February Ten

Oh, February. How you can give me the funk. But alas, there really is far too much to be joyful about to be February-funked-out for too long. This time of year, I find myself a little more mindful - a little more attentive to the things that bring me joy. They're extra-appreciated amidst the cold and the snow, and the sometimes dreary days. And so today, I bring you my February Ten - ten little joys that are making me smile this  week. Feel free to play along if you wish - in the comments, on your blog, on paper, in your head. It feels good.

1. the bursts of color that radiate from the kids' drawing table

2. a new (but more expensive - dang!) chocolate love

3. a battle of epic and now-comic proportions with Banjo over his admittance into my studio

4. the big toothless gap in my seven year olds' mouth

5. the sudden and beautiful appearance of arms, legs, and faces in my baby girls' drawings

6. a manuscript that's molding into just the right shape at just the right time

7. how in just the right light, the snow looks like a crisp and cozy down comforter - kinda

8. the sound of my honey's guitar and the ripple of delight that follows it through the house

9. the deliberate and determined sounding out of words by my newest reader

10. the sun - gracing us with its presence longer and longer each day

Wishing you many, many little February joys and a lovely weekend!

Comments

[Katie]

How funny that I posted such a similar photo recently! The snow around here looks amazing after that crazy weather day.

Happy Friday!

[jen]

Wow, lovely post and yes, the need to find happiness in the little things this time of year is required. Happy weekend to you!

[Kristin]

Great mid-February post! I am loving the ripples left in the snow from that horrible rain the other day! Oh, and Vosges chocolate? Oh my...I hope you have tried the one with gray salt and smoked almonds...my favorite chocolate bar EVER!

[carole davis]

hey Amanda...
after regretting having sold my breadmachine i can focus on the ten lovely things in week as well .a good time to think about these small wonders... that are so simple...
like welcoming my 14 years old daughter from one week skiing with friends in Courchevel France.. that is my no one on my list.the excitement of having her back...
happy week end to you as well.

[maria]

We made your bread last night and it was delicious, smelled wonderful as it baked.

[Maire]

Just eating a slice of your bread, yum. love the snow and the sun and all the pics really.

[whatchabuildin, Heather]

Beautiful post on meaningful things in the everyday life. Thanks! Happy weekend!

[SOULEMAMA]

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Oh, yeah!! Thanks for letting me know! I'm so happy to hear that the recipe worked well for you two! I was worried about the differences in machines, flour, etc.

So let me add to my list above, #11. WHO bread being eaten everywhere today! ;)

Oh, and I never quite gave the proper pronounciation - it should be Whooooooo Bread. You know, like an owl. Hee.

--amanda

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[kat]

Oh yes, the devilishly good Vosges chocolate. . . I just discovered another flavor combination from them recently, which I gave to my dear husband last night - deep milk chocolate, salt, and applewood bacon!!! I know it sounds strange (and I apologize to any vegetarians reading this who might be retching in their seats), but if you like bacon - which husband does indeed- it's actually quite delicious.

And I love Adelaide's drawings. My son, Charlie is only a few weeks older than she and has just started making shapes that actually look like the rocket ships he keeps describing. It's very exciting indeed!

[kat]

ps -

I would imagine that you are already aware of these chocolates, but another brand that I find truly delicious is Lake Champlain. They are also expensive, but more in line with Green and Black's versus Vosges. If you're unfamiliar with them, give them a try!

[TD wool design]

can't help but smile! thanks, as we approach the finish line of a busy, weather crazed february week:) super weekend to all!

[Jessica Keith]

I love your idea of the Feb. ten. What on earth makes it such a funky month I wonder? Whatever it is, it seems to be global. I love how Adelaide and Grant are on the same path at the same time. I was just showing off some of his drawings that included hair, legs, and "skin" (many little lines under the face). Thanks for reminding me to look at the happy things today.

[julia]

what a wonderful idea amanda. it's so true that i am appreciating every little joy a bit more than i might, say, in the summer. right now, i'd say my top three might be (1) the sun shining through our kitchen window, (2) the sound of my honey finishing the dishes from our delicious valentine's dinner last night, and (3) the upcoming 3-day weekend for both of us. have a lovely day!

[maya]

I really should do this. I really need a reminder today of how sweet life is.

Thanks for this post.

[julie]

What beautiful joys... have a lovely weekend too!

[QALBALLAH]

Chocolate *better* than G&B?? Really??

And yes for some reason the February Funk hasn't surfaced for me this year (yet!) - let's hope that spring springs soon and winter doesn't last til April like last year!

And ahhhh a tooooth? He's big now. Aw. Do you "do" anything to mark this shift in growth/mental energy/spiritual awakening?

feel free to ignore me. Seven is a big age for us.

[Danette]

In a bit of a Feb. funk myself. I think it's due to lack of vitamin D and life getting a little monotonous. Once again you've inspired me to break it up by finding some positive things. Thanks for shedding some light on the Feb blues.

[inge]

SUN!!!!
I am so relieved that there are more soul(e)s with the february blues!

[jen j-m]

ha! i just finished blogging and came over to read yours - we are in the same funky funk. i guess record snowfall and slushy ice puddles up to a person's calf, etc will do it to a girl. you are so much better at finding the good things though - i need to try and do that, too. :)

[Beth]

Amanda~
Did you receive the two packages I sent yet?
Those should help your February Funk a little! *Ü*
Blessings,
Beth

[camerashymomma]

wonderful. i'm glad you take the reins this way during february. it's an internal month for me as well. i love your list of ten. what beautiful artwork by little A! and that snow shot, well... that's just what childhood is made of. have a great weekend!

[Paige]

I fully intend to play along in my head (at work, ugh!) this weekend. Thanks!

[shari]

a lovely list amanda. hope you have a great weekend.

[Mandi]

Great list! I am sitting here wishing I had a bread machine to make some Whoooo! bread.

[Emily]

Thank you for reminding us in the snow states that there really is a lot to be grateful for. This winter has been my most difficult and "bluest" ever. I'm going to make my list today and post it on the wall.

[Nicole]

Beautiful pictures! I love the simple drawing holder in your playroom - is it just clip nailed onto a board? I've been looking for a good idea for our playroom. Thanks for the inspiration!

[Grace]

My girl lost her 6th tooth yesterday, and I have to say that those gaps in her green are one of my favorite things, too. Great list. I love February anyway, because, well really, it's an amazing time of the year. And, well, my birthday (birthday! birthday! birthday!) is in just 10 days. And I'll be 30! And I'm excited about it!

[Grace]

I meant gaps in her grin, of course. ;)

[beki]

Happy Friday Amanda!

[KievMama]

Love A's drawings! I'll be posting some of Velma's drawings on my blog soon. She has a little ritual going since my birthday (drawings on my nightstand, looks of surprise from me, plenty of thank-yous and hugs -- I'll post about it).

Yes, February does drag on, doesn't it. I find it hardest at the fruit & veggie market.

[brandie]

such a nice list. and oh yes, it is time too look for the good out there in the slush. i keep saying, "I want it to be summer!" and Rob keeps reminding me i still have 3 more months. Wahh!

[Taryn]

I'm always a little disappointed when others say that February is such a dreary month. I don't understand. It's my favorite month! All in this one month is my and my SO's anniversary, my birthday, valentine's day, my step mom's birthday, my mom's birthday and my little sister's birthday! It's a whole month of celebration for me and it's the last month that I get to wear scarves and two pairs of socks (I like to dress cozy). This is the last month before it gets so hot here that I can't bare to go outside.

So February, I love you! Don't let anyone else get you down!

[earthchick]

I'm with ya on the Vosges chocolate - I LOVE the Barcelona bar. Serious YUM.

If you're looking for another tasty but less expesive chocolate, I recommend Trader Joe's organic dark chocolate truffles. WOW - for $2.99 (or is it $3.99?) you get a whole little box of them and they are amazingly good.

Thanks for the focus on what's good in your February. A nice reminder to look for small pleasures.

[SOULEMAMA]

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Nicole -
yes, it is clips on a board. It's actually a project in The Creative Family, so you'll find all the details there. ;)

earthchick -
Oh, what I wouldn't give for a local Trader Joes!

--amanda

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[aisling]

Beautiful, love the kids drawing table. What a nice thing to have, we use our dining room table for everything (school, art, eating sometimes ... ;)

[Carrie]

I have a very long list of things to be unfunked about- and reading your blog is one of those things!

[melissa s.]

I second the Vosges! Although I haven't been brave enough to try the bacon one, have you? I've heard it's good, but not sure if two big loves of my life really go together (bacon + chocolate)!

Have a great weekend!

[Shelly]

I have been reading your blog for months, now, never making a comment.( but so enjoying it) Today, I went to Art2Heart...I will be creating a picture with my daughter to to send. Thank you for this link....

[Sharyn (Torm)]

oh, I need to do this. This is the first day in probably a year that I didn't wake up and blog. I'm just, that, in a funk. I'll have to work on a list

[Joelle]

Ooh a lovely inspiring post Amanda. You make life a little richer, by reminding us of the joy of small things.

I blogged my February 10 here: http://www.fourgoodcorners.com/february-10/

[Ellie Waldron]

Dear Amanda,
I've been reading your blog for a while now, and I have to say, it is truly a highlight in my day. I find your images and words very inspiring - actually prompting me to start my own craft blog! :) I love to hear stories about things you do as a family as it reminds me of the way I was raised - with an abundance of projects, crafts and imagination. I too understand your February funk as I am here in southern Wisconsin where we have had enormous amounts of snow this winter! So, my bright spot today is your post giving me some smiles, and also, receiving Twinkle's Weekend Knits that you posted about a couple of days ago! :) Thanks for all of the inspiration and I continue to look forward to your posts.
Sincerely,
Ellie

[Kaye]

Wow...love the post! I hate February--it seems to me to be the most depressing time of the year. You gave me a few things to look around at and count my blessings. Thanks!

[rhonda jean from down to earth]

I would like to run through your snowy comforter. Here we are counting the days before Autumn starts. Only two weeks to go! I love your blog. Not 'just' for the wonderful photos and warm and cosy feelings it gives, but mainly for your writing. You do it so well. Thank you.

[Pam]

Amanda, Yes, I so agree with the sound and the sight of my youngest ones reading ... along with their delightful winter drawings!! It is a beautiful sound and sight, indeed. Thank you for your inspiration. I'm so glad you're enjoying as much as I am of each of our children's little moments. All of which may seem little, but are actually a huge step in their worlds.

[simplybysandi]

Hi Amanda,
I started reading your blog a year ago this month. The post from overhead of one of your sweet ones sitting on the couch with quilts. He was all snuggled down in them and I believe if memory serves the sunlight streaming in on him. It is because of you and your blog (especially the winter posts) that I no longer dislike wintertime. I have a three year old little guy and we have been having so much fun making paper snowflakes, baking homemade bagels, painting, still enjoying Christmas music and movies, reading all the winter themed books we have and can find, and just wishing for snow. I thank you for sharing with all of us out here in blog land. I think you truly are giving back to the world by sharing your loving spirit of family, crafting, and cooking with whoever happens upon your beautiful blog. Thank you....

[erin]

i am finding february to be just a bit more likeable this year. have a great weekend, amanda.

[Mellissa - wondermommy]

Thank you for the reminder to enjoy the little things around me.

[Emily]

This is my first time to comment, but I've been reading your blog for several months now, and I love it! I made WHO bread yesterday while my three year old twin daughters donned little aprons and were my helpers. Watching the dough spin in the bread machine was like watching tv to them!
Oh and on my list of February joys is our fireplace. Every night after my girls' have a bath, they sit by the fire, wrapped in their towels, smelling fresh and clean, and as they say, "getting nice and toasty and warm." Even though it doens't snow much down here in Oklahoma, it sure does get cold! Have a blessed day!

[MamaBird]

Thanks for the Feb Unfunking Ten... high on my list would be: balloon (boon) for my 1 yo, making bleeding heart cupcakes with my 4 yo, sun shining onto growing narcissus bulbs, afternoon naps that actually happen!!, cozy comforters, coconut milk in my lentil stew, getting the recycling out of the house *before* the truck came, and eating Divine Chocolate (pretty amazing stuff, both milk and dark, and fair trade). Thanks for making me think these up!!

[MamaBird]

Oh, in case you wonder about your impact, i immediately tried (and ALMOST succeeded except no paddle) to get a breadmachine off freecycle. Love your blog.