SouleMama

celebrate

On Friday night, I ventured South just a bit to join my friends John and Stacy from flora*bliss and Broadturn Farm as they instructed me at their kitchen table on the fine art of making boutonnieres. I made one to every dozen of theirs (ahem) and then we and our pretty trays of flowers journeyed to Portland City Hall. There we gave them out to the celebrating folks, as at midnight on that night equal marriage was at long last recognized in the State of Maine. From 10pm to 2am we stood there with hundreds of other happy and shivering Mainers as some were married, some got licences, those married in other states became official, and many just plain celebrated. I always cry at weddings, but goodness there were a lot of happy tears that night. I was happy and excited to be there at this historic and celebratory moment, but not quite expecting the amount of hope, love and joy that I carried home from the night. I'm holding onto that feeling just as long as I can. All we need is love. It's true.

And now, today, another reason to celebrate! Bidding one year adieu and ushering in another. We'll have a house full today as we celebrate friendship, family and all that the new year brings - fresh starts, making plans, and dreaming new dreams.  This week we've been baking and cleaning, and working hard to test just the right cocktails to serve tonight (very hard work, you see). I'm hopeful that I have all my party cooking and cleaning ducks in a row so that after this quick hello to you here this morning, I can join Calvin in blazing a new ski trail in the woods for our friends to enjoy later. The snowfall of late has been simply marvelous - there will be snowshoeing, sledding, and skiing for certain amidst a New Years Bonfire and simply being together. So much to be grateful for, so much to enjoy.

Wishing you and yours a most magical of celebrations as well, however and wherever you may be doing so! Cheers!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ SouLodge ~

Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, SouLodge. In Pixie's words:

 "SouLodge serves as a safe shelter for women to do their sacred soulwork in. Working respectfully with multi-cultural indigenous concepts, craftwork, and shamanic journeywork, we gather to collect power-restoring tools, while reaching compassionately into the past with forgiveness and generational healing. We circle up to spread seeds of love, growth, humor, and health as awakened lightbringers, and to remember how to walk our walks on the sacred Earth.

Visit my blog ~ Pixie Campbell."

SouleMama: Tell us about your background. what path led you to the work you do today?

Pixie: I was blessed to be nurtured and taught by a powerful group of elder medicine women before I began my family, when I lived in a national forest for seven years, and continued to circle with them monthly after my babes were born. What I love about SouLodge is that it gives me the opportunity to hold a gentle space to meet women right where they're at in their lives, while cultivating a community that is grounded in non-judgement, responsibility for one's own lessons, and love of the Earth and her creatures. Many people say that participating in SouLodge is like coming "home".

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

Pixie: I keep myself motivated by being very clear about what motivates me. Because I see in women a tremendous power to bring about much-needed healing in the world, and it is apparent everywhere I look, I do what I can with what I've got to honor those gifts in all of us. I trust my body and try to make it a priority to rest when I need rest, and fill up when I recognize that I'm nearing empty. Having a practice of filling up on what brings me energy ensures I can give to those around me. Connecting deeply with nature, and the vital medicine found in it, is superfood for my soul.

SouleMama: Tell us about your customers.

Pixie: The women of SouLodge infuse me with an incredible faith in the world. They are truly beacons who take seriously the innate light that they carry as individuals and collectively. They care deeply. Women who treat themselves as sacred heal far more than just themselves.

SouleMama: How does the balance of family and work play out for you? if applicable, how has motherhood/fatherhood affected the work you do?

Pixie: My children have informed so much of the work I do in the arts and in the soul work realm. We work hard to fill up our baskets with all of things we love, and help one another get their true needs met so that we can come to our relationships full and energized. Reserving energy for my family/work balance finds me walking a fine line. I find that the more I can integrate my family into what I do, and vice versa, the easier I can flow between the two without feeling like I have to "change hats" or be someone else for each of them. I've discovered that being me wherever I am is the easiest and most graceful thing I can do for everyone involved. I've had to learn to trust that I can do that on this adventuresome path of motherhood.

 

For today's giveaway, SouLodge is generously offering the following gift to THREE winners:  

~ Membership to Annual SouLodge, twelve monthly teachings from nature to your inbox

including: guided meditations, animal/seasonal medicine, journal prompts, journey guidance, music downloads and podcasts. Monthly messages from the animals and natural world are  symbolic and thought-provoking ways to honor the seasons and our own life cycles.

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In addition, SouLodge would like to offer SouleMama readers Pixie's Medicine Animals & Totems e-Guide as a free download when they register for 2013 Annual SouLodge. 

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00am EST on Monday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!  The winners are:

What a wonderful opportunity to continue on this path of beauty.
Posted by: rosie

soulodge sounds wonderful. in an alternate life, i would have chosen to live with elder women for a period of seven years before becoming a mother. :)
Posted by: cheryl liz

What a great give-away for the coming year!
Posted by: Heather White

Thank you, SouLodge!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Little Spruce Organics ~

Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Little Spruce Organics. In Bethany's words:

 "Little Spruce Organics offers a unique selection of organic baby apparel, organic cloth diapering products, breastfeeding apparel, and natural wooden & organic cotton toys. We specialize in wool for babies and are committed to carrying only apparel & cloth diapering products that are made from organic and natural fibers.

On our blog we provide information on the benefits of natural fibers, instructional articles on
cloth diapering and using wool cloth diaper covers, as well as a glimpse into our family life. We
invite you to visit our Facebook page as well!"

SouleMama: What inspires you?

Bethany: The enormously challenging and satisfying task that is motherhood is my biggest inspiration for what I do. Being a mother is not only what inspired this business, but it is the driving force behind the overall philosophy of my store. The products I choose to carry in my store are all a result of my experience as a mother and my strong desire not only to select the most nurturing, natural products for my own children, but to spark the same passion in other mothers who are committed to providing their children with a childhood that is as close to nature as possible. 

SouleMama: Tell us what you envision and dream for the future of your business.

Bethany: I envision a place where parents can come to find children’s apparel that soothes and nurtures the senses and also discover the beauty and simplicity of toys that inspire creative, imaginative play that can so easily be overlooked in our modern world. Our product selection grows right along with our children as we observe them discovering new ways to explore the world.

SouleMama: Tell us about your customers.

Bethany : Our customers are strong, like-minded individuals who value quality over quantity when it comes to selecting clothing and toys for the children in their lives. Through our products, our customers discover the benefits of choosing high quality items and a more simple lifestyle; for example, choosing one or two items made from pure, organic wool for the winter and reducing your child’s toy box to several heirloom quality wooden toys or organic cotton dolls that will be cherished and passed down for generations.
 

SouleMama: What's the product or offering that you are most excited about in your shop/class
right now? Tell us about it.

Bethany: We have just introduced a new line of organic wool and cotton winter hats for babies, children, and women. These hats are made in Germany and are just beautiful! They are cozy and warm too, of course. We are thrilled to have them in our store just in time for the holidays and chilly weather!

  

For today's giveaway, Little Spruce Organics is generously offering the following gifts to TWO winners:  

~ Winner #1: one organic wool women's winter hat

~ Winner #2: one organic wool fleece baby hat

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In addition, Little Spruce Organics would like to offer SouleMama readers 15% off your total purchase through January 31st.  Free shipping is available for all domestic orders of $75 or more. To receive the discount, please be sure to enter the code "soule15"  at checkout.

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are...

This would be a lovely gift for my Christmas Eve baby, though her being here is more than gift enough on it's own.
Posted by: allison-lee

Beautiful hats! Thank you for the chance!
Posted by: adriane

Thank you, Little Spruce Organics!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ NOW YOU Workshops ~

Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, NOW YOU Workshops. In the words of the creators Meredith Winn and Kristin Zecchinelli:

 "NOW YOU Workshops focuses on turning the camera lens inward as we explore the everyday beauty of self portraits. The global NOW YOU community is a soft place to land at the end of a long day. It’s a place where photography and women can meet in the middle of 7 different continents. 

 Take a moment to view this gallery of images which provides a glimpse into the beauty born from our NOW YOU eCourses. This is the power of photography when you point the camera at yourself."

SouleMama: Tell us about your background. what path led you to the work you do today?

Meredith: I am a freelance writer and photographer. Blending the beauty of creative art and creative nonfiction is my passion. My inspiration comes from living close to the earth, parenting mindfully, and exploring my sense of self with the life I have created. My photography is a reflection on art, nature, family, and womanhood. It is through self portraiture, by documenting the beauty and truth of human existence, that I reflect on my own humanity. I learn by doing. I am a self-taught photographer and I love teaching others what I know.

Kristin: I came to photography quite by accident when moving my small family to Maine a few years ago.  I began a blog where I documented our days to share with faraway friends and family. From this simple space grew a passion of exploring life through my lens. I realized by being behind the camera each day, I was missing from the images and events of our days. This was the catalyst which had me turn my lens inward to seek the proof of me in it all.

Beginning the self portraiture journey helped us discover the empowerment we find through photography. Now we often find ourselves reaching for a camera as a form of self care. Seeing to be seen. Seeing to reflect the beauty we feel inside.  We are all women, mothers, sisters, daughters, sharing this human experience. We all struggle, grieve, fear, celebrate, love, dream, hope and mourn. We have great joy and also great pain. We embrace all of these pieces of self.

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

NOW YOU: As mothers, women, and artists we are focused on documenting the everyday beauty of our lives, our homes, and our families. As photographers, we are good at seeing the beauty of the world around us. We discovered that women were missing from their family photos. We recognized this need for all women, and NOW YOU Workshops was born. Now is the time to honor ourselves by finding our place in it. What do we want to remember? What is our place in the chaos? What is our place in the joy?

SouleMama: What's the offering that you are most excited about in your shop/class right now?

NOW YOU : Right now we are very excited about our newest eCourse. 52 of YOU is a year long gathering of creative women. This eCourse was born out of desire, companionship, global community, and shared inspiration. This project is our third in a series of self portraiture classes provided online. By having a year long project to gather around, we can keep the focus on you with a less intense yet day to day journey.

SouleMama: Favorite inspiration/quote:

NOW YOU: As “Women are the primary resource of the planet. They give birth, we come from them. They are mothers, they are visionaries, they are the future. If we can figure out how to make women feel safe and honor women, it would be parallel or equal to honoring life itself.” - Eve Ensler

 

For today's giveaway, NOW YOU Workshops is generously offering the following gifts to ONE winner:  

~ one spot in our brand new eCourse, NOW YOU :: 52 of YOU.

This yearlong eCourse is not just for photographers, it's for all women. You’ll receive insightful prompts to guide you on your journey and inspiration to keep the focus on you through 52 weeks of selfportraits. This yearlong project is designed for those women already on the path of self exploration and those newly curious about self exploration.

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00am EST on Saturday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!   The winner is...

This course sounds like a fabulous way to start out 2013!! Thank you for the opportunity to have a chance at a spot in this course!!!
Posted by: Ann

Thank you, NOW YOU Workshops!

moment(s)

 

 {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.

*It's the holidays, go ahead a break the rules by sharing on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday...and share some words and an extra photo or ten! (I'll be running giveaways starting on Friday this weekend, but do continue to post in this thread if you'd like.)

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It's been a week full of so much goodness. From loud and boistrous celebratory fun with extended family to quieter moments of ritual and togetherness at home. It's bliss, really, all this extra special celebrating and magic on the canvas of the everyday struggle, mess and chaotic joy of seven people loving, learning, growing and living together in one space.

The snow has been falling for days, gently at first and now with gusto. After today's storm, I don't think we'll see the ground until spring. With a house fresh and tidy from the post-Christmas clean up, and new treats and toys for everyone to enjoy, today we'll hunker down and watch the snow fall. Knit, read, and maybe ski a little bit later...oh, these days, these moments, are good.

holiday wishes

 

Our Solstice celebration begins early tomorrow morning, with lots of Christmastime family gatherings in the days to follow.  There is snow on the ground, we are happy to say, that has already been skied upon, sled on, and built with by my little ones. Today, there is still much making and baking being done - I see  closed doors and hushed whispers and all manner of tape, string, paper, and scissors disappearing into the beautiful abyss of merry making land. I'm excited and ready to be fully present in all of that goodness. I'll be stepping away from this space here for a few days, and will see you back here in the middle of next week. 

Until then...I am wishing you a most magical holiday season as you go about the traditions dear to you, as you hold your loved ones close, and as you pause from time to time to soak it all in and appreciate the beauty of this season. 

With love and wishes for peace and much joy, from all of us to all of you.

~ The Soule Family

seven stockings hung

 

The stockings are hung! Not above the woodstove, for that would be quite the fire hazard (and where would I dry our wet mittens?), but on the staircase with care, where we walk by them many times a day, where little things are hidden in them by little hands, and where there is room enough for them all.

Annabel's - finished just last night - was made with a bit of cross stitched snowflakes (the patterns being from Modern Folk) on some Cashel Linen, stitched with Weeks Dye Works floss, all thanks to the Winterwoods Sampler which has me quite in love with that variegated floss. Keeping it simple after all those little stitches, I used some heavy red wool suiting I've had on hand, with some of Anna Maria's lovely Field Study in plum for the lining and hanging loop. And with that, my baby girl has her very own stocking. (A little more info on the making of Adelaide's, and Harper's. Steve, Calvin and Ezra's - which is hanging funny in all these photos, sorry - were all knit from Christmas Stockings: Holiday Treasures to Knit.)

When I made the first set of stockings - Steve and Calvin's - over a decade ago, I never imagined that the ones that followed would end up being so very different from one another (let alone imagining just how many stockings would follow!). There's some knitting, embroidery, cross stitch, vintage fabrics, quilt pieces, buttons from my grandmother...and on and on. Reflective, surely, of whatever craft I was most excited about that particular year. They're not even all facing the same way, for goodness sakes. But all is as it should be, and perhaps mirroring a bit, the abundance of activity, difference and style that exists together in this family of seven. They were most definitely all made with love, and what they represent - our family together and the holiday season we celebrate - fills me up with so much joy.

making & doing

{Writing our cards from Tiny Prints; blocking Odette; a stocking ready to go; Mama Cat in progress; a rather ambitious cousin pajama plan, in Anna Maria's Field Study; Taproot's new downloadable cards for last minute subscription giving; peppermint lip balm; and peppermint bark...of course.}

More details about all of those things on the flip side of this holiday week, once all has been completed, given received. But for now, there is still much making to be done. Some of these things might not make it to the finish line, and that's okay too. (In which case, is it totally not cool for me to gift my own magazine? Hmn. Okay...never mind.) In between the little bits of stitching, sewing, blocking, and baking are the most wonderful of interruptions right now from my littles, needing help with one thing or another as they do the very same merry making in their own hidden-away corners of the house. It may just be potholders and clay bowls and stuffed kitties that we're making, but it really does feel like magic, all this making. Perhaps my favorite kind of holiday magic. 

these days

As surely you are too, I've been feeling extra tender-hearted these past few days. Holding my people close, wanting to stay close to home, lighting candles, taking action and sending love. Though home was drawing us near, I'm grateful still that the weekend brought us literallly over the river and through the woods to be with family for a holiday celebration.

Looking around at the present faces, I realized just how much the cast of characters has changed from my own childhood years. The older ones among us are gone, my own generation is firmly in the middle-aged (oh my), with the age scale tipped so firmly into the ten-and-under category that sippy cups and bottles outnumber the mimosa glasses (yet again, I say, oh my!). On the way to the party I talked to my babes about the memories so firmly etched into the essense of the holidays for me as a child, feeling surprised and a little bit sad when they didn't remember the same ones. But then, the truth is, they were only a few years old, a few months old the last time that Meme and all the aunties were gathered around the piano singing carols in four part harmony with laughter and teasing at who belonged with which part. And still a babe in arms the last time that Grampie pulled out his prized homegrown and long-fermented pickles from the cellarway that only the bravest amongst us cousins dared to eat. And I myself was their age the last time that, alongside my cousins, we were paraded in front of the Christmas party to reenact the nativity scene, complete with tablecloths for costumes. Because not a one of us could resist the charm, grace and gentle pleading from my grandmother for us to do so. 

The details aren't exactly those these days, and we miss them, and especially those people, so. But oh, there was so much laughter and love all the same. And as one Aunt sat at the piano to play, we all gathered and did our best to sing. I watched as my little boy found his way to the soprano part with pride. And as his little sister and cousin danced 'round the room in their matching Christmas dresses and funny ruffle bummed tights that I know would have brought a twinkle to my grandmother's eye. A new tradition was born with the silliness of a fake snowball fight outside (with white socks, who knew it could be so much fun?). We fake-fought over rice krispie squares and fudge and caramel popcorn, as we always did and always will.

Driving home with a car full of excited children, it dawned on me again that my memories are not theirs. But this time, I was comforted anyway. They have their own special set of magicial memories they'll associate with the holidays, infused with a bit of the past, with room for new ones in the future, and quite fully present in the now. 

Right now, in these days, I hold onto all of this with great love and hope.

I wish you gentle days in this week to come.

in the light

In the wake of the tragedy in Connecticut yesterday, featuring giveaways - no matter how meaningful or wonderful they may be - feels unimportant here today. I'd like to sincerely thank this weekend's Sponsors - SouLodge and Little Spruce Organics - for so graciously and wholeheartedly deciding to pause with me here in this space in honor and remembrance.

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"Tragedy urges us to honor life by connecting even more deeply with each other- to locate our fiercest compassion, to do the soul-work required to endure unbearable grief in times of suffering. We can hold our families and communities close, share our vulnerable hearts, light the candles, sing the old songs, beat the drums, to raise the vibration of human consciousness and our potential for healing."
~ Pixie Campbell 

This morning, I want to keep our spaces sacred and fill them up with love. May those suffering pain, fear, sadness and anger be held in the light, and  may we all hope and strive for a little more compassion, love and peace in the days to come. 

Blessings and warmth to you and yours on this day,
Amanda

{this moment}

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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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needle(s) in hand(s)

My Winterwoods Sampler recently found home in a frame and a spot on the wall, just in time for a little holiday decorating to happen around it. I enjoyed that stitching so much, and I most especially love that my children see stories woven into the linen. Such a delight.

My mind has been wandering to what cross-stitch goodness I can begin come January. Browsing Embroidery Companion, Anna Maria's Needleworks Notebook and Sweet Stiches from the Heart, I've got all sorts of ideas. (Plus, there was that day I was "working" in the library last week when I squirrelled away in a corner with a stack of vintage needlework books. Um, bliss.)

 

But first...this season we're in, with all the making we're excited about doing for each other. Adelaide continues ahead with a pile of stitched linen rapidly stacking up beside her. She's currently at work on these little stichable ornament samplers from Charlotte Lyons. Sweet, sweet designs, and the lines are just right for her practicing stitches.

And I, with a right hand that still doesn't want to knit, have been happily distracted with a left hand that can cross stitch just fine. At some point, I'm going to have to cut myself off from adding just one more little snowflake and actually sew this stocking up so that I can hang it alongside the others. But that's still a whole week away before I need to fill it, which leaves so many moments open for just a little more stitching. 

calm & bright

Ah, third try is a charm. Democracy was alive and well in these here woods of ours yesterday. Consensus was reached and we all walked happily home with a tree (well two, actually, but that's a story for another post). I do love a good Charlie Brown, most especially when we can call it ours. Calm and bright. Yes.

making merry

Simple and special. I do hope you'll forgive me for being a bit of a broken record once again this time of year, but honestly there are so many broken records telling us something so completely different from that message, that I - and likely you too - could use a little reminding from time to time, and day to day. The reminder of how we want our precious family days to be spent, of the way we want our children to know the holidays, their childhoods. Of how we want to live, share, and love together. 

I haven't yet brought out the totes of holiday decorations from the barn. I've noticed each year that the day I do so gets later and later, and then even when I do, the number of things that comes out of them is less and less. Instead, In place of that, I find us making more simple and temporary things. Gathering what we can find close to home, and making do with what we have here to make 'something' from it all. Simple and natural little bits, with just a touch of sparkle. They get wrapped in burlap and hung on doorways, or tied in twine and taped to walls or just simply placed in bowls on a table. A little bit of the outside world brought in with us, as we begin to nestle in for the winter.

There have been a lot of searching walks for all of these things. For a tree, for red berries, for fir and spruce and all the little pieces that my babes have determined they'd like to use as their materials. They're short, these walks, sometimes they really are. And sometimes there is inevitable dischord in the space of seven people being together. But there are more moments of harmony if we are paying attention. Harper so carefully uses his hatchet on the downed birch trees he finds for a piece of bark. The older boys run ahead to scout out the best tree, but end up getting distracted in the fun of hiding on us and each other along the way. Adelaide carries the basket and fills it up with focus for a while, until there is a cat to follow or a track to notice or a boy to chase. Annabel goes from Papa's shoulders to Mama's hip to walking on the uneven trail with her growing steadier feet. And sometimes, there are few enough children talking to us or around us so that Steve and I manage a few words of dreams and plans and thought. Or silence, for that is a wondrous thing to share in the woods too.

There is so much simple and true beauty and love both around and among us on these little walks of ours, or in the moments we're all making clay ornaments, or dipping feathers in a bit of glitter, or making treats to say thank you to those we love. These moments I hold so dear. I find myself wanting to say to these growing older children of mine, emerging into the larger world as they are: "this, my loves, this is what it's all about. Not some silly headphones or gadget or 'thing' you may think or be told you need but will forget about in one months time or two years passing. The magic of the holiday, indeed of life, lies in these moments shared. These are the 'things' you will one day love most of all."
 

I keep this thought silently to myself, of course. And then invite them to join us on another walk. 

:: right now ::

Right now, I am....

:: seeing outside my window the snow that fell overnight.

:: watching Harper do his very best to build a snowperson, despite the freezing rain kind of snow that it is.

:: melting white chocolate on the stove and hearing Steve and Adelaide crush the peppermint candies for the peppermint bark in progress for this week's teacher gifts to give.

:: anticipating the extra little bits and edges that just aren't even enough to share with the teachers and will have to be eaten by us. Ahem.

:: lingering in that wonderfully good kind of tired after a late night out with dear girlfriends.

:: feeling grateful to musical friends who so generously and kindly share the stage with my little Ezra whenever they play in town. 

:: congratulating them on their Grammy nomination. So, so fabulous.

:: hearing, still, the sounds of that lovely concert blended with the sounds of boy sopranos in a beautiful church that we heard the next day, as my boys' seasonal stage hopping continued. 

:: remembering that there is just one week left of classes and one more concert to go before a long break and deep family exhale. 

:: looking oh so much forward to a whole lot of home time.

::  noticing that those are my boots on Calvin's feet in that top photograph. How can we have the same shoe size? Oh, time...

:: loving the cross stitch project in progress for my baby girl. Dreamy redwork.

:: hoping I might be able to gently ease back into knitting this week.

:: planning on heading to the woods with everyone just as soon as the rain lets up to find our tree. Sometimes reaching the consensus of seven requires a few tries (this would be walk number three).

:: keeping my pace and focus as steady and calm as I can in the moments and days to come, despite the feeling that the whole world is rushing around and by me this season. There's no reason to race. In fact, there's every reason not to.

:: finding joy in simple but beautiful little things in this very morning - like the secret spot where Angry (the not-so-angry-chicken) lays her eggs in the barn, searching for just the right holiday tree in the woods, and tiny tokens of gratitude for the people who inspire and teach us.

:: wishing you peace in your heart today and all week long.

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Stubby Pencil Studio ~

Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Stubby Pencil Studio. In Kate's words:

 "Stubby Pencil Studio is a small, family owned and operated boutique offering natural art materials and products that inspire creativity. We stock a unique collection of products that we love for our own children and think you will, too. Find eco-friendly school supplies, craft kits, stationery, classic toys and games, books, party favors and more."

"Visit us on facebook."

SouleMama: How long have you been in business? 

Kate: Since Spring 2006, when my twins turned two. I looked for simple cards to send as thank you notes for gifts. Nothing seemed to fit, so I designed cards for the girls to color and I wrote the note inside - everyone loved them. Over time, we built the website, added more cards and stationery, art supplies, and other creative products. It's a great satisfaction to be able to source these items and make them available to families.

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

Kate: As my daughters grow, they become more and more interested in art and experimenting with new mediums. We try new things and if they love it, I add it to the store (if possible). We have discovered some terrific books to learn to draw animals and I am excited to add them to our collection. Something old, but newly "discovered" in our house, is shrinky dinks...remember those? The girls spent hours drawing, coloring, and shrinking - it was so much fun to experience this "magic" with my 8 year olds.

SouleMama: What's the product or offering that you are most excited about in your shop/class right now? Tell us about it.

Kate: Last summer, I designed personalized notecards for my daughter's teachers (as an end-of-the-year gift). The teachers LOVED them. In fact, they ordered sets for their own children's teachers. Since then, I have added these to the store and we're excited with the response. The cards make a unique and personal holiday gift for teachers and a set of 8 is only $10, so they are very affordable.

For today's giveaway, Stubby Pencil Studio is generously offering the following gifts to ONE winner:  

~ Holiday Goody Bag from Stubby Pencil Studio

includes: Crayon Rocks Holiday Set, Rainbow Softdough Tub, E-color-gy Washable Markers, Push-up Crayons, Color 'n Kids Frosty Friends cards, Recycled Cedar Pencils, Colored Pencils Tube, Oil Pastels, Mini Blank Books, Double Sharpener, Wooden Penguin Toy, Clown Whistle, Wooden Top, Wooden Paddle Ball Game, Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops, and Re-usable Penguin Bag

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In addition, Stubby Pencil Studio would like to offer SouleMama readers 20% off your total purchase through December 15th. To receive the discount, please be sure to enter the code "MAMASAVE20" at checkout.

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00am EST on Monday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!  The winner is...

Wow, I would just LOVE to see what's in that goody bag. We love Stubby Pencil Studio!
Posted by: MamaSongbird

Thank you, Stubby Pencil Studio!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Satch & Sol ~

 

Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Satch & Sol. In Susan's words:

 "For the love of family and earth, Satch & Sol partners with fair trade artisan cooperatives in Mongolia and strives to be eco-friendly through product selection and business practices.  We celebrate the artist for the unique quality each brings to the collection.  The handmade felted wool collection is steeped in several thousand years of tradition and the Mongolian passion for color."

"Visit us on facebook for additional information and savings."

SouleMama: How long have you been in business? 

Susan: Mom-owned and operated in Seattle, Washington since August 2008.

SouleMama: Tell us what you envision and dream for the future of your business.

Susan: Satch & Sol is a small family business that grows a bit each year. Every time we work with the Mongolian artists to create new designs and build the Satch & Sol collection, we positively effect the lives of the artists, their families, and their communities. I hope to continue growing our artist base to make a bigger impact.

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business? 

Susan : My father-in-law was working on a long-term project in Mongolia when my oldest son was born.  He and my mother-in-law sent beautiful felted wool slippers for Solomon. I was so impressed by the craftsmanship. Solomon wore the slippers often as a toddler. And, then Satchel (17 months younger) wore them, too. I decided to find the artist so that I could order more slippers for gifts. After months of searching, i finally had my first phone call with an interpreter and the artist. The artist's story of entrepreneurship, struggle, and fair trade was inspirational. I knew instantly that I wanted to launch a business to support the artists of Mongolia.

 SouleMama: Tell us about your customers.

Susan: In October 2008, SouleMama posted information about the Satch & Sol collection. I'd only been online for about a month!  Many of the people who purchased that week continue to purchase. I literally recognize customers names and feel wonderful that they have returned. I enjoy hearing from customers and appreciate feedback of all kinds. Satch & Sol offers both retail and wholesale, as well as group buying rates for organizations, for example Waldorf schools.

 

For today's giveaway, Satch & Sol is generously offering the following gifts to TWO winners:  

~  1st winner:  One pair of children's slippers (sizes 3 baby/EU 18  - 3 youth/EU 34) from the available Satch & Sol slipper collection  

~  2nd winner:  5 felted wool hairbands  

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In addition, Satch & Sol would like to offer SouleMama readers 12% off your total purchase from www.satchsol.com through 12-12-12. To receive the discount, please be sure to enter the code "save12" at checkout.

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!  The winners are...

1st winner - slippers
I love the slippers!
Posted by: teresa c.

2nd winner - hairbands
So so beautiful!
Posted by: Jenny Wood

Thank you, Satch & Sol!

{this moment}

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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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changing corners

Sometimes, in this silly twisty old farmhouse that we love, the only way to move things from one room to another requires that we move it out and then back in another way. Most especially a ninety inch long sofa. Yes, the sofa, my infamous and much loved sofa. It's been sitting in the barn since we moved here, waiting for my someday-it-will-come (and it will) studio above the barn, which is where it was always intended to be, even before we found it. Missing her as I was, it's only natural that she found her way back in with the most recent little corner transformation.

(A glimpse of how it was before - this little corner shortly after we moved in.)

It isn't so much that what was here wasn't working anymore, but more that I wanted to bring some change in. As we approach the winter season of inside play, there's nothing I find more encouraging of play and creativity than mixing things up a little bit - just seeing the same things in a different light, a different place, that can draw us in closer than we would have looking at it the same way any longer. In recent months I've watched and encouraged as each little piece formerly in this spot found their way somewhere else where even more play happened - the farmhouse, the dollhouse. And as I watch the dress up play explode right now in its goodness, it was clear that it could certainly take up all the space I could give it in this little nook. A place to pause, a nook to escape little fingers when playing chess, and a comfortable spot where the next costume can be fully laid out and planned.

I've tried so many ways of organizing dress up gear over the years, and have found that the best way for us is an open trunk for the bigger things with baskets or bags for smaller pieces like hats, gloves, scarves and shoes. With some found branches as a hooks, we added this new rail to the wall for organizing all of those small bits while making it easy still to clean up for little ones. 

So far, it's a hit. I'm finding two older boys hiding out up here a lot, each on an end of the sofa with a book, or a chess game in between them. I'm finding big and little ones alike digging in for just the right hat for the Mouse King. And I'm finding myself there in the morning sun in the quiet of the house, stitching for just a quick moment before anyone wakes, before the work of the day begins - a little bit of a pause. Ah, fresh corners feel so good.

december sun

I'm quietly lingering this morning in the sunshine streaming down upon us, the art that surrounds us everywhere we look for it, and the love that flows when we gather.

Wishing you all of that today too, friends. 

:: right now ::

Right now, I am...

:: drinking hot tea to warm up from the chilly morning.

:: hearing a blend of Tchaikovsky from the library, Johnny Cash from the kitchen, and Beth Orton in my studio. (Oh my.)

:: nursing a small knitting injury in hopes that it will heal quickly so I can get back at it. (It's December!)

:: reminding myself about all the other handwork I love that uses other muscles. 

:: thinking it's very funny that I even have a knitting injury. Who says knitting isn't a sport? 

:: doing my best to quiet the noise of my active inbox, with deals and sales and prompts to buy, buy, buy.

:: keeping the focus this time of year on simple and special. Simple & special. 

:: loving the tiny bit of merry making we've begun around the house.

:: wanting to find our tree today.

:: plotting the making of Annabel's holiday stocking. I think cross stitch.

:: feeling incredibly grateful (and pleased with myself) that I got the annual holiday card photo yesterday in three minutes flat with nary a tear or pinch or tongue sticking out....and a whole lot of fun was had to boot.

:: preparing a room for company tonight. I love (grown up) sleepovers.

:: looking forward to a walk in the woods with a friend later today, dreaming and collaborating together.

:: pulling roasted tomatoes from the freezer for dinner tonight. A tiny bit of summer feels nice. 

:: looking forward to seeing and hearing our friends make music this weekend (Elizabeth Mitchell and family at One Longfellow Square, for you local Portland, Maine folks).

:: enjoying sharing December once again with the amazing women of habit, and all of the 2012 contributors.

:: hoping for grace, patience and an open heart in the 'everyday' day that lies ahead.

:: wishing the very same for you. 

season's end

I'm an awfully proud Mama. So proud, that any more words I say right here, right now about my little guys would be far too gushy and silly for public consumption. I should just stop. But I dare say, my sweet Calvin rocked the role of sassy little brother Fritz to the endearing Clara, and the Cavalry just wouldn't have battled the mice the same without my little Ez (wink, wink).

With the last curtain drop yesterday, the 2012 Nutcracker season is behind us! It has become such a central part of our holiday season, I can't quite imagine the inevitable day years from now when our autumn is not full of the sound of Tchaikovsky and thoughts of Balanchine; when our Thanksgiving is not interrupted by dress rehersals and opening nights; when I am not in that room full of boys we've come to know and love watching them go from wrestling and basketball to chess and cards and tights and makeup. For now, for these years, that's how it is, and I am so pleased to watch the joy, excitement, growth and progress that comes each year.

It goes without saying that a part of me is grateful to not get in the car today. And grateful to be home. Though all the bittersweet waxing goodbyes I'm doing to the Nutracker season are really for naught. For our library has been transformed in recent weeks into a stage, our dress up trunk raided for every appropriate costume possible, and both reluctant and eager little siblings have been recruited for as many roles as they can handle - or are willing to put up with. A full house of two thousand or a full house of two parents, the show goes on....and on and on. Shows at 11am and 2pm today.  

'Tis the Nutcracker season.

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Elves and Angels ~

Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Elves and Angels. In their words:

 "Elves and Angels is dedicated to creating for children, beautiful hand crafted, heirloom quality toys. Handmade in Maine, our toys, are timeless creations of Natural wood, that inspire imagination and creativity, and give hours and years of enjoyment for you and your family. Made to last, Elves and Angels has withstood the test of time."

"Visit us on facebook "

SouleMama: Tell us about your background. What path led you to the work you do today?

Elves and Angels: David Smalley, a 4th generation cabinet maker, began Elves and Angels back in 1988. All my life I'd been surrounded by wood and woodworkers. When the building trade slacked off back in the 80's, it was only natural, that I'd do something with wood. My wife and I had made toys for our children for years, so toy making and woodworking just naturally grew out of a need to support my family. 

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Elves and Angels: We have been in business for 24 years, although David and Susan Smalley have been creating beautiful toys for their own family for 40 years.

SouleMama: How are your children incorporated into your business?

Elves and Angels: Our Children have always been a part of Elves and Angels. From a very young age all of our children have worked in our family business at one time or another, from sanding handles for Kitchens, to running saws, packing and shipping, or modeling for our early catalogs. Elves and Angels was created for children and inspired by children. It is a family business in the truest sense of the word. 

 

For today's giveaway, Elves and Angels  is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:  

~ jenny's kitchen ($169)
or
~ fairy tale castle ($165)

"We are very excited these two new products. We have worked for a few years on Jenny's Kitchen, and the Fairy Tale Castle. Our goal was to produce some new products, high quality with an endearing design and affordable price. We feel this has been accomplished in these two products."

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 9:00am EST on Monday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!  The winner is...

Alright, I hardly ever comment on giveaways, but that castle is just so, so wonderful. I think now that we have a boy in the house, that is exactly the sort of thing that we should have! Right?
Posted by: Annie

Thank you, Elves and Angels!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Imagine Childhood ~

Today, I bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Imagine Childhood. In Sarah's 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."

"Visit our blog ~ Imagine Childhood"

SouleMama: What's the product or offering that you are most excited about in your shop right now?

Sarah: That’s a hard one because we have so many wonderful new things to share this holiday season, but I would have to say the two that I am most excited about right now are the launch of my first book and our new Holiday Gift Guide for the shop!

SouleMama: Is there a special place that inspires you?

Sarah: About twelve years ago I was living in a tiny town in Italy.  Situated in the side of a hill, each era of its history was visible in the layers of its stone walls.  Near the edge of town there was a small Etruscan trail that my husband and I used to walk every day.  It wasn’t particularly long, but if you followed it to the end you would arrive at the top of the hill overlooking the valley below.  As soon as we finished our trek each evening we would sit down on the rocks and start to dream about the future. . . the life we wanted to live. . . the things we wanted to do. . . the places we’d like to see.  I loved that space more than words can begin to tell.  But, as life and busy schedules would have it, while I’ve often daydreamed about making a trip back, I haven’t been able to return in over a decade. . . that is until I found it’s twin in my new neighborhood.  Just a few blocks from my front door there is a tiny piece of open space in the hillside with a small dirt trail that cuts through the middle of it.  Although the landscape is considerably more modern, somehow the evening light and the shapes of the cascading hills take me back to that spot in Italy.  Right now this is the space that inspires me the most, because when I go there, I get to time travel. I get to be a kid dreaming about the future, about how much more there is to see and explore.  

SouleMama: If you could spend a day with any crafter/artist who would it be and why?

Sarah:  If I could spend some time with an artist today I think I would like to go on a walk with Gabriel Orozco. His work and his studio practice remind me not to underestimate the power of “very simple gestures and actions” and also, that when you can’t think your way to an answer, sometimes you can walk your way to one. 

 SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

Sarah: Today it's “When nothing is sure, everything is possible”  ~ Margaret Drabble

For today's giveaway, Imagine Childhood is generously offering the following gifts to ONE winner:  

~ $100 gift certificate 
& 
a copy of our book IMAGINE CHILDHOOD: Exploring the World Through Nature, Imagination and Play!

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In addition, Imagine Childhood would like to offer SouleMama readers 10% off your total purchase today through December 6th. As well as free shipping for all orders over $100. To receive the discount, please be sure to enter the code "soulemama" at checkout.

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8:00am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!  The winner is...

How beautiful and generous, thank you for this!
Posted by: Tracey

Thank you, Imagine Childhood!

1 december

 

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Hello, December! And a warm Welcome (and Welcome back!) to the newest Sponsors to join us here at SouleMama.

Nest ~ heirloom quality toys, crafts, books and natural clothing based in Canada

Now You Workshops ~ self-portrait ecourses by Meredith Winn and Kristin Zecchinelli

Rhythm of the Home ~ Winter edition live now

          

I thank them - and you - for supporting this space as you do! It is such a treat and an honor to play matchmaker between the creative makers, thinkers, and dreamers that sell their wares and you - creative makers, thinkers and dreamers that you are. I encourage you to check out the offerings of our Sponsors in the days and weeks to come. (And if you are interested in 2013 Sponsorship for your own business/shop/art, please be in touch.) 

With gratitude, I move into December. 
Cheers! 

~ Amanda

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