SouleMama

SouleMama Sponsor ~ NATURAL PARENTING CENTER ~

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Today, I am pleased to tell you about our sponsor Natural Parenting Center. In Kris' words, director of NPC:

"The Natural Parenting Center provides online support and inspiration for conscious parenting through blog and we offer personal life coaching for parents who want even more guidance and individual support."

You can also check in on the Natural Parenting Center blog, and Natalie keeps one for Feeleez as well.

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

NPC: Giving birth to my first child I felt lost and struggled to find my own voice with parenting. I want to inspire people with all of the radical and seldom heard about possibilities that enable them to listen to their own hearts and follow their instincts to be deeply connected with their children. I believe this requires honouring ourselves as well as our children and bringing all of our unconscious habits and reactive patterns to light. Then we are able to respond with profound love and acceptance. I really see parenting as a spiritual quest of sorts…mindfulness, connection, awareness, embracing what is. I am so grateful that I got to live with my dear friend Kelli who lives attachment parenting. I could feel this resonate with me. Then to be close to Natalie and Nathan (my business partners) and witness their empathic approach, well that just cinched it for me. We collaborate on NPC projects daily and Nathan is the primary parenting coach.

SouleMama: What were you doing before this work?

NPC: Classroom teacher, Outward Bound instructor, creator of alternative education program, leadership consultant and life coach.

SouleMama: What artists/teachers/crafters have inspired your work?

NPC: You. adyashanti. Byron Katie. My business partners and dear friends Natalie and Nathan.

SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work that you do?

NPC: Motherhood sings to me. It has sparked a fierce hunger in me to wake up and to collaborate with other parents who want to be conscious and present too…how do we do be fully present while living in this modern world? How do we nurture ourselves and our children equally? How do we embody unconditional love? How do we surround ourselves with beauty? How do we model honesty and continue to seek joy and well-being

I am also such a fan of knitting and cooking and growing food and making clothes and handmade toys and doing all of this with our children. This life feeds my soul and I see such value in what it offers to our children. Thank you for your endless inspiration, Amanda. I’m so grateful to you.

 

{Photos by Kris' sister Heidi Buecking.}

For today's giveaway, Natural Parenting Center is offering:

"10 spots in Natural Parenting Center  teleclass: Empathy and Parenting…offering ourselves and our children the riches of empathy. Bring your questions to the class as there will be time for Q & A at the end. Course Leader: Nathan McTague, Certified Professional Life Coach and papa to three amazing girls. March 20^th (Spring Equinox!) 11am-12pm MST."

Thank you, Natural Parenting Center!

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To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in today's post. (One entry per person, please!) I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Monday. Comments closed!

The ten winners have been notified via email.

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Soulemama Sponsor ~ ALEWIVES FABRICS ~

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Today, I am pleased to tell you about our sponsor Alewives Fabrics. In the words of shopkeepers Barbara and Rhea:

"Alewives has been selling fabrics to Midcoast Mainers for almost 40 years and for the past five years the shop has been owned by the Mother and Daughter team of Barbara Neeson and Rhea Daiute (who is soon to become Rhea Butler!). Barbara and Rhea carefully choose every fabric in the shop's collection, including quilting weight cottons, double gauze, voile, canvas, corduroy, flannels, home-dec, oilcloth and organics. Locals can shop at Alewives seven days a week all year long and those of you who are "from away" can shot at Alewives anytime with our Web Store!"

Rhea also keeps a shop blog, which can be found at Alewives Girl.

SouleMama: What do you love about going to work each day?

Alewives: We love that it is never the same day twice. We meet new people, open boxes full of gorgeous fabrics, challenge ourselves with fun projects and are never, ever bored. Owning a shop is a lot of work and we are always evolving: We know we won't ever sit back and say, "The store is perfect now, we're done!" And we learned a long time ago to 'never say never," because you just can't predict what is going to happen during the course of a day. But that's the best part of it, too, because the surprises we encounter are almost always pleasant ones!

SouleMama: What artists/crafters/teachers have inspired what you do?

Alewives: Well, it should come as no big surprise that we have been very influenced by Amy Butler. Her work is amazing, she changed what 'home-sewing' meant to a whole new generation. And it's not just the younger gals, either! Everybody loves Amy Butler. We are always so entertained/surprised when teeny little Maine ladies of a certain age (and a certain hair color!) walk in asking for the "Amy's." How can you NOT be inspired by that? And we are also huge fans of Kaffe Fassett and Denyse Schmidt, both of whom we got to meet in person. We are happy to report that they are as pleasant in real life as their fabrics are fabulous.

SouleMama: Is there a special place that inspires you?

Alewives: Living in Maine, particularly in the Midcoast, inspires us. The sense of community here is like nowhere else and we are very inspired by the natural beauty of the area, with the ocean nearby. The shop is located near a waterfall, and every year in the spring thousands of fish (called Alewives!) come to this area to swim upstream and lay eggs. Sometimes it takes the fish two days of swimming to make it to the top of the falls, and when they get there, bigger fish, loons or osprey are waiting to catch them. But they do it anyway, all so they can safely lay their eggs. It's easy to draw life lessons from those fish!

SouleMama: How does the balance of family and work play out for you?

Alewives: Since we are a Mother and Daughter working together, it balances out quite nicely, actually. We like to say that Barbara is the "Ernie" to Rhea's "Bert," the "Oscar" to her "Felix." And while there is most definitely a Mother/Daughter dynamic between the two of us (you know what we are talking about!), at the end of the day, we are also each others best friends, and pretty good business partners, too!

 

 

For today's giveaway, Alewives is offering:

 "One of our brand new St. Brigid Turning Twenty kits along with a "seat" in our very first virtual Turning Twenty class! The bundle of 20 fat quarters is a mix of different weights and was inspired by St. Brigid of Ireland: the patron saint of newborn babies, milkmaids, printing presses and creativity! With the kit comes a seat in our virtual Turning Twenty class: an e-course for the absolute beginner who wants to dive into the world of quilting."

In addition, Alewives is offering a 10% discount on all in stock merchandise - including our new virtual classes - to all SouleMama readers through March 31st. To receive the discount, please enter "soulemama" in the promotional code field at checkout.

Thank you, Alewives Fabrics!

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To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in today's post. (One entry per person, please!) I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Sunday. Comments closed! The winner is:

amazing! the fabrics and the virtual class are a super exciting giveaway!
Posted by: Mariko

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{this moment}

{this moment} - A new semi-regular Friday ritual I've been thinking about. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Happy Friday, friends!

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{photo by Steve}

a corner of hers

Adelaide essentials - the always-overflowing, always present, dress up box, her wild stripes baby blanket on the rack, a resting place for her animals, and her vet kit. This happy, crowded little corner of her room just got a little bit happier and a little bit more crowded when we added alphabet cards (by the lovely Ida Pearle). My letter-loving four year old is so very pleased.

works in progress

a little of this, a little of that...a little bit of everything.

What's in your workbasket right now?

the more things change

 

 

A visit to the attic boxes for a little wardrobe sizing-up for Mr. Harper Pie, led to the discovery of this hat I knit for Calvin (when he was my littlest guy). (Pattern notes on Ravelry.) As always with such sentimental hand-me-downs, it makes me think. About what each of their faces looked like under it. About how very different and unique each of their personalities are (truly! how is it possible?).

But also? How some things never change - first baby or fourth. Like:

• walking outside is a whole other skill than walking inside (but hands help),
• there is no end to the fascination and amusement that a simple stick can provide,
• babies love ripping off hats,
• and Mama loves making them.

monday morning joy

Some simple sights bringing me great joy this morning, as we roll on into another week:

:: summer dreamin'.

:: the comfort of a quick and easy, old favorite sewing project (Artsy Clutch from Amy Karol's Bend the Rules Sewing).

:: ricotta gnocchi with tomato pesto sauce (from Apples for Jam) on the menu tonight for the second time in four days. Yum.

:: the patience, persistence and wit of these two as new things are learned.

:: that hair. I know, I've said it a million times. But I love it a million times over.

:: this boy and his Skord (homemade skateboard turned into snowboard), created for the Soule Family Backyard Olympic Games. Tickets available at Calvin's bunk - they're free, and the games are oh-so-good.

:: scenes like this one.

Happy Monday Morning to you!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ PERSISTING STARS ~

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I am pleased to welcome back Persisting Stars as a Featured Sponsor today! In Madelyn Mulvaney's words:

"Persisting Stars - Yes!'  -A course encouraging you to unearth your wishes, daring to imagine an even more extraordinary life by leaping into a 'Yes!' through the unique language of our very own words and images. In this six week course you will explore your journey of 'yes' through focused journaling, photography, interviews with amazing individuals, as we ll as creative activities and writing prompts. So, gather up your notebooks and join me as we peer over the edge of new departures and beginnings."

"Open To Exposure' - A brand new photography e-course for kids which is modeled after a course I teach in elementary schools. This five week course is a springboard for storytelling, engaging children to communicate their captivating inner worlds through visual literacy. Exploring photography, children will learn to express the wonder of their emotional lives stepping out as recorders and observers as they get in touch with creativity and imagination, each in their own brilliant way of 'seeing.'"

You can read more about the e-courses here, or visit Madelyn's blog here.

SouleMama: What inspires you?

Madelyn: I am inspired by all that is quirky, beautiful and wondersome in the world. I love morning coffee, film, poetry, vinyl records, old movie theaters, lightning storms, cobalt blue and peopnies, reading books curled up on the front porch, chasing sunbeams, letterpress, scribbling in notebooks, long drives without a map and saying 'yes'. Nothing brings me greater happiness than a warm and languid Sunday morning, listening to records curled up with my love, lingering in a cafe with a cinnamon macchiato, picking up film from the lab and poking about thrift shops with my children.

SouleMama: Where is your favorite spot in your home?

Madelyn: My favorite spot in my home is my studio on the top floor overlooking my garden. It is bright and colorful and such a cheery place to write and work on my photography. I love that the act of creation seems to 'gather' everyone around and it thrills me that my friends, children and even my dog seem to gravitate to this space especially when I am working.

SouleMama: Where do you get new ideas and inspiration?

Madelyn: This year I have been profoundly blessed with the gift and honor of teaching a photography class to grade seven children in an elementary fine arts school. It has re-ignited my love for photography and sharing my passion for polaroids. The energy and enthusiasm from my students has been so electric and inspired my new online course. Children respond to self expression with wide open hearts and I am thrilled to embark on this new journey.

 

For today's giveaway, Persisting Stars is offering:

• TWO spots in the "Persisting Stars - Yes!" e-course
• TWO spots in the new "Open to Exposure" e-course for kids (descriptions above)

Thank you, Persisting Stars!

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To enter the giveaway, leave a comment in today's post. (One entry per person, please!) I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Monday. Comments closed! The winners are:

For "Persisting Stars - Yes!"

these classes look amazing!
Posted by Amy Bowers

I would be so thrilled to win either one a I have been stuck in a rut of feeling so sad lately with life and would love to do something positive to lift m up to my former happy self again. The kids course would also be wonderful b/c my 3 daughters do like taking random pictures so this course would be really helpful...my middle daughter is planning to take a photography class next school year if chosen.If we win that one,my daughters could share what they learn with each other. :) I really hope we win one of these classes they look amazing & fun!
Posted by: Renee Alam

For "Open to Exposure"

I have 2 kids that would love to participate in this course! Oh, and me, too!!
Posted by: Jen N

My husband, son and I have all been rediscovering the fun of photography...this would add a wonderful dimension to our explorations!
Posted by: Stephanie

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SouleMama Sponsor ~ SPUN MONKEY ~

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I am pleased to welcome The Spun Monkey Fiber Shoppe as today's Featured Sponsor! In Shannon's words:

"The Spun Monkey is a love affair with process, with creative collaboration, with a patch of grass. Wool from small family farms is lovingly crafted into artful supplies for knitting, weaving and crochet or wet-felted into joyful adornments to keep you cozy."

You can follow The Spun Monkey blog here, and soon, she'll be launching a side project exploring organic forms with wool thread and linen. Look for Crewel and Unusual on Etsy soon! 

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

The Spun Monkey: I hadn't intended to turn my passion for fiber into a business, but was encouraged by friends to apply as a vendor at our local farmer's market in southern Vermont. In 2007 and 2008 I was a regular vendor there, and it was a wonderful experience to be part of the market community. I have since moved back to the west coast and am now focusing on my Etsy shop as well as a few brick-and-mortar stores where I consign or wholesale.

SouleMama: What inspires you?

The Spun Monkey: There is inspiration everywhere! Changing seasons create major color shifts in my work throughout the year, but little things can sometimes spark an ongoing project...right now we're reading the Little House on the Prairie series at bedtime and all the colors dance around in my head as my husband reads aloud...the wheat, the grasshoppers, Laura's pink ribbons and brown hair, Mary's golden curls and blue dress...I feel a series of yarns coming on and can't wait to fire up the dyepots!

SouleMama: How do you avoid burnout, and keep yourself motivated?

The Spun Monkey: Teaching is a HUGE motivator. Last year I began teaching felting and spinning workshops and whenever I am in a creative slump, teaching or taking a class gives me a lift that I can ride for a long time after. I come home with new ideas and a heart full of gratitude that I have skills to share and such wonderful students to share them with. Experimentation is also key to keeping me going. One week I might try some natural dyes from local, seasonal plants or use a different technique in my spinning, mixing it up just enough to keep things interesting. The biggest motivator of all, though, is when a customer sends me pictures of a finished project using my yarns. I love to see the results of our collaboration!

SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work that you do?

The Spun Monkey: Motherhood created the work that I do. When my son was an infant, I taught myself to spin wool on a spindle. While he slept, it was my meditation. When he was awake, it was something that calmed us both. He liked to watch my hands work and to touch the wool. I began to see the limitless creative potential and soon became obsessed. Now, nearly five years later, I'm selling my yarn and my son wants a spinning wheel for his birthday. 

 

 

For today's giveaway, The Spun Monkey is offering to ONE winner:

• Cloud Bunny (last photograph above) is 100% merino handspun yarn, with subtly shifting pastel colors. There are 226 soft-as-a-cloud yards for something special you'll want to wear next to your (or your little one's) skin! 2-ply, worsted weight, slightly thick-and-thin.

In addition, Soulemama readers can enjoy a 15% discount on items from The Spun Monkey through March 31st (discount does not apply to shipping). Just mention you are a Soulemama reader in the comments section of your order.

Thank you, The Spun Monkey!

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To enter today's giveaway, simply leave a comment in this post. (One entry per person, please!) I'll close comments and announce the winners by 8am EST on Sunday. Good luck!

Comments closed! The winner is:

that yarn looks SO soft, and would be perfect for a little one we are soon to meet :)
Posted by: AG Ambroult

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Friday, From the Archives :: This Week in 2007

It's Friday - time for our weekly trip down blog memory lane!

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still fits
{Originally posted February 24, 2007}

All of my babes have spent much time in this sling. But today, I'm thinking about Calvin in particular - because really he's clearly 'outgrown' the sling itself, but certainly not the sentiment behind it, and I don't think he ever will (do we ever? I don't think so.) So now we get that same connection in other ways, and just as naturally - a snuggle, a hug, a touch, or even just the way we look at each other.

I carried him in this very sling for hours upon hours of every day of his new life six years ago. He slept in it, nursed in it, shed tears in it, and laughed in it. And even as he grew, and started to crawl, then walk, run, skip, and eventually cartwheel...it's always been a place of refuge for him - however brief the visit to it might be. The snug little spot that it is - either in the sling or out, where he puts his head right next to my heart and I can see in his eyes that he knows he is loved, cared for and safe. And I have a moment of peace, pride and confidence -however brief it may be - that I know that I'm doing my job well. And that everything is exactly as it should be.

I can (and do) pop a baby in this sling in seconds even in the middle of a sleep - it feels so second nature. Knowing just where the little hands and fingers will lay along my side, where the seam of the sling fits on their body - it's all etched in my mind. And it's etched in my body - etched in the way that one shoulder and arm is so much stronger, and bigger, than the other from always carrying on that side. The way my hip bones have surely shifted to accommodate this. The same way that one breast is larger than the other from more frequent nursing. Long after there is no baby in my sling, or on my hip, or at my side, I'll still have these reminders. And my greatest parenting hope is that my babies will have them too. That as they leave my breast, my sling, my hip, and our home, they'll remember it. They'll remember it with thier bodies in a way that they never doubt, and in way that they no longer need me for, and in a way that forever brings them peace and comfort. They'll remember that they are loved so very completely.

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A Note Today:

Feeling a little sentimental about my big, tall, independent nine year old this week, I was happy to stumble upon this post in my archives today. Long after our little ones have outgrown the literal sling, I still find it a helpful and appropriate metaphor for what we all need sometimes. The comfort and security of loving arms - no matter how big those little ones may now be.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

fresh corners :: read

A little bit of fresh art in this corner. The "READ" print is from Portland, Maine artist Eric Hou (available in his shop here).

And a fresh stack to read in this corner. At my bedside: Alabama Studio Style, Sew Liberated (more words about this one coming soon!), Buddhism for Mothers of Young Children, The Titan's Curse (trying to keep up with those boys of mine), Steady Days, A Year In The Maine Woods.

What are you reading these days?

my view, right now

 

outside ::

We had thought today would be spent finally playing in the snow. But alas, it appears that all of our finger-crossing and snow-dancing didn't work. The 'storm' amounted to not a whole lot and I think we'll be back to melted, bare ground in a matter of hours. Perhaps we should pack up our winter gear and head South to the snow? (Oh, global warming and it's strange weather.)

Hmn, back to the snow-dancing. It is quite fun.

 

inside ::

This...is more math than I've seen since high school Algebra. High school Algebra for which this otherwise honors student was required to attend summer school. Ahem. But. If I can puzzle out all the changes I'm making to this pattern, I might have my favorite Zimmermann project yet. (And finally understand that Algebra as a bonus.)

I'm hopeful. And having fun.

wanderings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Among some of my favorite moments in life are surely those in which a few hours are 'lost' wandering through aisles of 'stuff' with dear friends. Literal and figurative. Treasures and Treasured.

to keep in touch

This week, my baby sister (I'm the oldest of four girls) begins a new and exciting adventure - traveling across the country and landing herself in southern California to stay. I told her she wasn't allowed to leave (that's what big sisters do) - we're bossy like that), but she has fully ignored me (that's what little sisters do - minds of their own, I tell you). So what's to be done, but send her off full of merriment and love? That's just what we've been doing a lot of these last days - with lots of hugs and laughter, a few tears and a Skype account set up and ready to go.

The kids and I put together this wrap as part of her send-off. I searched so hard for that tiny scrap of Heather Ross bus fabric in my scraps! It's a nod to our family VW Vanagon and all the adventures we had in it. Namely, the ones during which she pulled my hair and I threw my pillow at her all the way to Florida. And back. Good family fun.

 

The wrap itself is a slight variation on my Gratitude Wrap (a free tutorial for it lives in my sidebar to your right), and inside is all that's needed to 'keep in touch' - a journal, stamps, pens, address book, and a whole lot of postcards. 

Um, a lot of postcards. 

During the making, I set the table up with a big stack of watercolor paper, cut to 4 by 6". Everyone chose their method of work, and before I knew it, the table was busy with watercolors, markers, collage, and the sewing machine to boot (stitching paper onto the cards). Good (chaotic and messy) fun. 

I love what they made. Each unique to them, and their relationship with their Auntie Ba. Fun, inspirational, totally silly, and heart wrenching too (do you see that, "please come home for Christmas" collage? Ack!).

Not only did we end up with a whole lot of postcards (I think she could mail one every day for a year), as her gift, but it served as the catalyst for lots of conversation - about change, family, love, and... airplanes (no, we can't buy one).

The whole process helped them understand - in a tangible way - that we'll be connected no matter where we are. It was such a treat to make - I think it might make a lovely gift in other situations too, and really involve kids in the process of keeping in touch with faraway friends and family.

On the back, I stamped just a few words I hope she remembers on her journey - Live, Love, Laugh, Breathe, Write It Down. Just a little bit of life advice, whether she wants it or not. Because, you know, that's what big sisters do.

SouleMama Sponsor ~ WISHSTUDIO ~

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I am pleased to welcome wishstudio as a Featured Sponsor today! In creator Mindy's words:

"the wishstudio is an inspiring community for creative women as well as a unique and dynamic virtual art studio.  with our brand new site launching this spring (www.wishstudio.com), you will be able visit the wishstudio and take (or teach!) a class, mix and mingle with other artists and creative souls in our virtual cafe or inspiration lounge, or just stop by for a daily dose of inspiration from all the amazing women who share and contribute in this space."

About the event: "what kind of creative adventure could you go on where you had absolutely no travel expenses to pay, no accommodations to book, and you didn’t have to pack your bags and leave your family behind?  the wish*full virtual art retreat, april 30 to may 2, in the wishstudio this spring! join us for this one of a kind, special online event; 3 days of art & creativity, an exclusive virtual artisan trunk show, and connecting with like minded souls right from the comfort of your own home! for an entire weekend you will be immersed in creative exploration through an exciting variety of engaging workshops brought to you by 14 amazing artists and teachers... mindy tsonas, madelyn mulvaney, susannah conway, hope wallace, lisa field elliot, christine mason miller, stacy de la rosa, penelope dullighan, lisa occopinti, leah piken kolidas, christine castro, jennifer lee,kimberly wilson, & pam garrison"

And some more words from wishstudio

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

wishstudio: I' ve always been so inspired by all the creative energy here in the blog world.  In my desire to make kindred creative connections, it made complete sense for me to begin bringing people together in one inspiring place.  The magic and beautiful collaborative energy blossomed organically into what is now the dynamic and bustling wishstudio community! 

SouleMama: What were you doing before this work?

wishstudio: I previously worked as a designer in the boutique childrens clothing industry ( before having my own kids). It was a wonderful job and a great learning experience!  I then took a long break from work after the birth of my first son.  I really wanted to devote my time and energy into being a stay at home mom.  Now at home with my second little boy, I love having a creative outlet and a way to stay connected to other women and work that really speaks to my heart.  I feel very blessed!

SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work that you do?

wishstudio: being a mom, i've found that the journey of motherhood and creativity often intertwine and overlap.  by connecting with other creative moms i have discovered many universal truths and common threads.  i created the wishmamas series to shine a light on some of these extraordinary stories and truths.  follow along in the wishstudio with new wishmama features every month...

 

For today's giveaway, wishstudio is offering to ONE winner:

• a wish*full virtual art retreat prize package:  a $100 wishcertificate towards any retreat package, an invitation to be a featured artist in the virtual artisan trunk show that weekend, and a special wish*full trunk show gift pack offered by one of the retreat teachers, christine mason miller which includes a signed copy of her book 'ordinary sparkling moments' and a set of her inspiring notecards!

In addition, from february 15th to march 15th, wishstudio is offering a $25 coupon off any wish*full virtual art retreat package.  please email mindy to register at this special price.

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Thank you, wishstudio!

To enter to win, leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winners at 8am EST on Monday. Comments closed! The winner is:

My word for 2010 is "embrace." Oh, how I would love to embrace my creativity with other creative mamas! Thanks for the chance :)
Posted by: heather

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SouleMama Sponsor ~ APPLECHEEKS ~

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I am pleased to welcome back AppleCheeks as a Featured Sponsor today! In owner Ilana's words:

"AppleCheeks™ Reusable Diapers are a new concept in reusable diapering! You've heard of the pocket diaper, and you're familiar with covers and a variety of inserts, but AppleCheeks™ allows you the two options in one easy-to-use system. There is tons of information, including a fantastic tutorial video, on our website so check it out!"

You can follow all the behind-the-scenes action at AppleCheeks by visiting their blog.

And some more words from AppleCheeks

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

AppleCheeks: AppleCheeks™ will celebrate its two year anniversary on April 1, 2010!

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

AppleCheeks: As cloth diapering moms and boutique owners, Amy and I realized pretty early on that one thing the industry did not offer was a proper level of customer support, which is CRUCIAL to cloth diapering success. As well, the quality of the products left a lot to be desired and we wanted more control over what we were putting in the hands of our customers. Seeing as we live in Montreal where we have a lot of access to local manufacturing, it just made sense to launch our own line! And because we had small babies, we were the perfect tester moms.

SouleMama: Is there a special place that inspires you?

AppleCheeks: I LOVE my local library. In my next life I will reincarnate as a librarian as the calm, quiet and extreme organization helps to still and centre my thought process. I am an avid reader and can never find enough good books to satisfy my need, so the library is a weekly must!

SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work that you do?

AppleCheeks: Motherhood has completely redirected my career and allowed me to thrive in a environment that fosters my creative drive, gives me a connection to the larger community, allows me to make a major difference on an environmental level, and have tons of time to spend with my family!

For today's giveaway, AppleCheeks is offering THREE prizes:

• One person will win an AppleCheeks Starter Kit, including 3 Envelope Covers in the size and colour of their choice and 9 super absorbent bamboo from rayon inserts, plus a host of accessories and user instructions.
• Two people will receive an Envelope Cover and a bamboo insert.

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Thank you, AppleCheeks!

To enter to win, leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winners at 8am EST on Sunday. The winners are:

(for the kit)
I'm expecting baby #2 this summer and I'm thinking of going with cloth this time. This would be a good start!
Posted by: melanie

(for the covers and inserts)
We're expecting a lil one in June...this would be a great start and huge help for our diaper stash!!
Posted by: Liz

I am cloth diapering my twins and would LOVE to try these out!!
Posted by: Denise

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slowly

slow days are good for...writing valentine love letters, and casting on for the Big One.

Wishing you a healthy and happy weekend!

today is good

being quiet and being cheered...by sunshine, flowers and hearts.

on family slow down (a.k.a. calling in sick)

It looks as though I'm needing to take just a couple of days off from writing, while a bit of wintertime sickness works it's way through the lot of us. Until then, my babes and I will be here on the couch, cozied in bed with a book, or soaking in a eucalyptus bath. Really, it's not so awful - calendars can be cleared, to-do lists can be put aside. Sometimes a little family slow-down is in perfect order.

I hope you and yours are well!

my zimmermann year ~ the tomten ~

Oh, the Tomten.

I couldn't very well have 2010 be my Zimmermann Year without completing her classic Tomten, now could I? Truth be told though, this project began a long time ago - nearly a full year ago now. It's been slow going, and sometimes - a little on the painfully slow side, I must confess.

But that wasn't the fault of Elizabeth Zimmermann at all. In fact, this pattern was SO clear and concise, I had no trouble at all with it (and the math wasn't scary!). No, the problem with this Tomten lies more in the fact that I turned over complete creative control to someone else.

A year ago, Ezra choose this sweater pattern from my books and a Ravelry browse. He chose the yarn and it's color (it's Peace Fleece). And he requested "no stripes, no pockets, no collar, no hood, no buttons." And that was that. I tried talking him into a stripe or a border or a something a few times over the past year, but nope. He held steady. And of course, I wanted to honor that. But oh, goodness. A whole lot of plain garter stitch kind of got to me after a while. So I'd work on it here and there in bits and pieces.

And eventually...this weekend, I finished. He chose a zipper with me, and I hand stitched it in (Purl Bee has a great tutorial). And then I realized I had hand stitched a dress zipper in - meaning that it didn't separate. Meaning that I had to rip it out and do it again. Meaning that the sweater wasn't done yet. Good times.

As an aside, Zimmermann suggests hand stitching rather than machine stitching the zipper, and I do agree with her (this pattern is in The Knitting Workshop and Knitting Without Tears, by the way, with the latter having a bit more instruction). But for the energetic six year old hands that will be opening and closing this zipper often (because zippers are a musical instrument, no?), I thought a little extra umph would help, so the top and bottom ends of the zipper got a wee bit of machine stitching. I think it's survival chances are increased this way.

The sleeves are slightly on the short side. Because this little guy doesn't love dangling sleeves in the way of playing his ukelele, or his keyboard, or drawing or painting or  boxing with his brother or anything else he may be doing (and also because Mama didn't mind finishing the sweater sooner rather than later).

For all the time that it took to complete this sweater, and for all the quiet (and not-so-quiet) complaining I did along the way.....of course, it instantly disappeared the moment that he was standing beside me jumping up and down as I put the (second) zipper in, chanting, "my sweater's done! my sweater's done! mommy, I love my sweater! Thank you sooooooooooo much". Seriously, this kid.

And he was right. The straight blue, with no fuss, is really perfect for him.

 

 

And then he wore it all day long, and put it on a chair beside his bed at night, telling me "I'm just going to put it right there so I can see it FIRST THING when I wake up in the morning because I love it sooooo much."

And good gracious. If he asked me in the morning to make him ten more Tomtens, you know I would. 

(Maybe with just one stripe?)

SouleMama Sponsor ~ BABYBEARSHOP ~

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I am pleased to welcome back BABYBEARSHOP as a Featured Sponsor today! In founder and CEO Diana's words, BABYBEARSHOP is:

"Certified Organic skincare for mama + baby. Our products are made in the USA and are not plastic. We plant a tree with every order and are mama-owned. We employ disabled individuals who are otherwise unemployable to assemble our packaging. If you believe in handmade, toxin-free products and socially conscious ethics, we need your vote for a small business grant. Vote on our website: www.babybearshop.com/vote."

You can follow along with the BABYBEARSHOP news on their blog.

And some more words from BABYBEARSHOP

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

BABYBEARSHOP: I started the company in the kitchen while trying to soothe my infant daughter's allergic skin with products that did not contain fragrance, dyes and parabens.

SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs/ideas?

BABYBEARSHOP: I can't stop.

SouleMama: What inspires you?

BABYBEARSHOP: My two silly little girls.

SouleMama: How do you avoid burnout, and keep yourself motivated?

BABYBEARSHOP: My solace is to go hiking in the woods. If I go too many days without mud on my boots, the scent of moss-covered trees and fresh forest air, everything in my life becomes stressful. I's what grounds me and restores my spirit.

SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

BABYBEARSHOP: "Nurturing the good in this world is nothing short of a privilege."

SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work that you do?

BABYBEARSHOP: Motherhood has taught me that every second counts. You get one chance at this life and you better make it count.

 

For today's giveaway, BABYBEARSHOP is offering to TWO winners:

• Organic Mama Belly Oil (for pregnancy and massage)
• Organic Cheeky Baby Butter (all purpose baby creme, baby massage, for dry skin, eczema, and mama's dry hands too!)
• Organic Child Sized Treasure Tote (to carry books, softies and fairy tears)

In addition, BABYBEARSHOP is offering a free organic pomegranate lip balm with every purchase over $40. Enter the code "iluvsoule" at checkout (expires 5/1/10).

Thank you, BABYBEARSHOP!

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To enter to win, leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please!). I'll close comments and announce the winner at 8am EST on Monday.

Comments closed! The winners are:

these products are so amazing- they work wonders!
Posted by: hobocampcrafts

this stuff would be lovely for my son. He's got eczema prone skin, and I'm always on the lookout for natural product that would work for him. Woohoo to artificial fragrance free lotions and cremes! Posted by: finger thumb

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Soulemama Sponsor ~ UNRAVELLING ~

 Since Sponsorship began here nearly two years ago, I've had the pleasure of getting to know the owners, teachers, and shopkeepers who grace the sidebar here at SouleMama. I've been inspired by the way they run their businesses, live their lives, and value their families too. Today, you'll notice a slight change in the way weekend giveaways are run. In addition to the lovely product giveaways you've come to expect, I hope you'll also find some words that will help you get to know them a bit better. I hope it will inspire you as much as they have inspired me!

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Today, we welcome back Unravelling: an e-course as a Featured Sponsor. In Susannah Conway's words: 

"The Unravelling e-course is designed to help you heal the way you see your self and your world, using photography and journaling to access hidden thoughts and dreams, encouraging personal realisations and ultimately acceptance. Susannah is your guide through this process, sharing her insights and wisdom gleaned from a four-year voyage through grief and healing. To date they've had participants from 30 countries around the world – when Unravellers come together online a tribe is formed, and the encouragement and fellowship found in these dynamic groups supports each person in their own journey." (Testimonials from the e-course can be found here.)

You can keep up to date on all of Susannah's offerings:

on her website - Susannah Conway

on twitter - photobird

at her blog - Ink On My Fingers

in her Etsy shop - Photography by Susannah Conway

And some more words from Susannah, of Unravelling

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

Susannah: I lost my partner in 2005 and after a year of very intense grieving I started a blog and slowly began to put myself back together again. I'd studied photography at art school and found that blogging encouraged me to pick up a camera again; I was working as a photographer when i was asked if i'd like to teach a workshop. I immediately knew i wanted to combine my philosophy of photography with the healing path...and Unraveling was born.

SouleMama: What inspires you?

Susannah: As a photographer I am always looking for the light - the way it lands on objects and illuminates the world. I spend a lot of time online, looking at photographs and art work; i read a lot of poetry and literature, and blogs of course.

SouleMama: How do you avoid burnout, and keep yourself motivated?

Susannah: I'm not very good at doing this, to be honest. I have to remind myself to take time off - it's so easy to work all weekend and then wonder why I am so tired by Wednesday. I'm working on this... :)

SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

Susannah: "The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." ~ Dorothea Lange

SouleMama: What's your most treasured thing in your home?

Susannah: My diaries. Totally and utterly irreplaceable.

For today's giveaway, Unravelling is offering TWO gifts:

• One person will receive a spot in the March session of my Unravelling: Ways of Seeing Myself e-course (starts Monday March 8th and runs for 8 weeks)
• One person will receive an 8x8 inch fine art photograph of winner's choice from my Etsy store. They will also receive a set of cupcake postcards.

Thank you, Susannah & Unravelling!

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To enter today's giveaway, leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please). I'll close comments and announce the winner at 8am EST on Sunday.

Comments closed! Winners to be announced shortly...

for the Unravelling course:

this gives me goose bumps...unreveling...hmm. part of me wants to run away (grief and loss are eminent here) the larger part of me wants to post this comment...visit the website and begin my own unraveling. thanks for posting such a beautifully wide and diverse range of soul food!
Posted by: Jenn

for the Photograph:

Beautiful photography! Don't we all need something to heal from, even when everything looks Ok from the outside. I love how she does it with photo's & words.
Posted by: Gina

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Friday, From the Archives :: This Week in 2009

It's Friday - time for our weekly trip down blog memory lane!

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winter manifesto :: complete
{Originally posted February 12, 2009}

{view all the photos in the flickr set}

A Winter's Manifesto ::

1. Follow the sun wherever you find it. Rejoice in the slowly-growing-longer days.

2. Make Stuff.

3. With gratitude for the labor of summer and fall, do everything in front of the fire. Morning, Noon, and Night.

4. Get out there everyday, no matter how cold or quick the visit may be. Through crunchy snow underfoot and breath-warmed wool on your face, remember the magic and wonder of it all. Try not to take it for granted.

5. Shake things up, change the scenery, and Get out of Dodge.

6. Wool. Flannel. Capilene. Know them. Love them. Layer them.

7. Gather often with friends. To commiserate. To laugh. To warm the spirit.

8. Savor the memories and bounty of past seasons harvest. Plan and dream for the one yet to come.

And that, I do think, wraps up my little Winter Manifesto. I didn't realize it as I was writing them, but I'm pretty sure they could be applied to my year-round goals for living. (With a little more sand and maybe a new pair of shoes thrown in there too. How did I forget the uplifting power of new shoes?) We've had a couple of balmy days here - in the thirties. And while I know there are likely still blizzards and more snow and ice and cold yet to come for us this winter...those few moments of being outside comfortably, of opening the windows...it was just what I needed. A timely physical reminder that spring will indeed come again. But for right now? We have some more snow to play in and enjoy...and some cold days to cozily hibernate through. I'll be visiting my Winter Manifesto often for the reminders.

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A Note Today:

I had almost forgotten about this little manifesto we made just last year. I thought some frequent reminding of these ideas might be helpful to me in the coming months. Regardless of how smoothly the winter seems to be going, I could always use reminding of the important things.

Rather than plastering it to my forehead, I made a little desktop background (tweaking the words just a little bit). And then I made a few more sizes, just in case any of you are in need of the same kinds of reminders.

Download: 1280x800 ~ 1280x1024 ~ 1440x900 ~ 1680x1050 ~ 1900x1200

Have a lovely weekend, friends!

slow knitting

A year ago, I cast on 220 stitches on a size 9 needle. Using leftover bits of worsted weight wool, I started knitting in garter stitch, changing colors when I felt like it or when a new ball of yarn was sent to the basket. Some days I knit one row, some days I knit twenty. Sometimes I've gone months without touching it, and other times, it's the only project I'm working on.It always sits next to my couch, and is there whenever inspiration strikes, garter stitch is needed, or a moment is found.

This little bust-the-stash blanket started out as a way to use up scrap yarn, and I had hoped I'd have it finished for gifting by the last holiday season, adding a bit of fringe to two sides, and being done with it.

But instead, what it's turned into, might very well be one of my favorite things. A project whose 'end' I don't anticipate seeing for many years. A project that is present in my days and home in a quiet, steady way. One that I turn to when my mind needs the simplicity and meditative pace that this kind of simple knitting brings. Eventually, I think all those little bits and bobs of yarn will serve as reminders of the many sweaters, hats, and mittens they are remnants of. And most importantly of all, of course, the little people I made them all for.

Just a simple blanket.

Whatcha Eating?

The next few months seem to be the trickiest in keeping meals fresh and exciting.  The local root vegetables, squash and potatoes we've been looking at for months are beginning to appear as though, well, we've been looking at them for months. We've still got a decent supply in the freezer and on the pantry shelves from what we put by last summer and fall. But still. It's a time of year when I'm often looking for some kitchen inspiration to keep things moving in interesting directions. Or really, just to get me excited about making dinner each night. (Thankfully, I have a good dose of Laura Ingalls Wilder, not to mention the news, to keep me grounded in gratitude for those potatoes..and whatever else we are fortunate enough to choose to buy).

There are the basics which we never seem to tire of - above is the Tassajara bread that's such a staple for us (from The Tassajara Bread Book, which reminds me to tell you that many of my favorite cookbooks are in the BookShop if you are interested in peeking at that). When all is going well, I make two loaves twice a week (and store it happily in our bread bags!). 

And then there are always some new things to add to the mix. Recently, I've been loving making fresh pasta - something I haven't done since before kids. I know there are lots of fancy and not-so-fancy gadgets that we could use, but the kids and I have been having fun just making it together with a rolling pin and a pizza cutter. Simple. Easy. And so yummy (though, last year's small tomato batch means that the sauce is a treasured commodity! Good thing for all that frozen pesto!). We've been using the recipe in The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters (tripling the recipe for my pasta-loving kids). With flour (which we buy in 50 lb bags), eggs and water as the only ingredients, it's so crazy-cheap. Tonight we're trying it with spinach...and I really do want to bump up the whole wheat flour ratio.

Also recently on our table:

Gluten-Free Girl and the Chef's  Broccoli Slaw totally tastes like summer...in winter!

101Cookbooks Tempeh Curry for all those potatoes

Bread & Honey's pizza dough might be my new standby

cookus interruptus' Maple Butter Nut Granola has been a welcome change from our granola standby (which was in the first edition of Feeding the Whole Family)

and, I'm really, really excited to try the chana masala from Smitten Kitchen

How about you? Any recent kitchen inspiration to share?

my zimmermann year ~ baby surprise jacket

I should begin by telling you right off the bat that I love, love, love this sweater. It's true love, really. (In other words, prepare yourself for a deluge of photographs accompanied by over-the-top gushing.)

This project began shortly after Harper's birthday, with all the leftover Manos bits from the felted balls I made for him (which means that yes, he matches his toys). I've long wanted to try the Baby Surprise Jacket (from The Knitting Workshop), and decided to do so with this worsted weight - increasing the size a bit.

I changed colors randomly, and knit and knit a whole lot of garter stitch. I didn't mind all that though, as it was pretty much amazing watching this piece take shape. At first, I just couldn't imagine how it would become a sweater. It was a blob, really. A big striped blob.

But I had faith, and the (many) Zimmermann Ravelry groups on my side as a backup. There are so many great resources out there for knitting her patterns. While I'm not sure Elizabeth herself would have done so, I must say that I found this spreadsheet especially helpful. And though I didn't end up using it, I saw that Schoolhouse Press has released a 'modern day' instruction sheet with row by row instructions for the Baby Surprise Jacket.

With a bit of help, eventually, I could see where she was going with it and by the end it started to make sense. To illustrate, here's the just-finished-knitting 'before' piece:

And after some folding and stitching up two simple seams, the "after' piece:

I know, right? She was brilliant, that Elizabeth Zimmermann.

The worsted weight yarn worked out quite well, as this is plenty big for now, and will surely fit him all the way to this fall and the next. And with some stitches picked up on the sleeves as he grows (as she suggests) it might even go for years longer (Adelaide tried it on and it fit her!). Brilliance.

I can completely see how and why the Baby Surprise Jacket is a pattern that's knit over and over and over again...and I am about to become that knitter, too. I cast on for another one last night - this time for a small baby size in fingering weight yarn. Oddly, I have no idea who it's even for yet, but I still can't wait to see how it comes out. (I know what you're thinking....and, no, I am not!)

 

 

Did I mention that I think he likes it, too? I think he does...

february : this & that

Oh, February.

February, February, February.

February has a bit of a reputation on this here blog. It's the longest shortest month I know.  But you already know that - I've shared exactly five years of my February chatter with you. (Yes, five years! SouleMama is five years old this month! Wild...) 30 Days of the Everyday, Winter Manifestos, and Beating the Funk...it seems to be a thoroughly documented challenge.

A plan for February is beginning to form, though. And I think it just might be okay this year. Really, I do...

inspired by the likes of this,

fueled by treats like that,

with some of this in hand,

and looking up - as often as I can remember to - at this.

Yes, I'm feeling quite optimistic about this February. 

~ February is also one of the best months for mixing things up, I do believe. Hence, the blog changes I made around here this weekend. It started simply because I wanted a few more pixels in which to share larger photographs. And well, just like furniture rearranging, one thing leads to another and eventually, everything has to be moved (I'm still tweaking)! Fresh feels good. ~

Cheers...to February!

Hello, February!

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Welcome to the newest SouleMama Sponsors ~

wish*full - a virtual art retreat coming this spring

the spun monkey - handspun yarns, feltwork, and hand dyed fibers from Vermont

And welcome back to some old friends and Sponsors ~

unraveling: the e-course - "ways of seeing myself," an e-course offering by Susannah Conway

Baby Bear Shop - organics for Mama & baby

AppleCheeks - reusable cloth diapering system

Do check out their crafty, handmade, creative and inspiring offerings!

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