SouleMama

What I Love: aprons

These two new (old) thrifted aprons have me smiling. I remember loving to wear aprons as a child. And as un-feminist as this may sound (I actually think it's quite a feminist act), now as the 'Mom' in our family, I'm in love with the feeling I have when I put one on. As hectic and sometimes-insane as my life and the world around us may be, the minute an apron goes on everything changes. I'm suddenly reminded to take a deep breath, put on some music, and pour a glass of wine. There's something about wearing aprons that makes me want so desperately to bake bread, put more energy, thought and time into what we eat and how we eat it and just generally sloooow down not only our food, but our moments together too.

One more day of What I Love. I'm having fun. Thanks for playing along.

What I Love: wood

wood::for working
I love watching Calvin discover new passions, most recently, whittling.

wood::for climbing
I love watching Ezra climb the garden fence, hanging off and singing.

wood::for tasting
I love watching Adelaide explore the world around her freely...with her mouth.

What I Love: these hands

these hands. For years, I've wanted to photograph her hands, and happily, I finally got this shot just a few weeks ago. These hands mean many things to me that I could never even begin to articulate about peace, love, and beauty. Quite simply, I love these hands.

What I Love: brown

Four things making me very happy today:
1. My newly thrifted vintage shirt. Covered in pheasants with the greatest collar. ever.
2. Yummy wood and coral earrings freshly arrived from Queenthings.
3. Hair long enough to wear in double buns.
4. Sunflowers in my garden.

Stay tuned for a week of What I Love posts while I spend a bit less time in front of the computer, and a bit more time enjoying the last bits of summer (and playing with my camera, too!). Feel free to join in if you'd like!

Work In Progress: Steps

A very special kind of work in progress is going on around here. Walking! Some steps have been happening for a bit, but this week she's really walking. I can't tell who's more excited about it - Adelaide, or her brothers. Every time she stands up, they both start a very excited count from across the room "1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 Steps! Yay, Ada!", followed by cheers and clapping, which sends her into further fits and giggles of excitement. Who wouldn't want to get up and walk for that kind of love?

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Corners of My Home

This is one of my favorite corners of our home. Calvin's desk (yes, over six months later and the chair has not been finished, but it did multiply when I found a matching one at a yard sale). Every few weeks, he and I give it a clean sweep, but inevitably within 24 hours it looks like this. No matter, to me it's a sign of lots of play and living being done. And even though it looks like a big jumble to me, he knows exactly where everything is, which I think is very important for a child. And I must admit that I rather enjoy finding random bits of projects through the house at the end of the day, and depositing them on the desk, thinking fondly of him and what he's working on.

More Corners of My Home on Flickr.

before I left

I have this history of realizing I 'need' a new bag as soon as I begin packing for a trip. And then needing to stop all packing to make 'just' the bag I need. Last week, it was a camera bag. I've got a huge bag that I bought with the Nikon, but it's rather cumbersome for tossing on my shoulder, particularly when trying to pack lightly for a canoe trip (and let's face it, it's a big ugly leather camera bag. ick). And all the camera bags I've seen out and about are for those eensy cameras, which mine is certainly not. So. You can see, I really did need a new bag.

I wanted it to be thick to protect the camera just a wee bit. So it's lined with two layers of cotton batting, and then quilted, with the yummy poppy fabric that Sally sent (thank you, Sally!). And to keep the camera from moving around, it's just big enough for it, and one extra lens. It's lined in cotton, and has a drawstring top, in the hopes that it would keep out sand, dirt, and little fingers (atleast long enough for me to get there first). After testing it out this weekend, I'd call it a mild success - the drawstring is a bit clunky (because it's so thick), but I love the softness and the colors. Yum.

nurture nature

You know, I don't think there is anything more beautiful, or inspiring to me than watching children 'be' in nature. When they are able to be free in their environment -free of mind, free of spirit -their inherent sense of connection to the earth is so strong and alive. I try to do it often, but particularly this weekend, I tried to do a lot of watching - watching my babes play in the world around them, with the earth's offerings as their only 'toys'. I felt honored to watch and share in the moments with them, and I felt inspired and moved to do the same. I'm so grateful to my children for that.

"Stickhenge," or a Forest of Sticks. A 'collaboration' of five children under the age of 7. It all washed away and fell down with the rainstorms, which disappointed none of them. Quite beautiful.

Though I'm reluctant to admit it, I know the beginning of fall is near. Always my most challenging time of year, I hope this year to take as much of the spirit of the outside world that we enjoy in the summer in with me as we begin to draw closer to home. And to carry that energy into the creative projects close to my heart right now. So with the end of summer, comes a bit of creative renewal, I do think.

Home

Ahh. We're back from a lovely weekend on the West Branch of the Penobscot River. Despite some heavy downpours (and thunderstorms too), the sun managed to poke through enough to give us plenty of time both in and on the river, and around a campfire with friends. We soaked up as much of the beauty around us as we could. Right at the base of Katahdin, this spot is such a sacred treasure, and such an important place to my family that it feels a bit like home -a place Steve and I have both lived, worked, and loved. I can't describe how good it feels to share that with our little ones.

Everything is wet, so I've got loads and loads of laundry to do, and tents, bags, and people to dry out. I'll be back tomorrow with a few more pictures, and then, inspired a bit by the beauty we saw...on to the crafting.

to the river we go

My Love, back in the day. I think this is on the Colorado, (but if I go ask him, he'll get suspicious and this post will never get published. I'm so sneaky.).  Another photo Here.  Steve spent most of his 20's working, playing and living on the river - whitewater kayaking and guiding rafts. Travelling back and forth across the US, and 'living his retirement a bit early' as I say. His love and respect for the water was one of the first beautiful things I knew about him.

Since Calvin was born, he's skipped out on the risky stuff (thank you), and only manages to make his way back to play on the river once a year. So this weekend, we're headed (way) up north for some camping and river action on the old stomping grounds. There will be a bit of backpacking, visiting with old friends, and some first time rafting by atleast one of my little babes (eek!). And since we're going to be camping river-side (hence, away from the car), I'm trying to pack as light as we can (which is kind of a joke, considering there are five of us. And three of whom I'm guessing won't be carrying their share of the load! Ha!). So I made these small camping pillows with some flannel from the stash, and a cheap-o feather pillow torn up - so voila - no need to ball up a fleece jacket for a pillow. Ah, the comforts (yes, a bit of sarcasm. I will admit to being more of a 'cabin' kind of camping girl. But it's all good. ;) )

I'll be back next Tuesday! Have a good weekend, everyone!

Corners of my Home

This was the first year in many that I didn't plant a vegetable garden (well, I did get two rows of carrots and lettuce in, but then let the weeds take over, so I guess that doesn't count either). It was all a very good exercise in letting go. But I miss walking in the backyard to gather the ingredients for the evenings dinner. Thankfully though, just about this time of year, we can walk into the backyard to gather the ingredients for the evenings dessert. Ah. Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, and now the grapes. I feel so lucky to have them so close at hand. Yum.

More Corners of My Home on Flickr here.

Someone once found this blog by Googling "Maine Goddess Sewing". I kid you not (I come in #5). And while I think that one is miles from the truth (wouldn't a goddess at least know how to sew a zipper in straight? Hmn.), I do rather like the Goddess of Thrifting that some of you bestowed yesterday in your comments. Hee! I've had a bit of a rough week (all's fine, just, you know, life sometimes), so the laughs were very welcome. Thank you. There were actually no prices on anything in the store, so I had no idea what I was in for when I got to the counter (it was a pleasant surprise). And for you skeptics out there, here's the thrifty breakdown:
Quilt $1
Shirts $1 ea
Fabric 10cents a piece
bowl: 25cents
tray: 50cents
mugs: 2 for 25cents
books: 2 free per child (Adelaide came in with me!)
tin: from the 'free' basket
Total: $4.25

Sweet, huh? Only 11 more months till I can go back. I wonder how many times I'll dream about it before then. It's a sickness.

Vacation Thrifting

On the way home from camp, going through town, I just happened to spot a thrift store. And it's small town thrifty treasures were calling out to me. It was in one of these wild stores--I've been in a few in rural Maine like this, where it's like a maze of small rooms all connected together with a mix of trash, junk, and a few treasures. I could have spent the afternoon there quite happily digging. But I managed to have fun anyway in my 15 minutes of alotted time (with my sweet family waiting outside for me. gosh.) Above, an old tin (love that red and blue), old Harker chinaware (I have a matching platter), two mugs that I love the colors of - by Hudson Pottery, which I don't think is vintage, and quite possibly is sold at Lillian Vernon for all I know (but please don't tell me if you do). And it's all sitting on a Couroc tray I found. (I like this piece, and a few others by Courac, but I'm not so sure I'm going to start a collection anytime soon.The coins kind of throw me off.)

As I guessed, there were plenty of polyester shirts in the shop. I had to snag these two for some re-constructing. Those apples!!

Some fun vintage books with very cool illustrations to inspire.

And some vintage fabric. I was searching and searching around this shop getting a bit twitchy know that somewhere there must be linens and fabric, and finally found it in my last two minutes. Ah. Thank goodness.

And my favorite, favorite find. This old and very faded quilt was buried in a corner. I was happy to rescue it and bring it home with me!

So, you wanna know the best part about rural thrifting?
The grand total for all of the above?
$4.25

one more wedding

Remember the wedding we were preparing for (you know, all that tafetta cursing I did)? Well, the sewing came together just fine and just in time (I'll admit to a wee bit of handsewing as late as the rehearsal dinner. And I can assure you there will be no more vests and bowties in my crafting future). My sweet little ring bearer got a bit of stage fright and wasn't quite able to actually make it down the aisle. But with lots of hugs all the way around, he moved on rather quickly (and I've since pondered exactly how much pressure that job is for a little one!). He was pleased, however, with his vest and bowtie, and so it went straight to the dress up rack after the wedding where I'm sure it will have a much more exciting life. Ezra loved his little fish necktie in an adorable way--constantly adjusting it and touching it. And the dress I made for Adelaide made me want to squeeze her even tighter than I usually do (which is a lot). You can see the dress better here, it's with a vintage floral fabric that's crispy and soft at the same time. Yum. Happy wedding sewing for everyone.

preparations

The tent is going up, tickets have been made, tricks are being practiced, and the lycra (and lots of it) is ready to go. It looks like the circus is finally coming back to town this weekend.

(Thank you Circus Smirkus for saving me from Captain Hook. Just in time.)

Vintage Button Goodness

Sweet Swap goodness! I came home from vacation to this bundle of good stuff from Sally, my partner for the Vintage Button Swap. I'm so very glad that she photographed what it all looked like before I tore it open (I couldn't wait long enough for my battery to charge. Could you?), because her packaging was incredible. So meticulously put together and coordinated, and well, quite amazing.

So good, no? The buttons are fabulous...love them and love the way she packaged and labeled them. And then she included a little stash of yummy fabric and some of her sweet gift tags, and even a book for the SouleBabes - a vintage fairy tales book (check out the inside cover - I'm obsessed with those graphics). Sally has a few pictures of the loot on her Flickr page, where you can see it photographed by her lovely eye. And she took a few of what I sent to her too, since I forgot to photograph it before I sent it (bad blogger, I am).

Thank you, Sally! For the beautiful goodies, and for organizing such a fun swap!

Corners of my Home

A little snippet of 'camp.' My parents built this log cabin, cutting the trees, milling the logs, designing the layout, and raising the walls themselves (with much help from friends and family, albiet not as much from Steve or I as we would like. We've been busy having babies these past six years, you know.) Each time I visit, I marvel at the beauty and character in each log, and the way the forest around the home is thriving and rich. The home blends into the landscape around it so beautifully that it feels slightly mystical to come upon it in the woods.

This little Corner of the camp is full of kids toys and books. As I was sweeping up (those pine needles sure are messy) before leaving, I glanced out of the corner of my eye and saw that, in the middle of this 'new' home, was a corner full of everything 'old' from my childhood: my bicentennial (ha!) high chair, the toybox my dad built -the lid long missing, and the Raggedy Ann decals barely visible, the Fisher Price neighborhood (more in the toybox, alongside the all time favorite popcorn popper, or as Ezra calls it, "the pushy popper"),and a spool end table, built by my great uncle with my great grandmother's discarded sewing spools, and full of my childhood books.

More Corners of my Home here. Sometime last week, Corners of my Home passed 1,000 members! Wow!! I never could have imagined that when it all started. While I'll admit that some of the photos posted over there, are, well, a little far from the original intent, I still find so many inspiring and lovely images of people's spaces that are so important to them. My energy for posting Corners waxes and wanes, but I keep coming back to it, and am always so inspired by others that do the same. So thanks for sharing the Corners of your Home!

lite crafting

Amazingly, there was no twitchy crafting withdrawal happening on vacation (but ice cream withdrawal, yes), and it was nearly mid-week when I was so completely inspired by Ez's sweet drawings that I had to do a bit of something myself. Thankfully, I had the headgear required for such strenuous activity as embroidery (though, looking at myself in this photo I'm wondering if I should have perhaps done a bit more of a physical strenuous activity. Ahem.).

"A moose with goggles, but no eyeballs".

"A mountain lion".

I'm not sure what to do with these pieces yet. It's about time that I did something with Ezra's art, as he's actually started asking where HIS pillow, wall hanging, and quilt are. Geesh. Mama guilt is a serious motivator.

**for those of you asking how I transfer the drawing to fabric: I tape the drawing on a window, then tape the fabric over it, and then trace the drawing underneath with a light pencil (you could also use Sulky pens, as described at Turkey Feathers.)

a bit of paradise

We're back from an amazing week at 'camp' (I think that's a Maine thing, isn't it? Everyone here has a 'camp'?). We had just perfect weather, and minimal visiting from the blackflies and mosquitoes. We spent the days on the dock, in the kayaks, swimming in the lake, and our nights by the campfire. Early evenings were met with "can I please go hang out in my bed?" by a tuckered out Calvin, and "I'm going to take a rest in the hammock" by sleepy Ezra. Adelaide was a trooper, crawling through the pine needles with her sap covered knees, and testing out the taste of the pinecones. Fairy houses were built (and visited by the fairies each night!), fishing poles saw plenty a-cast, and many a s'more were eaten. A bit of paradise.

As children, my sisters and I used to complain and curse my father for buying this property deep in the middle of nowhere (no exageration), and for dragging us up there for weeks at a time to get eaten by bugs, be away from our friends and the city, sleep in damp tents, and do the labor-intensive 'work' that goes along with that sort of camping. And now...I can't imagine anything more perfect. Granted, a few conveniences up there have made it much 'easier' - a gorgeous log cabin they built, a pump, gas lights. But there were so many moments each day last week when I couldn't imagine anything more blissful, perfect or beautiful than what was around me. A deep and awesome landscape with amazing sunsets and lovely wildlife, my beautiful family, and lots of quiet. And I love the way vacations - when we're not in the 'normal' realm of our day to day lives - force us to examine and question our lives. I find myself reminded of what I value, what's important to me. And so clear about what I want 'more' of in my life, and what I could use a little 'less' of, too.

I've put just a few photos from our week on Flickr. And expect a bit more 'camp talk', and perhaps slow posting around here as I ease myself s-l-o-w-l-y back into our lives, holding on to as much peace and quiet of the last week as I can.