Enchanted Mama

Behind the Camera::

This past weekend I took an amazing photography class, with the ever talented Alessandra Cave, at The Makerie Retreat.  The goal of the class was to push your comfort zone with your camera.  Get the camera out of the auto setting and well, experiment.  

I'm a big fan of Alessandra's work creating photos with a mystical, magical feel--Lots of light, sun flare and bokeh.  All techniques I dream of becoming more proficient at.  I believe the light is what calls to me in photography.  Maybe that's universal, I don't know.  

What I do know is that I can be overwhelmed by the beauty of the afternoon light.  That must mean something. Right?   

 

Throughout the class we were encouraged to use each other as the subjects.  To shoot numerous photos using all types of different camera settings. And, to find images to photograph that represented our experience thoughout the weekend.  

Imagine for a moment though, a room full of people who are much more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. Yeah... 

So, we ended up with alot of this.

 

And, this.

 

And photos of our shoes. And yarn, of course.  Oh, and hoopers!  

I brought my hula hoops to try some action shots with the super-secret-motive of getting more people hula hooping...my evil plan..ha.ha.ha.  

It worked!  

You should have seen all the hooping creatives twirling around the park.  Plus lots of laughing!  

All in the name of creating and learning and expanding and trying something new. 

 

So there you have it.  

The weekend itself was full of inspiring people, many intriguing classes and creative whim happening at all times.  If you've ever thought of doing something for yourself creatively, take a look at The Makerie.

Plus, you get to meet all types of incredible people and maybe, just maybe, you find someone who happens to love Xanadu as much as you.  

Just a thought.

Happy Monday to you all.  

May the light find you today.  

 

 

 

Weekend Surprise::

A surprise trip into the city to see the Peter Pan ballet.  

There were four excited children.  A delicious meal at a retro modern diner.  A chance to dress-up.  Time to walk by moonlight in the city before heading home.  

A great time was had by all.  

 

 

 

My little Artist::

 

Oh, how I love thee.  

 

note to self...remember his little blue fingers and the total concentration he has until we hear the out breath and, "It's done."  He loves creating with watercolor, there's something magical about it, something calming.  Please remember this, for his sake.   

 

 

A bit of New York::

Well, it happened again.  I left out of town thinking and sincerely knowing "I would blog from the road".  Yes, that was the plan.  As we can all see that is not exactly what happened.  

Though, I'm not entirely sure it's all my fault.  I mean, if New York wasn't so captivating and full and delicious and inspiring, and, and...  I'm not sure there are many out there who could resist her charms.  She's powerful.  She's electric.  She has amazing lattes that keep you up all hours of the night so that by the time you do arrive home you are wiped out and ready to sleep for a week.  

 

So it was that I walked miles and miles there.  Which came in very handy when passing one of the many cupcake shops.  Oh, you better believe it!  

By day and night she had me from the start--From the museums to the french onion soup in out of the way french restaurants to the stark winter beauty of central park to the lights oh, the lights.

There is everything in the city.  I didn't think it could get any better until... 

`

Vogue Knitting Live came to town along with my delightful, dear friends and knitting group.  The three Amiga's in the Big city armed with knitting needles, yarn and the desire to learn new things.  

We took classes and ate in the aforementioned french restaurant, a few times in fact.  Knitting while we waited.  Incredible.  We shared a room and it was like summer camp for adults.  Only we wrapped up in all types of knitted items and carried knitting projects around in our purses.  

To say I had a delightful time would not even begin to describe it.  We were going the whole time we were there.  Knitting classes, lunch, museums, knitting classes again, the marketplace with some INCREDIBLE yarn, delicious dinners and even a show or two.  

All I know is...it was out of the ordinary to take this time as a mama.  Time to be together with friends doing something we all love.  Taking time away from our families.  Out of the ordinary, but so amazing.  Doing something that recharged us creatively, after we caught up on all the missed sleep of course.  It was a luxury that I know all three of us enjoyed to the last moment.  

 

There was more...   

One of my dear Nirvana friends the lovely Laura stayed with us as well.  She brought smiles and beading gifts and delicious restaurants to go to with other lovely designers and she delivers a mean latte when the morning before class just isn't long enough.  So grateful to meet up with her again and have some time to knit, laugh and snuggle while sleeping.  I've written about her impeccable designs many times.  

There was a talk given at the Gala Fashion Show Night by Alice Starmore.  Inspired by her talk about knitting, designing, yarn, and life style.  Incredible.  I'm a new fan.  Plus, she works closely with her daughter who is also a designer.  Wouldn't that be  fabulous?!!??

The lovely woman sitting to my left at the dinner that night and new Philly friend made the evening even better.  The friendly face in a sea of strangers.  Who I'm now corrupting, I mean teaching, some new knitting stuff.  How lucky I feel to have sat down next to her. 

 

So it was that we arrived home last week and I have put in some serious hours sleeping.  On the flight home I'm pretty sure we made up the only knitting row on the plane click-clacking away on our needles. 

I have new projects in the works.  Yarn to share with you and inspiration abounds.  

My hope is to share that here with you all soon.  

Hope your week is starting out well, 

Kellen

 

 

Beauty::

 

An Art Installation of Ten Thousand Paper Cranes.

Beauty amongst the flurry of an international airport.

Something I want to remember this season.

 

Happy Holidays to you all!  

 

Last Week::

Last week I nervously boarded a plane, by myself, for an adventure.  

A journey that I wasn't sure I could do.  I wondered until the moment I turned away from the car and my family at the airport if I had it in me.  Hence, the lack of letting you all know where I would be.  I wasn't sure myself.   

I met with a small group of lovely women and spent loads of time writing, brainstorming, laughing and being present in the "right now".

It really is beyond words and even now I'm unsure of all the aspects that will inevitably filter into my life.  Traveling away from my family to "just be me" was more challenging than I thought.  

The baby, whom I'd yet to leave, was home with the big daddy.  She was nurtured, cared for and fed from the stores of milk I left behind and she had a fantastic time.  

It all worked out.  exhale.  

 

Now I'm home, having had a relaxing Sunday, and I'm attempting to gather all that I learned this past week. 

I've learned that it's important to have time for ourselves.  Time to think, listen, and just be.  There were moments initially when I didn't quite know what to do without someone else to tend to.  

"You mean it's only about me for these few days?"  wow.  

So, by day two I'd settled in.  I became inspired.  I rushed out of the shower, practically wrapped in a towel, to write down an idea I didn't want to lose with much laughter from my new friends.  

I learned that I need time out in nature.  This I have known, but it was even more apparent as the days went on.  Time to breathe the fresh air.  Put my feet in the sand and walk through the beauty of mother nature.  

Ideas abound.  My spirit calms.  I feel more sure of my balance point.  

 

I learned that inspiration comes in many places.  Most of the time it's in between all the other things that I do--When I'm driving, upon waking, while knitting, or making my children a quesadilla.  

No matter what, it's there if I look. 

This inspiration and adventure was an incredibly thoughful birthday gift from the Big Daddy.  Time to put down on paper all that I've been talking to him about for years.  He gave me the gift of time.  Grateful doesn't even begin to describe it.  

Even as I write this I find it hard to believe.  I was focused, inspired and now I'm ready to embark on another type of adventure.  

It's thrilling.

 

I even made new friends.  Found crazy similiaritites with my roomie.  Laughed and discovered a new understanding of "what I want in this moment".  I uncovered, please excuse my "cheesball-ness", a bit more of "me".

So. Grateful. 

 

Finally I learned, as I endured an epic travel day home--with unpredictable weather and cancelled flights, that flexibility is important.  Patience a virtue.  Humor crucial.  

I will need these on my journey.  

The path, that was a mystery before I left, all turned out okay.  Memories were made.  Plans created.  My family there to welcome me home.  

It all worked out.  exhale.  

 

I feel that this will be one of those moments I look back on as, "The moment when I honored my wishes and made steps toward making them a reality."

Isn't that what we all want?  

Are you making your wishes a reality today?  

 

 

Artist friends::

Isn't it great to have artistic friends who are kind and generous as well?  

This skateboard was a gift from our very talented friends by the beach.  The same friends that we camped with.  The friends that have their own self made skateboard called "the magic carpet ride" that seats three maybe four.  A skateboard that my children rode over and over again when we were with them in April.  

Upon arriving they presented us with our very own board that they made!  And, designed.  And, painted.  Yeah, I know.  Creative genius at work.  

 

A few weeks ago we finally had the wheels put on and I'll tell you that board has already had more rides than I can keep track of.  The road near our house slants down, slightly-thank goodness, so it provides a lovely long cruise down the road and then three children running up again to ride it over and over and over... 

This post is to send a VERY BIG thank you out to our dear friends who have provided all this fun and entertainment.  We had such a lovely time camping, even in the rain, with your family.  We can't wait to do it again.  

It may be that the big daddy has been seen cruising down the street on this ride a few times as well.  Conveniently, for him, I never seem to have my camera at the ready.  Oh well.  

 

Here is to creative friends in our lives, they are the best!  

 

Creative possibilities::

Today I bring you a few creative possibilities in the fair town of Boulder, CO.  

Ali has been hard at work to create an amazing retreat, The Makerie,  for all those looking for a creative place to gather.  It looks incredible.  I happen to know a few of the teachers that will be there and believe me they are fabulous.  Not only will you spend an entire weekend with artists and creatives of all sorts but you will meet the most lovely of friends and get to know the magical world of creation out there.  My first experience with something like this was at Squam and that was life. changing.  

Last week, as if it couldn't be any better, Ali opened up another option for a one day package.  So whether you want a full weekend or one day she has it covered.  She is connected with some top notch people like the amazing Amy Krouse Rosenthal, my dear Lizzy House, knitter extraordinaire Stefanie Japel, incredible photographer Allesandra Cave, and local artists with big talent.

Its bound to be a retreat that is talked about for a long time.  So if you can, sign up.  If you wonder how you can do something like this for yourself...well, just close your eyes and do it because you are so worth it!  

 

Another exciting part of The Makerie is the Firefly Market that will be happening during the retreat.  A gathering of creative talent all in one place!  Doesn't that sound fabulous?  This is run by a trio of mighty talented ladies and will be the "place to be".  

This event is also open to the public so make your way down if you are local and take a peek.  

 

The final announcement happens to be one that I'm involved in.  Boulder, Inspired is a gathering of community and creatives all for the sake of collaboration.  A trio of us have put together events called Creative Coffee and Design Evenings inspired by Swiss Miss {Creative Mornings} and Apartment Therapy {Design Evenings}.

Our first event will be:

"Kicking off a series of creative conversations, local assemblage artist, Kristin FitzGerrell of Studio22 will pull you up by your scrappy bootstraps and inspire you to share what you love about the process and the passion of living creative lives.

This debut Apartment Therapy Design Evening will be March 16th, 6pm at Design Within Reach."

We have big plans for these gatherings and hope that all of you locals out there will make it down for the premier event.  

That's all for now.  

Happy Monday.  

Be creative.   

 

Valentine II::

This little idea works for all ages.  From eleven year old to three year old to however old I am.  

It works because perfection is not needed.  In fact "perfection" is discouraged from joining.  

This valentine can later be used as a notebook.  Full of watercolor pages, stripes and flowers.  Stickers and little notes written by the giver.  Oh, and loads of glitter.  

What can I say nothing says holidays like glitter.  

Definitely customizable.  Anything you have on hand.  Old envelopes, magazines, and paper bags.  Then, gather it all together on a metal ring and cover with ribbons.  

Easy.  And fun.    

 

  

The best part about these is:

1. You get some great cutting practice with sisscors.

2. You can apply large amounts of glue. Extra glue in fact.

3. You get to use up all your odds and ends papers and stickers.

 

4. You get to use glitter as decoration AND confetti.  

5. You can color all the hearts with crayon and a bit of the table as well.

 

6. In the end you get to revel in the imperfection of these handmade valentines.  

Aren't those your favorite anyway?

 

Enjoy! 

*** For more inspiration look here and here and here. ***

 

 

A secret message::

This note, secretly placed, was left by our neighbor's daughter for our daughter to find in the yard.  My girl who was overjoyed is already planning her reply using twigs, rocks and pine cones.  Smiling the whole time. 

 

These moments remind me how something so simple can make someone's day.  

 

Which has makes we wonder...Is there something simple someone has done for you that made your day?  

I would love to hear about them.