Fall is in the air...

Surrounded by fall loveliness, I find myself catching my breath at all the beauty, color and stillness.

Enjoying a fall fest

Swiss chard a-growing

crates of pumpkin glory

Morning glories in their glory

I think I can, I think I can...

Home from a busy but fun weekend with Uncle Andy in Brooklyn. US. Open on Sunday. So fun.

Love these kinds of blues




I could use a little TLC.



To kick off fall, I've signed on for the Elsie Marley's Kids Clothes Week Challenge. Yeah to Fall.

Up and Away

We're home. restored. I am breathing better. Actually, I've picked up a chest cold but nonetheless I have been rejuvinated. The stress is gone from the shoulders and I have re-charged. We've even had hints of fall weather and I am loving it.

Lots of reflection so here we go.

I have a tendency to raise the bar too high for myself and then I get overwhelmed. viscious circle. I am always checking in on the balance. Seasonal shifts are great. Although I'm not returning to school, I find it necessary to thank summer for a great, although hot, time and look forward to fall and new beginnings.

Bits of reflection.
 - I want to cook more and better. Nothing elaborate. I've also come to the realization that easy is the key on certain week days.
 - As much as I am enjoying blogging, I am finding it is taking a good percentage of my craft/inspiration time. Looking forward, I want to prioritize doing rather than writing about it (realizing though, that that is cool too!)
 - letting things go. I wanted to do some preserving/canning this summer and maybe there is still time but realistically there might not be. And that is ok. there's always next year.
 - I realize I am a continuous learner. And that is a good thing.
 - I am glad to be crafting monthly with my friends. I look forward to this time and revel in their creativity.
 - My kids are growing fast. Life is full of moments. I know I can be doing more and creating this 'perfect' childhood. who am I kidding? I'm doing pretty good. I love the imperfections.
 - With our new home (it's been a year!), I get overwhelmed with how I want things to look and the energy/money associated. baby steps. prioritize and plan. Can't do it all. It wouldn't be fun.
 - There a lot of creative people out there and it is not a competition. I do what I can. If I get ETSY up and some craft shows, great. If not, oh well. There's always tomorrow. I'd rather make things I am proud of. I need to start doing. And I am...
 - I need to schedule more fun time for me. Otherwise, days go to fast and robotic mode sets in. not so fun heading toward burn out.
 - I'm working on finding the cozy spots in our home. It's important. Just takes more than snapping fingers.

Phew. It feels good and right.

Turkey Trot

I typically have Wednesdays off so I've been hanging out with O and V today, getting ready for Turkey Day. Lots of lounging and playing including baking pies - Pumpkin and the Martha Stewart Prize winning pie -English Toffee and Pecan and creating this bird. Yes, it is a turkey and it stands in front of my cookbooks for inspiration. This turkey will have friends after the kids create tommorow.

I've been working on a skirt - trying to understand basic structure principles. So rather than cleaning and setting the table, I'm putting the final touches on this skirt.



This skirt is made from re-purposed fabric (used to be one of my 'wrap around' skirts) trimmed in ribbon and tulle. I need to fine-tune my hand sewing. When I tried it on Viv, she said she looked like a princess. She always does.

Probably should focus on the other stuff since the reality of hosting Thanksgiving dinner is starting to hit me. My mom is bringing the bird and others are bringing other menu items.Have I told you how much I love a holiday with such great, comfort food?

I am grateful for many things especially family. We look forward to celebrating in our new home.

Welcome to the 'hood

We have been talking 'new house' since January. In July we sold our home and bought another. Summer 2009 was the all about the 'move'. Lots of sorting and packing and donating. Lots (and lots) of t.v. for the kids. Coming from someone who LOVES t.v., I really am not a fan of putting your kids in front of it for long periods of time. I exaggerate but there were many times when the t.v. just made everyone (including my husband and I) happy.

We literally moved across the street. We now live in a 1920's craftsman bungalow. Although we loved our old home and miss our neighbors, this new place already feels like home. It is fall now and most boxes are unpacked or in the basement - out of sight, out of mind. These boxes will make a nice project for the winter. I'll share pics of my craft space later.

One of the morning glories from Seed Savers Exchange, Grandpa Ott, was transplanted from our old home to new. Not that we're looking for signs, but what a welcome.