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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.
Happy New Year, friends!!
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I'm writing to you from the fine city of Boston, where I'm on a bit of a road trip with my biggest boys (and their littlest sister, who goes wherever Mama goes). We had the pleasure of watching Boston Ballet's Nutcracker at the Opera House - such a treat for our eyes and souls, and a true delight for my little dancers.
I had grand plans after of all the walking and looking we would do around the city, but we landed ourselves deep in the yummy goodness of Flour Bakery (thanks to a twitter recommend from our friends at Barefoot Books!), where this Nutcracker performance was properly compared, contrasted, and dissected role by role and costume by costume by my boys for two entire hours. I heard some talk of grooming Harper, and a future trio of Soule Brother russian cossack dancers. They refined their (ongoing) plan to get themselves to New York City next year to see the NYCBallet version, the big Balanchine fan that Calvin is. I heard tell once again of that apartment in the city they plan on sharing someday. Someday when they're professional dancers and musicians and record producers, they say.
I love being a (small) part of such conversations with these getting-bigger-by-the-second dreamers of mine. My heart swells hearing their plans, hearing just how much they believe is possible in this life. (I believe too.)
We have a bit more visiting to do with the Boston Aunties, as they're called. SoulePapa is flying solo with just two kids back at home, where I thought he'd take full advantage of resting in the relative quiet (of just two!), but checking my phone at intermission, I found the following text:
"I took two walls down! Cleaned up and in my truck. Like they were never there!"
Well then, I think we best be getting home soon.
My making this holiday season was a little bit all over the crafty map. A little of this, a little of that - it was so pleasant working my way through December like that! A little bit of soapmaking (a full and proper post coming about that after the new year), of course some Peppermint Bark, a touch of quilting (patchwork pillows, much like these), and even a little bit of painting.
Added to the crafty mix this year were two new projects. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, we made monogram mugs, following Design Mom's tutorial, as hot cocoa mugs for all the nieces and nephews on my list. This was such a satisfying project - we gathered assorted white mugs at thrift shops, and these pens were a breeze to use. I traced the initials, the kids filled the shapes in, and wrote a little note to the recipients on the bottom of the mug. We then stuffed them with our favorite hot chocolate (Lake Champlain Chocolate is so yummy), and some vanilla marshmallows.
The second 'new' project this year was button covered hairbands, with tools found here. Oh my, is this ever an addictive thing of crafty goodness! While I kept it to hairbands this time around, my mind did wander to the forthcoming winter days of making barrettes, magnets, and just fabric buttons. Could entire knitting projects be designed around specific fabric buttons? Oh yes, I think they could. And will be.
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Did you do much making this holiday season? Any favorite new projects? Do share!
:: napping babies on their great grandparents bed.
:: ruffle bum tights (I can't resist the awesome ridiculousness).
:: the way our Solstice traditions, twelve years strong, have taken root and grown with our family until they stand strongly on their own.
:: a new tradition added to our solstice fire, embraced by all (inspired a little bit by Pixie Cambell's releasing bundle).
:: simplicity in our days, a quieter holiday than usual.
:: the bee theme my love ran with this gifting season (I think he had a little fun at one of our favorite new-to-Portland shops, The Honey Exchange).
:: tucking a bit of evergreen onto each and every bundle I wrapped.
::a baby bonnet remembered just in time to wear before it fits no longer.
:: supporting makers and creators of lovely things when I was unable to make and create quite as much as I wanted to give.
:: the idea of baby sharing Mama's stocking for her first Christmas.
:: the thought of all the other mothers all over the world wearing child-made jewelry on the very same day.
:: being given permission to 'make myself at home' in someone else's kitchen.
:: a whole lot of time unplugged.
:: my mother-in-law - even though she gave my child a megaphone (!).
:: my mother and father - even though they gave my other child a microphone.
:: cousins sneaking off into all corners of their grandparent's house for top-secret projects.
:: watching each of my little ones slip handmade sibling gifts under the tree with pride.
:: a warm and sunny Solstice day, followed by the winter gift of snow in time for Christmas.
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Those are some of the little things I'll remember most about this holiday season.
And you? What are your favorite little things that made up your special days?
....in the land of child-made jewels and glittery roof-topped house, minty candies and laughing family, surprises and silliness, singing with joy, and gratituous displays of generosity.
As these special days of the year pass us by, I find myself wanting to hold on just a litle bit longer. I want to linger in the love and light, and etch in my mind the memory of those faces, voices and the hearts behind them in this moment of each of their lives.
This morning, I'm grateful for photographs - the ones on my hard drive and the ones in my heart - that help me linger in it all just a little bit longer. I hope you're finding ways to linger this week, too. Moving slowly, as we're able. Holding on, as we can. Noticing, embracing, lingering...
Oh, we're in the thick of the merry-making right now - moments full of clay, dough, sticky pine cones,tape (oh the tape!), doors closing with giggles, anticipation and excitement. The days are darkening, the light is coming and celebrations of all kinds, by everyone, are all around us. Magical days, these are.
To fully embrace these days, I'm signing off from this space for the next five days. I'll see you again on Monday!
Until then, I wish you light and peace, and treasured moments spent with those you love!
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Thank you for all of your print and book orders! I'll be closing up the shop in an hour or so, and will reopen with the few prints that are left, and the regular stock of books after the holidays.
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It's a delicate and constant journey, this attempt at simple living, isn't it? Especially in the midst of the not-always-so-"simple" details that make up our days with five little ones. Especially in the midst of homeschooling or homesteading or trying to make a living doing what you love. Especially in the midst of trying to keep track of seven human beings worth of wool socks on cold mornings like today, just for one silly, but true little example. At times like that "simple" can sometimes seem like a far-off distant concept or even a laughable dream.
And yet, it's here, really, within us all when we look for it, and something we all feel harmony and peace from when the balance is walked well.
I've been thinking about that a lot this holiday season, as our family has grown just a little bit more this year; as we've learned from years past where perhaps we did too much; and as our children grow, and with them, our own traditions take root and stand firmly on their own. I've been thinking a lot about meaningful simplicity as we balance just how much we take on, give out, let in during this could-be-busy season.
One day in late October, I found myself alone with Annabel, waiting for our ballet boys. Feeling a little melancholic about the winding-down days of our own garden, I decided to wander in a nearby garden nursery. In the greenhouse, with babe on my chest, I walked the aisles. The paperwhites were there, and I bought more than I ever have before. It felt a little indulgent, to be honest. I took them up to the counter to pay before I had time to change my mind.
In recent days, those little bulbs have become such a source of light for me. As we determine just what we do in our days this holiday season, I've been checking in - in my mind and with my eyes - with those growing little flowers, as a metaphor for so many other things in our lives and hearts. Are we noticing them? Is our pace one at which we can watch those flowers grow?
The first round of those planted bulbs live in every room of the house, and this morning are just about to burst forth with flowers. I'm certain it will happen by lunchtime.
It feels like magic. It is, really. How lucky we all are to notice.
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Grasshopper Store. In their words:
"Grasshopper is a whimsical and thoughtful store with a refined selection of toys clothes books and shoes. We want kids to think dream hope and play...Our blog keeps you up to date on the latest items or ideas. "
SouleMama: How long have you been in business?
Kara (shop owner): 12 years.
SouleMama: Tell us about your background. What path led you to the work you do today?
Kara: I started designing and reconstruction clothes in my early 20’s under the label Kara-line and wild carrots...i opened my 1st boutique Tumbleweed in my 30’s had a baby and shortly after opened the childrens shop right next store.
Kara: I kept things very simple and I still do.
Kara: Up early...walk the dog...feed my boy...off to work...order, design, juggle...what ever the day has to offer...
Kara: To create an environment that makes you feel comfortable and to make the world a better place.
Kara: I listen I learn and evolve.
Kara: Keep calm and carry on.
For today's giveaway, Grasshopper is generously offering the following to TWO (separate) winners:
~a Djeco Fashion Workshop: Designing a Collection
(Ages 8+ This is a beautiful kit that comes with 8 felt brush markers and everything one needs to learn to design a fashion collection. There are instructions on how to do it in stages, along with pattern ideas if needed.)
AND
~ Djeco Cou Cou jungle magnets
(Great for ages 2+ The animals come in two pieces each, so you can mix and match bodies and heads, or fit them together to form a whole animal. Fun way to decorate the fridge and use your imagination.)
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Thank you to Grasshopper Store!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!
The winners are:
The Fashion Workshop -
Those Djeco colouring sets are my favourites, and the pens that come with them are brilliant! Thanks for an awesome giveaway, really loving this sponsor!
Posted by: Tallulah Maggs
Jungle Magnets -
The magnets are so fun!
Posted by: Liz F
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Alphabet Glue. In Annie's words:
"Alphabet Glue is a quarterly downloadable e-magazine for families who love books! Filled with activities, printables, projects and plenty of inspiration, Alphabet Glue was created in hopes of helping more families to incorporate creativity, imagination and all things literary into their everyday routines. Each issue contains leveled reading lists, bookmaking tutorials, storybuilding activities and hands on projects that complement favorite titles in children's literature."
Annie blogs at Bird and Little Bird.
SouleMama: Tell us about your background. What led you to the work you do today?
SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs and ideas?
Annie: Even though I don't usually start leaving hints on the blog about what will be inside the newest issue until pretty shortly before it launches, I actually map out each volume a couple of months in advance. I keep a sketch pad handy and generally just scribble down notes here and there as ideas pop up. I find that I often think of things that I want to include during times when my mind has a chance to wander a bit; as I fall asleep at night, when I'm in the car or sometimes even when I'm in the kitchen making dinner. A lot of ideas come to me from our trips to the library as well. Sometimes finding a favorite book on the shelf there will prompt me to start thinking about how to include it in the magazine and will lead to all kinds of other inspiration. That is how both the kid detective projects and the story mapping theme (from the summer and fall issues) came about.
SouleMama: How does the balance of work and family play out for you?
Annie: Most of the projects that appear on the pages of Alphabet Glue have their origins in things that I do with my daughter, who is almost eight. What I find interesting is that we tend to gravitate towards different types of activities, and that when I put together my list of ideas for each issue, the ones that become each of our favorites are always different! I think the fact that we work together on so many of the projects is what ends up creating a nice balance in each issue of the magazine. I've also mentioned a couple of times in past issues that although my daughter is an absolutely voracious reader who practically consumes books instead of food, she isn't always as keen on writing. Many of the storybuilding and bookmaking activities that I've put together for past issues of Alphabet Glue were really designed as a way to help inspire her to do a little more writing. Also, my daughter was just recently diagnosed with celiac disease. Having these projects to work on together during what has otherwise been kind of a crazy time has actually provided some nice opportunities for us to be busy with our hands while having spontaneous talks together about all the changes happening at our house right now. And that is definitely the idea behind all of this- projects that families can do together as a way to connect more with one another.
For today's giveaway, Alphabet Glue is generously offering the following to THREE winners:
~ a copy of each of the first four volumes of Alphabet Glue!
(they can be downloaded as a single PDF file that is filled with over 130 pages of activities, projects and reading recommendations)
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Thank you to Alphabet Glue!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!
The winners are:
I absolutely love the idea of this magazine! I would SO love to win, but I think I'll be getting it either way.
Posted by: Jess
Fabulous magazine - thanks for the opportunity. Katie x
Posted by: Obaitori Spiritual Mothering
fun giveaway!!
Posted by: taryn oakley
{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.
. . . . . . . .
I'm a big fan of plans, to-do lists, and goals. I make a whole lot of all of them. They keep me on task, they help me dream big, and they play a big part in making good things happen in my life.
I'm an equally big fan of ditching the plan, shortening the to-do list, and shifting goals. When the time is right, when these things are called for, it's exactly what saves sanity and brings harmony to our days, and hearts.
With six days until Solstice and ten now until Christmas, I find myself in that place. That place of a little bit of a reality check. That place where I look with honest eyes at the calendar and the lists, and into the eyes of my little ones as well as my very own heart (and my need for sleep) - and somehow, the meeting of all these things together determines my course of action going forth.
Because I am quite certain that Annabel will not mind in the least if her handmade stocking arrives on her second Christmas rather than her first. And I think Ezra will be okay if the second sleeve on his handknit sweater is finished by New Years instead of Solstice. That it's okay if all those other totes of holiday decorations stay right where they are in the barn this year, unopened. And that it doesn't matter if all those niece and nephew gifts I'm working on arrive in paper bags instead of the intended handmade ones. And on. And on. And on....
What do I know to be true, what I do believe with all of my heart really matters... is that these little ones of mine have a calm and present Mama. That we experience the joy and wonder and magic of this marvelous time of year...together. That our moments are meaningful and full of love. That I stay true to our perpetual holiday goal of Simple and Special. (Simple is special.)
Today, I think we'll string popcorn and cranberries. Or maybe we'll do nothing but sit in front of the fire and read Christmas Trolls over and over again. We'll see.
This week in my kitchen, I have...
:: baked, cooked, and cleaned up to the sounds and sights of the perpetual chess game in our family.
:: declared this Chicken Stew with Rosemary-Garlic Dumplings to be our current dinner favorite.
:: made peppermint bark!
:: nibbled on the teacher gifts of peppermint bark until they practically disappeared and I needed to make more in time for giving. Oops.
:: shooed that kitten out of my kitchen approximately two hundred times a day.
:: lamented the darkening days, and making dinner in darkness at four o'clock in the afternoon.
:: added some twinkle lights, just for fun...and light.
:: remembered, with all that frozen zucchini in my world, just how yummy this zucchini coconut bread is (less maple syrup in place of sugar, and coconut oil in place of vegetable oil).
:: appreciated the 'break' our hens are taking from laying eggs with the change in light. Perfectly timed for a 'break' from all that quiche and frittata.
:: thought it very funny that a soup I've been making a lot - with black beans, tomatoes, and pumpkin - appeals to different members of my family on different nights (because I never can remember just how I made it the last time and so it's never quite the same).
:: made sure, just this very morning, that there was enough crystalized ginger to make Jen's Sacraligious Gingerbread bread later today.
:: welcomed a baby girl to the table most nights, to sit and laugh and watch us. For now.
:: felt the bounty of and deep gratitude for shelves and freezer(s) more full than I've ever had them before of our food - pork, turkey, chicken, and a garden's worth of vegetables and fruit. Real sustenance that means so much more than food to me.
:: begun the planning of our solstice feast and christmas breakfast and new years brunch, oh my!
:: thought a lot about just how often I should make bacon wrapped dates (inspired by recent trips to Boda, one my favorite Portland eateries).
:: so completely loved-up our table, and felt such joy each time we gather 'round it.
:: found my winter bread-baking rhythm once again, as I tuck bowls of rising bread behind the woodstove.
It's a busy place, this kitchen of ours!
What's happening in your kitchen this week?
With each and every walk in our woods, I feel as though we are making a layer of memories of place. These new memories are laid upon other layers (and layers upon layers) from the past, which we can only dream about and imagine, for they are not ours to remember. They belong to the other spirits who have passed this way.
On this day, I felt all of that...and joy and gratitude, wonder and love, and the beginnings of a new tradition.
It might have been my favorite walk yet.
It's funny reading your own words in print. To be honest, I really don't do it. Once my 'work' for a book is done, I don't look at it again. The books pass through my hands as I hand them out, mail them out, give them out, and I glance with half-closed eyes at it all. It's equal parts perfectionism, nerves, and exhaustion, I do believe.
Eventually, though...there reaches a time when enough separation has passed from the initial writing of the words so that I can actually - sometimes - read them again. There's often an unfamiliarity that appears then, which is lovely, so that I can finally - with fresh eyes - really read and hear and see what the words mean, that is - what I meant for them to say.
Through some magic (I do believe), I have been blessed in recent years to work with some amazingly good people. People who support and nurture, people who sometimes see something in my own words and work that I may not have originally seen. People who put enormous heart and energy into new ideas and collaborations. Or, just for example - people who willingly work with me over the dinnertime hour in a house full of five (five!) children, all clamoring for mama's and the new visitor's attention, with their sticky fingers oh-so-close to the fine letterpress prints he toiled over. Yes, good people.
Working with Shambhala Publications/Roost Books these past five years has been just such an experience. Good people. Recently, Daniel at Roost Books dreamed up this latest project we've been collaborating on this fall. A limited edition letterpress print piece, featuring a quote from The Rhythm of Family.
All of this talk of the seasons of mine? It may not always be as poetic as I wish for it to be, but oh, it is sincere. There is no greater magic in the world that I have found than sharing the natural world with my children, seeing it all new through their eyes, and rooting ourselves - together - in the earth. Wonder and delight. My hope is that this print - these words - says just that. I think he did something really magical with this print. I'm honored.
The print is 9x12, which is a wonderfully standard pre-cut frame size (ah...), printed on acid-free, 100% cotton paper.
In order to get these prints to you in time for the gift-giving days ahead, and to save myself from being in the post office on said gift-giving days, I'm keeping my shop open with these prints (and my books) for just one week only, or until the prints sell out. On December 19th, I'll close the shop for the holidays, ship all remaining orders, and take a little break until reopening on January 4th. (Please read the description carefully for holiday shipping time!)
I am so grateful that 'what I love to do' and 'work' are blended happily into what we call life. Thanks, friends, for reading today and everyday...and for your encouragement and support as well.
The First Day letterpress print is available in the shop now.
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Roost Books. In their words:
"Roost Books presents lifestyle books that celebrate the small actions that can fill our days with joy. From parenting activity books to craft books, cookbooks, and more, the books in this imprint all have a positive sensibility and a contemporary aesthetic."
SouleMama: What inspires you?
Roost: We are endlessly inspired by the little things we all do to connect to our friends, family, and community. Whether it’s making a finger puppet out of construction paper to entertain our child or hosting a hootenanny to share music with our friends, finding ways to participate in creative acts, big and small, is a wonderful and generous way to live.
SouleMama: Tell us what you envision and dream for the future of your business.
Roost: We’re always excited by our forthcoming books no matter where they are in the publishing process. For Roost, we’re particularly excited about two books that will be out this spring. The Essential Herbal for Natural Health is a complete guide to homemade herbal remedies for the whole family by herbalist Holly Bellbuono. In addition to the over 200 recipes, the book features charming line art by Geninne Zlatkis. And The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids by Helen Olsson is a fantastic introduction to car camping with kids of all ages written by a mom who has done it all.
For today's giveaway, Roost Books is generously offering the following to THREE winners:
~ a two-book prize including All Together Singing in the Kitchen and Made to Play!
(In All Together Singing in the Kitchen, sisters and folk duo The Nields share all the tips, tools, and encouragement you need to get your family making and appreciating music—no musical knowledge needed! The book includes over thirty songs (with lyrics, chords, and audio recordings on CD) that will get you singing and sharing music with your children in no time.
Connect to your children through craft with Joel Henriques’s Made to Play! Full of imaginatively fun toys and games that can be made with the simplest of materials, you’ll find something for everyone here--from modern dollhouses to paper building discs and rubber band race cars.)
In addition, Roost Books is offering SouleMama readers 35% off all orders placed between now and December 16, 2011. Use code "SMFF11" at checkout.
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Thank you to Roost Books!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.
Comments closed! The winners are:
Cool site. We would love to add some books to our collection.
Posted by: Kate
I love made by Joel! Great giveaway!!
Posted by: Jennifer Sheline
I *heart* roost books. -Jaime
Posted by: Ngo Family Farm
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Stubby Pencil Studio. In their words:
"Stubby Pencil Studio offers a unique collection of creative products and arts and crafts for kids. You'll find soy and beeswax crayons, recycled sketchbooks, non-toxic stamps and inks, modeling clay, colored and graphite pencils, stationery, party favors, amazing drawing and art activity books, and more! "
SouleMama: How long have you been in business?
Kate: It's been 5 years since Stubby Pencil Studio opened, in 2006, with a small selection of children's stationery cards for kids to color, the eco-friendly colored pencils, and soy crayons. Those humble beginnings, when we had no inventory system and paypal for checkout - it seems like a lifetime ago. It's been quite an adventure (a whirlwind at times and always a learning experience) but I am so thankful to be working in such a creative business, with our amazing customers that I have gotten to know over the years.
SouleMama: What's your favorite part of your job? The most challenging?
Kate: My favorite part of the job is sourcing new products. It's a never ending treasure hunt for me! "Oh, that's cool! Where is it made? What's the brand? How do I order them?" Over the years, we've sourced hundreds of products, tested them out, and added them to our store. It's so rewarding to bring these goodies to other families. If my kids love it, chances are yours will too! As Sage and Sierra are growing up - they are in 2nd grade now - their interests change and it's a great catalyst for me to continue to add and find new products. The most challenging part of my job is balancing and time management. There is always something to do - take photos for the product features, writing the descriptions, getting all the pieces together to put these great items online - it's a lot of work and sometimes they pile up on me. It's a challenge, of course, working from home and everything that goes along with that, but the flexibility to be available for my family - it's such a blessing.
Kate: Sage and Sierra, my twins, have always been involved in the business. They test all the new products and work with me to take the photos. Since they were very young, they have helped with labels and prepping the packages to ship, but lately, they have been more involved. They sort and fold cards, package mini blank books and Crayon Rocks samples, unpack inventory and count items. Since they are familiar with everything, they can help pull products for our orders (double checked before packing, of course). It is such a great opportunity for them to see the operations of the business and where our products are going. It's a small connection to a great big world and I hope they will continue to think this work is "fun" because I sure do!
For today's giveaway, Stubby Pencil Studio is generously offering the following to THREE winners:
~ a full Holiday Art Tote from Stubby Pencil Studio
(as seen in the last photograph above)
including: christmas sticker book, color 'n kids cards Frosty friends, holiday smencils, soy crayons, colored pencils, crayon rocks, duo pencil sharpener, sniffy gingerbread pen, gingerbread red felt tote.
In addition, Stubby Pencil Studio is offering SouleMama readers 15% off all orders placed between now and December 31, 2011. Use code "MAMASAVE15" at checkout.
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Thank you to Stubby Pencil Studio!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are:
Loving that adorable red felt tote...AND the crafty goodness inside of it!
Posted by: Trina-Lea Briggs
Love this! Colin would love all this!
Posted by: heather-whatchabuildin
I love the Stubby Pencil studio!
Posted by: Wendy
{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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Oh, the crafting that's happening here that I just can't show you! It's the curse of the December blogger - so much going on, nothing I can tell you about. Yet, anyway. (If you're not one of my nieces or nephews, click here to see just what's going on in the photo above.)
(And if you're one of those sweet Mamas who email me asking how I get any crafting done, look above. There's a chess game I'm moderating, a baby in a high chair just out of the frame, and a harmonica on the table for, you know, harmonica playing. Sometimes it's peaceful meditative knitting stitch by stitch and sometimes it's 'squeezing in a project before dinner' with a whole lotta other things going on. A meditation of a different sort. Fun just the same, though.)
So while I can't tell you what we're doing right now, one of the joys of being a blogger who's seen a few Decembers (six, to be precise), is that I can show you once again what we did last year...and the year before that... and...well, here are some of my (randomly collected) December Favorites:
I share these in hopes that they might inspire some of the making and giving, living and loving happening in your holiday homes too. Happy Elving days to you and yours!
I took a walk around the woods of our house yesterday, with baby on back and clippers in hand, and boys running all around me. I just wanted to see what I could find. Where were those red berries again? That's right...by the rock wall in the back pasture. I clipped some things, and we talked about ballet and chess and holiday traditions. The air was fresh and the baby was oh-so-giggly back there. I knew the green I saw on the ground would soon be covered for a very long time, and I noticed everything I could.
My intention was simple - I just wanted a little walk, and a gentle ease on into the holiday merry making. I thought I'd gather a few handfuls and start with something little - a swag for the door, some pots of greenery for the entryway, a simple vase for the dinner table. Which is just what I did. Simple.
My intention was not clear, however, to the boys around me, who were quite shocked to discover that I wasn't decorating the WHOLE entire house with ALL the decorations before dinner time. They gave me a not-so-silent "huh!", then disappeared from my sight. In and out, to workshop and back, from woods to bedroom they went, bringing their sister into the mix upon her return home from horseback riding. In the kitchen, making dinner with babe still on my back, I heard lots of "don't look!" followed by, "we'll sweep it all up when we're done. Promise!"
And so it was that before dinnertime, four children were quite happy to announce that they each had a "tree" in their bedroom. And really, that's even better of a beginning than I ever intended.
It's truly December now, isn't it? Our Nutcracker season ended just last night, with our energy now shifting towards fully soaking in and loving up this time of holiday goodness. Trying to move slowly and gracefully through these fast-moving days, I find myself - as often as I can remember - pausing and noticing.
These days when I pause to do so, I notice that I am very much enjoying...
...finalizing gift making plans alongside my little makers.
...the promise of many more days at home coming up, after a whole lot of days on the go. Ah...
...the chess board tucked under ezra's arm these days, always at the ready for a game.
...the way my oldest adores my youngest. and vice versa.
...the blurry photos my babes take when they snag my camera.
...the sweet rabbit vase by Patti Sandberg I picked up as a treat for myself, while holiday shopping at the Maine College of Art holiday sale.
...green hydrangeas in the house ~ a lovely winter treat.
...the launch of the winter issue of Rhythm of the Home (find an interview with Steve and I there!)
...the fact that I put 'start narcissus bulbs' at the top of today's to do list. Priorities, you know.
...spending this festive month with the fine company at habit once again.
...this gorgeous body of work from jen judd-mcgee (available now online at Nahcotta).
...that December 10th is approaching (the date I promised myself I would wait until to make the beloved peppermint bark).
...the promise of a walk in the woods this week on our land, to look for just the right little bit of green to bring back inside and decorate.
Wishing you many moments of enjoyment as you pause and notice this season, too.
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor,Action Pack. In Kathreen's words:
"The Action Pack e-magazines are for school age kids (approx) - the magazines are aimed specifically at kids to make, do, cook, create independently. They epitomize the freedom of childhood - something we feel very strongly about - allowing children to explore without 'helicopter' parents hovering around them all the time. These magazines give children the information and confidence they need to get on with the business of childhood with very little supervision. Plus parents don't have to worry about them being influenced by advertising (as there are no ads in the mags)."
Kathreen is also the creator of Whip Up, where you can find her daily updates.
SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?
SouleMama: How are your children incorporated into your business?
Kathreen: My children, Orlando is 9 years old and Otilija is 11 years old are very much a part of everything I do (that is them on the cover of the Celebration issue). They are a big help with the Action Pack magazines and not only help to make and design, test and model the projects, they also are part of the brainstorming for future themes, titles and covers. They are totally part of the process and love being part of it. Of course sometimes they get sick of being photographed and sometimes they are busy doing other things and can't help out - so I always need a backup plan! Nowadays the magazine has morphed to incorporate contributor projects so I don't need to rely on my kids being at hand quite so often.
SouleMama: What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Kathreen: I am really lucky to be able to work from home. I have transformed the spare living area into a studio/craft room and even stole the dining table for our crafts. Its a lovely light and open space where the kids can come and go, we have shelves full of craft supplies, books and fabric, there is art and postcards, doilies and photos hanging on the walls for inspiration - its a lovely room to be in. So this is where I spend most of my days - my computer is in one corner, and I am surrounded by my journals and notebooks (and a stack of unpaid bills!).
For today's giveaway, Action Pack is generously offering the following to TWO winners:
~ an Action Pack 2011 bundle (includes issues 1-7) plus Issue #8 - Celebration
(Celebration, which has just been released is jam packed full of holiday crafts, cooking, games and gifts for kids to make and do - including printable gift tags, cookie recipes from around the world, and lots of decoration ideas using easily found materials - there is even a pattern for reindeer ears!)
In addition, Action Pack is offering SouleMama readers 10% off all magazine orders placed in their shop between now and December 20, 2011. Use code "WPsoulemama" at checkout.
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Thank you to Action Pack!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.
Comments Closed! The winners are:
so so fun!
Posted by: jenny
Love Action Pack!! so much fun!!!
Posted by: Avril
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Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Imagine Childhood. In their words:
"... a little nature... a little imagination... a lot of play. Toys, tools and activities for growing minds. Imagine Childhood is a family owned and operated company offering high quality environmentally conscious toys and activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and open-ended unstructured play."
Follow along with Imagine Childhood on their blog!
SouleMama: What's the product or offering that you're most excited about right now?
Sarah: What I’m most excited about now is our new holiday gift guide! When I was a kid my mother had a toy store and every year she would shut down for a day or two in order to transform the entire shop into a magical wonderland. There were real Christmas trees and stockings. Santa’s boots could be seen sneaking up the chimney... and the scent of cinnamon and pine was in the air. It was warm, enchanting and beautiful. Yet, even though I loved being inside, my favorite parts of the holiday decorations were the windows. Each evening at five, when we shut the doors for the night (often I would come to the shop after school and stay until we closed), we’d drive past the front of the store on our way home and stop to look at the glowing windows. There in the twilight they transformed into magical portals full of twinkling lights and dancing teddy bears. I would stare at them for those few moments and imagine the adventures that would happen in the night while we were away, how the toys would come to life and what they might do. The windows would give just enough information to stir my curiosity, but not so much as to limit my imagination. Anything could happen in the hours before the sun came up again.
This year we’ve designed our holiday gift guide around the same idea. It’s full of “windows”, or vignettes, of our favorite product groupings that will hopefully stir a few imaginations to dream of adventures the way those store windows did for me so many years ago.
SouleMama: How do you keep yourself motivated and avoid burnout?
Sarah: To keep motivated and avoid burnout I usually have a few different projects going on at any given point that are all very different from one another. Right now I’ve been playing a lot of music and working on the final stages our book (which I’m really excited about... due out next year with Roost Books!), so every once in a while during the day I stop what I’m doing and pick up the guitar for a few minutes, or do a little writing/editing. By the time I come back to my regular work I feel refreshed, having switched gears for a while. Also, I can’t say enough about the benefits of a walk outside. Even just ten minutes of fresh air can change my perspective for the better.
SouleMama: Is there a special place that inspires you?
Sarah: For the past couple of months I’ve been living in a cabin in the woods, a pit-stop on the way to a new home. I’ve always loved being in nature, but I’ve never had the fortune to live right in the middle of it for any long stretch of time before this. Near the cabin where I’m staying, there is a hill that I like to walk to in the morning before the sun has come up completely. It’s not a far trek, but just long enough to get my blood moving, to feel the cold morning air in my lungs. I’m not sure whether it’s the way the light moves at that time of day or whether it’s just my brain slowly waking up, but the landscape always seems to come in and out of focus, drifting from the soft shapes of morning to the crisp lines of the day and back again. As I walk to the top, the landscape slowly becomes clear, to the point where I can see every crack and crag of the distant mountains. Lately this space has been a source of inspiration, a place where my unfocused thoughts and ideas can find clarity and definition, right along with the landscape.
SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?
Sarah: In this moment it’s ~
“between the wish and the thing, the world lies waiting”
~ Cormac McCarthy
For today's giveaway, Imagine Childhood is generously offering the following to ONE winner:
~ a $100 gift certificate to Imagine Childhood!
In addition, Imagine Childhood is offering SouleMama readers 10% off all orders placed between now and December 8, 2011. The offer also includes free shipping over $100. Use code "soulemama" at checkout.
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Thank you to Imagine Childhood!
To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner(s), chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.
Comments closed!
The winner is...
oh man, what a blessing this would be!
Posted by: Sara
{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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Friends, December first is upon us! It's time to get our craft on!
Just like Adelaide, I've been gathering, and collecting and piling up all my 'ingredients' to play with. A little bit of 'new' fabric has come in to join the fabric shelves (not for long), and inspire some making...
I have no plan (but lots of ideas) of what I shall make with these two treats, but I just couldn't resist them. On the left, from Lotta Jansdotter's new line (little flourine) and on the right, laundry day by Heather Ross.
There's also this sweet bundle staring at me from my studio table, calling out to be made into something for all those little nieces and nephews I need to make for. It's "Meet the Gang" from Marisa, of Creative Thursday. It is such a treat to see a friends' art come to life on fabric!
Harper got a bit of it for his birthday last week, in the form of yes - another bucket - for his growing collection of trucks and tractors. Hmn...surely those buckets would be handy for any little one, yes?
And here we have, fresh this morning from the laundry (my favorite kind of laundry) a sweet stash from Anna Maria Horner's lovely Lou Lou Thi collection. It's begging to be made into something for my sisters...and their kitchens! Yes, yes.
And lastly, as demonstrated by my studio helpers, a little bit of flannel - more Anna Maria goodness (found here). I'm determined to make Solstice Jammies this year. Though, goodness, that's five pair now, right? I best get moving.
Let the fun of holiday making commence!
Greetings! I'm Amanda Blake Soule - mother of five, author of four books on family creativity, editor & owner of Taproot Magazine. I live with my family in an old farmhouse in Western Maine where we raise animals, grow vegetables and make lots of things. I write about it all here on the blog. Thank you for visiting!
