Bluebirdbaby

firsts

we went for our first dip in not only a pond, but the ocean too.

it was chilly, but so wonderful. the sun on our faces, the cool water reminding us that the summer is yet to begin, and we have months of this to enjoy.

then we headed to a big BBQ at a friend's house. their first BBQ there. and it was just perfect.

oh yes, we are most certainly ready for summer.

i've been working so hard...trying to make ends meet. every second of my days are nights are taken up by some kind of work. i like to think of it as a creative challenge.

but it means there really are no rest days; no weekends. just days mixed with fun and play and work and a wee bit of sleep thrown in there too.

it's all worth it-this life we're living. we are happy and having fun and hard workers and able to enjoy all of it. that's all that really matters.

happy monday, friends. hope you're enjoying this long, lovely weekend. xoxo

through town

I wanted to mention that I am accepting new sponsors and offering a 10% discount for the month of June! Contact me at ewallacephoto@gmail.com for more info!

Late last week there was another break in the rain. We got out for a scooter ride through town after dinner. The weekend was gorgeous, although right now it looks like we are right back to rainy weather again. I'm trying to stay motivated, despite the gray skies.

I've been sitting here at my desk, feeling rather chilled from the lack of sun. I'm on my fourth cup of PG Tips (5 is my max...or at least, I try to tell myself that...). The little one was up at an early hour this morning, battling a headache and feeling not so great. I served her breakfast on the couch, curled up under her blanket. And now she's off to her Papa's house for a part of the week. Such a funny thing letting her go...being in Mama mode for so long, then suddenly switching it "off" and putting on my other hat...the business one, the kid-less one where I get to stay out late with friends, and sleep in, and work as much as I can fit into a day. Somehow it all seems rather perfect, even when it's hard. A balance somewhat.

 

Happy Monday everyone! xo

a rainy ride

sorry for the quiet here. i've been working so hard on this e-course and i'm super excited about all that's happening! more soon...

it's been raining and raining and raining here in maine. it's good for getting lots done inside, but sometimes we just need to get out.

so last night, after a delicious dinner, we geared up for a rainy bike ride. we headed down the street, and within two minutes the drizzle turned into pouring rain! it was fun getting soaked and decided to just go with it and leisurely ride through the rain.

we returned home, grateful for the exercise and settled in with some dry clothes for dessert and stories.

what have you been up to?

my girl

at the table tonight. we were both journaling. she grabbed my glasses. silly girl, she is...

a series

a few photos from a hilltop on the east end. we had a great date with my mama. xoxo

fridays

fridays are full of baths (and curious kitties who really like the water), yummy meals, silliness at the table, visitors, and some painting time! we love our fridays.

what did you do today?

a day

a lot happens in a day!...

breakfast dishes alone. black tea and two fried eggs for me, hot rice porridge for her with honey and almond milk and rose tea.

i got these new stackable glasses at a local shop that are perfect for our open shelves and limited storage space.

i've been collecting antique mismatched silverware while out and about.

lunch is often joined by others. i love making a big salad or fried rice. brocolli is always on my lunch menu. and i love a simple platter of cheese and crackers. i've been drinking tons of water throughout the day...trying to offset my tea consumption.

i love the light in the evening. i was working on the computer and looked over to see this. beautiful.

my boys. i love my boys. and apparently they really love each other...see the hug? they spoon and embrace all the time. i love it.

i love watching the shadows as i cook dinner. they seem to capture my movement perfectly.

and the little one is so very content in our new space. she is really loving it all. i was cooking for over an hour tonight and she was happily playing right next to me on the floor.

 

that's just about what our day looks like. how about yours?! xoxo

Polarn O. Pyret Giveaway!

With the little one attending a nature based school, proper outerwear is very important. I'm always on the hunt for warm enough jackets and snowpants, raingear that actually keeps her dry, and everything in between. Polarn O. Pyret always has the greatest clothing...the quality is remarkable, the sizing is always just right and fits for two seasons, and the most important thing is the little one absolutely adores the colors, fit, and designs.

Polarn O. Pyret was kind enough to send us a set of rain gear which we immediately put to good use. Today it was overcast and drizzly, so we put on our new rain gear and headed out into our new backyard (yup...that's our backyard!!) and played on the shore.

What lucky girls we are, eh? The ocean in our backyard and awesome new rain gear! Polarn O. Pyret is also offering one lucky reader a $50 gift certificate. Just leave a comment and tell us what your little one's favorite season is. I'll draw a reader Monday at 10 a.m. EST. Good luck!

painting

Yesterday we enjoyed a morning painting in the sun. The little one finished this piece and I just love it. She is so excited about painting that we had to go back to the art store for more! I can't wait to see where this takes her.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! xo

A Mishmash

A collection of photos from a roll of film shot late last fall. Click on the photos for descriptions..

Hope you are all enjoying a happy weekend!

A Little Tuesday Tune

 

 

One of her favorite songs. She is silly. I love the bouncing foot! Happy Tuesday!

a trip up the coast

we ventured up the coast yesterday to visit some galleries, get some pizza and ice cream, and walk around with our cameras.

the little one was in a bit of a mood, but i was able to capture these images that pretty much said it all...

 

a sketch date with my girl

we spent a rainy friday afternoon sketching up in my studio. just the girl and i.

she drew horses, and i doodled. we giggled and had snacks and listened to tunes.

it was a perfect afternoon.

i just can't believe how big she's growing. and reading, and writing, and her pictures are blowing me away.

this growing up thing is crazy sometimes...

 

hope you're all enjoying your weekend! xo

around

Shots from a roll of film last November. Just around the house. Nothing special. Just daily life. xo

a girl's night

sandy left friday night for a weekend retreat. the little one found ourselves alone with 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 7 chickens. we called it a girl's night and had a feast of smoked salmon, goat cheese, quince paste, and kale chips. i sipped on wine and she slurped her kefir. we had fun, the two of us.

i'm currently spending my days working on photo stuff, doing some shoots, taxes, and painting the new dining room. it's been pretty busy. i just started feeling better a couple of days ago, but i still don't have my full energy back. it's good to breathing normally again though!

hope you all had a happy weekend!! xoxo

Holidaying

Well, I love getting things out in the open. Writing, processing, getting it all out there...it all helps in taking a step back and really observing the situation and how you'd like to proceed with it. Nothing has changed except my attutide about it. I've always made the best of whatever I'm given, but even with doing that I can still feel mournful for what I know could be. But, enough of that! It couldn't BE because it ISN'T! So I am making the best of what I've got while accepting that it's exactly what it is, and could never be anything else.

That probably sounds like much more nonsense all written out than it actually is in my head. But there it is. Thanks for being there through it all. This space is such a gift.

We've surely been making the best of our time this holiday season. Lots of baking, present making, cookie delivering, tree decorating, and holiday music singing (shall I mention the night the little one and I had an impromptu caroling experience? we skipped merrily while singing around the neighborhood like silly people in the dark!). And there are the things like the Christmas cards that will never be finished or even make it in the mail (how about New Year's cards?!), the tins of treats I wanted to make and deliver, the presents I can't afford, and all the rest that just aren't meant to be. And that's okay. Because with what we have, we are having so much fun with it. And that's the best.

I haven't even been capturing all our daily activities with my camera. Taking even a second away from those moments seems like too much. Sometimes I pull my iPhone out and capture the goodness. So above is all the goodness from cooking baking (twice!), packaging, delivering, and holiday cheer around town. We have been having so much fun...!

What have you been up to this holiday season?!

Some Killer Links

We had the sweetest little photo session with Maria this past weekend. This image she captured was my favorite, but there were so many good ones.

We have been having such a fun time lately. It's hard juggling school, work, afterschool activities, an amazingly social wee one who is always out running around the neighborhood with friends from early morning to sunset, a busy social weekend life, and then we do it all again. Our time to slow down, breathe, and just be together seems to be few and far between, but we do manage to make the best of every moment we have together; no matter how short.

Today marks the third anniversary of living in this house. It's a special day for Sasa and I. I, of course, completely forgot about it because I am still not convinced it's remotely possible for it to be December. And Sasa, being the sweet guy he is, reminded me at dinner. Oops. So what did I do? I turned our kitchen into an after dinner dance party! We put it on a favorite dancing Pandora station and proceeded to boogie and do the twist and slow dance for the next two hours.

Then the little one put the wicker laundry basket on her back and pretended to be a turtle, which Mama and Sasa bear had to try to eat. But she was a good turtle and curled right up into her shell where she was safe. We ended the night with some drawing before bed. That girl...I swear...she is never NOT drawing. It's insane. I buy her art journals every other day, and they are full before I can get back to the art store. And pens. And pencils. And anything she can draw with. They all get so much use. Her drawings are amazing too. Unbelievable, actually. She's on a horse kick, but she has just started drawing mama with her camera. Cool stuff. She's goooood.

And that's my update. We're all in a silly mood tonight. Dancing does that to us. So here's some pretty sweet links:

• i wanna be your man (how freakin' cool is that dude?!)
• absolutely A-mazing 
• i got inspired and painted my nails this color today
• made this into a necklace. i love it.
• love these tumblers
• enjoying her blog
• this series is gorgeous. she makes everyday beautiful.
• mmmm....for brunch with friends
• i have a horrible addiction to mugs (and tea)
• have you seen melissa's new book?! she was also on the macy's day parade AND martha stewart!! woohoo! go melissa!
• loving his artwork
• one more video. i'm going to style a shoot inspired by it.
• looking forward to this tomorrow night

Happy December! What are you loving right now?!

her request

Our little town had an annual Christmas parade this past weekend. The little one and her friend got to ride with Santa in the wagon. Then it was off for hot chocolate followed by waiting in line to sit on Santa's lap. The little one asked for a "kitten" (oh my) and her friend asked for a surprise, despite my urging him to ask for a skateboarding ramp for the neighborhood.

I am so grateful for our wee town and all its quirky little festivals. There does seem to be quite a bit of them. Sometimes Sasa and I joke that it feels like we're living in Stars Hallow. All we need is Luke's Diner, and it would be complete!

For weeks I've been finishing up this season's wedding work, and with one wedding left to complete, I feel like I'll be a whole new person soon! I've got some really awesome shoots coming up that I can't wait to share. And so many creative ideas. I love having creative ideas. Living with such a passion for creating and noticing and dreaming is a wonderful gift. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming (how will I ever do it all?!), but for the most part it is extremely invigorating. Do you ever feel like that?

The photo above was taken at the local library during the Santa visit. It was one of the only times I've ever asked her to pose for a photo, or to sit in a certain place. The light, the symmetry, the colors were all just too much. Putting her in the middle just blew me away. I love it.

Go here to see more Santa pictures!

Happy Monday, my friends! I'll be back with some sweet links...

 

absence

Phew! Sorry for the abense my friends! Life has been, well....life. Busy and full and lovely and crazy and everything in between. Sometimes the weeks fly by and the one simple thing I've been meaning to do gets undone; like posting here. I miss you all! And I miss being in this space.

Life has been very full. Full of good food, get togethers, friends, creating, work (and lots of it), mothering, partnering, and trying to breathe in the midst of it all.

This past weekend, the little one and I had an afternoon in the big city with our friends. My assistant and I are cooking up something goooood with a certain talented someone in the big city after the holidays. So we took a couple of hours to brainstorm and check out some spaces. After we walked around the city taking some shots for a few minutes. Maria snapped these of the little one and I. I adore them. Love them. I hardly ever have photos of us together. It means so much.

And, oh my...how she has grown. I just started photographing her in a very different way. She is no longer this cute little toddler. She's matured. She's got emotions behind those eyes and expressions. It's amazing to witness and even more amazing to capture. She's the best model anyone could ever ask for. She's opening up more to the camera too. I can't wait to see where it takes us....

How are you all? I hope you are all well and enjoying life. I'll be back soon...promise.

poor little one

she's been sick on and off for four weeks.

there is so much going around school, it's hard to tell what's what. but we are certain it's Lyme's now.

the treatment is a bit daunting...so many antibiotics for so long, but i'm grateful for the option and her health to start to improve.

poor little e!

.............................................................................................

in other news... have you guys seen:

• svpply
• how to manifest what you want
• pinhole press' holiday gift ideas? love!
• my pinterst account is overflowing with inspiration and goodness.
• seriously breathtaking
• moutain songs
• cat vs. balloon. HILARIOUS!

what are you loving this week?! happy monday, friends!

butterflies!

So, Elisabeth requested last week to be a butterfly for Halloween. A monarch butterfly, to be precise. I was really happy about her choice. This seemed easy compared to previous years!

I made a cardboard cutout of the wings, covered it with felt, and decorated it monarch-style. We made antennae out of a headband and pipe cleaners, then found fancy black shoes and clothes for the rest! It was a super fun project for us both to work on.

We went around the neighborhood with one of her best buds (who was not a butterfly, but rather a fairy...) and collected some treats. Then it was back home for a pizza party and three hours of handing out candy!

It was so sweet to see these two running around the neighborhood at dusk. I swear I think I even saw them fly....

 

How was your Halloween?!

pumpkins

We went on our annual pumpkin hunt this weekend. We take our wagon up the street to the local farm stand and choose three big pumpkins to take home and carve.

This year we added a little something extra...the little one and Sasa made homemade pumpkin pie using pumpkins from our garden! It was so sweet watching them cooking all afternoon in the kitchen. The little one has been wanting to bake and cook and do anything and everything she can in the kitchen. She even requested to wash the dishes the other night. Um, okay...!

Our trip up to the farm stand was shot all on film and Polaroids, but I did manage to capture some of the carving fun with my digital camera! The little one wanted me to carve a horse in mine, she made a funny face (a super cute one I think!), and Sasa wanted to make a gnome house.

We finished the evening with pie, ice cream, and our favorite pumpkin book!

I finally finished her costume yesterday and she is very pleased. Looks like the real deal, if I do say so myself. Pictures to follow...

What are you or your wee ones being for Halloween?!

An Unusual Apple Picking Day

Well, each year about this time we head to the orchards for some apple picking. On this particular day, the temperatures were in the mid-80's, which surprised us all. We wondered through the orchards in our shorts and sandals, feeling like it should be fall, but knowing that it felt more like summer. We go to this orchard every year. I love the memories it brings back. I feel like somehow it marks the growth of the little one each and every year. The first year she was on Sasa's shoulders most of the time, reaching high for apples, but mostly just running as fast as she could down the hills, with one of us chasing after her. This year, she picked a whole basket, plus loaded up another bag. It always surprises me just how helpful she is.

At 2:

At 3:

At 4:

And today (at 5!):

After gathering our apples, we went home to drop them off and then headed out on a canoe ride and for the last swim of the season. It was the perfect day. I have so many pictures from that, but they are all on my film camera, along with the fair pictures and so much else. 3 rolls of 36 exposures...that's going to be good! Hence my absence here.

But after our canoe ride and swim, we headed home to make applesauce and apple pie. I see much canning in our future! (We also canned 36 jars of pesto, with many more to go...) The next morning I made my favorite apple pancake for breakfast. And even though the temperatures outside still hover in the high 70's, it now officially feels like fall to me!

And looking back, I'm not sure how we managed to squeeze all of this into one day, but we made a fall banner for the front door. I love coming home to it everyday. It's very cheery! No sewing required...just strips of fabric with raw edges, and some fabric markers! We had a blast making it...

 

How are you spending the start of the fall season?!

the fair

 

At the Common Ground Fair. It's officially autumn! Many more photos on film to come...

in the yard

This afternoon you would have found us in the backyard swinging, picking pumpkins and squash, playing with tractors, being totally amused by the chickens watching themselves in their new mirror, and having a fabulous visit from the little one's schoolmates!

We're trying to soak up days like this as much as we can. The colder air has made its appearance and we know that warm days full of sun and short sleeves are quickly disappearing. This afternoon was just perfect.

Perfect is nice.

5 years old

I am the mama of a 5 year old. It seems so crazy that 5 years have passed since she was first born. I never realized why mothers would still call their grown children their "babies" but now I do. I look at her and still see the one year old toddling off on those little pudgy legs. She will always be my baby.

But 5...wow. 5 is BIG! She was so proud of herself too. We spent Friday celebrating with our birthday breakfast table tradition, a walk in the woods with friends and picnic by the river, and a dinner out complete with chocolate cake and the best french fries ever, then followed it all with a fantastic concert where we heard a fiddle player not only play the most amazing fiddle music ever, but also dance while doing it!

Then Saturday we had the big party. She requested a "giant potluck party" like we often have throughout the summer. Wasn't too hard to round up a bunch of friends last minute to make it all happen. But it all came together nicely. Instead of gifts, she asked for donations to bring to the animal shelter. We got a giant basket full, plus bags of food, and two big dog beds! People were so awesome! So that sparked an animal themed party, complete with "pin the tail on Pepper" (not the real Pepper...), a photo booth, face painting and animal ear making, and the best dog bone cake ever made!

It was a blast (we are all still recovering) and I think we heard the phrase "you throw the best parties!" about twenty times. But all that really matters is that my big 5 year old enjoyed herself, and that she did. See for yourself...

And the photo booth, which was hilarious and filled with way more adults than children...

 A big thanks to all the sweet friends who made this night so special!! You are all the best. We love you guys. xoxo

the swing of things

It's funny having a different rhythm all of a sudden. Waking early to get things prepared for the day, driving the little one off to school, coming back to work until the moment I go back to pick her up, picking her up and coming home to have a snack, resting, going for a walk, dinner prep and eating, clean up and outside play before bedtime. There's something comforting in the rhythm that we've already formed, just in a mere three days. I like knowing what to expect. I like having things consistent, but with enough flexibility to make the day feel spontaneous and free.

Right now we are settling into this new rhythm. We are a bit tired, a bit excited, a bit relieved (to have more time to get work done!). But mostly, we are just happy to be doing it all together. Lucky us!

Second Day of School

The scene last night...

Me: "Okay you! Let's get ready for bed. We've got to get a good night's sleep for school tomorrow!"

Her: "What?! School?!! But I went yesterday! I have to go again?? Two days in a row? Noooooo!!! I don't want to!!! I want to stay with you!!!!!!!" Cry cry cry. Panic panic panic.

 

This morning at school while she's climbing the apple trees...

"Mama, you can pick me up after lunch. No need to come early. Bye! I love you! I'm going to give you two hugs before you leave! See ya!"

 

Ha! She is hilarious. I get a kick of the way 5 year old brains work! These are some little snippets from the drive to school and the school itself taken with my iphone! Enjoy!

First Day of School

Well, after much preparation, much protests from a certain little one, lots of sleepless nights, lots of anxiety...the little one went off to her first day of school (all decked out in stripes and "jewelry"). Or maybe I should say I dragged her off to her first day of school.

When we turned down the wooded road, the last stretch before the school, she said, "Mama? I think I'm getting kind of excited!" And that was that.

She still didn't want me to leave, she still hugged me like she never wanted to let go, but there were no tears. Just a sweet "Goodbye Mama! See you soon!"

And off I went. And off she went, climbing her apple tree.

It was a bittersweet morning. I was so thrilled and happy that she excitedly jumped in, and a little sad to see another stage left behind. She is growing, that one.

And I feel so incredibly fortunate to have this little school up and running just in time. It is a magical place...

good morning.

hope you had a good morning too. xoxo.

Blueberry Hill

Another year, another day of hiking, picnicing, watching, playing, laughing, and enjoying. We love this spot. Year after year...it's amazing to remember the past visits and it's remarkable how much the little one has grown. She made it all the way up (and down) at full speed. Of course, this year there was a puppy to coax her along.

We missed the blueberries this year, but the chamomile was still there and we do have a big plant in our garden that we brought home from last year. So fun to think of it being a part of our life here in town.

Today we tried to soak up as much summer as we could. School starts soon, and with it, we find that everyday freedom we've had for so long is quickly coming to a close. The little one is growing literally before our eyes. Her long, lean legs can carry her on a hike no problem now. Last year, she rode up on Sasa's shoulders. It's bittersweet to see it all happen so soon. I'm loving this age and all the fun we are having, but also miss the little hands dropping the berries in the basket, and clasping mine for a little help along the stone wall.

This is my favorite part about traditions: marking the growth all around us against something that is constant and steady. Blueberry Hill will always be there for us, and so will we...however big, small, old or young we may be.

Enjoying

It amazes me how fast this summer has flown by. The garden is winding down (we did just plant our fall crops of beets, carrots, and lettuce though), the beach days are coming to an end, the feeling of having forever is slowly disappearing and we're left thinking about school, wool sweaters, and the slowing down of a busy wedding season.

I find that most days, we are just content with enjoying it all in a very easy way. Staying home, curling up on the back porch in the sun with a pile of books, taking long walks to look for wildflowers, and finding creative ways to devour all the goodies from the garden.

Today was one of those days. We gardened, we practiced the violin, we went for walks, we read many of our favorite summer books, we had a visit from Belina (our chicken who loves the kitchen), and snuggled on the couch.

What are you doing to enjoy the last bits of summer?!

The Fair

Her first fair with rides. We spent 7 hours (!!) and the joy was just priceless. We spent the day with friends looking at the animals, watching acrobats, and riding the ferris wheel until we could see the "mountains and a grassy field!"

The little one is already asking when next August is so we can do it again...

I hope to pop in tomorrow night one more time before I take off to Vermont for another wedding this weekend! Enjoy your Friday!

thoughts

I am sitting here at 10 p.m. after a day full of fun and a night filled with work. I am reviewing the three photos of the day (the ones you see above) after designing cards for an upcoming wedding and editing a bazillion photos.

My cup of tea is warming my hands and I'm reminded just how fast things are moving...the summer is disappearing before our eyes, the little one is growing up and will be off to school soon (three half days a week, but still...), and my business is thankfully taking off but requires so much more time than I actually have.

But photos like these remind me to slow down, breathe a little more deeply, and know there are those quiet moments in our day which ground us and bring comfort knowing that these things will always be.

What helps to ground you?

today

today we rode our bikes all over town.

today we ran through a field, skipped rocks in a river, and picked wildflowers.

today we baked bread, picked blackberries, made a pie, baked kale chips, and roasted beets and garlic.

today we felt the cooler breeze that came through the open doors and windows. a reminder that fall is slowly creeping in.

today we made exciting plans for tomorrow.

today we talked about school starting.

today we marveled at just how gigantic our sunflowers are. nearly 14 feet high at this point...

tonight we used the leftover 4th of July sparklers.

tonight we are snuggled in, with the cool air outside, and a warm cup of tea in our hands.

 

what did you do today?!

over at tend today

amy and friends asked me to write a guest post for tend...so wander on over and take a peek!

raspberries in the rain

two mamas. three girls. a rainy afternoon. a beautiful patch. a whole lot of berries.

what have you been picking lately? happy weekend!

fairy woods

It's been a funny weekend. Probably others would call it a weekend full of unfortunate events. I've been meaning to post about "a year of choice" for a while now...letting you know more about how this affects my days and what it looks like. And I can honestly say that this space is all about choice. What you read here are snippets of our days. The things I love, the things that make life go round, the things that make us smile, the things that fill our hearts with love. It doesn't mean that there isn't a whole lot of struggle and, ahem, bad luck too. (Sometimes I think I'm jinxed!) But it's easy to get through it with this fabulous guy and amazing little girl by my side.

This past weekend was indeed a series of unfortunate events. It got to the comical level after two days, and when we finally sat down on the couch late last night to breathe, we looked at each other and giggled, joking that maybe the roof would fall through on our heads. But in the end, we caught something just in the knick of time and our cat will live, we still have another way to get around and we did get home finally, there are friends and family always willing to help, after hours of research I finally fixed my camera, and we are safe and happy and together. Which really...is all that matters.

So what does all this have to do with fairy woods?! Well, in the midst of all the unfortunate events, we all took a beautiful walk on an island with my mama and the two dogs. We flew kites, we walked through the forest, waded in the water, and came to the spot where there are hundreds and hundreds of fairy houses. We built a fabulous one. And I remember in that moment, looking at the absolute certainty on the little one's face that fairies would be moving in to our little fairy house that very night, I knew that this was the only moment that really mattered. And, to be honest, I'm not sure if it's from the sheer exhaustion or the hilariously poor memory I have, but really...it's all that I really remember. That one moment was so full of joy and love that it's going to be completely and totally stuck in my heart forever. Love that.

And yes, the little one got her first haircut. She loves it. We do too.

xoxo.

a little wednesday joy

Thank you all for your sweet words of comfort and support on sweet baby Silas. You must read further down in the comments to hear some of Kirsta's words and a poem her amazing mother wrote. Kirsta...you are an inspiration. xo.

And today? Today we enjoyed some milder temperatures and a day packed full of fun. It was a sweet little mix of out and about, and being home hanging out. Love that. Some days it's so hard to find that balance. Life seems to move so quickly

I've been enjoying the way our upstairs is evolving from a dated, wallpapered and linoleumed cave, to an airy space that fits us perfectly. I love walking through this hallway every morning and night.

Do you see the lone chicken? That's Daisy. She lays us the blue eggs. She escapes everyday, all day long. Flying in and out of the fenced run. The other chickens look through the wire longingly as she enjoys foraging in the yard. I kind of like having one chicken out and about...eating up all the bugs but not destroying my gardens. Yea...Daisy rocks. And her blue eggs do too!

Speaking of eggs...the little one loves checking on their laying habits all day long. She excitedly announces "Oh! Belina is laying now!" or "Oh man...Violet just won't get off!" When she finally gets all the eggs in her little basket, she's so excited about them she wants to eat them all right away! So cute, she is.

And Mr. Pickles. Oh, what can I say about this cat? I love him so. I'm pretty sure I'm still not a cat person. Nope. I'm, in fact, a Mr. Pickles person. This cat is unlike any other animal I've ever known. He's kind of like some zen master here to teach us a lesson on how to "just be" while being really comical about it at the same time. Love him. This is his favorite spot of late...on the back porch under the bird feeders...

Did I mention we finally found a second car? One that was in our budget? Sasa found this 1980 diesel Mercedes a while ago. We debated, and debated some more. Took it for a test drive and kind of fell in love with it. It came home with us last night. I'm pretty sure the little one loves it more than we do. I told her if we took really good care of it, it would be hers when she is old enough. (What I didn't tell her is she would have to pry it out of my hands first!) Now my car goes into the shop for a couple of weeks to get some major work done. It feels good to know we have a second set of wheels...just in case.

So...what's bringing you joy this Wednesday?

Morning, Noon, and Night

This morning was spent in the kitchen and the garden. It's funny how with all our dietary restrictions going on we have three separate breakfasts most mornings. Sasa sticks with quinoa and greens, the little one loves her eggs and toast, and I'm on a goat yogurt kick. After the dishes were cleaned and the laundry was hung, we headed out into the garden before the sun got too hot to do some weeding. I'm enjoying checking on the strawberries daily, and the bee balm (my favorite) bloomed late last week.

Mid-day found us walking to the library to return some books. I grabbed my outting essentials (back pack and sunglasses) and we set off for new books and to pick up Sasa for lunch. On the way back, we stopped in the garden to pick some chard for lunch and basil for pesto. During the lunch prep, the little one kept running outside to feed the chickens some veggie scraps.

The evening approached quickly after an afternoon full of reading and games in front of the fans. We kept checking on the popscicles we made earlier, drank almost all the cold beverages in the house and used up all the ice. As I was prepping dinner, I grabbed the only cold beverage left. The little one helped wash the potatoes while I picked squash from the garden. I made a summer squash and potato torte roughly based on this recipe (except I use rosemary, ommitted the flour, and added minced garlic instead of green onions). It was delicious. We ate outside on the porch, watching the sun slowly going down, and ended the evening with a final game.

And that, my friends, makes a day. It's fun to look back on it all. How the ordinary things can go by without notice, but when you really stop to make notice of them, you realize exactly how marvelous they all are!

So...what was your "morning, noon, and night" like?!

happy weekend!

It's Sunday night, we just got back from a date on the town (food and wine on the patio at a local restraurant, then the new Woody Allen film at the local theater which was fantastic!). We rode on our vintage bikes, me with my new chiffon dress and Sasa as his handsome self. It was kind of a magical evening, complete with snagging the movie poster and taping it on a friend's door, who loved the movie so much it was her second time seeing it!

But this picture of the little one this morning is my favorite thing about this weekend. We are out there drawing on the sidewalks every day that is sunny. This early morning it was already sweltering...the heat has been incredible here. This morning as we were drawing hearts side by side, I looked at her and just completely marveled at how much she's grown. Such a big difference between the 3's and 4's. She's growing up and it's funny that I'll never see anything but my little baby. She always jokes and says, "Mama...even when I'm a big grown up, you will still want to hold me, won't you?" And I answer with, "Of course! I will always try." And to that, she gives me a big hug and a kiss, snuggles in my arms for a minute, then runs off to play. What sweet thing this parenting journey is.

What was your favorite part of the weekend?!

 

hello

Well, I just had an entire post written about how I really didn't have much to say at all, and how wedding season is in full swing and I've got so much work (thankfully!) on my plate that there's not much time for anything else, but then Firefox messed up and it was all lost! Ha...guess I didn't really need to say all that anyway!

My thoughts have been here. I've wanted to pop in and say "hello" and had every intention of sharing a Monday link list with you this week. But well...after 10 hours on the computer editing, I was pretty done.

The heat has been unbearable lately. We've managed to keep cool with many swims in the ocean and lake, Popsicles and ice cold drinks, and sitting in front of the fan during the day. Today the heat finally broke with a lengthy downpour. It cooled everything off and gave us an excuse to scurry inside to make a delicious dinner and settle in for an evening game.

These are the only shots I took today. My poor camera needs a break after the weddings, but I've become completely addicted to using my iPhone camera. Not so sure I'm ready to switch the photos here over to that though. But it's so handy...

I'm needing some super link love this week! What are you all loving around the web??!

Strawberry Fields Forever

Yesterday, we braved the heat and headed out for an adventure to some organic strawberry fields. The little one has been begging me to make her a strawberry pie for weeks now. And part of our summer routine each year is to pick and store as many berries as we can to last us all winter long. It's fun to watch as the older she gets, the more involved she wants to be. Last year I remember carrying her through the blueberry fields, keeping her in the Ergo on my back as I picked. This year? She was picking for almost two hours right along with us. She was incredibly excited about the whole process and beamed with pride with each bucket she poured into the larger box.

We got home and settled into the numerous hours' work facing us. The 20+ pounds of berries needed to be washed, the tops cut off, most frozen for later use, two pies needed to be baked (one galette for her and one semi-Paleo almond flour crust for Sasa and I), and a batch of freezer jam needed to be made. We opted for freezer jam because we wanted to make a small batch of strawberry jam, since we don't use jam too often.

We sat on the back porch on our new patio furniture (thanks to Sasa for my early birthday present!) all afternoon and got covered in red juice. Lots went in our mouths, but most went in the freezer. The little one was so excited by the idea of eating strawberries in winter!

We ended the night with our strawberry pies and reading books on the porch. It was the perfect ending to an even more perfect day!

it was hot

It was a hot one. A really hot one. And yesterday was hot too.

I swam in the ocean three times yesterday (mind you, we live in Maine and ocean water is freezing) and today we packed up dinner and headed to the lake for a picnic and a dip.

We spent the day in our bathing suits, going between the shade in the backyard with glasses of iced tea and inside where the air seemed just a little bit cooler. The little one plucked away on her ukulele, serenading me during my snack time clean up. We picked fresh herbs from the garden to make a frittata for lunch, served over our greens and some homemade dressing. We ate outside on the picnic table under the shade of the umbrella.

Tonight we retreated to the lake, with my bag packed full of bucheron, salmon, and peas from the garden. The little one almost learned to swim, we played water tag, and watched the clouds roll in.

We returned home for an ice cream cone and the excitement of a thunderstorm. I rushed to get the laundry in, the chickens settled, and the yard toys picked up from a day of play. The little one fell asleep in an exhausted, hot heap on the bed with the lightning flickering around her.

It was a good day. Tomorrow another adventure will be underway! How was your Wednesday?

Oh, and if any of you are wondering how to get the shape of the giant beach bag, just go to my tutorial page here and follow the corner directions for the "everything bag". Easy peasy!

Happy 4th!

I've been slowly turning our backyard into more of a gathering space in anticipation of summer parties, so after building a fire pit (Sasa rocks!) on Friday, we decided to have a spontaneous 4th celebration! Spontaneous or not, Sasa said at the peak we had about 35 people show. It was awesome! So much fun!

There were sparklers, smores (I made some gluten-free graham crackers for the little one and they turned out great!), hula hooping, scootering, dancing, singing, bocce ball, roasting hot dogs and burgers over the fire, and lots of chatter and fun! Oh, and the food...it was unbelievable!

We've already been asked when the next one will be...!

Happy 4th to you! I hope your holiday is fabulous!!

food and chickens

Our days have been filled with so much yummy food (this Paleo thing is a piece of cake! ha! just a note, the last photo is the little one's lunch, not mine),

a "pretend plant sale" where the little one's imagination had me in awe,

more gardening and eating fresh strawberries and peas,

and hanging with the chickens who were are so excited to finally have back!

 

What have your days been like this week?!

Lemonade!

It was hot today. Really hot. We set up a sweet little lemonade stand in front of the house and the little one walked away with quite a bit of money! Everyone wanted a drink to cool down. It was the perfect day.

We made fresh squeezed lemonade, lavender syrup, optional free face or hand painting, and sun tea with fresh mint sprigs and slices of lemon. It was all delicious!

After almost four hours, two runs to the store for more lemons and ice, we were officially SOLD OUT! Who wouldn't want to buy a cup of yummy lemonade from such a cute little one, eh?!

Hope your Tuesday was great too!!

hello and goodbye

in the midst of

running around getting six bags of camera gear ready,

rounding up directions, phone numbers, last minute details, and making lists,

searching for the two cords that will actually make my lighting work (kind of important!),

emptying camera cards, charging batteries, checking and double checking lenses,

and trying to find enough dressy yet "i can still bend over reeaally far or lay upside down on the ground" clothes for two nights...

 

i am here to say hello! and goodbye! headed three states over for a wedding until Sunday night. until then, admire our inspirational sidewalk art, the little one's super sweet grown-up looking face, and hope for June weather that doesn't have us wearing long pants and fleece jackets!

oh, and thanks for all the coop love! can't wait to find the time to check out yours! xoxo

Happy Solstice!

Hope your first day of summer was fabulous!

Puddles

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Last night we experienced a crazy thundestorm. It was so wonderful. We loved every minute of it. I've always told the little one that thunder is just the cloud's talking to one another, and the lightning is the flash from their camera. Ha!

So she's not scared a bit. We played board games and ate chocolate chip cookies.

Then the sun came out and we just had to go puddle stomping! (An after-storm tradition.) So on went the rain boots and off we went!

We discovered a giant puddle down the street at our friend's house and we ran back to get our boat to do some sailing. What a fun sweet night.

We came back home to the power returning, some snuggling in bed with a good book, and some sweet dream-filled sleep.

Happy weekend to you! xoxo