Bluebirdbaby

A Good Beach Day

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.

Little Things From the Green Room

I had the pleasure of doing a swap with Lizz from ZooLooNaturals. The little one is so incredibly smitten with our dog Macaulay, but due to a slow paralysis of his hind legs, he is not able to join us upstairs very often. I can tell she misses him and it makes our time with him even more special. It's hard to witness the aging of a beloved pet. A big dog going on twelve, he is still like a puppy in every other way. I can tell he is confused and scared about his sudden fight to control his back legs, and it's so hard to sit by and watch knowing I can't do a thing about it. So Lizz agreed to do a custom wooden figure of Macaulay! I think the little one will be very excited about it and I can imagine the play that will ensue.

So for Lizz I made a custom pair of pants for her little one. The yellow print is a heavy cotton and I love the look of it with the brown corduroy. I also included a little something extra, but unfortunately forgot to photograph it before packing it up.

I've been promising an outfit for my niece in Utah. She's going on three now and her mother informed me that she only likes "comfy" clothes. So a soft pair of flannel pants and a matching cotton shirt should do the trick. The little one still loves her "squirrel" pants and insists on wearing them when our little visitor climbs up to the deck to eat the birdseed.

And isn't this shirt lovely? It's made with organic cotton by Speesees with a flock of birds on the front. It came from one of my favorite places: Edith & Edna in Portland. Above is the little one pointing to the birds. She loves it as much as I do. Now if only they came in bigger sizes...

Welcoming Home Friends

Our neighbors just returned from their yearly trip to Cambodia to do some amazing work with the foundation they started. I hope to interview them soon about their work for a future post. They truly are a very inspirational couple and we've been so lucky to have them as friends and neighbors. I decided to put aside my work in the green room for some baking while the little one was napping. I used my favorite gluten, sugar, soy, dairy, egg-free chocolate chip cookie recipe. It's amazing and always produces delicious results.

Can you read that recipe above? I hope so. I'm much too lazy to type it out. Basically you mix all the wet ingredients separately from the dry. Combine and stir well. DO NOT taste the batter. It is absolutely revolting and you will never believe the cookies will actually be edible. I use this mix which I think provides good results. I also use agave nectar or honey in place of sugar. Bake at 325 degrees F for 15 minutes or so.

They look like real chocolate chip cookies, don't they?! They taste a lot like the real ones too.

So when the little one awoke, we packed up the cookies and a card I made (using a photo of Fred's lovely woodpile) in her favorite basket, grabbed a cookie for the road and bundled up.

We took a lovely walk down the road to drop off the "welcome home" basket. The little one insisted on her bike and not the stroller or carrier. Thank goodness it has a handle for me to push it. We had a great visit with Fred and Kitty and heard some fabulous stories about their trip. And to top it off, they loved the cookies and didn't have a clue they were gluten-free until I told them.

Stay tuned tomorrow for the winner of the Bluebird Bag giveaway!

On the Way to the Post Office

We do live in a very beautiful place.

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.

A Walk In the Woods

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

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.

Girls' Night Out

For a couple of months now, some local crafty ladies and I have been getting together for a girl's night out. I've always found it difficult to find people I can truly connect with, but since moving to this area I have found the greatest bunch of very talented, intelligent, and fun-loving women. We always have a blast and there's never a shortage of good food and laughter.

Saturday night was our holiday party. The boys were invited too, although they spent most of the time warming up by the bonfire outside. (Did you know you could buy a burn permit online with your debit card, just minutes before lighting the fire?! Very cool.) We exchanged gag gifts, the ladies did a holiday ornament swap, and we just hung out chatting and eating the night away.

We warmed ourselves by the wood stove. It was a particularly chilly winter night and a bad storm was expected to hit any hour. I kept peeking outside expecting to see snowflakes falling, but they held off until early morning.

We discussed sewing, life in general, babies, houses, and Maine winter gear. Above is the marvelous Rhea sporting her leg warmers. If I knew how to knit anything other than a scarf I'd make myself a pair. I can see these becoming a must-have accessory in my wardrobe this season.

And introducing our littlest member of the group. He's always sleeping and we joke about never seeing him actually awake. It's so calming to glance over and see a sleeping baby in the midst of all the talking and laughter.

I really feel honored to have found these wonderful ladies. The welcomed break from parenting and life's stresses is always much needed and much remedied by the fun we have together. I look forward to many more nights like these in the future. Thanks gals.

A little holiday celebrating

On Saturday we drove down to my mother-in-law's house to do a little holiday celebrating. Mare is the greatest mother-in-law, the best hostess, and we always leave smiling and with full bellies. Her house is gorgeous, overlooking Casco Bay, and tucked right into the big city where all the action is going on.

The little one "helped" me wrap up the gifts before we headed out. I've used simple brown packing paper to wrap gifts for a few years now. I love the simplicity of it and you can dress the package up with ribbons and other things. I used scrap fabric for this tie and made a little fabric gift tag to match.

When we arrived, Mare was waiting with hor'dourvers and drinks.

Shortly after, it was time to open gifts. I made Mare a patchwork linen scarf and a tote bag. When she asked me what I would like, I told her I'd rather have her get some toys for Elisabeth that would keep her entertained. This stroller? A big hit! The little one just adores it. (We'll talk about who's in the stroller later this week.)

Then there was the food. It was all so delicious. This is actually one of my favorite parts about the holidays. Food seems to be everywhere and very plentiful this time of year. My mother joined us and brought the little one a special gluten-free (as well as many other things...) blueberry cake, because blueberries are her favorite food. It was delicious and she couldn't get enough of it. It also came in mighty handy on the long car drive home.

I couldn't resist taking some photographs of the lovely artwork Mare has in her home. And, of course, I had to get a shot of the view. It's just perfect. My flickr page has many more pictures of our day.

After supper there was a bit of relaxing, then came the goodbyes and hugs, and the long car drive home. I think this is just how I like the holidays:  low-key, relaxing, full of good food and family, and just having fun.

A Morning To Myself

It's becoming a rare treat to have a morning to myself. With all of the house projects and winterizing activities going on, I am with the little one seven days a week. But Saturday I was delighted to do a little shopping on my own, complete with a stop at a fabulous flea market. I always feel a tinge of guilt walking out the door, while the little one stands bewildered holding her arms out so I will take her with me. She doesn't quite get that mama can leave without her. But she's much too independent and soon forgets I'm even gone. Still, I usually rush through my errands, ignoring the fact that I need moments away from her to be a better mama.

But on this trip, I enjoyed every moment. I walked up and down the aisles, visiting the same booths over and over again to stare at the wonderful vintage treasures I longed to take home with me. I think I picked up the same bowl at least four times on my trips around the vast building, staring at its lovely sea-green color, debating whether it should join the others on the shelf in my kitchen. This basket and the vintage linens and fabric scraps inside were a find at a local thrift store I stopped at first. 

This apron? A deal for sure, and can I say how fun it was to make pancakes the next morning wearing it? Why don't more people wear aprons? They're fabulous!

This apron's rick-rack was hand sewn. I love turning it over and looking at the not-quite-perfect zigzag stitching on the back. There is something so meditative and rewarding about sewing by hand. I must do more of it.

And I was completely overjoyed to find this bit of vintage fabric. I love it.

I was happy to take my time that morning. I completely let go of all the guilt and just told myself to "be in the moment." I stopped to get a latte, pulled off the road to visit any antique shop that I pleased and really enjoyed having the time to myself. When I got back home I was ready for another week of parenting. I was more centered and able to be fully present for the little one. All of the goodies I came home with? A nice bonus, that's all.

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.

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!

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.

Mishmash

mishmash |ˈmi sh ˌma sh; -ˌmä sh | noun:
a confused mixture : a mishmash of outmoded ideas.

This whole week has been spent catching up on things I neglected during my eight day illness. My posts feel as scattered as the days have been, so please forgive the "mishmash" quality of it all.

Yesterday morning I left to go on a fabric hunt for some special orders, alone! Along the way I picked up these. I seem to be drawn to earth-tones and vintage inspired material. So when I discovered that the majority of these were reproductions, I wasn't surprised. I haven't a clue what to use them for, but I'm sure it won't take long before they are on the cutting table.

Speaking of new material, I seem to be doing a lot of this lately. I had no idea that most of the time spent creating something was behind the ironing board or cutting table when I first began sewing. Now I iron all of my material as soon as it leaves the dryer, whether I plan on using it right away or not. When I start a new project, I really like to dive right in and don't have the patience to do all the ironing first.

The prints are framed! Tucked away in my little corner, I finally feel like this space is becoming my own. It's a temporary studio space (I hope anyway), but I still want it to be an inspiring space to sit down and create. These prints are certainly inspiring.

And the last of the mishmash ... the little one chomping away on an apple. It seems to be her favorite snack this season and I often find the discarded core tucked away with her books or next to her play kitchen. Thank goodness I've always found them the same day. It's hard to miss that apple smell!

The Weekend

On Friday I left a cranky baby, darling husband and messy house behind to join lovely Rhea over at Alewives for a little sewing fun. Or, I should say a lot of sewing fun.

With a pizza, some Green and Blacks, good music and a new project to work on, we chatted and sewed, and then did some more chatting and sewing. The only thing that didn't make me happy was the fact that my sewing machine broke. Off to the shop it goes.

Saturday we headed down to my mother-in-law's house to celebrate my birthday. She had a table full of delicious food and gave me the gift of a shopping "spree" in downtown Portland. So, so sweet and very fun! My mother joined us and made a heavenly chocolate gluten-free cake.

Then it was off shopping. We started on Exchange St. where I stopped into Awear and bought a gorgeous hemp and wool sweater. My favorite color too! This was just a slice of the goodness I came home with on Saturday. Mare is so very sweet and generous.

On the way home, we stopped at my mother's house where she surprised me with a new sewing machine! I couldn't believe it! Perfect timing, eh? It feels so great to have my very own sewing machine, instead of borrowing my mother's. I'm excited to get working tonight. I have so many new things for the shop, but that's all for a later post. Stay tuned!