Enchanted Mama

This is::

-this is the time before everyone wakes when the house whispers of the day to come. a warm latte in hand. writing in a cozy chair. 

-this is the time of year when I ponder how much to do for the holiday when i just want it to be simple.

-this is the day when the last of the laundry has been folded and put away after a family visit over thanksgiving. the family exhausted but happy. 

-this is the twinkly light time all over town that i love so much. 

-this is the morning i awoke to my littlest girlies raspy little voice saying, mama i'm going to kiss you now right before she fell asleep again. 

-this is the moment  i write the "get things done" list before i whoosh into the morning.

-this is a time to dream and create and feel into the season. 

-this is the time to talk with good friends on the phone about ideas for a handmade holiday. 

-this is the time to pause and remember that the children prefer hot chocolate hour instead of a done up house. 

-this is the time to smell the alchemy that my guy creates from the kitchen. a smell that will waft through the house all day. 

-this is the time when i pull out items from the studio and create holiday goodness. 

-this is the time to recognize that we are still settling into our new home and town and it's okay to make life easier when possible. 

-this is the time to ignore the messes and make muffins instead. 

-this is the time to play. sing. laugh. enjoy. plan. create. love. 

yes, this is the time...

 

what is this time for you? 

 

 

November 6, 2013::

this morning the washer hums in the backround. the guest bed is now empty. two sets of lovely visitors have all headed home leaving only the lingering wafts of memories. the smiles that greeted me as I walked downstairs. the two friends knitting by the fire.  a brother who brought music into our lives. all good. full.  now the house settles into quiet. 

i've been reading. most recently, i'm late to the party on this one, is the history of love by nicole krauss. such amazing writing. the dialoge in this book just slays me. it's all the words that run through your head, in and out of conversations, written down.  i laughed. i cried. i can't say enough. 

sense and sensibility by the lovely jane austen.  i'm reading this along with my girl. 

the deep end of the ocean by neil gaiman. his way of bringing together fantasy and reality really shouldn't be missed.

finally the woodcutter by kate danley, sent to me by a friend who knew i'd love it, was such a joy to read for someone who loves a good grimm's fairytale.

the sun filters through the trees out front. the whole day in front of me. two little ones build a fort with chairs, pillows, silks, and kitchen items.  laughing and pretending together. i believe i will tackle those piles of unclaimed things that happen when one has moved. displaced items that have no official home. a latte in hand gives courage to greet what this day brings. may it be a lovely one. 

 

Weeding::

 

 What an interesting month May has been.  

May 1st brought 14" of snow.   Yesterday, I found myself outside listening to birds and children chatter as I pulled weeds out of the garden.  Rain and sunshine provided the ideal growing situation for the prolific nuisances in the yard.  

I'd begun to think that blogging just wasn't in the cards this month.  With family trips and big daddy trips and my girlie turning "14" time seemed to be all about the family.  No time to reflect when one is "on task" at all moments.  Alas, this afternoon the two littlest are happily playing amongst themselves and I have a full half an hour before I do the next school pick-up. 

So how are you friends?  I've missed being here.  

I've been spring cleaning this month.  Yes, it's almost summer with one more week of school left but I felt spring was late in arriving so I don't feel bad it's taken so long.  It's exciting and overwhelming to go through "stuff" and clear it all out.  This time I'm serious.  I'm clearing things out that have been gingerly laid back the last ten times I've cleared out.  Bags of things are being sent out to the appropriate places with a silent vow to not over-do anything again.  Really how many table cloths does one need when you have one table?  Plus the fact that I rarely use them?  How many t-shirts does one need to own when laundry is done every few days?  Dishes, don't get me started.  Books, which seem to be what I love and conveniently overlook all the time, are being gone through.  It's pretty liberating to clear out the books that tell me how to garden, and organize and simplify my life.  My grandmother was a delight in this area and I hear her voice often lately..."Why are you holding onto that old thing?"  I used to watch and giggle as I saw her clear out things that no longer served a purpose.  What a great example.  She also referred to books, and I must add here that she was an avid reader, as old ideas.  There are a few that you hold onto like the ones you re-read over and over again but otherwise?  Make room for new ideas.  Let some breath in.  

So that is what I'm doing.  As well as loving the weather outside and attempting to soak it all in.  Knitting...not much happening there.  Though I have a pile of projects that need to make it onto Ravelry.  Sewing...??? Crafting of any sort??? Reading...this might be what I'm doing the most of and that isn't much.  Like I said it's an interesting month.  A good month.  A month to breathe and be.  

I'm glad to have the opportunity to check in as the last photos on the blog are of snow.  Though it wasn't that long ago it seems miles away with all the green bursting forth outside now.  

Thank you dear friends for all the lovely comments you leave.  I read every one of them and love the thoughts and ideas you share.  

Happy end of May to you all.   

 

 

The Light::

The light seems to have shifted.  Ever so slightly.  Just enough that the shadows are different.  The light streaming through the windows in the afternoon slants in different patterns.  Spring is in the air. 

We spent most of the weekend outside.  Sitting under the budding trees listening to the bees buzz-buzz buzzing around.  Busy in their work.  Calm and happy to be back at their job.  

I believe everything from the garage that has wheels was brought out, inspected, and taken for a ride.  Sand was moved around in the sandbox and pillows dusted off in the playhouse.  There seems to be a pile of shoes by every door ranging from snow boots to flip flops.  No one slept in, unfortunately, but all were exhausted early as the sun ducked behind the mountains.  

This time of year is exciting.  The brown earth begins to have shoots of green bumping through the tam-bark.  Snowdrops appear daily.  The lilac seem to have grown green buds overnight.  Our flowering trees let us know that Spring is on her way.  I love it.  Yet, I find it makes me even more ready for change.   

Ready to move things around outside as well as inside.  Spring cleaning a natural instinct it would seem. This past weekend with the warm sunshine and drifty wind it seemed to set things to rights.  Not the house. That my dears, is a disaster.  Hope to get to that today.  I hope. 

As Spring Break approaches I believe my "plans" will have to be relegated to the "to do" list for a bit longer.  I don't mind, mostly.  As the changes happen outside it gives me a chance to dream.  See what ideas have hibernated all winter.  See what new thoughts will arrive.  See how they each will blossom.  

Here is to the shift in the light and the budding of Spring, dear friends.

May this day hold beauty for all of us.

 

 

Holiday 2012::

A White Christmas...just as we wished for.  

The snow flakes started to fall with a whisper on Christmas eve.  We had dinner and drove the children around town taking in all the sparkling lights as we watched the wipers swish to and fro.  It was magical.  

Fresh children from baths donned new cozy pajamas, per tradition.  Hot chocolate by the fire as giggling filled the air.  Stockings were hung and four children were tucked into bed.  

We awoke to pitter patters on the stairs and hushed voices discussing whether it was too early to wake us up or not.  The big daddy and I wore exhausted smiles.  It was, after all, a special day.  We tromped down stairs to see what magic had been brought.  

'Twas a delightful day.  Quiet.  Just as we had hoped.  Gifts were opened and shared.  Our handmade holiday gifts exchanged (more to share later).  The children giddy with the day.  

Grateful.  So very grateful for my little family.  Simple was the best part of the holiday season.  

Hope your holiday was lovely.  

Kellen

 

***This post we meant to arrive after the Holiday.  Instead, I scheduled it for December 28th 2014 somehow. oops.***

 

 

 

 

 

 

Festive::

The smell of ginger cookies winds it's way into every corner of the house these days.  Our holiday cards have been received by loved ones.  The errands are done.  Late night knitting sessions by the fire, result in the last stitches.  The whir of the sewing machine echoes from the studio.  Equal parts wool, wood, and fabric are used to create gifts that get tucked beneath the tree.  The arrival of snow and colder temperatures bring wool scarves and snowsuits from closets. The lights twinkle all through the neighborhood.  Tomorrow is the children's last day of school and will include an assembly and lots of cookie eating.  

The excitement is building.  There are many, okay all of us, who can't wait for holiday break this year.  Time to play.  Time to honor.  Time to create and give.  Time to sled. Time to wear pajamas all day.  Time to work on puzzles while sipping cocoa. Time to be a family.  

Yes, I have to say, it's getting mighty festive over here... 

How are things in your world?  

 

 

Knitting and gnomes::

There was BIG knitting going on around here last weekend.  With size US19 needles and three strands of yarn pulling through my fingers I tackled that project.  As one good friend said, "Big knitting means faster results."  Another friend piped in with "...and some sore wrists wielding those needles."  Both are correct.  I've had to knit less with the big needles yet it went so quickly when I did...I wonder if I actually saved any time?  Loving this pattern.

These cookies came out of the oven smelling divine and were gobbled up by me, I mean the children. There was warm chili ala the big daddy bubbling on the stove.  There were clementines eaten by the handfuls.  An advent spiral for our dear five year old.  Our littlest girlie decided to participate and carried her candle into the spiral, lit it, set it down, and walked slowly out.  Determined she is and oh-so-wonderful.    

There were alot of closed doors with posted signs.  Secret outings were made to the hardware store and bags held close as supplies were hidden.  I have to admit I'm a bit curious.  The two older children have not wanted my help this year which is frankly, too much.  I keep hinting that if there are "things" they need just let me "know".  No one's biting.  It's half frustrating and half satisfying.  My children are growing up and creating on their own!  It's what we want right?  Yet...it's all I can do not to want to "help" just a small bit.  I think it comes down to whether or not I can wait to find out their surprises until the holidays!   

Ideally though, it leaves more time for my own creating.  A lovely thought.  So I keep making lists.  Lists of how and when to complete "the project" that I haven't started yet.  I'm not sure if I believe my time to be unlimited or if the speeding days on the calendar are getting to me.  Either way someone ought to get to work....asap!  

Just for good measure there seems to be an outbreak of "gnome" in the house.  They are everywhere.  Smiling from the shelf.  Being hugged.  Hanging around.  Baking bread.  It's...well...so GREAT!!! I love gnomes.  I don't really know why.  

I bet that's something you always wondered about me, isn't it?  

What about you?  Are you feeling crafty these days?  Doing creative things?  Baking?  Making lists?  

Let me know I'll be here waiting and...looking over my lists.   

 

Alrighty then::

Sometimes a gal has to admit when she's beat.  Sometimes she has to understand that no matter how far behind she is with posting the only way to remedy that is to actually post something.  Sometimes a gal, meaning me, has to just stop thinking and start writing.  

So, Hi!  It's been awhile.  I've been living, and journeying and adventuring with this fine gaggle of four that we have.  It's been fun and challenging and just as it should be.  Now with birthdays still to share. Adventures I've been on. Holidays with lovely family who visited from afar. It's full. ya know?  So full that I've decided to skip it for now.  All those stories will still be there and we can visit them another time.  Like an old friend that you pick up conversation with where you left it last.  That way we can move from this moment.  This story. Does that sound good?  Yes, to me too!  

I've been wondering what you all have been up to.  Are you planning, knitting, baking, scheming?  I am too.  It's kind of exciting to think of those few special things isn't it?  We are planning on our family name draw again this year.  Third year running and so far it's a hit.  Also, I'm subscribing to the rules of gift giving that I've seen floating around the blogging world.

1. Something they want

2. Something they need

3. Something to wear

4. Something to read 

It's a sweet little thing don't you think?  It's so easy to get caught up in the buyers flurry when you go out into the world.  All the twinkling lights, holiday music, puffs of breath seen as you bundle your scarf around your neck...it's easy to fall into the magic and forget that you want to keep things simple.  Simple because most days your children can hardly keep the few items they already have put away. <think lego piece in the middle of the night and bare feet---oooouuucchhhh>

I'm enjoying the challenge.  I believe it really is more of a challenge to do less than more.  Do you find that to be true?   

Oh, and this past weekend we hiked up a mountain per tradition and found our tree.  Early? yes. Excellent? absolutely.  Usually our tree lasts far past the holidays and I have such a hard time taking a living, pine cone blooming tree out to compost.  So this year she has more time to flourish.  She is officially up and decorated.  I'm staring at her while I type this little post to you in fact.  And, she's pretty.  Some may call her sparse, as most trees from the mountains that would be cleared by rangers usually are, we just call her understated.  Decorated with homemade ornaments from years past.  I love this more than the most elaborate tree because every piece on it has a story.  That really is what this season is about don't you think?  Creating a story.  

There you go.  That is what I'm currently doing.  Not what I was doing.  Or what I soon will be doing.  Rather what is directly in front of me.  I'll admit that there is some thought to a dear friend of mine who is due to deliver a beautiful baby girl in the next few weeks and I do think ahead to that.  But, who wouldn't right?  

As the children are tucked into their beds, dreaming of sleeping all-the -way-through-the-night, I see holiday boxes that will need to be put away tomorrow.  I'm listening to the dishwater do its nightly tune and I'm watching the fire dance and the lights twinkle on the tree. I'm grateful for all that is this moment.  The season of going inward and tending to the warmth inside.  

What are you doing?  

 

p.s. Notice all the questions I'm posing?  I'm hoping for more of a conversation between us.  Like good friends.  I want to know about you as well.  What do you think? 

 

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The Wish::

Autumn Weekend::

As simple as::

It was messy::

Some of you may need to brace yourself for the whole of this post.  Others may need to avert your eyes as it's going to get quite messy from here on out.  

It's summer right?  It's supposed to be fun?  There's the list we started and all.  

The list is responsible for this next little piece.  I believe I could blame the list, only I did help make the list, so I'm sure that reasoning won't hold much water if you know what I mean.

It began in a simple way.  The big daddy received a pasta maker for his birthday in June.  He's been experimenting on us.  Filling us with all types of different shaped delicious pasta.  Thank goodness it's healthy right?  

 

Our adventure started out like this.  

Very civilized.  Plates and everything.  A lovely salad filled with all things farmer's market.  All of us seated outside.  The children kept bee-lining for the silverware drawer because "someone" had forgotten the silverware.  The oldest was tipped off to our evil plan when we asked everyone to throw on a swim suit before dinner.  Because lets face it who wants to try and get this mess about to happen out of clothing?  I don't!  

Suits doned we began.  Giggles happened as the big daddy served plates of homemade pasta and meatballs with his hands.  They looked around at me with questioning looks like "um, mommy did you see what daddy just did".  I stifled a giggle.  Four inquiring eyes widened as he did it again.  They hadn't imagined it.  

The children stared at both of us with their plates in front of them.  "Enjoy!" we said in stereo.   

Jaws dropped. 

 

It took them a little while to really dig in.  They kept tentatively scooping pasta up looking in our direction like we must be joking.  Secret smiles exchanged across the table to one another.  

Our goal for the meal other than "no utensils, just for fun, the messiest meal we could think of" was to have no "no's" at the table.  No "no's".  This was a challenge for me it seems.  It was on the tip of my tongue a few more times than I would like to admit.  But, I did it.  You know what?  They soaked it up.  

Then, when they realized we were in fact serious about this whole thing well...

 

...then they really got going.  Yes, this will scare many of you I'm sure.  It may have scared me when posting these pictures if I hadn't heard the echo of their laughter that night.  Amazing.  

How simple.  How fun. What a mess.  But, in the end...we will always remember that night.  

 

The suits?  Well, that was for the wash up afterwards.  Thank goodness it was a warm day.  Seriously, when they had finished with rubbing sauce on themselves, their hair, and one another it REQUIRED a large sponge, a bowl of soapy water and the hose!  

More giggles and wild screams.  More "did you see when I wrapped that pasta around my head?"  Or "did you see his legs with the sauce rubbed all over them?"  

Good stuff I tell you.  

Now, in no way am I saying you should do this.  It's not for the faint of heart.  It did require some serious hose spraying of the porch, and a few of the suits might very well be stained forever.  

But, I haven't laughed that hard for awhile.  They can't stop talking about it.  In the end, the mess is cleaned up and we all have the memory to tuck into our Summer Fun 2012 and that's pretty worth it in my book.  

You?  

 

 

 

Being Summer::

these past few days we've spent a lot of time being summer

the children have woken later than usual

some of us have stayed in pajamas until lunchtime

board games played and forts built

fresh, local food collected from the farmers market

squash blossoms, uh-huh

we've hit the pool every day for an afternoon cool down

there are some of us, okay all of us, who had frozen yogurt before lunch...a few times 

tomatoes plants watered and smiled at

flip flops worn and discarded by the door all day

new and old books read

knitting, though it happens less these days, did include some casting on for a new project

we officially started our summer fun which I'll tell you about soon

laughter, squabbles and a few naps have been thrown in for good measure

yes, we're being summer, and it feels pretty good!

 

what about you?