SouleMama

colors at the cove

Sometimes Ezra will see something and excitedly say, "That's a color I see in my head!"

When I'm at the ocean, I know just what he's talking about.

in the ground

A trip to the farmers market this weekend yielded so very much: early morning visits with friends and neighbors; the gathering of Maine's early treats - rhubarb and fiddleheads; and some extra seedlings and words of wisdom from the farmers sharing them.

At home, the last soil preparations were made, the markers were crafted, and just a few more raised beds - of all (child-made) shapes and sizes - were added to the growing collection of boxes we call our humble garden. And then, we planted. With hands in soil, we worked and talked - of plants and farms and food and the future dreams of our little family.

As a new season of growth begins for us in the garden, I feel the growth of my children too.  I'm reminded through this seasonal rhythm we celebrate and treasure - these yearly markers of time passing. One tells me ever-so-gently that I'm putting the potatoes in the ground incorrectly. He knows how to do this better than I (and he really does - with his memory and his body that has gardened his whole life. I still look in books). One explains to his sister in great detail and with accuracy just how it is that all that worm poop is good for her peas. She, old enough now to write, makes markers for each crop with an enormous amount of pride. And this year, I feel the kicks of a happy, vibrant boy on my back - the one who was still just a dream himself at planting time last year.

And thus, another season of growing begins.

here & there

Your weekly dose of beach photos!

The water's still downright COLD (the kids - with their differently-wired internal thermometer - are the only ones swimming yet), and often a trip the beach requires a sweater. But that's not stopping us - we're out there loving it every day that we can.

On that note, the seasonal flow of vacationers into my email inbox has started, so I wanted to direct you to the post I wrote last year for AlphaMom - 50 Things to Do With Your Kids in Portland, Maine. I'm a little biased, but I do think it's a pretty great place. Anytime of year. But summer? Summer's special around here.

One little jaunt "away" that we're getting excited about is the upcoming Squam Arts Workshop, June 3-7th in the nearby White Mountains of New Hampshire. Elizabeth just sent over this video which is getting me all pumped up about the event. There's a whole slew of amazing teachers and classes (and I think there's still a bit of room for registering if you're just deciding now). I'll be speaking on Friday night. If you're local and unable to attend the workshop, there's also a Squam Revelry - Ravelry Party & Marketplace on Saturday night that's open to all. 

Did any of you attend last year? Or are any of you planning on coming this year? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!

Art, beautiful people and a New England lake in early summer? Oh yes, I'll leave my beaches (for just a little while) for that...

Training Plan

It's time for Spring Training! Training for the season that is to come - the season of Mama-solo beachside adventures with four little ones. That's right, it's a sport. A sport I take quite seriously, I assure you.

It isn't that being at the shore is a challenge. Au contraire - there's not an easier place to be with my little ones. Water to swim/surf/dance in, sand to build/create/explore in, animals/plants/wildlife to discover...and friends to play with. That's all sweet, amazing, heavenly bliss. And a huge part of why we choose to raise our family here.

The challenge lies in getting ready for, getting to and from, and cleaning up after the beach...all without losing a child, a boogie board, or...my mind.

So, let's review. The goal: Finding that sweet balance of the maximum pleasure and comfort for five people....with the least amount of stuff.

Step 1. Adjust your style to the conditions.

Deciding upon the right carrier - and the right carry - for this sporting event has been on my mind of late. After much trial and error, I think we've settled on the back carry in the Mei Tai (I made this one way back when). He's happy, I'm comfortable, and I've got my arms and legs free for both carrying things and running - essential skills required. Not to mention a hip relatively 'free' in case of an emergency "we need to leave the beach NOW" scenario in which case I will likely have another child on my hip. Good times.

Step 2. Check your Gear. Update as needed. 

I'm moving on from my pack mule look of '08 - many-bags-clipped-together-in-a-long-trail-with-caribiners; and instead, this year going for one really gigantic bag (LL Bean totes, I love you.) with lots of smaller bags (and still some caribiners). Diapers. Spare clothes. Sunblock and first aid kit. Snacks. And this new oilcloth drawstring for Mama's important beach stuff (made with more Anna Maria Horner Good Folks) - you know like my keys and chocolate and yarn (I know. I think I'll be knitting at the beach with four kids. It's okay. You can laugh.).

Step 3. Trial Run.

With Papa around, we gave some of my new beach tricks a go this weekend. A success. A sweet success and a grateful reunion with our beloved ocean (sans fleece and wool hats). With a few more tweaks to my little system, I think we'll be good to go for at least three, maybe four days a week at the beach this year.

 

 

 

 

 

I have a really good feeling about this. I think it's going to be a sandy, messy, fabulous season.

week's end

Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?

~ Mary Oliver, The Summer Day (New and Selected Poems)

a little bit of bird love

I haven't done very much in the way of needle felting. There's something about those needles, in particular, that scares me (for all my crafting, I'm actually rather clumsy. Do you know about my chronic falling-down-the-stairs problem? It's a problem that entertains my family to no end, I tell you).

But braving that, this spring's bird flurry inspired me to give needle felting a go. I used this Backyard Birds kit from Nancy's Notions, which includes all the materials needed to make four birds. I started with the bluebird, and after about two punches into the roving, I was hooked (or felted...or whatever the pun may be). It was so fun to make - the instructions were clear, the bird came together remarkably easy, and there was only a minor amount of blood (clumsy, I tell you).  The kids were beyond thrilled with the results (and it's a good thing there are four in total to be made), and she now resides happily on our nature table, waiting for the other three to join.

Speaking of the birds, a new bird book has joined our Bird Book Box (say that ten times) - The Cuckoo's Haiku and Other Birding Poems by Michael J. Rosen. Perfectly timed for both the spring arrival of the birds and April's National Poetry Month, it combines lovely bird illustrations with haiku poems for some of the more common American birds, like this:

on a staff of wires

blue notes inked from April skies

truly, spring's first song

~Eastern Bluebird

Happy Birding to you!

lamb-like

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March - true to form - left us like a lamb. Or at least lamb-like. Somehow, while running a few quick errands alone yesterday, the car's magnetic pull (over which I had no control, of course) steered me in a direction other than home, and I found myself at the shore for a few moments. Perfect. Among my favorite colors and smells and textures in all of the world, I said a quiet springtime "hello."

Thank you for your words and kindness yesterday. And to clarify, I wasn't really responding to anything in particular - just something I hear often and something that had been on my mind and in my heart, and in the way of what I want to do here. I feel better now. Lighter. So, thank you.

Of course, that could be the magic of the ocean talking to me. The ocean always has so much to say.

transitional

Yesterday, my children spent their day from morning till night outside. In sneakers and mud boots and short sleeves and hat-less. In the mud, in the snow, in the slush, in the sun.

Today, they'll spend one last day with skis on a mountain still covered in white.

They have both feet firmly planted in this time of seasonal transition. It's as if they're seeing it all for the very first time each day, and yet - at the very same time - it's as familiar to them as anything they know.

With bright, shining spirits, these little ones of ours seem to greet each day in the world full of sheer joy, true excitement, and genuine glory at the beauty of it all.

When I'm quiet and still enough to follow their lead, I see it too.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

the colors of a march day

outside ::

 

inside ::

 

What's that they say about making your own sunshine?

You could say that's what we've got going on here these days: enjoying the stark grey beauty of outside, but loving the color we can make on the inside...until our part of the world turns green again.

why leave home?

That's been my mantra this winter. Oh, I'm sure I'll be feeling differently in a few months. But for now, on solo-Mama days at least, the thought of bundling up four kids in winter gear only to then strap them into (four!) car seats to go somewhere out in the world? It just doesn't excite me.

So Home is where it's at for us this winter. All sorts of changes in our space were made (starting with the grand studio-bedroom switcheroo early in the fall) to accommodate as much inside activity as this little house can handle. And outside there's some action happening too - in the form of a backyard ice rink!

I can take very little credit for this crafty project - except for maybe some slight nudging of my people out the door. Nope, this project was all the work of Steve and the kids. Measuring, filling, shoveling and now - seriously skating.

{The specs for those interested: there's some great info out there online, of course. Here's a good one. Ours was a bit more on the low-key, low-budget, ignore-the-directions DIY kind of scale we know best - for better or worse. There was too much ice on the ground to drive stakes, so we went with snowbank walls and a sheet of industrial plastic. After three consecutive days of below-freezing weather (um, that would be all month), the ice was ready.}

Since it's been skate-ready for a few weeks now, they've been taking full advantage. Skating both day and night on their own, with each other, with friends, and even with their wobbly-kneed skating parents. And just like last year, Calvin celebrated another 'birthday on the ice' with a day-long skate session this weekend.

For the most part, Harper and I watch the action out the window from the comfort of my rocking chair, right in front of the fire. But I get out there too. Ezra and I had a little nighttime one-on-one hockey session a few nights ago, and this sports-phobic (and seriously wobbly-ankled) Mama was a little freaked out at just how much I loved the sound of that stick hitting the puck. For real. It's a strangely satisfying sound...something akin to the embroidery needle poking through linen. (Alright, alright...so maybe I should get out a little bit more.)

a wintry weekend

out ::

(photos by SoulePapa)

in ::

(photos by the Mama)

I hope you're all enjoying a beautiful & cozy weekend!

november at the shore

The weather here has been so mild for November. Strangely mild, actually. Because of that, though, we found ourselves not once - but twice - at the shore this weekend. Comfortable and warmish  - it felt like a little November gift.

All around us right now are signs of late Autumn in our world. The leaves are mostly gone, save the oak leaves that hang on most of winter. The critters out there are slowing down and hiding in the woods more. The garden bed is covered over and at rest. And the general color of the world changes from bright, vibrant greens, yellows, oranges and reds...to a whole lot of shades of brown. It seems as though the living of the woods - from both the plants and animals - has gone underground now. And it's calmer, quieter out there for the most part.

But it felt very different at the shore this weekend. With all the 'people' of the beach gone, the evidence of sea life is easier to find - starfish, large shells, full sand dollars - all washed up on the sand aplenty. The cold, cold ocean waves rolling in (that you just can't resist putting your feet in), are the ultimate reminder of how alive it - and we - are. And the autumn winds whipping around us - however warm they may be - add a noise and a vibrant energy to the whole visit that force our eyes open a little wider, and our ears open a little bit bigger to take it all in.

Some images from the weekend...

right now

I've never met anyone so sure of where she's going. Her three-year-old strength and confidence inspires me to find the same in my 30-something year old self in moments of wavering.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Right Now, I am:

feeling... moved by Shari's Week of Paths

enjoying... the new beginnings of Simple Green Frugal Coop

wondering... whether I should get one of these hammocks for the baby (I want one for me)

listening... to the new ani difranco (always a fan...and this is a beautiful one)

drinking... red raspberry leaf tea but kind of wishing it was coffee

wanting... to say 'thank you' for all your Lulu.com calendar orders and support of what I do

loving... the thought of my loves all headed out on a fall hike today

looking... forward to a day full of writing, and tea with a friend.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

I'm hoping your right now includes something wonderful - be it big or small.

autumn walking

I took my 'sitting' outside yesterday. The sun, the trees - they were glorious.

"O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away."

 -   Robert Frost, October

I hope your weekend is a lovely one!

apples & wood

A lot of images, and not a lot of words today - I'm feeling quietly both full and grateful. Grateful for good friends who made our woodpile grow larger than I ever thought it could this weekend; and Full of apples - picked, baked, canned, eaten and shared. Friends, wood & apples - it was a good weekend. I hope yours was too!

Today, we rest and rejoice.

Tomorrow? A little something for you! See you then...

out walking

It's been rainy this week. And after many of the rain storms, we've been out checking out just what the rain has changed - walking, exploring, building forts and gathering bits...

...and bringing just a bit of it back in.

** ** **
Hello, October! And hello and welcome to October's new sponsor - Sprout Studio!

Have a lovely weekend, everyone! Our is shaping up to include lots of woodwork, and lots of apples. Ah, October Weekends...

feeling fall, in a red-ish way

Forgive me for not posting yesterday. I was in another state of mind - a red one, to be precise. I had a dream this week that I was swimming in tomato sauce and while that was a little strange, I must say that it wasn't as awful as one would think. I woke up to notice my orange-stained hands - from a solid week of putting up tomatoes. Ezra, too. He's been busy with me each day, dunking, peeling, slicing, and canning. Tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, salsa ("SouleSa" so named by Ez), and pizza sauce. Measuring, scooping, bagging, and talking and reading about tomatoes - all-consuming in a really wonderfully exhaustive way. I've sounded a little crazy this week (though that might be the fever that's brewing...) when I've tried to explain the feeling I've had - the feeling of being pulled so completely into a moment of the season by it's, well - by it's produce. Being pulled in ways gloriously abundant, blessed and overwhelming all at the same time by the seasons offerings. Marge Piercy says it well:

…ninety pounds
of luscious ripe tomatoes.
Eighteen quarts of tomato
juice on the evening of the
third day home, tomato seeds
in my hair, tomato skins
in my teeth, the surfaces
of the kitchen heaped with
tomatoes, tomatoes in buckets,
tomatoes lined up on the window
sills, my hands crisscrossed
with canning cuts, even
my dreams are acid,
running and red.

-Marge Piercy, The Engulfing Garden (The Little Magazine, Vol. 11, No.1, Spring 1977.)

Looking up and out from the kitchen, from morning till night, I notice now that it's not just the tomatoes. We're literally swimming in the reds of fall all around us now. In hues of red and orange - just like the tomatoes on our vines, in my dreams, and now on our pantry shelves.

harvest season

The call for frost last night had me out in the garden first thing in the morning yesterday. Gathering the last of the tomatoes, the cucumbers that are still straggling in, and the rest of the basil.

Then I rushed to get a load of laundry on the line before the day got too far ahead of me. We've approached the time when the sun's warmth is only around long enough for one load to dry in a day, and it needs to get out there early.

The afternoon was spent 'putting the food by'. A few more jars of tomato sauce were added to the pantry shelves. Some more pesto was frozen. The freezer is nearing full, and the satisfaction I feel with each jar added is increasing.

And in the evening, firewood was the family task at hand. (Did you know that making funny faces is the key to a good chopping strategy? And that big sunglasses count for safety glasses? All true, I tell you. Though Calvin still kicks my butt in output.) We're approaching the end of the period of 'cut it, stack it, and give it enough time to dry' for the year. The point at which we need to just call it 'good' and hope it lasts.

This weekend we'll attend the much-anticipated by this family, tried and true annual mark of autumn for me - the Common Ground Country Fair. And we'll celebrate the harvest season with farmers and friends all over the state.

There's a little bit of a rush - an urgency, almost - in the air these days. Trying to get as much food prepared, as much wood ready, as many summer things 'done' as we can - before the days turn completely. It's a nice kind of rush, though. Full days - days full of hard work. The kind of 'home' and domestic work I didn't necessarily grow up doing, but the kind of work I'm grateful to choose some of for my family now. It's the kind of work that generations before me did without much thought. Age-old methods of winterizing and food preservation that I'm learning more and more about each year - happily alongside my kindred friends as we figure out each others' canning disasters, or identify the spots on each others' melon plants, and rejoice and share in each others successes.

All this preparing - it feels rhythmic and seasonal, and I can feel the pull towards home and hearth coming straight from the earth. But there's, of course, an extra pull of 'preparing' that we're experiencing this harvest season. And that's getting closer too.

The pumpkins will ripen and pass before this baby arrives. But soon after that, at the end of this harvest season, we'll have so much more to give thanks for.

my hometown

It's no secret that I love this little city of ours. Having spent most of my life here, I may be a little biased, but I do think it's a really fabulous place for families. So, naturally, I jumped at the chance to talk about my hometown recently when AlphaMom asked me to write "50 Things to Do in Portland, Maine With Your Kids Before They Grow Up".

Head on over and take a peek. If you're local, I hope there's something new for you to discover there - and I'd love to hear your favorite spots that I left off the list (leave it in the comments of that post for all to see!). And if you're headed this way for a vacation sometime, I hope you'll find something to make your stay even more enjoyable. And if Portland isn't in your travel plan anytime soon, there are some other really great lists for cities across the country already listed and more coming in the next few weeks.

Special thanks to my Dad, for not only his help with this list, but for taking me to so many of these spots as a kid!

Here's to exploring your favorite cities with litle ones!

Week of Spring :: Friday

It's nearly planting time!

beaches & books

A photo from an after-dinner walk along the shore with friends last week. Good friends, good food & the ocean - I'm not sure it gets much better than that. Except when you add the sound of squealing children, and a toddler laughing and running with all her might for as long as she could (which is a very long time) just because she can, and because it feels so good.

Before I give you all the wrong impression of Maine weather, I should tell you that the water is COLD. You wouldn't find me in it yet - not for months. But the kids? Well, they love it. And yes, it really has been warm enough to go the beach in 'spring' clothes, but you know, it could very well snow this weekend (but please don't) and I wouldn't be surprised, either. April in Maine - you really never can tell what will happen (this time last year). We'll take the sunny warm beach days and be grateful for them while they're here.

A little note about the book: You can now find signed copies of The Creative Family in my Shop! My apologies to those who would have liked this option earlier - It took me a bit to figure this part out.

And one last thing for the locals: don't miss the Food + Farm: Examining Our Access to Sustainable Food event at SPACE gallery this weekend (and co-sponsored by MOFGA). There are some great things going on throughout the weekend, including a kids event on Saturday we're pretty psyched about (see the schedule for details). It's farm season!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Earth Day 2008

I'm a firm believer that one must truly know and love something in order to be believe strongly enough to protect, save and heal it. This philosophy guides the way we parent in so many different areas, and certainly our feelings and beliefs about the Earth are at the top of that. I truly want for my children to love and know the world around them, and as a byproduct, I know (and have already seen) that a sense of caring for it will evolve. I don't want to flood them with doom and gloom of the state of the world, but rather, mindfully give them information as they are ready - as they age, and as emotions mature. I think they know a lot about the state of things, but more than that, they really quite simply are in love with - and still getting to know - the Earth around them. I do think most children are...

So yesterday we celebrated Earth Day in a way that is similar to many days around here, I think - part action, part education, and a whole lot of living, loving and growing in the woods.

Their day ended with their first camp out under the stars. They prepared excitedly for it all afternoon - gathering everything they needed and playing out there. And when it was time for bed, they marveled at the mysteries in the dark around them, read a book by headlamp, and fell asleep.

We carried them in after that, because Mama has this silly little rule about sleeping outside without a tent when it's  only 35 degrees and there's still snow on the ground. But I do agree that Earth Day is, indeed, a wonderful night for dreaming under the stars. I'm glad there was some dreaming...

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.

it begins

{One year ago, give or take a day.}

Ah.....we've been watching...hoping...and waiting for this. On March 1st, we turned our bird calendar to a page full of robins - and we all wondered, "Really? This month, they'll return?"

We began preparing the bird book basket - which sits out all year long - with some new additions. The beautiful How To Paint The Portrait of A Bird - a magical tale of dreamy bird love (thank you for the recommend, Jennifer!). And of course, our treasured Bird Song purchased just last year - with the binding falling apart and already in need of duct tape from it's frequent and oh-so-loved use. And the requests to visit the photos in Birds of the World have been increasing each day. And then more waiting.

Then last week, in between the snowfall, we spied our first cardinal pair, frolicking amidst the piles of white, searching for the bits of food.

And just yesterday that we had our first real Spring "bird moment" of the season. Where our little family crowds around the windows or quietly opens the door and tiptoes onto a porch to stare, marvel and wonder at the magic we see. Robins, chickadees, cardinals, a woodpecker (it's type debated heavily amongst the Soule Birders - if only because we're all eager for a good bird debate), and a turkey vulture - all out there yesterday morning at the same time. There was running for the bird books, and the camera....but more than either of those things, there was a lot of watching. And hushed whispers of, "Do you see...?" and "It's a...!". And a lot of big eyes. 10, to be precise.

With big eyes and open windows, we found that silence within - silence that is so rarely found in this noisy house of five. Silence as we closed our mouths and opened our ears and hearts to hear them sing their bird songs.

Oh, I think it's magic. Simply magic.

Wintry Weather Favorites

{Aw, thanks. You are very sweet. I really appreciate your kind words about our little calendar. We had such fun putting it together...and after a little break from my scanner (or perhaps a scanning lesson for Calvin), I can't wait to see what project we begin next!}   

So...we've had some serious snow around these parts.The word is that this is the most snow we've had this early in the season in something like 40 years. The kids are beside themselves with glee at the outdoor play land we've got going on: cross country skiing, skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and generally rolling around in the powder...and Steve and Calvin are downright giddy about hitting the mountains for some downhill action this year too.For now, and for the most part - I'm rather enjoying all the snow. It's beautiful out there!  And inside is the pleasure of January nesting - we're getting in some serious couch time; drinking lots of cocoa and tea; playing more Animal Yahtzee than I ever thought possible; making lots of everything; and doing lots of reading. The couch and quilts and a pile of books are where it's at right now. In that light, I thought I'd put together a reading list of our favorite books from our Winter basket, and perhaps share a new list as each season begins this year.

Our Favorite Wintry Reads!

(A few that made their way onto the holiday list I did in November that really apply here too: Owl Moon - Jane Yolen; Snow - Uri Shulevitz; The Big Snow - Berta and Elmer Hader; The Story of the Snow Children - Sibylle Von Olfers; Winter - Gerda Muller )

And the rest...

Snowflake Bentley - Jacqueline Briggs Martin
I love this story - I love finding children's books that tell the true story of people following their passions. This story tells the tale of Wilson Bentley, the snowflake guy! This book usually inspired a great flood of snowflake making in this house, which I feel coming on pretty soon. Gotta stock up on my coffee filters. I keep adding Snow Crystals - one of Bentley's books - to my wish list, but it hasn't made it's way in yet. Maybe this winter.

Flannel Kisses - Linda Crotta Brennan
This was a recommend from our last book list, and I'm so glad for it. It's a short, sweet, and simple story featuring so many things we love about winter - snow, quilts, soup, family, and coziness.

The Tomten, and The Tomten and The Fox - Astrid Lindgren
Adelaide has a big Tomten thing going on right now - I can't even imagine how many times I've read these books. I adore everything Astrid Lindgren did, but these are really special, sweet stories. And just the right length for my two year old.

Flower Fairies of the Winter - Cicely Mary Barker
I found this book (along with the others in the collection) on a recent clean-out of the basement. I think I had them before the children were born, and I'm so glad I found them at a time when they can be so enjoyed. The poetry is simple and lovely, and of course, her drawings of the fairies and flowers are stunningly beautiful.

Grandmother Winter - Phyllis Root
I bought this book as a holiday gift after being reminded of it on the last book list. I'm so grateful for that reminder - it's such a sweet tale of the origin of winter, and we've been enjoying it's cozy tone.

The Snowy Day - Ezra Jack Keats
One of the few books I remember so fondly from my childhood. And my little ones love it too - of course, being by "Ezra" and all makes it a whole bunch more fascinating around here to my little guy. I love the simplicity of this story - and the 'blanket' of snow that arrives. Sweet, sweet.

Mr. Snow - Roger Hargreaves
I recently rediscovered these Mr. Men and Little Miss books when Edith & Edna started carrying them. Do you remember them? I remember reading them as a child, and my kids are as in love with them as I remember being. Reading them as a parent, there's a fine line between them irritating me and enjoying the simple stories. But these books have insipired a great deal of my kids' book making of their own characters, so for that I do love them.

Winter Waits - Lynn Plourd
I love this series by Lynn Plourd with of nature's 'family' personified through characters in each season. In this book, "Winter" is a playful young boy who sparkles in the snowy winter. This seems to be out on Amazon, but the Author (a fellow Mainer!) has links to purchase on her own website here.

Brambley Hedge Winter Story - Jill Barklem
Oh, the sweet mice of Brambly Hedge...this one tells the tale of them preparing for a magical snow ball. It appears to not be available on Amazon, or anywhere else I can find, though perhaps I'm just confused by the different editions. Maybe the library is the best place to find this tale - I do think it's worth it, espeically for those who are in between the picture book and chapter book stage.

Winter Tree Finder and Winter Weed Finder - Okay, these I don't have yet, but I just ordered them from my bookstore, and I'm really excited to see them. We have a lot of nature field guides, but I don't have any that are geared towards the landscape of winter. So I'm eagerly anticipating their arrival here for some exploring to begin.

Do you have a Wintry Weather favorite I haven't listed? I'd love to hear in the comments!  It's kind of fun to settle into a long book inside, that reflects what's going on outside, isn't it? We think so. And on that note (and in the interest of exercising your scrolling muscles) - this is what it does look like outside here now - taken over the course of a day.

Have a cozy weekend!

snowy day

Outside::

Inside::

It's still snowing out there! It's been one of those storms that I must admit - I've rather enjoyed from the inside for the most part. From my cozy spot on the couch? It's very pretty out there.

out walking

Some sights from a walk this week. More snow arrived last night (making the Old Port absolutely beautiful for Merry Madness), and more is headed our way tomorrow.  We have every intention of hunkering, playing, and cozying on into a wintry holiday weekend.

Wherever you are, and however white - or not - it is outside your door, I hope your weekend is a cozy one!

it's here!

Winter has arrived around these parts, and with it ... some of the treats of the season: gingerbread cookies, warm cider, and sledding with friends.

It amazes me each and every year - how instantly everything changes when this blanket of snow comes down and covers everything around us. Everything transforms into something new and fresh. And even though the weather has been slowly shifting as it does, it's still always a shock those first few times of the season - stepping out into the white crunch. It's beautiful, magical and amazing. The challenge is to still find it as beautiful, magical and amazing come March when it feels as though it will never end. So here's to remembering in March. It really is magical out there.

bed of leaves

out walking

"Can we go for a walk?" is surely one of the most commonly asked questions around here. Alright, if we're getting technical, it actually follows behind: "when is it dinner?", "can we do papier mache?" (there's a serious obsession going on) and "can we get our tree today?". If we're getting technical.

But the walks these days. Ah.Who could possibly say no to a walk here right now? We're deep in the loveliness of late fall (one of the eight seasons here, I do believe - the early/late of each of the four seasons are so different from each other), and there is much to behold and treasure out there. Today, some of my favorite images from this week's walks...I hope you enjoy them.

Oh! I'll be sharing mostly photos this week, as we get ready for all the holiday baking, the shop opening, the book writing, the merry making, and well, all that really special walking.