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{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
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Forgive my absense here yesterday. I had every intention of showing up, but the day kept getting away from me, and well, I never did make it here. There was snow (what? snow?), and sick children, and goodness so very many things can sometimes fit in one day, can't they?
But really what filled up the hours is some good old-fashioned fence post-hole-digging and hammer swinging. You see, we've been very busy here - making plans, building things, and getting ready. Because soon, very soon, this little homestead of ours is growing. We're all very excited about that, but I think it's safe to say that in this case, Mama is most of all. Yes!
Stay tuned!
"Summer" came last week in a stretch of record-setting high temperatures. Those days found us outside with sandals and shorts, with the kids asking for trips to the lake and ice cream for dinner (alas, the local ice cream shops weren't quite geared up for the season yet. Never one to miss an opportunity for ice cream for dinner, you can be certain I checked).
But now we are back to March - it's cool and windy and everything looks like a variation on the same color - somewhere between brown and grey. It's March in Maine, and all is as it should be. It's good. But oh that taste of summer! I guess you could say I still had those summer days on my mind in the making of this latest little outfit from Annabel. We're all ready for a bit of color!
The dress pattern is the very simple Citronile Adele (just like these), once again paired with a pair of Quick Change Trousers from Anna Maria's Handmade Beginnings. The fabric is an organic cotton from Betz White's Stitch collection. It's such a great weight - super crisp and lovely feeling, and the colors - ah, the color!
Photographing Annabel these days - or parenting her, for that matter - involves following her getting-faster crawl from room to room, looking ahead as best I can for all the little bits of life and ick that might be in her sightlight to put in her mouth. She does it all as quietly as can be, and always with a smile on her face. Oh, the quiet ones with the sparkles in their eyes.
This morning I'm noticing - and appreciating - the simple sights of home that make up the right now of our family life.
Wishing you a good Monday morning!
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Lineanongrata. In Julia's words:
"Lineanongrata is all about illustration. In the shop you'll find prints, postcards, buttons, mirrors and bottle openers. Every item is lovingly made with a sweet and quirky illustration."
Follow along with Julia on her blog!
SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?
Julia: The fact that I am completely useless at anything else in life. I use my fingers to count to ten. Don't ever ask me to add five to seven, to keep a household or anything else organized. I believe tax papers are a modern form of torture, writing invoices is almost worse than passing a math exam in Highschool and if somebody could tell me where I put the list with my computer passwords I'd be incredibly grateful. The only time when the world is safe from me and I feel really happy is when I can sit down with a pencil in my hand and a piece of paper in front of me.
SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs and ideas?
Julia: There are moments when ideas are plenty and seem so easy to come by that it's elating. At other times I have to will myself to sit down every morning and start work because every drawing, every sketch, everything I do seems devoid of sense. Whenever I talk to my fellow creatives they tell me that everybody goes through these phases. Recently I've come upon a quote by Pablo Picasso: 'Inspiration exists, it just has to find us working'. And I find that to be true. It is incredibly rare that inspiration strikes with a loud blast of thunder and vivid, multicolored flash of lightning. Usually it just seeps in while I work, almost unseen or unnoticed in the beginning of every illustration, making itself known only later, until in the end I can say 'Oh! So that's what you intended to be?!'
SouleMama: What's the product or offering you're most excited about right now?
Julia: I'm very happy with the new series of fairytale-inspired illustrations. 'Jorinde and Jorindel' is one, 'The magic hat' is another example. Also, many of the illustrations that were previously only available as prints can now be ordered as postcards, too. A way to either send art to a loved one or to hang up a wider range of illustrations at a more affordable price (because they look good framed, too).
For today's giveaway, Lineanongrata is generously offering the following to THREE winners:
~ a free print & a bag of goodies (buttons, postcards, etc)
In addition, Lineanongrata is offering SouleMama readers 15% off orders placed by April 4th, as well as free shipping on all orders over $100. Use code 'soulemama' at checkout.
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Thank you to Lineanongrata!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!
The winners are...
Gorgeous work!
Posted by: Mama Cass
How charming!
Posted by: tulips grow faster
These look like they're from another world! I love them.
Posted by: Frances P.
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Seed & Sky Jewelry. In their words:
"The jewelry at Seed & Sky begins as an illustration or painting that is then scaled down and made into a miniature, high quality print. These tiny prints are then set into metal bezels and are sealed for protection and beauty."
Follow along with Kelcey on her blog!
SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?
Kelcey: Like many parents, as soon as my husband Alex and I had a baby we started dreaming up ways to integrate our work lives with our home life. Alex and I are novice homesteaders, co-owning a small piece of land in the Blue Ridge mountains with Alex’s brother and his family. We started out by building our own small home five years ago. At that time we had 7 goats, 15 chickens, a large garden, and a home with a million projects still unfinished (anyone who owns, or has built a home knows what I am talking about!) Time and money became tight when we had our first baby the following year. Alex is a carpenter, and he started working crazy long hours so I could be a stay-at-home mom. We were happy, and at the same time it was stressful. We finally sat down and looked at what was important to us and made a plan to make big changes.
Our priorities were:
#1. Being present for our two children
#2. Creating a high quality and meaningful product we felt proud of
#3. Having our business integrated into our homesteading lifestyle
We made some hard choices (like selling the goats and letting the garden go wild for a couple of years) to free up some time. Alex cut back on his carpentry, and then we set about turning my art into a viable business. It has been a lot of work and scary at times to take this plunge~ but ultimately it feels so good to do what we love!
SouleMama: How are your children incorporated into your business?
Kelcey: We have a ½ mile walk to the mailbox, and my kids love to take a walk and be in charge of putting the Seed & Sky orders in the mailbox and raising the flag. Often when I am doing some of the more menial business tasks, my daughter Lili will come sit at my desk and draw or work on her letters.
~ a piece of jewelry, winner's choice, from the Seed & Sky shop
In addition, Seed & Sky is offering SouleMama readers 20% off all orders placed in the month of March. Use code 'soulemama' at checkout.
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Thank you to Seed & Sky Jewelry!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.
Comments closed!
The winners are...
what beautiful jewelry
Posted by: Chase Young
How beautiful! Thank you!
Posted by: PlainJane
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{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
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Seed and Soil were the words of the day in the sunshine and record-high warmth of yesterday. There are a few household tools that by some magic I don't quite understand, bring the kids running from whatever they may be doing, and wherever they may be on this many-acred homestead of ours. It's as if by some magnetic pull, they just know that Mama's using the mixer, or that the swift is at the ready, or as was the case yesterday, the soil blocker was in need.
It is a lot of fun, that soil blocker. And so is adding water and soil and mixing it all together into a soppy mess with your hands. Then, popping little tiny seeds in those holes, too.
And with that, our 2012 garden has officially begun! Most of our seeds this year came from High Mowing Organic, with a few from our local FEDCO Seeds as well. (For those who might ask, my all-time favorite general reference garden book is The Garden Primer.) I started yesterday with broccoli, brussels sprouts, some kale, and celery, with another pile of seed packets ready to go today. They'll sit by a table near the wood stove for germination, then be moved to the library which, in lieu of a greenhouse (maybe next year), gets turned into seedlings room for a few weeks (with the help of some good windows, lots of rotation, and lights).
We all have exciting plans for our garden this year, and are eager to get out there to play in it. But it is still March in Maine, I must remember (despite the weather telling me otherwise). And so, we start, quite happily, from here - with a little bit of seed and soil.
Oh, what a glorious day!
With bicycle tires rolling, sap boiling, swings swinging, mud splashing, seeds planting, baseballs flying, and the whole family delighting. Even the chickens, increasing their egg laying overnight, got notice that spring is here.
Yesterday, the ground was warm enough - and dry enough in one spot, at least - so that a proper blanket session could be had. In lieu of cleaing up from the weekend's flurry, in lieu of gardening work, or chicken coop clean out or anything else like that, I laid out that wool blanket and sat myself down to feel the sun and breathe it all in. The baby crawled, ate sticks, and laughed at her big brothers jumping in front of her. I read a chapter of the book the boys have been asking me to read for a while now (that they've already read and want to talk about). A toddler came and went on his own missions between Mama, Papa and woodshed. A silly preteen boy picked up the camera and snapped pictures of his Mama taking a two minute nap. Cats visited under the arm of a girl, and a chicken too. Family life happened....outside.
It was the First Day. It was a good day.
Today? Today we celebrate the Vernal Equinox and I can only hope (and guess) there will be more of the same. I wish that for you too!
Right now, I am...
:: listening to the sounds of breakfast in a busy kitchen full of friends and family.
:: eating some still-warm-from-the-oven granola made this morning by Harper and Papa.
:: feeling full of warmth and appreciation for all the fabulous folks who came out to celebrate Taproot yesterday, on such a glorious spring day in Maine.
:: working on the next issue of Taproot, with much excitement.
:: loving the sounds still on my mind from Friday night's The Head & The Heart show. Amazing, amazing talented people.
:: appreciating the presence of 'visitors' that bring us to all our favorite local haunts, most especially those oceanside.
:: dreaming, still, about the heavenly masala chai chocolate I ate last night from French Broad Chocolates, brought to us by our Asheville friends.
:: plotting a journey south to visit said friends and eat said chocolate.
:: enjoying the tiny bits of maple syrup we have.
:: thinking today we will boil one more time, and then pull the taps from the trees.
:: planning on starting seedlings tomorrow!
:: knitting a whole lot of purple.
:: looking forward to the much-loved post-library visit quiet that we'll share this afternoon, as everyone settles into a new book.
:: treasuring the last moments of our time spent with dear folks and kindred spirits, Ms. Ashley English and her boys Glenn and Huxley.
:: feeling grateful, this morning, for this funny little internet and the ways in which true community is formed on it, and real connections are made from it.
:: wishing you and yours the loveliest of days as you start your week!
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Sundara Yarn. In their words:
"Sundara Yarn hand-dyes luxury yarn for knitters, crocheters and weavers in gorgeous glowing colors."
SouleMama: What's your favorite part of your job? The most challenging?
Sundara: My favorite part of my job and the most challenging is coming up with new colors for our yarn. I've been dyeing yarn for 6 years and constantly coming up with new colors for that entire time. It's a challenge to find a fresh, new take on any color at this point, but I manage to find two new colors each month and it always surprises me how infinite the color wheel can be.
SouleMama: How does the balance of work and family play out for you? How has motherhood affected the work you do?
Sundara: I am a new mother of a 16 month old and it has been a huge adjustment. Finding some semblance of a balance between my daughter and running my business usually is impossible. I try to remember that all I have is the present moment and to be fully aware of what is happening now, rather than constantly thinking
SouleMama: How are your children incorporated into your business?
Sundara: It seems like right now, my daughter is the excuse I give everybody for why I'm constantly late, forgetting things or generally just seemingly flakey. My customers are 99.9% women and most of them are mothers so they are very kind, patient and understanding. It's given me a greater understanding of who they are as people and why they knit so much for their kids!
~ a $50 gift certificate to Sundara Yarn
In addition, Sundara Yarn is offering SouleMama readers 10% off orders placed by March 27th. Use code "10%march" at checkout.
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Thank you to Sundara Yarn!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.
The winners are....
Beautiful yarn! - Samya
Posted by: Samya
What divine yarn. I would love to feel in in my hands as I knit.
Posted by: Maureen
Yes please!
Posted by: betsy
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Imagine Childhood. In their words:
" ... a little nature... a little imagination... a lot of play. Toys, tools and activities for growing minds. Imagine Childhood is a family owned and operated company offering high quality environmentally conscious toys and activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and open-ended unstructured play."
You can spend more time with Imagine Childhood by following their blog.
SouleMama: What's the product or offering you're most excited about right now? Tell us about it.
Sarah: What I’m most excited about at Imagine Childhood right now is our new spring catalog! We had so much fun putting together our winter guide last year that we decided to make one for spring as well. Spring is the season of growth and potential. It’s full of new flowers and birds and hands in the dirt. It’s full of kite strings and new dreams. So in keeping with that spirit, this year we’ve included our favorite spring crafts, activities, and recipes right alongside our favorite spring goods. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
SouleMama: What inspires you?
Sarah: Right now I am inspired by the act of trying. It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. The process of attempting to do something that you’ve never done before, or doing something again that didn’t go so well the first time around. I’ve been thinking about what it takes to tip the scales that last inch between fear and fearlessness. . . what holds us back and what pushes us forward. I’ve been thinking about the courage, the excitement, and the joy involved in crossing that invisible line between thought and action. I’ve been inspired by all the people I see making those first steps and I’ve been thinking about taking a few of my own.
SouleMama: What's your favorite spot in your home?
Sarah: I just moved into a new house and my bed is right by a big window. Outside there is a tree that is often filled with birds of all shapes and sizes. Since I live on a steep hill, the base of the tree is essentially right at the level of the windowsill. I love this space because in the few moments between sleep and wakefulness, it feels like I’m lying on the forest floor. Looking up at the branches through the blur of morning vision and the sound of birds, the world slowly comes into focus. I love this spot because it makes waking up my favorite part of the day.
SouleMama: Do you have a favorite quote?
Sarah: Today it’s “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working” ~Pablo Picasso
~ a $100 gift certificate to Imagine Childhood!
In addition, Imagine Childhood is offering SouleMama readers 10% off orders placed by March 22nd, as well as free shipping on all orders over $100. Use code "soulemama" at checkout.
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Thank you to Imagine Childhood!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.
The winner is...
What a great selection! And I'm happy to see you offer layaway - will definitely be continue to check out your shop -keeping fingers crossed to win!
Posted by: abby
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{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
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The beginning of a new knitting project is exciting around here for more than just this knitting Mama. Because there is all that swifting to do beforehand! (It never gets old.) Swifting Mama's yarn is a job to be shared, and is very serious, much fun, and most definitely requiring a helmet (it's always best to be safe).
A little bit of Beaverslide - some from the stash and some new purple for my purple girl, who has - since I purchased said yarn - declared her favorite color to be black. Ah, but there's plenty of that on my shelves too. I had thought this lovely, earthy brown and purple would be sweet together...but perhaps purple and black it is. Should this project go as I am planning at the moment, soon enough Adelaide will have herself a new Zimmermann-guided, yoked, striped cardigan. And yes, that means steeking. Oh! I'm a little bit excited. Okay, I'm really excited.
Just as exciting as cutting into a handknit sweater (eek! steek!), I have more good news to share ... this weekend is our Portland launch of Taproot! The always-fabulous Longfellow Books is graciously hosting a launch party for us on Sunday afternoon at 2pm. There will be some reading from our contributors, and some snacks (just as soon as I put down these knitting needles and decide what snacks we'll be having. Popcorn, anyone?), and general visiting and merriment as we celebrate all that is - and will be - Taproot.
I'll be there, joined by my publishing partner Jason Miller, and a few of our local contributors - Steve Soule, Stacy Brenner, Meredith Winn, and our 2012 cover artist Jennifer Judd-McGee. And...coming all the way from North Carolina to experience Maine it all its mud season glory (she is a brave soul!), we are thrilled to welcome Ashley English, too!
Come on by if you're in the neighborhood - we'd love to see you there!
Angry (the not-so-angry chicken), Piper (the friendly cat), and Adelaide (the barnyard peacekeeper).
We did a little sap boilin' yesterday. Normally, we save the boils for the weekends, when we can gather with friends, and make a proper and full day of it. Because, you know, it requires lots of people sitting around, watching the pot boil, to make good syrup. Good company helps, good food is a bonus, and some of us declare that hot cocoa or whiskey are required too. Naturally.
This season, I'm sorry to report, is turning out to be a bit of a wash in the Maple Syrup world. It's been such a mild winter, and now the night temperatures aren't getting cold enough to keep the sap flowing up and down the trees, as it needs to in order to really run. We're getting a bit, we've already bottled some, and there's a little bit more to come surely, but it is nothing like last year's flow. For those whose liveliehood depends upons sugaring, my heart aches a little, and hopes for a better year next year.
For us, whose backyard operation is purely for fun, connection, and just a little bit of food production...we'll be just fine. Because, truly, half of the joy and pleasure in syruping - for us anyway - comes with the acts of syruping itself: the reason to trudge around out there in the late winter air as we tap the trees; the daily walks to collect sap on snow-covered trails; and most definitely, these very precious hours spent sitting around a silly little woodstove under the woodshed in our backyard - laughing, talking, singing, chopping wood, donning goggles, and drinking cup after cup of the warm sap. That's really what it's about for me - for our family. The result, of course, is a very sweet treat at the end of it all. And hopefully, we'll have just enough gallons at the end of it all to carry that sweetness on into the months ahead.
I have a little crush on my neighboring states. Driving through the mountains of New Hampshire for the second time this month, I stare at the hillsides and gaze lovingly (and note-taking-ly) at every farmhouse that I pass by. In Vermont, we were spoiled by the goodness of Hardwick and its people. Thank you to Claire's Restaurant for some delicious fare, and Galaxy Bookshop for hosting us Taproot folk as we overtook the place, and our Vermont contributors Ben and Julia for so generously reading, and most of all thank you to those of you who came out on such a beautiful New England day to share in the celebration and beginnings of something special. (Taproot subscribers in the US, you should be getting your first issue this week if you haven't already. Thank you for your patience! It is coming!)
A funny thing happens when you write into a box, as this here computer essentially is (albeit, a lovely box). Each morning, I close the door to my studio and work for a few hours in mostly silence. And I know, in theory anyhow, that there's someone on the other end of that work - someone reading (the blog, a book, the magazine), and striving for similar things in your own lives. People looking for simplicity, mindfulness, craftiness, resourcefulness, connection to our children, our earth, our communities, each other. Any or all of the above.
Of course, I know that. But oh, it's so lovely when that knowledge becomes tangible. When it becomes connected to faces and babies and eyes and places through handshakes, hugs and conversation. It is both confirmation and inspiration to me that we are all doing the very best we can, that amazing things are happening, and changes being made in small but meaningful ways in places everywhere. After this weekend, I know Hardwick, Vermont to be one of those places.
Well, enough sleepy-headed, Monday morning musings from me. We have some sap to boil, some seeds to plant, some library books to return, riding lessons to attend, and much food to be made and promptly eaten around our kitchen table. Another every day.
Wishing you a most lovely start to your own week!
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Sweet Skins. In their words:
"Sweet Skins is organic clothing designed for every woman, to comfortable and wearable for everyday living. We've just updated our website with a new 'item review feature and are now offering free shipping to all US orders over $50, to make online shopping easier than ever!"
You can spend more time with Sweet Skins by following their blog.
SouleMama: Tell us about the beginnings of your business.
Mira: I started this business 8 years ago sewing in my garage and selling at the saturday market here in Eugene. I only had a tiny spot and no dressing room. woman would actually partially undress on the sidewalk to try my stuff on, so I knew that was a good sign that my clothing had a place in the world. since then I started selling at festivals and music events. started getting help with the sewing and eventually got the website going. I was a single mother of 3 when I got started and traveling was hard on my kids. but we made it through and they're a bunch of amazing teenagers now. And to my surprise, I have a new one on the way now. my youngest is 14 and I'm 39! Pregnancy has always been a big motivator to me and I feel very inspired about my business. Thankfully my website has taken off and I don't have to travel around to festivals this year. So I'll be staying home and working on more pregnancy and nursing friendly pieces for summer and fall!
~ our eco-fleece wrap hoodie in Plum Wine color
(An all time favorite here at Sweet Skins. Made from 100% recycled fleece (pop bottles!), ultra soft and warm, with feminine cute, generous hood and a secret pocket.)
In addition, Sweet Skins is offering 15% off to all SouleMama readers. Enter code soule15 at checkout.
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Thank you to Sweet Skins!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 9am EST on Monday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!
The winner is...
Cute clothes!
Posted by: Becki
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Silk Oak. In Jan's words:
"Silk Oak offers original design cotton clothing, hand silkscreened in our studio in Ithaca, NY since 1977!"
SouleMama: Can you tell us about how you got started?
Jan: Life has a funny way of leading you to unexpected places. Looking at who I am now, what I'm up to and how I got here, it seems hard to believe that it all began with reading the April, 1970 issue of Look Magazine. It featured a photo of a baby and the lead story was about the first ever Earth Day.
Oh my goodness, this would be lovely! Thank you!
Posted by: Heather
I'll be in Hardwick, Vermont on Sunday for the launch of Taproot. Check out the Happenings page for more details. Come if you can - I'd love to see you there!
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{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
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This week, in my kitchen, I have...
:: fed breakfast to some very sleepy heads.
:: marveled at this new little eater among us who wants to try everything we do, and loves it all.
:: brought in the sap we boiled down outside to finish into syrup on the stovetop.
:: enjoyed the last of the frozen broccoli, peas, and stored squash.
:: promised my children we wouldn't have squash soup again for many, many months.
:: realized that it was just too warm of a winter for our makeshift root cellar to work as well as it could have.
:: sent a pile of (rotten) pumpkins and apples to the compost.
:: watched the stack of empty mason jars grow, grow, grow.
:: noticed that we made more ketchup than we could possibly eat. Perhaps we need to have a ketchup party soon (there was once mustard, why not ketchup?).
:: grown a little bit weary of all the broken glass on the tile floor. Dreamed about adding more wood and steel to our lives (our drinking cups are from Greenheart.)
:: been very excited as my boys declared lunchtime their responsibility. A cafe! Yes, please!
:: decided that this pan to oven baked method is the absolute best way of all to cook the pork chops. The pork chops that were accidentally cut to a 2" thickness. (Who knew my handwriting was so illegible?)
:: enjoyed, as the days have gotten longer, the return of an abundance of eggs by eating eggs for breakfast, adding egg salad to everything, and making quiche once again.
:: celebrated, in a silly but very sincere way, the presence of a new pot that fits my family. I had been waiting a very long time for my 8.875qt Staub dutch oven. I love it so.
:: enjoyed so much the motivation and inspiration in the Whole Food Kitchen online workshop (closed for this session, but there will be another next year).
:: made those "leftover oatmeal" muffins almost every day, as the wintertime oatmeal love fades and we always make too much. (1 cup cooked oatmeal, 1 egg, 1 TBSP melted butter, 1/2 cup milk, 4 TBSP honey/sugar/maple syrup, 2 TBSP baking powder, 1.5 cups flour, plus 1/2 cup 'extra somethings' - raisins, chocoloate chips, berries, etc. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.)
:: declared that while spoken word poetry is acceptable at the dinner table, harmonicas are not.
It's a busy place, this kitchen of ours!
What's happening in your kitchen this week?
The rule around these parts, I was told, is that you don't open up the hives until a warm day after St. Patrick's Day. But that doesn't mean I can't fret and hover, both of which I've been doing. On warmer days, I watch from nearby as the foragers take a journey here and there to scout it all out, as the worker bees carry the dead bees to the "door," as the guard bees stay on alert. One hive seems a bit weaker than the other - it has right from the beginning, and I worry about them a little bit (I never took honey from that hive). I don't worry a lot though, because these bees are strong and smart, of that I'm certain. Though I'd rather that they eat their own sweet store of goodness, I might add a candy board to that one, just to give them a little boost. Just in case they don't have enough of their own reserves. It may be close, but winter isn't over yet.
Even when it's easy, as this winter certainly has been, it is still long. Winters just are. I dare say that each and every being on this little homestead of ours is feeling the stretch of that length these days - from the chickens to the children. When will there be bugs to forage for again? When will we see grass? How much more frozen kale and winter squash can we tolerate? Another pot of soup? How many more games of Scrabble can we play? How much more patience can we summon for each other? For ourselves?
But then I remember - and I tell them too - that this is one of the very things I love about winter. At it's very end, it stretches us. It requires us to dig deep, to rely upon each other, and to have faith. For it is certain that the days are getting longer, the temperatures are climbing higher, the snow out there is melting, and there are seeds almost ready to be planted. On a walk outside this morning, I turned my face to the sun with closed eyes, and almost felt spring. Or imagined it, anyhow.
It's just a little bit longer now.
Right now, I am...
:: enjoying pancakes topped with the very first of our 2012 syrup season.
:: watching the melting the piles of snow out there, shining brightly through our windows.
:: smelling the cherry wood burning in the woodstove right now from our very last stack of this winter's firewood.
:: looking at a basketfull of seeds, and thinking the time is coming soon.
:: wishing I could keep slippers on my three year old.
:: hearing him tell me he isn't cold (the goggles must help).
:: feeling irritated by the small pieces of paper all over the place from his love of scissors.
:: reminding myself that this complaint - the "mess" of making art - is something I'm actually grateful for.
:: remembering the same for the piles of books everywhere. Someday, it won't be a 'problem' - for now, it's a good one to have, really.
:: laughing at my boys' fascination with our old High School yearbooks, and remembering doing the same with my parents'.
:: being teased relentlessly by said boys about the polka dots and shoulder pads they discovered on their Mama in said books (which I claim is not as bad as Papa's mullet).
:: happy, spying Taproot out of the corner of my eye - in my home, in my Reader, in the photos, homes and and blogs of friends and readers. That baby is out in the world!
:: working hard, and with excitement, on the next issue.
:: noticing, and rejoicing that it's been over two months and my New Favorite Mug, "7" (from gleena) hasn't broken on the hard tiles of our kitchen floor yet.
:: knocking on wood that it stays in my hands and off that floor.
:: listening to the newish Ani Difranco album, because let's face it, I'm a lifetime fan, and it's a good one.
:: knitting something purple.
:: inspired by, this gorgeousness. if you have ten minutes to spare, I bet you'll feel the same.
:: wishing you a marvelous day as you start your week!
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Sarah Jane Studios. In her words:
"Sarah Jane's shop is filled with sweet yet sophisticated art, play things, paper goods, gifts and embroidery patterns. Sarah Jane takes you to a world of childhood whimsy with her fresh, vintage inspired designs. Her products are meant to inspire you to make and create your own lovely spaces!"
You can spend time with Sarah Jane online at her blog and on Facebook.
SouleMama: What's your favorite part of your job? The most challenging?
Sarah Jane: Just this week, my very creative and artistic 7 year old told me that she envied that I was able to DO something about my BIG IDEAS all the time (which is ironic, because we all know that being a good parent and functioning adult means that we need to put off those BIG IDEAS in order to serve and fulfill our duties). But her comment struck me. At school, she is just starting to learn to express herself of course, but in ways that allow her to focus on the task at hand (which creative beings know is a challenge!) While I have learned to control my creative impulses, I do actually find it incredibly rewarding to foster that creativity and to do something every day out of my own BIG IDEAS. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that I can be a creative person as well as a good mother.
The most challenging, is of course, part of the same: being a good parent. Balancing my time as a creative as well as running a smooth household is an art on it's own, and while incredibly fulfilling, it's a challenging course to take. But I'd never choose a different one. The challenge forces me to be better, make good choices, take risks and constantly assess what really matters.
SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs and ideas?
Sarah Jane: Most often when I stop looking for them, and start listening. The ideas are usually always there, inside me. I have to just turn off the noise and notice. I usually have floods. The trick is finding the time to do something about them all.
SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?
Sarah Jane:
Come to the edge, he said.
They said: We are afraid.
Come to the edge, he said.
They came.
He pushed them and they flew.
~ Guillaume Apollinaire (French Poet)
For today's giveaway, Sarah Jane Studios is generously offering the following bundle to ONE winner:
~ 2 yards of children at Play fabric (not available for sale in the shop), a full set of 8 embroidery designs, and 2 8x10 prints of your choice!
In addition, Sarah Jane Studios is offering all SouleMama readers 20% off Sunday and Monday only in either Sarah Jane's ETSY store or her online shop! Use code mama20 at checkout.
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Thank you to Sarah Jane Studios!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!
The winner is...
Love! Thank you!
Posted by: Jess
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Monaluna. In her words:
"Monaluna designs and sells modern, 100% organic cotton fabric for quilting, apparel, crafts and home decor. We specialize in unique prints for children and adults, and are committed to providing fun, eco-friendly fabrics."
You can follow along with Monaluna on the Monaluna blog!
SouleMama: Tell us about the beginnings of your business.
Jennifer: Monaluna opened for business in June of 2010 with the debut of our Monaco collection. Before that, I was licensing my artwork for use on fabric and stationery, but I really wanted to provide organic cotton fabric options, and be involved in the whole design process. I finally decided to make the leap and start my own business. The first collection took almost 15 months to produce, and by the time it arrived I had a 3-week-old daughter. That first year was an exciting and challenging learning experience! Now, almost two years and four collections later, both the business and the daughter are growing and thriving.
SouleMama: What inspires you?
Jennifer: For me, the trick to being inspired is to pay attention to the environment around me. I find that when I travel or change my routine – even just a little – I engage more and pay closer attention. Sometimes even a long walk allows me to really notice my surroundings. It’s impossible not to be inspired when you pay attention.
SouleMama: What's your favorite part of your job? The most challenging?
Jennifer: My favorite part of the job is seeing all the wonderful creations people make with my fabrics. I love stumbling on Etsy shops that use my prints for their products, or finding cool creations on blogs, or when one of my customers sends me a photo of their project. It’s really fun and inspiring to see.
The most challenging aspect is balancing the creative part with the business and the day-to-day tasks. Some days it’s hard to get it all done!
SouleMama: How are your children incorporated into your business?
Jennifer: My daughter Anabelle is 21 months old now, and she’s become an integral part of the business. Many days she’s with me in the shop, drawing or playing or sitting on my lap while I answer emails (that’s my favorite excuse for typos). She’s also our resident model, and I love making outfits for her using Monaluna fabric whenever I can.
For today's giveaway, Monaluna is generously offering the following bundle to TWO winners:
~ a Taali fat quarter bundle
Taali is an eclectic group of crisp, graphic prints inspired by travels through northern Europe and Scandinavia, the bundle features 9 fat quarters total.
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Thank you to Monaluna!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!
The winners are....
The apple dress and the print with the cars would look grate on my kids.
Posted by: Tunde
Ooh, lovely organic fabrics!
Posted by: Alicia
{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
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It's been a while since I've featured A Baby in Handknits around here. How long has it been? Two days, three days, five? Oh my. That simply won't do!
And so today I bring you another recently-off-the-needles project. It's Cassia, a pattern by tiKKi, (available in her Ravelry store). A lovely knit, and a very sweet dress. I kept it on the short end, for all that crawling that Miss Annabel is up to these days and for the coming months, so it wears a bit more like a tunic. When she's fully upright (which appears to be happening sooner than I'm ready for), I'd love to make it again as a longer summer dress. Maybe I could even get over my aversion to knitting with cotton. This yarn, though, is Handmaiden Yarn's Ottawa that came from the lovely Megan at Lettuce Knit. The color varation in this yarn is so rich and yummy. (My Ravelry notes.)
Enough about that....let's get onto what this post is really all about, shall we?
(Take your time, baby girl, take your time.)
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Hello, March!
Welcome (and welcome back!) to the newest Sponsors here at SouleMama ~
CozyBlue ~
simple. crafty. handmade goodness.
Aurora Shoe Company ~
handmade leather shoes
Lucent Lampworks ~
handmade and custom lighting
Urban Baby Bonnets ~
kids organics and apparel
Rhythm of the Home ~
warmth, play, celebration & coonnection
I'm grateful for their support, and pleased to be sharing this space with them. I encourage you to check out their wonderful offerings in the days to come!
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The Cassoulet Saved Our Marriage: True Tales of Food, Family, and How We Learn to Eat
Carol Ekarius: The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook: More Than 200 Fibers, from Animal to Spun Yarn
Margaret Hensel: English Cottage Gardening: For American Gardeners, Revised Edition
Evelyn J. Hadden: Beautiful No-Mow Yards: 50 Amazing Lawn Alternatives
All content is © 2005-2013 Amanda Blake Soule. Please do not use images or content from this site without my permission. Thank you!
