bringing it back outside

The days are still mostly cool, and there are even still little bits of snow in this part of the world. The ground isn't ready for planting, and there's little cleaning up that can be done quite yet. But we're getting out there anyway in the brisk spring air not long after sun-up and staying out all day. After such a long winter spent inside, none of us wants to waste a minute of the sunshine and the chance to be outside for so much longer each day. Each time I open the door, I feel this outward spill of energy virtually busting the door open as everyone rushes outside to get as far away from the house - and sometimes, each other - as possible. Scattering to their respective outside work and play spots - taking up as much space as possible. Just because we can. Because it feels so good to stretch like this. Yes, it feels like we're coming out of hibernation.

And with us - also outside goes the 'making' of our days. From the wintry inside things of: sewing machines; drawing paper and pencils ; and blocks, to the tools and materials and projects of the outdoors: new bike rails out of logs; a hole dug in the mud; and searching for bits for the fairy houses.

It feels so good. And it's just beginning.

Comments

[martha]

It's like the first time being outdoors each spring:) It's still pretty cool here too -we went out last night for one of the first times and we still have snow, but it wasn't actually snowing! This year spring seems to be slow in coming, but that will make it all the better when it does arrive:)
xo

[Carol]

There's so much to be said for Spring.. I love it and I am so thankfully that it's slowly but surely introducing itself here in the UK. I received my copy of your book yesterday and I love it.. thank you. I might even take sneaky reads of it this evening when I'm at work :)

[HandyCraftyWoman]

It has been a long winter. The house has been reminding me of a boat sailing creakingly through it for a long time, but now we have reached dry land with a patch of sun on it and the kids can indeed go outside. Whether they like it or not they will be living mostly outside for the next six months.

[Eren]

Hellooo soulefamilia! I hope your outside today is filled with one discovery after another. And seeing C on that bike makes me think that's another beginning in itself. Oh man!

[kosenrufu mama]

as always amazing pictures, thank you!!! it's lovely reading your blog everyday, welcome!!!

[Sara]

Here! Here! The air is still to cool to bike, and the ground to hard to dig. However I can stretch and walk with ease without my layers of winter warmth.

[Phoebe]

Just noticed all three little ones are in stripes... Suprise Suprise! I too find myself drawn to all things stripey! Love the outdoor fun shared! We're at the beginning of the coldness down here in Aus and about to test out the efficiency of the heating (or lack-of)in the house we're about to move into... wish me luck!

[amanda]

how precious!

[melmo]

i love the shot of the bike with the sun peaking through.

[Nicole]

We've been flirting with spring for at least a month now, and have had some truly lovely weather, but my poor kids have had mono. This was the first day in quite some time we were all healthy enough for a day outside. It was a gorgeous 65 degrees too!! Of course the warm never lasts this early, but even the 40's today will bring will be welcome outdoor weather. So fun!

[AmyDe]

Thanks for keeping me inspired about the out of doors - I'm an indoor gal, but my kids love to play out and I have to make an effort for such things. Seeing your family outside enjoying helps. Thank You.

[meg]

yay, spring!
(please no patriot's day storm this year. thank you.)

[Caroline Inckle]

How much fun does that mud pit look!!!
Have you recieved many lovely earthy clay creations from you're little one yet?
Caroline
X
http://carolineinckle.wordpress.com/

[amy j]

that first picture is just such a winner! beautiful. looks like fun!

[Jodi]

Here in Wisconsin, we still have bits of snow too, and no planting ... yet.

Still, as much as I lovelovelove winter ... hello, Spring!

[Heather, whatchabuildin]

Oh, yes! We have been outside in the past few days too. Pruning trees and cleaning the yard a little, and looking for worms like the robins. It was still cold, but seeing the little green heads of soon-to-be flowers peeping from the earth, it was invigorating!

I received my order yesterday of the two prints, and I love them. Thank you.

I am heading down to your book signing this weekend. I look forward to meeting you! Still lovin' the book! Have a great week!

[Kristin]

Amazing bike shot. It is amazing what the warmth and sunshine can do for our cooped up beings! The first real warm day, I let all that I had to do go and went out and man it felt so good. It has been a long time coming this year in Maine. Have fun playing outside with your kids today.

[Madeline]

That picture of Calvin (?) and the bike ramp looks almost identical to one that I have of Gillen, who made the exact same ramp. Hours of fun and no huge wipe-outs (despite dire predictions from some who saw the picture). Must feel so good for you guys to get out!

[Suzanne]

We are loving outside too--like getting a new lease on life!

[Tricia Robinson]

YEA for spring! Your days sound absolutely perfect! Loved the bike ramp! Your kids are so creative and love seeing what they are up to!

[ciara]

The light is a gift! Even though we have a mild, temperate climate here in Ireland, spring is always welcomed joyously. Even with all the showers. The greening has begun. Yay!

[molly]

so, so good. bring on Spring.

[Carrie]

I smiled when I saw the bike because I am completing a bike-inspired painting right now.....
That is a wonderful phrase "and it's just beginning" Ah,many days of warm bliss ahead of us!

[julia]

looks perfect

[Poopsy]

I bought your book yesterday around 3. I finished it before I went to bed. It was one of those times you felt like someone had written you a letter, rather than a book for the masses. I'll be posting a review and recommendation on my blog soon. But thank you for your book. I loved it.

[KSC]

Thank goodness for sunshine and kids running free outside!
I can breathe again.

[Maryann]

Happy spring! We are also enjoying the mud puddles. It was lovely to meet you last week in Falmouth. And good idea on the "outdoor pants"; Levi now knows to lose the muddy pants at the door and put on the "indoor pants". Ah mud season. :)

[Bea]

I'm so glad you guys are getting some time outside! We are wimps down here in Arkansas, and even though the sun is shining, it's still a wee bit too cold for us :) I just wanted to tell you, that I got your book last week and have already read it cover to cover, and am so excited to do these projects with my 16 month old..as soon as he stops eating his art projects! I loved the book, it felt like I was listening to an old friend, even though I've never met you :D

[Ericka B Traven]

In Ohio last week it was in the seventies and we relished every moment we could spend outdoors. From snack and hammock lounging to running through the woods and playing ball. I agree, it is very much like coming out of hibernation and we don't have the weather you do. Glad you are getting out and enjoying.

[kristen]

Spring is such a great time of year-the feel of endless possibilities and new beginnings. Its fresh and shiney. Enjoy!

[Caren]

I really wondered if winter would ever end. I was beginning to loose hope, and yet here is spring, barreling over the snowbanks and making me forget my winter darkness already! I'm heading out to hang my laundry for the first time this season!!!

[camerashymomma]

out of hibernation, love it! i know what you mean about the energy spilling forth. all over the front steps and into nature. what a great visual. enjoy your days together!!

[m]

Hooray for spring! We're in the same boat here--still spots of snow and very brisk, but soaking in every ray possible. Sooooo good.

[melissa s.]

I can almost smell the spring air through your photos. Lovely lovely!

[celia]

What a cute way to make the differences between in & out, lol... Reminds me of the Sesame Street I love to watch with my kids when we're "inside" and ready to go to bed, lol...

[Ali]

We have a very similar mud-hole (and the washing pile to show for it)!

[Jennifer]

Sounds wonderful.

I have been a long time reader of your blog. Love it! I just wanted to let you know, like I am sure everyone else has, LOVE YOUR BOOK. I was hesitant at first to get it only because my kids are a bit older but I am so glad I did. It reminded me of what I strived for before I was consumed with the the "chores" of three kids instead of the joys of three kids. Thanks for the reminder!! I am working on making more time for creative endeavors.

[elliebelle]

Oh what fun! I remember rubber boot season as a kid. I had the black boots with the red stripe at the top. :)

[cloth.paper.string]

just the beginning, yes. and those crocuses, aren't they the perfect harbingers of the season?

[katie]

ah yes! I hear ya. we pratically live right down the road from you, and being outside just feels so darn good! we are loving it.

[Kim Matschull]

oh my YES! we are loving being outside. Yesterday was 74 here...today is a very windy cold 48 and we just don't care... we MUST be outside! Have tons of fun!!!
:0)

[m.j]

We are doing just the same, embracing springtime! I love looking forward to reading your blog Amanda..you are really inspring and you have such a great way with words!!

[tara pakosta]

yes, it feels good to be outside for sure! love these shots of each child doing their own thing!!!
tara

[karin]

I do hope you'll share morea about the fairy houses! My kids are trying to make a fairy "village."

[Berlinswhimsy]

Yes, it is just beginning! We had two days of summer and now we're straight back into winter again! Crazy.

Enjoy that sunshine.

[Petchy]

I've been reading your blog for a while and it always leaves me with a happy feel-good vibe :) I'm terrible at leaving comments on blogs, but just had to say that I ordered your book today and cannot wait to receive it as I have heard such fab things about it!

[Shannon]

Went to the beach for a week with my own children and so haven't checked in. . . I have been a skeptical, addicted friend. Skeptical of the virtual friendship and the wasted? time reading about someone else's life. But I'm writing now to say, that after not reading for a week and returning, I don't feel addicted or virtual, just proud. Like a real friend would be. You give presence to the world and so I thank you. Your show seems phenomenal- love your quilts and photos and embroidery! Most of all, I feel the same heart-swelling about my own kids and love that you write about it so well.

[Mrs. B.]

Hi Amanda! I have been reading your blog for about a year now but I just recieved your book in the mail from Amazon. It is completely beautiful and I am so excited to dive into it. I can't imagine how proud you are of this creation. It is fantastic!
Just wanted to let you know and say congrats!

[rosesmama]

I see you found the Audubon book. Isn't it lovely? We went camping in South Carolina for my school spring break. An outdoor week! Just what we needed. It's great to just watch children breathe . . .

[Laura Reaux]

It must feel so refreshing to burst out the doors instead of only peering through the windows. It doesn't get cold here like it does most places, so we can usually still play outside in January. I do find that we're outside more lately though. :) Loving that sunshine.