Bluebirdbaby

A Good Beach Day

Spring Growth

Blue

Apparently it's a blue-sky kind of week. The weather has been gorgeous and we've been enjoying every second of it. We only have a couple of weeks until the black flies come out, and then we're stuck inside again. Such a short window to enjoy the lovely weather!

Stephen took the day off to work on our deck. The floor is almost finished, then we'll be working on the railing. Finally, a screened room will be added and stairs that lead down to the ground. We think a hot tub would look fabulous up there in the future...

We've discovered Otay is definitely an outdoor cat. She whines and meows and jumps all over you until you open the door to let her out. She's just like a dog and will chase us all over the yard, comes when we call her, and digs large holes in the garden. Oh, and the sandbox...she thinks that is the best thing ever.

The little one has requested that every minute be spent outside, evident from the tantrums she displays as I try to get her in for lunch and dinner. She'd happily play outside until the sun went down, and I admit to expending a great deal of energy chasing her all over the yard, mostly trying to steer her clear of the road. But we have been enjoying ourselves. We've been walking everyday down the road to see the horses, chickens, tractors, and our friend "Mamee's" house. There are buds on the trees and flowers popping up everywhere.

This internet break has done me good. I've enjoyed it and do not intend to stop. I think I'll say to expect random posting for a while. I'm just enjoying everything that's been going on here. Books have been read, seedlings have been ordered, gardens have been prepared, flower beds have been raked and weeded, we've baked everyday, Stephen and I have been enjoying our quiet time reading at night, but mostly I feel like there is a certain "frantic" feeling that has disappeared. Trying to check e-mails, upload pictures, etc. all while multi-tasking left me stressed and frazzled. It's allowed me to be more present with myself and the little one. I almost wish we were back in the computer-less age.

As the little one and I were raking the garden yesterday I began to think of my mother. We had beautiful flower beds around our house growing up. We were always outside gardening or inside baking. I was trying to imagine how much of that would have been lost if we had a computer in our living room. How would I have felt if my mother was online instead of getting her hands dirty in the garden? (And this is in no way said to make anyone feel bad about their computer usage! It's just my feelings about how my time is spent.) Those times spent gardening and baking are some of my fondest memories. I want to make sure the little one has that too.

I have two new things to introduce to the shop, and while I felt I was under a time crunch to do so, I am just taking it easy. I'm enjoying the orders coming in and spending whatever time is needed in my little green room. I've made a goal of dressing the little one in only handmade this summer, so I'm excited to get working on some special things for her. Of course, I'll share some finished pieces here in the future.

So now I'm off to get some reading done in the sun on our half-finished porch before the little one wakes up from her nap. Enjoy your week! I hope you're sky will be as blue as ours.

Spring!

Okay, I know just about every week I've mentioned how spring is here, and then the next day we end up getting more snow. But I truly, honestly, definitely think it's right around the corner. Definitely. Because I have to believe that, or I think I might go a little crazy thinking about more white fluffy flakes falling from the sky.

Let me show you a bit of evidence that spring is indeed close, if not here already...

Diapers drying on the line outside. (I won't mention that when I brought them in at 8 p.m. that they were frozen solid...)

Lambs! They really are that adorable.

Going for a hike, followed by two pregnant goats.

The first flowers finally popped up in our yard. Let's not think about the two feet of snow directly behind me that has yet to melt.

My new mud boots. The most comfortable footwear I have ever owned. The little one now has a puddle jumping competitor. We spent almost two hours outside yesterday jumping in and out of puddles. Seriously, I never realized how fun it was.

And Stephen started up the tractor for the first ride of the season. After the little one got over the tractor fumes and really loud engine, she enjoyed the ride quite a bit!

I hope spring is finding you all too! Enjoy your weekend and see you back here on Monday.

Week 9

For the Six One Way flickr group.

Yesterday the little one decided she wanted to spend time outside. A lot of time outside. A few minutes after going out, it started to rain. Didn't bother her a bit. The camera and I got a bit damp, but we stayed outside and had fun exploring newly emerging patches of grass that lead into the forest.
We threw sticks for Mac, ate lots of dirty snow, watched birds soaring high above, found acorns to gather, felt the texture of different trees, checked out our boats stored in the yard, jumped in puddles, went in and out of the greenhouse, and checked the mail...all in the rain. The camera held up (mostly stored under my coat) and I managed to get a few shots from our rainy afternoon outdoors.

I hope you're all having a wonderful week and able to spend some time outside!

Ah, the sun

I knew we'd be getting a brief break from winter soon. The past two days have been amazing. That spring smell is in the air, we can walk around in our mud boots with just a sweater while soaking up the warm sun. Despite the multiple feet of snow still in our yard, there are some buds poking through a tiny patch of soil.

We took advantage of the lovely weather yesterday and spent as much time outside as possible. I found the old stroller, brushed it off, and the little one and I headed out on a very long, and very lovely, walk.

The sky was so blue and so brilliant against the dark, leafless trees. I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures.

Because of the wooded area we live in, the snow is sticking around longer than most places. But I am seeing buds on trees, and that gives me hope. Green grass can't be too far away...

Here is an outtake from a little photo shoot we had yesterday. Most of my spring and summer collection is finished and I should have things listed next Wednesday!

Have a lovely weekend!

Mud Season

It's getting close to mud season in our little town. The snow is indeed melting, albeit quite slowly. And with the melting snow comes many mud puddles. The longer days have prompted the little one and I to get outside after her nap. So yesterday we bundled up (the sun was marvelous, but it sure was windy!) and headed outside to play in the puddles and marvel at the little patch of grass emerging beneath the snow.

One puddle proved to be quite deep, for a little person anyway. She barged right through it without a care in the world. Those rain boots sure come in handy on a day like this.

As we were walking back to find the only patch of grass by the house, I suddenly smelled spring. You know, that mud/everything starting to come to life again smell? It was marvelous and in my excitement I exclaimed, "can you smell that mud?!" So the little one spent the next ten minutes trying to get her nose as close to the mud as possible, all the while sniffing. So cute.

The grass is not yet green, but I have a feeling we may not be far from it. We spent a good amount of time just looking at the grass and pointing to dried leaves and fallen branches. The first time the little one spotted this patch of grass she screamed with excitement. Yes, my poor child, that is grass. It's been so long since you've seen it that you've forgotten about it entirely. It's coming again. I promise.

And some other scenes from our yard:

Enjoy today! We're expecting more sun and higher temperatures. I suppose we'll be doing more of the above.

Snow Again

We had another big storm yesterday, but are lucky to be enjoying a warm, sunny day today. Here are some scenes from our yard and around town.

A New Challenge

I feel as though I'm in a bit of a photography rut. You know, being stuck inside with the same old things, then going outside to have everything look, well...white. It's been warm enough the past couple of days to go for our usual walk on this quiet road. I tried to challenge myself to see things that haven't changed in months in a new way. It certainly helped to have a gorgeous blue sky, a cute little one wearing my favorite hat, argyle socks with sneakers in the snow, and amazing scenery all around us.

So the challenge was good and I think it may have pushed me out of that rut just a tad. Although I look at these photos and am almost positive I have taken one like them in the past...

The point. Gosh, she's getting so tall. Another round of sleepers were outgrown last week and she can now reach things on the kitchen counter. (Did I mention she got three more teeth last week? So that's a total of eight in two weeks!)

A stop for some traditional snow eating. The sneakers were all we had after we realized her boots had gotten too small. I'm too stubborn to buy more winter boots when I *hope* spring is just around the corner.

The family portrait. Hmmm...kind of looks familiar, doesn't it?!

On the bike. I can not convey my affection for that hat. It goes with us everywhere and Alex even wears it to bed.

And I think by next summer she might be able to pedal all by herself. But for now she is content with a push from Papa while she points excitedly to our neighbor's house and hums a little tune.

A Sunday Afternoon Walk

I've decided my body is in desperate need of exercise. My extent of any physical activity now solely involves running around after a small, energetic child. That's it. Because it wears me out so, it must be enough exercise, right?  Sadly, I have come to realize that it's just not. But when to fit in this exercise?! I can't bring the little one; it's too cold and windy this time of year. Waking up before she wakes up to squeeze some physical activity in would mean I'm up at 4 a.m. No thank you. So I guess I have to just snatch up the one or two times a week I may be able to get out alone.

I used to be a runner and hope that someday soon I will get back into it. But walking is perfect for now. It allows me to marvel at the red apples still hanging from the apple trees; surviving through wintry blizzards, wind storms, and hail.

Or soak up every detail of New England architecture, staring longingly at the house a half mile down the road from us that I have completely fallen in love with. It's original broken windows, the peeling pant on the clapboards, the crooked front steps, and rotting foundation. But I love it so and often imagine fixing it up and  moving ourselves in. It's for sale too. Anyone want to be our neighbor?

The bits and pieces of life abandoned over the years; half buried in snow, waiting for nature's next season and to be enveloped in green grass once again. It amazes me to think of the history this land has. The people who lived here, who worked here, the animals that grazed the land,  and the children who ran among the trees. It's humbling to think that we are only a small piece of a very large picture.

The exercise was much needed and the breaths of fresh air revived my energy. It only seemed fitting to top it off with a slice of flourless chocolate torte, complete with homemade whipped cream. Yes, I think this exercise thing will become a regular occurrence.

Winter

"The cold is merely superficial; it is the summer still at the core, far, far within."
- Henry David Thoreau
jounral entry,
January 12, 1855

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.

A Walk In the Woods

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

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.

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!

Winter Wonderland

First off, I must apologize for any e-mails you have written that have gone unanswered. I just discovered that somehow my server was not forwarding the messages to my e-mail account. I never even saw them. I always reply back as soon as possible, so I must apologize if you sent something and did not hear from me. I'm doing my best to sort through over 800 e-mails that I never received, so please be patient with me.

After being a bit intimidated by the winter wonderland outside our door, I finally ventured out to put some packages in the mailbox. My boots come to mid-calf and my jeans were still soaked after the mere five minute walk to the mailbox. There's really something about snow that revitalizes and refreshes the spirit. Perhaps because everything just looks so crisp and clean. It's almost as if breathing has become easier and life slows down.

And being snowbound for three days will lead to many "firsts" for little ones.

She learned to:
-eat chocolate chip cookies
-open the locked dishwasher
-open the oven door (oh my...this should be interesting)
-open three doors, each with different doorknobs

I guess staying inside for too long can become dangerous. Off to town today!!

Winter Nature Table

As I mentioned before, our temporary nature table was on top of the little one's play kitchen. It was kind of in that "end of fall, not quite winter" mode. After being buried by 11 inches of snow (yes, eleven) I decided it was time for the real winter table to begin.

We've been moving furniture around, trying tables in different spots, and switching rugs from room to room. This area behind the couch was previously taken up by the harpsichord Stephen built. It has since been moved to another room and all of a sudden the back of the couch looked rather bare.

An antique table belonging to Stephen's great aunt took the harpsichord's place, and on it went our wintry things: acorns, pine cones, favorite bowls, a bare tree branch, pine needles, felted gnomes, a white silk to represent the snow, and little wooden pine trees.

Okay, I will admit the arranging was more for mama's enjoyment, but the little one just loves to come over and peek at everything. Sometimes she takes off with a gnome, but always puts it back a bit later. The bowls were thrifted finds and in them contain winter's treasures.

I really adore seeing how other people put together their nature tables. If you've posted about one on your own blog, leave a comment because I'd love to check it out!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Snow Day

Father Winter is officially here. Eight inches of snow buried us yesterday. Stephen had a "snow day" and spent the day watching the little one while I spent a little more time bonding with my new love. I got a lot done. Having about four hours to work, of course with sporadic interruptions from a short someone, felt so incredibly invigorating. Actually having completed projects on the table? Heavenly.

So we spent the day inside with a brief outing so the little one could do lots of snow eating. Stephen took charge of the camera and captured some really beautiful photos.

See my new banner above? That's all him. I edited and cropped it, but he gets the credit. I thought it only fitting to replace the banner where Elisabeth was running around without a jacket on the grass. It seemed so out of place after the snow today.

And 'tis the season for holiday outfits! There are four in the shop. My style and tastes definitely reside in the more "classic and simple" look, but I had fun with the matching shirts. I think they are very festive and would make a little one quite thrilled to wear.

Totes and Winter Woolens

*Edited to add that the totes are now in the shop. We were able to get some better pictures this morning. Thank you for your patience!*

Now how's that for a title?

You'd think after a lifetime of living in Maine we'd be used to the sudden drop in temperature this time of year. But when the chilly air turned our cheeks and noses red on Saturday, I felt a bit surprised and mourned the end of my favorite season that seemed unfairly short. In an effort to keep toasty while roaming the woods, we pulled out the winter woolens:

The hat mentioned in my previous post , a thrifted Italian jacket, a pair of felted wool pants made from a recycled sweater, wool socks from Etsy, and...

her new shoes! I think she stayed quite warm while we were outside and enjoyed the freedom of running around in a more pliable outfit instead of her penguin looking fleece jumpsuit. But mama was still cold. I guess I should invest in some wool for me too.

Somehow, I've managed to find the time to finish five "Library Totes" for the shop. I really do love these bags. They are so practical and can be used for anything. I made four more for gifts and one for myself!  And please take into consideration that the dark days of winter here in Maine affect the  brilliant colors of the fabric in these photos. They really do look much more beautiful in person! If any of you bloggers want to purchase one, I'll offer free shipping. Just type in "bloggerLT" in the comments to the seller section.  

Have a marvelous Monday!

Outside Again

The weather here has been just lovely this past week. Periods of clouds that seem to dissipate as the days wear on, followed by the lovely sun and its warmth. I've discovered that the little one dislikes mittens. You see, mittens tend to stifle her normal "collecting activities" (acorns, pine cones, and lately the ice sheets on top of puddles) and she either wants to go in right away or makes it loud and clear that the mittens MUST COME OFF! So I have been thankful that the thermometer has been reaching a high 50 degrees (late November in Maine?!) and mittens are not required.

We do, however, have to wear the cute little hat the talented Grace sent us. I'm surprised she is content with keeping it on her head and I laugh every time she smiles as I tie the strings underneath her chin.

The back is my favorite part. That little point at the top? Lovely.

Her new thing is throwing the dog his ball. She usually finds it sitting in a puddle, all wet and covered in slobber. Shall I mention she usually tastes it before throwing it?!

And here she is trying to get Macaulay's attention. He wasn't entirely enthused by her game.

Of course, we check the mail. She has to get it herself (with a little hoist from mama) and carry it all the way back to the house.

Lately there have been puddles everywhere. If she didn't have such tiny feet, I'd get her some rain boots. They'd come in very handy around here. I once told her "no" when she tried to step in a deep puddle with her only pair of shoes on, and being the determined little thing she is, puddles have become like gold to her. So I stay out of it and let her at 'em.

And with all the interesting things to climb on, a little help from mama is always needed.

*I'm headed an hour west later today to look at sewing machines; both new and used. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!!*

First Snowfall

*Not such a quiet post today. Sometimes I just can't keep my word!*

Amazing the difference a year can make. Last year the little one was not too impressed with the snow. But this year? Well, as soon as she woke up from her nap and saw the window, she screamed in excitement and ran to it to get a closer look.

Of course, we had to go outside. As I opened the door you could see the delight on her face. How fun it must be to really see snow for the first time. Quite fitting it should snow today, the same day our special order Winter book by Gerda Muller arrived at our local bookstore. (See that dog on the front page? That's "Twister," Elisabeth's special friend. The coffee shop is attached to the bookstore and we visit everyday. Need I say more?!)

While playing in the snow, Elisabeth discovered that it's also good for eating. I'm surprised this picture even came out as the camera was jumping up and down from my laughing. She insisted on eating all the snow off of every  solar light along the walkway. 

With the snow today and Thanksgiving quickly approaching, I'm definitely getting into the holiday mood. I felt so much excitement today, just like I remember as a child. Now, if I could only find time to work on all the gifts for Christmas...

On Our Walk

Expect some quiet posting this week. There is much to do around the house to prepare for the winter ahead and even more sewing to take place. I'll be back to regular posting next Monday.

A long walk with the little one just before sunset. A stop to look at the sun's golden rays on the apple tree and to touch some winter berries. A quiet, peaceful break in the midst of a hectic day. A chance to recharge and catch our breath. Much needed by both.

I Love the Great Outdoors

We spend the middle part of our days outside exploring the eight acres that surround our house. The little one is always excited to get going. She insists on walking herself, motioning for me to put her down after I open the door. These days we are always greeted by a blast of chilly air, which for a moment makes me question our decision to venture out instead of curling up on the couch with a cup of cocoa. But the little one will not be stopped.

We have our little rituals: stopping to scoop up rocks on the path (while I keep them from going into her mouth), touching the garden lights, saying "hello" to our car, trying to find the dog, and then we finally get to exploring.

On this particularly chilly day, we had a mission. We wanted to find some objects to bring inside for our winter nature table. Yes, it's getting to be that time. Winter. Brrrr. I actually smelled snow the other day. It always comes sooner than we ever expect it to. So before that white blanket covers the earth, we decided to find a few things first. Her little basket is always with us on our walks. She never lets go of it.  She does allow mama to plop a few goodies in there too, but mostly she decides.

Then we come inside, warm up with a hot drink and look at our treasures.  She pulls each one out with more excitement than when she put it in. I'll miss these days come winter. For now I just take comfort in the fact that these objects will remind us of the walks we took, the things that made her smile, and the fun we had, all winter long.

Changes and Yoga Pants

The little one is still an hour ahead despite the time change, so we have been rising early. I kept the bedroom clock on the old time, so I wouldn't freak when I saw 4:30 a.m. glaring me in the face when I heard the first peep out of her mouth.

Getting used to the time change is hard for Mama too. The space between the end of her afternoon nap and when Papa arrives home was our outside time. We took a walk, played in the woods, threw the dog sticks and rode on her bike. Now it's dark. We went outside after her nap today to discover the sun setting. I almost cried.

We quickly got in a little exploration (and outdoors snacking) before it got too dark to find our way home.

We arranged some rocks we brought home with us from the beach on Papa's shop steps. Elisabeth took off with one, clearly deciding it was too worthy of sitting on a step outside. (I think she ended up bringing it in and placing it in the dog food bowl.)

She ran and giggled while I tried to snap pictures of her new yoga pants I made over the weekend. Two pairs  were created out of thrifted, thick jersey. I added some Superbuzzy patches to the front for fun. She likes them and the wee bit of flare at the bottom makes me smile.

She made funny faces I had never seen before and laughed when I did my best to copy her expression.

She perfected her running, so Mama needed extra cookies to make up for the energy loss of chasing after her.

And, on our way inside to warm up, we noticed the solar garden lights shining at an amazing 4:30 p.m. I think I may have shed a tear thinking of the long, dark winter ahead. We'll make it through, right?

A Walk In the Woods

I used to love to hike. I would get out of work, pick up the dog and head to my favorite winter hiking spot. We would hike through a foot of snow, the only ones on the mountain. No footprints or tracks; we made our own. It was so peaceful and I found it especially refreshing to breathe in the cold mountain air while my body warmed up under layers of wool. The dog would bound merrily down the trail, stopping every 100 feet or so to wait for me.

Sadly, I eventually got too caught up in life and the busyness it entails. I stopped going to my favorite mountain and instead traded it in for the convenient, albeit hectic, streets I would run daily just outside our door. But since having a child, I seem to want to connect with nature more. I want to get back to hiking, walking trails, taking picnics by the lake, burying my toes in the sand at the beach and generally just slowing down a bit, using the outdoors as my starting point.

So Sunday we took a family day and headed to Dodge Point, a short drive from our house with easy trails that navigate around a pond and open up to the gorgeous Damariscotta River. The little one had never been on a trail before and she was rather excited to get going. If she actually would have stayed on the trail, I'm sure she would have walked a good part of it. However, the woods proved to be more exciting to her, so in the Ergo she went!

I told Stephen that he better take some pictures of me for the family album. Elisabeth is going to think her mama never existed because I'm always the one behind the camera.

So, being the natural model I am (insert loud laughing here), I posed in the only position I could think of after a marathon viewing of the Austin Powers movies...just like Dr. Evil.

We collected some things to bring back with us for the winter nature table. I love these little pine cones. We can only find the long, skinny pine cones on our property, so I was so pleased to discover the short, round ones.

Elisabeth was beyond thrilled when we came to the Damariscotta River. She actually tried to go swimming on that cold, windy day. Papa stopped her, thank goodness. There was a great deal of sitting in mud though.

And for the first time since she was 5 months old, she fell asleep in the carrier. It was so sweet. I had tears in my eyes thinking this could very well be the last time it happens. 

I'm sure there will be plenty of outdoor time this weekend for us, and I only hope yours will include some too! Enjoy your weekend!

Happiness

Before becoming a mother, I often did things that provided my life with a healthy dose of happiness: dinner with friends, a trip to Videoport in town for a movie, the ferry ride home, hiking, drinking Monte Antico with a side of Green and Blacks, and my favorite...performing in front of hundreds of people. But I never thought of these things as the moments in life that fill me with joy. I never really acknowledged that fact until I became a mother. Now there is no time for most of these. I certainly haven't performed in front of hundreds of people lately and Videoport is a long ways away now.

When you spend all day with a little person who can't communicate her needs very well, wakes up very early (yawn) and proceeds to drain every last ounce of energy from your body in the first two hours of the day, sometimes happiness seems a long way off. In the past I found it hard to think about anything positive when my life seemed so full of negatives. But now, the little things that would have gone unnoticed are getting attention and are filling that happiness hole left when this new motherhood adventure started.

A new sweater paired with my favorite orange shirt.

Watching the completely fearless little one climb on anything she can find.

A dreary October day that really makes you appreciate the amazing color of the trees.

A special order that just arrived at our local bookstore. I've already made it through a few chapters and feel like I could have written it myself.

An easy, but oh so tasty, supper. (Rice pasta, pesto, sheep's cheese and broccoli.)

Working on a gift for someone special.

May you find happiness in the little things today...

The Morris Farm

Yesterday we took a trip to the Morris Farm in Wiscasset. It's just a quick drive from our house and I've never taken Elisabeth there before. We met at our friend's house and walked to the farm with the little ones in their strollers.

When we arrived, there was a baby chick in a cage by the door. Elisabeth immediately spotted it and remained fascinated by it for the next 20 minutes. No fear, this one. Stuck her fingers right in the cage and let the chick peck her.

The chick seemed as amused by her, as she did by it. It came up to her when she knelt down to see it and didn't leave after discovering that she had no treats in her hand. I told Stephen that our plans to get chickens next spring is a must-do.

We walked around some more and saw sheep. I later learned that they have a spinning class next month at the farm, undoubtedly using their sheep's wool. I plan on looking into that further...

And two horses came to say hello on the path. Elisabeth acted as if they were just a really big Mac (our dog) and gave them both a pat on the side.

We checked out the goodies.

And lastly, we looked at all the pumpkins. Elisabeth had her eye on one, but we would have needed an extra stroller for the ride home.

Bugs and Mugs

With the arrival of the colder weather, we have seen an influx of these not-so-welcomed guests. Last year we sucked over 200 of these up in our vacuum. "Stink bugs" (I can't even pronounce their proper name) are disgusting, prehistoric looking, stinky and everywhere. They emit a stench that can only be described as a not quite ripe banana, mixed with a Granny Smith apple. If you squish them, the smell stays on your hand for hours. So we choose to vacuum them up and deal with the disgusting bag at a later date.

I'd never seen these creatures until we moved here. We searched the house for places they could be getting in. We have a sneaky suspicion they are under the siding of our house, like their natural habitat under the bark of pine trees. I can handle a lot: spiders, flies, mice, bees...but I can not deal with these. At about an inch long, they completely gross me out and make me want to run screaming for the car. But I'm dealing.

And on a completely different note, I've had my eyes set on these for a while. I have no idea where my love for all things vintage and Pyrex came from. Stephen thinks they are ugly, and they just might be, but I really love them. The above was found at Sal's; a stop we made on the way home from Grammie's because of a dropped pacifier in the car. They were closing in five minutes, but we rushed in to look around. I found six of these, for 10 cents each. 10 cents! I didn't even make it over to the linens, but I was so excited about this find that I didn't care. And my tea addiction has finally settled in for the season, so these mugs are getting lots of use.

Many Things

First off, I must apologize for the errors in the recipe of my last post. I need to remember not to post before going to bed, as I am usually too tired to think! The recipe calls for 1/4 cup maple syrup, which I had originally forgotten about. And quinoa FLAKES, not flour. The flakes can be found in the breakfast aisle of most natural food stores.

The little one is slowly transitioning from two naps to one. Some days she desperately needs two, some she acts as if she hardly needs one at all. For a mama who works only when she's asleep, finding time to get my things done has become quite challenging. At night I desperately want to sit down with Stephen and spend a quiet evening reading or watching a Netflix, but I always have this nagging voice telling me to "get to work!" So the work progress has been slow as of late and I've had to accept the fact that new things for the shop will be completed at a slower pace.

I'm working on designing children's clothes that are unique, as well as comfortable and practical. I am not using patterns, so the designing part can be frustrating sometimes. Tonight I started and finished these. They will be available soon I hope, with a matching shirt.

And remember that bit of embroidery I started awhile back? It occurred to me that the little one had absolutely no "dressy" clothes. Not even a skirt! So I designed this little skirt using the embroidery and some fun trim I purchased a few weeks ago. There will be more for the shop too.

I really can't get enough of those chubby little legs...

And, of course, the skirt had to come off as it got in the way of her exploring and climbing on large rocks.