SouleMama

letter to a dress

Dear Favorite Vintage Summer Dress,

We need to talk. I'm so disappointed in you. After all I've done for you. Rescued you when you were abandoned at the thrift store - tossed out like trash. I found you, brought you home, cleaned you up and loved you. Oh, how I loved you. Need we count how many times I've worn you? Really now. Many. Or how many pairs of green shoes I've bought with the express purpose of wearing with you? Oh, so many. Or how about the endless number of times I've cleaned you ever so delicately with my own two hands in the bathtub, using only the mildest of soap so as to keep your crispy vintage cotton happy? That's right, a lot.

We've had some good times together, my friend. All those picnics by the beach, dinners out, summer barbeques. I could go on. Oh, and shall we even talk about how carefully I've protected you from the evils of red wine? Yes, maybe now you're beginning to remember. That's the only explanation I can think of - that somehow you just forgot how great we were together. There's no other excuse for your behavior - I mean, I so delicately packed you away last fall, dreamed about you in the winter, and all the while you were sitting in my closet shrinking on me? I feel so betrayed. Oh, and don't you dare blame this on the daily pint of coconut ice cream from Maples this winter. This has nothing to do with that, nor with those Standard Baking Co. chocolate croissants. Nope, clearly, the blame belongs on you and your shrinking self. Clearly.

So, now that I've jogged your memory about our past, perhaps you're feeling a little guilt? a little remorse? I'm a forgiving kind of girl, and I miss you terribly...so let's make a deal. How about I put you right back in the closet for a little rest - a little time to think - a little time to g-r-o-w (about an inch or, maybe two while you're at it). And next week, I'll pull you out, slip you on, we'll head out on the town, and we'll just forget this whole thing ever happened. Whaddya say?

in hopes of a reconciliation,
your ever-loving wearer

PS. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. While you're in there, thinking things through and all, would you mind having a little chat with your closet neighbors? It seems that you've been spreading your sassiness to everyone around you. Tsk, tsk.

what I love :: rhubarb + strawberries

Yummy rhubarb from our local CSA.

+ Strawberries from yesterday's pick-your-own adventure.

= the perfect 6am pre-breakfast muffin snack (vintage strawberry tablecloth makes them taste even better).

Strawberry - Rhubarb Muffins

1.5 cups unbleached flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 tsp salt
1.5 tsp baking soda

1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 stick melted butter
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp grated orange rind (optional, but oh-so-good)

1 cup chopped rhubarb
1 cup sliced strawberries

Mix dry in a large bowl. Mix wet separately. Add wet to dry. Stir in berries and rhubarb. Spoon into greased muffin pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Devour.

summer pillows and couch rambling

{Completely a tongue-in-cheek post ahead. I do not, of course, really and seriously fret over a couch - only a little. Just sayin'.}
I'm not digging on our couch lately. The couch we spent *forever* finding and agonizing over (and in the end, ended up with THE most basic of couches). I could tell you a million reasons why I strongly dislike it, but I'll spare you and save it for Steve (because he loves it when I talk about the couch. Ha!). I regularly stalk the aisle of my favorite antique furniture shops in hopes of a new (old) one. But only 6 years after buying ours, it seems both wasteful and expensive to replace it just because I don't love it anymore. For better or worse, I'm committed to my couch. And so...I do what I can to like it. Spread a little love on it, you know? Favorite quilts draped, and last week - new pillows in hopes of a little lift.

I hesitantly cut into this amazing piece of Marrimekko that Katja sent me this spring. I've been treasuring it for just the right project, and this seemed worthy enough for the scissors - and I used every square inch of it that I had. I put the opening on the back, fully anticipating washing these (white!) pillows often. I opted for ties instead of buttons this time, after my last set left button impressions on everyone's face who laid their head on the 'wrong' side. Oops.

I was talking with a friend the other day about the lifespan of couches (because as 'not thrilling' as that conversation might seem, everyone has a couch story) - she thinks I'll soon enter a few years of 'tolerance,' followed by a slight fondness for it before it finally is time to get a new one. I think the pillows might have pushed me over into the tolerance phase - I like it much better now. Does that mean I'm closer to a new couch?

Surf's Up

There's a serious surfing vibe around here this summer. (Does being a mom of surfers mean I get to hang at the beach everyday? I'm in.) While the boys are still a few parental-induced swimming requirements away from really and truly surfing on their own (yeah, that doggie paddle isn't going to get you far when you're upside down in your boat, guys. sorry.), they're doing their best to prepare for the role of 'surfer' (which they define as both the traditional surfboard, as well as whitewater kayak in the surf - Papa's gig). They've had enough of Papa and his paddler friends around in their lives to think they fully get the role of the 'boater/surfer', uh...character.

As always, the costume is key. Last week, after some mild grumpiness about me not buying him a new wetsuit, he marched to his room to sew his own. How much do I love that he did this in defiance ("Fine! I'll make my own!")? A lot. He was disappointed to discover no capilene or lycra in my stash, but like any good tailor, he made do with what he had - cotton knit. I showed him how to trace his pants (he used his long johns to get the fit he wanted), gave him a little help on the elastic casing, and then he was off. Wetsuit pants complete. They fit, they cling when wet, they're black. All requirements are met and he's happy.

(Um, love that photo). The next day Calvin wanted a wetsuit top. He caught me in a moment when I had absolutely zip, zero, nada energy to 'help' him sew. "No problem, Mama, I can do it all on my own", he says. The result was this top (which is adorable, though I'm afraid it won't survive it's first washing) for his Little Dude (yes, that's what he calls him and Ezra sarcastically calls him 'Captain'). Truth be told, Calvin tried to make it for himself, but it didn't fit, so he 'gifted' it to Ezra, who was thrilled to be the recipient of Calvin's sewing. Heck - I'll take sibling kindness however it comes.

Next on their surf sewing plan is a gear bag for their wetsuits and other surf 'accessories' - my babes looooove their accessories. Sometimes I'm afraid I'm raising a bunch of gear-heads - but thankfully it doesn't look like they're headed for the 'expensive, brand new gear I only use once a year" kind of gearhead, but more towards the "duct -taped, ripped shorts, everyday use, DIY" kind of gearhead. I'm cool with that.

small comforts are where it's at

Ever so slowly this week life will start to head towards 'normal' once again. It's amazing how those little four-legged beings can have such a huge presence, isn't it? We miss Luka. A lot. And we miss Mow, too. We've never not had a dog - it feels very different around here.

Amidst all of that, though, lots of small comforts abound:

::Flowers. Everywhere right now - outside and in. (And a belated Happy Solstice to you, by the way).

::Remembering. Planting, playing, and climbing the trees in our new 'Dog Garden" in the woods; writing a Blurb book about sweet Lu for the littles; and reading and talking lots with the kids about their (and our) sadness. There's lots of great books out there for kids on grieving, some of which we have. But truth be told, we always find comfort, truth, clarity, and gentleness in dear Mr. Rogers. Because that man was amazing.

::Thrifting. Of course. This little paint-by-number piece is my new favorite studio art. I find the freaky eyes oddly cute.

::Blogreading. Sometimes staring at the screen for hours on end is a very welcome break, indeed. And really, there's so much goodness going on out there. And how about Miss Lydia? Oh gosh, just beautiful. This is one of those times when the downside of 'blog friends' (um, that pesky continent between us - sorry Midwesterners) is seriously bumming me out. Oh, how I would love to pop into the Karol house with some food and hugs, ears for the birth story (I love a good birth story), and a kiss for that soft baby head. Congratulations Amy, Pete, Sadie, and Delia, And Welcome, sweet Lydia - you picked the right family, girl!

::More Thrifting. I've had my eye out for one of these for a while. It's the exact model I used as a child (my father's), but it's in perfect condition, with a case, the instructions and warranty (expired in '67. dang.). I am thrilled to have one of these to play with (and so is Ezra).

::Sewing. Yes, there's been some of that. Lots of that.

::Dancing. There's always dancing on the sun porch. The guaranteed-to-lift-your-spirits kind of dancing. Good stuff, that dancing.

thank you...

Thank you. Your words have meant so very much to me, and to all of us. I've sat down many times to read the emails and comments about Luka, and they've not only brought (welcome) tears, but comfort, smiles, and a bit of joy as well. I thank you for that.

Things are still moving slowly around here, but I'll be back in the swing of blogging this week. Routine is good. And, of course, there's comfort to be found in using one's hands, isn't there? I've got lots to show from that.

I hope the rest of your weekend is lovely, and I'll see you back here tomorrow...

sweet luka

Thank you so very much for your prayers, positive thoughts, energy and words of concern and kindness today. Really, it has meant so much. And I know that it helped us find her.

We did find Luka earlier this morning, and it was immediately clear to us that she had gone into the woods for the very last time, just like her pal Mow did before her. I'm so grateful that we found her, had a chance to say goodbye to her and to hold her in her final moments of life. I'm so incredibly grateful for that. There's so much to say about Luka, but my heart already feels like it's crumbling into little bits, and I just can't imagine ever finding the words. Luka had the gentlest spirit I've ever known - with endless love to give - she taught me so very much about that, as special dogs have a way of doing. I will always feel blessed for that April day nine years ago when she and I 'accidentally' and awkwardly stumbled into each others lives, and for each and every day that we've all shared together since. Oh, how we will miss her.

hoping

Hello friends,

If you're the praying/hoping/wishing/light-sending kind, could I ask you to hold our sweet Luka in your thoughts today? I would be so grateful for that. She's been missing since early Tuesday morning, and we're all very heartbroken with sadness and worry for her. She's been sick, and wandered off into the woods...we're fearing the worst, hoping for the best, and doing all we can to find her and stay positive in the meantime.

I'll write when I have news to share.

xo,
Amanda

mixing the wardrobe

The results of some Friday Night Sewing (just in time for Saturday Wearing). Thank you Steve, for waiting until 11pm to start the movie ("I'm just one seam away from a new shirt!", except it never really is just one more seam, is it? Always some other detail I forgot. Thanks for not complaining about that).

The shirt is Built By Wendy pattern #3835, which I finally got around to giving a go (why did I think they weren't available at JoAnn's? But they are. And conveniently found on $1.99 Simplicity pattern days, which I get ridiculously giddy about, even though I rarely buy new patterns. Still. Such a deal! Am I rambling?). This pattern is so clear and easy and I love the fit. I had all sorts of fun floral prints pulled out to make with it, but the reality was that I actually needed a white shirt (something about white not lasting long around here ... I wonder why?). In my stash, I found this crispy white vintage cotton sheeting with a bit of texture (is it poplin? it might be poplin). It's just what I needed. And I'm sure this pattern will be used again in the near future - the idea of not needing to buy any shirts this summer excites me in a silly way.

The skirt is a trace of another one I have.  I wasn't sure exactly how this fabric would work, and given that I have YARDS of it, I was a little lazy in my sewing - basically the trace of a skirt - front and back - and a simple waistband with a rolled hem at the bottom. Simple. Easy. And sooo comfortable. I found this vintage fabric (yes, polyester) at the Salvation Army sale this year - such great colors. And there's even a slight touch of green so I can wear my favorite green boots that I now only save for 'once in a while' since they're getting a bit beat. Perfect - looks like I've decided what to wear tonight for my date with my mother-in-law (who, by the way, I completely lucked out on - she's so lovely), to see Patty Griffin. I can't wait.

And really - taking pictures of yourself? Not so easy. You'd think after two years of blogging, and even with my new nifty remote, I'd have some tricks. But nope, I don't. I just move around trying to find good light (because I barely understand light in photography), and thinking, "I should just put it on a damn hanger to take the picture". I don't know how all you wardrobe remixers do it, really, every single day - but how cool for us that you do.

Most of my shots come out like this. I can't explain it.

delivering on my promise...

...of sand and baby toes:

Father's Day evening, at our favorite beach

I'm absolutely in love with watching my babes 'be' out in the world - whether it be watching and listening for birds in the woods, catching waves in the ocean, or climbing a tree in the park. When all the toys and distractions and walls are out of the way, the essence of who they really are just shines. And when I'm paying attention, it radiates so strongly that I can't help but be brought right into it too. Good fun.

this week

So there it is. The first of the summer quilt tops - all pieced and waiting for the batting to arrive (this stuff from Purl). Ezra asked to see it with nearly each strip that was added, and at one point Steve peeked in on it too. And in the sincerest, most kind voice, he said, "I really love how all the squares don't quite exactly line up". Riiiight. Because that was intentional. Totally. Anyway...next week? Maybe there will be a finished quilt. (Oh! And thank YOU for your very sharp memories - so many of you pointed out that I have, in fact, made quilts in the past. Why do I think it doesn't count if it's not on a bed? Hmn...)

This is how I found the boys yesterday morning after breakfast. Freshly dressed in their baseball 'costumes' (all clothes are costumes, you know), standing at the door with bat and ball and glove in hands, chanting "Let's go Coach!". The coach, in turn, finished pouring his coffee, picked up the littlest member of the team (who was standing with baseball cap in her outstretched hands) on his way out, and they were off.

Steve has been home for the better part of the past few weeks (one of the joys amidst some not so fun benefits of working for yourself), while I've been working on some quilting, I mean writing projects. It's so interesting to me to watch how differently we spend our days with the children when we're doing it alone - and I can only think that it's advantageous to all of us in many different ways. Balance, you know? There's lots of different things they do on Papa time - this week has included a lot of baseball; a lot of dirty clothes; a little more time in the woods; nachos for lunch; trying to solve the Rubix Cube (I think Calvin's going to walk around muttering, "clockwise, clockwise, counterclockwise" until he solves it), and a healthy dose of You Tube too - this week, introducing the kids to the wonders of The Electric Company - (Knock Knock Rock, and One Word Comes After Another are the most requested around here - because Morgan Freeman is groovy). Yup, this is the education our children are getting.

It was a very good week. I hope yours was too. See you on Monday!

summer dinner love

What I love about summer dinners:

inside - the light sticking around long enough to join us for an evening meal

outside - Well, everything. Even when we're not actually eating outside, I'm dreaming about eating outside. And dreaming about jumping into any of these photographs with a summer dinner in hand:

where my heart is
porch
untitled
under Alicia's pergola
picnic

summer of quilts

For all the sewing that I've done, this is the only quilt I've ever made. There have been a few wall hanging quilt-like things. But this is the only blanket quilt, I think - one that has to actually DO something. I made it in the final months of my pregnancy with Adelaide (blogged here). It's held up better than I thought it would, but in heavy rotation with many other beautiful blankets and quilts (she's a lucky girl), this one hasn't seen much washing (the binding is a little sketchy - I think lots of washing would really wear it out).

Anyway, like Blair (how gorgeous is her new quilt?), I've always wanted to have handmade-by-me quilts on all of the beds in the house. Currently, the boys have a Nana-made quilt (which I would love to use in rotation so as to 'save' it for them), and we have a variety of not-quite-right vintage comforters and spreads for our bed. So I hereby declare this summer the Summer of the Quilt(s) - yes plural, because I'm crazy.

They're all started to some degree or another (yes, really...four quilts - Ezra's is pictured above, ready to be pieced). I have such enormous respect for quilters, and I'm both in awe of and intimidated by the process. I think I get the construction okay, and I'm heavily armed with all the best books and resources I could need. It's the color thing that I get hung up on, and then the quilting part that freaks me out - getting the bulk through my machine, or handquilting the whole dang thing without messing it up too badly. But I'm motivated to plow through it - now that I've mentioned it to Ezra (he helped picked out some of his fabric. Oh my. That was interesting.), he asks me nearly every hour if his quilt is done yet, and when, exactly, I think it might be done. Nothing like a four year old's beautiful anticipation to get over some silly adult intimidation in a hurry, huh?

So. Let the Summer of Quilts begin. I'm ready.

7 things

Me, 1978 or so.

So whaddya say? 7 Random things? Heck, why not. (Thanks for the tags, sweet readers)

1. My first car was a blue 1983 Volkswagon Vanagon (it was my parents before mine). In college my boyfriend had a (orange!) 1976 Westfalia. Yes, we had matching vans - except that they were VW vans of course, and so only one of them ever worked at a time. I loved mine soooo much, even though it got me pulled over more times than I can recount, and put me on the side of the road, broken down with nearly every trip. But that's forgiven because, really, some of the best times were had broken down on the side of the road anyway. The kids and I saw a super modified VW westfalia recently that had a VW Bug 'top' sodered onto the top of the van - like a big bubble. Does that make sense? And does anyone around here know anything about it? It was so fabulous (the boys haven't stopped talking about it), and it made me highly nostalgic for my first car (how fun would it be to convert one of those to biodiesel with the kids in a few years?!). Okay, moving on...this could take forever. Am I really only on #1?

2. My Portland Public Library fines right now are $66.98. I'm terrible at returning library books, but console myself by thinking this is how I support my Public Library. Hmn - I know, bad. (Oh, and speaking of the Portland Public Library - if you're local, don't forget to vote today!)

3. I'm three credits short of my bachelors degree in Women's Studies. I marched, and then never finished my Senior Independent Study. Usually, this doesn't stress me out (I loved college. I learned a ton about a lot of things. Do I really need a piece of paper to tell me that?), but sometimes...I pick up the local college catalog and contemplate finishing.

4. A few months back, we cancelled cable and moved the TV into a closet. A little surprisingly, it's hardly been mentioned since. Until I was in the grocery store checkout line last week and saw something about a thirtysomething reunion, and I got all twitchy and was ready to reinstate cable RIGHT THEN. I bought the magazine (um, People) only to find out that it isn't really happening (but they got me to buy the magazine - tricky them!). I LOVED that show, even though I was all of 14 when it was in it's prime.

5. I have a bad habit of listening to a favorite album so much that I can't ever listen to it again. Recently kicked out for overconsumption: Tori Amos' American Doll Posse, Tom Waits' Orphans, and Belle and Sebastian's The Life Pursuit. All very good albums that I sadly cannot listen to EVER AGAIN. Currently, I'm trying to save Jeff Tweedy's Sunken Treasure before it's too late (which means just one listen a day. ONE.)

6. I haven't knit a stitch in months. Which is a bummer especially considering the project I started for a pregnant friend nine months ago is now due. Solution? Drag the TV out of the closet and rent some DVD's - first up Volver (I love Almovodar's films, but I'm very,very behind on movie watching - can't wait to see this one), and then Miss Potter (out next week!). That ought to get me through a baby sweater.

7. While I was writing this post, Typepad ate my post for the very first time. It reminded me that I need to back up asap - gotta get that Year 2 Blurb book going.

Did you really just read all of that? You're so nice.

weekend finds

Ah, a very lovely weekend - I hope yours was too. We had one drizzly day - perfect for inside house projects and reading and lounging; and one gorgeous summer day - perfect for visiting with family, trail walks and playing baseball. And, of course, there was a tiny bit of weekend time for thrifting and yard sailing too.

Last week I was all drooly over Meg's fabulous vintage girls dresses she found thrifting. And then a few friends appeared with some more, and I figured that must be the end of them. But there were more! By the time I finally got myself over there this weekend, these were still kicking around (and I left a few behind, if anyone's local and interested). I do wonder what the story is with all of these handmade vintage dresses - I'd like to think the maker would be pleased at the new life they're getting. These are a little big yet for Lady A, but hopefully she'll let me put them on her when the time comes (one can hope). In the meantime, that red wool is the best "Annie" dress my kids could hope for.

A few little linens - bedsheets that I'm really loving.

And this little clock - I've been looking for an old one for my studio. And this yellow and aqua one is just perfect for me.

I promised myself a year ago that I would NOT bring any more aprons into my house. For the most part, I've stuck to that. But really, how could I resist this one?  It's cocktail time. My apron says so.

a sighting

We've been anxiously awaiting our yearly backyard visit from the red tailed hawk. Sadly, we haven't seen him yet. Calvin could take the waiting no longer and decided to become the red tailed hawk himself. Pretty close, don't you think?

I want to thank you all for your kind words and enthusiasm both here and on Flickr, especially this week about the film photography. How amazing and wonderful this medium of blogging is - that one can put your passion, thoughts, and creative work out there into the world and be met with such support and kindness? Really, it's amazing, and I am very grateful for it, and you. Thank you.

I hope your weekend is beautiful...

corners of my home: a little light, please

I seem to be cursed by always being one light too short (no need to analyze that metaphor too deeply). Really...every time I bring a new lamp home, another one in the house kicks it. I think I'm cursed. Steve thinks it's some karmic forced conservation. I will admit to being a bit of a hog about leaving lights on. I'm trying, really I am, but I think I'm still rebelling from my childhood when my Dad docked 10cents off our allowance each time we left a light on in a room that we had left (see how well that worked?).

Anyway...I brought this lamp home from a church rummage sale, knowing full well that it meant another one in the house would surely break (it did..two hours later - I'm telling you - CURSED). The lampshade that came with it wasn't working for me, so I covered in it this sheer vintage fabric (orange and green, how I love thee). I used Stitch Witchery to adhere the fabric to the lampshade (which means that yes, I ironed the inside of the lampshade - not so bad, really). I kind of forgot that the inside of the lamp actually shows a lot (it was midnight, who can remember such details?), and so it's a little more sloppy than I would have liked (I should have actually sewed the hems rather than just cutting and folding). But do I have any intention of doing it over? Um, no. That would be tempting the lighting gods a bit too much. I'll leave it just how it is, and delicately turn the knob to turn it on....and off, too. I promise.

More Corners of My Home still going strong over on Flickr.

film, film, film

I've been shooting exclusively in digital since Calvin was born. In six years I haven't picked up our film cameras once. But having watching Maria, and then Hannah play so beautifully with film, I've been thinking about our old camera - packed away in the attic. Our trip North last weekend seemed the perfect opportunity to visit it again - no crafting came with us into the woods, but our trusty old film camera did, and I was so excited to play with it.

It took a bit to get used to the whole 'one shot' deal again. I think that was a good thing. With digital it's so easy to just shoot - gobs of photos - and end up with the best shot. But with precious expensive film, well, a whole different story. I found myself really framing shots, paying attention more, slowing down, and thinking about what I was shooting more than with digital.

There's nothing like the anticipation of picking up a roll of developed film. Ah, so fun. And a bit of magic, really....versus our instant "let me see it!" that we're used to on the digital LCD screens. My 35mm lightmeter is completely shot, but I think we managed okay. I shot in 200 speed, and was expecting (hoping) for a bit more grain, even. Still, I'm pleased with the results. (They scanned a bit darker than they actually are).

These pictures make me very happy. In a quiet sort of way, which I can't really explain. I suppose I don't need to.

I think it's caused me to give a little more thought to how I shoot digital- maybe just to slow it down a bit. And while I have no intention (or budget!) to shoot lots of film, I do think it won't be packed back into the attic. The next time we head into the woods, it will be coming with us. There's something organic about shooting film that feels like a pleasant match to me with time spent in the quiet, slow, and calm of nature.

I've posted a few more of my favorites over on Flickr. You can find them in the Film photoset.

Buttons and Creating

(photos by mav)
I had the pleasure of sharing some sewing fun with a friend a few weeks back. Maria came over to my nearly finished studio for a little play session with buttons and thread. I will admit that anytime a friend comes into my studio, I feel a bit like a child wanting to show and share ALL of my 'tools'. Seriously - hours can go by in a blink of an eye, and before I know it, they're trying to inch their way to the door as I'm shouting, "but wait! we haven't looked at all the vintage lace!". Maria was more than a gracious and patient guest - she was, as she always is, interested and excited. She had an idea for a letterpress card that she wanted to try, and so we promptly dumped the buttons,and did some sewing and playing with thread. (After she very wisely bought us some alone time by stuffing my four babes full of her delicious chocolate chip cookies - a smart woman she is!).

Once we were done with the sewing/button-gathering part, I waited with excitement to see her process take place - the artwork, the printing - and then the beautiful result of the cards. Just gorgeous, aren't they? They're exactly as she described her idea to me, and yet they surprised me still. I adore the colors she chose, the placement, and well - all of it. I can't wait to start writing little notes and sending these out to crafty peeps.
Probably similar to how Maria feels about sewing, I feel about her letterpress. I'm curious about the process, inspired by her creativity, and enjoy so very much the end product, regardless of how much or how little I understand the tools specific to her work. And that's something I find so incredibly connecting about people who value creativity in their lives - that no matter what the medium is - in many ways, the process of creating is the same. The passion, the energy, the uniqueness is all there. The process of turning an imaginative thought into a concrete piece of craft/art/work, is a process I love to witness perhaps as much as I love to partake myself.

Thank you, Maria for sharing your beautiful art, process, and creative passion! And most of all, for your beautiful friendship.

{Maria's button cards are available at her Etsy shop.}

fabric, not sports

After a super late night on Friday night, I was not feeling the 'get up and go' yard sale wake up call that usually comes at 7am. But then I remembered - the neighborhood retirement home.

I've been to this sale before - it's mostly a bake sale, and what appears to be a social for the residents. But there's one little table of things for sale, and I seem to find a treasure there each year. This year was no exception - I found a small grocery bag full of this fabric, hidden under the table (always look under the table!).

I clutched my treasured bag, bought some baked goods (I had to), and had a little visit, because even if I wanted to leave in a hurry, these ladies were not going to let that happen. We chatted sewing, we chatted knitting, they told me all about the woman whose fabric I was buying (perhaps more than I wanted to know, actually...oh, scandal), and I smiled as they chastised the men (who couldn't hear them anyway) to 'take the sports talk outside and get out of the way!'. Ahem.

I went right home after the visit, knowing that I wanted this bag of fabric to be my single treasure for the day, not something amongst a bunch of other things. And oh, it really is a bag full of treasure. I gingerly removed each piece of fabric (oh, and with that sweet apron tucked in there too!), quietly smiling, while Ezra watched over me and asked, "Mama...why does that make you so happy?". Because it's old, because it's precious, and because it's pretty. I suppose that's why.

And this one here might just be my very favorite old, precious and pretty thing yet.

summer fare

A very happy June 1st to you! There are a few little changes around here that you might like to know about. I've decided to put off another Etsy shop update for the time being. Unless I suddenly change my mind (who knows - I surprise myself sometimes), I plan on closing up shop for the summer months. No worries that I will return in the fall with plenty of fresh ideas and things to stock it back up with.

Other small changes - you can see a minor face-lift happened here last night - new banner, and colors and things. I also moved my About page to a different - but similar page which you can find here. (Typepad users - have you seen the new "Pages" feature? It's much easier for formatting, adding links and such.) And while I still plan on updating each weekday (I love the rhythm of doing it that way), you might find a bit lighter 'summer fare' upon your visit here. Need I really warn you that there may be weeks dedicated entirely to posts of sand and baby toes? By now, you should know this of me.

Oh, and speaking of sand and the FAQ's - I want to add a wee Portland (Maine) bit to answer some of the "coming to Maine, where should I go?" emails that I get. If you're local, or a Portland lover, I'd be psyched with your help - want to give a shout out in the comments to your favorite spots - crafty and touristy alike? Thank you!

I have a few new projects in the works that I am over-the-top excited about this summer. And I'll share them with you as soon as they're firmed up just a bit (you're seeing bits of one such project in this post!). Mostly, I'm thrilled, thrilled, thrilled that summer is upon us - that the beach bag is perpetually packed, summer adventures are planned, and days are spent outside from waking until bedtime. Heavenly. Here in Maine, at least, we wait a very, very, very long (and cold) time for these few months of summer bliss. They're to be treasured, and not taken for granted. I fully plan on soaking up every moment that I can.

On that note, I wish you a very wonderful June weekend!