SouleMama

on the way to the fair

Will you look at what happened on the way to the fair? Two sticks and some string. I think they call it knitting!

It's been a full month since I've picked up the needles. I remember exactly because the last time I knit was in the bank on closing day - waiting anxiously, knitting furiously, and hoping that there wouldn't be another eleventh hour crisis (there wasn't!). And since then? I've barely given it a thought. Until this weekend, just as we were jumping in the car for a two hour ride to the fair. It ocurred to me that I had no knitting nearby! Oh horror of horrors - passenger seat knitting on long car rides is one of my very favorite times to knit.

So with everyone in the car waiting for me, I opened the first box I could find labeled "STUDIO: yarn" (not that there weren't a lot of those or anything. ahem.), reached inside and pulled out the first thing I could reach - this soft and beautiful purple skein from Maya at Springtree Road. I remembered I had just picked up a small circular needle from behind the couch (oh, where these things end up!), ran to grab that and dashed out the door just as Steve was stepping out of the car with a loving, but hairy eyeball.

Ah. So I had a size seven needle (or so - not really sure) and a skein of worsted yarn (though I wasn't entirely sure of the guage either). What to do? A hat! And the one hat I didn't need to see the pattern for - my own Favorite Hat pattern, kid size (found on this page). It came together on the ride to fair and back, with the help of some pencils in the car (no, really...no double pointed needles to be found!), and a stitch marker that just so happened to be on the floor of the van (such a blessing that I don't vacuum as often as I could, yes?).

There was no doubt who it was for, though...my purple-loving, newly self-proclaimed Chicken Girl, whose current life mission is walking around with a hen under each arm. (And who, thankfully, doesn't seem to mind the two strands of yarn still hanging from inside her hat. Someday, I'm going to find the box with needles in it.)

 

at the fair

It really just isn't autumn in our family without The Fair. And really, is it September on SouleMama without documenting The Fair?

Exactly. Which is why - 24 hours before the moving truck arrived - we decided that we just had to go. Even for a quick visit, even we couldn't do all that we usually have time for. It's autumn! It's The Fair! These seasonal rhythms we rely upon are oh-so-important to our hearts and spirits. And perhaps even more important in times of change, I do believe.

And so, The Fair... (In the spirit of our last-minute impromptu, quick trip, I left the heavy camera behind and instead used my iPhone and the Hipstamatic app. Light and good fun...just like our quick trip.)

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Is there something that marks this change in season for your family?

goodbye/hello

Eight years ago this very month, Steve, an 18month old Calvin, our two pups and I, moved into this house. This house we have called home ever since. That winter, we cozied into the space and made it ours in preparation of all the growing and changing that our lives had in store. And growing and changing is just what ensued. I have been pregnant, I have miscarried, and we have birthed three children within these very walls. Those two dogs died here. We have laughed and cried and yelled in this house.  We have come to know and love and nurture the city forest that accompanies this house. We wrote three books in this house. We did a lot of dancing in this house. And we have done a whole lot of dreaming about what might be next in this house.

While this home was never 'ours' (we have been renters this whole time), it has been HOME in the truest sense of that word like no other space I have ever known. Our family grew here...and grew up here...and I will always hold this space in my heart with love, and gratitude for all that has happened within it's walls, for it has been so very good to us.

Ten years ago on Sunday, Steve and I were married on the cliff of an island at sunset. Two of our dearest friends gathered with us that day as we started our lives together. On this Sunday, so beautifully  and coincidentally our tenth anniversary - the loving and helping hands of friends gathered together as we packed up and said a very bittersweet goodbye...and those same hands and hearts journeyed with us up the state just a bit as we said a hello we have been longing to say for so very long.

And now we are home.

Giveaway Winners!

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The winner of the Fresh Squeezed Fabrics gift certificate:

what beautiful prints... Please count me in!!
Posted by: Maria

The winner of the Woodmouse Toys giveaway:

What a generous giveaway --- so perfect with the holidays coming up!
Posted by: maureen cracknell

Thank you to Fresh Squeezed Fabrics and Woodmouse Toys! 

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Today's post (and giveaway winners) coming a bit later today! Sorry - make that tomorrow! Just as soon as I find the box containing my toothbrush, french press, and the camera cord. (Priorities, you know.)

Wishing you a lovely Monday morning!

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SouleMama Sponsor ~ WOODMOUSE TOYS ~

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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor,  Woodmouse Toys. In the words of owner Amber: 

"Woodmouse Toys features handcrafted wooden toys made to inspire stories.  My eco-friendly toys are made with sustainably harvested poplar, certified non-toxic waterbased paints and sealed with beeswax and organic jojoba oil."

  Amber keeps a blog about her family life, at Amber Dusick.

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Amber: I started selling wooden toys in 2007.  However, I've only just recently returned to making toys again after being closed for a year.  I closed my shop to focus on my family after my second son was born but couldn't stay away from designing toys for long.  I'm thrilled and grateful to be back!  

SouleMama: What's your favorite part of your job? The most challenging?

Amber: My favorite part of being a toy maker is knowing that my toys are unfinished when they leave my workshop. Once in the hands of a child they might be given personalities. Stories might be told with them or scenarios acted out. Maybe they'll be given names. THIS is why I make toys. The thought that something I make with my own two hands inspires a child's play makes me feel honored.

The most challenging part is finding time to do it all. I've designed over 150 toys and they will never make it into my shop at the same time. Since it is just me, there is a limit to how much I can make. A particular toy might sell and it will be many weeks before I have another one available. While I'm grateful to be busy it makes things like accomodating custom orders very limited which is unfortunate because I love to do them.

SouleMama: What inspires you?

Amber: Everything.  Truly, when it comes to making toys I try to look at the world with the eyes of a child.  Once I turn that on, everything is fresh and inspiring.

SouleMama: Where do you go to recharge?

Amber: Making toys is one of the ways I recharge actually.  Cutting wood is very meditative for me and my mind wanders.  The sound of the saw alone is calming.  When I am creating something with my hands time doesn't exist.  I leave my studio refreshed. 

For today's giveaway, Woodmouse Toys is generously offering the following gift to one lucky winner:

a $100 shopping spree!

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Thank you to Woodmouse Toys!

To enter, please leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please). Comments will close on Monday by 8am EST. Comments closed! Winner will be announced by end of day on Monday.

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SouleMama Sponsor ~ FRESH-SQUEEZED FABRICS ~

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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Fresh-Squeezed Fabrics, which is the work of Randi. In her words: 

"Fresh Squeezed Fabrics carries the latest designer fabric and patterns, for all kinds of crafty projects."

You can follow along on Randi's blog, i have to say... for family life and behind the scenes details!

SouleMama: Tell us about your business?

Randi: I opened my shop a little over 2 years ago at a time when the economy was tanking, but I decided to go for it anyway.  Since then I have grown by leaps and bounds and now my lovely daughter works for me part-time to keep up with everything there is to do.  Working with her has been the biggest blessing of my business.

SouleMama: What are your days like?

Randi: Our days play out as needs arise.  I homeschool 3 of my children and during that time my daughter does most of the packing and shipping.  My job takes place mostly in the evening when the house is quiet and I can concentrate on what needs to be done. I absolutely love being able to do work that I love and feel challenged by.  Getting out my sewing machine and calling it "work" is simply fun.  Honestly, I feel spoiled most of the time.

For today's giveaway, Fresh-Squeezed Fabrics is generously offering the following gift to one lucky winner:

a $35 gift certificate to Fresh-Squeezed Fabrics!

In addition, Fresh-Squeezed Fabrics is offering 15% off all regular priced items and 20% off all sale items to SouleMama readers through Tuesday, September 28th. Use code "SOULEMAMADISCOUNT"

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Thank you to Fresh-Squeezed Fabrics!

To enter, please leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please). Comments will close on Sunday by 8am EST. Comments closed! Winner will be announced by end of day on Monday.

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{this moment}

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

Last night we enjoyed our last family meal at this home - takeout on a tablecloth covered box on the floor. This weekend - our last goodbyes...and one big hello.

Have a lovely weekend, friends!

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crunch time

This morning, I sat down to write a leisurely, sentimental post about saying goodbye to this space that has been so very good to us. But I glanced to the left of me (and the right of me and above and below too), and saw this. This is my reality right now. Except that, really, it's the only room packed up and so it's a little on the optimistic side. I have three days to pack the rest of this house.(I was far too superstitious to do so before closing, and have been doing other things, as you know, since then.)

Oh my. Reflection and documenting can wait - this cannot. (Besides, the thinking is the quiet beauty amidst such a monotonous task as packing, right?)

I'm off to wrangle the packing tape back from the cats, and unpack the french press. I think that might come in handy today!

 

progress

I fell asleep with a paintbrush in my hand last night. It was a pathetic and comical (so says Steve) slump-over at the end of a string of long days. That (our fading energy!), combined with the passing days on the calendar, has prompted us to say, with much joy, and a little relief, 'good enough!'.  It's been three weeks of renovations, countless trips to the transfer station, many helping hands, 32 gallons of paint, major progress made between the hours of 9pm and 2am, approximately ten thousand trips to the hardware store, and a lot of coffee. I started drinking coffee again. A lot of coffee. And I'm even sort of kind of getting used to the air mattress.

After turning a little bit of work over to the professionals for a few days, we will be ready to move in. Which doesn't mean the house is 'done' - oh goodness, no - just 'good enough.' Lots of things on our 'before move-in' list have been bumped to the 'sometime this winter list.' I think we shall be living amongst exposed lath and half-torn down ceilings in some spots of the house for quite some time. Such, I think, is the adventure of living in a 200 year old farmhouse. And such will be our entertainment and fun all winter long! (For this winter and many more to come, I do predict.)

But! Amidst the corners of construction, are also some corners of beauty emerging. In tiny little glimpses out of the corner of my eye, I'm  beginning to see a different house than the one we first started working on. Quite amazingly, and with a lot of work and so much help...it's turning into our house. 

introducing :: the ladies

We have a few more family introductions to make today!

The Ladies - all eight of them - have arrived in batches of three as housewarming (and birthday) gifts these past two weeks. We've been so delighted! They are, in order of appearance here on the farm...

Stellaluna! Stellaluna needs a friend who looks just like her and we're working on that. (She came with one, who isn't here any longer, and that just might be a perfect tale to hear from SoulePapa...soon.) Stellaluna was a gift for Adelaide's birthday (I know! A kitten and duck? She's a lucky girl). She is named such after the story book, because while she lost her original mate, she was quickly joined by and is adopting the ways of...

The Runaways! (As in, Joan Jett and the Runaways. Bonus points if you can name all five of them like Ezra can.) These five are fourteen- week old buff orpingtons that are so sweet and gentle with the children, and will begin laying this fall. Hooray!

After a few days of settling in, they were joined by some new big sisters...(already fabulously named by little friends of ours) - Sandra Dee on the right, and on the left is Princess Lea (which must be said in the thickest of Maine accent you can muster. Go ahead - say it. Get it?). These two are being such good girls - showing the young ones how to scratch and laying right in the nesting boxes and letting the kids hold and love them up.

It may be (okay, it is) a little crazy of us to be setting up for animals when we haven''t even moved our beds in yet (soon!). But you know...we've been dreaming about all of this for so long, and we're here. Why wait? And honestly, they're helping in the process. When the kids get tired of watching mom and dad paint (or tired of helping), there are the ladies to play with. And when Mama needs a little break from the chaos of the mess inside, or the monotony of painting, well...the ladies are right out the door and just the best of company for a little chill-out time.

We're having so much fun!

introducing :: the feline trio

So the farmhouse comes with a barn, and you know what comes with the barn? A cat! Each time we visited this house, Adelaide was completely enamoured with the cat who lived in the barn. She was  much more excited to find out that the cat was staying than she was about the new bedroom and all that boring house stuff. This barn cat is a 14-year old tiny sweetpea, friendly gal. And her name? Well, they called her Fiddle. Fiddle and Banjo? My goodness, it was meant to be.

Along with Fiddle, there's another new little one in the family. She arrived on Adelaide's birthday from her big brothers. Adelaide is smitten, and has named her Piper. Piper  follows Adelaide around the house, except for when she's following me and stepping in paint, scattering tiny kitten prints all over the new floors. Ahem.

Thankfully, both of these ladies seem to be quite fond of our friend Banjo, who is adjusting to his new surroundings quite well. He's the biggest, most lovey of a cat we know and still has a spot in Adelaide's heart just as big as he. (He's, um, huge.)

Certainly, everyone enjoys this feline trio. But no one quite like Miss Adelaide, who insists that it be her in charge of feeding, loving up, and trying to create peace and harmony between three very different cats. A tall task, indeed. But I have no doubt that she'll have them all in harmony and cooperating with her in no time at all.

(And would you look at her bedroom? Progress, I tell you! Progress is being made!)

Giveaway Winners!

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The winner of the Hip Mountain Mama gift certificate:

In love. Thanks so much!
Posted by: carrie

The winner of the Quince & Co. yarn giveaway:

I have been drooling over their site for weeks!! Please, please, please pick me!
Posted by: goodnightsatchel

Thank you to Hip Mountain Mama and Quince & Co.! 

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SouleMama Sponsor ~ QUINCE & CO.

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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Quince & Co. Quince & Co. is the work of Pam Allen, Carrie Bostick Hoge, and Bob Rice. In Pam's words:

"Quince & Co. is a seller of handknitting yarns spun from American fleece in a local mill--and
patterns. Our emphasis on modern, clean, knittable, wearable sweaters and accessories."

You can follow along on the Quince & Co. Blog for a behind-the-scenes glimpse, and company updates.

SouleMama: What does a typical day at Quince & Co. look like?

Pam: we're a tiny business as yet and we are all wearing lots of hats--typical day might go from tracking a lost package, to paying bills, to swatching for a hat design, to okaying a pattern layout and proofing it, to emptying the trash, to choosing a color way for a group of patterns.

SouleMama: Can you share some thoughts about your personal work with Quince & Co.?

Pam: I've been editor of a knitting magazine and creative director of a yarn company and for years I was a hand-knitwear designer. The hardest part for me right now is having to fill my day with the gritty details of running a company--numbers, customer service, trouble-shooting.

That said, I've ADDED a creative endeavor to the usual mix--that of 'designing' yarn. I know a lot about knitting. Now I need to know about yarn--what makes a good one--a tricky combination of softness and durability, drape and substance.

 SouleMama: What can we find at Quince & Co.?

Pam: We offer wool yarns that are sourced and spun in the US. Known in the trade as “territory wool,” our fiber comes from Merino, Rambouillet, and Columbia-based sheep that roam the ranges of Montana and Wyoming. All our wool and wool-blend yarns are spun in a New England mill with a venerable history. By sourcing our wool in the US and manufacturing our yarn locally, we minimize our carbon footprint.

But, hey, as much as we want to promote our American sheep and yarns, we also want to enjoy the pleasures of fibers that aren’t readily available in the US. We also want to be responsible for what we import. So, when we blend our wool with other fibers, we find out as much as possible where, how, and by whom they came to be. If we’re sourcing a yarn from a plant fiber, we want to know if it was grown in conditions that are healthy for the soil and for those who tend and harvest it.

If we’re looking for an animal fiber, we want to know if the animal was raised in a way that sustains the earth and preserves the culture of the people who raise it. 

For today's giveaway, Quince & Co. is generously offering the following gift to one lucky winner:

One bag of ten skeins of yarn--any combination of yarn and colors!

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Thank you to Quince & Co.!

To enter, please leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please). Comments will close on Monday by 8am EST. Comments closed! Winner will be announced later in the day on Monday.

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SouleMama Sponsor ~ HIP MOUNTAIN MAMA ~

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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Hip Mountain Mama. In owner Suzy's words:

"Hip Mountain Mama is a unique shop filled with eco-friendly and natural products for women, mothers, and children. We have handmade clothing and other special gifts for women plus natural, organic, and Waldorf toys for children and so much more. Everything we carry comes from small businesses many of which are work at home moms or other small family businesses.

I blog about Hip Mountain Mama and our simple family living at the Hip Mountain Mama Blog."

SouleMama: What's new with Hip Mountain Mama?

Suzy: We recently celebrated our 2 year anniversary and are happily looking forward to many exciting things in the future. We have been asking our friends, customers, and fans what they wanted to see more of in our store and we were told to carry more items for women. We have recently added many new handmade clothing items for women. Many of these handmade skirts, dresses, pants, and blouses are made with recycled vintage clothing or organic cotton. We are very excited about these and our expanding women's clothing section.

SouleMama: What does a typical day at work look like for you?

Suzy: Well, running a business while caring for my two daughters is tough work. It seems that almost every day is different. I am always juggling a kid in my arms while answering emails. I schedule time each morning for a meditation which really helps me stay centered. The nice thing about an online business is that the work can be really flexible around the rest of my day.

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

Suzy: Motherhood has significantly changed the work I do. Before I had my children I was happily working outside the home. It was my kids who gave me the desire to work at home and it is motherhood that inspired me to research and become passionate about natural parenting, organics, and natural products. It is the love of my children and desire to improve the world for them that led me to this crusade to promote natural and sustainable products.

 SouleMama: Where do you go to recharge?

Suzy: I always feel recharged in nature. I like to go for hikes in the forest, sit by the river, or skip stones in a lake. My husband and I try to squeeze in a hike once a week and we often spend weekends exploring the mountains. These regular family outings keep us all recharged and connected to nature.

 

For today's giveaway, Hip Mountain Mama is generously offering the following gift to one lucky winner:

a $50 gift certificate good for any product available at Hip Mountain Mama!

In addition, Hip Mountain Mama is offering SouleMama readers a coupon coupon code good for FREE Shipping on all U.S. orders with code "Soule3". This offer is good now through 9/22/10.

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Thank you to Hip Mountain Mama!

To enter, please leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please). Comments will close on Sunday by 8am EST. Comments closed! Winner will be announced later in the day on Monday.

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{this moment}

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

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corners of our home :: color!

Two quick notes before I ramble on about paint today:
Thank you SO much for all the concerned emails and comments about lead paint! Having always lived in old homes, we are fully aware, and taking appropriate precautions (many of which were actually done before we bought the home, thankfully.)
Secondly, we are huge fans of - and primarily using - Yolo Colorhouse paints in this house project. A non-voc paint (safe for littles to paint with!), with the loveliest of colorways, we love, love, love it. I must give a special shout-out to Maine Green Building Supply, who have been wonderful in getting us ALL the paint we need for this huge painting project! Also, once the painting is 'done,' I'll write a post with all the rooms and colors we've used. So if you're wondering about a specific color, stay tuned for that.

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There have been a few homes in the past nine months that we thought might really be 'it'. And while the roller coaster was not at all fun for the adults, I know that it was hardest on our babes. The uncertainty, the questions, the never REALLY knowing what was going to happen...it's all just a little too much for little ones whose days should be spent (in my mind) playing and learning and growing, and not worrying about which house we'll live in and when. It's so difficult to understand "we won't know for certain until the keys are in our hands" when you're 4, 7, or 9 (not to mention 33). So an enormous amount of our energy has gone towards maintaining the delicate balance between involving them in the process....and not burdening them with the process. I don't know that we did it perfectly or even well, truth be told, but we really did try.

As closing date approached on this home (and was canceled...and then back on...and then delayed, oh my), we began taking baby steps as a family towards opening up our hearts to the place and planning on making it our own. For the kids, this was most tangible in the act of choosing their  (very own!) bedroom color. It's one small choice really, and yet, it was something they could literally hold and see and be definitive about in a process that was often confusing and abstract. Those paint chip cards were carried around like precious gold amongst the family all summer long as everyone carefully chose and mindfully thought about their very own space and what it would be like (all the while still hoping that it would all be true).

In the past two days, after the entire house was coated in primer, we reached the COLOR stage in the kids' bedrooms. With many helping hands from friends and family, ceilings, walls and floors are being painted and just about 'finished' for my little ones. And I am standing back in awe and watching how these simple little color choices (that they ever-so-thoughtfully made) are so very perfect for each of them...such a true representation of who they are...and such a perfect backdrop in which they can and will create a space of their very own.

The three of them had full decision-making over their space  and color and how it be set up (despite, I must admit, the twitching that certain colors invoked from this Mama. Though all that twitching is gone now that I see how 'right' they really were).

Ezra...

...Calvin...

...and Adelaide.

(Harper will be with us for a while longer, but eventually have his own room when he's ready, and surely, just like his brothers and sister it will be something that surprises us and feels so right at the very same time. I'm so curious what that will be.)

Progress is being made! Slowly but surely, one corner at a time. 

becoming familiar

When we're waiting for a coat of paint to dry, or need to leave the house as the dust is flying and not safe for littles, or when everyone is feeling slightly bonkers from the chaos and mess of it all...we're beginning to explore the land around us. We're all stepping a little tentatively - literally or figuratively depending on who we are - as we introduce ourselves to the space and start to find our way around the trees and trails and stone walls. Right now, everything feels new and fresh and a little bit mysterious, too. It's exciting...and I'm treasuring the newness of it, for soon enough I know the same trees and walls and trails will become worn down with our walking, familiar to our senses and just as comforting as home should be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

family-style

 

 

 

About two hours into our first full day of home ownership, we realized that our vision of family-style home repairs was just that - a dream. My first two hours went something like this:

spackle one hole
change a diaper (because mama forgot to pack the potty)
make lunch
spackle another hole
remove hammer from toddler's hands (before it reached his sisters head)
wonder where I put the spackle
find spackle in a paint tray (that clearly the dog has already been through)
distract children (and dog) with a walk and return with settled children
wonder why the spackle is dry
pile all into the car for more spackle
repeat....

Family-style home repairs, of course, are a whole other pace of work. Ahem. It's tempting to fall into a whole spiral of discouragement. But, oh, the excitement of painting one's own room! And playing with sledgehammers and such things as this! It's fun and important, oh so educational (you never know when that knowledge of accordion lath might come in handy!)...not to mention exactly what we've been hoping and planning for all along.

And so...we are doing our best to move forward at a steady pace; adjust our time-line as needed (what we originally estimated to be one week of before-moving-work has now turned into a much more realistic month); take lots of breaks as required by those smaller than us; rely (so gratefully) upon the helping hands of friends and family; crank out the work when littles are sleeping (yawn!); and otherwise and mostly.....find ways for everyone to be a part of the process (with all the necessary and appropriate safety precautions, of course). I can't imagine doing it any other way.

Did I mention embracing the mess that comes with all of that? Yeah, that too - Embrace The Mess. For certainly it is a sign that good things are happening...family-style.

finding home

You know, I've poured over the photographs that I've taken of this home in the four months we have been getting to know it, and I've pondered so many words and thoughts that I've had about our journey to it...and yet I still find myself struggling to easily tell you our Story of Home. I think it would be better told if we could gather round a table for some tea...or wine (you choose). Or better yet - gathered around a bonfire in the field beside the barn - where we very soon hope to gather and give thanks with friends and family who have been so helpful and loving to us in this journey. Yes, that would be the best way to tell you this story of Home - for you, too, are a part of this story, and we are full of gratitude for that too.

I suppose it best, then, that I keep this as 'simple and true' as can be. Finding our way to Home has been a very long and windy road for our family - many, many years in the dreaming, working and hoping...many years in the searching, wishing and trying, and even more months still on the completely up-and-down-on-and-off-and-on-again roller coaster that was the final stretch of this house. It has, no exaggeration, and until the very last hour, been Epic.

But last week, that journey finally did reach an end in a flash as quick as a key being placed in our hands. Leaving the bank, we picked up our babes and an apple pie from home, and drove as fast as we could to this place - this place we are beginning to call Home. There, we arrived just after dark, popped that pie into a new (to us) oven and ran around the great big (to us) rambling farmhouse we had been hoping for all this time. There was laughter, and dancing, and (happy) crying as we ate together that night. When we were done, we meandered out into the dark and listened to the new and lovely sounds - peepers, and a loon from a nearby lake..and we looked up at a clear crisp and beautiful sky...from this place we now call Home.

Home is a two hundred year old farmhouse with great wide wooden floors and lots of good bones and history. Home is a barn that will comfortably keep all the animals we hope will join us. Home is a place with room for all of us and all that we love. Home is in the 'country' but close enough to the shore and our community of Portland that we treasure so much. Home is acres and acres of woods and pasture waiting to be used, sustained, and explored. Home is just what we dreamed it would be...and just what we've been waiting for.

Home is a place we think is ready to be filled with energy and vibrant life and lots of color and sounds. And on that very note, there is much for us to do there in the weeks and months (and years!) to come. The immediate future is one full of much work (and dust) and huge transition. We are traveling between our two homes at the moment, sleeping on sleeping bags on the floor (Ouch! today, I MUST get a mattress!), and truly getting to see the insides of this very old house as we make renovations and repairs - all with the amazing, blessed help of so many dear friends who keep showing up with paint brushes, hammers and food to feed us (we love them!). Sheetrock, wiring, spackle, pasture fencing and surprises like "you need a new well!" - these are words and conversations of our days at the moment.  (Along with lots of "This is our house!" with all the appropriate jumping up and down to accompany such a declaration, of course.)

We are...loving every dusty, messy minute of it, so enormously full of gratitude at finally being here, and so excited about all the adventures to come. There is so much to live and see and do in this new home of ours. I'm looking forward to doing just that...and to sharing it here with you!

Giveaway Winner!

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The winner of the Fiber Cooperative Gift Certificate:

Such lovely stuff!!!
Posted by: maya

Thank you to The Fiber Cooperative!

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weekending

There's such a lovely weekend happening here as we celebrate our sweet birthday girl. Five years old. Oh my!

(I'll be back here tomorrow...just a little bit later in the day than usual.)

I hope you, too, are enjoying your weekend!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ The Fiber Cooperative ~

Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, The Fiber Cooperative. In organizer Kate's words:

"The Fiber Cooperative is an online indie fiber festival!  A curated monthly market of independent fiber artists.  We're a great place to find truly unique yarns, fibers, and accessories and support small businesses at the same time.  Many of our vendors are at-home moms, so it can be hard for us to get to fiber festivals in real life!

We keep a blog and we do lot's of giveaways (usually about one per week) from different vendors on the site, so it's a great place to check out if you're into free fiber."

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Kate: We're a brand new site, just launched in July, but many of our vendors have been in the fiber business for over 10 years.

SouleMama: What inspired you to start The Fiber Cooperative?

Kate: When I looked around the fiber world I saw crafters hungry for the gorgeous, unique offerrings of independent fiber artists (but tired of sorting through pages and pages of results to find the gems) and amazing indie companies too small to compete with the advertising budgets of the big guys.  I wanted to find a way to bring these two groups together so truly talented indie companies could stand out.  I've been a dyer for several years, but having 3 little ones (well 2, but #3 should be here any day now) means I just can't travel across the country with a U-Haul full of yarn right now.  I knew there had to be a virtual way to do this, but couldn't find anything, so like any good crafter I made it myself!  (With the help of some very talented web-designers of course).

SouleMama: What inspires you?

Kate: I think one of the reasons I love the site so much is that I'm constantly being inspired by the vendors there.  Whether it's taking risks with color combinations I never would have dreamed of, hearing about their successes, seeing how seamlessly they run their businesses, or day dreaming about leaving it all and buying an alpaca farm.  I think I may be the site's #1 shopper because I've purchased a lot of fiber from other indie companies since the site launched, and it's been so inspiring to get these amazing packages in the mail and see the thought and care they put into their product and packaging.  It really raises the bar and makes me want to make my own fiber business that much better.  I also love seeing how these dyers and crafters work together and constantly offer each other support.  There's a real sense of community you just won't find with big businesses.

 

For today's giveaway, The Fiber Cooperative offering the following gift to one winner:

A $50 shop credit at any current Fiber Cooperative vendor! 
(Check out the site, pick a favorite indie vendor and we'll front them the cash so you can have a little fiber spending spree at their online shop.)

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Thank you to The Fiber Cooperative!

To enter, please leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please). Comments will close on Sunday by 8am EST. Comments closed! Winner will be announced on Monday evening!

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{this moment}

My goodness, all of your sweet and generous words made a very beautiful day even more blessed and happy. Thank You (thank you, thank you!). I can't wait to share all the FARMHOUSE details with you on Monday (Forgive my need to capitalize that word just one more time. OUR FARM! Gah!)

Have a lovely weekend, friends!

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

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9.8.10

 

 

At long last....Our Home.

I am feeling especially grateful, blessed, and full of joy on this 34th birthday of mine.

Happy Day!

(long) weekending

We're taking a long weekend around here - I'll be back in this space on Wednesday. Until then...wishing you a lovely stretch of days!

Giveaway Winner!

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The winner of the Modern Organic Fabrics Gift Certificate:

Thanks for introducing me to this site - wonderful fabric!!
Posted by: Desiree

Thank you to Modern Organic Fabrics!

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SouleMama Sponsor ~ MODERN ORGANIC FABRICS ~

Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Modern Organic Fabrics. In owner Melanie's words:

"Modern Organic Fabrics sells colorful, high quality organic cotton fabrics and fresh sewing patterns to help you create beautiful and eco-friendly sewing projects."

You can follow along the Modern Organic Fabrics blog, found here.

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Melanie: Modern Organic Fabrics is celebrating its one year anniversary this week!

SouleMama: What's your favorite part of your job? The most challenging?

Melanie: My favorite part of my job is ordering fabric! Really, who wouldn't love to shop for a living? And there are so many new fabrics in production - it's a really exciting time for organic cotton fabric! I also love making things with the fabric and I really love seeing what others have made. The most challenging part of my job is keeping books and records. Also, the technical website stuff. I much prefer the creative side of my business.

SouleMama: How has motherhood changed the work you do?

Melanie: Motherhood has made me realize the importance of what I do. Children are always watching and learning. I want to teach them that you should spend your time doing what you love (although, of course, those tasks that you don't love still need to be done!) But, in the bigger picture, I also want to promote green products and living. I want the earth to be cleaner for them and I want to be a part of promoting a cleaner, less-toxic world. I would love it if someday we wouldn't need to categorize agricultural products (including cotton) as organic or not because it will all be what we now call organic. I love being a part of that goal.

 

For today's giveaway, Modern Organic Fabrics is offering the following gift to one winner:

a $50 gift certificate to Modern Organic Fabrics!

In addition, all SouleMama readers are offered a 10% discount on your entire order with code Soule10. (Expires midnight (US Central Time) Friday, Sep 10.)

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Thank you to Modern Organic Fabrics!

To enter, please leave a comment in today's post (one entry per person, please). Comments will close on Sunday by 9am EST. Comments closed. Winner will be announced on Monday!

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{this moment}

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

Wishing you a lovely weekend!

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the company we keep

August 31

I'm thrilled to be spending the month of September as a guest over on habit. I've so enjoyed watching the space that Molly and Emily have created - it's a true celebration of everyday beauty and women's  daily lives. Come visit, if you aren't already a regular reader! I'm already enjoying playing in the lovely format they've established there.

A few other little bits of slightly random (but important nonetheless) 'community' news...

:::: In case you hadn't seen it already, there is a brand new listing of the "Loving" sidebar I keep. I'll update it at then end of each month, so hopefully you won't miss a thing. Following requests for the correct pronounciation of my name (really, it's "soule" as in "soul"), requests for what was once on my Loving list is my most frequent incoming email. Except that my short term memory is even worse than yours apparently, because I never can remember. So hopefully this will help the both of us. (If I can remember to do it.)

:::: Have you seen the Squam Arts Workshop journal that's now available for purchase? Featuring some of the lovely and talented folk who have been a part of the SAW scene, it looks to be a great collection that might just capture some of the magic that is found at Squam (I wrote about my experience at SAW here). I'm eager to get my hands on a copy (and to find my way back to Squam!).

:::: This Raw Green Bean Dip totally rocked my day yesterday. No cooking! No heating up the stove! Well, I did that anyway to save all those precious apples and tomatoes. But still...it was nice not to have something else to turn the stove on for. And I love, love, love that dip over crackers or bread. It will certainly be my lunch AND dinner until this heat wave breaks. (Thanks, Heather!)

:::: The lovely Jade Sims of Craft Hope has launched her book of the same name into the world this month! It's a truly beautiful collection of artists and crafters sharing projects that result in good deeds done in the form of craftivism. I'm honored to be in it's pages (with the Cap-Haitien project  we completed late in 2008) - and so happy to see this book out there doing good things! (I hope to write more about it soon.)

You know, these random links today remind me of something I often say but don't know as though I've ever written to you before. And that's that (though not a huge surprise) I think the mainstream media can really give social media - blogs included - a bad rap. And you know, five years into this gig, I agree that there are some real bummers - the overuse of technology in our lives most certainly,  or the impersonal 'screen' by which it becomes easier to be negative or hurtful to others with what we say, etc, etc. But...far more overwhelming to me than any of that is the amazingly wonderful good that I have witnessed and experienced. The way that we really do and can improve each other's lives - whether it be by a reminder to look around us for beauty, to learn a new skill that betters our family life, or to discover just the perfect bean dip that you love, or maybe even the tomato soup your children will eat! Finding others who are on a similar path - on whatever level and interpretation that may be - is a beautiful thing that doesn't always happen easily or as often, necessarily, in our geographical communities.  And for that, and other reasons, I am so grateful to be living in this moment when a medium such as this one is so available to all of us. Because if we can empower each other and ourselves through the sharing of our stories, well...how wonderful is that? So thank you...for all the many ways in which you make my life and my days with my family...even more wonderful, supported, and inspired.

And well, that was a rather wordy 'quick' post. (There's a slight chance that I'm avoiding the remaining apples and tomatoes sitting in my 90degree kitchen today. Oh my.)

Happy Thursday to you, friends!