she stories

What to Let Go Of and What to Keep

2010-05-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a friend of mine for mentioning it, I've been Praying the Hours (well, attempting to anyway - I am able to focus on 6am and 9am but once I get to 12pm it can be hard to remain disciplined).The book Seven Sacred Pauses has been a wonderful guide along the way.

At 3pm, I focused on this prayer:

O Ancient Love... In the evening of our lives send calming angels to shelter us and take away our fears. Lead us to "the Old One," who lovingly waits for us to embrace our deepest and truest selves. Teach us to die before we die so that our final death will be a great healing, drawing us into deeper life. Show us the face of surrender that we may know at the end of each day what to let go of and what to keep. O Soft Light of the Waning Sun, teach us the beautiful art of dying. Fill us with your own wisdom.

And now I find myself...

...letting go of my frustrations at living in such a cool climate (don't laugh - that's a real one for me) and I'm keeping the memory of watching from my living room window the sun setting into the ocean.

...letting go of my tiredness from a nearly sleepless night (a total of three bodies in a twin bed makes sleeping nearly impossible) and keeping close to my heart the perfectly right moment of two warm babies curled up around their mama's body - safe, trusting, and full of peace.

...letting go of all those little annoyances and keeping the spirit of joy, in all things.

I end my mid-afternoon prayers of transition and move on to the evening prayers of serenity. Gratefully, I let go of all that hinders me and move forward with hope and peace and life.

The Sun is Out, Let's Adventure

2010-05-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

The sun was too shiny for us to stay inside this morning...

So, the girls and I rode the bus around town until it dropped us off a few blocks from the library.

First stop was the library to pick up a book, made some lovely discoveries (yellow flower, rocks, roly poly bugs and a discarded pair of roller blades), ran into Oma (Maya's grandma), had a chat and then ate breakfast at a new joint in town.

Nearly missed the bus home, had a few minor meltdowns (not me, the girls), but made it home in time for naps.

We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. - Jawaharlal Nehru

Spring is arriving...

2010-05-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

Putting my hope in this brilliant life journey. Not caring where I end up - just enjoying the forward movement.
Listening to Patty Griffin's All Creatures of our God and King.
Smiling at Kaia's latest antics - wearing her most complicated shoes to bed. Which makes changing a pull-up diaper at 4am rather difficult - unbuckle difficult shoe straps, remove pj's and diaper, put new diaper on, pj's back on, shoes back on (who cares if they end up on the wrong feet), and buckle back up. All while dealing with my "just-woke-up-clumsiness" trying not to fall over and completely wake up Kaia or Elliot. Mercy.
Learning to pray like the ancient King David - with total reverence and complete honesty.
Grateful for Mike's encouragement in everything I tackle (including the furniture renovation projects stacking up in the garage).
Thinking about my carrots and peas and garlic that are all beginning to sprout. Those little wisps of green coming from a tiny speck of seed - miraculous. beautiful. completely inspiring.

just a little note...

2010-04-09T21:15:00.000-07:00

i miss writing.
but i've been busy.

staying active when the sun is away (going on two weeks now).
trying to make my girls laugh (it's easier than being grumpy).
thankful for mike (he's a busy, busy guy but still has time for the girls at the end of the day - wow).
traveling here and there (renton, scapoose, modesto...).
placing creative on hold for awhile while i try to figure out how to do it ALL (whoa, that's a tough one).
marveling in how amazing it feels to have friends that really like me (such a great thing).

so.
that's about it in a nutshell.
i'll be around here and there.
see you around...
hopefully sooner rather than later.

Found: Just Encourage Me

2010-03-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

Advice I can stand to hear on a regular basis. Not only in relation to my partner, but for my interaction with all of the God-loved people I meet. So not easy and so easy to forget.

Read it, do it, and then pass it on to someone else.

Speak Less...

2010-03-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

I start most of my days looking for a little bit of truth to carry through my day. I found it here and am scribbling a note to myself to follow these incredible instructions: Speak Less, Pray More.

Kaia can't seem to hear me - like, for reals. Either she's going deaf (good thing we've got the sign language down, right?) or her head cold has really plugged up her ears. We are off to the doctor today to get her verdict.

In the meantime, since Kaia can't hear me anyway, I'm going to stop talking louder and louder at her and maybe just pause and pray instead. What a beautiful alternative. A little meditative silence to calm us. We could all use a little of that around here.

Is it really only Thursday?

2010-03-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Haven't been here much lately. I've been spending most of my moments learning how to love these two best. Two different personalities, two different ways of pushing the limits, two different ways of understanding my love.

I'm wiped. But I'm loving it (well most of it anyway).

Today I Am...

2010-03-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

Putting my hope in the miracle of a tiny ladybug.
Listening to Say Hello by Rosie Thomas.
Trusting that in "acting the way I want to feel" I will really begin to feel it (its worked before!).
Smiling at my new very sunny, very yellow dining room wall (thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law).
Learning to go to bed when I need to (and NOT staying up late to catch Project Runway).
Grateful for the food in my fridge. In abundance. I am not hungry.
Thinking about how generous and sweet and absolutely lovely my many friends are. Being cared for feels so good.

A Letter to a Brave Woman

2010-03-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Brave Woman,

I read your words and have been meditating on them ever since. I prayed and wondered and hoped that when the Spirit whispered to me that my heart would be quiet enough to hear and that I would have courage enough to respond to... whatever.

I quietly respond now.

I have always only known you by your given name. But no longer. Now I know you by the name the Spirit impressed me with. And I can no longer think of you any other way. Brave Woman.

You are doing what you Need to do and you are doing what you know you Should do. You reach down deep and grab hold of courage. You take a moment to rest in your race. And now you slowly stand to the hands lifting you up and you take your steps, as only you can, to continue in your race. Do you notice those that surround you? Those friends (well known and perhaps not so well known) who are ready to walk with you, carry you if need be, run with you when you can.

I stand nearby, with hand on your shoulder, helping you up. Asking for nothing. It's not necessary. But I am here. Like so many others.

Like so many others.

Crafting with Kaia: Paper Dolls

2010-03-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

This project was fun for me, fun for Kaia and completely boring for Elliot (so boring for her, I didn't get a single photo of her - too bored to even give me a cute picture). I got the idea for these lovely dolls here.

I told Kaia and Elliot that these dolls represented each of them and they were supposed to decorate the dolls according to what they looked like and the type of clothing they wore. Once we were done, Elliot kept saying "Ya-ya", her name for Kaia, and pointing at Kaia's doll. Seems that Elliot thought it was a pretty good likeness of Kaia.

Happy Today Because...

2010-03-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ten things that make me happy:

the quiet time I have in the morning just before the girls wake up (just me and June the Cat, a good book and a cup of coffee)
Kaia's silliness
walking over to my living room window and watching the Pacific Ocean
being around lots of people
the sun
very good food
doing what I want to, simply because it's what I want
a successful batch of kombucha
finishing a dress (the cute factor gets me every single time)
knowing that mike will bring me home a donut without giving me any looks

And that's only the beginning...

**inspiration for this post here**

Creating with Kaia: Drawing

2010-03-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

Much to my delight, Mike has been taking a Life Drawing course up in Astoria at the Community College. I love the fact that he has an interest outside of the family and is making new friends. I also love that he is on a creative exploration - learning new things, stretching himself and then bringing his creativity back home to us. How wonderful! I couldn't be more proud of him then when I hear stories about his school buddies, his models, a new technique and his teachers.

As I wrote last week, I've been wanting to get the girls into a more creative mode. Mike helped me with this by encouraging Kaia to draw him. Mike started off by showing Kaia his supplies. So she could understand the process, Mike drew Kaia first. Just playing around, it all took about ten minutes. But Kaia really got a kick out of it.

Kaia was quite adamant when instructing Mike on how to pose and what to pose with. If you look closely, you can see that Mike is holding Puppy and the Horse. Kaia mimicked Mike's quick movements and wouldn't let me look until she was all done.

That's her first sketch of Mike. Not sure exactly what she was seeing. Her second sketch resembled a human (kind of anyway).

Nothing thrills me more than watching Kaia create.

And the winner is...

2010-03-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

I am a winner! I always told myself I was but look!! Now I really am one...

Just won this fabulous prize over at the fun Freshly Picked blog. I recently started following this blog and really enjoy the fun tutorials and the great pictures.

I am eagerly anticipating my prize...

A Letter to the New Girl...

2010-03-01T22:49:00.000-08:00

Dear friend,

Read your facebook post this morning and you are right: it is hard to be the new person. Takes a ton of work. And when you already have so much emotional energy being spent, life as the new girl, is that much harder.

But here is some hope - hope I give wrapped in as much humility as I can muster. Given to you as a fellow seeker in all things true.

You are strong. You have weathered so much already and yet you stand so tall. Continue to hold that head up and those shoulders back.

You are beautiful. That smile can make anyone think about you long after you have left the room.

But also, the person that you are... Be it. I found a word the other day - quiddity. It is a term for the essence of an object. Literally our "whatness" or what makes me, me. Your whatness - it's striking. Continue to be your true self, live as honestly as you have, and for each breath you take, let it be one that is fully reliant on Him.

What I carry away from your post, thinking and praying for you, is the very truth that another person gifted you to "keep telling your friends." I love this encouragement of asking people to walk with you. Keep on asking.

As you ask and tell, the host of women that gather next to you, if only in Spirit, grows and multiplies and teaches. And I join you, among many already, in holding your hand and lifting your head and watching you flourish.

Carry on, new girl.

Crafting with Kaia: Collages

2010-03-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

It hit me the other day that I'm not spending much time creating with the girls. Ouch. Luckily, that can be changed.

So, to start things off I pulled out a few items from my crafty supply. Old books, valentines day cards, markers, stickers, crayons and glue. It was time to teach Kaia how to make a collage.

I remember how much time I spent in junior high assembling these things. I have no idea why, but Jenny Fredrickson and I, spent most of 7th grade making these things.

My favorite thing about collages is that the only supplies you need are the things around you.

Kaia didn't need much prompting. She got the hang of it pretty quick.

Her first collage features our favorite neighbors (besides Auntie and Aaron of course), Jimmy and Corey. Jimmy writes and illustrates books, one of which we are reading right now, It's Winter. Corey owns one of our favorite restaurants in town, Yummy Wine Bar & Bistro. Kaia was smitten with these two from the second we introduced them.

**In case you can't tell, that's Corey on the left and Jimmy on the right**

And I was transported right back to 7th grade when I was dreaming about Phillip Countryman and wishing I wasn't so short and wondering why my parents didn't understand me and hating the nickname "Betsy-Wetsy"... Oooo, maybe I shouldn't bring back the collages!

Today I Am...

2010-02-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

Putting my hope in all of the fun to be had.
Listening to All I Want is You by Barry Louis Polisar
Trusting that just because the sun isn't out doesn't mean it's gonna be a bummer day.
Smiling at the "sparkle" reminder a friend gifted me.
Learning from Elliot's way of handling conflict: get really, really mad. and then apologize, hug, kiss and go back to playing.
Grateful for my ability to change. and grow. and learn. and change some more.
Very glad that Study In Brown (my favorite blog) is back.

What about you? I am opening comments today just because. I'd love to hear all that you are today.

This Momma's Daily Prayer

2010-02-25T14:22:00.000-08:00

Lately it seems like the girls are taking me into an emotionally drained phase. They require so much refereeing and hugging and disciplining and feeding and loving... that I usually feel like I have nothing left at the end of the day. I don't call anyone back anymore. I can barely return emails. Most of my energy is given to them. And rightly so.

However, sometimes I have a hard time focusing on the things that truly matter. Laughter. Grace. Touch. Gift giving. Beauty. It's these things I ask to lead the way today.

Laughter, always be the first sound my girls wake up to.

Touch, let hugs and caressess and owie-kisses be in full supply.

Generosity, replace the stinginess that lingers in my heart.

Creativity, be my guide.

Grace, infuse my discipline.

Peace, be the tone of voice I use.

Beauty, chase after us.

Love, take over.

Found: Flapping Corners

2010-02-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

Happiness is excitement that has found a settling down place. But there is always a little corner that keeps flapping around. ~E.L. Konigsburg

The little corners that keep flapping...

Yes, The Sun is Here

2010-02-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

the sun has been out. out out. like, no-clouds-in-sight-out.

i always get stumped when trying to describe the way i feel when the sun comes out for an extended period of time (like, longer than an hour)

today, i finally found the words.

absolute relief complete joy total happiness

it's funny how i forget just how good i can feel

cornelius celsus says it the way it should be: live in rooms full of light. my corner of the world is finally lit up

Rough Start

2010-02-20T15:23:00.000-08:00

Here is how my morning started (and basically the downhill direction it went in):

Girls wake up early. 6:30 shouldn't exist.

I stumble into their room wondering why. Why so early? Why not just keep sleeping? Why not wait until the sun has risen?

Cross: annoyed and irritable. A great way to describe how I feel.

I stand at the window trying to summon up a cheerful morning greeting for my girls when I hear Kaia say softly:

"Dear God. Please make my mom go away."

I thought to myself, she must have asked God to help me get awake, right?!

I should ignore her but I don't. I ask Kaia what she just said.

Kaia says, "I was just talking to God, mom. I asked him to make you go away."

Ouch.

Making it Work: Valentine's Day

2010-02-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

Kaia's preschool class is celebrating Valentine's Day on Friday. Lucky for me the blogosphere is bursting with ideas. Here are the three I considered:

Loved the crayon idea over at thelongthread because here is a gift that can be used over and over! Alas, I don't have a heart-shaped mold. Maybe next year...

Amy over at Daily Gnome found a paper airplane template to use for her son's Valentine's day party. I love the way she packaged up the template. Totally her style.

I very nearly went with this idea I found at Sew, Mama, Sew! I loved Petunia's idea of letting her daughter draw on the back of the hearts with a fabric pen - adding her very own touch.

But, it's this idea I went with, found over at one of my favorite blogs (the pics are always marvelous), Katie Did. So cute. No sewing machine required. So, so, so easy. AND wearable. You DO something with it! I really wanted to add my own touch but just couldn't gather up the energy to do so (it's been a tough week 'round here). So I just copied her idea and loved every, easy minute of it.

And it felt good. No, great. To make it work as Tim Gunn would insist. And make it work, I did.

Found: Milk

2010-02-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

Heart-stirring post about Star and the milk she provides our family. Beauty found in the traditional, everyday, creative, hopeful moments. A story I belong to...

Thank you, Becca.

Thank. You.

Found: Ebb Tide, Chapter One

2010-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart

and try to love the questions themselves.

Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be

given you because you would not be able

to live them. And the point is to live everything.

Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then

gradually, without noticing it, live along some

distant day into the answers.

-Rainer Maria Rilke, Letter to a Young Poet

What a surprise it was when after an evening of questions, I read this.

A gift that was handed to me.

Surprise.

Relief.

A quiet offering to my many questions.

**I found this quote in the latest book I am reading, A Year by the Sea, Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman, by Joan Anderson**

Dear lady who cooks all the meals...

2010-02-06T15:47:00.000-08:00

You are getting really good at this. Keep doing it.

Remember when you first started to cook? Back in the Multnomah-Heather-Theresa-Pacific Street days? You started with stir fry. Then you tried to make dinner for your boyfriend - a wimpy dinner with noodles, basil and fresh tomatoes - boyfriend liked you anyway (close call).

Remember how you thought all fish tasted like those rectangular, breaded things that you heated up in the oven and ate with ketchup? Thank goodness for the night you ate that delicious right-off-Bruce's-grill salmon. Thank. Goodness.

And now you are cooking and eating and creating all sorts of things...

Mung bean sprouts. Good.
Pickled herring. Really good.
Homemade pasta noodles. To die for.
Fancy crusty bread. Yum.

Lady Who Cooks All the Meals - Keep it up. You got it going on.

Kaia Loves Canny-Cane

2010-02-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted to try some new techniques for my Little Bird Apparel etsy shop and am going by the advice of a friend (isn't she cool??). I needed to see if I could use my living room wall as a white background. Trying to get the pictures to stand out a little bit more.

So with a tiny piece of candy cane, I bribed Kaia into "modeling" for me. She absolutely hates to do this. But it is the ONLY time I allow her to have candy so she gets into the mood pretty quick - anything for a candy cane (or canny-cane as she calls it). On a side note, I haven't even considered the right or wrong-ness to allowing her candy only went I want something done... Maybe an important thing to think about?

And I think something has changed - either because she's a little bit older than the last time I tried this or because of the time she spends with her "older" friend Maya (she's FOUR). I don't think Maya realizes it but she is teaching Kaia how to be sassy.

Kaia ended up enjoying our camera time and even began to offer pose suggestions.

I guess anything is worth doing for a piece of canny-cane, huh?

Found: And Revived

2010-02-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

so
grateful for
a
long, lost
friend, next city over

speaking to me
not realizing i bet

her words
a salve to a tired
tired
soul

like her oils
her embrace
her scent
her omelets

soothing
encouraging
loving
understanding

i can end this day
lifted up

and thankful

Dear Mr. Potato Head...

2010-01-30T16:35:00.000-08:00

When Elliot unwrapped you and your family at Christmas, I thought I was going to have a heart attack - there were so many pieces of you; so many eyes and mouths and accessories. I wondered what Gi-Gi Roberta was thinking. Didn't I have enough stuff to pick up as it was?

But every time the girls pull you out to play with and every time I end up being the one to put all the pieces back in the container, I always find one of you with the funniest outfits on. You always have the goofiest look and your tongue is often in the wrong place.

I never expected to enjoy picking up your pieces but now I end up looking forward to it. What look has Kaia given you today? Will you have both hands or only one and will it be in the right spot or will it be coming out of the place your nose should be?

Forgive me for hating you at first. I love you now.

Found: Momma Feels Good

2010-01-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

Had to pass this gem along...

I know it's only January but...

2010-01-28T13:26:00.000-08:00

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!" ~Mark Twain

**a collection of "spring is on it's way" shots taken around town yesterday**

One of Those Days...Almost

2010-01-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

It was starting off to be One of Those Days. According to today's Facebook posts, many others around the country were having the same type of day.

For me, it all started when the sun peeked through the clouds (gasp! the sun?! it's gonna be a great day!) only to, five minutes later, hide itself with the most depressing clouds and grayness.

I arrived at play group to find out that Kaia and Elliot's buddies would NOT be in attendance. Apparently, Cole squished a blueberry in his ear and a shower was required. Kaia and Elliot hung around my knee the entire time begging for snacks and Maya. Lucky for me, this is when the day got better...

I politely excused us from play group and we quickly drove ourselves over to Maya and Cole's house. Thank goodness for friends who are willing to have you over at the last minute despite a "messy" house.

After naps, we went on a hunt for non-homogenized milk (that was easy, found it at the Astoria Co-op) AND a gal overheard me asking the clerk about raw milk (illegal in Oregon, dang-it). Girl who overheard me buys raw milk just across the river in Washington and promised to email me their phone number! I've spent a year looking for a local supplier of raw milk. The search may have just ended.

Day getting better? You bet. Sun came out on our way home. I pulled over to snap a shot. Had to document a moment of optimism.

Got home and Mike took the girls to the motel to "help" him work. Oh yeah, I got to make dinner without having to referee two toddlers. Glory hallelujah.

And. Then. Checking my blogs and guess what I see on one of my favorite blogs to follow? Run over to Daily Gnome and take a peek at her adorable daughter wearing one of my onesies. Awwww. I love seeing my onesie in action!

Almost forgot to mention that my kombucha baby arrived along with mung beans (for sprouting).

Not sure if everyone else's day ended up getting better like mine (just read on Facebook that Michelle wants to quit and Laura wants to strike). Tempting...

So, here's to better tomorrows! With more sun, messy houses and kombucha brewing.

Sushi for Lunch

2010-01-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

Lucky for us, our girls enjoy sushi. We took them to one of our favorite Portland spots - Sushi Takahashi in SW Portland. Not the best sushi in the world, but the experience is great. They've got a sushi train that the girls couldn't get enough of.

Grow, Bloom, Love

2010-01-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

So, just to get into the Valentine's Day spirit (and just for the fun of it), I'm entering a valentine into this contest, sponsored by Cool Mom Picks. My simple design is loosely inspired by the book I am reading, Real Food, which has got me thinking, even more, about nutritious, home-grown food.

Found: Along for the ride...

2010-01-20T07:38:00.000-08:00

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" -Mary Oliver

**I caught a glimpse of this funny fellow while I was driving home from Astoria. What a fun treat!**

Thanks for the inspiration

2010-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

A peek into my workshop (dining room/living room/kitchen) lately...

Working on more special occasion, birthday crowns. I'm hoping to participate in a Seattle show in March selling my crowns and onesies (new designs on the way). The brown crown shown above is my take on a Forest Fairy crown (no pink, no purple, no Disney princesses to be seen).

I've started drawing. I found a fun little Valentine's Day Contest that I want to submit something to (just for the heck of it).

I've also got some ideas for more hand drawn onesie designs. Scuba diving helmet. Building block creation. Bird house. I've got an American Apparel order of brown onesies on their way as we speak. Can't wait to get them and start printing!

Tried to initiate some new pattern ideas but they just haven't taken. I'm going to stick with the reversible pinafores for now and just keep playing with those. Maybe adding a pocket? Some trim? A screen print?

"Find out who you are and do it on purpose." Dolly Parton (Happy Birthday today, Dolly!)

Found: Want to change the world?

2010-01-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder how to be a part of change? How to make a difference? Believe it.

**Sticky note left on a mirror by someone trying to change the world**

A Morning Surprise...

2010-01-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

Sat down this morning to transfer some pictures over to my camera. It looks like a little (blonde haired, three-year-old) leprechaun got hold of my camera once again. I love finding these little surprises.

Friday is here and it just won't stop raining...

2010-01-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

This week has been pretty gross. Both girls are sick and snot is everywhere and Kaia doesn't seem to understand that you blow your nose IN a tissue - not ON one's sleeve. I am grateful that she uses her sleeve and not the back of her hand but really? A sleeve. Ew. Ew. and Ew. Top that off with a week (possibly two or three weeks) worth of rain. I can't even remember now when we had a day that wasn't wet.

So, to get me through this week, I've been turning to my Google Reader for a little cheer. Here are some of my favorite blog posts from the week. Enjoy!

Look at what I found! An oh, so wonderful blog, So September. Just what I was looking for (well, not really - I have too many projects going to start dreaming about more). But when I need a new project, I think I want to try something just like this. Pretty cute, huh?

I've been following this fabulous blog, Rockstar Diaries just for the images. I'm mesmerized. The photographer has such a great eye for the things in her world. Her images are funny and creative and sweet.

We've been won over by maple syrup. Nothing else will do. Here's a recipe from the blog Nourished Kitchen that incorporates seasonal veggies and maple syrup. Yum. I love this blog because everything the writer makes is nourishing. Great recipes to raise a family on.

And then of course, a few favorite etsy finds:

This Japanese artist crafts all of her items from hand. Sweet, lovely, thoughtful.

I think I'm going to buy one of these little egg babies for Elliot's birthday.

And just for something totally unique and funky, check these accessories out. Cool.

Have a great Friday - I hope you are healthy and can see the sun.

2010-01-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

I was asked yesterday if "balloons had families". I'm still not sure what the answer to this question is. "No" just seems so harsh...

2010-01-13T16:53:00.000-08:00

Starting the day over...

2010-01-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Here's how it played out yesterday...

Me: Kaia, can I give you a hug?

Kaia: No.

Me: Can I give you a kiss?

Kaia: No.

Me: Oh... Bummer.

(Insert very sad face here. I was having a bad day and really just needed a hug to give the day a second chance).

And then...

Kaia: Mom, can I give you a hug?

Me: Yes.

(Insert here The Most Lovely Hug Ever)

Kaia: Can I give you a kiss?

Me: Yes.

(Lucky me, I got attacked by the sweetest pair of puckered lips, complete with loud kissing sound).

Kaia: How was that?

Me: Just what I needed.

One of those days...

2010-01-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

"Today it's going to be rainy forever".

Kaia, age three

It's 3:00

2010-01-10T15:00:00.000-08:00

Dear three o'clock chocolate fix:

I look forward to you every day.

Why do you take so long to come?

I would be crazy without you.

I think I love you.

Found: The Tattooed Lady

2010-01-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

What could be any better than this? A doll with tattoos!

I found this doll while browsing on Etsy. She is the creation of Mimi Kirchner. And the creations of Mimi are endless! Her dolls have such interesting personalities! One of my favorite things about Mimi is that she uses materials on hand (many of the fabrics are from her mom's collection of clothing). This makes me think of a quilt I have. My mother-in-law can point to each piece of fabric and tell me which article of clothing it came from. I love art that is steeped in history and memory.

I picked a post from three of her blog categories to learn a few things about this creative woman...

Applique: The most beautiful applique work. This post tells of water baby decorated with big orange fish and bubble trails. Gorgeous colors.

Inspiration: Mimi has a friend, Salley Mavor, who makes the most lovely children book illustrations. Endearing. Delightful.

Knitting: And she knits too, of course! I love a knitted blanket and wish I had the patience for one but alas, all I will ever complete is a dish cloth.

It's fun to "peek" into a fellow Creative's crafting place. Gleaning from her inspiration, seeing how another person lives, and sharing in the process of creating (even if across the country).

In this video, Mimi defines her goal as creating "Something that elicits an emotional response." She is doing that well. Thank you for sharing your love with us.

Found: Good Luck on a Bench

2010-01-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

Sat down on a bench.

Waiting.Glanced

down, back up,

and then

down again.

You.Sitting there.

Wishing me good luck.

Fabric Shopping Trip

2010-01-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

This morning I received a request for a reversible pinafore that was pink. I've been selling these dresses along with my Special Occasion Crowns on Etsy and am just about out of my current stock!

Dropped Kaia off at preschool and headed to JoAnn's in Astoria (so sad but it's the only fabric store nearby with decent sales) and shopped. For an hour I filled my shopping cart with some wonderful finds. I even met a gal who shopped In my cart. Because I really did find some great things (hey, it's hard to find anything decent at JoAnn's).

Once I had exhausted myself and the store, I realized I didn't have one pink-colored fabric in my cart. I guess I'm not a pink girl.

Went back to the pink section only to stand there scratching my head over what pink print I should pick out. What exactly does a pink girl like when it comes to pink? Pink and flowers? Pink and pigs? Pink and more pink?!

I'm really not a pink girl.

But I finally left the store with one pink print (plus a BUNCH more) and now I'm off to turn it into a dress.

An Evening in the Life of...

2009-12-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

Kaia holding hands above head. Singing, "Heaven and Nature Sing" at the top of lungs. Her very own version. Loud. In the bathroom, very loud.

Elliot, disgruntled by the sounds. Eyeing sister as if sister were an alien. Sometimes I wonder. Apparently, Elliot does too. Elliot sipping on "tea" in her tea cup - actually bathwater that I repeatedly ask her not to drink.

Kaia stands up. Gets the Look from mom. Sits back down. It's not safe to stand in the tub.

"And heaven and nature sing..."

These two - silly and tiresome, creative and exasperating.

Messy. Cranky. Frustrating.
Beautiful. Innocent. Unique.

Hilarious.
Obnoxious.
Sweet.

Gifts. Who knows how long I will be gifted these. I am grateful for the time I have with them.

Blessed.
And blessed.

Found: If a thing is worth doing...

2009-10-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

Sarah says it well.

Getting Me Through My Day...

2009-09-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Waterdeep's Psalm 131

Love is patient, love is patient, love is patient

Hot oatmeal, fresh peaches, coffee and more coffee

A Centering Prayer

Traveling to the ends of the earth (or at least to the Pacific)

Dreaming about this knitting project

Early Morning

2009-09-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love...
Psalm 143:8

Love showed up at 5am. With a cough like a bark, a runny nose, a fat lip (clumsy and tired met up with the dining room table the night before) and a body that could not keep still. Love came as a tiny three-year-old who just didn't know what she wanted but desperately wanting something.

The early morning presenting Love in this gift of a child.

And from out of nowhere (trust me), Love found its way into this groggy, slightly frustrated, just-wanted-to-sleep-for-30-more-minutes mother. Quieting her plaintive cries, wrapping her up in blankets, bringing a glass of water and then a tissue and then Doggy.

Love given, unfailingly, even if just for a moment. Not of my own volition.

I tuck this morning close, bringing it out often as a reminder. A reminder of Love given to me and Love that I ought to give.

A pre-dawn display to carry me through the day.

Mr Tzu, does a nap count as letting go?

2009-09-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

This morning, I woke at 6am ready to have a great day. By 9am, I had scrapped the great day and found myself muttering, "let it go. let it go. let it go."

Let it go. Today's mantra.

By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning. - Lao Tzu

Forget winning the world - I just want to complete my to-do list without being interrupted. However, in the spirit of letting go and due to the exhaustion I'm beginning to feel, I'm going to take a nap. Perhaps during my nap, It will all get done (I can't help but wonder, who's going to do It??).

Oh well. Here's to a sink full of dirty dishes, a show-and-tell box that still needs to be put together, dress patterns that need to be cut out, and...

Let it go.

The War of Art

2009-09-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

Most of us have two lives. The life we live and the unlived life within us.

I've started reading a thought-provoking book: Steven Pressfield's The War of Art. Short chapters, in-your-face truths, and inspiration on every page. Don gave this book to Mike (years ago) and after seeing it laying around for ages, I finally picked it up and started to flip through it. I can't put it down.

Pressfield talks about Resistance being the force that keeps us from creating (in his case, Resistance keeps him from writing. In my case, Resistance keeps me from participating in the local craft fair or pursuing an interest in writing restaurant reviews).

Its aim is to shove us away, distract us, prevent us from doing our work.

Here is one of my favorite portions (so far) from his book.

Resistance and Procrastination, Part Two
The most pernicious aspect of procrastination is that it can become a habit. We don't just put off our lives today; we put them off till our deathbed.

Never forget: This very moment, we can change our lives. There never was a moment, and never will be, when we are without the power to alter our destiny. This second, we can turn the tables on Resistance.

This second, we can sit down and do our work.

For any of you that need an emotional pick-me-up or a jump-start to your motivation, this is the book.

Anybody Out There?

2009-09-12T08:13:00.001-07:00

It's been over a month since I've last posted. Ouch!

I've been...
Supporting the budding artist by providing free wall space...

Taking evening walks with my girls...

Catching the local sunsets...

Waking up most nights with this sweetheart, trying to remember that once she starts sleeping well, I really will miss the 2 am's and 3 am's and 4am's with her...

Providing the local climber/jumper with free climbing space and plenty of cushions to jump onto...

Trying to remain calm amidst the days where everyone is in a bad mood, when meals still need to be made, laundry still needs to be rotated, and "Speaking Peace" becomes one of the hardest things to do...

"Sewing" with Kaia (one of my favorite things to do)...

Celebrating birthdays...

And more birthdays...

And more birthdays (I turned 30!!).

It's been a great summer and I am excited for the pace to slow down. Hope to see you more often!

Hopefully Wednesday: Choosing

2009-08-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

And again, I direct you to the opening quote found in the August 3rd post of this blog. Ann Voskamp of Holy Experience shares truths that I often immediately connect with and this is one of them.

Blessings to you on this brand new day.

Found: Kaia the Photographer

2009-07-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

I've given my small digital camera to Kaia to play with. Over the last few months she has gotten better and better at using it. I love grabbing the camera every few weeks to see what images she captured. It's fun to see the world through a two-year-old's eyes.

Often, when Kaia snaps a shot she will preview the image and then she'll say, "Awwww, darling." This cracks me up every time.

I love to watch her thoughtfully collect images, care about whether or not her finger is covering the lens, and carefully make sure the camera strap is indeed around her wrist.

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

Found: Good Beginnings

2009-07-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

oh. my.

i'm either completely hormonal as my body adjusts to not breastfeeding anymore or this moment is really special - because i've got some happy tears that just won't go away after watching this. if this isn't this the way to go into a marriage, i don't know what is.

enjoy.

Little Fingers I Love

2009-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for these almost-three-year-old fingers that love to pick raspberries, and tickle Elliot, and hug Daddy and reach for my hand to cross the street. These fingers - so small, so grubby, so lovely.

Happy Birthday to You!

2009-07-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

A boy to sew for - what fun! We are lucky to have a two-year-old in our lives. He is very silly and adorable and has the most beautiful brown eyes. His birthday was last week which gave me a good excuse to attempt some boy things.

The pants turned out so well! I can't wait to make a pair for Kaia (you can see her modeling the pants below). The leg has the perfect amount of width and the pockets and knee detail add a nice touch.
The onesies were inspired by this likeable blog, Made. Dana turned me on to Freezer Paper stenciling. So easy and tons of fun! Kaia did all the painting in the last onesie pictured.

And lest you think I totally lost my mind and gave a little boy only clothes for his birthday (how lame!) I did include a bell for the brand new tricycle he got. He liked the bell so much, his momma told me, that he went to bed with it. His parents could hear him ringing his bell every once in awhile as he drifted to sleep. Awww.

What's next? Something fun, quick and easy... I hate washing and drying Zip-loc bags after I use them and I hate throwing them away so - Re-usable cloth snack bags!

Girls Reversible Pinafore Dress

2009-07-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

I've seen this dress here and there and have been dying to try sewing it for ages. It turned out adorable (as you can see). The dress is reversible with a fine blue and white pinstripe on the inside. I added top-stitching to save time on a few steps and to give a finished look. I used a Butterick pattern (3846) to help get me started.

home

2009-07-09T08:54:00.001-07:00

this quiet, sleeping house
a silence that reminds me
of all that i am grateful for

Found: Crazy Grief, Wild Joy

2009-06-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

She nailed it. She does nearly every time. This feeling that I have been carrying around with me ever since Elliot was born.

"There are days, I hardly dare whisper, when this mothering almost feels like a death watch; watching the slow death of now and you here. New-You continually rebirths and I laugh, marvel, awe... and finger the beauty of all these husks left behind.

Is mothering this endless coupling of crazy grief, wild joy?

Mourning the child who is no more and never again will be and embracing this new and wondrous child just now becoming."

Ann of Holy Experience, how do you know me so well?

Found

2009-06-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

I can't get this out of my mind (thankfully).

And I have no words to describe the feelings I had when I read these beautiful words. When I read this, I felt like I had stumbled upon something I wasn't meant to see and yet I am so grateful that I did...

Dear Tonia of Study in Brown, thank you.

Found: Time for Dinner

2009-05-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when I'm not paying attention. Kaia strips down, finds the cat's food dish and water bowl, locates my toothbrush, and then proceeds to "make dinner". My toothbrush becomes a spoon and the cat's water bowl becomes the soup that needs stirring. Pretty darn cute but pretty darn gross too.

Found: Wrinkles and Broken Places

2009-05-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

But we all have our wrinkles. We speak to one another from broken places. I sometimes forget that and begin to feel that I can’t share wisdom or beauty when I know my life is wrinkled. Still, if I waited for the day of perfection to share, I’d never write another word, speak on another platform.

Please visit Holy Experience to read the entire story by guest writer L.L. Barkat. I am grateful for the reminder that even in our brokenness, we have purpose.

Hopefully Wednesday: Purpose

2009-05-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hopefully I am spending my time well...

I recently spoke with a friend who had a life changing experience. Because of this, she now thoroughly considers her everyday activities and commitments, making sure that what she is doing is not a waste of time. Making sure that she has purpose. Because for her, time is limited.

But really, all of us have a limited time. It's just that she has been given advance warning.

Since our conversation, I can't help but examine every aspect of my life, wondering if what I am doing is what I really want to be doing.

Yesterday morning, I was sitting at the window while Kaia slept in my bed (she's been sneaking into bed with me - what a treat!). I watched the ocean. I watched the birds. I watched people exercising. And I wanted to pick up my book and read. But I wondered if reading was how I truly wanted to spend my time.

By the time Kaia had woken, I was a bit stressed out and upset. How was I supposed to know what was a waste of time? Was I squandering most of my life away on books and sewing and picking up the house?

But a small, quiet thought followed me all day long. I enjoy reading. It pleases me to sew things for people. A clean home creates a peaceful environment for my family.

True, there are some things that are a waste of time. America's Next Top Model (don't laugh). Surfing the internet when my girls are awake and wanting to play. Insisting on having my way or always being right in conversations with my husband. Not speaking up when the truth is begging to be told.

I am grateful for the conversation with my friend. I want to consider my actions in such a way that I can be confident in how I spend my time - who knows how long or short it will be. I want to enjoy life. I want to be a source of encouragement to others. I want to honor the desires that have been given to me by pursuing things that interest me. I want to live purposefully.

So, hopefully I can.

Hopefully I cherish my limited time. Hopefully the activities I choose will become a beautiful melody in the life I want to live. Hopefully I clean out the moments that do nothing but waste. Hopefully I recognize the value in reading a story, attaching a button and scrubbing the kitchen floor.

Hopefully.

Look What I Made!

2009-05-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

Just sitting here imagining a brand new Tiny, wrapped up in this hot-off-the-sewing machine darling little baby blanket. A friend of mine has many, many women in her life and often has the need for a baby gift. I've taken on (actually, I begged her for) the very lucky job of creating those gifts for her!

Baby gift #1 is for a little boy coming soon. I found this blanket tutorial on one of my all-time favorite craft blogs, The Purl Bee. This has got to be my third or fourth project from that site!

Yesterday, I picked up my first rotary cutter, ruler and mat board to help with this project. Fabric Depot in Portland had the kit on sale for 50% off! This kit made by OLFA has been recommended to me by several people. After using it once, I can tell that I need a bigger mat board and a longer ruler but the quality of the items were immediately clear to me. I love the rotary cutter and am now thinking about which quilt project will be first! Maybe this one?

I used a soft quilter's flannel for the back and a cotton vintage reproduction print for the front. I petted and drooled over an organic cotton fleece by Michael Miller but that softer-than-soft fabric just wasn't in the budget. Getting the brown rick rack to sit evenly between the layers wasn't the easiest so the trim isn't perfect all the way around but I'm not going to worry about it. The overall effect is very sweet.

Usually when I create a gift for someone, I try to spend some of the time praying for the recipient. May this soon-to-be baby boy grow to have a strong sense of compassion.

Next on the list: fun burp cloths and a kimono jacket. I'm hoping to purchase fabric online for the kimono jacket. Currently I am in love with Umbrella Prints, an etsy seller who screenprints her own fabric. However, I just found out that I can design and print my own fabric on Spoonflower. Hm. That could be very cool. Stay tuned!

There will be blessings...

2009-05-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

The baby tiger growls. The way Kaia insists on being called Eilish. The sneaking into bed. The cries for snack at 3am. The laughter. The learning to crawl up the stairs. The way Elliot loves to snuggle with Kaia. The silliness. The way Mike picks up the house. The compliments and hugs and never-ending support. The love.

Blessed and blessed and blessed.

Wanna be inspired today?

2009-05-08T08:18:00.001-07:00

A must read. Brene Brown over at Ordinary Courage always puts it exactly the way I need to hear it.

Ann Voskamp at Holy Experience always has the most creative, extraordinary and yet so-completely-simple thoughts. Who would have thought that potato eyes could hold such meaning?! I am reminded again of the awe I can experience in all of God's creation.

And then who can keep from being totally inspired by SoulePapa over at SouleMama's blog? Sheesh - this man knows how to say it right.

It's Friday - get inspired and enjoy today!

Look Up...

2009-05-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about God's love and I keep running into other folks who are too... I've been hungry for some deeper thoughts lately which led me back to a book I read in college, The Knowledge of the Holy by AW Tozer. This guy knows how to send it home!

From God's other known attributes we may learn much about His love. We can know, for instance, that because God is self-existent, His love had no beginning; because He is eternal, His love can have no end; because He is infinite, it has no limit; because He is holy, it is the quintessence of all spotless purity; because He is immense, His love is an incomprehensibly vast, bottomless, shoreless sea before which we kneel in joyful silence and from which the loftiest eloquence retreats confused and abashed.

Yet if we would know God and for other's sake tell what we know, we must try to speak of His love. All Christians have tried, but none has ever done it very well. I can no more do justice to that awesome and wonder-filled theme than a child can grasp a star. Still, by reaching toward the star the child may call attention to it and even indicate the direction one must look to see it. So, as I stretch my heart toward the high, shining love of God, someone who has not before known about it may be encouraged to look up and have hope. - AW Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy

"Cover up under it for love..."

2009-05-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't just love a well-worn quilt?!

My favorite post of the day that I had to share with you. Beautiful.

Work of Art

2009-05-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

Yipee! Look at what just got added to my art collection. I'll have to wait a month before I can officially hang it next to the living room lamp (I think it will be perfect there), but I'll be thinking about this image every day until then.

Our business supports the community by participating in the local Art Walk. We host a different artist every month and this month it is the work of a very lovely Christopher Dennis. I found Chris's work to be quite heartwarming and joyful, not to mention really good.

Lucky for me, I had the pleasure of meeting him and his family last night (there is a total of seven of them - isn't that great?). As I walked home from the show with my little family, the first thing out of my mouth was, "I wish they lived here!" Yep, I liked them that much.

My sister bought a few paintings, here's one, and I hear a few other paintings were purchased as well. This is the one I had been hoping to buy but it was purchased before I could get to it! Our most successful artist yet. How cool.

Next month, we host a young photographer that I happen to know personally. I am thrilled to see his work up next month. If you are in the area, please consider joining us on June 6 at the Sandy Cove Inn.

Hopefully Wednesday

2009-04-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

smile.
and if i'm not really feeling it, do it anyway.

be joyful.
and if that's too hard, keep trying.

patience.
it takes a ton of practice. don't quit.

speak peace.
and if i can't, try not to say anything until i can.

hope.
always hope.

Love just walked by...

2009-04-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

Oh my. Here I sit at my window looking out at the ocean. I look down for a minute and when I look back up, I see it. Love. Walking by my window. Walking to the sand. Quietly shared between two people but for all the world to see.

I see it in the way he holds her hand. I can feel it (from my little perch inside) in the way she looks at him.

They are taking a little stroll before they start their day. He will work on computers. She will work with children who need special attention. Their day will be hard and trying but I imagine they will be thinking of one another and the walk they took this morning, all day long.

I saw it. Love right outside my window. And all of a sudden, the sky looks a bit brighter. The upcoming hard bits in my day, don't seem like they will be all that hard. I'll be remembering what I saw this morning. Love.

just a few things.

2009-04-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

around the dinner table, more is merrier.

allowing baby to start growing up is really hard.

dessert is one of the best tools to get someone to finish her dinner (even if dessert is simply yogurt and fruit).

acting the way she wants to feel, will actually accomplish the desired feelings.

Hopefully Wednesday: Love

2009-04-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

If we had a firm faith in God's unconditional love for us, it would no longer be necessary to be always on the lookout for ways of being admired by people, and we would need, even less, to obtain from people by force what God desires to give us so abundantly. -Henri Nouwen, Show Me the Way

love has been on my mind.

what is it? how does one go about it? am i doing it right? that question makes me laugh. doing it right? how can i ever know and would it be "doing it wrong" simply by trying too hard to do it right?

whew.

i am certain that if you are looking for love from me, you are looking for love in the wrong place. my love will only ever be an incomplete imitation of the Source.

the answer i keep coming back to is that for me, love means to simply draw near to Love. to daily submit myself to Love given. to fully accept this unexplainable gift.

hopefully, my steps will move in faith towards the One who gives generously. hopefully, my mind will begin to believe it just as much as my heart does. hopefully, i will start to reflect a little bit of the Love I bask in.

and then, hopefully, you will move closer - not to me, but to the Source. to Abundance. to Love.

Today Captured

2009-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

She's almost a year old - and my heart just isn't ready.

Feeling the sun on our cheeks got us through the day.

This one is confusing the heck out of me.

They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom. - Confucious

Found: A Must-Read Blog

2009-04-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

Things have been busy around my world and I've had less time for sharing with you what inspires me. I miss it. Now that Elliot is moving around all over the place and Kaia is getting older (is it possible for a two-year-old to be turning 13?) I just can't seem to make it to my blog as often as I would like.

But I had to make time to share a blog that I recently discovered and keep returning to. Every time I finish reading a recent post by Ann Voskamp, I think to myself, "Who is this person??!" I haven't read anything like this in ages. Her word's describe what I feel deep inside. And every time I leave her blog, I feel completely puzzled and yet totally inspired. For me, that is a sign of amazing work.

So, I urge those of you interested in spiritual matters (and aren't we all in one way or another?) to visit and experience her blog.

Hopefully Wednesday

2009-03-25T08:22:00.001-07:00

It's raining...again.

Welcome Spring.

Hopefully, the spring that I know is somewhere deep inside of me will start pushing through the gray and start blossoming into a beautiful, bright, cheery splash of color.

Hopefully, even if that doesn't happen, I will choose to make it a springy day anyway.

Here's to choosing Spring when it doesn't want to chose me.

Found: Words on a Page

2009-03-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

Give yourself time to consider what you most want to contribute to the world.

-by Terri Trespicio, Martha Stewart's Body + Soul

Song on Her Heart

2009-03-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Despite the late nights and early mornings, the sick children, the disorganized home, the daily frustrations and concerns, the rainy cold days and the stinky refrigerator - despite it all, the song keeps filling her heart.

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. Down in my heart to stay.

The true things are the reason she has joy in her heart to stay.

A husband who listens so well.
Two little girls who make tiger sounds together.
A unique job that provides satisfaction.
Loving friends who affirm and make her laugh.
A beautiful ocean right outside of her front door.
A spring that has finally arrived.

So, she begins this day with a song of joy on her heart, in her mind. The list could go on. And on and on it does.

Found

2009-03-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

baby snuggles. toddler giggles. finding my three favorites enjoying one other. what a special day this has become.

Found: Spring

2009-03-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

spring was everywhere we looked that day except outside. in the farmer's stalls. in the people's faces. in the sea of tulips. in her delight and laughter.

Today was special...

2009-03-04T16:04:00.000-08:00

wants to do everything.

happy just being with us.

adventures on a pig.

she's been asking to ride the bus since we started our trip.

found wisdom on the side of my cup.

Off we go...!

2009-03-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

We are leaving today for a much needed vacation. The summer season is around the corner and we need a break before we dive into the crazy hospitality months ahead.

Our destination is the Green Lake Neighborhood, just north of downtown Seattle. We are swapping homes with another family for ten days. We've got plans to visit museums, take walks, discover new parks, ride the ferry, and have lots of special family time. We are ruling out any real rest simply because we have two tiny kids in tow but we are hoping for enough energy to get us through the vacation.

I may or may not be around and just wanted to give you a heads up! Have a great week and thanks so much for the time you spend visiting my blog every so often.

I've Been Crafting!

2009-02-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

I created these shoes to give as a baby shower gift. I bought the pattern from Melimade at her lovely store on etsy. Unfortunately, I used an inexpensive felt for the sole (I was trying to use up what I had in my fabric box) and once the shoes were made, I couldn't bring myself to give them to the Momma-to-be. I knew about the cheap material (shame on me) even though no one else could tell. **Side note about Melimade: I've also purchased her wool teething carrots - LOVE THEM.

So, I created a few of these colorful burp clothes instead. They will be much more useful than the shoes anyway.

This dress! I found a pattern for what's called a Pillowcase Dress (you guessed it, you use a pillowcase!). I didn't have a pillowcase so I made a few adjustments to the pattern and created this. There were many instructions for this type of dress on the web. This tutorial by Susan Petersen at Freshly Picked was the best one I could find.

I also made this to give as a gift. I've got a few more bits of fabric that will quickly be turned into lovely little dresses.

What have you been crafting lately?

Found: Something to Hope For

2009-02-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hopefully Wednesday: Discover

2009-02-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. -Marcel Proust

Found

2009-02-24T07:44:00.000-08:00

First of all...

2009-02-19T07:32:00.000-08:00

pure.
peace-loving.
considerate.
willing to yield.
full of mercy and good fruit.
impartial.
sincere.

A Belated Valentine's Day Poem

2009-02-17T07:48:00.000-08:00

at 4 am she awoke, thankful.

she thought: thank you for listening. talking. being my friend. caring. loving me. making time for yourself, all by yourself.

thank you, board member.

she thought: you make me feel beautiful. it's because of you that I don't mind the lights being on.

she fell back asleep grateful. thankful. happy. and in love.

Illumination

2009-02-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

Coming to mind, more than ever these last few days, is this encouragement and direction:

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Lately, spiritually, emotionally and even practically, things seem to be so dark with no clear path indicated. How do I guide my toddler to a healthy, independent and compassionate life? How do I get my infant to stay asleep? How do I manage to remember to pay the bills, and get dinner started, and write all those thank you notes? How do I get inspired enough to do something special for my husband? What on earth do I take away from James 5:1-6? And what about all the dangers in this world that I need to research in order to make sure my girls are out of harms way? Talk about a lot of darkness with no clear footing!

As I meditate on these instructions I realize that not only am I required to take one step at a time (a lamp only illuminates so far) but the light from my lamp must come directly from the promises that I have put my trust in.

I seek for guidance - let me find them within these holy pages. I desire light shed upon my decisions to make - let me consult the wise promises I hold in my heart. I want to take firm steps - let me trust that I will.

I Love...

2009-02-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

waking up to find that my bread dough did rise.
a recharged camera battery.
a new houseplant.
hot, fresh coffee.
dinner plans.
top teeth that finally break through!
a friend that has found her calling...finally (you really have, T).
inspiring craft, moments, and manifestos.

Found: Hopefully Wednesday

2009-02-10T16:56:00.001-08:00

I did a little search online to see who else is hoping on Wednesday. Here are some of my favorites:

Hopefully Wednesday will stick this time
Hopefully Wednesday shud be cool :)
Hopefully Wednesday if not Tuesday
Hopefully Wednesday will be able to hold on to him
Hopefully Wednesday can survive
Hopefully Wednesday can be a catalyst
Hopefully Wednesday might be the day
Hopefully Wednesday the sooner the better
Hopefully Wednesday is a stepping stone
Hopefully Wednesday and I just wondered
Hopefully Wednesday will be different!!!
Hopefully Wednesday is good time

#6 is what I'll be hoping for today - a little something to change things up! What about you?

Here's to a little hope for your day.

Love, Love, Love

2009-02-09T08:12:00.000-08:00

Until recently, holidays have never meant too much to me but after Christmas 2008, I started to want that to change. I don't think I realized how much I enjoy traditions and now that I know this about me, I'm moving forward!

I'm not sure what hit me (Cupid's arrow??) but yesterday afternoon I got my heart on! We are gearing up to have a very lovely Valentine's Day here at the Coast on Columbia Street. Won't you join us?

Who Are You?

2009-02-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of really becoming yourself. -Anna Quindlen

Project Update!

2009-02-06T08:29:00.001-08:00

I have completed a few projects since my last post about the list of projects I had.

Rooibos tea was finally added to my kombucha jar. Next week it should be ready to bottle! Last batch I bottled the tea with white grape juice. I think I'll bottle this next batch with peach juice - sounds yummy!

I finished my skirts, finally!! Holly got her Christmas gift and I made Kaia a reversible skirt to match both of Holly's skirts.

Still working on the arm warmers, however now they are going to be leg warmers for Kaia. I should get a photo of those up - they are too cute.

Still working on the stack o' books. I'm nowhere near completed. I think I'm about done with Super Baby Food. I've read about all I can handle - that book stresses me out with too much information.

What projects are you working on?

Found

2009-02-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

Best and Worst

2009-02-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

Best thing that happened to me yesterday:

I made the best dinner from scratch! I had everything I needed on hand and was ultra-prepared (I was even able to bake a gorgeous crusty bread at the last minute because I had some left-over dough sitting around for such an occasion). Being prepared in the kitchen makes me happy.

Worst thing that happened to me yesterday:

Fell asleep before I could read more than a paragraph in A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway (didn't realize I was so tired!).

A long-time-ago-mentor once suggested that I keep track of the best and worst things that happen in a day. Once I had collected a good handful, I was to look back and see what type of recurring theme I might find.

This practice helped her realize what parts she liked best about life and what she liked least and then seeing a pattern helped her realize what she wanted or didn't want in her life.

I haven't kept track of this sort of thing for awhile but lately I've been considering the Best's and Worst's of my day and am finding that it causes me to examine a little closer the things that worked and didn't work. I end up feeling a bit (a very little bit, mind you) prepared for the next day. Works for me!

Glimpses...

2009-02-02T07:36:00.001-08:00

This girl loves to use her tools just like her dad. She doesn't have a tool belt yet but quickly figured out that panties work just as well. You'll notice she has her pliers, calculator and hammer available for quick access.

There is nothing like being well-prepared for any project that might come up.

Dwelling Place

2009-01-31T08:43:00.000-08:00

God has two dwellings:
One in heaven, and the other
in a meek and thankful heart.
-Izaak Walton

Projects, projects, projects

2009-01-29T08:22:00.000-08:00

Yikes - I realized recently that I was getting depressed every time I looked around the house; there was too much to do and not enough time to do it in. I hate it when I say that because it isn't a forced way of living - I bring it on myself. So, I've set out to change things a bit and re-arrange my priorities.

First thing I noticed was that I have so many projects half started. Here are just a few:

Project 1: My books I plan on reading - hm, not sure when I planned on reading all these. And seeing the stack of books I'm not reading is stressing me out! I picked out the top three I must have and returned the rest to the library. What will I be reading? A Moveable Feast, Passionista, and Super Baby Food.

Project 2: Yikes - menu planning. My friend Beth I., has this down to a "T" but I can't seem to pick up the rhythm of it. I keep trying though. What will I be cooking once I finally make it the grocery store (a project all in itself)? Pastas and soups. Those sound easy enough to plan for, right?

Project 3: This year for Christmas, I had my sister Holly to give to. She loves the Amy Butler Barcelona Skirt (I've made one for her before) and so I promised her two more. I ordered the fabric online (that was easy!!) and was all set to finish the skirts by Christmas. But, I didn't realize that Seaside has a ridiculous shortage of zipper variety. I finally made it in to Portland (a few days ago) and picked up two zippers. Along with a new pattern for myself, Amy Butler's Anna Tunic. However, I did not buy myself any fabric. I promised myself I would finish Holly's skirts, make another one for me then I can start a new sewing project (after all my other projects are done, of course). Trust me, the motivation to get to the Anna Tunic has got me finishing the skirts quite quickly.

Project 4: Oh dear, my Kombucha was recently bottled (two weeks ago) and I still haven't added a fresh batch to the jar - uh oh. Hope the Kombucha Mama can hang for another week.

Project 5: Finish my arm warmers (I've got the practice version done - now I can pick out some yarn to make the real thing - when I've completed another project, of course).

Project 6: Finish decorating the house. We just put up curtains (finally) and next is to print out some photos and frame those.

Project 7: Almost done with painting the church nursery. I've got the colors picked and the painting party scheduled. I can't find the color swatch to show you the colors but just picture calm blue and green - soothing, peaceful, quiet - perfect for a nursery!!

Those are all the projects I can think of for now (I'm starting to get tired out). The goal here is to stop saying, "I don't have enough time", all the time. The thing is, I do have enough time, it's just that I'm trying to cram too much into it. Stop it! So, here's to the attempt to simplifying my life and getting it all done, with plenty of time leftover.