Springy weather

Shortly, I am off to a craft show. YEAH! And the sun is finally shining for this sunny occasion.

Spring tease

Yesterday Mother Nature played a trick on us. The best kind. Temps reached 70 and we opened windows. We played outside, laundry on the line. Lots of thoughts looking forward to spring. It might be a bit away but it's coming.

Peek into snowy bliss

We finally are receiving our long-awaited snowstorm. Kids school is closed as well as mine.

For the most part these 'days off' are listed as lazy but I find myself (and the kids) doing lots. Lots of good - a bit of work and play.

• A chance to make No-knead bread adapted by Sullivan Street Bakery. Definitely have time today.
• Trying out our new teapot.
• Reading Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.
• Started a rag rug for the kitchen. Strips are being kept in a thrifted bag at the Brooklyn Flea.

Glimpses from around the house:

The bar is set so low these days and yet these days seem fulfilling. My kind of day as I float from one thing to the next. Not everything needs completing. I love that the goal of such a free day is to do what you please, more else at home base.

And there's more snow a-coming. Yeah!!

Is spring in sight?

With these cold days, spring seems a long way away. Catching a whiff of this hyacinth reassures that it is coming soon. It's growing in a champagne flute - the most use this glass has seen since we received as a wedding gift 10 plus years ago.

Busy, Busy holly days

We've been running around enjoying the holidays. Here are some snaps:

Seeing Santa

Holiday concerts wearing our Sunday best.

Selling items in time for the holidays

A last-minute gift for mom, lover of many things including Strawberries. I (HEART Cath Kidston MAKE)!

Lots of applique.

Off to finish some pj bottoms while kids are in school/play date. merry, merry

Dainty fall sightings

I wanted to share the following finds:

mini haystacks greet you at this DC home.

Violas, a contrast from the foliage. so dainty and yet proud.

I pull the shade in my daughter's room and this is what we see. This Japanese Maple takes my breath away. What a wonderful way to start the day.

Hopping towards the Holidays

I heard my first Christmas song yesterday. Too early by my standards. I am trying to get an enjoyable early start on holiday shopping so I can enjoy December instead of my usual frazzle trying to get last minute things done.

Angela from The Artists' House started A Crafty Holiday blog - a hop of sharing the handmade love as we think, plan, and enjoy the holidays. I've enjoyed looking at everyone's wish lists of handmade items. Joining this group has been inspiring and motivating. It takes a few more moments to pause and actually think about what people in my life would like what. It makes the gift-giving a bit special, instead of standard gifts for the sake of giving. I want my family's gifts to me an extension of our thoughts - I am thankful for having you in my life. What better way than discovering a talented individual who, although you don't know personally, spent their precious time, creating something for your someone. with love, of course. I don't think it gets better than that, really.

My virtual shopping list:

For my husband -
To add to his growing Kennedy collection, a JFK print by squibb.

For my son -
A giant checkerboard set from porchswingafghans for game night on the porch. I'm drooling over the detail in this afghan.

For my daughter -
Who dreams about the 'croissant moon' while adoring her Hello Kitty friend. A sweet necklace to remember this stage in her world by LillyEllen.

A few items for me, should anyone ask.
 - A poppy embroidered bracelet by irenagasha.

 - Doesn't everyone need a Tweet's Tea Time Ring by Doodlebirdie.

- And, to bring green into my office until I tackle making my own terrarium, this Small tree terrarium garden by NYCterrariums.

with an addition of these sweet mushrooms by SerenityMosaics, of course.

While taking time and starting my holiday wishing and shopping, I've noticed:
 - I'm enjoying shopping (this soming from one who prides herself on making it to the mall 1x a year)
 - Inspiration from such talented individuals.
 - remembering why we give gifts
 - I really do love the holidays and feel like a kid again.

I've enjoyed sharing the holiday, handmade love. The momentum continues with Emily Myer’s Blog tomorrow. And, if you missed any posts prior to, here's the listing.

Here's to you making your own handmade holiday. Share the love...

There was a tease in the air

Temp-wise we were in the 90's today. Last week was such a tease - sleeping with windows open, sun warming us during the day,and smelling fall. There was no question. It was the real deal. Until a couple days ago.

I look out my kitchen window and, with all the stuff that has accumulated, this is the best sign of fall, from inside looking out.

• heirloom tomatoes from the garden changing colors
• a gift pumpkin from friends
• mini gourds resting from the vine
• thyme drying
• corn we grew and can't wait to pop for a movie night in our future
•  a homemade pinwheel - a reminder of summer.

I know it is right around the corner.

A new dance

I am new to the magazine - Whole Living. I don't really need a new magazine; I'm actually trying so hard to cut back. When magazines feel like homework, there's something wrong. That being said, I am finding lots of good nuggets in this one.

In the July/August 2010 issue, there is an article/list by Terri Trespicio - "10 Thoughts on Whole Living". I've posted so I can see it when I am working in the craft room. All good reminders but the one that resonates the most, especially during these crazy first weeks of school/fall, is this:

Daily chaos will never cease. Rather than struggling against it, find your own rhythm.

Working on it...daily, hourly. all good.

Oh sweet summer

The weather is teasing us. Morning and evening are cool. With windows open, we sleep so soundly. And then, the day, is warm and sunny. Although confused, it makes me happy and hopeful for fall.

It is Day 1 of the KCWC. I am ready and excited.

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.

It was a sign!

Off a quiet weekend at home. Necessary after business the past couple weeks. During my trip to Chicago, I caught a glimpse of this. Wish I could remember the store.

Summer has been very good but a whirlwind of an adventure. I miss those simple days.

I'm enjoying every breath of August.
- family vacations
- jump starting 'I am OLD Lib'
- preserving our summer goodness (canned fruit and veggies)
- planting seedlings for winter crops (not already!)
- getting kids ready for school
- smelling the ocean and walking in sand
- going to the pool
- smores and tents
- working on some applique

There really is lots to love.

Summer heat = Love

The 90 + degree weather is sticking around... for awhile. Rather than complain, I am rejoicing:
- In the morning, we eat our Cheerios and granola outside before it gets hot.
- Our plants - container and raised beds are content. We're watering at night. Peas are growing strong. Hoping to see cukes later this week.
- Speaking of grass, the new grass is a coming
- Although our car is in the shop, it is nice to be stuck and home where can make raspberry jam and fruit leather.
- Laundry on the line
 - Crock pot dinners

Let's go O's...

Does it get better than a Sunday baseball game?

Allergies beware

Spring has exploded in our home.



PINK!




On walks to the Tot lot...


Once we're there, we do headstands with a tree backdrop.





Even were tourists in our city. Fells Point never looked so good.

Laundry on the line

Not that I need more signs but here are a few...

I wish I could capture the scent of sheets that have dried in the sun, promising sweet dreams.



Smiling kids, lungs full of fresh air.

Visions of Spring

Our shed in morning sun.

As we walk around our yard, I remember this is our first spring, full of surprises.

Spring is in the air and the hair

Mr. Tough-guy basketball face

We're ready for spring. I forgot how great it is to have our home extend into the outdoors when the weather is nice. We fill our lungs with fresh air although a bit chilly and feel the sun on our faces. My kids have the scent of spring in their hair. As I squeeze in my kisses, they smell like outside.

Hopeful spring

We are seeing the sun and we are happy.

• Planted some seeds indoors - lavender, parsley and chives.
• Ordered some seeds from Seed Savers Exchange - Aunt Molly's Ground Cherries, Strawberry Popcorn and Eggplant.
• Purchased container for potatoes from TJMaxx.
• Getting ready to hit the home improvement stores for supplies for our Square-Foot Gardens.

I haven't had any luck in the past growing poppies.



I dream about poppies - the varieties, colors, textures - I am in love.