Bluebirdbaby

A Vintage Dress (for sale)

An annual event in town next weekend led me on the hunt for a new dress. I searched Etsy for a handmade one, but couldn't seem to find anything in my price range. Then I decided to look for a vintage dress and came across the lovely, simplistic one you see above. I was picturing it with black tights and black ballet flats. Perhaps a vintage button-down sweater if it's a tad chilly.

The dress arrived and I knew as soon as I pulled it out of the package that it was too big. Because of the elastic waist, I was thinking I could make it fit. But with my boyish figure, lack of hips and bust, it just wasn't meant to be. You won't find a full body shot of me in it, because I thought it made me look like a had a shrunken head.

I like the square neckline, but the puffy sleeves make my gangly arms look even more gangly.

The pleats on the bodice are really neat. It's given me some ideas for other dresses to make myself.

So if anyone is looking for a vintage dress, e-mail me or leave a comment. I'd say it's about a size 8, but it's hard telling because I lack the essential womanly features that make a dress look nice. It could be a 6. The original listing is here, complete with measurements. I guess I'm off to find another dress that actually fits.

And stay tuned tomorrow for a blog giveaway!!

How to keep a toddler happy when you're sick

Thank you for all your well wishes. I am feeling a bit better. Perhaps it was a 24-hour flu? One of the hardest things about being sick and a stay at home mama is figuring out how to entertain a very active toddler when I can hardly move.

So what captured her attention for at least ten minutes? Washing her dishes after lunch.

Drinking water from the faucet.

Filling cups of water. (And then dumping the water on the floor.)

Even though she was completely soaked by the end of it, she was happy and self-engaged. The best part was mama got a ten minute rest before having to clean up a dripping toddler and puddles on the floor.

Sick

Last night I came down with the flu. I have no other symptoms, even my brain seems to be functioning normally (as normal as it can), but I have the awful chills while sweating at the same time, and every part of my body aches. This is what winter is all about right? Snowshoeing, sledding, hot chocolate, snow days, and the flu. I guess I was just waiting my turn.

I'm going to lay low until I feel a bit better.

Blah.

Pancakes and Pianos

Pancakes and pianos? Yes, that's all I've got this Monday morning. It's that time when we're deep in mid-winter: the light is lacking, the photographs feel uninspired due to the lack of light, there isn't a whole lot of outdoor exploring, our daily routine is becoming a tad mundane, and well, it's cold and it's Maine in late January. But nevertheless, things have indeed been going on here. Perhaps I just feel they aren't "blog worthy." So if this post comes across as a bit of hodgepodge, let's just roll with it, okay?

You can bet that on at least one of the weekend mornings blueberry pancakes will make an appearance. The little one knows exactly what needs to be done to get these pancakes on the table and is always willing to help. She does the stirring, the blueberry eating, the batter testing, and always tries the first pancake. Since we are gluten/dairy/egg-free, we use this mix. It has cultured buttermilk in it, but the little one seems to tolerate it fine. It calls for eggs, so we use this egg replacer.

On Saturday we made a trip to our favorite local bookstore and found this fabulous wooden piano on sale. The little one has taken to climbing up on the real piano and stomping on the keyboard with her feet. So we thought this "Schroeder-sized" piano would keep her attention diverted. She adores it.

She either has to have that fancy black shoe on the top, or a book of music which she thumbs through until she finds just the right piece to "play." I really don't think I've ever mentioned her intense love of music. I would even go as far as saying it's in her soul. Anything that produces a beat will get her up and moving. She started conducting out of the blue when she was 10 months old. She'd never seen anyone do it before. Yesterday she successfully sang "Twinkle, twinkle" never missing a pitch. Of course, words were not included, just some cute humming. But boy, we were so proud. I wouldn't be surprised if she figured it out on this little piano before too long.

And I have to leave you with this gorgeous sunset from last night. Isn't it amazing?! The entire sky was a mass of pink and orange. So very beautiful.

On the Way to the Post Office

We do live in a very beautiful place.

Scenes from our day

~Post-breakfast vacuuming~

~Beds are made~

~Green snacks: Veggie Booty and sliced pears~

~Making mama tea~

~Latest favorite activity: jumping on mama's bed before bedtime~

Have a lovely weekend. See you on Monday.

Just Like Us

I think one of the most amusing things about having a little one is the imitating that goes on. She watches us ever so carefully, during times when we think her attention is elsewhere, and then surprises us by doing the exact thing we were doing minutes ago. Yesterday I turned around from my pancake making activities to find her reading the paper. Her face, the pose, everything about this just made me want to laugh and cry in the same moment.

She has this imitation down to a "T." Complete with reading out loud and turning the pages. She points to pictures and reads the captions underneath. She puts the paper down and sighs, picking up her mug of water, and then goes right back to reading. Obviously the pancake making activities were put to a halt and I ran to get the camera. Oh, these are the moments I hope to never forget.

Due to the carbon monoxide fiasco, we had the pleasure of getting to know a lovely neighbor. While at her house with the little one we not only discovered she collects buttons, but that she also adores thrifting. She graciously gave me a bag of vintage buttons (and another bag made its way home yesterday) and we made a date to go thrifting at two of our favorite local spots.

So on Tuesday we headed out for a little thrifting fun. I finally (after months of searching) found a chenille bedspread in absolutely perfect condition. The price tag couldn't have been better either. It's all washed and ready to go on the bed. I'm anxiously awaiting our next trip already...

New from Etsy

Every couple of months I save my pennies for some wonderful items I've found on Etsy. I love to share them here because I really feel that supporting other artists is important. Buying handmade is really vital to me, so I find myself turning to Etsy first when I am in search of something.

I knew the green room needed something special in terms of artwork as soon as I put the paint on the walls. I had remembered seeing Blue Yonder's papercut called "Leaving The Nest" and immediately fell in love with it. I inquired about some custom 8x10 prints and she was more than happy to work with me. There are so many funky prints up in her shop. I love each and every one of them and had a hard time choosing! I can't wait to have them framed and on the wall.

Have I mentioned that I now have three people willing to watch the little one in the morning while I get some work done?! Three! I feel so lucky to have them and Elisabeth just adores the attention. So I get two mornings a week now to myself. For the first time since becoming a mother I've discovered I need a weekly planner to keep our schedule straight. I found the one above on Etsy in Julia's shop called Simbiosis. It's the cutest thing and is just the right size for lugging around in the diaper bag.

I was able to put in a custom order with my favorite little Etsy shop: Green Leaf & Owl. Eva is so talented and her jewelry always catches my eye. It's the first time I've ever found jewelry that is truly my style. The above necklace is really beautiful; the picture honestly doesn't do it justice.

And lastly, one of my blog readers has an Etsy shop and I fell in love with her  "Bluebird of Joy" earrings. How could I not with a name like that?! Kate is so talented and I had fun looking through her shop. I put the earrings on as soon as they arrived and when the little one woke up from her nap, she immediately crawled into my lap and started to play with them. (I do realize this isn't the greatest picture, but have you ever tried to photograph earrings on yourself? Slightly difficult.)

We also received this gorgeous and beautifully made bag from Kate. The little one immediately snatched it and started to fill it with boxes of food. She lugged it around for a good hour. I hope she doesn't get too upset when she finally realizes it's mama's bag and not hers...

So there you have it. A little Etsy love from yours truly. Buy handmade!

Out

We woke up to a chilly morning yesterday. It didn't deter us from our (almost) daily trip in town. Even being an introvert, I have found that I need to get out daily to be energized. It gets me motivated for the day ahead and I'm more productive. The twenty minute drive never becomes a chore for me. Lately the little one has been using the "sunglasses" her cousins gave her when the sun is in her eyes. It's amusing to peek back and see two pink hearts staring at me.

The music for the road is always different. Yesterday was a Steely Dan kind of day. I've played their music countless times in combos and have fallen in love with their unique sound. This song was a favorite of mine; I not only played the trumpet, but I also sang. A lot of fun and many good memories.

The drive is mostly pastures with farm houses here and there. We point to the trees, to the houses, to the birds flying above, and slow way down when we get here. We have to almost come to a complete stop to say "hi" to the cows and make an insane amount of mooing noises. Only then can we move on...

I've never really enjoyed driving, and having a little one that usually needs to be entertained while on the road doesn't make it any easier. But there's something about this drive that is meditative to me. The rolling hills, the people who always seem to be outside regardless of the weather that offer a wave and smile, the cows busily munching on their piles of hay, the frozen lake, the dips and turns through pines and meandering through fields of snow. It's all so peaceful and certain. It's always there; no matter what.

So the drive has become a relaxing and soothing activity. The little one knows exactly where we are and where we are going. She starts mooing 100 ft. before we even see the cows. I'm sure the drive has become a stable and expected part of her routine as well. When we finally reach town there is much clapping in the back seat, followed by enthusiastic pointing as we pass over the river. She knows what comes next.

All Done

Finally everything is finished. I've really enjoyed making every item for the shop update this afternoon (at 2 p.m.EST!).

I finished another batch of pants over the weekend. I even made two extra for the little one. She's had a growth spurt in the last three weeks and desperately needed some. I like the look of the elastic around the ankles, and really love how it keeps the pant cuffs from dragging in the mud or snow. These "Mad For Plaid" pants are perfect for play.

And her favorites: the "Dream of Green" cords with that great Japanese heavy cotton tree print on the knees.

I thought I should have a little "Maine" fun and whipped these up. The plaid knee patches were a find in a thrift shop on the coast of Maine. The title of the pants pretty much sums up how I feel about them: The "Wicked Good Pants."

And I updated my Etsy profile which will provide you with a little information about the thinking behind my children's clothing designs.

There might be some quiet posting this week as I begin to start on custom orders. Enjoy the day!

A Walk In the Woods

Please note that the time of my shop update has changed. Have a lovely weekend!

Shop Update

*Due to the time difference, I have moved the update to 2 p.m. EST. I hope this works for more people!!*

The shop will be updated on Monday, January 21st, at 9 a.m. 2 p.m. EST. Please note that the time has changed from my previous announcement.

And what will be in this update, you ask? Well, cargo pants for the little ones and bigger kids too, wool felt barrettes, and possibly another set of pants if I find the time this weekend to finish them. Here's a glimpse of the goods:

As always, each item in this shop update is unique. No two are alike. I spent a lot of time choosing trim for the pants and embroidering a coordinating design on the linen cargo pockets. I am very happy with the end result and hope you will be too! The wool felt barrettes were inspired by the one I made the little one months ago. I wanted something soft and gentle on her head and couldn't find any that fit our style. Each barrette is hand stitched and topped with a vintage button.

I hope to see you Monday morning at 9 a.m. EST! There will be another shop update in mid-late February with clothing for the ladies, diaper bags, and more.

I hope your weekend is filled with creativity, fun, and lots of chocolate!!

The (not so) Little One

This blog is certainly not void of pictures and tidbits about the little one. But I feel like I'm a tad overdue with a real update. So let the fun begin...

Some of the more exciting developments lately are the additions to her limited diet. The last time we tried goat's milk yogurt it was a complete failure. Five months later we are good to go. She loves her blueberry yogurt and gets a slightly perturbed look on her face if you get too close while she's eating it.

Another favorite which is always followed by the "more" sign is Green & Blacks organic dark chocolate. Just dark folks. Mainly because it doesn't have any dairy in it. I honestly thought she'd spit it out when she requested I share one day. Oh no, she gets two squares a day now and savors every bite. As seen above, melting chocolate in your mouth can be quite a messy activity. For the record I would like to admit that I don't look like this after eating my pieces.

Her favorite activity is stacking anything and everything. This is the bulk of our play these days. Luckily, our very kind neighbor gave us some great blocks. They've already been put to much use. Thanks Mary!

She still loves to read, although we're in the slightly destructive "let's snap the book binding in half" phase.

Oh yes, and there are her friends. She already has more than I ever will. She and her playmate above have been going strong for about ten months now. That's a lot in baby time.

Her favorite article of clothing would be her "new to us" rain boots. Loves these. Doesn't even matter that they are two sizes too big. I wish I had some.

And even at 16-months she will still put everything in her mouth. Thank goodness we've moved on from balls of dog hair, but I'm not sure finding bugs in her mouth is any better...

Visitors on a snowy day

A quiet post today is all I can muster after a very busy and unusual day yesterday. Let's just say we're having a bit of a problem at home involving smoke, loud beeping devices, carbon monoxide, fire trucks, boilers out of commission, cold weather, missed naps, late bedtimes, and generally just one really exhausted and slightly chilly family. (On a positive note, we've discovered our neighbors are just really awesome people and are very thankful they are close by.)

I hope to be back to regular posting tomorrow. Have a great Wednesday!

A little thrifty fun

Stephen suggested the idea of tagging along to my (almost) weekly Saturday morning trip to the thrift shop. I think my mouth actually dropped open and I stuttered as I tried to find the words to express my amazement and absolute joy. A family thrifting adventure?! Now this could be exciting.

I wasn't in search of anything special. There's such a turnaround at this little thrift shop that I really never have any idea what I will find. We were delighted to find that it was a half-off day. When I spied a little film camera in the "vintage" section (I don't know if I would exactly call this vintage), I knew it would be coming home. Ever since I can remember, the little one has wanted my camera. So I thought perhaps this could work as a decoy.

She loves it. Really loves it. I found two old canisters of film to use in it too. She took a whole roll (24 photos) of the rug. Flash and all. But oh what fun it was to see her really enjoying herself.

There were the blue shoes I couldn't resist. Shoes are usually the only thing I will not buy used, but these were in great condition and really well made. Still a bit big, but as you can see above she insisted on wearing them. We've discovered they're great for tapping.

And then there was the slide in the toy room. Now, most of you probably know we are not fans of plastic toys. We only have one: a toy cell phone purchased a month ago for entertainment on a long car ride. It worked, but I admit to actually confessing to the lady behind the cash register that this was our "first plastic toy ever." She looked at me in amazement as if to say, "what else are toys made out of??" But we spotted this slide and Stephen the little one fell in love.

It ended up in our car a few minutes later and now resides in our dining room. Hey, I guess it's all about making the long Maine winters a little more bearable. And besides, it kind of goes with the swing.

A Small Detail

Anyone who has placed a custom order with me knows I am a speedy worker. I'll usually have the finished product mailed the next day. I've always been this way. I remember being in grade school and finishing my tests a full twenty minutes before anyone else. In high school I used to double check, triple check, and fidget around before finally standing up from my seat. Of course, the class would be staring at me with that "how the heck did you do that so quickly?" look, while I started having doubts that I somehow missed a few pages. So when I get e-mails from my much appreciated blog readers asking when the next shop update is, I find myself in an unusual position. You see, I could have updated it long ago if it weren't for a small detail:

My serger. It's been giving me issues from, well, the beginning. Oh, there's that usual serger temperament going on. You know, the one where even if the room is too humid it seems to stop working. But it's gotten to the point where I serge an inch, have to re-thread everything, serge another inch, re-thread, and repeat. It takes me forever to finish something and usually the end result is not that pretty.

So when I sat down to work Friday night feeling mighty good about getting some things done (along with some DMB, G&B, and a good glass of merlot) and found out my serger would not cooperate, I realized that something is going to have to give. I spent an hour re-threading it over and over. I finally gave up. See those tissues next to my serger in the picture above? Yea, those were definitely needed. I had a little meltdown.

So my serger is no longer in use. This means my planned next shop update is either heavily modified or postponed until I figure something out. Remember my sewing machine giving me trouble a while back? That put a large dent in my savings and a new serger is not even in the picture. One step at a time though, right?

I've managed to come up with some other things that will be finished soon for the shop. I worked on them a bit yesterday and felt that old feeling of satisfaction and productivity return. I dipped into my wool felt stash.

Took a look through my vintage buttons.

And am close to finishing a few (okay, more than a few...) accessories for the little ones which will hopefully make an appearance next Monday, the 21st at 11 a.m. EST.

Thank you for your patience. If anyone has suggestions on a good, not-so-pricey serger, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts.

You Can Find Me Here

Everyday from 5-5:30 p.m. when the little one allows it. It's a start...

New Coats

I just love coats; especially when thrifted.

A Date

I should probably start off by saying Stephen and I have not been on a date (or out alone for that matter) since the little one was born. That is, if you don't count two weeks ago when we went to dinner at a friend's house down the street. But a real date, including food someone else cooked for you in a nice restaurant, and a play at a local theater is really what we need. And that's exactly what we'll get come tomorrow night.

One look through my closet revealed that my "nice" clothes are all for playing gigs; black pants or skirts, white shirts. I needed something special. I remembered the Simplicity pattern #3835 which I attempted last summer with pretty swell results. So I thought I would try it again, only with a little tweaking.

I used brown linen for most of the shirt and a great little blue textured print I found at my favorite fabric store. I added about two inches to the sleeve length and am very glad I did. I tend to dislike when shirt sleeves end right at my elbow.

I serged everything so there would be no raw edges. I ended up taking it in after, but overall the fit is good and I'm pleased. The neckline is perfect. Not too wide that I would be fidgeting with it all evening, and I love the fact that I can either dress it up or down depending on my mood.

Now I just have to find (or make) something to go with it...

Have a lovely weekend! See you back here on Monday.

Another One

About a week ago I was asked to donate something to the annual "Chocolate Festival" auction next month in town. I agreed and it got me thinking about a new bag design. I think they were rather surprised when I arrived to drop off my donation yesterday. What can I say? When I get an idea, it's usually only about a day or two before I have to make it a reality.

The "Everything Bag" can be used for, well, everything. I wanted to design something that was aesthetically pleasing and eye catching. So I chose an Amy Butler print with a modern and simplistic look. I think it went beautifully with the gray corduroy. It's almost the same dimensions as my diaper bag so it can be used for a diaper bag, or for a larger handbag.

I used a vintage button from my stash. I used the same loop technique as on the diaper bag because I like how the bag won't flop open when set down.

There are three pockets inside. One has a "key ring" so your keys don't get lost at the bottom of the bag. Thanks to a special order where someone requested this, I think I just may have to put one in every bag now. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. What do you think? Is it shop worthy? I think there may be more in the near future...

And just something you can be sure to see going on around here lately. I've been using my precious sewing time while the little one naps to read. Read! Ah, I haven't done this for ages it seems. Sure, little bits here and there, but none of this actual "finishing" of books. Now that the little one is getting older and doesn't need to be in my lap all the time, I can get in a few minute here and there. This book is absolutely amazing. Mesmerizing more like. I have three pages until I'm done. I've learned so, so much. You must check it out. Most certainly worth every penny, but check your local library too.

And some wintry scenes from another warm day yesterday can be found here.

Outdoor Love

Yesterday we had a bit of unusual weather: 55 degrees in Maine in January?? Unheard of! I certainly got a kick out of seeing people walking down the streets in short sleeves. It feels especially odd after a really cold spell just last week. Subzero temperatures and record setting high temperatures back to back? Something about that just doesn't sit right with me. We woke up to a yard full of mist, so I knew something was up.

We soaked up the rays while the "heat" lasted and spent a good deal of time outside, trying to maneuver around melting piles of snow.

There was a little snow eating, of course.

We played with our snow shadows.

We checked out the wood pile and found a rather large stick Macaulay (and the little one) thought was the greatest thing ever.

We threw Macaulay sticks and pointed to the huge pile of snow two times the size of the little one.

Then we came inside, had some rice crackers and herb goat cheese (did you know the little one can have goat cheese now? So exciting!) and found a bit of inspiration from nature inside. These books are usually found on the coffee table, the bird one being the little one's favorite. I personally enjoy Season of Promise. So many wonderful embroidery ideas are inspired by this book.

Enjoy today, whether you're outside or in! And a big thank you for the kind comments on yesterday's post. You all bring a smile to my face. Your words are much appreciated.

Time

More and more I am finding that I can't exactly make all the ideas floating around in my head a reality. I have two notebooks, scattered with clothing designs for both adults and children, and just can't seem to make them work. Or more often than not, I settle for the "not quite." It's frustrating. My new sewing machine has been a blessing, but my serger is not meant for everyday use and it's beginning to show the effects; on itself and on my clothing.

I started sewing when I was pregnant. That wasn't too long ago and I really just got into it this past summer. That was the first time I attempted to stitch anything other than a straight line. Sometimes I have to remind myself where I'm coming from; that I haven't been doing this for long. My life path seems to be all over the place: music, organic farming (yes, I actually studied this in college),  graphic design (my original intent when entering college), creative writing, back to music, and now sewing. Currently I want to go to a design school and really learn my trade. But that doesn't quite seem to be in the picture.

So I settle for less than what I think know I can do. Sometimes I am not happy with the end result, although it usually is okay, it's just not what was in my head to begin with. And that's hard for me to deal with.

But with each new project I seem to learn a little bit more. That little bit seems to be enough to keep me going and keeps the ideas flowing. I suppose I'll take it. I have time to figure the rest out, right? Anyway, I've learned that with time, things will come. Case in point.

A Weekend Trip

I've mentioned our love for the local bookstore plenty of times in the past. The Maine Coast Bookshop is a great little store with a terrific selection of books, and for a nice bonus there's a cafe attached. The little one and I usually head in there every day or so, mostly because it's the only place she just loves to be. We can spend a good two hours in there and I still have to chase her around to get her coat on before we leave. Yesterday we all took a trip in to get a hot chocolate and do some book browsing.

One of the best things about this great local store is the people who work there. Above is Lisa, one of Elisabeth's most favorite people. They have a special bond and Lisa is always the recipient of many hugs and kisses.

I really believe in supporting local businesses. Sure, I can browse Amazon and get plenty of books at a discounted price, but where's the fun? There's no real experience in doing that. I can't physically flip through the pages, read excerpts, or ask the staff what they thought of it. There's nobody to recommend a good book or a smiling face at the checkout. Who exactly am I supporting when I buy a book off of Amazon anyway?

So now I do only my browsing on Amazon or other blogs, then special order everything at this bookstore. Plus, there's the fact that the little one thinks nothing is better than running around in a store full of books all day. She browses, rearranges, interacts with the lovely staff, greets customers coming in from the cold, runs to the cafe to give Lisa a hug, plays with her favorite toys, and generally just has more fun than anywhere else. We've actually stopped going to playgroups because she likes the bookstore more.

Stephen enjoyed his mocha, chili, and a good book while I sipped my hot chocolate trying to keep an eye on the little one. After a good two hours of chasing her around a large store, I am usually in need of a rather filling lunch. She has certainly perfected the art of running.

One of her favorite things to do is push this cart around the store. She's usually pretty good about not running into anybody, but mama tends to help a bit turning the corners.

Another favorite would be the Folkmanis Puppets. I have a feeling we'll end up with one in the near future.

And, of course, there's the street watching where she points to every big truck going by and likes to wave to the people on foot.

After we said our goodbyes we went to Renys for a balloon. This provided about five minutes of entertainment in the car before she was out like a light.

A perfect Sunday morning, if you ask me.

And the birds take flight...

A Bit of Randomness

Yesterday, the marvelous Rhea came over for some chatting and tea. I call her the "marvelous Rhea" because she really is quite marvelous. She knows me well and as soon as I whipped out my camera she asked, "is this going on the blog??" Rhea is a terrific graphic designer and has agreed to completely rework my logo for the shop, including business cards and some free gifts to include with my Etsy sales.

I'm really excited about it all and hope to reveal the new look with the next update of my shop. Hopefully that will be towards the end of the month. There's so much crafting going on here, but I want the next update to be a surprise. I'll show you snippets here and there in the coming weeks so at least you know something is going on in the green room.

The following are completely random photos I've taken around the house lately. I guess quite fitting for a Friday, where the craziness from the rest of the week seems to melt away in anticipation of the weekend. Ah, Saturdays...lounge pants, pancakes, a good book, a movie, some snow playing (and eating), and visits to our favorite little book store to see friends and have my daily soy mocha.

A hat the little one found buried in Stephen's office. She dragged it upstairs and placed it on the floor in front of where I sit on the couch. I found it after she had gone down for her nap and chuckled as I read the visor.

A mobile that was my sister's, then passed down to me, now passed down to the little one. It sits in our living room where the sunlight streams through the window most of the day.

A glass bubble I thought looked brilliant in the sunlight.

My favorite dried flowers that I never tire of.

I hope your weekend is full of creativity and laughter. Stay warm! See you back here on Monday.

Production Has Begun

Well, here they are. The first things to be started and completed in the green room: lounge pants for mama and the little one. Thanks to Stephen for taking this lovely picture. I was much to lazy to deal with the tripod. I found this great flannel print at a deal I couldn't pass up.  However, I feel as though I should be headed out the door to one of my junior high sleepovers. That was about the last time I wore flannel printed pants.

I completely guessed on my pants. I traced a well-loved, comfy pair of sweats I wear almost daily (the lady at the fabric store thought I was nuts for doing this. "What? You don't use a pattern??!"), adjusted the rise a bit and ended up with a pair that is mildly comfortable. Next time I have to remember that my behind is a bit bigger than I thought.

The little one's turned out perfectly and are long enough to last through next year I hope.

She got quite the kick out of seeing mama putting her matching flannel pants on. I could tell she wasn't so sure she wanted to "share" pants. But after we both ran around the house a bit, she was willing to accept this new matching game. (I can't say matching will be a normal occurrence around here.)

But they're comfy and they're fun. They'll get a lot of use from us on our lazy Saturdays.

And a big thank you for all the kind and enthusiastic responses to yesterday's post. I really do love my new room and I'm so glad you are all fond of it too! I promise to keep you updated as the room finally is finished.

The "Big Secret": The Green Room

The unveiling has finally arrived. I'm a bit nervous letting you all peek into my new workspace, and a tad excited too. My holiday week was spent running around to hardware stores, painting three different coats of green (more on that later...), breathing in the awful fumes of floor paint, being splattered with drops of white while painting the ceiling, deciding just where I wanted things to go, and finally moving in.

Remember the room before? It seemed like it would never be finished. We both had so much on our plates and the time to work on my new space was limited. With the help of our great friend and neighbor, my mother who is an excellent babysitter, and the so very multi-talented-handy-man-of-a-husband, the room was finished in a little over two months time. Phew.

So how about the grand tour? Please check out my flickr set for notes and more information about each little corner of my room. For now, I just want to show you. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

It's not quite done. There's lighting fixtures to be added, artwork to put up from Etsy, and of course a small detail: the door. But I love it. I love every minute I spend here. I feel less hurried,  like I'm allowed to take my time. I can breathe and move around my space as I please. There aren't dining room tables or cabinets full of dishes in the way. I can listen to whatever music I want, sing at the top of my lungs, dance, and make a complete fool of myself in the privacy of my own little space. I'm beyond thrilled to have this and feel so lucky my talented husband made it possible. Thanks sweetie. I owe you one...

Now, let the crafting begin!

A New Year

It feels as though ages have passed since I sat down to write for you all. Holidays can really keep a person busy (as well as other secretive projects going on...) and although I've managed to turn out a few picture heavy posts, my head is near explosion with the amount of ideas and inspiration spinning around. I know it will take me a few days to get back into the groove, and what better time to start than the first day of the new year?

Yesterday, after finally finishing that big "secretive project" I've been hinting at, I had a moment to stop and breathe. These past two weeks (okay, really it's been two months) have seemed like a race to a finish line that was barely visible. Now it's been crossed and it feels better than I imagined. Expect a nice, long post about this big project on Wednesday. Sorry to keep you waiting, but trust me, it's worth it.

When I finally had the chance to breathe, it seemed only fitting to do that breathing in the great outdoors; where each inhale of the cold winter air refreshes my body and spirit. Jack Frost has been no stranger around these parts. Another eight inches added to the already snow covered ground.

I strapped on my snow shoes just to get the mail. I was under the impression that snow shoes helped keep your feet dry and made trudging through the thick blanket of snow a little easier. My only thought was "I must be doing something wrong."

My constant companion bounded through the snow with ease. My only defense is he has four legs, while I only have two. That must make it easier somehow.

Although the garden is covered, little bits of dormant plants peek above the snow, waiting for spring and a chance for new life.

While I much prefer the cold, crisp air of winter to the humid air of summer, I look at these photos and remember that not too long ago the scene was so very different. And yes, those are my knees being covered by snow. I was frantically trying to get the following picture before it was too late:

The winter sun, blaring orange and setting below the hill. Beautiful. The last sunset of 2007.

Happy New Year!