Bluebirdbaby

A Happy Halloween

Over the summer, the little one requested to be a "purple flower fairy" for Halloween. I ordered the wool felt for her skirt and crown back in August and started working on the whole thing in September. The tutu was so easy and required no sewing at all! The flower petal skirt took the longest because of the hand embroidery, but the crown went together rather quickly too. All in all, it was an easy costume! She had no wings because she didn't want them. The costume didn't stay on too long. For a little one with sensory issues, the "itchy" fabrics and extra layers were just not something she was into. But that's okay. It will fit for years and into the dress up box it goes!

Early this evening we headed up to the annual All Hallow's Eve walk that the local Waldorf school puts on. It was a magical evening, full of forest fairies, knights and dragons, and ended with a story about jack-o-lanterns. The children walked quietly for a quarter of a mile through the woods, completely enchanted by the magical creatures. It was just beautiful. I snapped some photos from the walk so you could "join in" too! Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!!

Waldorf In the Kitchen

Something I've always struggled with the little one by my side is cooking and cleaning. Children and these two things just never mix; or so was my experience. I always tried to get her to help, but I was usually faced with a little one who just wanted undivided attention. There was a time when we settled into a good rhythm waaaay back when and she would gladly help me cook or sweep. But those days have been long gone.

The little one has required lots of attention lately. I found I was getting nothing done, but was mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day. This week, after Sasa and I decided it was time for her to be engaged along side of us (which meant she was still getting lots of attention, but it was a structured activity), I rearranged the kitchen a bit to suit her smallness. This is our first step. Her cups, plates, bowls, place mats, napkins, cutting board and crinkle cutter (great for little hands), and silverware are all arranged in a cupboard she can get to easily. She helps set the table at each meal by getting whatever she will need. The brooms and dustpans are lined up along the wall within easy reach. We sweep after preparing the meals (she swept on her own tonight without us asking!) and I find a spontaneous "cleaning" song helps the jobs get done.

I set up a little table for her next to our baking corner. Our "baking day" is now officially on Thursday, so this Thursday morning I had everything set up for making skillet cornbread. I placed each ingredient in a separate bowl (all pre-measured) so she could just pour it in and stir. She did it without help and had the batter in the skillet in no time! I find this approach really works wonders with her. She had a smile on her face the entire time and just loved baking! By the way, this book is wonderful with easy recipes for the little ones.

We also made applesauce while our cornbread was baking. We made up an apple cutting song while we washed, peeled, and cut the apples. The little one sat for a good 45 minutes doing this, so content and happy. I've noticed that when she is having a hard time getting absorbed in an activity, making up a song about it always grabs her attention. Our enamel pots are great for washing. We use them for washing dishes, apples, napkins and place mats, and all kinds of other things!

The applesauce was delicious and guess what the little one started to do while I prepared dinner tonight? That's right...she got out her apple washing and cutting tools and went to work, all on her own!

Most of these ideas were inspired by the book Heaven on Earth, which is one of my favorite Waldorf parenting books. After spending some time in a parent/child Waldorf class this fall, I've discovered that with the use of song, having everything at their level, and involving them in all the household tasks makes the days flow smoother. Our rhythm is set, the little one is happy (so far!), we are getting things done, she's getting the attention she needs and mama is getting the chores done! Yay!

Rhythm to me equals peace. When we find our rhythm, everything is easier. Everyone is happier. What have you found helps your little ones? Do you have any songs that help with household tasks? What about seasonal activities? I'd love to hear!!

And now I'm off to finish up a Halloween costume. Yikes!!

Artful Blogging and a Day of Leaves

I'm super excited to announce that I was contacted by the editor of Artful Blogging this past summer about submitting an article about Bluebirdbaby. I had stumbled across Artful Blogging this past spring when Sasa brought it home for me. I was immediately inspired by the beautiful photos, articles, and just plain amazing quality of the magazine.

So I wrote my article in July, submitted my photos, and waited and waited for the winter issue to come out. I approached the article like I was writing a blog post. Writing comes so naturally to me. I was one of those kids who turned in 20 pages fictional stories to my fourth grade teacher. I love to write. I love to take pictures. And I love spreading the happiness love. So I was thrilled to write a little blurb about Bluebirdbaby for Artful Blogging.

I definitely focused on the happiness I've found through blogging; the amazing amount of support from readers like you, the unexpected and so very sweet e-mails I receive from readers on a daily basis that just make me happy to be alive. Blogging has provided me with a way to focus on the positivity of my days. And the longer I focus on that, write about it and share it with all of you, the more positivity each day seems to hold. It's like some crazy magic spell...blogging makes me happy. You all make me happy. So thank you, thank you, thank you. And please, pick up a copy of Artful Blogging at your local bookstore. It's an amazingly inspiring magazine and you won't be disappointed.

For all you locals, you can purchase it at the Maine Coast Bookshop! (And say hi to Sasa when you do!)

In other news...the little one and I had an amazing day today just chilling at home. More to come tomorrow, but for now I'll share some leaf raking photos. We raked the entire backyard, she and I. And we did a fantastic job, if I do say so myself. She is an expert little raker, and loves to shoo the chickens away from our leaf piles. She is also an expert little leaf pile diver. So much fun. I remember this being my favorite time of year as a kid. Looks like she's following in my shoes...!

Happy Fall! Happy almost Halloween! (Oh gosh... I need to finish a costume!) And Happy Thursday!

I'm Back

Well, my new love arrived today. Ahead of schedule. And I'm loving it. I can't tell you how lost I felt without a camera. And I only had to go two days without it! So there I am, with my new camera, feeling pretty darn happy, although incredibly in debt!

My D70s will be shipped off to Nikon for a new shutter later this week. I felt so sad stripping it of all its accessories. It looked so naked without the lens and strap. It will be nice to have it repaired and ready for use as a backup on photo shoots.

It's chilly here! Is it this cold in other places too? All I can think about is wool! I've been bundled up all day working on my computer. This is the best thing ever for computer chairs. It's been keeping me nice and toasty. Tonight we're headed off to dinner with friends, and tomorrow the little one arrives. Hooray!

I'll be back in regular posting mode tomorrow. See you then!

A New Scarf and a Rose

Just a heads up...at a photo shoot yesterday, my camera suffered a "shutter death." Apparently at four years old, it's an antique and can only take so many clicks. I definitely over-clicked it! I was able to squeeze the below photos out of it today before it promptly freaked out and died again. Nikon is being very helpful and is repairing it for me, but it will take a couple of weeks. This pushed me to finally purchase a second camera to have as back-up (it will be my primary camera now) and it doesn't arrive until Thursday or Friday. So posting may be scarce...

One night last week while the little one was up coughing, I found that after being awakened repeatedly I could no longer fall back asleep! So I took the extra late night hours and decided to at least do something exciting. I went to my sewing room and took out all my Japanese crafting books. This is one of my favorites, and I knew the scarf was top on my list.

So after scoring some great plaid flannel at the rummage sale, I set to work making this sweet little scarf. I used linen for the other side and some decorative buttons from my friend Ann (thanks Ann!), and that antique lace? Oh, I love it so much. I left a frayed edge on each end using the plaid, and decoratively stitched the ends closed.

I'm really pleased with the fit, although I think I would make it narrower next time. It kept me warm and cozy at work today and I can tell it will get a lot of use this winter!

And just something that made me so very happy...

I decided at work today that I would go buy a single rose at the florist and surprise Sasa at work, just to tell him how much I love him. Well, by the end of my work shift I had a horrible migraine and couldn't imagine stopping at the florist anymore. I walked out to the parking lot and there on the ground was a single pink rose. So pretty! I picked it up and stuck it in some water in an empty pill bottle in the car. Perfect! The universe can be pretty awesome sometimes!

Happy Monday! Enjoy the start to your week!

Birthday Parties, Craftiness, and Something for You!

My mother celebrated a birthday over a week ago, although we really didn't get a chance to celebrate. So we had her up for a birthday dinner, party, and sleepover. The little one just adores her Baba. The two of them are so similar and just watching them is amazing. So everyone was super excited when Baba arrived at the door and was greeted with a handmade birthday banner and a table full of goodies!

I made her an eye pillow filled with flax seeds and lavender. I added a bottle of lavender essential oil too. It can be heated up or frozen for a cold pack. These things are so handy and so easy to make! I got the eye pillow pattern from here. I downsized it a tad because it was huge. It was a hit with the little one. I'm just waiting for the request to make a purple one...

We enjoyed a yummy dinner made by the amazing Sasa. It was followed by the most delicious apple pie ever! (Should I mention I'm eating another piece as I type this? Yum. He is just so crazy awesome.) And Sasa finally wrote down that gluten-free pie crust recipe and wanted to share it with all of you!

So here it is. Enjoy!...

Sasa's Famous Gluten-free Pie Crust

Sift together ::

• 1 1/4c white rice flour
• 4/3c potato starch
• 1/2 tapioca flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp xantham gum

Blend in until it resembles cornmeal::

• 1 1/2 sticks butter (cold)

Mix ::

• 1 large egg
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 tbs ice water

Mix liquid into dry with fingers until soft dough that can be formed into a ball. Chill 1 hour. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Mom!! You deserve the best one ever. xoxo

I Have A Little Shadow

I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.

The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow--
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,
And he sometimes goes so little that there's none of him at all.

He hasn't got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close behind me, he's a coward you can see;
I'd think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!

One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Just a few cute photos from our latest fall walk. Stay tuned tomorrow for a treat for all you gluten-free peeps! Happy weekend!!

Vintage Goodness and Cookies Too

Thank you all so, so much for your thoughtful comments on yesterday's post. Yes, I agree that seventeen flues in a year is far too many. But I'm working hard everyday to strengthen my immune system. I've been pumping myself with supplements for ages, have adopted a Macrobiotic Diet (heavy on the veggies and fermented goodness), and all that I need now is to get some good rest! Hopefully before the next month is out I will be feeling better. So thank you for all your well wishes and suggestions! I really enjoyed them. xoxo

Yesterday, the little one and I trekked to the famous "Rummage Sale" in hopes of finding something special. I stuck her in the Ergo, pushed my way through hundreds and hundreds of people, and together we managed to find some special things for our home. Remember that bunny from yesterday? That was a score in the "boutique" tent. All the rest took some digging and shoving. I'm particularly proud of the bird prints. I have one more set of four prints to put up someplace special. And the vintage linens on the line this morning? Nothing better! Other scores were :: a vintage tray, some plaid flannel for a scarf I've been putting together, and some nice wooden bowls. Woohoo!

I'm trying to get the little one and I back on a weekly rhythm. It's challenging with our schedules, but I've officially made Friday "baking day," so we set to work baking cookies. She helped me measure and pour and stir and taste and roll and cut. She was part of it from beginning to end, which was a lot of fun for both of us. She has been needing some really structured activities and lots of attention from either Mama or Sasa, so finding little things like this is super helpful.

Have a good weekend!! Hopefully I'll be back with some crafting!

Morning, Noon, and Night

It's been a hectic week here. The little one is still battling croup. I came down with my seventeenth flu since last September. And Sasa is beyond tired and a little sniffly too. So, my apologies for my absence. I do hope it won't be long until we're all back on our feet, well rested, and ready for fun! For now, here's a little glimpse of our day today...

:: Morning ::

:: Noon ::

:: Night ::

What have you all been up to this week? And what kinds of activities do you do to keep sick little ones (with tons of energy) still and entertained?!

Oh, and a big thank you to Juliana and Joel for the yummy soup! It really saved us these last two nights...!

Another Day, Another Outfit

No bench shot today.

We're heading out of town.

Long drive, but at least we have good music. (And good company too!)

It snowed last night. Snowed people!! In October!! That's just wrong...

I'll be back on Wednesday! Hope you had a good start to the week!

xoxo

A Memory

Something I want to remember forever ::

My babe tossing and turning last night in the midst of croupy coughing fits, finally stops moving and says, "Mama?" I look over...she's fast asleep. Talking in her sleep again, I suppose. She's been doing that a lot lately. I close my eyes, ready to let sleep fall over me again. As the gentle light fades I hear, "Mama? I want to be just like you."

I smile. My heart melts. I open my eyes once again, look over, and she's fast asleep in dreamland. 

"No, my little one. I want to be just like you."

And I fall asleep, a happy, grateful mama to one special little girl.

A memory I will forever keep in my heart.

The 411 :: Our Style

I get a lot of people asking me about my clothes, or rather my look. I buy mostly thrifted items, but staples usually are bought new like jeans and tank tops. So here's a little glimpse into my style and how to achieve the Bluebirdbaby look ::

• layer, layer, layer
• leggings are very handy
• skirts (the comfier the better) over leggings or jeans
• long tank tops under all shirts
• comfy top over tank top
• finish off with a sweater
• scarves (knit for colder weather or silk/cotton for inside)
• long necklaces
• funky earrings (for locals...try Mexicali Blues)
• hats, hats, and more hats (I am a wicked hat gal. The one above is from Kindred)
• my "leggings" above were made from an old shirt. I just hacked off the arms and put them on my legs. Cozy, upcycled, and funky at the same time. Yay!
• shoes (I prefer Keens, my vintage cowboy boots, and Simple. They are all super comfy and last forever and can be worn with anything.)
• long jersey or sweater dresses over leggings or jeans is another fav of mine
• short style sweaters over long shirts, or short sleeve sweaters over long sleeved shirts is something I often adorn
• I really want to add these and these to my wardrobe

To achieve the mini Bluebirdbaby style ::

• anything purple
• anything striped
• anything polka-dotted
• preferably all three together

I guess the little one has an easier time getting dressed in the morning. But at least I'm guaranteed to be warmer with all those layers!

Our Day

We spent the day taking it easy. A croupy toddler prompted this "wellness tray" that could be carried from room to room. It was packed with everything to make croup a little more tolerable, lots of miso soup, and some chamomile tea with honey.

Lots of laundry. I always get a kick out of folding the little one's clothes...one pile of purple, another of stripes and polka-dots.

Working on the little one's costume during some quiet time. Any guesses as to what she requested to be?! And finally, the book I've had on pre-order for months has finally arrived! Yay! Now if I can figure out a way to re-size all the patterns to fit me!

Taking pictures of the little one while she takes pictures of me. I bought her this very cheap digital camera to see how she liked having her own. It's definitely a hit, although I'm not too thrilled with the quality. She sure is a budding photographer despite lack of megapixels!

And lastly, Kiwi stole the little one's laundry basket, so she naturally had to steal mine.

We ended the day with a yummy spaghetti supper. Have you ever tried this sauce? It has whole cloves of garlic in it! Yum! After supper was a new favorite game, designed by Sasa's sister. Have you ever checked out eeboo? I just adore this. It's on my wish list for the little one.

Have a happy rest of the week!!

Brady and Brendan

Another perfect day. Another lovely wedding. Another adorable couple. This wedding was so much fun! Brady and Brendan are the sweetest couple. I had a blast taking photos of the wedding party. Everyone was so fun to work with and up for anything!

As far as editing, I've noticed that I tend to slip into more of a "fall mode" once the leaves start changing. So pair the rusty browns and golden yellows with the awesome tweed suits and cowboy boots, and well...it just inspired this editing style.

Enjoy!!

The Pumpkin Festival

Over the weekend our little town was flooded with guests for our annual Pumpkin Festival. Gigantic pumpkins are rolled in, which are then carved, painted, and made into all kinds of different things. There's a parade, games, face painting, special treats, and so many fun things to celebrate the arrival of fall. So our weekend was full of celebrating!

I hope to have some wedding photos to share with you soon! It was a fabulous wedding, with an extra fabulous couple, on a pretty darn fabulous farm. Doesn't get any better than that!!

Enjoy the start to your week!

Our Weekend

Our weekend kinda went like this ::

It was awesome, fun, busy, crazy, silly, full of love and laughter, and it's coming to an end. I have so many pictures to share, so many things to say, but I've just finished shooting a 7+ hour wedding and my body and mind are exhausted, so it will all have to wait. But I couldn't resist these cute pictures of the little one!

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend! I hope to share more this coming week!

Fall Breakfast :: Baked Apple Pancake

Because this week has been incredibly crazy and busy and tiring and exhausting and just plain nuts, and because I don't want to completely neglect this space here, and because I really, really love this recipe, and because apples are all over the place right now, and because I love all my readers and want to share a treat with you, I've decided to post one of my all-time favorite breakfast recipes: the baked apple pancake.

This would be from my mama's recipe box. It's been a favorite of mine since I was little. I hope you enjoy it!!

You'll need ::

For the apples:

• 2 tbs butter
• 2 med apples, sliced thinly
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the pancake:

• 2 tbs butter
• 3/4 c flour (we used 1/4 cp white rice, 1/4 c brown rice, 1/4 c potato starch)
• 1/2 c milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder

Mix apple ingredients in bowl. Melt butter in 9" pie pan. Combine rest of pancake ingredients. Pour into hot pan on top of butter. Spread apple mix in center. Bake 30 minutes at 425 degrees. Enjoy!!

What's Happening

There's been a lot of construction going on around here. They've torn up our streets, replaced water pipes and other various plumbing things, and will be starting to rip up the old sidewalks soon too. All this construction means tractors everywhere! We wake up to see tractors literally parked outside our front door with very inviting (and empty) seats. The tractors seem to like our house so much that they sleep over almost every night, which means the little one has unlimited access to all this construction fun. And boy, does she take advantage of it!

We've switched around her play area to provide a cozy corner for her dollhouse and barn, which opened up some space for all her art supplies. It's nice to have her table and desk in the same area, and since this little gal is all about the coloring, painting, and cutting/gluing, this space gets a lot of use!

To display her artwork, I took some clothespins and backed them with sticky tacky and stuck it to the wall. Instant art clip! And it's easily movable too. She walked into the room and said, "Mama...are those my paintings on the wall? The purple one is my favorite!" She was so proud!

A Morning Walk

The little one and I headed out on an early morning walk today to collect some fall treasures. There were chestnuts, money plants, acorns by the handful, pretty leaves of all colors, sticks for magic wands, and the last of the dandelions. The little one got to make a wish.
We raced through the cemetery (one of our favorite spots), running up and down hills for a good 30 minutes, watching geese fly by and leaves fall around us. We gathered everything we could to fit inside her tiny little basket that has accompanied us on so many adventures in the past.
We smiled and giggled and rolled down hills. We had so much fun neither of us wanted it to end. So we stayed out in the cool morning air for quite a while, soaking up the beauty that autumn brings us.

These are the days I hope to remember forever. The days where we giggle and cuddle and say, "I love you" so many times it could make my heart burst. The days where the simplest things brought the greatest joys. These are the things that little ones bring to our lives. And we, as the adults who know them, are so very lucky to have that pleasure. And I will never take it for granted. I will forever be grateful for every single moment. I am so lucky. Thanks, little one. You bring more joy than you'll ever know.

We are heading to the big city for some fun! Have a great weekend!