SouleMama

{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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this week in my garden :: May 30

Last week, in the garden. (May 20)

This morning, in the garden.

This week in my garden...

While it seems to the eye as though not a lot has changed, I know there is so much growth and activity happening, mostly underground. An abundance of rain has fallen in the past days, clearing just today really for what looks like a long, hot stretch to come. On the rainy days, with each calendar day going by, and my fingers itching to get everything in the ground, we got out there anywhere. Whenever it was just a drizzle, one of us or seven of us were making progress in the garden, in little pockets of time. 

After being recommended by so many people, Grow More Vegetables has moved itself to the top of my bookshelf, and I find myself with each page running back out to the garden to tweak something, or to make note of what I might do differently next year. Particularly, I am loving the companion planting tips that Jeavon's shares. Last year, borage was so helpful with my tomatoes in deterring hornworms (while
Adelaide might enjoy picking off hornworms for her chickens, I am not a fan). When planting them yesterday (the tomatoes are in!), I interspersed basil and calendula too, alongside the borage. 

With the tomatoes and peppers done, nearly everything is in that should be right now! But despite all of my careful measuring and planning, I ran out of space and find myself with a lot of winter squash, but not a single pumpkin. I'm hopeful that another garden bed can be created today. Halloween pumpkins are a must! (Even if, at this point, they might not be ready until Thanksgiving!)

Now that most of the spring planting is over, our time out there is being spent thinning, mulching, taming the weeds, and battling with the burdock (I know, it is a wonderful plant....but not when it gets greedy and doesn't let anything else grow in the garden). And none of this work would be possible, of course, without the help of all the little hands. My garden shed has turned into quite the play house and favorite spot to be. Shovels and buckets, rain guages and dibblers, and garden gloves really do make wonderful toys. Add in some rain barrels full of water with a faucet you can turn on and off yourself? Golden. It makes for a very happy garden assistant. And a very forgiving Mama when the bean seeds are taken off the shelf, opened and counted on the floor over and over again (one...two....seven. one...two....seven.)

Good, good times in the garden this week. And more ahead!

(If you're keeping garden notes and photographs and want to share it with the rest of us, do leave a comment with a link so that we may visit!)

A Year of Popcorn: The Brimfield Special

I have a vague memory of a "Birth List" being given to us at the birthing center where Calvin was born twelve years ago now. Knowing what I know now, I'm certain it included "food for you during and after labor, and food for your birth team". But somehow we missed that part of the list. Twenty four years old, without a single other friend with a baby, let alone one not birthing in the hospital...I was just doing everything I could to wade my way into the waters of motherhood with what I hoped, and what I had. Arriving at the birth center that January morning in active labor - a few weeks earlier than I expected - I had the diaper bag packed, cloth diapers that I had no idea what to do with washed and ready to go, the car seat ready (though not at all installed properly, oh that's a funny Papa story we like to tell), and even the sling (that I had no idea how to wear) ready to go. We were blessed with a beautiful birth, an easy one, really ... save for the many hours of pushing I did that left me exhausted (and that in retrospect, I decided completely unnecessary). That, combined with the sudden, but wonderful thrust into parenthood, and oh my. After we were tucked into bed, and had settled down for a moment, my dear midwife gently asked where I had put our labor food. Labor food? I had none. I don't even think I brought a water bottle. She smiled sweetly, a little worried about us, I do believe, and wandered off to raid the staff refrigerator. 

She returned with an english muffin smothered in butter (it was a small staff, and a correspondingly small fridge). And well, you know how this goes - I suddenly realized I was STARVING like I had never been in my life. And that was the most delicious english muffin I had ever had. I ate it so quickly, she had another right behind it, and then another. It was a small local bakery that made those english muffins, and only available at one out-of-the way natural foods store. But nonetheless, I became one of their biggest customers for the years that followed until the sad (sad!) day they went out of business. Were they really that amazing, those english muffins? They were very good. But the appreciation I had for them the very first time I tasted one carried into each muffin for years to come. It's true.

And that story only sort of relates to this popcorn today. A little bit, anyway. Because comparing birthing your first child to a day of antique shopping might be a bit of a stretch. Okay, a lot of a stretch. But surely you get the idea - you know that feeling I'm talking about. 

And so it was, just a few weeks ago, that I made my way down to Brimfield. It was touch-and-go towards the end there, I was unsure I was going to go at all - to finish the work I needed to do to leave for a day, to arrange the travel, and on and on. Once I decided to go, I had great intentions of packing a lovely homemade lunch and travel food too. But at the end, getting out the door was the best I could do, and I did just that, practically empty-handed save for the all-important cash. An early (early!) morning start ensued with friends...followed by a whole lot of walking and shopping. After stretching it just as long as we possibly could, and right before the moment where someone was going to fall over, we returned to the truck for a tailgate lunch (thank goodness for friends who had it more together than I that day), and we feasted. And that, my friends, is the where I had this popcorn, prepared by Stacy. Popcorn made in a way I hadn't done before, popcorn that was so delicious that I stopped just short of sticking my entire face in the bag and devouring it all. Just short of that, I stopped.

I asked my popcorn-making friend, what's the magic in this miraculous popcorn that I can't stop eating? To which she sweetly smiled, and said "Old Bay Seasoning and nutritional yeast".

As simple as that. Popcorn with some spice. An english muffin with butter. Sometimes the simple things are just exactly what's needed.

The Brimfield Special

(With thanks to the friends - and midwives - who share their recipes and their food)
I wanted to make my own seasoning - adding in the fresh spices we love, sourcing it all as organically as I can, and tweaking the seasoning just right to our liking. (We're fans of the offerings of Gryffon Ridge Spice Merchants.) You're welcome, of course, to skip all of that and just go right to the Old Bay Seasoning. 

The Makings:

For the popcorn - 

I cup popcorn

5 Tablespoons of your preferred oil (canola, grapeseed, safflower)
(Popcorn and oil ratios are sized for an 8 qt stock pot, adjust as needed for the size you have - the oil should coat the bottom of the pan.) 

2 Tablespoons of nutritional yeast

6 Tablespoons butter, melted

For the seasoning - 

1 Tablespoon celery seed

1 Tablespoon coarse sea salt

1 Tablespoon black peppercorns

4 bay leaves

6 whole cardamom pods

5 whole cloves

1 teaspoon smoky paprika 

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

The Method:

Prepare your spices, by combining them and grinding in a spice grinder or food processor (photographed in a mortar and pestle because it's prettier that way, yes?). Set aside. 

Add the oil to your pot, on high. Give it just a minute to warm up, and add the popcorn. Put the lid on and leave it alone (we've talked about this before). When the popping slows, and there is more than two seconds between pops, turn off the heat. Place popcorn immediately in a large bowl. Pour the butter on, stirring to mix thoroughly. Add the nutritional yeast, and half of the spices you prepared. Give it another stir. Store the remaining spice mix in a lidded glass jar until next time.

2013, in popcorn:

January: Cheesy Herb Popcorn

February: Breakfast Popcorn

March: Maple Popcorn

April: Oops! (I promise I'll make it up to you before the year's out!)

her lilac jacket

You'll have to be patient with this Mama today for flooding you with all these photographs of my baby girl. Honestly, I couldn't stop myself from including a single one of them in this post. She is such a sweet pea, this girl of mine. And these photos, well, they capture for me all that she is right now.  I could see her in this sweater just the second I chose the yarn and cast on for it, and pictured that during the knitting. I do love when a project comes together that way - almost on its very own. Everything about this one suits her, I think. And she was happy for her jacket (I know, it's a sweater, but she calls it a jacket and so a jacket it shall be), and never minded that it arrived a week late for her birthday. Her very own watering was delivered to her little hands on her actual birthday, and I think that's all she really needed or wanted in all the world. Oh, she loves that 'can can' of hers, my garden helper.

I'm sorry - I'm losing focus again. Back to the sweater. It's Little Buds, a perfectly written pattern that made knitting it an easy joy all the way through.  And the yarn - oh, the luxurious (and a little indulgent!) yarn is Swans Island Merino in the vintage lilac colorway. (And her sandals, for those inquiring, are from Soft Star. In lilac, of course.)

The lilacs - her birth flower, and the color that I think of when I think of Annabel - are fast fading for this season. I try to imagine what she'll be like next time they come around, and it makes me smile. Blooming, blooming, this little one. Every day.

lilac season

Last week wrapped up the last of (most of) our classes and activities for this academic year. We homeschool, of course, and all year long, but there are so many outside the home places and times in which we learn, most especially falling within the traditional academic school year. And while summer for my kids - especially the oldest boys - has its own list of things to do and places to go, I am grateful that we're slipping into a bit of blissful summer scheduling now. We all are happy really, with the car sitting parked for longer stretches of time and days. And open hours for time in the woods, time in the garden, and time in the pasture. It's a big exhale into this fun and full time at home for us. Last week, we were busy rushing about to recital and homeschool co-op....and in a few weeks, we'll be driving the boys off to thier summer adventures and dance classes once again. But right now, this rainy May week we've had at home, has found us lingering in quiet family time together. Games and bedroom rearranges, guitar and knitting practice, kitchen dance parties and stories by the fire. I keep my eyes open wide, so as not to miss all of this. I try to pay attention, so as to remember. 

We've just said goodbye to the lily of the valley - my grandmother's favorite that's become one of mine too. I read a book about cottage gardens recently that defined those gardens by a place to sit and ponder and the inclusion of flowers with a story (and while that may not be exactly what the author said, nor what you believe cottage gardens to be, I'm going to run with the idea for now because I really do like it).  Our lilacs are blooming right this very minute - outside my studio window, outside the bedroom window too - and in a vase in every single room of the house. There were five or six old lilacs planted when we first moved in, and I've put in just as many more in that time. They were blooming the week miss Annabel was born. I think I always loved them - the lilacs, or the lily of the valleys or whatever else was blooming - but as I've gotten older, I find I appreciate them so much more. How quickly their time passes becomes clearer each year, and with it, my noticing and savoring of them too. 

Today we have sunshine and nowhere to be but here and with each other. I'm holding on that.

Wishing you a Memorial Day with those you love, and a gentle start to your week. 

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Monaluna ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Monaluna. In Jennifer's words:

"Monaluna is an independent organic fabric company operating out of a 100-year-old farmhouse in Walnut Creek, California. All of our fabrics are GOTS-certified organic and tend toward the modern, graphic and whimsical. We’ve also recently added sewing patterns and kits!

Visit us on Facebook."

SouleMama: In your mind, what is that one thing which makes your business different?

Jennifer: One of the wonderful things about being such a small business is how intensely personal it is. My husband and I started Monaluna out of a real desire to bring more organic fabrics to the marketplace, and were thrilled to find a community of customers who were as excited about the product as we are. At this point, I wear all the different hats, and it allows me to have really strong and direct relationships with my vendors and my customers. We’ve grown a lot over the past year, and I just hired an assistant a couple of months ago, but as we grow we plan to continue the personal feel of our business.

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

Jennifer: We have a new collection coming out this week called Raaga, and I’m really excited about it. Most of our collections are great for kids things, but I’d had requests for fabric that is more appropriate for women’s clothing, so I designed this line to be a little more sophisticated. The colors are warm and rich, and the hand is light and drapey – perfect for blouses and summer tunics!

SouleMama: As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

Jennifer : I wanted to be something different every week: a painter, writer, cook, dancer, fashion designer… along with a number of other mostly creative professions. Recently I realized that I am able to practice many of those skills in my current work, and it’s a truly wonderful thing.

  SouleMama: What role does 'handmade' play in our society?

Jennifer : I think the role of “handmade” has evolved in a really wonderful way in recent years. I always loved to make things, but when I was a kid, actually wearing something that you (or, gasp, your grandmother) made definitely wasn’t cool. Some of that was probably just being a ten-year-old, but boy has that changed! “Handmade” has grown to signify quality, creativity and a desirable uniqueness. It shows that thought, heart and intentionality was put into making the item. I also think that as a society we’re identifying that the process of making can be as important and inspiring as the item itself.

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

~Winner #1: One fat quarter bundle from our new Raaga collection (out this week)!

or

~Winner #2: One fat quarter bundle from our upcoming Free Range collection (coming in late June)!

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In addition, Monaluna would like to offer SouleMama readers 10% off orders through 6/1/13. To receive the offer, please enter " 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 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.    Comments closed!  The winners are:

Lovely fabric. Their modern home fabric is my favorite.
Posted by: Sarah Jane

Such gorgeous spring colors......
Posted by: margot

Thank you,  Monaluna!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Golly Bard ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Golly Bard. In Holly's words:

"Golly Bard  is the nom de plume of artist, Holly Ward Bimba.  Her works on paper include prints and original watercolor paintings for the collector with a penchant for natural history and other curiosities. She also designs fabric, wallpaper and giftwrap for Spoonflower. Holly lives in Upperville, Virginia with her husband Chuck and dogs, Ladybird and Cowboy.

Visit Golly Bard's Drawing Room and to view custom fabric, wallpaper and giftwrap visit SpoonFlower."

SouleMama: What advice do you have for people wanting to be more creative?

Holly: Don't let the fear of the unknown or fear of failure get in your way. Ever. You have to start somewhere, so dive in. Set yourself up for success with an inviting work space and the best materials you can buy. Work as often as you can at your art or your craft whether a few minutes a day or an hour or two. You will see such a difference and make lots of progress if you work every day.

 SouleMama: What advice do you have for people wanting to try watercolor painting?

Holly: Contrary to what you may think, watercolor is fairly easy to work with and very easy to clean up. You simply have to have a little patience with this medium and I encourage everyone to try it! I have a watercolor 101 tutorial on my blog for anyone who is interested in getting started with the basics. Answers to questions about paper, paint, brushes and basic mark making can be found there.

SouleMama: What are you most excited about right now? What are you working on?

Holly: I've been very busy painting illustrations for a book about gardening in harmony with nature. I'm working on all of the flora and fauna you might expect to come across in the garden and it has been so much fun! I've learned quite a bit from the author and doing research for the pages. Naturally, spring and gardens have been on my mind so I just realeased six knot and parterre garden prints in my Etsy shop, which I'm really excited about too!

 

For today's giveaway, Golly Bard is generously offering the following gifts to TWO winners:

~ Winner #1: A set of three prints from my Topiary collection!

or

~ Winner #2: Two fat quarter samples on linen cotton canvas: twigs and scattered seeds
 

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In addition, Golly Bard would like to offer SouleMama readers 20% off in her Etsy shop through 5/31/13. To receive the offer, please enter " GARDENGROW " 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 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  Comments closed! The winners are:

beautiful...
Spinning Cloud

Oooh, that fabric is divine!
FroggyMama

Thank you,  Golly Bard!

{this moment}

. . . . . . . . . . 

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . . . .

WATER

We are so happy to launch Taproot Issue 6 :: WATER into the world this week! Just back from the printer, subscriber copies are making their way out the door and into your hands as I type. Newsstand copies are on their way too (a partial list of stockists can be found here, and we're also at most Whole Foods). And of course, we have single issues and subscriptions (starting with this very issue) available in the online shop too. 

You can see all kinds of peeks into this issue above. Good stuff in here, I tell you. I continue to be blown away by the art, photography, poetry and stories that come our way in our themes of food, farm, family and craft. Familiar faces and new contributors too. Stories that inspire, stories that connect us. It's a delight to pull them together for each issue. And a delight to dream up the extras too - like the set of agrarian postcards by Kimberly Peck exclusive for subscribers with this issue. And the artwork from these pages that we've released as signed giclee prints (seen above), as has become our tradition with each issue. And the Taproot Gathering at Squam that we're hard at work in preparing for. And oh, so many other surprises in store with Taproot in the months and years to come.

Check it all out, subscribe or renew on the Taproot website. And thank you, for your support of ad-free independent publishing! 

halfway to haircuts

Last week, we sheared Cinnamon and Charlotte, as Emily and Anne looked on with a mix of - I don't know what - horror? amusement?  Perhaps a little of both. From my place as a witness and sort-of helper, I'd call Steve's first forray into shearing a complete success. There was minimal bleeding and most of it was from him (oh gosh). Cinnamon and Charlotte both were just as patient as could be, and the jumping and prancing they did when all was said and done lead us to believe they rather love their new haircuts. 

The job, however, is only halfway done. Going slowly and carefully with each sheep, and all bent over like that (we're considering a stand for next time)...two a day seemed plenty for getting started. And then there was a recital flurry and birthday celebrations and now a stretch of heavy rain. Just as soon as it clears enough to get out there, we'll finish the job, and Emily and Anne will join the rest with their summertime haircut. 

And then...I've got some work to do! I've already been hogging the bathtub for the past few days, cleaning the two fleeces I do have - bringing disguist to my older boys, intrique to Banjo the cat who guards the fleece (hmn?), and interest to the little ones who don't mind skipping a bath or two in favor of some soft wool to touch in the bath instead. 

I made a quick set of drawstring bags from some old tablecloths for storing the raw fleeces. It's not a permanent storage solution (I know what you're thinking, wool moths!), but it'll do for right now. Next up comes the carding and spinning and oh, then the knitting! I'm really not sure what part of this whole process I love best of all. It's all pretty wonderful.

this week in my garden :: May 20

April 20, 2013

May 20, 2013

I've been thinking about just how much happens in the garden in a relatively short period of time. How much change takes place over the course of a growing season. How much more we learn every week. I thought it might be fun this year to share weekly garden notes and photographs. If you're doing something similar and want to share it with the rest of us, do leave a comment with a link to your own garden notes!

This week, in my garden...

...has been a busy one! With our average last frost date having just passed, it's all hands on deck to get the garden in. Most of my seeds and seedlings are in now. Peas, beans, beets, lettuce, chard and kale are coming up. The garlic we planted in the fall is coming up beautifully. Being in a more permanent garden spot than we ever have been before, it's so exciting to be placing perennials here and there along the edges, an asparagus patch in the back, and more rhubarb too. We've gone with wide, deep beds, with wood chips creating our semi-permanent pathways among them, just wide enough for a wheelbarrow or wagon to fit. We used every last shovel full of our mountain of wood chips (that served as a sliding hill all winter long, covered in snow), and still ran out. Thankfully, all the brush we're clearing in the pastures means we have piles and piles more to make - the chipper is rented for today and I expect another mountain by day's end. The most exciting garden development of the week might just be the arrival of the new bees. Two new packages were installed - it's so wonderful to hear and see them buzzing about and doing their work as I work on planting and weeding and mulching. This week in my garden, I am feeling grateful for their company, the long days of mild weather, and the surprising absence of black flies for the time of year. Add in a few extra sets of little but eager working hands, and I'm calling it a fine and full week in my garden.

annabel is two

Once a week, Annabel and I have most of a day all alone while everyone else adventures elsewhere. In the winter, they head to the slopes, and this time of year, to the pool. I treasure our day together and do everything in my power to free the time of any work or chores or other obligation. Instead, I follow her. For the sweet pea who is so often following everyone else, doing her best to keep up (rather impressively, I might add), and so often being told by someone older, bigger, louder what to do.....she doesn't hesitate for a moment when the time is her own. She has ideas, plenty of them, and the incredibly soft and sweet but most definitely clear voice with which to make them known. She's a chatty one, talking - and singing - more than any of my other babes did at this age. "let's go to lake Mama. Me walk myself Mama. Mama hold mine shoes. No hat pleeeeaaase." As we walk, she swings her arms enthusiastically and each step is placed so firmly on the ground that I can hear it. She knows precisely where she's going and how to get there. Alone, just the two of us, me following her, I see the prideful grin peeking out of the corner of her mouth as she tries to keep a straight face so as to be taken seriously in her role as the leader. Eventually, she can't hide it any longer and breaks out into a giggle. "Funny. My love you Mama." she says.

(Her dress is one I made for Adelaide's second birthday, and wrote about here.)

We did a little celebrating this weekend, as Annabel turns two today. Just a few of us - she isn't a fan of big crowds, but oh, she loves her big crowd of siblings, who dote upon her, love her up, and help her out whether she asks for it or not. It is inevitable that I worry once in a while about what she might be missing, being that we're spread in our parenting energies by the needs of five little ones. Unlike her oldest brother, she doesn't have years of time alone with us. She has one day a week, she has bedtimes, she has moments here and moments there. It is quite different. But I am reminded so often, at her little birthday party especially, of what more she has. Not just two parents, but in essence, six people looking out for her. So many people right nearby who will read to her, give her a lift, help her get something out of reach, and give a kiss when she falls down. She runs to each of us for comfort - everywhere she looks, there's love. And for that...well, for that...I'd say she's a blessed little one. Just as blessed as we are to love her, of course. Two years old. Oh my.

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Woolen Moss Farm & Studio ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Woolen Moss Farm & Studio. In Kate's words:

"My Etsy shop is dedicated to quality handmade clothing made from all natural, low impact dyed,  and organic materials. All designs reflect my ideals of wearing clothing that is both good for your body and good for your earth. Every body is beautiful and unique and should move freely beautifully through this world."

SouleMama: Tell us about a business you admire or use as a role model in the work you do?

Kate: I am so very inspired by the work of Natalie Chanin. She runs a company called Alabama Chanin (www.alabamachanin.com) which offers high end organic clothing made entirely by hand by local Alabaman women who used to work in the textile mills there, but have lost their jobs to oversees manufacturing. The clothing is out of my reach as far as purchasing goes as it may be for you too, but it is a great example of a business thriving even when the price reflects the true cost of hand making the entire garment. Also Natalie is investing in her community and bringing jobs to highly qualified people who have otherwise been outsourced. I don't intend to follow in Alabama Chanin's footsteps, but I am greatly inspired by her motivation and success.

 SouleMama: As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

Kate: When I was a child I wanted to be a nature photographer, a marine biologist, a bee keeper, an auto mechanic, a pilot, a horticulturist, a veterinarian, a fire fighter, a journalist, a baseball player, a social worker or an artist. I'm so very pleased to say I got to become an artist, but I'm also pleased to be able to pass on to my son the importance of dreaming!

SouleMama: What role does 'handmade' play in our society?

Kate: I feel that hand made is taking on a new importance. Communication has gone global, and so has manufacturing. Sometimes this means we can connect with people all over the world in positive life changing ways. But sometimes we find we have forgotten how to connect with our friends and neighbors and also how to take pride in the things we choose to own, that maybe came from so very far away. In this global market disposable fashion has allowed us to buy and toss on a whim. Handmade now bravely carries the burden of bringing the world closer together through communication and craft. And I think it's doing a fantastic job.

  SouleMama: What's your favorite thing you've ever made?

Kate: Well this is an easy one. My son. He is truly our greatest work. And watching him grow and change every day is proof that the simplistic and creative lifestyle my husband and I are committed to is producing something beautiful.

For today's giveaway, Woolen Moss Farm & Studio is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:

~ One 100% Organic Cotton Wrap Skirt in your choice of length and color!

The new skirts are made with beautiful woven Indian Cotton waist ties. Offered at three different lengths (mini, midi, and maxi) and 4 different colors, they are just what you'll want to live in this summer!

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In addition, Woolen Moss Farm & Studio would like to offer SouleMama readers 15% off orders through 6/30/13. To receive the offer, please enter " SOULE13 " 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 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  Comments closed! The winner is:

Those skirts look lovely!
Posted by: Brewer Thompson

Thank you,  Woolen Moss Farm & Studio!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Animal Art Print Shop ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor,  Animal Art Print Shop. In Julia's words:

"  Animal Art Print Shop offers colorful, vibrant, fun and unique art. A great alternative to unoriginal mass produced commercial art.  All prints and canvases are printed using low v.o.c ink. Each canvas print is of the highest quality, professionally stretched and gallery wrapped on 1.5" stretcher bars. All our art comes professionally shipped and ready to hang on your wall. A percentage of each sale is donated to the ASPCA."

SouleMama: How do you come up with new ideas?

Julia: When I read my children books, my mind will wander and I always find myself being inspired. The colors, shapes, and images in beautifully illustrated books always spark my imagination. Most of the time these are fleeting thoughts, but many times a collections of thoughts becomes a theme or a basis for a painting. Nature is one of my sources for color schemes, and when the subject, theme, and colors come together I start painting.  Most of my paintings have layers upon layers of these early ideas which I keep adding to until I achieve what I am trying to convey. The process can be frustrating at times, but like any challenge the outcome is gratifying and the layers end up adding texture which I can truly appreciate with the final product.

SouleMama: Tell us about your customers.

Julia: When I chose to stay home after my first child was born, I started an etsy account "Where the Wild Things Art," which is now Animal Art Print Shop. Initially it was a struggle to reconcile selling my art, when I had always just painted for enjoyment. Each painting is a part of me, and at the beginning, selling them made me feel exposed in some way. The opposite has happened since, where now I feel so much joy from the customers who have bought and enjoyed my work. I love communicating with parents who are using a painting to inspire their nursery decor, or someone who is looking for a special painting for a more personal gift for a birthday or special occasion. It really is an amazing feeling to be able to reach people even in a small positive way with a piece of art that hopefully they will treasure for a long time.

 

 

For today's giveaway, Animal Art Print Shop is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:

~ A 24x30 (2'x2.5') wrapped canvas of 'Dear Kateri'.  The image, pattern and colors in this painting are soothing to the soul.  The deer's innocent eyes remind me of how beautiful and peaceful animals are.  This painting was pure joy to paint and will make a statement anywhere.  It is beautifully reproduced to capture every single detail.  

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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 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!  The winner is:

Such a beautiful deer! Thanks for the chance to win. :)
Posted by: Carrie

Thank you, Animal Art Print Shop!

{a moment} in memory

Likely many of you know, but some of you may not have had the blessing of having come in contact with Kathreen Ricketson. A long-time leader in the online craft community, creator of the website Whip Up, the woman behind Action Pack magazine for families, and author of countless articles and a few books, including one in progress. She was an inspiration to so many in the craft world, a beautiful community builder, and a great supporter and cheerleader of artists and crafters. A friend, collaborator and mentor to many of us. More than all of that, a wonderful mother and true inspiration in mindful and creative family living.  While on a grand family adventure with their two children, Kathreen and her partner Rob died tragically this week. Rob and Kathreen put out so much inspiration and love into the world, positively touching so many lives along the way. I grieve their passing, while hoping that all of that good energy Rob and Kathreen shared with all of us, comes back now to surround those two children for the rest of their days. (A fund is currently being set up for Otilija and Orlando.)

Today, instead of {this moment}, I'd be so glad if we could all take {a moment}. A silent moment in thoughtful memory of Kathreen and Rob, sending a little love and light to their children. And after that, a moment spent with those we love, doing something we all enjoy together. A single, special extraordinary moment. A moment you'd want to pause, savor and remember. Save the moment in your heart and hold it close. 

found at brimfield

It's a funny thing, Brimfield buying and treasure hunting in general. Like in the larger scheme of life, I really do love to have a plan. Lists are fabulous - essential, I dare say. But just as essential is the ability to ditch the plan, ignore the list, and let go of any and all expectation when the time calls for that. Such was certainly the case this week in Brimfield when not a single thing on my 'wish list' was something I could find/love/buy/bring home. But regardless of that list, I didn't come home emtpy handed at all. Fun, light, and fun were the themes of the day's treasures...

These vintage hats caught my eye, thinking of how much appreciated it is when the dress up gets a bit of a new boost. Though I don't anticipate these being limited to 'dress up', if the clothing collections they put together today are any indication. 

My little miss found herself with a new chair yesterday morning when she woke up. Having outgrown the high chair, she was in a booster seat that was perfectly adequate but that honestly we didn't love. I've had it in the back of my mind to find one of these child's chairs and was so glad I did find one in Brimfield. She's glad too.

My girls got themselves some new vintage dresses from the very same dealer I bought some of Adelaide's favorite dresses from last year. And just like last year, the second I got to the car, I regretted not getting a few more. Less expensive than anything I could buy 'new', and oh so much nicer. So much beauty and detail in those old garments. Oh well, there's next year. When I also will surely pick up more headscarves, as that's the best place to get them. And serving spoons by the bucket full, yes, yes. All so useful and necessary. 

Garden decor, I worry, can be a slippery slope. A rusted galvanized tub here, an enamel pot there, an old window pane over there....and before you know it, there's more broken, old 'stuff' in the garden than growing things. I must confess that I am quite in love with all of those kinds of things individually, but do not trust myself enough to know when to stop. Ahem. Which is why I was ever so grateful to be with gardening friends with impeccable taste who told me I was okay in getting this enamel wash basin to put plants in. Phew! (I don't know if they would/should approve of the gnome in the background there. Hmn...)

These enamel pots might be my favorite treasures of the day. I do so love that color. And you know I love that yellow. And well, of course I love those goofy children.

Last, we have this lovely little set, brought home to be used for wine glasses. Or whiskey on the rocks. Whatever the day dictates, I'm sure they'll be just right.

And there you have it. There were no amazing deals or precious finds, no fine antiques that will be inherited by my children someday. Just simple little things that I find useful or beautiful, and that fit right into our home and our days. My favorite kind of treasure.

at brimfield

Late, late, late last night as I happily and finally crashed into my own bed, I closed my eyes and saw rows upon rows of wooden rolling pins and spools and linens, abruptly interrupted at every corner by another mid-century modern chair. What a day at Brimfield! It would be impossible to take it all in (someday, I'm going to make it a two-day trip, I really am), but we certainly soaked up the sights and sounds (and smells?) from where we did roam. From beautiful to gaudy, hopeful to sad, inspiring to quirky - each thing having a story to tell....and so many people around, interested in that story on the buying or the selling end. It's a fascinating place to visit, and a lovely day with friends amongst all the treasures.

Tomorrow I'll share my finds. I think today is calling for a quiet walk in the woods!

brimfield bound

{Some new-to-me linens, courtesy of my mother-in-law, drying on the line.}

By the time this note publishes live to you, I hope I will be a few states south, long-since parked, and deep into exploring the goodness that is Brimfield Antique Show! (My trip in photos, last year.) I go, truly, for the eye candy. To stroll through the aisles of all those old and precious things, displayed in creative fun and interesting ways. For all the characters one meets at such a place. For the company of friends at my side, giggling at the silly sights, and haggling for me when I really need it (because really, I just can't do it). I go for a day alone! Oh so many good reasons to go to Brimfield, and the smallest of those, really, is what I come home with. This year in particular I am being quite mindful of how much I bring home...and where it will live....and what it will do for us. Scrolling back through the treasures of last years trip, I am so glad to see that every single thing I brought home is used by us nearly each day. The clothes rack, the napkin rings, the ironing board, the pillowcases on my bed right now, the vintage dresses my girl loves to wear (and cover in farm dirt). I am hopeful for the same results this year. Small things, useful treasures, everyday beauties. Nothing more, nothing less. 

On my wish list? A new napkin ring for Ezra, serving spoons, more handkercheifs (there are never enough), a little something special for my baby girl's birthday this weekend, maybe a funky light fixture for my living room and well, we'll just see what happens.

...to Brimfield!

feeding the sheep

My big girl has taken to doing the chores all by herself of late. Feeding the chicks and the chickens, the pigs and the sheep twice a day. A five gallon bucket of water is a little bit too heavy for her (for now), so she makes the trip, bucket halfway full, twice as many times as the adults have to make it. Back and forth for each animal, from barn to faucet to grain/hay bins and back again. Happy, content, and so very much in her element. The evening chores are usually done around about the time I'm making dinner, and I watch her out the kitchen window as I do so. She was so happy that I came along this night, and I was so glad to be there with her. She always saves the sheep for last. And lingers there....just a little while or longer. 

SouleMama Sponsor ~ The Mother’s Wisdom Deck ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, The Mother’s Wisdom Deck. In Niki's words:

"The Mother's Wisdom Deck is a beautiful, nuanced kit featuring a full-color guidebook plus a deck of 52 cards illuminating universal symbols of empowered motherhood. The cards can either reveal a message (like Tarot) or simply meet mothers with inspiration and wisdom wherever they are on their journey - losing it or loving it. On this path, and in this deck, everything is included: the piercing moments of surrender, wonder, and infinite gratitude. This is the perfect Mother's Day gift for you or a soul sister!"

"The blog extends our vision for the deck and opens up the conversation to other mothers. And please like and share our Mothering with Soul facebook page–we frequently deliver up some delicious morsels of mama inspiration there."

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

Niki: The path of motherhood led us to the creation of The Mother’s Wisdom Deck. For me, after having spent eight years in India immersed in a world where spiritual life was omnipresent, I wanted to feel motherhood was very much included on the path of enlightenment. I was interested in articulating the way motherhood was similar to a rather relentless mindfulness practice. We envisioned The Mother’s Wisdom Deck to help mothers dive into their inner knowing, a superpower that can guide us through our days with clarity, grace, and humor.

SouleMama: How are your children incorporated into your business?

Niki: Our children sit at the heart of our business. This book is as much their present to us, as it is, in its way, our present to them. Without them we would never have tapped the places within us that are the source of our wisdom and our writing. Feeling somewhat without a map for mothering myself, I wanted to pay attention to the transformative process that mothering constantly asks of me. The deck became a way for us—and we hope others—to claim a moment of reflection. We craved a slow mothering movement, where we could savor all that was being served up, from the mundane to the magical.

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

Niki: We dream of mamas everywhere honoring the sacred, juicy, sweet spot of motherhood by pulling a card from our deck. When they are feeling stuck in a routine that seems small, we want them to see how huge it actually is. To discover the gift in all the moments that constitute mothering—to feel the presence of wonder even in the midst of crumbs and crankiness.

SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

Niki: Motherhood: The shortest and steepest path to enlightenment. —anonymous

 

For today's giveaway, The Mother’s Wisdom Deck  is generously offering the following gift to TWO winners:

~ A signed copy of The Mother’s Wisdom Deck and one of the following prints by Jenny Jostecki-Shaw: Tree of Life-Connection or Ocean-Source.

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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 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  Comments closed! The winners are:

Perfect for Mother's Day! Thank you.
Posted by: Jo

Wow! How amazing. I'm getting myself a deck...if I don't win;) Fingers crossed!
Posted by: Shannon

Thank you,  The Mother’s Wisdom Deck! 

{this moment}

. . . . . . . . . . 

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . . . .

feeding the chickens

Three times we went for this walk yesterday, my baby girl and I. The same walk, with the same conversations. The third time, I brought my camera. Confident, independent, smart, fabulously funny...I do love two year olds. And I loved my walk with her. All three times. 

sequins, cumberbunds and bowties

In the midst of the busy season of gardening and farming right now, we are in another busy season of rehearsals and performances and non-stop dancing. A ballet that hits the stage this weekend, followed by a week of recital time.  For the ballet productions throughout the year, the dance company stores and handles all of the costumes. But once-a-year recital costumes need to be lugged back and forth by the kids for picture day and dress rehearsals and multiple recitals. Each year as we do this, I've looked at the inexpensive, plastic garment bag we use that came 'free' with a tuxedo we bought Ezra and contemplated all of its faults. It could be shorter, it needs pockets on the inside, and goodness, it could certainly be a whole lot prettier.

I know. It's a garment bag. Something that we use maybe twice a year. I could just deal with it - certainly the boys aren't complaining about the ineffiecency of their recital costume garment bags. Ahem. But sometimes you just get a bee in your bonnet, you know? And each year, as I try to sort out which bow tie belongs in which bag and which white tights go with each sailor suit, I convince myself that a better organizational system would make the whole operation a great deal easier. (Aren't most problems solved with more shelving? I think so. Add bags and pockets to that list too.)

This week, before the kick off of a stretch of recital activity, I got to it. Using the old garment bag as a rough guide, I traced the pieces. Shortened the length of it all a bit and added a cotton lining with ample pockets on the inside for all the costume accessories. I used a laminate fabric (this one from Anna Maria Horner's Field Study line), and a heavy duty, extra long parka zipper. It took a little bit of brain stretching, this project - what with all the lining and pockets and laminate fabric to boot. It's a little funky to work with (I found Amy Butlers tips helpful), and so there's a little bit of wonkiness around the zipper in spots, not lying exactly as flat as I'd like it to. But overall, I'm pleased. Between the lining and the thickness of the laminate fabric, it has a great weight that helps it hold things well - without static or cling or plastic on the inside. And oh, those pockets really do help keep everything straight.

I had intended to monogram each of the boys initials on the outside so they could easily distinguish whose is whose in the dressing room. A look of horror passed over their faces when I suggested this, and I was promptly and enthusiastically informed that they wouldn't carry them if that were to be the case. (You'll don tights and dance in front of two thousand people but you won't carry a garment bag with your initials on it?, I countered, with no luck changing their minds.) Well, then. So a simple piece of ribbon is tied to each zipper - gold for Ezra, brown for Calvin. Subtle (for two boys who are anything but).

They were gracious and thankful, these sweet boys of mine. But despite my walk-through of the bags and how to use the hangers and where everything goes in which pocket and how....at the end of their first use of them, everything was a jumbled mess, off the hangers and out of the pockets, down at the bottom of the bag. Oh well. I'm happy to be the one to keep their cummerbunds and bow ties, tights and shoes in just the proper place. I'll even go so far as to call myself lucky to do so. 

new around here

Goodness, I have so many introductions to make today! There's been a flurry of new arrivals this past week. Picking them up, getting their spaces ready, moving electric fencing, and playing them a little harmonica (but of course!) has all been the focus of our days.

(A head's up to those who would rather pass on today's post and not read about it...I am talking about animals we raise for meat here today. The last thing I would want to do is offend someone - I do try to make this place of mine on the internet feel comfortable for everyone who is here. But the reality is that this is what we are doing, and is a part of our life and our days on this farm...and that silence about it feels wrong too. I will try, as always, to share with thoughtfulness to all who are reading...but still speak our truth.)

Three little pigs! (That truck cap is our super classy, fancy-pants pig shelter, oh yes. But it works so well! And well, it is the perfect sitting spot for anyone who might be passing by and wants a little chat with these three pigs.) We've only raised pigs in pairs before, so this is our first time having three. How much harder can it be to add one more? (If you know the answer to that, don't tell us. Let us live in our naivete until we are chasing three of them at two hundred pounds each down the road or through the woods when they escape. Oh gosh. Now I'm nervous again.) We have found, after a few years at this, that one pig produces enough pork for our family of seven for about eight months. We've fallen into a nice rhythm of sharing the second pig with family and friends who are in search of humanely-raised, organically fed, pasture pork, but not in the position to raise their own. And so, this time, we make the leap to three in hopes of being able to say 'yes' to more who ask.

Having adjusted to their arrival, and been trained to the wire, these three are settling in quite nicely - doing their work of rooting overgrown pasture, and eating and growing and being sung to by little ones who take great pleasure in hanging out with the pigs. 

 

And then, the Freedom Rangers arrived! Thirty-five fuzzy, yellow, tiny baby chicks, oh my! We switched to this heritage breed last year and were so pleased with the process and the results (over our experience with cornish cross the year prior). Last year, we raised sixty, which felt a little overwhelming when it came to processing them at once. So this year we'll raise two batches of thirty-five, staggered by about a month. (With some loss, and some sharing with friends, seventy seems to be the right number for a year for us.) They'll spend another week or so - just until it gets warmer - in the brooder, then move into the portable (Salatin-style) pen where they'll stay, rotating through the pasture for the next few months.

And last, we have a few new laying birds! Yes, yes...we did just add some, but I am sorry to say that while everyone else is healthy and strong and growing (so big, they are!), not a one of the buffs survived the first 48 hours. Most hatcheries have a guarantee on the first few days survival. And well, a credit to the hatchery is just too tempting. Adelaide and I used the opportunity to add another breed we've been admiring in the catalog - Dominiques. Not known exactly for their excellent egg productivity much to Papa's chagrin, but Adelaide and I think that 'prettiness' counts for a lot in the barnyard too. 

Phew. So much going on around here these days! The new bees are coming very soon, turkeys to follow, and then we begin the search for Mr. Right Ram for our ladies. The farm is more active, full and alive than it's ever been on our watch. It is a good, full and satisfying feeling, the work of trying to raise some of our own food. After three years of raising - and butchering - some of our own livestock, I struggle to find the accurate words to describe how it feels. Grounding is all that I can come up with, but it falls short. I feel closer than I've ever felt in all my life to the Earth, and feel a deeper connection to animals than I've ever known. Humbled, most definitely. And absolutely connected to all of that, the food we raise, the food we eat has become so much more meaningful - not precious nor perfect - just...right. For us, anyway...and that's all I can ask for.

all in a day

My people are so good to me. Many weeks ago now, we were looking at the calendar and realized that on Mother's Day, I'd be standing in the wings of the theater - helping with props, and watching my boys. And when not backstage that day, I'll be in the car, shuttling those dancing boys to and fro. Not only that, but it appears as though this will be the case for every Mother's Day for potentially a great many years, as their ballet company has the theater reserved for that weekend for years to come. Now, a day in the wings watching my boys dance is a delightful way to spend a day, but it does mean I miss out on the other three (and Papa!), and all the other good things we could be doing. And that's when my peeps decided to change the date of our Mother's Day. I'm telling you, they're good to me.

So yesterday was my Mother's Day. My requests, when pressed for them by my little ones in the weeks preceding, was that we all be together for the day. That we work in the garden as a family, and that we go for a walk in the woods after dinner. That they let me take a long-overdue family photograph. Requests, I would imagine, that sound familiar to any Mama. Simple things.

At the end of the day, exhausted and satisfied as we feel after most long everydays, I realized that not one of those requests actually happened. Papa worked so hard all day the garden for and with me, with little ones trickling in and out at our side for help, of the not always so helpful kind. The older crew complained and bickered and resisted. Our family walk in the woods after dinner was cancelled because an early nap for baby girl meant that she was crumbling by dinner time and ready for bed, with her next oldest brother right behind her. And the photograph? I couldn't remember where I put the tripod last and didn't have the energy to dive into a closet search for it. Plus the thought of trying to contain seven wriggly people within any kind of parameters for more than ten seconds with only a prime lens to boot? It suddenly became not that important to me.

But, sitting there at the end of the day all exhausted and satisfied as we were, I was overwhelmed with what I did get on Mother's Day. I slept in (as much as my body would let me anyway....will I ever be able to truly sleep in again?). I had my favorite breakfast prepared and delivered lovingly by so many hands (fried egg with braised kale, beets, onions and garlic over toast with goat cheese - yum). I was completely and thoroughly showered in handmade cards by all with the art and poetry and declarations of mama love that I will treasure always. I watched my baby girl climb on up into the wagon, make herself a little nest of pillows and blankets, and just fall asleep on her own - naked in the sunshine next to me in the garden. I planted purple potatoes (blue adirondacks) with my giggling Purple Working Man, who thought it was the most fabulous thing ever. I sat in the sheep pasture with my favorite shepherdess...and just sat and talked and played with those sheep in the sunshine. I had a most interesting and insightful conversation with Ez as we gathered the rocks and built a small border around my new magnolia tree (or Granola Tree, as we all call it now thanks to Harper). And later at night, my lanky, strong, growing oldest boy climbed into the big bed with me as I read Harper to sleep...and once his little brother fell asleep, we stayed there together talking about things great and small.

All day, there was sunshine and laughter, bare feet and hands in the dirt, and an impromptu after dinner show with a cast of five characters that make us laugh, cry, grow, and love more and more every single day. Mother's Day or not, they are all incredibly full. So much happens in the course of a family day, yes? 

I am so grateful. This was a very good one.

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Stubby Pencil Studio ~

Today, we 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.

Follow us on facebook."

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Kate : In the Spring of 2006, my twins turned two and 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 other families.

SouleMama: How do you come up with new products?

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 several terrific books to learn to draw and wonderful coloring books filled with plants, brids and animals. I love books that inspire children to draw and color. It's so much fun to peek inside and see the wonderful illustrations that they create.

  

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

~ Nature coloring collection: set of 5 coloring books, crayons, colored pencils and a sharpener

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In addition, Stubby Pencil Studio  would like to offer SouleMama readers 15% off orders through 5/31/13. To receive the offer, please enter "  MAMASAVE15 " at checkout.

                                              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!  The winner is...

What a lovely giveaway! Thank you!
Posted by: verane

Thank you,  Stubby Pencil Studio! 

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Barn Owl Primitives ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Barn Owl Primitives. In Kristi's words:

"Welcome to the Barn. Home of hand painted Family Rules and Typography Word Art ~ signs to decorate your life!

Follow us on facebook • twitter • pinterest • instagram"

SouleMama: What's your favorite thing you've ever made?

Kristi : I have sold signs to some pretty amazing people. My We Can Do Hard Things sign is hanging in the Etsy Corporate Office in New York City and in the MTV Office in London. When I received an order for my Playroom Rules sign from Brené Brown, I screamed out loud and almost fell off the couch. But by far the orders that I am most proud of are from people you’ve never heard of. The daughter who purchased a sign for her dad’s 70th birthday with all the sayings he’s been repeating to her for the last 46 years. The mother who allowed me to see and paint the special and private poem that she repeats to her autistic son each night before he goes to sleep. The grandmother who ordered my Strength of My Love sign for her granddaughter, who spent almost a year in the NICU before finally coming home. My friend who lost her 12-year-old son to an unthinkable accident during a flood. These are just a few of the accomplishments that I am the most proud of and the ones that make what I do so rewarding and worthwhile.

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

Kristi: If I could spend a day with anyone, hands down it would be Lisa Leonard. I've had the opportunity to work with Lisa over the last several years. And while I consider her a friend, we've never had the opportunity to meet in real life. Lisa is like a breath of fresh air. She is sincere, loving, original and inspiring. She has faced many challenges and continues to seek the good and embrace the imperfections that make her who she is. She is a beautiful person inside and out and I know that when our paths cross in real life it will be like seeing an old friend.

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

Kristi: I get most of my ideas for my work through every day life. I analyze everything and often look for things that I can spin into signs. I'm always looking at motivational quotes and love weaving ideas together to create unique pieces of art. I do my best work at night after my house has gone to sleep. My mind is free to create and wonder and dream. In those quiet moments, I can escape reality and get lost in the paint and the letters and the designs. When I started, I used to fire up the power tools at night too. I'm fairly certain my neighbors all rejoiced when I made the adjustment and now only turn them on while the sun is smiling down on my driveway! 

SouleMama: Where is your work available for purchase?

Kristi: My hand-painted, original works of art are sold exclusively through my Etsy shop. You can find licensed reproductions of several of my designs on canvas and paper in retail locations around the US, to include but not limited to; Target, HomeGoods, TJMaxx, Marshalls, Hobby Lobby, Bed Bath & Beyond and Cost Plus World Market.

  

For today's giveaway, Barn Owl Primitives is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:

~ $100 gift certificate to our Etsy shop

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In addition, Barn Owl Primitives would like to offer SouleMama readers 15% off your purchase through May 6th. To receive the offer, please enter "  soule15 " at checkout.

                                              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  Comments closed!  The winner is:

So many I want. So many I love.
Posted by: deeapaulitan

Thank you, Barn Owl Primitives!

{this moment}

. . . . . . . . . . 

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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in and around the garden shed

I've heard that once upon a time not so long before we moved to this farm, there were llamas in here, this roughly 3/4 acre pasture. When we arrived, we made it a home for the chickens, and most recently two pigs overwintered here, rooting and turning up the soil as they so beautifully do. In the fall, we cleared the last trees that were blocking sunshine here, and gave the shed a new roof. Now, this spring, I'm ready to settle on into it as our long-term garden space. With the back section fenced off for livestock use as needed, I'm left with a rather large 100' x 70' space to work and plan and dream (and grow, oh my!). This spring, while we're working to get this season's garden in, we're also doing a bit of planning and a lot of work that will hopefully last for years to come. Some perennials are beginning to be tucked into corners here and there, an asparagus patch has been planted and rhubarb too, we're making permanent paths among the ones that will move each year, and have marked out the spot for a little greenhouse - all things that feel like settling in, in such a wonderful way.

I've been moving most of my gardening tools from the main barn to the garden shed here - so handy it is to have it all close by, and organized, and well, mine (though there is no one to blame but myself now when my garden gloves go missing again for use as a magician's gear or a knight's accessory, ahem). And goodness, I do love having a 'space' to play with. Even a simple, humble rustic shed that once housed fourty chickens. I'll take it. And I'll dream for a minute about another year sometime in the future when I can put windows on each side, and paint it, and make cute curtains that open out onto the stonework little table and chairs that I can someday sit and sip my tea at right beside the fiber dye garden that will be there too. Well, I dream all that anyway, as I tuck the dried hydrangeas in a bottle on the shelf, tack a poster to the walls, and feel grateful for a place to store the garden spade, and to keep my favorite gardening books handy and out of the elements.

For now is not quite the time for any of that prettying up, but for the good work of getting this years garden in. Which is just what we're doing, a little bit each day. The peas went in this week, with a new fort-like trellis plan - one for each of the kids, though Annabel loves to run from one to the other. It makes us all giggle so much that I can't imagine anyone would mind if she hung out in theirs for a while. 

May 1

Hello, May! 

And Welcome, to the newest Sponsors here at SouleMama. I'm so pleased to introduce them to you this morning...
 

Felt On The Fly 

wool felt, handwork and kits

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threadfollower

stitching and handcraft kits

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Butterbean

healthy sunscreen for little sprouts

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Check out their handmade, natural, and creative offerings - and those of our other Sponsors - in the days and weeks to come. I thank them and you both for your presence and support here. And if Sponsorship is something you're interested in for your own business, do be in touch.