SouleMama

bed of leaves

a date with my girl

ingredients for a perfect date: cookies from a favorite bakery, a 'new' old favorite bunny book, a sunset walk by the ocean, and of course - my favorite girl.

Oh, I love date night.

Calvin Blogs :: Super Rack

I thought about making my own superhero. Super Rack. Super Rack is a good kind of superhero. He can fly. He can climb up buildings and trees. He can swim underwater for a really long time. He is very very very very powerful. He helps people. That's how I thought about making Super Rack.

Before we made the costume, I  made this poster with all the clothes of Super Rack that I needed to make. I changed them a lot, like at first I thought Super Rack was wearing a red shirt and pants. But then I thought it should be black. And the belt in the picture is brown, but I made a red one. The poster helped me make the costume.

When I was making the mask I did not know yet about Super Rack and who he would really be. I thought I wanted him to wear a mask, but I didn't want to wear a headband AND the mask. So I'll save the mask for another time. Maybe another halloween.

I got some of the costume from my dress up - like the cape that mama made a long time ago. And the pants I sewed to be wetsuit pants in the summertime. I went to Salvation Army with Papa to get the black shirt. And I made the belt and the headband on the sewing machine.

This is Super Rack in his full costume. And today is Halloween! Happy Halloween!

a fiddling report

The amount of time spent practicing for fiddle lessons has turned out to be equal to the amount of time spent preparing the 'coolest fiddling outfit ever' for each lesson. Ah, but yes. All is as it should be.

many little things

So many things to tell you about, and so many places to send you in this little weekend post! Grab some tea, my friends, this might be one of my long ones.

First up, we've been very busy celebrating. As of this weekend, my two feet are now firmly planted in my thirties. Yup, 31 it is. It's been a weekend full of soaking up and savoring favorite things - my four favorite people, extended family, good food, good wine, a perfect day at the beach, casting on a new knitting project, ice cream, and a fresh pile of Netflix. And today brings a grand flea market expedition with my dearest girlfriends. Clearly, all the birthday essentials are covered. There's much to be grateful for in all of that, and much more celebrating ahead still as the littlest of the birthday girls pictured above turns two (two?!) in just a couple of days!

And now on to some fun news bits that just happen to be coinciding with birthday weekend. First up, new digs for me! www.amandablakesoule.com is a project I've been working on this summer - or rather, it's a project Kevin and Dave from Portland's iKnow have been working on with vague and often bizarre direction from me ("Make it look pretty!"). Right. But they did, and they rock. The website is up and live, and will serve as a place to hold more book details as well as news and events about what's coming up for me so that this little blog can chug along as it always has. There's a preview of the book there too  - with the Table of Contents and a chapter excerpt to give you a little taste of what you can expect inside!

Also this weekend, you can find an audio interview I did with Jennifer of CraftSanity - it's Episode #60. You can listen to it in your browser, or you can download it for an ITunes listen - super easy. If you haven't yet heard CraftSanity, be sure to give a browse around her archives for some truly inspiring stories - her podcast is one of my favorite studio sounds, and I'm honored to have been interviewed. And be warned - it's 1 hour and 19 minutes (and full of my nervous laughter and ramblings), but I hope - a fun conversation to listen in on when you have the time. Thanks so much, Jennifer!

Phew. I've got a few more days of gorging on the likes above and celebrating before I'll be back here again. Have some cake for us this weekend, will you? Or maybe just the ice cream...or some Green & Blacks (which I was happily showered with for my birthday - bring on the shrinking clothes!). Oh, heck, just indulge in our honor however you like best, will you? I'd really, really like that. 

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

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.

just because

Because we were at my alma mater and that always freaks me out (who wants to go back to High School, I ask?).
Because my kids linger in public bathrooms and it grosses me out (to cries of, 'but you tell us we have to wash our hands!').
Because I was bored and antsy and full of coffee (so I got the camera out).
And yes, okay, because my studio is not quite done yet, and I've got nothing else to show you. That too.

Just because... this is what you get today: an almost-family portrait in a high school bathroom mirror.

Carry on.

Oh, that sun

Oh, the sun. It continues to shine, and promises to through the weekend as well. It's restorative powers? Tremendous. It feels as though everything really is okay when the sun is shining. We're all walking around as though we've never seen it before, chasing the sunbeams through the house, and being outside as long and as much as we possibly can. I can feel the energy lift in those around us, too...despite the hardships that I know many in our area have gone through this past week, there's a lightness and a breathe for everyone in the sun's return. It certainly makes the hard work of cleaning up, much much easier. Thanks again for all of your sweet words of kindness this week. They are so much appreciated.

I think that storm was the last final push of the season, and now on the other side of it, with the sun, comes spring that I am welcoming with deep gratitude. I've retired the banner of snowy robins above. And though I usually keep my banners seasonal, in a desperate need for green, I used this photo from last summer. It's Ezra, playing in the Penobscot's West Branch riverside - the river most near and dear to our hearts and our past. I remember that day and moment so clearly, as he laid belly-down on the river's edge, and ran the sand through his fingers over and over, singing softly. There were no toys around but the ones the Earth provides us, and he couldn't have felt more 'full' of things to do. He brought this rich handful up from under the water to show me with delight. "Isn't it beautiful, Mama?" Yes, yes it is, my love.

This weekend, I'll be attempting a rather challenging photography project. One that will require overcoming some logistical challenges, many self-doubts about my ability, and especially, it will require lots of sun. For many reasons, the sun will help.

Once that is accomplished, there will be much time spent playing, laughing and soaking it up with my loves. That's one thing I'm very sure of.

A lovely weekend to you all.

Four is Fun, and Mustard is Good

 
Steve told me recently that every time I mention Ezra in writing, and on the blog in particular, I refer to him as 'my sweet Ezra'. It's true. He is ridiculously sweet. He is now, and always has been a snuggle-bug, and very observant, and tender and thoughtful - an old soul, I do believe. But of course, he's more than that, too. And whenever I start to worry about the whole middle child thing, he astounds me with the other parts of his personality - namely his strong sense of individuality, and especially, with his sense of humor. I don't mention it much here, because in writing and out of context, it's hard to convey. But when I'm telling stories in person of my little ones? It most often involves a way in which Ezra has made us smile. Or laugh - more often than not, doubled over, and filling us up with happiness. And it's always laughing with Ezra, because there's no one who he amuses more than himself.

So my funny guy had his mustard party, mustard being his favorite food of all. At the same time, he also proved his entrance into the age of "fickle four," by firmly stating the day before the party, that no, in fact he did NOT like mustard anymore at all and was NOT going to have any mustard at his party. Followed the next day with a declaration of, 'where's my mustard?', as if the previous crisis had never happened at all. Same thing for the cake versus cupcake choice - except that changed hourly. Being the second child and all, this didn't ruffle our feathers, as I think we're starting to get the hang of some of this developmental stuff. By Adelaide, we'll totally have it down (you know I'm kidding, right?). 

With six different mustards, and all the dippables (thank you for all of your fabulous ideas - we put many of them to use!!), we needed some uber sweetness for balance. Ezra came through with his final request for "chocolate pupcakes with buberry frosting". This recipe, with a traditional cream cheese frosting, with a bit of blueberry juice added in. Um, yum. And thankfully, my poor math skills worked in my favor when I tripled instead of doubled the batch. Yeah, oops. That's going to be a real tough problem to take care of today, now isn't it?

Happy Birthday, my sweet Ezra. Four is going to be so much fun with you.

and now we are six

This week my babe turns six.  He's an amazingly creative, passionate, and fun person who stretches, challenges, and inspires me each and every day. I feel such a mix of being so excitedly curious to see how he grows and what he does and how he lives his life; while at the same time, longing for and hanging onto the early days when he was so wee. I suppose that puts me right in the middle - where we are now - loving, learning, and enjoying each and every step of the way on this journey that I'm so blessed to share with him.

Today was a wonderful medieval party with some very special queens, knaves, knights, and princesses in attendance. There was questing (in the BITTER cold wind), handmade capes for all, a bit of 'medieval' henna, and much feasting. We had *such* fun, and most of all, the Knight of honor was quite pleased. Thanks again to all of you for the *amazing* medieval party suggestions. We were so inspired by them, and incorporated many of them into our day.

Right now, I've got some cleaning up to do. And then some more celebrating to do in the next couple of days. Because, really, as far as I'm concerned, there's hardly anything more magical or important than a child's birthday. And, six? Well six is feeling very special.

a very good day

A very good Day of Rest, indeed. Though, perhaps 'rest' is not the right word when you're talking about three kids. But it did contain many of my favorite little things - baking with my babes (carrot soup, yum), hours on the couch with a pile of storybooks beside us, a wee thrifting adventure, and a long soak in the tub to end the day. So very very good. Oh, and how could I forget our big adventure through the forest? The one where we braved all sorts of dragons and beasts and swamps to make it to the castle. The guard and knight then promptly took their place, protecting their fair lady (who can protect herself quite well, thank you very much).

I mean, really, now, who would dare mess with the likes of these kinds of guards?

Oh! - and thanks for all the super great smock love! I wore my shirt all day yesterday and love, love, love it. There will definitely be more smocks for this mama very soon. I have no qualms with wearing many versions of the very same shirt every single day (my mom did this with leggings and pumps in the 80's - the VERY same article of clothing in a full rainbow of colors. that she still has. and we tease her relentlessly for it. Hi, mom!)

And my goodness- there's so much great stuff going on out there in blog world inspiration right now, isn't there? Did you see Melissa's new rockin' outfit? and how about dear Amy's exciting and fabulous news? oh, and what about Angela's incredibly child-focused and sweet rag curtain? (must make). Good stuff, I tell you. Ah, it's the new year, and the inspiration is everywhere!

always

Since Ezra's been dressing himself, he's insisted on wearing his clothes backwards, and usually - inside out. Always. At first we thought the odds just weren't in his favor, but now we know that he prefers it this way. He says something about wanting the tag to be in the front so he can tell who it belongs to (no, there aren't names on the tags). It all makes sense, in an Ezra sort of way. I adore the way he thinks.

little moments...

...of joy, scattered throughout the day. Bringing comfort, to be sure.

found

I walked into my studio room this afternoon, and was a bit startled at first to find this in the middle of the floor. I'm not sure exactly what it means. Might there be a revival taking place? I think the hills might just be alive around here once again.

mama's milk!

Last spring, I was asked for the use of one of my photographs (found here, it's the companion to this, which might be my favorite photo ever) by Baby Milk Action, a UK breastfeeding organization. Being an issue that is near and dear to my heart (um, literally), I was honored to be asked, and more than happy to share the photograph. The photograph became one in a set of 6 postcards that all portray breastfeeing in light, and humorous ways. The postcards are available for purchase as mixed sets or single sets, with all the proceeds going towards Baby Milk Action - a non-profit organization that works globally to protect women and babies from 'irresponsible marketing'. (Visit their site, or here for more information about what that means if it's unfamiliar to you).

And as these things take some time, it was just this week that the postcards arrived here, surprising me. The photo now seems so long ago, and Adelaide seems so wee. Those tiny sweet fingers of hers, grasping on, I can remember the feeling of nursing her then and at that age. We're still nursing now, but we've moved onto the acrobatic nursing stage - interesting and sweet in it's own way, but different from the 'baby' I remember cradling and nursing in my arms just one year ago. I know that for many reasons, breastfeeding isn't always easy or possible in every situation, and I try to be sensitive to that.  But, speaking for my own life, I am soo grateful for the gift of breastfeeding. Those moments of utter peace - of sitting still - and  of complete connection - those have been - and always will be - some of the happiest and most peaceful moments of my life.

What did I just say?

Because I would like to assure you that you can rely on me for beach photos all year round. And because I think it's quite perfect that I just said that she was 'past the stage of putting things in her mouth,' I bring you these photos from the beach this weekend.

Yum.

And if you're still looking for a reason to smile, check out this or this, two videos highly requested at my house this week.

Okay, now back to your weekend (and mine).

good times

This would be the crown that almost wasn't. In the busyness of MY birthday celebrating I nearly forgot to make Adelaide her birthday crown, which is a very important (probably more to me than anyone else) birthday tradition in our house. Thank goodness this all came together smoothly and according to plan, albeit 11:45 pm. I only had a few small pieces of hand dyed wool felt left, so thankfully the striped pink/brown thing worked. Phew. It's lined with another layer of felt, and has elastic in the back. That "A" on the front makes me want to sqeal. I do think I need one.

Funny thing about third babies. Sometimes the standards get a bit, shall we say, relaxed. Take first birthday cakes, for example. Calvin's first birthday cake was made with tofu (no joke), Ezra got carrots, and Adelaide, well, she got the chocolate (okay, it's carob. But still!). Of course the irony, is that she had NO interest in the chocolate cake. She was mostly just pissed off that I cleared her tray of the broccoli. Go figure.

So, who's birthday is it, anyway? While she babbled and goofed with her crown, her brothers opened every present. You know, to help her. She hasn't developed a love of the wrapping paper yet, though I do suspect that by Solstice / Christmas, these brothers of hers are going to be out of a job.

A very fun one year old birthday, for sure. Thank YOU for all her sweet well wishes and good thoughts. They'll be printed off and added to her (nearly empty...oh, the guilt) baby book. I can't believe that my baby is becoming a toddler.

 

one

One year ago today we were welcoming this sweet babe into the world, and wondering who she would be, and how she would fit into our family. One year later, we know her as a vibrant, snuggly, sweet, strong, happy, beautiful little person with a gentle old soul. She's got a calmness and confidence about her that inspires me. And she's got a giggle in her that brings such tremendous joy to our family. How blessed we are. We'll be spending her birthday doing her favorite things: the sun is shining here so we'll be playing outside with lots of time in the swing, baking and eating cake (and ice cream!), opening a few little handmade-by-brothers presents (I can't wait to show you those tomorrow!), giving lots of snuggles and kisses all day long, singing happy birthday many many times (because she giggles and dances each time), and eating broccoli for dinner (her favorite!).

Thanks to all of you for sharing in the joy of parenting with me...from my pregnancy, birth, and her baby year, she's been such a presence on this blog that I feel like some of you 'know' her in a way too. And I'm touched that that kind energy from you has been a part of her life 'story'. Before she was born, I was worried about September 11th as her birthdate, but now I think it's just perfect - something to celebrate and rejoice in, and a sweet reminder of the circle of it all.

Happy Birthday, sweet babe!

aww...thanks.

You are all just SO sweet. Really and truly sweet. And kind, too. Thank you SO much for all the lovely and generous birthday wishes. It was a treat popping in and out of the house during my grand birthday festivities and reading the new birthday comments as they came in. What little bits of joy each and every one of them are! I thank you for that!

The celebrating has been MUCH fun. I've been completely spoiled and feel so full of so many of my favorite things - family, friends, the beach, breakfast in bed (prepared by my favorite babes), a city I love, museums, a few favorite shops (where I showed remarkable restraint, I'll have you all know), and, well, ice cream. Plenty of ice cream (I hope you had some too!). Boston was great...it's such a fun city, I do think. A little nutty with three kids, but you know, an adventure to be sure. We did a mix of both family outings (we opted for the mellow-ish Aquarium...and it was just our pace), and then, thanks to my dear and very brave sister and her beau, Steve and I had some time for wandering around on our own, which was a bit heavenly. I always feel slightly like a country mouse in a city - it's so alive -I just want to sit and watch and take it all in - the architecture, the sounds, the people. (Flickr birthday set here, by the way).

I must say that my favorite birthday moment, though, was arriving at a very special beach in a gorgeous afternoon fog, and finding it all to ourselves for a bit. Running barefoot on the sand, splashing in the waves with my little ones, watching and hearing the waves crash on the rocks nearby....Wow. That moment - and the mix of contentment, bliss, and love that I felt at that moment - was the best birthday present ever. 30 already is a very good year.

30

Yup, today's the day. I was planning on writing 30 Things About Me on my Thirtieth Birthday. But added to last years list, that makes 59 things about me, which is really far more than anyone needs/wants to know. It got boring after #4, I assure you. So instead, you get a Calvin photo of me (with a mysteriously fuzzy brother).

I'll be spending this day on the beach with my family (yay for the sun!), with the afternoon reserved for a Mama nap (Ah..). A family picnic by the shore, and then drinks out with the girls. And lots and lots of ice cream all day long. Tomorrow we'll head to Boston for some museum wandering, a bit of shopping, and dinner too (complete with a babysitter!). I can't imagine a more perfect way to celebrate a new decade in my life. I feel full of my lovely family, blessed by beautiful friends, and excited about some big projects in the works (not pregnant. Stop it.). I've been looking forward to 30, and now that it's here, it's proving even better than I imagined it would be. I think it's going to be a very good year.

I'm hoping that today, you too, have a spell on the beach, or a Mama nap, or at the least, a bit of ice cream. We all deserve a little bit of ice cream.

What I Love: wood

wood::for working
I love watching Calvin discover new passions, most recently, whittling.

wood::for climbing
I love watching Ezra climb the garden fence, hanging off and singing.

wood::for tasting
I love watching Adelaide explore the world around her freely...with her mouth.

Work In Progress: Steps

A very special kind of work in progress is going on around here. Walking! Some steps have been happening for a bit, but this week she's really walking. I can't tell who's more excited about it - Adelaide, or her brothers. Every time she stands up, they both start a very excited count from across the room "1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 Steps! Yay, Ada!", followed by cheers and clapping, which sends her into further fits and giggles of excitement. Who wouldn't want to get up and walk for that kind of love?

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

nurture nature

You know, I don't think there is anything more beautiful, or inspiring to me than watching children 'be' in nature. When they are able to be free in their environment -free of mind, free of spirit -their inherent sense of connection to the earth is so strong and alive. I try to do it often, but particularly this weekend, I tried to do a lot of watching - watching my babes play in the world around them, with the earth's offerings as their only 'toys'. I felt honored to watch and share in the moments with them, and I felt inspired and moved to do the same. I'm so grateful to my children for that.

"Stickhenge," or a Forest of Sticks. A 'collaboration' of five children under the age of 7. It all washed away and fell down with the rainstorms, which disappointed none of them. Quite beautiful.

Though I'm reluctant to admit it, I know the beginning of fall is near. Always my most challenging time of year, I hope this year to take as much of the spirit of the outside world that we enjoy in the summer in with me as we begin to draw closer to home. And to carry that energy into the creative projects close to my heart right now. So with the end of summer, comes a bit of creative renewal, I do think.

to the river we go

My Love, back in the day. I think this is on the Colorado, (but if I go ask him, he'll get suspicious and this post will never get published. I'm so sneaky.).  Another photo Here.  Steve spent most of his 20's working, playing and living on the river - whitewater kayaking and guiding rafts. Travelling back and forth across the US, and 'living his retirement a bit early' as I say. His love and respect for the water was one of the first beautiful things I knew about him.

Since Calvin was born, he's skipped out on the risky stuff (thank you), and only manages to make his way back to play on the river once a year. So this weekend, we're headed (way) up north for some camping and river action on the old stomping grounds. There will be a bit of backpacking, visiting with old friends, and some first time rafting by atleast one of my little babes (eek!). And since we're going to be camping river-side (hence, away from the car), I'm trying to pack as light as we can (which is kind of a joke, considering there are five of us. And three of whom I'm guessing won't be carrying their share of the load! Ha!). So I made these small camping pillows with some flannel from the stash, and a cheap-o feather pillow torn up - so voila - no need to ball up a fleece jacket for a pillow. Ah, the comforts (yes, a bit of sarcasm. I will admit to being more of a 'cabin' kind of camping girl. But it's all good. ;) )

I'll be back next Tuesday! Have a good weekend, everyone!

one more wedding

Remember the wedding we were preparing for (you know, all that tafetta cursing I did)? Well, the sewing came together just fine and just in time (I'll admit to a wee bit of handsewing as late as the rehearsal dinner. And I can assure you there will be no more vests and bowties in my crafting future). My sweet little ring bearer got a bit of stage fright and wasn't quite able to actually make it down the aisle. But with lots of hugs all the way around, he moved on rather quickly (and I've since pondered exactly how much pressure that job is for a little one!). He was pleased, however, with his vest and bowtie, and so it went straight to the dress up rack after the wedding where I'm sure it will have a much more exciting life. Ezra loved his little fish necktie in an adorable way--constantly adjusting it and touching it. And the dress I made for Adelaide made me want to squeeze her even tighter than I usually do (which is a lot). You can see the dress better here, it's with a vintage floral fabric that's crispy and soft at the same time. Yum. Happy wedding sewing for everyone.

preparations

The tent is going up, tickets have been made, tricks are being practiced, and the lycra (and lots of it) is ready to go. It looks like the circus is finally coming back to town this weekend.

(Thank you Circus Smirkus for saving me from Captain Hook. Just in time.)

we're outta here

We are off! After some wedding festivities this weekend, we'll be headed to our much anticipated annual summer week at camp, my parents' delightful little log cabin deep in the woods. There will be little to no crafting (there's embroidery packed, just in case I get twitchy), and definitely no blogging (or electricity, for that matter). On our family 'to do' list?

swim till we're 'pruney'
catch a fish or two or three (and let them go)
pick wild raspberries
kayak
eat s'mores
do nothing
swim at night
drink mint juleps
sleep outside
play, play, play
laugh a lot

Ah.....

I'll be back here on August 7th! Be well, my friends!