SouleMama

my princess and our pea

Lately, Adelaide has become quite fond of The Princess and The Pea by Lauren Child. It really is a beautifully-made book. And I so love the way the classic fairy tale has been adapted in a way that the 'princess' is quite secondary to a strong, smart and clever girl who lives in a treehouse and loves adventure.

I love how favorite books like this weave their way into our daily lives - in the language ("fascinating" and "mesmerizing" are new favorite words of hers); in our conversations ("is everybody a princess, Mama?"); and in our play. With animals and dolls and dress up, the stories come to life in each child's own special way. It really is one of my favorite things to watch happen with little ones. 

Playing the Princess and the Pea is lots of fun. But, truth be told, the pile of "12 mattresses" (our pillows) being dragged about the house - and outside of the house - wasn't really working for me anymore (picture laying your head upon a pillow that's been dragged through a wet spring ground. Or, alternatively, the pile of laundry that washing said pillowcases would create. Exactly). So we needed ourselves a clever, fun and crafty solution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Steve and the boys away on an all-day adventure this week, Adelaide and I (and Harper too) spent the day making this little play set for her. (In mind were Manda's beautiful Princess and the Pea sets from several years ago, the Haba game of the same tale, and the paper aspect of the Lauren Child book.) {update: Manda currently has some available in her shop!}

We first made some paper dolls (on watercolor paper, and later adhered to mat board). I drew and painted as Adelaide directed - "Purple flowers on her skirt!" There's a 'daytime' princess and a 'pajama princess,' as you can see. Then we moved onto some sewing. Adelaide chose all the fabrics, counted pieces and 'sewed' with me - 'guiding' the fabric through the machine while sitting on my lap, and 'thread-snipping' each mattress. (She's quickly baby-stepping her way to using that machine herself, I tell you.) A needle-felted pea was in order. And then, of course, the whole thing needed a bag to keep all the pieces together.

After all of that making, there was nothing left to do but play. All afternoon long, that princess (the real life version and the paper one) made tree houses, rode bicycles, and often stopped to rest upon those mattresses. We played, she played, and we chatted (the conversation never stops with this sweet one). When her brothers came home, they declared a ladder was needed to climb all those mattresses, and then promptly built one for her with love (and the last garbage ties in the house. Oops).

Oh my, these are the days. The days that have the power to balance out a months' worth of sleepless nights, of laundry and bills and too much time in the kitchen, of squabbling siblings, of my patience being stretched so very thin, of breastmilk and peanut butter stained everything.

These are the kinds of days in which I am quite certain I have the best job in the whole wide world. A fascinating job in which I'm surrounded by some mesmerizing little people.

A fairy tale, indeed.

one little reason

There are so many reasons I love making clothes for my kids. Not the least of which is that it satisfies my mama-sentimentality.

Like so:

Adelaide, exactly three years ago.

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Harper (and Adelaide), yesterday.

Beach Blouse

A little more beach-love today, folks. (New readers, I should tell you now that we are about to embark upon the season in which 90% of the content around these parts is somehow ocean-related. Consider yourself warned.)

This weekend - just in time for wearing to the beach - I finished the Summer Blouse from Weekend Sewing. I love, love, love this blouse. (Also? love the word "blouse.") Super light weight and gauzy, it's going to be just the right thing for putting over a swimsuit and keeping the chill at bay, or for keeping the sun off my skin. I predict a few more of these will be made before summer really heats up.

The details, for those interested: I added 2.5" to the length of the shirt, just to be sure it was of a length I like (it's close - next time I'll add 3 inches). I also added 1.5" to the sleeves. The markings for the sleeve gathers are missing from the pattern, but I didn't really find that I needed them (though, the errata is available here). The fabric is a "cotton lawn". I don't really know what that means exactly, but I love it and need to find more - it's the perfect summer weight. This print is Flora, from Superbuzzy. 

The beach gear is at the ready, I'm armed with cotton lawn (and shorter hair), and Harper's looking forward to adding a bit of sand to his all-breastmilk diet. Oh yes, we are happy, indeed.

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.

SouleMama Sponsor :: Wee Gallery

Today's featured SouleMama Sponsor is Wee Gallery. Wee Gallery was "born" with the birth of Surya and Dave's children as they looked for ways to bring visual art and storytelling into the lives of their little ones. Their offerings now include art cards, wall graphics, art prints, mobiles and more. Check out the Wee Blog for all the behind-the-scenes family action.

From Wee Gallery:

"Art Cards for Baby (top photo) - Wee Gallery art cards are created from bold, whimsical, hand-painted originals that cater to a baby's visual strengths. The black and white images and their repeating patterns captivate little ones. Place them in the crib to transform it into a wee gallery or use them as flash cards for older children.

Wall Graphics (bottom two photos) - Bring more of the world to little ones with Wee Gallery Wall Graphics. Each collection features a different terrain for easy decorating and endless fascination. The oversized, self-adhesive, removable decals can be repositioned with no damage to walls and ample capacity for a child's imagination - just peel and stick to create custom wallscapes. All are made of eco-friendly polypropylene."

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Today's Giveaway is a package of three sets of Art Cards for Baby and one set of Jungle Wall Graphics. To enter, simply leave a comment in this post. I'll close the comments and announce the winner by 8am EST on Monday.

Wee Gallery is also offering a 20% discount for SouleMama readers. Enter SOULEMAMA in the Message to Seller box, and look out for a 20% refund via your paypal.

 Good luck, everyone! Thanks to Wee Gallery!

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Comments Closed! The winner is....

So cute! I love it :)
Posted by : Gypsy Forest

Thanks to all for playing, and special thanks to Wee Gallery! 

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SouleMama Sponsor :: Beebee Mod

Today's featured SouleMama Sponsor is Beebee Mod - something special for the little one.

Beebee Mod is a shop dedicated to finding hand-crafted, unique and well-made goods by artisans, encouraging creativity and imagination and winning the super-approval of Jennifer's three children. The assortment of 'something special' that Jennifer carries varies from play things, to clothing, to photo prints.

 

From Beebee Mod:

Giveaway #1 (first photograph) - "a crafter pack for all the creative birds out there - Two Oliver + s patterns and three yards of fabric, winner chooses!"

Giveaway #2 (second photograph) - "a 5-pack of Beebee Mod one-pieces or tees. Winner chooses from any one of Beebee Mod's exclusive designs for a gift pack that's ready for wearing or giving!"

To enter to win one of the two Giveaway packages shown above, simply leave a comment in this post. I'll close the comments and announce the winner by 8am EST on Sunday.

In addition, Beebee Mod is offering SouleMama readers 20% off all orders, good for one week! Just enter "soulemama" as a discount code.

 Good luck, everyone! Thanks, Beebee Mod!

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Comments closed! The winners are...

Giveaway #1 - the Crafter's Pack:

I've been wanting to try an Oliver + S pattern for ages! Such cute things in that shop.
Posted by : Amy

Giveaway #2 - Beebee Mod tees:

These are gorgeous...please add me into the draw.
Posted by : Mixing Bowl Mama

Thanks to all for playing along...and remember that the Beebee Mod 20% discount applies through this week (see above for details.)

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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)

log cabin promises

The pile of scraps from my Good Folks throw never quite made it into my box of 'other' scraps. I just couldn't bring myself to toss all that loveliness in there, to be mixed up and seen together again who-knows-when. And so it sat on the top of my sewing table...right next to the Patchwork Style, which for similar reasons, hasn't found it's way to the craft bookshelf since it's arrival.

So it only made sense that the two meet in the form of some log cabin action. Combining the directions from both the quilt and the pillow in the book, I made this little log cabin cushion for the computer chair. A few extra layers of batting make it just comfortable enough, but not so cushie-comfortable that I never want to get up (all part of my silly strategy for being mindful of how much time I sit in front of this computer screen, anyway).

For some reason, I thought log cabin meant cutting a whole lot of pieces into precise measurements. Perhaps 'true' log cabin is just that. But this method - where each piece can be any width, and therefore it all has a bit of an uneven look - is much more for me. And I can use a total mish-mash of scrap prints and patterns. Just like all the vintage quilts I love so much.

After the cushion, I wanted to make more. In my twitch to keep making, I did the unthinkable - I cut up a finished quilt top to start a new one. Gah! Yes, the quilt that I started for Adelaide's bed nearly two year ago now (she looks so little! Are you sure that wasn't yesterday?) just wasn't doing it for me, and therefore, likely never to be finished anyway.  So a fresh start was in order - a log cabin fresh start.

It's looking remarkably pink to me...especially considering that the very day I began it, she declared her favorite color "purple". Really? Purple? (You can see in the banner above I'm trying to embrace it.) I'm thinking all that pink might need to be broken up a bit with some bands of white (okay...maybe some purple, too) in between the squares (like this). Perhaps. Regardless...I woke up this morning and the first thing on my mind after COFFEE was the desire to make another square. So I'll take that as a good sign that this quilt might just be the one, and she might just have it on her bed sooner than another two years from now. Mark my words. I'm full of quilting promises...

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!

pants for the baby

An email question I receive quite often is about sewing for boys - Where to find cute patterns?

Some of my favorites:

• Oliver + S
  
• Ottobre
• Vintage, thrifted patterns (though a word of warning if you've never use a vintage sewing pattern before - they do assume a lot, so if you're a true-beginner, you might find some steps missing that are more spelled out in contemporary sewing patterns)

(If you have a favorite source for boys sewing patterns, please let us know in the comments!)

One thing I'd recommend if you're just beginning to sew for your little ones, is the use of size tags. After four little ones and the pile of handmade clothing that has created - I never can tell just by looking at something what size it might be. The tags really are so helpful. (I've purchased mine in bulk on Ebay by searching for "woven clothing labels". Does anyone have a source for these by a family-owned small company?)

{That's his Manly Vest v.2, still a little bit big, but almost fitting him at 5 months!}

My favorite - and most often made - thing to sew for boys (and girls!) is simple, elastic waist pants. There's a pattern for such in The Creative Family. I love that especially at this small size, they can be made with so little fabric, and so often, out of repurposed tees. The simplicity of them makes it so easy to wear with anything, and I can allow as much room as I need for however big that cloth diapered bum may be. 

And quite seriously, they take about 15 minutes to make (especially when I have such fine help as that pictured above). I don't have hours upon hours straight at the sewing machine these days. But I do have lots of '15 minutes'. And so, 15 minutes at a time, Harper got a new pants wardrobe this week.

 I've been thinking about those sweet baby legs (um, rolls!) of his lately, and the shining sun that seems to be getting stronger each day. I wanted some full-length pants for him for the best sun coverage, made out of really lightweight material, to keep him cool. Wide leg Mama-made pants with a onesie - I've declared it the uniform of summer.

This might be my favorite pair - in a vintage baby crib sheet. So soft and light. I figured if Mama can wear bedsheets as pants, surely the baby can too.

And just one more picture for good baby-toe measure. Too much, you say? I'm sorry...did you forget whose blog you're reading? That's right. The blog of The Woman Who Eats Baby Toes.

weekend signs

open windows :: open toes :: green grass :: garden cleaning :: music on a blanket :: flowers outside & in :: baseball :: peepers at night :: a new (to us) bicycle :: the first margarita of the year :: birds all around :: sun hats :: evening light :: laundry on the line :: running to the sea

Spring is here!

SouleMama Sponsor :: Lisa Leonard Designs

Today's featured SouleMama Sponsor is Lisa Leonard Designs. Surely you've seen her beautiful and inspired jewelry before, as it's such a favorite among so many (and she's been a long-time Sponsor here!). Lisa recently launched a new website that's the perfect showcase for her beautiful jewelry - for both women and men (and little ones too! Harper's got a special spoon waiting for the food days to come).

 

From Lisa Leonard Designs:

"A little birdie quietly rests beside two reeds. Pendant is a sterling 3/4" square hand-stamped with detail and is strung on sterling chain. Such a peaceful necklace--perfect for nature lovers."

Today's Giveaway is for one Be Still necklace, as pictured above. To enter, simply leave a comment in this post! I'll close the comments and announce the winner by 7am EST on Monday.

In addition, Lisa is offering 10% off orders. Just enter "tellafriend" as a discount code.

 Good luck, everyone!

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Comments closed! And the winner is....

oooo...i love lisa leonard's designs. so beautiful.
Posted by :: exhale.return to center

Thanks to Lisa Leonard!

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SouleMama Sponsor :: Sarah Jane Studios

This weekend's featured SouleMama Sponsor is Sarah Jane Studios. A mom of two (soon to be three!), Sarah Jane's illustrations are a reflection of the fun, whimsical, and magical everyday life of children. I love these words from the artist herself, found on her blog:

"Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have little feet again. What would the world look like if my head was as high as my hips are now. I guess that is why I can’t stop drawing for children…I am constantly curious what they think about when they walk around with those little feet in that magical world of theirs. Sometimes I remember what it is like, and other times…I have just as much fun imagining. But that’s it: Little feet imagine."

From Sarah Jane Studios:

"(click on images to enlarge) Family Pedigree charts are the perfect family heirloom, and now you can have one for your children's room...where they can always remember who they came from! A great place for children to see their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents names all in one place. The Family Tree is generously sized at 11x14 inches with personalized printed names of three generations of family members. The giclee print with archival inks will last for 100+ years."

Today's Giveaway is for one personalized Family Tree, as well as two card packs (10 cards in each) of your choice from the Shop (samples shown in the photograph above).  To enter the Giveaway, simply leave a comment in this post. I'll close the comments and announce the winner by 9am EST on Sunday.

In addition, Sarah Jane is offering 15% off orders for SouleMama readers through the end of April. Just enter "soulemama" in the message to seller, and you will be refunded.

Thanks to Sarah Jane Studios! Good luck, everyone!

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Comments closed! The winner is....

This is such a special offering. Knowing where you come from is so important and this would be such a good reminder. THanks for offering.
Posted by: Cindy Bandemer

Thanks again to Sarah Jane! Remember that the discount applies through the end of the month (see above for details).

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SoulePapa Blogs :: Upon Arrival

Doors open, the air and the children move freely between inside and out.  Unconscious, or unwilling to be bound by consciousness, their feet turned without slowing, powered by great motors of heart.  All manner of objects were strewn about the yard in a post apocalyptic grid of childhood frenzy.  Everything. From wheelbarrows to hula hoops, bicycles to rain boots, rakes and a hammer, some rope... a disposable camera.  

I stepped, cautiously, from the car.  Home from a day in which I'd left long before the little beings had stirred their first thought from outside the reins of slumber.  I was noticed only with sideways smiles and glances amidst their flurry, not the attention to which I've become accustomed to receiving after a long day away.  Hmmm.  Now I approached the house with care, having an idea that the mommy on the other end of this type of activity could be severely not well.  A casualty of this riotous scene, in miniature.  How would I find the Mama Soule?  Could she have possibly lived through a day at home with these three, plus one, and have a remaining shred of...herself? 

My stomach sinks into slightly uneasy as I recall how I feel at the end of a particularly long day flying solo with this band of marauders.  I circle around the car and approach the front porch like I'm the first person upon a crime scene.  For a moment, I am distracted as they circle around me two, three times and then off again with audible enthusiasm.  When was the last time I spoke with Amanda?  I think it was before lunch.  I carry on, climbing the steps now.  Craning my head around the railing I catch my first glimpse of the her.  Sitting outside, sunglasses on, smiling baby on her lap.  Before I have a chance to actually speak the kids surround us in an instant.  Attempting to fill me in on the ten hours of their life I just missed with a boiled down thirty second assault, I catch some key words...fort. whittle. Ezra. awesome. bandaid.  I finally receive the love as little arms wrap around me from all directions.  Now they're off again, down the stairs and away.

In the remaining silence I turn and look at my wife.  We exchange an understanding look.

"I made popcorn for dinner....want some?!"

 

I love this woman.

beautifully ordinary

 

 

* the peace of a baby drifting to sleep in my arms
* spring morning sun shining in
* the tip-tap tapping of tap shoes (and the singing and laughter that follows)

Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We don't have to travel far away to enjoy the blue sky. We don't have to leave our city or even our neighborhood to enjoy the eyes of a beautiful child. Even the air we breathe can be a source of joy.
Thich Nhat Hanh, Peace is Every Step

What beautiful ordinary/simple things have you found joy in today?

flipiness

Do you remember flip dolls? Did you have one? This Little Red Riding Hood flip doll was mine when I was little. I remember being quite enamored with her flipiness (my spell check is telling me that's not a word, but I so want it to be a word. Flippiness. Please can that be a word?).

So I loved it...except that the granny-wolf freaked me out. Seriously, look at that face! Adelaide, however, has taken a liking to it. I don't think I ever would have given it to her - for fear that the wolf would freak me out in the middle of the night - but my mother slipped it to her on a Grammie visit. (Grammie's get away with a lot, you know.) And anyway, Adelaide assures me that she thinks the wolf is funny.  (She's braver than her Mama was).

 

I thought it would be fun to make an updated flip doll for her.  So during one of our afternoon sewing sessions last week (hence - snow in these photos! snow that is no longer here today! Yay!), we put together this kit I've had. 

The pattern is a FlipDoll kit by Umbrella Prints. The kit makes two dolls, each in such sweet yummy fabric (hand screen printed on organic fabric), and get this - with sweet faces too! No scary granny-wolves here. Just sleeping, smiling and laughing little girls. (Oh, thank goodness.)

 

Adelaide is quite in love with this flip doll too, especially since she "made it herself," you know. Her name is Eloise - there's sleepy Eloise, smiling Eloise, and laughing Eloise.

I'm so loving our afternoons of sewing.

a good folks throw

A gorgeous stack of Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks fabric arrived here a few months back. It has since sat on my studio table - all bundled up as it arrived - because as much as I wanted to dive right on into each and every piece, I just couldn't bear to separate them. Silly, but true. And so...I put them all together. In large patchwork squares so I could really see the prints, and in the form of a simple throw blanket - no binding or quilting- because I wanted to have this one finished and enjoyed right away. (And...because those three two-year-old quilt tops in my studio keep staring at me, waiting patiently for their day to be made into quilts.)

The back is a soft organic cotton, and in the middle is some organic cotton batting. The patchwork squares are 16" each square, making the whole thing roughly 60" x 60" - a size I really love for throws. Not too huge and cumbersome, but big enough for wrapping around, and definitely big enough for sharing.

I was going for easy and comfortable with this blanket. Letting the gorgeous fabric do the talking, you know? I just showed up, sewed a few seams, and tied a few knots. And now I am quite happy to laze around (well, whenever I can, anyway) and soak up it's coziness...and all that color! And I'll gladly share it too, of course...

monday musings

 

I hope you all had a marvelous weekend! Ours included family & friends, snacks on the porch, walks in the woods, a little bit of crafting and a lot of chocolate. The good things in life, yes?

Also! Quite exciting weekend news: the very last bit of snow in our outside view has melted! (Well, if you're getting technical, there's still plenty in the woods.) We had a little family contest on the "melting day" for said last-pile of snow. Steve won (I was quite optimistic with my March 15th guess). Our April birthday, Easter, Equinox, the melting snow....all of this means that spring really is here - hooray!

Some spring-like things I'm looking forward to this week...

• seeds & soil, and getting started on spring garden work
• packing up the snowpants, ice skates, skiis, and boots. Yes!
• finishing one of the projects photographed above
• a forecast that appears to be full of sunshine
• four more days 'til Ani's in town!
• seeing what "new" birds might visit our feeders this week
• perhaps a trip to the beach? Oh yes. Surely a trip to the beach.

Wishing you a lovely start to your week! What are you most looking forward to from the days to come?

An Art Party!

 

"Six" might be one of my favorite ages for birthday parties (remember the medieval party?). Six is such a great combination of imagination, innocence, and ability, I think - so great for doing fun things at parties.  Ezra decided - oh, back in November - that he wanted an Art Party for his birthday this year. An art party? Oh goodness. Yes, please! (said his Mama). Every surface in this little house was covered in some kind of art-making. There was space for collage onto wood boards, air-dry clay, and acrylic painting on canvas (including the big canvas that everyone worked on for the birthday guy). Merriment and making happened by the artists of all ages here.

The crafting you saw in progress yesterday were the apron gifts for our child guests, complete with an artist mannequin in the pocket (or a "Dude Man" as they're affectionately called around these parts). I used rubber stamps with a fabric-safe ink pad. I tried a few test rounds in the wash and it seemed to hold up okay. It was fun - and a great way for Ezra to be involved in the process with me.

He was overheard telling a friend while painting, "Oh! I'm so interested in making art, I almost forgot this was my birthday party!" It felt like the perfect way to celebrate this art-making, ukulele-loving, tap-dancing, comic book-reading sweet boy of ours.

My sink still looks exactly like it does in that last photo (with the addition of breakfast dishes), and we've got a few more days of good fullness in front of us. I'm guessing some of you do too with the holiday coming up, so I'm going to wish you well and sign off until Monday. See you then!

right now

The next few days are shaping up to be quite "full" around here, which is always an important time for me to remember to stay present and grounded in the here and now. And so...

Right now, I am....

eating :: peanut butter and toast;

feeling :: quite tickled to "know" so many people who appreciate the fabulous-ness of peanut butter + bread + vintage linens the same way I do;

listening :: to the beautiful sound of Gregory Alan Isakov, whose music I just can't stop playing after seeing him open for Brandi Carlile last week;

watching :: the very last bits of white wintry snow be replaced by the first signs of a white flowery spring;

loving :: watching Harper discover the power of his reach, the sight of his toes, and the effect of his giggle;

plotting :: how I'm going to peacefully enter and most importantly - exit - the art store today with four children without buying anything except the mat I need cut (while simultaneously concealing from the birthday boy the print for which I need a mat) - hmmnn...;

thinking :: about six years ago tomorrow, when this magical, sweet, and loving little boy gently entered and forever changed our lives and hearts;

hoping :: I can get all the birthday party crafting/cooking/cleaning done in time for tonight's party.....and if not, that I can peacefully let it go in enough time to enjoy;

and, wishing :: you a lovely Wednesday!

more kitchen stitching

More kitchen-themed sewing today! Have I ever told you about my "new pen" life philosophy? I'm sure I'm not the only one who lives by it's principles. Whenever I had a writing deadline in school that I just wasn't very motivated about working on, I'd buy myself a new pen. I know. It's just a pen, right? But for some reason...'just a new pen' was enough excitement to get me started writing. I'm not ashamed to admit that I bought a few 'new pens' at various 'stuck' points in the process of finishing both of my manuscripts.

The "new pen" approach, though, can be applied in many situations. Like in a Maine kitchen at the end of a long winter. A kitchen - when you're trying to eat as local and organic as possible - that has seen far too much soup of late. (I swear, if I see another root vegetable, I might cry.) You know I love my kitchen, but even I struggle in it this time of year with a lack of motivation. It's the normal late-winter boredom thing - soon to be remedied by the first greens, I know very well. But until then...I'm keeping myself cooking and in my kitchen with "new pens," or as the case may be, new bread bags. And patchwork kitchen rugs!

I was motivated by the arrival of the soon-to-be-released (next week!) Patchwork Style and Linen, Wool, Cotton - both part of the Make Good: Crafts + Life series (I love that the word series implies there are more to come! And I should mention that we share a publisher in Trumpeter Books.)
{Update: I've just heard that the books are available now at the website makegoodbooks.com.}

Do they look familiar? They both made their way around the craft blog circuit a while ago now as Japanese craft books. But the difference is that these are in English! Oh yes. I can read them! And make the patterns with ease! You know how exciting this is, right? I'm excited.

I've poured through each of the books so completely re-inspired by their pages, now having the words and the instructions to know what's going on. This patchwork rug caught my eye - as the author writes that it's meant to be 'soiled' as all kitchen rugs are. And the solution to that? Just sew another patch on! Brilliant. Brilliant in it's simplicity. And super fun to make, too. I used a linen on the front 'base', with loads of different scrap fabrics "patched" on. The back is a mattress ticking.

 

When I was done with 'mine,' I made a slightly smaller - and with brighter prints - rug my girl and her kitchen. (I say 'my girl's kitchen', by the way, because she's the one mostly playing with it these days. The boys played with this everyday at her age too. And I'm sure Harper will too! I get excited thinking about my grandchildren playing kitchen with me someday too. Is that bizarre?)

Until that day, though...I've got some more bread to make and likely some more soup too. Having a fresh new pretty rug underfoot makes just a little bit more fun.

Bring on the parsnips!

bread love

Can one survive on just bread and peanut butter (and sometimes almond butter or cashew butter...yum)? I'm a little embarrassed to admit just how much I'm testing that theory these days. My peanut butter consumption gets a little nutty (ha!) when I'm nursing a babe. But peanut butter and fresh handmade bread is a kind of daily perfection I never tire of. Toss in some apple slices and maybe some cheddar, and well...we call that 'lunch' on a lot of days around here.

Thankfully - for all that bread consumption - I enjoy making bread as much as I enjoy eating it. I've been using the Tassajara Bread Book method for a while now, making two loaves every three days or so. There's something immensely comforting, meditative and rhythmic about making the same recipe over and over, week in and week out. How it takes a few minutes of my time spread out over a few hours - setting an underlying rhythm to that day. How every single time the heel of my hands meet the dough to begin kneading, I always, always have an instinctual instant of remembrance - thinking of those before me. Those I know of (my great grandmother, whose bread board I use), and more generally, the millions of women and Mamas before me. And as I continue kneading in a familiar rhythm, I find myself brought so fully into the present, with my feet planted firmly in my kitchen, with the sounds, smells and sights of my children and my life so clear. It's empowering, really...and as silly as it may sound, I get an enormous amount of strength from this little ritual that leaves me both mindful of my past, and aware of my present at the very same time.

The beauty, though, of making bread today - as opposed to the days of my great grandmother - is that on days when I don't have the energy, the inclination or the time...I can just as easily pop a loaf into the bread machine, or yes, even buy a loaf of bread (though it just never tastes as good!).

I've been puzzled for a while over the best storage of the precious bread. In the past, I've been using paper bags (from purchased loaves) over and over. But eventually, those wear and tear, and the size was never perfect. And I'm kind of a freak about plastic and food, so that was out.

So I did a little poking around to find out just how it used to be done. You know, before we had preservatives keeping our bread longer, or tupperware in which to store it. Actually, I sent the kids on an investigative bookshelf search, which they happily obliged me in. Who knew fabric was the answer?

 

With that, I made these bread bags. Quite simple, they're basically a drawstring bag out of linen fabric - breathable, but tight. The measurements worked out so that a vintage tea towel - with the sides trimmed off for using as a drawstring - was the perfect size. 

So far, I think it's really working. I put these inside my bread box, and they stay a little bit fresher, a little bit longer. I have plans to make a whole slew of them to have on hand. I'm pretty excited about handing off a gift of bread in one of these soon.

{And could I have illustrated today's post with something less than seven photographs? Perhaps. But where's the fun in that? I told you I love bread.}

Sponsor Giveaway :: The Paper Princess

This weekend's second Sponsor Giveaway comes from The Paper Princess - a vintage inspired paperie. 

 
 

From The Paper Princess:

"Stamp your stuff and make your claim! Little ones and grown ones will enjoy these personalized face stamps. Fun for stamping gift tags, books, labels, lunch bags, stationery! Simply stamp on a gift tag or card, and voila! You'll make a lasting impression! Stamp image measures 2" in diameter. Image/text is deeply etched into our clear polymer to give you sharp, crisp images every time."

The Paper Princess is offering four custom Little Pals Rubber Stamps for today's giveaway! Simply leave a comment in this post and you'll be entered to win. Comments will close and the winner will be announced by 8am EST on Monday.

In addition, The Paper Princess is offering 25% off ALL orders, valid until April 15th. Just enter "SOULEMAMA" as a coupon code.

Thanks to The Paper Princess! Good luck, everyone!

** ** **

Comments Closed! The winners are...

I love the Paper Princess! I have been looking for an excuse to get a stamp there... now I have one!
Posted by Brooke Gustafson

What a nice cute giveaway!
Posted by Mama Urchin

oh my goodness, how sweet are these. Here's hoping these find their way to me and my little girls.
Posted by Marlo

Hi! My kids would really enjoy these - thanks for the opportunity!
Posted by Carole

Thanks to everyone for playing along! The Paper Princess 25% discount (see above) continues through April 15th!

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Sponsor Giveaway :: Imagine Childhood

This weekend's Sponsor Giveaway comes from Imagine Childhood - "toys, tools and activities for growing minds." (This is where Adelaide's magical very real-looking bunny "Snowy" came from that so many of you ask me about!) Imagine Childhood also keeps a beautiful blog you should be sure to check out. 

From Imagine Childhood:

"Start your organic garden with a little help from the flower fairies! 

(first photograph) Two Hand Made Bluebell Flower Fairies (one boy and one girl) - Hand made on Bryn Du Farm in Colorado using wool from their own Jacob sheep herd.  We can even tell you the name of the sheep the wool came from! Fairy is 3 to 3.5 inches in height.
One pair of children’s cotton gardening gloves made in Sweden.

(second photograph) Three Organic Gardening Kits - Learn where your food comes from by growing your own!  Grow kits come with organic seeds, growing medium, a biodegradable plant pot, nutritious recipes and fun activities."

One winner will receive the above gathering of flower fairy gardening goodness! If you'd like to enter, leave a comment in this post. I'd love to hear something about your gardening-with-children plans or adventures, should you and your little ones be doing so. (Of course, you can just say 'hello', too!) I'll close the comments and announce the winner at 8am EST on Sunday.

In addition, Imagine Childhood is offering 15% site-wide discount for SouleMama readers, valid until April 11th. Just enter "soulemama" at checkout.

Thanks, Imagine Childhood! Good luck, everyone!

** ** ** 

Comments closed! The winner is....

We are planting today - mostly tomato. We can never have enough tomato around here. Tiny, small, big - ah! This would be a great addition to our garden. Thanks!
Posted by: Grace

** ** **

Thanks for playing! And remember that the 15% discount at Imagine Childhood is valid through April 11th!

SoulePapa Blogs :: Something Scary

We were traveling through the night to spend some weeks getting lost(and found) in the ancient, steep rivers of the Southeastern USofA.  Our paddling gear was worth more than my truck, which had a penchant for breaking down at the most inopportune of times, and we shook and rattled our way at top speed toward our destination.  Somehow we'd fashioned our itinerary to include putting in on our first river immediately following 16 hours of driving.  We stood there bleary eyed and exhausted and already calling into question, our own judgment.  As we geared up and shouldered our boats through the thick underbrush to find ourselves staring face to face with a thundering, rain swollen river, my old friend said, "Ya know...you should do something that scares you every day".

He said many quotable things over the years and remains a master at breaking up any tension that may reside in a situation but, the wisdom residing in these words, took me several years to comprehend.  Back then, the notion of "something scary" generally involved risking life and/or limb in search of a little taste of adrenaline.  Now, I realize that fear creeps into the nooks and crannies of my psyche and leaves me uneasy.  Unaware.  Sometimes it is subtle like the screening of a phone call.  Other times it is furiously obvious, like being caught in a lie.  Usually, I can't even put my finger on fear or recognize it's face enough to call it by name.  But, if I am sure of one thing about fear, it is that fear exists.  If you can't admit that, then you have little chance of doing something that scares you every day.

I've not found one endeavor more capable of producing fear and offering scary moments than that of raising children.  As they navigate through the trials of a day, I am given many opportunities to see my own shortcomings.  As a parent.  As a person.  Like staring into the mirror and studying my own eyes, I see, in them, the truth.  In them, I am confronted with the very best and the very worst of myself.  Every.  Single.  Day.  And there I am for my children to see, strengthened by trial and humbled by experience.  Crowned as a champion and exposed as a fraud.  The only thing I have to offer is myself and... I've got nowhere else to be. 

I still see my paddling buddy from time to time.  He's out there.  Spreading his words around.  I think about that first day of our trip and how those few simple words have stayed with me for a lifetime.  I chuckle a sort of nervous laugh when I think which words of mine these kids will remember.  Now that could be scary.  Maybe...  Hopefully, It will be something that serves them well.  Something that helps them face their fears with honesty.  Not perfection, just truth.  A quality I strive to see staring back at me, each time I look into that mirror.

If learning is living and the truth is a state of mind

You'll find it's better

At the end of the line                                                                                                   

                            ~ Farrar

a shout out

I've gained two special new blog readers in this past year - Calvin and Ezra.

"The blog" has certainly made it's way into our language and our lives these past few years. But it's just recently become slightly tangible for them when they suddenly wanted to start reading it themselves. They read the day's post with mild interest sometimes, but mostly, they're all about the archives (pronounced "ar-chives"). I'm kind of touched - each time they have any computer time, the second website they visit is mine. (It's after mlb.com, so they can check to see if any stats have changed overnight. Yes, I know it's off-season and the stats won't change. They just want to check in case. Oh! And did you know that we have exactly four days until opening day of the major league baseball season? That's what I've been told, approximately five times already this morning. I expect the countdown to switch to hours any time now.)

They've been reading the blog in a most unorganized fashion, but I just watch. Quietly entertained, humored, and pleased, I must admit.

First they read all of their birthday months. Naturally. And then a few days ago, Ezra explained to me the completely mind-blowing, totally exciting discovery he'd had. They had scrolled down past the months (on this page) and discovered...Categories! He had a crazy-awesome theory about how such a thing could even be possible - how the computer must decide what goes into what category and such. Somehow it involved tap dancing. Dang, I wish I could remember his theory. It was a good one. Well anyway, as poorly as my "categories" are arranged around here, it's entertained them endlessly. They see themselves, they find craft projects that they still love and use, they remember things we've done, they see more of themselves, and....they get more fodder for teasing their Mama (in a loving, gentle, silly way, of course).

The latest has been a litany of flack I've been listening to from these two about how much I move the furniture around. If you've been around here for a while, you might know that I have a bit of a furniture rearranging problem. I do it a lot. It already has an element of family lore around here...but for some reason, to the kids, seeing it all together in one long visual web page has Cracked. Them. Up.

"Mom, look! The dry sink is here, and then it's here, and then it's over there, and look! Now it's right back where it started!"

or

"What should we do today, Mom? Move furniture?!"

Cackle, cackle, cackle. (They send each other into hysterics.)

Yeah, yeah...

So in honor of those archives today, and as a shout out to my two silly new blog readers, I share with you my most recent furniture/rearranging moves, completed yesterday when Harper and I found ourselves at home alone for a bit. It was just a little rearranging - not one of my "let's put the living room in the dining room and the dining room in the kitchen! Today!" rearranging moments.

A new little reading corner, in this funky little space at the top of our stairs that has been oh-so-many different kinds of corners over the years (as the boys will tell you).

And some new prints and fresh art wire above the drawing table.

The fairy tale paper cut prints are by Elsa Mora (you might find some of them in her shop). Aren't they lovely?

Alright, friends. I'll be back on Monday! SoulePapa tomorrow, and then two (two!!) giveaways this weekend, so be sure to stop back.

Cheers!

Welcome, April Sponsors!

On this first day of April, I want to welcome and thank my newest Sponsors:

Bee Bee Mod
Wee Gallery
Fresh Squeezed Fabrics
Natural Kids Etsy Team
Sarah Jane Studios

Check out their handmade, crafty, natural, family goodness when you have a chance!

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.