, and a family of little felt gnomes were the contents of the gift.

There were some additions that were not purchased items, but things collected from outside. My mom and daughter glued some pine cones and bark for trees. They made their own little table and chairs with twigs and bark. Then my daughter added in her little felted bunny, and we felted food for the baskets. Really, it has inspired additional creativity and endless variations of imaginary play. The most important part has been that it has contributed to all inside play during these twenty degree days. There is no dollar value that can be placed on a mama's sanity.

This is one of my favorite kinds of gifts for my children. (I've become kind of picky after nearly seven years of watching toys come in my door.) It's important to me that toys generate imaginative play, but also allow my children to create the "stage" for the play as much as possible. It seems that the less "props," the better. Shoe boxes become sleds, blocks become houses, wide open oceans and pastures are created with blankets, fabrics, or silks. I am realizing that less is really more. My children are teaching me all along the way.

Since the holiday stress is over, I'm ready to try my hand at making a few fairies of my own. I borrowed a lovely book from a friend that I plan to use to make some of my own. It's titled "Felt Wee Folk: enchanting projects" and written by Salley Mavor. If I didn't already have many of the supplies, plus the book to guide me along, I would most likely purchase this little kit. It seems very fairly priced, and similar to what I envision making for my little girl's birthday in just 3 months.

So, how about you all? Was there a favorite gift for your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew? Sometimes the most unlikely things are the biggest hit. I know, don't tell me. Your two year old was just enamoured by the cardboard box and that one year old? All you needed to give him was wrapping paper to crumple again and again. It really is amazing isn't it? Kids need so little to entertain them.

Giving up the goods, part two

2009-12-31T06:20:00.022-05:00

I'm sharing more of the gifts we made because as always, my hope is to inspire others. I often never take pictures of the things I'm making and post them. It starts to feel like bragging or something closely akin. That's not how I am at all. I'm confident, but I try to be humble. I don't want to minimize myself or the things that I choose to do, but I don't want this space to be a braggart's book. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that hopefully my sharing is inspirational for you. Maybe I should just stop rambling, and show you the goods!

These are a new pattern I created for jumbo crayon rolls. They were fun, but I found that when they are actually rolled it is not as smooth as pencil rolls because of the crayons' chunky nature. Also, I think kids this young probably need an elastic rubber band closure, and not a tie. Still, they turned out remarkably cute and the hedgehog fabric is my new favorite.

A roll for my daughter which she bugged me endlessly about. She somehow felt neglected because her brother received one from me in August. It cracked me up because of course, I was only waiting for Christmas to arrive to give it to her. Silly girl.

Another new favorite for me, is this robot roll for a boy. I want to insert a quick "thank you" to all who purchased pencil rolls from me in the past few months. I had no idea how popular they would be and by Christmas I had made about forty. That's a lot of pencil rolls since August. Some day I will share the pattern I created, including a little tutorial.... you know, with all my free time.

One of the things that I enjoy is my children's excitement about creating gifts for others. The act of creating and giving is something that is very much a part of my family. My mom and dad have done it for years. They both have an incredible array of talents. Every Christmas to this adult day, my dad gives us each a bundle of hickory and often, black walnut chips. He carefully gathers the nuts every year, dries them, cracks them open, and then sits with a needle hour after hour picking out the nut meat. Isn't that just phenomenal? We call him a squirrel.

These are two pillows that my daughter drew, and then specified that I sew a certain way. She used Pentel fabric crayons, and her designs will not wash out. The Santa scene was for our family and the cardinal and nest was for her brother on his bed. He was thrilled to discover she'd made him a gift. I think he's old enough now to understand how special that is.

Finally, even though it was just a couple of days before Christmas I made a doll quilt for my niece. I just had to, really I did. I had made one for my daughter, and my niece is super special to me. So... I focused on that six year old girl's excitement and I got busy.

Design-wise, I wasn't that crazy about my the front of the quilt, but I love the back. The nifty thing is that no six year old will pause to care about color and value in a quilt top.

I was inspired by the size of the doll quilt. I think in the coming year, I will be creating more small, artistic wall hanging type pieces. I still get to draw with thread and play with fabric, but on a smaller scale. We'll see.

Anyhow, now I'm off to go enjoy an afternoon walk with my family. Presents for the holiday are done, and now it's time to ring in a new year. We are staying in tonight... we pretty much always do on New Year's Eve. It's board games and baked brie tonight... oh, and some red wine for mama, of course. Happy brand New Year to you, wherever you are. May it be filled with health, peace, joy, and creativity!

Giving up the goods

2009-12-30T14:57:00.002-05:00

Alrighty, then. It's time to share some of what we created before the holidays, now that it's no longer "top secret." There really were some good reasons for why I was so tired the other day. Even though I did simplify, there were still gifts I wanted to make, and I'm glad I did. It is gratifying for me to give handmade. The excitement of making something for someone is what jazzes me up. I love to make things and give them to people, but find I have less and less time for it.

I needle felted an entire flock of birds, but neglected to take pictures of most of them before I gave them away. There was a cardinal, a gold finch, a chickadee, this blue bird, and a brown robin (of course.) Then I got busy on a honey bee for my husband, and this sweet little cat for my sister. Needle felting can be a wee bit obsessive, but I love sitting quietly and being toasty warm when I work. My sewing "porch" is drafty and I would much rather be curled up on the couch or my bed this time of year. Really, these ornaments were my selfish pursuit of evening meditation.

My daughter, who has gotten really good at felting cookie cutter ornaments wanted to make her own three dimensional animal. I explained some of the concepts to her, and she barely paused. She's six and half years old and felted this bunny, almost entirely by herself! Then she needed some food for the bunny...

The month of December is really not complete until my husband and I make beeswax candles. Making candles was one of the nice parts of the snow storm. Between the two of us, we melted and poured almost six pounds of bees wax. That's a lot of candles!

This was my first time to purchase sheets of beeswax for rolled candles from Brushy Mountain Bee Farms. We buy all of our beekeeping supplies and beeswax from them; they are a wonderful North Carolina small business. Then I found some polymer clay "cookie" cutters. We stamped these shapes and my daughter rolled the candles and put different shapes on simply by applying pressure (sometimes with the warmth of a hair dryer to help in melt in a little.) This activity was a little frustrating for my outgoing three year old, but a thrill for my six year old.

During nap time one afternoon, I made peppermint bees wax lip balm. This is something I've wanted to try for a long time. I bought a $20 kit from Brushy Mtn. It was easy peasy and so much fun! Now I want to experiment more with other recipes and try some body balms as well. I was simply amazed at how well the lip balm turned out, and between beeswax candles and beeswax lip balm, I had plenty of teacher and friend gifts. (Just so you know, all the ingredients and the containers, plus the recipe came in the kit.)

For teachers, I made each a little quilted zip pouch with a container of lip balm tucked in side, along with another treat or two.

I had big plans of making more for my friends and sisters, but that was one of the things that got nixed in the interest of simplifying.

Now, if you haven't had enough yet, come back tomorrow and I'll share just a little more.

The aftermath...

2009-12-27T13:32:00.018-05:00

... of the storm, plus the holidays, for me has been mind numbing exhaustion. I really did simplify. I'm proud of myself for this. We baked just one kind of cookie this year. I made less handmade gifts then I had originally planned. We consumed a can or two more of soup then we usually eat around here.

Still, as of this morning I was just exhausted. So I forced myself out the door early, and went for a walk in the still snow covered woods with one of my long time friends. We have been friends now for fourteen years, and it set my world straight to spend the morning with her. I whined and complained, often making no sense what so ever. And what did she do? She gave me exactly what I needed; it was the greatest gift. We walked and talked, and she listened and loved me anyway. Then she offered me an acupuncture treatment.

Today, she treated me on a point on the body that is loosely translated "New Chapter" in acupuncture. I love that. Yes, indeed, it is time for the next chapter. I got up from the acupuncture table no longer needing to look back...

New Chapter.

The beginning of winter...

2009-12-21T16:33:00.030-05:00

... and the longest night of the year. Here in Western North Carolina, we are experiencing the biggest snow storm we've had since 1993. I'm feeling so many emotions on this Winter Solstice, so I'll share.

Awed... by the shear enormity of it all. I am so small, and in reality, I have so little control. Many of our friends and family members have had struggles during this time. So many people have lost power and one can only imagine what it would be like to be without a home.

Grateful... for the blessings and the unexpected bounty of this past year.

Amazed... by the beauty of it all. Enough said.

Joyful.... it has been so much fun to play like children, and stop for a few days all of life's commitments.

Sad... just a little bit, because I was looking forward to an evening with good friends tonight to celebrate the solstice. (Those friends are healthy and well, just stranded in their home so we'll see them soon.)

Expectant... in my own imperfect, optimistic way. I am looking forward to all of the good that is to come in the next year. This night... tonight, marks the longest, and in my mind, a magical one of the year. So I will just say, because I can, "Peace be with you my friends." In our hectic world, it is just fine to live with a lovely mixture of imperfection, comedy, joy, and grace. We all do the best that we can.

three year old boys...

2009-12-17T17:17:00.005-05:00

On our walk today, he found some rocks. Then he started stacking them. Then he knocked them over. He looked up and noticed me watching, so he said,

"Look, mom they stack... and they're muddy... really muddy! Yucky!!!! And they go crash, and can cut, cut, cut. Mom.... can you hold them in your pocket for me?"

And what did I do? Well... I put them in my pocket, of course. I walked along, feeling the weight and muddiness of them, marvelling at the differences between my daughter and son. I was remembering her when she was three, then it hit me. This would be the very last December that he will be three. Next year, walking along that same path in December, he will be four. He will have changed. He will have grown, just like she has.

I made a pact with myself right then to continue reminding myself to savor every minute that I can.

A simple reminder

2009-12-15T05:57:00.006-05:00

I'm really writing this post for myself, but I thought I might share it. We went on the nicest walk yesterday afternoon with one of my most grounding friends and her daughter. It just set me straight. I really believe that we bring those into our lives that we very much need to learn from.

The holidays can be such an unbelievably stressful time when really, that's not what it's about at all. Then, if you enter into crafty blogland, well... it's easy to feel as if you should be doing a whole lot more. There are so many amazing ideas out there, and an incredible energy, but let's face it. It can be hard to achieve anything close to what we see other's doing. It just depends, doesn't it? The variables are different for each of us... how many kids do you have, how old are they, how many hours do you work, how many commitments have you made, how many financial resources do you have, what are the family stressors, how's every one's health (including your own)? The list could go on and on.

I like to visit blogs, when I have time, to gain inspiration. There is an incredible river of creativity and parenting out there. I love to learn from others. Sometimes, though, I start to crater into a fit of despair. I am simply not doing enough, not creating what I want, or not parenting as well as I can. It's such a Catch 22. And here's the thing, I hear it all the time from others that visit craft blogs.

So, I'm reminding myself that it's not a competition. There are no judges. If there's an opportunity to create (and give) that makes me feel good (and fits my family's needs), well then, I'm all about it. I do the best that I can as a parent every day, and it is what it is. I'm going to continue gently reminding myself during the month of December to take more walks with my kids, explore, create, and enjoy. Living in the moment and enjoying what we have serves me so well. Worrying about the future, generating gifts, and becoming a driven work horse of craftiness starts to take it's toll. I will simply need to curtail my list of to do's if I'm going to be anything close to the generous, fun-loving, healthy soul that I desire to be.

It's all such a balance, isn't it? My word for today is simplify. I hope that you too, can gain inspiration from the idea of simplifying. Really, I think, we may all be better for it.

Shop update... pass it on!

2009-12-12T10:28:00.008-05:00

Whew! Finally. It's all in my shop. Handmade for holiday gifts.

Now, off to get some of my own together!

Have a wonderful weekend, friends.

Bees wax candles

2009-12-09T06:20:00.008-05:00

The light in me sees the light in you ...

These are pictures from our first candle making experience which was last year with friends for Winter Solstice. We really had no idea what we were doing, but I brought the bees wax and wick, while friends brought the oranges. We dug the oranges out, melted the wax, put the wick in and held it up with sticks spontaneously gathered from outside, then we poured. It really is easy peasy, and hard to mess up. I'm chuckling, remembering our process of figuring it out. I'd always imagined up to that point that it was rocket science and way out of my league. Honestly, though, anyone can do it.

You can use a jar like we did, but you will need to keep a hold on it (with a potholder) as it tends to float around a bit. Whatever you melt the wax in will definitely not be usable for anything other than melting wax ever after. My husband and I have made many rounds of candles now and it's worth purchasing one of these if you're going to continue making lots of candles. We especially love ordering from Brushy Mountain Bee Farm. They have all the supplies you'll need, including the bees wax.

So, since that night nearly a year ago, we have had a bees wax candle light nearly every night at our dinner table. It's become a tradition that we all enjoy. Even if we forget, the kids remind us, and it's as much a part of our family dinners as the "gratefuls" we say at the table.

There is something about a clean home...

2009-12-06T10:20:00.002-05:00

The sad reality is that around here we rarely achieve this. It is usually cluttered, dusty, and well, definitely very lived in. Yes, our home is filled with joy, and a rowdy exuberance that borders on chaos some days. It is wonderful in it's own way, but rarely clean.

Each family member prefers to create, rather than keep things clean and neat. A friend always reminds me that it's more important to do all that we're doing than keep a perfectly neat home. She often points out that these years will be gone before I know it.

So... it takes a visitor coming to get us to clean up like this.

Don't laugh. I ran around taking pictures before he got here so that I could relish the cleanliness in photograph form. (The dust is, as I write, resuming residence... and the clutter? I won't say more.)

But, I do enjoy the sense of peace that I feel when things are clean and orderly. It's such a toss up. Do I run around, picking up after everyone and constantly giving reminders to put things away? Or do you let go and give in, enjoying all the moments that you can?

I'm aiming for a balance between the two... we'll see how that goes.

Gratitude necklaces and corn husk dolls

2009-11-25T08:17:00.013-05:00

We have been busy little bees. Everyone in our family helped with the makings of these. The kids gathered acorns, daddy drilled the holes, and I felted many little colorful balls. We call them our gratitude necklaces and it really was such a fun project to work on together. Honest. We made about 60, enough for all of the children in both kids' classes, plus some to share with friends.

We sent in a little note to the teachers of both classes for them to read when they hand out the necklaces if they chose. It said:

Bears, squirrels, and deer all feel grateful when they find acorns on the ground for their food.

These necklaces can be a little reminder of the things and people in our lives that we are grateful for.

Our son and daughter were so excited to take them to share with their friends at school. It made the effort worth it. My favorite part, though, was how it engaged us as a family. We were all focused on our little project, and it inspired a sense of pride in even our youngest when our task was accomplished. Last night, my husband and I stayed up talking while we glued and threaded necklaces together. If only life could be so simple all the time.

These are the corn husk dolls that we made yesterday in preparation for a craft project that I am leading at my daughter's school today. A very nice tutorial explains the process here. Now, my six year old wants to make a horse to go with the dolls. Hmmm. I hadn't counted on that, but we might have to give it a go.

So... we are looking forward to the holiday tomorrow and through the weekend. We will be spending time with several dear friends... sharing meals, walking in the woods, and maybe even a little crafting. My wish for each of you is a peaceful and joy filled holiday. I will be reminding myself to slow down and take a moment to consider all that I am grateful for.

The magic of fairies in our family...

2009-11-19T13:28:00.028-05:00

In the weeks leading up to the Handmade Holidays show, I neglected so many things. Where to start? There was less volunteering, less time for my husband, kids, and friends, a shorter fuse on my part, less running in the woods for me, and no blog posts. I was barely keeping the essential balls in the air (like meals), let alone juggling any extras. I kept reminding myself NOT to "pack my bags and go on a guilt trip." (This phrase is credited to a dear friend who makes me bust out laughing every time she says it.)

At the set up for the show, I was sharing with a friend about the fairy house that my daughter had constructed with her dad. I had no part in it, as he'd been filling in all the gaps due to my craziness to get ready for the show. In describing their deepening relationship, I realized that many of the recent moments between them had occurred precisely because I WASN'T in the picture. Not that I impede their relationship, but I think you get what I mean. My lack of presence gave him the opportunity to be more present for the kids.

I marvel at this creation of theirs. My husband has never seen the info out there for parents about building fairy homes. He just joined in her imaginative process and they created. She left a note for the fairies, asking for a crystal and magically it appeared. (I had no part in that one either. I kept forgetting and the note sat there a few days. Thank heaven for daddies.)

This sweet house has several ramps and doors, a ladder, a swing (pictured above), and a lovely porch with a bench to hang out on. Don't you just want to move right in? I kidded my husband that he should start a new business as he has such obvious talent.

When I look out the window at the fairies' home, I can almost see them flitting about. It is such a nice reminder of family, magic, and what we can create.

Handmade Holidays Show

2009-11-17T09:11:00.007-05:00

It all starts with a lot of sewing. (How many bag handles can you count?)

Then comes the fun part.... drawing with thread.

Finally the big day arrived. All that prep, and set up, and suddenly you are part of a show put on by two wonderful women in support of local craftswomen and an amazing grassroots non-profit called Arts for Life.

I have to tell you that it was just a lovely event. The women who are invited to sell at this show are some of the friendliest and most talented. It was really something.... an absolute pleasure.

It wasn't just about the money I made or the money that we raised for Arts for Life, although all of that was wonderful. This was the second year of the show, and I have begun to feel a sense of community with these women. I had some amazing conversations that inspired me to want to create and explore more.

I also received so many affirmations about myself as a blossoming quilter and artist. This last little bit may be hard for me to explain, but I'll try. There were many talented and tasteful women there who gave me compliments about my work. Visualizing myself as an artist is something I've been working through for many years. There are certainly some self esteem issues to sort through and old messages to cleanse. I'm working on it; this weekend was such a positive step in that process. So on that note, I want to say thank you to all of my friends and my family who supported me. It was important to me in more ways than you can possibly imagine.

(P.S. I did have a handful of bags left that I will post for sale on my etsy by the end of this week. If you're local and didn't get a chance to stop by, email me and you can come take a look.)

Still here....

2009-11-03T09:57:00.008-05:00

Hello friends. Yes. I'm still here. I have so much to show and tell you, but have just been unplugged. I really haven't had time to sit down at the computer. It's just been that busy, or we've been outside consuming every ounce of autumn. I promise to give you a glimpse of all the beautiful sewing I've been doing lately. Soon, very soon. Please come back to visit... soon, very soon.

Fall in Western North Carolina

2009-10-26T06:07:00.002-04:00

amazing...

Nine years ago today

2009-10-21T12:41:00.015-04:00

It awes me.... what we have. We have lived together for thirteen years and been married today for nine. We have experienced tragedies and triumphs together. We have birthed and are raising two amazing children. There have been no shortage of life lessons.

These flowers filled the bedroom we share together now on the day that I put on my dress for our wedding. I was surrounded by powerful and loving women in that room as I got ready. The love we felt as our family and friends gathered outside under the brilliant fall leaves radiated all around us during the ceremony. It has been as much a part of our marriage as our own love for one another.

When I planted these mums nine years ago, I had no idea what the future would bring. I knew that I was making a lifetime commitment that was one of the very most "right" things I have ever done. Each year these flowers bloom on our anniversary, reminding us of the richness of our choice. What an incredible choice it was, and continues to be.

Family traditions

2009-10-19T09:54:00.002-04:00

There are certain things that have become tradition in our household.... a benchmark, if you will, for each season. I didn't necessarily set out to establish this rhythm when we had children, but it has emerged over time. Traditions in families make a whole lot of sense to me now that I'm a parent. They provide structure and consistency for children in the most fluid and time-honored way. They also fill our year with a sense of connection as a family, and there is always a certain excitement about anticipating each seasonal event. I cherish the traditions we had as a child, and find great joy in weaving new ones into the fabric of my young family now.

One of our fall traditions, like so many other Western North Carolina families, is to go to a local orchard and pick apples. I have several years of pictures now, documenting each event. I looked back through each year and was shocked to see how much our children have grown and changed (and how much they looked alike at the age of 3!)

And of course, once we got our apples home, we had to make our requisite apple pie. This little blue gem came with the house, if you can believe it. It was up on a dusty shelf in the pantry. Both kids had a ball cranking and we wished we had more apples. My guess is, now that we've found this, we'll be getting a whole bunch more apples in the coming weeks. Applesauce is next on the list.

(A random aside... the leaf my little guy gave me as a gift. He's shifted from picking flowers for me, to finding the prettiest leaf and bringing it in.)

And of course, I had to take a picture of the finished product. I will tell you that there was plenty of cursing during the making of this crust. I decided to try all whole wheat; it was a different animal... a very ornery one. I finally got the consistency right (much to my surprise) and it was pronounced "yummy scrummy." I'm not an intuitive cook, so I felt it was surely headed for the compost. Whew. It was a close one.

This is the book we read every year as part of our tradition. It's terrific for the 2-6 yr range. What I love about this book, is not only it's illustrations, but the story itself. A brother and sister share their understanding of the seasons by telling how their apple tree changes. The tree is depicted as if it is a part of the family, and the ultimate end surprise is an apple pie made from it's apples in the fall. The book even includes a description of pollination by honey bees at the end. Gotta love that! (Fall, Leaves, Fall by Zoe Hall is also great!)

One more of our favorites, though we didn't have it this weekend to read. A wonderful book, as well!

So... here's to traditions in families and the changing of the seasons. I wouldn't have felt like I had truly recognized autumn until I wrote a post about apples. What are some of your family's tradition around fall? I'm always curious what different families find special and would love to hear. Have a wonderful week...

Do you know about 350?

2009-10-15T11:14:00.012-04:00

Go check out 350.org

fabric gluttony

2009-10-14T09:35:00.001-04:00

This is what I get to cut into today. I love coming up with new designs and working with colors. These fabrics are for a new round of quilted women's bags. I've finished up a dozen yoga mat bags in some Joel Dewberry, but it's too rainy and dark to get a good a picture. I also have a couple more pencil rolls and 4 or 5 children's bags finished up. I know... no pictures of these, either. I'm a tease. One of my biggest complaints about selling on etsy, is taking the pictures for it. It's really hard for me to get good lighting on my little single lens digital. My goal, though is to have things in the shop in plenty of time for Christmas purchases. Keep me in mind if you're looking for some sweet handmade goodness to give others.

Our weekend...

2009-10-12T06:02:00.001-04:00

...was too full for words.

... and I have some sewing too show you later on this week.

Happy Monday!

Just checking in....

2009-10-07T08:26:00.002-04:00

Gentian violet

Apparently, I've become a once a week blogger which is fine. I promised myself I would write this blog without obligation. Life is really full right now, and in lots of good ways. Two school settings for two children means lots of volunteering and commitments to be fulfilled. There have been plenty of walks in the woods, feeding the worm farm, fishing and boating, and (for me) working hard at staying in the moment. Not much is getting done in taking care of the garden, but something has to give. I'm grateful that I'm not teaching this semester because I wouldn't relish trying to juggle one thing more.

I've been sewing quite a bit, here and there, but just don't quite have the time to take pictures of finished products. I skip away for ten minutes at a time and work on something, then back to whatever I was doing before. This means that projects come together, but sometimes over a series of very broken up days. There are a couple of new children's bags in my shop, and I need to take pictures of about 5 more and list them. I'm finishing up an order for a friend, and hopefully shipping that later today.

patchwork that was later turned into a sweet little tooth fairy pillow

Random things if you're still hanging with this fairly boring post .... I found great synthetic mid-weight long underwear for kids at Target. It is only $12 for top and bottoms, and equally as nice as anything found in Sierra Trading Post for kids. This is a bonus for us because we spend so much time outdoors, we've found long underwear to be the cat's pajamas. In the past, it's been difficult to find for kids in anything other than cotton, unless you place an order or spend the big bucks.

We're STILL making pesto. I am getting weary of making pesto, but today should be the last of it.

Alrighty then, I feel better having at least gotten to the computer to write a post. I'm still here, just crazy busy like everyone else and reminding myself to enjoy each day.

Returning from memory lane...

2009-09-29T13:16:00.013-04:00

Wondering where I've been? I took a trip with my kids back to the home I grew up in. My littlest had never visited there, although he sees my mom and dad often. They always come to us. I was glad I made the journey. It was combined with my twentieth high school reunion which is mind blowing.... let me tell you. Part of me feels like there's no way that I'm that old, while another part of me insists that it's surely been longer.We had such a nice visit with my parents. My kids romped all through the backyard I grew up in. These woods shaped my life. My mom, dad, and I all grinned at each other as we watched them explore and play their imaginary games. It was so familiar. This creek was the back drop for many a play staged in the woods with my sisters and me. We had elaborate imaginary worlds filled with characters living on "the frontier." We often enacted scenes from "The Boxcar Children" or "Little House on the Prairie." This particular morning was not the first time that children have played in the creek in their pajamas. I think I heard the water sigh with content.

As for those friends from high school? Almost all of them I had not seen in twenty years. When I left, I never really came back except for occasional visits to my parents. I was as nervous as a cat, but deserve a badge of courage. I almost turned around and went home before walking in the door. I questioned myself at the last minute. Would everyone think my marriage was failing because I came without my husband? Why did I want to see these people, most of whom, I had lost contact with? The answers eluded me as I drove there.

I certainly wasn't going to prove anything. My conversation starter would be that I stay at home with my 3 and 6 year old, that I like to sew, and garden, and run in the woods. There's no segue way there for my career and educational success which I've chosen to put on the back burner. I wondered just what I would share with all of these people from my past. It was a strange thing to be inundated with so many emotions which were rooted from twenty years ago. Click. I was as awkward and nervous as I'd felt as a teen, clinging to my shaky self esteem.

What I discovered was that for the most part, everyone else is twenty years down the road too. Just like me, they've had their share of struggles, joys, mundane moments, and life changing events. The people that I was really close to then, I still felt a strong sense of connection. It was just incredibly gratifying. I even made some connections with people that I had never really talked with in high school. We shared about our gardens and talked about our kids.

I always try to push myself outside my comfort zone. It is so easy to safely stay in one's own box. Some days I manage that leap more successfully than others. Often, my anxiety is clearly apparent to any passerby. I'm not saying I handle each challenge gracefully. I can tell you though, that I'm so happy I made this trip.

Will the rain ever let up?

2009-09-22T09:37:00.010-04:00

We in the southeastern United States have been seeing rain for more than a week without much of a break. It's led to deaths and plenty of destruction. For us, it's meant lost work and too many days inside.... both of which are hard on our family in this teeny tiny little house. This is the time of year when we are exploring for mushrooms along the trail, picking up the first turning leaves, and enjoying the last of what our garden has to give us. Instead, yesterday, I decided to "save" some of our basil from the constant rain. Plus, my little guy was sick so it was a good indoor activity... pesto makin' time.

Most years I wait until October and have to cut all the basil plants at the base to keep them from the first frost. It' not that I'm a last minute girl, but when making pesto, you can be lazy. Basil doesn't get too ripe like a tomato or fruit. Nor does it get too tough like a bean. It's generally pretty darn forgiving, so in terms of "putting food by", pesto has always been my tried and true.

Thirteen years ago, my friend Marilyn taught me how to make pesto and freeze it in ice cube trays. We've been doing it ever since. We have 8-10 plants every year so that we can have pesto until the next summer's bounty. Easy peasy.... if you have a food processor. This is what you throw in until it tastes right:

garlic cloves

olive oil

pine nuts or walnuts

basil

parmesan

sea salt and black pepper

little bit of lemon juice

I grate my parm from a huge block with the processor and set that aside. Then I process the garlic cloves with the olive oil until they are minced very fine. I add nuts. I process and add oil as needed. Then I start adding in basil leaves, stripping them from the stalks in huge piles. (Think production.) The stalks will be too tough, but of course, everything else about a basil plant tastes great. Don't get too freaked out as long as it's clean and free of bugs and dirt.... but, even then... you aren't going to die. When I've got what looks like good consistency in oil and basil, I add in sea salt and black pepper to taste. I use a little bit of lemon juice to help keep the basil nice and green. At the very end I add the cheese. I've found that it can be very easy to add more cheese than is really tasteful or necessary if you start with it at the front end. (This may be because I'm a total cheese addict. One year, I used yellow miso instead, when I was not doing dairy.)

I think this is one of the most amazing food "activities" you can do with kids. There are no eggs and kids are great strippers of basil off the stalk. They have so much fun. Plus, they can push the button on the processor again and again. It's loads of fun and a natural activity for following directions. There is something for kids about following the instruction to turn an appliance "on" and "off" that feels like huge responsibility to them. Because the processor blade is enclosed and the appliance can't be turned on unless the lid is locked in place, it's nice and safe for even really young guys. Perfect, if you ask me. Pesto. Entertainment. From the garden. Summer flav in the winter. Does it get better? Well, now, if the rain would let up...

A little weekend getaway...

2009-09-21T06:02:00.014-04:00

... does a mama good. I didn't realize how very refreshed I would feel. No kids and none of life's responsibilities for a day and a half. It was really just incredibly relaxing. I felt very fortunate to be invited to a sewing weekend with some girl friends. We ate amazing food... beet salad, roasted butternut and goat cheese pasta, carrot cake, roasted vege quiche, apple turnovers. Then there was the wine, the sewing, and the laughter. Good soul filling stuff. I forgot my camera and didn't get a single picture, but that was kind of nice too.

An added bonus was learning new and different things from other women who love to sew. One friend further inspired me with her log cabin quilt squares. (That is still on my list of to do's.) Another awed me with her ability to sew knits into elegant clothing. (Some day I'll give that a whirl.)

It was hard for us to quit sewing, actually. At midnight, two of us were learning from another how to make a cute little zipper pouch. Here's mine in the pictures. Really fun stuff. It was probably my favorite project from the whole weekend. So sweet and functional... I want to make more! The tutorial is at Skip to My Lou.

I've always wanted to go on a sewing getaway with friends. This one was filled with so much goodness. Really, I think the very best part was the camaraderie of such a great bunch of women. No nastiness or weirdness, just relaxing, positive, and productive. Exactly what I needed. Amazing. And now, back to the real world.

Puttering...

2009-09-18T08:35:00.008-04:00

It's a tote!

No... it's a squished up piece of fabric.

See, the button in the middle? I was messing around trying to come up with a bag that could be folded and stored as an extra. In the end, I think I decided that the bag's so nice it could be used for every day, not just hidden in some one's purse or car as an extra. Anyone care to weigh in? I'm whipping some up for a craft sale in November. I'd love to hear people's opinions....

How can it be Tuesday, already?

2009-09-15T15:41:00.003-04:00

We needed a slow weekend around here. And that's just what it was. Now suddenly the week is flying by again. It felt really nice to spend the bulk of last weekend with my husband and kids... some fishing, some hiking, some sewing, some hanging out, some weeding in the garden. More and more in the past year I have noticed that we do that. We have settled into a steady rhythm that is very comfortable. There was a time when I needed a whole day to escape from young kids, but now I find myself wanting to do more and more just the four of us. Maybe it takes six years (since the birth of our first) for everything to come together.

This is a little stuff sack that I made this weekend for my daughter out of fabric that she chose. She wanted something to hold her buttons which are the rewards she's received at school. (What's not to love about a teacher who gives buttons for rewards?!) It is truly fascinating how my daughter covets these buttons, looking at them, arranging them, lovingly storing them away. She "recorded" them on a cut out of her hand. Twenty buttons with room to add more, all carefully kept in her monkey sack.

This is a quilt that she and I finished. She chose the fabrics and then sat at the machine. She sewed the strips up, working the fabric under the foot as I pressed the peddle to control the speed. We were quite the team and she was so excited to sew on my machine. She asked me to quilt it with hearts, flowers, and swirls in hot pink thread. Yes, she's an average six year old girl, I've come to accept.

I hand sewed the binding for her when she lost patience with this part of the process. It totally warmed my heart to walk out the next morning to find her doll's bed all set up with the pillow and quilt that we made along with a doll quilt underneath made for her by a dear friend. (This sweet doll bed came from friends whose daughter is now sixteen. That sixteen year old also made it up for her dolls and stuffed animals when she was a little girl.)

It's kind of hard to explain, but I don't think my daughter could have expressed her gratitude any more deeply. Watching her play with the things that we've made together because she requested it... well, it's just such a reminder that I'm living the kind of life I want to live.

Soft spot for sock monkeys

2009-09-11T05:38:00.000-04:00

I've got one... a soft spot for sock monkeys. I'm not exactly sure why because I don't specifically remember having one, but they were a part of my generation. Really though, what's not to love about a monkey?

So, I've made some more and they're in my shop. I downsized and made some sets with Crayola colored pencils too. It keeps the roll a little less pricey. Now, before you read the next paragraph I'll warn you that I have a serious bias. (Told you, I'm full of opinions.)

This is my sales pitch for the German made Faber-Castell. They're really just phenomenal for the $6 price difference. The pencil lead is thick and flows over the page. The colors blend. The triangular grip encourages proper hand position for young ones. They really are an artist's dream; I want to grab them up and start drawing. My guess is they last a lot longer too. They're made from wood that is from the company's own reforestation project. Do I sound like a Faber Castell rep? I could be, but I'm not. I really just love their products and I've noticed that my daughter intuits the differences in quality art supplies when she uses them. It's not like I stand over her and tell her which one I think is better. She just gravitates again and again to the higher quality art supplies. Even if you're going to make a roll of your own, consider purchasing these.

So there you go... sock monkeys and my favorite colored pencils. A nice combination for anyone. Should I ask Faber Castell for a commission on my sales?