SouleMama

Happy New Year, Mateys!

(Photo by our dear friend and fabulous photographer, bellablue!)

I'm tempted to give you a whole slew of puns about 'finding treasure in 2007', but I'll spare you and and instead, just wish you a Very Happy, safe and fun New Year!

so long, 2006!

I'm finishing up some of the artwork for the book this week, and just found this photo buried in the folders upon folders of photos on my hard drive. It's an outtake from a shot I was trying to get for the book. It was in October, on a very cold and windy day. We had just left a friends birthday party, and everyone was tired and sugared out, and I know my babes just wanted to go home. I had been working every day on the book, and everyone was void of the Mama time they really needed. Steve was working triple duty - job, babes, house, and 'editor' to me. While it was hard (but good) work for me, it was really hard work for everyone around me. And while we were all a little haggard at times, and some moments were prettier than others, the point is that they trudged through it with me. No, they didn't trudge - they soared. That day on the beach was one of those moments when they soared for me - forgetting about being cold and tired, and going along with my crazy plan. And even having fun along the way.

It turns out that I didn't get quite what I wanted for the book photo on this day. But I certainly got something else of more significant value to me. When I saw this photo today, a flood of gratitude came over me and filled me up. While it seems terribly inadequate, as I think back upon this year, I will say over and over again to them- Thank You, my loves.

And thank you to YOU, too. For continuing to check in here and read each and everyday, for your lovely words, gifts, and thoughts, for your inspiration, and for your support. And mostly, for joining me along for the ride.

It's been a really good year.

the days of 'nothing'

I'm not really back yet. Just sort of. Our holidays were lovely and full, and I hope yours were too. I'm sure I'll have more to say about that later, but right now I'm obsessed with doing NOTHING. I love this week after the holidays when the parties are all over, the gift making done, and it isn't quite time for the January cleaning. The in-between, 'nothing' time. No committments, no stress. Days when we can lounge about in our pajamas playing with our new toys, eating leftover sugar goodness all day, and sinking into each other. Days when we can happily spend two hours on the couch learning the fine art of blowing bubble gum.

I hope when your parties, merriment, and activity are done, that you, too, have plenty of time for Nothing!

wishing you light

Peace dove garland, and embroidered Rudolph pillows based on the boys drawings. You know, when I took this photo, I was attempting to evoke a feeling of bright holiday coziness, but now that I look at it all I can think about is how much I would love to take a winter's nap right now! A very very loooong winter's nap. Oh. But. I suppose I'll raincheck that for January, because right now there is fun to be had, merrymaking and feasting to happen, and much celebration of and with the love and light in our lives. Solstice and Christmas are upon us and there is much excitement in the air and in the stars and in our home. Everything feels magical and warm.

And so now it's time to say goodbye for a week or so. If you've got any holiday worry and stress left in you, you simply must read this by Siri. A brilliant reminder. We''ll have our own to-be-remembered 'exception to the tradition' this year when we'll celebrate Solstice the day after Solstice because Mama didn't realize the date she was looking at was for Universal Time. Sigh. Shake it up, indeed. However you celebrate this week, I'm wishing you many blessings of peace, light, joy and magic!

I stood beside a hill
Smooth with new-laid snow,
A single star looked out
From the cold evening glow.

There was no other creature
That saw what I could see--
I stood and watched the evening star
As long as it watched me.

- Sara Teasdale

a report from the mountains

With just a few days to go until Solstice (when we exchange our gifts) and then Christmas right behind (when there will be lots of gathering and hosting with family), I'm well past the point of having enough time to clean up between projects. I just keep on rolling right into the next, adding the fabric to the pile, and the pattern pieces to the growing fire hazard (folding that paper is 90% of the reason I usually don't use patterns. So lazy am I.). And the floor? Oh gosh. The floor is so bad that I have to wear shoes to prevent any workplace injury. Please tell me I'm not the only one whose been hit by the messy wrath of the holiday beast?

The mountains of mess aren't limited to my studio. The kitchen? It's an ice skating rink with the now-permanent layer of flour from our daily cookie baking. Sometimes, the sifting around here gets a little out of control. Ahem.

While I may be walking around with my clipboard (with my excel spreadsheet of lists. I'm not kidding, and stop laughing!) and weaving my way through the chaos, there's mountains of joy in this kind of busyness,too. Out of these piles, and stacks and messes are the handmade gifts that we're so excited to give (and receive). And yummy treats that we're devouring and ready to share with friends. And a home that feels cozy, and ready for hosting and nestling for that long winter's nap (c'mon, snow!). It certainly is a fun kind of mess. But man, as soon as the peace of January comes, I'm just itching to fold that fabric. Well, you know what I mean.

Wintry Wonderland

Welcome to Wintry Wonderland! This has been Calvin's ongoing project for nearly a month now. Put together entirely on his own, with some borrowed from their farmhouse, some from a few trips to thrift stores, and plenty of crafting (thank goodness for Sculpey and pipe cleaners). He's spent hours staring into this village, imagining and working (it's on a dresser, in perfect view from his top bunk). Anyone that's been to our home lately, or is coming here, is getting the grand tour. Would you like one? (Granted, the tour from Mama is not nearly as detailed, animated or entertaining as the maker himself. But still.)

First up, the mountains. The Rocky Mountains. Where the animals and gnomes gather. Oh yeah, and Santa and his sleigh (and the horse pulling it) too.

Coming down from the hills, we enter the village. A meetinghouse (complete with angels singing inside), and a bakery, and a park. Really now, doesn't every village need just these things? I think so.

Let's close in on the park. The ice skating rink, with the skating snowfriends. The one sitting down on the bench? Yeah, he's putting his skates on. Love that.

And just outside of the village, nestled amongst the trees, is the home of these beautiful people. Gathered around the Solstice fire "for warmth and light", playing some banjo, hanging with the animals, and roasting some marshmallows.

Calvin told me the other day that he wished he could "jump right in there for a visit" and I agreed that it would be a lovely time.

my little elf

My little elf, staying up later than usual, plopped under the holiday tree working, working, working away on his gift projects (in this case - pipe cleaner ornament pins, something he learned to make in a class, and not from his supposedly-crafty mama). It isn't always that he wants to craft with me, which I think makes it all the sweeter when he does. Tonight, he's peaceful, content, and reflective. The house is cozy, quiet and softly lit, and it's just the two of us crafting and chatting. I watch him as he gathers his materials, sets them all up rather methodically, and begins to work with such intent. Counting, lining up, and listing off the people he wants to give them to. His silent focus is interrupted from time to time with meaningful questions about the people in our lives - it tells me he's thinking hard about the person he's creating for. He chooses carefully which color he thinks they'd like best, or whether a ribbon or bow is just right for them. Little things. Important things. I can see the excitement in his eye, the flurry with which he works, and can hear it in his voice when he anticipates what it will feel like to hand his special treasure to it's lucky recipient. And my own heart swells a little at his spirit of true kindness that comes from nowhere but his own heart. I look down at my own handwork to be gifted, which was beginning to feel tiresome and like a chore, and I am reminded and inspired. My little elf. My little teacher.

saving the day

When a desperate 10am phone call found her house quiet and happily crafting these dolls, it didn't take long for me to hop off the phone and onto Kiddley to claim some of our own crafty family mojo. In just a few minutes, with some glue and ribbon and fabric, the day was saved. Ah. These are the Dress Up Ornaments by Sarah of The Small Object. It kept everyone in my house busy working away for hours (And perfectly fitting for my babes - Calvin's responsible for the glam, and Ezra's responsible for the tactile fab hair). 
Have you been over to Kiddley as much as I have lately? They're totally rocking my world this month with all the fab holiday crafting ideas. Next up, we're doing Fiona's Paper Garlands!

i give up

Um, yeah. This is the closest we got to a photo of the cousins for Grammie and Grampie this year. I got about 90 just like this one before we gave up in a mix of frustration and laughter. Oh well. I guess it's back to thinking about what else we could get Grammie and Grampie for Christmas. Hmn...

Oh, but hey! See those cute matching jammies? Nightgowns for the girls and pajama pants for the boys, with freezer paper stenciled shirts. I think this is as close of a shot as you're going to see of any of it, because I am NOT trying this again any time soon!

Here's wishing you luck on your own holiday card photo session! May it end with either a successful photo or at least some laughter!

sewing paper

Thanks for all your kindness about our matchyness! You asked about patterns - my skirt was not from a pattern, but Adelaide's dress was. It's an older pattern - McCall's 3417.

I've been making gobs (yes, gobs) of these cards this month to include as sets for stocking stuffers and extras with packages. Nina sent me some adorable cards like these a few months back, and I've been gathering vintage children's books and cookbooks since then. They're quite fun - I just cut the pages as I want, and literally sew them directly onto the cardstock. (Just remember to change your needle when you're done - going through paper will make it quite dull). I was thinking these would work well for kids, too. Ezra's itching to use the sewing machine, and I thought paper might be a way to get the feel of the machine without needing to worry about fabric too.

Posting around here will be continue to be spotty for a few days. We're in a bit of a whirlwind of family activity - ranging the life cycle from a funeral, to a birthday, and holiday parties. It's a week when we're feeling rich with family, and at the same time, ready for a week of calm and intimate mellow before the holidays. Which is just what next week has in store for us, just in time for Solstice. Ah...

embracing the matchy-ness

Having thrown my hands up at the 'to do' lists around me, and with a slight feverish haze, I rebelled against myself last night by making a skirt. Totally unnecessary on one level, and completely integral to my sanity on another - you know how that goes. I've had this skirt on the brain since seeing it in the Garnet Hill catalog, and so this is the version I came up with - using one of my favorite color combos at the moment. I am so pleased that it worked out (ie. it fits), as I never do know what will happen when I start measuring and cutting without much of a plan. It often ends up back in the pile of fabric to be cut up again, rather than actually on me. This was just the kind of minor success I needed this week.

Remember these? I didn't intend to make a matching holiday outfit this year. Really, I didn't. But once I finished my skirt, I had a vague memory of using one of the fabrics before on a dress for Adelaide. I dug around the unfinished work pile (mountain) and found this dress, which I now remember abandoning when I realized it was too big. Now it fits, and even though it's summery, it will be just perfect for a party at my grandmothers house, where the heat is never below 90 degrees (ack!).

I still can't believe I'm someone who makes coordinating clothes for my family. I swore I would never do that, didn't I? And here I am. And I love it. With this set not being the first, and matching holiday pajamas for the babes up next on the work table. Oh my. I guess I'm embracing my inner matchy-ness.

front row seat

This is my view from Ezra's bottom bunk. Adelaide is clamoring to climb up and nurse AGAIN (you know, because I'm sitting down, a perfect reminder to her that - "hey, look - it's Mama! the one with the milk! laying down just waiting to nurse!"), Calvin and Ezra are in the midst of performing a show, though it appears as though they're having a hard time deciding exactly, who's scene this really is.

I'm pretty sure I have about the worst sense of time management. I have no idea how long it really takes me to do anything, and always seem to think I can do far more than is really possible in any given amount of time. Sometimes, that's a good thing - I have plenty of ideas that I think are really doable, say 'yes' to lots of opportunities, and inevitably, I do end up getting many things done. But sometimes it can really kick me in the ass. Like when it comes to the deadline of something (or, many things) and I'm shocked to realize there simply are not enough hours in the day to make it possible. I'm having one of those weeks right now. Holiday stuff, book stuff, family stuff - with far more things 'to do' than there is time for. And of course, I'm sick on top of it all (or, because of it all).

Before kids, I used to crash at the end of this cycle. Plan, work, stress...crash. Man, I could get it done, but then I'd be a mess. I can tell that this week before the holidays would be one of those crashing times. But you know, the beauty of my babes, is that it just isn't possible to sit and wallow in the amount of 'work' to be done. Nor is it possible to burn myself (and therefore, everyone else) until it all does get done. And so, hopefully this week, I can remind myself to stop and slow down, let a few more (or many) 'plans' and expectations go, and get my butt back there on that bottom bunk to nurse my babe and watch the show. It's the best show in town, and I get a front row seat. What beats that?

simple pleasures

1. Little bits of seasons past found weathered outside. Is your yard littered with these bits of things too? I love them.

2. Holiday baking with my little ones.

3. Waking up (twice in one week...but this one will last!) early in the morning to peek out and discover a surprise of snow. Barely containing myself enough to stop from waking the babes to share the news.

4. A little bit of glitter in my home. Love that.

5. Watching my babes discover photography, with my grandfather's polaroid.

6. Freshly washed and folded new fabric. Just waiting for me to dive into for holiday projects. Ah...

7. That fabulously cozy wintertime urge to knit.

8. The anticipation of studio time this weekend. Heavenly.

9. Holiday shopping from talented and lovely friends.

10. A girl and a cat. The adore each other.

I'll be back on Monday with crafting and blabbing as usual. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your own weekend full of simple pleasures.

little moments...

...of joy, scattered throughout the day. Bringing comfort, to be sure.

{pause}

I'm feeling lost after today's devastating news. My heart is heavy and sad. But at the same time, I'm trying to send out light and love to those who are grieving and truly suffering from the loss of a heroic son, friend, husband and father. Oh, that amazing Mama and her two babies - I think you'll always be in my heart.

There was no way to not share this story with our children, as so much of my energy has been thinking of the Kims this past week. And so now we've got lots of questions and sadness from the littles too, which is both heartbreaking and comforting at the same time. I'm touched to hear that there might be an art/craft fundraiser in the works, which might help with that feeling of wanting to *do* something that I'm sure we're all struggling with.

I'm at a loss of what to say, but wanted to say something. Hug your babes. Love your partners. Smile at the sky.

In peace and warmth,
Amanda

Recently Acquired

I've been remiss in sharing my thrifting finds of late. So how about a post of my favorite recent treasures? These buttons surely top the list (though the fab bowl I put them in - also newly thrifted - is the absolute 'perfect' mashed potato bowl, making that a big favorite too). The buttons were sealed up with gobs of tape in two ziploc baggies, and given local thrift store standards were actually "a lot" of money at first glance. I first walked away from them, thinking they were really dirty, and they were priced too high. Until I was at the back of the store and had calculated their total cost to be about what I spend on ice cream in three days worth of time. Um, yeah. I dashed back there to claim them for my own. And I'm sooo glad I did - such treasures in there. I use a lot of vintage buttons without much stress in giving them away, and so it's always a pleasant surprise that just as my stash gets depleted a bit, some new ones appear before me. Perfect.

Don't let the lazy photography fool you. These are two amazing 50's girls dresses that I just adore. I'm pretty sure my purchase of them cements the likelihood that Adelaide will despise wearing dresses by the time they fit her. And so, I put them up on my studio wall so I could enjoy them until the day when I beg and plead with her to wear them.

Ah. The vintage orange coat. I do adore. It needs a bit of sewing assistance, and it's first on my list after all the holiday goodness is done. I also need to lose about 5 lbs for this to fit just right, but that's going to have to wait until after all the holiday goodness is done too. Ahem.

And last but not least - this sweet gal. There's been plenty of holiday thrift finds around here, but they quickly get snatched up by little hands and 'distributed' throughout the house before a camera sees them. Holiday thrifting is definitely a favorite for me - there's just SO much great old stuff out there, and I seem to have far less stress about bringing more 'stuff' into the house since it's going to only be 'out' for a month, and then packed away for the rest of the year. I'm not sure exactly how that logic works. (but somehow it does.)

Yo - Yo Garland

I found a home for all those yo-yo's, or most of them, at least. The basketful has been sitting while I pondered exactly how I'd 'string' the garland. And then this weekend, while in (the very long) line at JoAnn's, I was peeking at Adorn and saw my solution. Ric Rac! Hot Glue! Perfect!

Putting it all together took no time at all, especially with all my helpers. Ezra shouted out the pattern, "Red Yo-Yo! Green, Next!" while Calvin choose a button for each, and Adelaide ate the ric rac (she was helping). I'm so pleased with the garland. But now that there are yo-yo's in the kitchen, and yo-yo's (at least for the holidays) in the living room, I think I'm officially cured of the yo yo fix. For now, at least. (And again, I say...dang, photographing windows is not fun.)

Edited: I'm not the only one with yo-yo garlands on the brain! See Heather's here (she's also got a fab tutorial for making yo-yos).

first snow magic

There really is something so magical about the first snowfall. (And yes, this is just like last year's "first snow" picture - with this year's stripey doormat.)  Today's caught us by surprise this morning, making it even more magical.

I had a whole post set to go this morning about the yo-yo garland we finished this weekend. But honestly, talking about yo-yo's doesn't feel quite right when my heart and mind are really with the Kim family. What does feel right to me is to hold the Kim's and their family and friends in my heart and to take a little pause to look around me. Holding my babes close enough to smell their sweet hair, and to frolick with them in the first snowfall, as mindful as I can be about how beautiful it all really is.

edited: wonderful news. keep the love and light going for james, too.

tis the season for hot glue

Am I the only one who gets a little nutty with the hot glue this time of year? Seriously, it sits in waiting nearly all year, used only a handful of times. Until December, when it finds a permanent spot on my crafting table. There's just something about the holidays that make glue guns, glitter and sequins *just* right in my book. I'm really an organic, natural kinda gal, but something comes over me in December that makes me say 'bring on the glitz'. Anyway. I made this frame wreath last night after seeing the one by fellow Portlander Meg, of Pixiegenne (hi neighbor!). I placed a picture in the center of the wreath, and added a bit of cardstock and then felt to the back of that. It's the same photo that's in my banner (and, um, on my desktop too). I just loved that moment. Adelaide's in a real in-between stage for our trail walks. She doesn't want to be in the stroller or sling, but she can't quite manage the walks alone. She picked up this basket on the way out the door and was insistent on bringing it out with her, where she carried it with her the whole length of the trail adding bits of leaves and rocks as she walked. Pleased as punch with herself (did I just say 'pleased as punch?')

Thanks so much for all of your support with the shop yesterday. It's nearly sold out, and I've got several orders for more placemats that I'll be working on this weekend. And then, it's all about the festivities for the rest of the month. The stockings are hung. Advent has begun. The woodstove is ready to go. The tree goes up tomorrow. Oh, I love this time of year.

in the shop

I missed all the gorgeous sunlight yesterday, and today's a bit gloomy for photographs, but I'm going to forge ahead with the shop update as planned. It's all up there now, in the Etsy Shop! You'll find the placemats, coaster sets, and these yummy smelling little pillow / ornaments too. My hope is to add more throughout the weekend as I finish things up, but that may all get waylaid by plans of looking at lights, putting up a tree and other merriment of that sort. Priorities, you know.

I'll leave the shop open until December 7th, and then close up until after the New Year.

Have a wonderful weekend!

{I'm hearing that Bloglines hasn't updated my site in several days. Does anyone know if there's something I should/can do about that? Hmn. Okay, it looks like the RSS feed is updating just fine, but if you subscribe with the atom feed (which most of you do) then Bloglines isn't updating.}