a number of things

autumn days

Swamp Maple Leaf

Oh how I love these autumn days. We began our homeschool year early (in the midst of the unbearable last-of-summer heat) just so we could let go and enjoy these lovely November weeks. They have been beautiful and busy.

Amanita crocea

Tomorrow my oldest (Noah) turns 15. Wow. Wasn't it just yesterday he was the one toddling around the house? And now he is a real live teenager and baby #6 is the one toddling. How time does fly.

I love my boys. (Ok, girls... you know I love you too.) They are so simple in their needs and wants... and so much fun! Way back when I wrote "Sewing with St. Anne", Noah (little 8 year old Noah) asked me when I was going to write a "boy's book". 'Someday', I said. Then a few years later, when I wrote "Tea & Cake", Caleb and Noah both asked me when I was going to write a "boy's book". 'One day', I said.

Feather from one of our chickens.

Fast forward to now. Just the other day Collin (almost 8) asked when I was going to "make a book for the boys". Without hesitation (or thinking) I said, 'Now!'. And so I am.

This book is first and foremost for my boys. They are providing many ideas and much input. It is still taking shape, but the basic skeleton is there just waiting (as life frequently interrupts) to be fleshed out with fun ideas, projects, recipes, photos and watercolors. I will be self publishing this time, also. Another learning adventure that I am quite excited about!

 

Cortinarius armillatus

So there you have it. One of the many reasons things have been quiet around here lately. One of my main problems when I set myself to a large-ish creative task is that I think of a hundred other creative things that I want to do. Oh the paintings that I have in my head... they keep me up at night! But I have a promise to keep. So when I have a few of those precious free moments, I will be working on a book for my three sweet boys... and having a blast doing it. :)

 

i love camping

 

 

 

 

 

After checking the weather forecast for this week, we made a last minute decision and decided to take off and go camping. I so love the woods, the foods, the canoeing. Just everything.

(More photos are on Flickr.)

  

wordless Wednesday :: my survival kit

  

Holy Week crosses

 

They are back!

Wishing you a blessed Holy Week and a happy & holy Easter!

 

a donation

 

Anna had been growing her hair out for some time now with the plan of donating it to Locks of Love.  A few days ago we finally got around to going to get it cut.  I usually cut her hair (and all the others), but for this special occasion I told her that we would go to a real salon.

She is still talking about how much fun she had getting it cut and says she is growing it to donate again just so we can go back. Awesome.

 

random thoughts & little known facts

So yes, I am still here.  I am so hoping that this baby decides to wait until after Thanksgiving... or at least until after my oldest's 14th birthday on Tuesday.  My babies have all been anything but predictable in their birth times coming anywhere from 34 weeks to 39 weeks. 

(Random pic to go with a random post.)

The first three were the wild ones (births, that is) because I had a uterine septum dividing my uterus in half about 3/4 of the way down.  We did not discover that the septum was even there (hence the early babies) until number three was born... 6 weeks early.  When Isaac was about 18 months, I had an MRI to get a better picture of the thing and then had it surgically "resected". 

I have been enjoying Elizabeth's posts about her new little Sarah as it reminds me so much of our adventures with our own early babies.  We too, have pictures of a tiny Isaac next to Bitty Baby, both of them dressed in preemie sized onesies.  Issac was smaller than Bitty and nursed every 45 minutes for his first month out in the world.  Around. The. Clock.  I was a sleepless zombie, but a happy one.

 

(Swing jumping... do all kids do this?)

So, I am looking forward to an "on time" baby sometime soon, all the while planning next week's festivities.  Do you keep up with news?  I'll confess, I am a closet news junkie and even though we do not watch TV, I spend a few minutes every morning checking my favorite news sites to read the latest in what is going on in the world.  One of my favorites right now is a new blog started by a lady in Iceland which chronicles the economic state of things there in English.  She also has a news site where she translates Icelandic news stories into English.  I find all these stories utterly fascinating and Chip and I have been know to stay up way too late discussing these and other current events.

Well, I had better go and make my daily list of what needs to get done around here.  Call it organized nesting, if you will... though my house looks anything but organized.  Have a beautiful autumn day!

   

Recycling

Those of you who have read Tea & Cake will recognize the dragonfly in the summer banner.  Let's just call it "recycling", shall we?  I simply do not have the time or energy right now for a new illustration and I always liked this guy anyway. :-) 

                        

Thank you, Flowers and Frogs

Thank you all so very much for all the sweet well wishes and much needed prayers!  Congrats also to commenters Kim, Elizabeth, Carmen and Monica who are also expecting!  What an interesting world this bloggy web is.  We all feel as if we in some way know each other, when in fact we have never met.  Absolutely lovely. :-)

         

These are my sister Jill's flowers, but I really want some.  I think hydrangeas are probably my favorite flowers of all, but until recently I have not had a spot with enough partial shade to grow any.  Now I can't get them out of my head.  I think it is so cool how the color can be changed by altering the soil acidity and they would look so beautiful with my antique roses.  I really think I may have to get a bush or two, I sure hope they are easy to grow as I don't think I can do too much with them this summer.

Jill takes wonderful photos and really should have a blog to show off her work. (Hint-hint. :-))  Below is a recent one she quickly snapped of 6yo Joseph. 

           

The frogs (one on his shirt and one on his head) are one of his favorite accessories.  As he is stalking the hapless creatures he whispers, "I am a friend to frogs, I am a friend to frogs."  I somehow doubt the frogs feel the same way.

  

New Banner

                 

Time for a new spring-y banner!

   

Time for a New Look

        

Please excuse the dust while I tinker around with the blog a bit. :-)

Thanks!

New Clothespin Bag

           

I recently used a bit of my PayPal funds to order a beautiful new clothespin bag just for me!  I ordered it from the lovely little Firefly Farm shop of Debbie Andriulli. I absolutely love it.  The wonderful vintagey red fabric lined with blue gingham is just perfect.... and so well made!

           

I have enjoyed reading Debbie's blog, Homespun Living, for some time now, but this is the first time I have ordered from her.  She has much more than just pin bags in her sweet shop; pincushions, totes, drawstring bags and more! Her hand knitted dishcloths, for instance, would add practical beauty to any kitchen.  Buying other's handcrafted work is such a great idea if you are wanting to give beautiful, usable handmade gifts this year, but do not have the time, skill or inclination to make your own.  Personally, I just like buying something hand sewn by someone else once in a while.  Beautiful!

    

Reflection

A few days back, the lovely Jennifer, from S/V Mari Hal-O-Jen, tagged me with the Blogger Reflection Award. Wow, somehow I never think of myself as much of a deep thinker, but thank you Jennifer!

The recipient of this award is to, in turn, reflect on five bloggers who have "been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, or have been a Godly example to you."  Now the difficult part is, to narrow it down to only five.  Ok, here goes:

First off, I'd have to say Lissa over at Here in the Bonny Glen has inspired me in so many ways with her fabulous suggestions for amazing books and audios.  Even my kids know her as the lady who convinced mom to switch from Kids Discover to Muse magazine. (A BIG hit!) I can totally relate to her latest post about her towering to-be-read stash of books.  My stack is borderline ridiculous.

Next, is Kim from Starry Sky Ranch. Her "Prairie Home" posts always make me take another look at my surroundings, and to try and see what I can improve on.  Not only that, but she is an absolute whiz at helping a girl decorate her new living room via e-mail!! (Thanks again Kim!)

And then there is Dawn from By Sun and Candlelight.  Yes, I know she has already been tagged, but I can't help it.  Her blog is a regular part of every day right now, as I try to taste the Autumn she is experiencing.  The Autumn that is still so very far away for me.

Next up is my new-found-in-real-life friend, Cay Gibson from Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks.  She is so peaceful and wise and I cannot wait to sip many more cups of tea in her company. (Notice, Cay, that I did not say "sweet". ;-)) I wish I could have gone with her on her Little House trip!

And last but not least, I tag my friend and neighbor Colleen, over at Footprints on the Fridge. Until she started her blog recently, I had no idea what a truly "reflective" person she was!  Behind that quick wit and sharp mind there is a lot of pondering going on, and I am truly glad that she has decided to share those ponderings with the rest of us.

Have a wonderful weekend!

   

Decorating Dilemmas

Well, we are finally winding down on the major work on the new living room, and we actually moved the sofa and chairs in there last night, even though the shelving and molding is not done yet.  You see, we are now waiting on the cabinet guy for the shelving and cabinetry, and frankly, we just couldn't stand it any longer.  We simply had to see what furniture would look like in this new space.

This step has gotten me thinking a bit beyond the construction phase... to the decorating.  I'll admit it, interior decorating stresses me out.  Big time.  I'm not sure what it is about it, but I think it's the fact that I'm not sure what I need exactly, and with my teeny tiny budget, I'm not sure how to get it.  I can't stand the thought of spending money on something, then getting it home and hating it.  Either way you slice it, I am hopelessly intimated by the whole thing.

So, I have been looking for ideas on the net.  I really like a simple, light and natural, semi-European look. I like an uncluttered (and unmatched), vintage / antique look.  I love fabric, especially timeless prints and stripes.

                  

The above French-stripe cloth is from The Linen Works in London.  I would love this in my backyard, or anywhere else!

            

I have been gleaning more European flavored ideas from Gruvgatan 13.  Amazing things, there.

         

Browsing the pages of House on the Hill (above) reminds me of the beautiful blog, Homespun Living.  Check out her gorgeous tea towel curtains! And oh, how I love her kitchen sink!  And speaking of blogs, have you seen the lovely Modern Country from the Netherlands?  Talk about simple, European class.

      

And of course, I have been doing a fair amount of clicking around on the ever inspiring French General web site, along with perusing the pages of The French Inspired Home and others (in the sidebar). The above 'Virgen de La Regla' is from their "santos" collection.

So, I am taking notes (literally), and saving photos and trying to envision and then create beautiful surroundings.  Ones that make guests feel comfortable, welcome and relaxed, while making our family simply love being at home.  All on a tight budget.

No pressure. :-)

 

A Bit of Idea Food

hat on earth is "Idea food"??  Well, it is something (books usually, but not always) that inspires the imagination.  My "official" definition is 'anything that gives one the raw ingredients for the creative process'.  Silly, I know, but it's very real to me.  An idea food book would be one that gave the reader a plethora of suggestions, pictures or ideas; but few specific projects that require specific supplies, materials and tools.  Idea food s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-s one's creative abilities and requires a certain amount of out-of-the-box thinking. Idea food is a spring board to further creative adventures, rather than a set of static instructions. Idea food inspires. Does any of that make any sense at all??

Anyway.  I was recently trying to help Amelia craft her own art journal, when I stumbled across this wonderful pdf called "Illuminations", by Amy E. Bruce. (Great idea food!) The perfect springboard for many an art journal page! We also found this neat site with very cool examples and ideas for all sorts of illuminated letters.  These will make great additions to our notebooking projects next fall, also!

Have a great day!

P.S. ~ If you are not familiar with art journals, here is a simple introduction to the idea.

   

Pondering Beauty....again

"Beauty is a key to the mystery and a call to transcendence.  It is an invitation to savor life and to dream of the future.  That is why the beauty of created things can never fully satisfy.  It stirs that hidden nostalgia for God which a lover of beauty like Saint Augustine could express in incomparable terms: "Late have I loved you, beauty so old and so new. Late have I loved you!""

~ Pope John Paul II in his Letter to Artists, April 1999

Oh, how I love that quote!  How true!  Gazing on the perfect petals of a rose or the wings of a butterfly or an exquisitely rendered painting or other work of art will often turn my thoughts to heaven.  I truly believe that beauty does indeed "stir that hidden nostalgia for God".  It is for this very reason that I design the type of rosaries and chaplets that I do.  I want to create (and help others to create) beads for prayer that call out from the coffee table to be prayed!

Our souls crave beauty.  To rest ones eyes on something as simple as a mason jar filled with honeysuckle brings a certain peace and calm.  I suppose the early summer outdoors has me a tad distracted these days.  Everywhere I turn there seems to be something worth stopping and getting a closer look at, be it butterflies, blooms or berries.  When I cannot get outside (it's been raining quite a bit) I have been visiting Dawn's lovely blog and especially her Nature Notes and Nature Corner. 

Speaking of beautiful blogs, I have also been carefully pondering how I will fill the walls and shelves of our almost complete home addition.  I need to utilize the available space carefully and practically while  bringing in touches of beauty where I can. This post from Vintage Home has given me a few ideas while this one from Rebecca Sower has me looking around the house in an effort to use what we already have or can create ourselves.

Have a beautiful day!