Soaring Studios

Four Weeks

2011-07-12T16:15:00.000-04:00

It has been four weeks since we were blessed with Benjamin.

Four Days Old

These past four weeks have passed both quickly and slowly at the same time. Sometimes the moments are crazy with many kids running, yelling, playing, and crying (including Mama) and other times everything is calm and moving with a rhythmic pace. I decided back in my pregnancy to take the first two weeks after Ben's birth to relax, recover, and soak in the sweetness of new life. We had already decided that he would be our last babe and so I wanted to really enjoy this time. I had no idea how difficult that was going to be. The reality of it was that it was lonely. For all the women that I know and connect with in the community I felt like I was stuck home alone with my kids with no one. I wanted to feel connection. I wanted to talk about my birth. I wanted everyone to stop telling me how it looked like I was doing great and assuming that everything was fine. I was still fragile and I wanted people to see that and most importantly I wanted validation that it was o.k. to feel that way.

With my third birth I thought it was going to be different. I had experienced both a crazy hospital birth and an intense homebirth and this one was going to be the birth that wasn't intense and crazy but was going to be calm peaceful and at home. I got the calm and peaceful part just not at home.
With this pregnancy I had a lot of braxton hicks that each and every time I thought was the real deal. They started at the beginning of mylast month of my pregnancy and it was the same thing every couple of days. Intense contractions that lasted 2 - 3 hours and then stopped. This made for a long and emotional last few weeks of pregnancy. I got a lot of people telling me to relax and it will happen when it happens. By the time I actually went into labour I didn't trust myself to know if it was really labour or just braxton hicks. I was emotional spent before I had even started it felt like. When I finally did start what was actual labour I was so afraid it was going to stop, and this was all I was focusing on. My midwife came and then my midwife left as labour was long and slow. Watching her pack up her stuff was difficult for me as I felt that again I didn't know it was labour, I had called too soon, and who knew when I was going to have this baby.

Four Minutes Old

After a few more hours at home and labour was not stopping, getting more intense but still very slow I decided that being at home was no longer where I wanted to be. I was tired, in pain, and emotionally feeling like I could not go on. In the moment that we decided to go to the hospital all I could think about and focus on was what was everyone going to think. Everyone I knew and myself included strongly believed in homebirths. I had fought so hard to get my first home birth and here I was choosing to leave and have a hospital birth. There was no emergency, no one was in distress I just no longer wanted to be at home. I felt like a failure on my drive to the hospital.

It is now difficult to be upset about having made the decision to leave home as my body has told me loud and clear that it was the right decision. Ben was born within a few hours of arriving and I was home sitting in my living room that same night. The rest I received with the epidural allowed my mind to shut off and let my body to do what it was meant to do and knew if could do, but all my mental thinking got in the way. Ben was born into a quiet, dimly lit, peaceful space. I was the most present I have ever been at any of my births and the birth I am the most happy about.

Now my whole world has been rocked as I try and wrap my head around having my best birth at the hospital. Four weeks ago I thought something like this was never possible. I feel that with every birth I was somehow changed. Sam rocked me, Lily healed me, and Ben has transformed me. I am not too sure how the transformation is going to take place, but I can feel the movement.

Four Weeks Old

Friends, Food, Farm, and Renewal

2011-07-05T14:17:00.000-04:00

Friday was Canada Day and therefore means a long weekend for us. While many are very patriotic and celebrate Canada's Birthday for us it just means that our crazy neighbours are going to set off fireworks into the wee hours of the night. Not so great when you have little kids and a 3 week old.

So with an invite to visit a friends newly purchased farm we jumped at the chance to not be home. Plus I had not seen said close friend since she had moved and therefore she had not had the chance to meet our newest addition.

On our drive north we came across this beautiful yellow field. It was truly amazing. The brightest of yellows against the bluest of skies. We didn't pull over to take a picture for fear of waking Ben, so I snapped this shot while we drive past.

Now my friend has been waiting for this new farm for sometime. There was lots of anticipation and stress leading up to the purchase and move. She was so confident in her dream coming true that she had the house all packed and lived on only the essentials for more than a month before the purchase. She was living her belief.
It was truly amazing to pull into the drive of her dream. To see her come running out the door of her new farm house with a smile like I have never seen. She was relaxed, calm, happy and really floating on a cloud. Her new home was beautiful and the energy and feeling you felt was something I had not felt before, it was the feeling of a home, a place were a family truly lived a life before and a place were a family was going to create a life now.
We ate and shared, laughed and listened, and I soaked up the Mama, sisterhood, and womanly energy from my friends. It was one of the longest times out since my birth and I had been apprehensive, in the end I felt energized. I had been feeling lonely and de-pleated trying to do what I felt was the right thing for my new babe even though at times I felt it wasn't the right thing for me. These beautiful woman helped me to remember that what I am doing right now is very important work and even though it is my third time I still need special care and it is o.k. that I think about it, ask for it, and accept the care and love.

Right Now....

2011-06-28T20:43:00.000-04:00

Outside my window: the leaves are wet from an sudden evening downpour.

I am thinking: that even with my third babe I am still learning new things about what it means to be a Mama with a newborn baby.

I am thankful for: the special time the older kids going to have with Grampa and Gigi for the next couple of days.

From the kitchen: enjoying the food made with love from my circle of Mama's.

I am wearing: my new babe in our Heart 2 Heart sling. Babywearing is a lifesaver.

I am creating: many new ideas in my head for the fall show season, oh the new things that are coming are going to be great.

I am going: to enjoy the next few days just me and this sweet babe, while missing my bigger ones at the same time.

I am reading: nothing.... I am looking for a good read. Any suggestions?

I am hoping: my Mom is enjoying herself overseas.

I am hearing: my inner voice guiding me towards to right choices and decisions.

Around the house: the signs of summer

One of my favorite things: the chai lattes that friends bring when they visit.

A few plans for the rest of the week: rest, relaxation, friends, snuggles, and knitted stitches.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing..

Strawberry Fields Forever

2011-06-22T19:52:00.000-04:00

Today we left the house for a short and quick trip to the strawberry field. I have been snuggled up in bed with this new bundle of amazement and have been dreaming of strawberries since my first taste of the season at last weeks market.

So before the rain hit we quickly went over to the strawberry patch. This year was Lily's first year picking and she was so excited. After filling her little basket she moved on to daisy picking and of course we all got one stuck in our hair. For a brief moment I saw the years ahead of us of picking strawberries each spring and how next year Ben will be sitting between the rows. We picked a small amount to satisfy the senses but I am sure I will be back before the season is over. I just want to eat berries until I am drunk with their sweet taste!

Welcoming

2011-06-18T13:46:00.000-04:00

Benjamin Andrew Cafissi

Welcomed on the evening of June 13

We have been basking in the sweet baby bliss

We will return soon with many great tales to tell.

{this moment}

2011-06-10T07:17:00.000-04:00

As I swim in the waiting game of the final days of my pregnancy I look for a few quiet moments, even if it is not me taking them.

New Baby Ducks

2011-06-01T20:29:00.000-04:00

Less than 24 hours old and these baby ducklings have found a new home at Nana's farm. The kids get so excited when the baby animals start arriving. Lily was so much gentler and more at ease than when the baby chicks came a month ago. She already getting into the rhythm of things. Sam is an old pro showing Lily how to hold them as well as the gentle way to pet them with only two fingers.
Super cute! Both the ducklings and the kids.

Right Now....

2011-05-30T21:09:00.000-04:00

Right Now I am....

~ Enjoying the sunshine that has finally come our way

~ Our first trip to the beach

~ Lily's first apprehensive steps into the water

~ A little boy who is transforming before my eyes

~ The few glimpses that I get of my toes

~ These last final moments of the three of us before it becomes four

Weekend Planting

2011-05-29T09:18:00.000-04:00

This weekend was a huge planting weekend. We got the veggie garden planted as well as getting my herbs in planters. Lily was very excited to be a part of the planting process this year. At the garden centre she kept wanted to pick out the purple flowers. So we got some lavender for my little purple girl, can't wait for the beautiful scent they will create.

{this moment}

2011-05-27T08:03:00.001-04:00

I have come to discover that sometimes children do not need anything more than a field full of Dandelions.

Waiting

2011-05-26T14:59:00.001-04:00

All the knits have been knitted

All the blankets have been sewn

Clothes in drawers folded waiting to be worn

The smallest of diapers are washed and stacked

In these final few moments we sit and wait

We wait to meet this soul that I have grown to love and have dreamt about

We sit and wait for him to make his arrival for he is the only one who knows when it will be

Marks

2011-05-23T19:10:00.000-04:00

"A mark for every breath you took, every blink, every sleepy yawn. One for every time you sucked your thumb, waved hello, closed your eyes and slept in the most perfect darkness. One for every time you had the hiccups. One for every dream you dreamed within me. It isn't very pretty anymore. Some may even think it ugly. That's OK. It was your home. It's where I first grew to love you, where I lay my hand as I dreamed about who you were and who you would be. It held you until my arms could, and for that, I will always find something beautiful in it."

My Pregnancy In Sweaters

2011-05-21T20:45:00.000-04:00

I realized today as I finished another sweater, took pictures and uploaded them onto Ravelry that I could track my pregnancy in the sweaters that I have knit since finding out I was pregnant.

Here I am in my February Lady Sweater and about 4 weeks pregnant.

I found out I was pregnant a few days later.

Here I am in my second attempt at the Shalom Cardigan and I was about 18 weeks pregnant.

My birthday in my Tea Leaves Cardigan and I am 25 weeks Pregnant.

Here I am today in my successful third attempt at the Shalom Cardigan at 37 weeks pregnant.

The knitting has helped me pass the time, each stitch is a moment of growth for both of us. I find it amazing what knitting has done in my life. Paul sometimes calls it an obsession, I sometimes call it a lifeline.

Rain, Rain Go Away. Come Again Another Day

2011-05-20T07:47:00.000-04:00

I was going to start writing by saying what a bad blogger I have been these past few weeks, but then I realized that this is not bad blogger this is just having not much else to talk about except the last 6 days of rain. We have had a very wet and late spring which has made life a little more difficult around these parts.

When I got pregnant last September everyone was excited telling me about how a late May/early June baby was going to be so great. When the toughest part of the pregnancy came the weather would be nice, the kids could be outside and by the time the baby came it would be all beautiful weather, daily park trips and all day backyard playing. Nothing of the sort has happened. Mother Nature has other plans.

So with only a few weeks (hopefully days) left in my pregnancy we have endured another week stuck inside with all day rain. This makes for kids with lots of energy and no place to put it and a Mama that is cranky. I am living through Braxton Hicks, hip pain, and the impatience of wanting to meet this little guy. I keep checking things off the list thinking that with one more thing done that he will come. I am also thinking of things that would be mentally stopping me from allowing him to come and checking these things off the list as well.

Today is Red Tent our local gathering of Women and I have decided that the rain is going to hold off long enough for us to meet at the park. The kids can run and play while I gain the support and friendship of the other Mamas and Friends that are there. There has also been many that after attending Red Tent have gone into labour! We think it is all the womenly support and energy. Here's to hoping!

A Boy and His Bike

2011-05-16T08:49:00.000-04:00

A new bike

A huge smile

A flower to add some love

What else is there to say?

Rainy Day Slippers for the Soul

2011-05-15T11:08:00.000-04:00

Just a few pics of my recently finished Slippers for the Soul. They are so fast to knit up and I am loving how I am able to decorate them all differently. I have been making them as future gifts but I think I need to keep these lovely bright ones with the flowers! They make my feet so happy.

Sam's First Race...I see Many More in the Future

2011-05-14T20:31:00.001-04:00

Today we participated in the Walk-Run-&-Roll 5km Race. It was a fundraiser for Walk it Off Spinal Cord Wellness Centre. This is an important cause close to our hearts as my sister in-law is going to be the new physical trainer for the centre that is in the grassroots stages of opening here in Newmarket. It was also Sam's first race and he was super excited. We had been counting down all week as well as eating healthy food and 'training' (lots of practice running he said).

Sam and Daddy getting ready before the race.

Getting their numbers pinned.

Mom, Papa, Sam, and his friend Charlotte are off from the Start line

Daddy getting mentally prepared

Here he comes towards the finish line. Only a few metres to go.

Crossing the finish line. I actually had a few tears for my little guy. He went the whole distance and did it in 1 hour and 4 minutes!

So proud of his ribbon for finishing.

Then he stood in line for a face painting of his favourite Robot then it was off to get our pancake breakfast.

It was a very successful day for Walk it Off and they raised a great deal of money for the centre. Sam is already talking about next year.

Farmer's Market Begins

2011-05-09T08:38:00.000-04:00

This weekend marked the beginning of the local Farmer's Market. It runs now until October each Saturday morning from 8am - 1pm. We are super excited to start this weekly rhythm. Waking each Saturday and making our way downtown where they have closed the main street and everyone sets up their tents and booths to sell anything local.

Yesterday was the first weekend and we have had a wet cold spring, so this means lots of baked goods, plants, and root cellar veggies, until the fresh veggies come in a few weeks. The most exciting part for the kids is the honey booth in where everyone gets a honey stix. A little sticky but oh so good!

We picked up some potatoes for our Mother's Day dinner and are looking forward to what new and exciting things we will find next weekend.

Etsy Shop Update Coming Soon

2011-05-04T08:54:00.000-04:00

This weekend I came across a great deal on a light/photo box. I have since been photographing all my pottery in hopes of getting it all up on Etsy before the babe arrives. This way when orders come in all we have to do it ship it out, and in a small way I can feel like I am still somewhat working. I have been hard at work editing and putting the final touches on them and hope to have a good chuck up my the weekend.

Incase you can't wait here is a little preview of a few things.

Have Fabulous Yarn, Must Pick A Pattern

2011-05-02T09:47:00.000-04:00

I am one sleeve away from finally finishing the sweater I gave my Mom for her birthday last May (I gave her the yarn all wrapped up with a picture of the pattern) As fate would have it the Madelinetosh DK vintage came in this week at Unwind Yarn House and I of course had to rush down and get some.

I picked this lovely bluish, grey, black. It is called Stovepipe.

I am so excited to knit with this great yarn that I am having a difficult time picking something to knit. I thought that maybe everyone could help me pick. Remember that even though I am pregnant now, by the time I finish I will not be.

The Effortless Cardigan

The Peasy

Hooray Cardigan

Shalom

The Dark and Stormy (it has a Grampy sweater looking front with small cables)

{this moment}

2011-04-29T08:23:00.000-04:00

Belly growing

Baby moving

Stitches knit

Warm sun soaked up

Hand knits worn

Bare feet in the grass

The smell of change in the air

These are my moments right now.

My Slippers for My Soul

2011-04-28T16:02:00.000-04:00

I knitted these amazing little gems two weekends ago. They are Lora's Slippers for the Soul and the pattern can be found here on her amazing blog. She has been so generous in offering the pattern for free.

They are a super easy and quick knit. They are done on 10 mm needles with three strands of worsted weight wool held together. This allows to many different colour combinations and therefore maybe everyone needs a pair for christmas! I used Patons Classic Wool and got it on sale at Michaels. After knitting I threw them in the dryer and felted them up and after added the star beads.

Don't my feet look super cozy!

Skirts, Rubber Boots, and Toques

2011-04-27T10:48:00.000-04:00

I am really starting to enjoy the little girl that is starting to emerge. She has a personality unlike any other and her style is all her own. Each day she entertains us in new and exciting ways.

The Farm's Orange Barn Suit

2011-04-26T09:11:00.000-04:00

When Sam was born we acquired a boxes of clothes from family and friends. In one of these boxes was an orange spring/fall outdoor jumpsuit. It has become the barn suit for toddlers.

All those that come to the farm and need something to wear to play outside has worn it and it has seen many days of play and farm fun.

This spring it fit Lily perfect and it was passed along to her as her barn suit. This weekend it got its first official weekend with Lily and my little girl used it well, as she loves to get right down in the dirt at the farm.

Cleaning/digging in the play house

Sitting by the fire getting warm from the cool wind

Playing in the sand now filled with water box.

After Lily is done with it she will pass in on to the little one that we are waiting to meet in the coming weeks and he will pass it on the next grandchild or those that need a barn suit when they come to visit.

Easter Chicks

2011-04-25T08:53:00.000-04:00

This weekend Sam and Nana took a trip to the Farmer's Market and got a few baby chicks. It is always an exciting time for the kids. Nana always get a few each year to add to the chickens at the farm. It was interesting to see the difference in the kids from one year to the next. Last year Lily was just a little over a year and a little apprehensive of the chicks and Sam followed Nana's directions well. This year both had lots of confidence with the chicks, so much we had to keep a close eye on them so that to not have the chicks squeezed too much or dropped.

I think it is a great experience for the kids to see the chicks grow into hens that lay us eggs. To see the food process and be a part of it. Plus, baby chicks at Easter is really cute as well.

It all Came Together

2011-04-18T09:07:00.000-04:00

This weekend we had HUGE renovation, cleaning, and moving plans. When we first started it seemed like everything would run smooth. Everyone had duties, jobs, and tasks. We didn't need 4 or 5 people all doing one job so off everyone went to their tasks. The boys had to install the new fans, Mom and Dad were assigned the task of the drywall in the new studio space, I cleaning up the the old studio and keeping the kids out of everyones way.

All seemed good, then the messes got bigger and bigger, kids running around in the way, Daddy's and Mommy's yelling, and kids having longer than normal naps. After a long Saturday we had the new fans up in the living room (no air conditioning makes for a very hot house in the summer and with a new babe coming we want to make it as cool as possible), the studio space moved and somewhat organized and the beginnings of Jon's apartment started. I think everyone was more than half asleep while eating dinner.

The new Studio Space. I still have some organizing to do as well as something fun and exciting to paint on the walls. I am thinking a mural of some kind.

Sunday morning was the start of the new flooring in the kitchen. Now many know that we only rent our house and would think, why would you ever redo the floor. There are many reasons for this. Mainly is the fact that the floor before was so bad that I always had a difficult time cleaning it as it never really looked clean even after a good hands and knees scrub. Because of the heat of the kiln under the kitchen the glue would come through the tiles and made a very sticky mess add that with sticky kid messes and you can only imagine the amount of times our feet stuck to the floor.
The other reason for doing it is that we plan on living here for some time and being able to enjoy the space while we are here is important to us. If we are always living in the temporary what kind of space are we creating for ourselves and the kids.
So early Sunday morning we start in on the kitchen floor. After a full day of working (not finishing until 6:30pm, then my Dad dashed out the door to driving home to Kingston) The flooring is complete and we are so super happy. There is something about having a beautiful floor that makes me want to keep it clean as well as loving the space so much more. Who knew that flooring could make such a difference. I have always been the put a new coat of paint or rug kind of person, but after this I think I could be changing my mind.

The End of Something Special

2011-04-15T14:29:00.000-04:00

Last night was the last lesson in the studio.

As I type that I am still a little unsure exactly how I feel about it.

There are many things that have come from this decision that I am exited about and hopeful for;

Being able to be a part of bedtime with the kids every night, not having to worry twice a week about making a quick and easy dinner as it all had to be eaten and cleaned up before lessons start,

being able to put that part of my brain to sleep for a while, not always thinking about student stuff that is drying too little or too much (firings, mixing glazes, and generally always having a piece of my brain in the studio), after 4 years of teaching I will have my own studio again, and of course being able to give this space to my brother allowing him to have his own space for the first time. To see his excitement about this is so heart warming as I remember the anticipation of my first apartment on my own.

All these things I am excited about and what it is going to create in my life.

On the other hand when I stand downstairs there is this emptiness. Something I didn't anticipate feeling. It was once a creative space that student found safe and comforting and it has now lost that feeling. It now just feels like a room. Nothing safe or creative about it. I will miss some of the students that have been coming for years and are now really a part of our family and the once a week connection.

I am letting go of a major part of my business and I am trying to embrace the idea of transition and change rather than failure. I am not stopping because it wasn't working or successful but because I can't do it all and right now babies and children need me more.

I am going to continue to be the artist that I am creating in my new space and if I end up not teaching again I will know in my heart that for a short time I lived my dream to the fullest running the studio.

Simple

2011-04-12T13:34:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the things that mean the most are the simplest of things.

A sunny day with a small breeze means diapers drying (and bleaching) in the sun.

I am happy with diapers that smell just a little bit fresher after being outside all day and Lily's bum is happy with crisp clean diapers.

How to Make Pottery at 31 Weeks Pregnant

2011-04-11T10:06:00.000-04:00

With this being the last week of the studio before creating something smaller for me I was really starting to get into the slow motion of things. The cleaning out, organizing and gifting that has been happening over the past few weeks has creating a sense of calm. Then at the last minute I received an order from a long standing and faithful customer.

How I was I going to fill the order? I had been told a few weeks ago from my chiropractor that throwing on the wheel was no longer an option for me. That the position that I needed to sit at the wheel was putting pressure on the pelvis and creating not only the pain I was constantly feeling but also uterine constraint (not good for baby positioning)

So we tried something new. Throwing while standing.

We took the portable wheel and put it on the table and it was just the right height for me to stand at the wheel and throw.

What a strange feeling when I have sat in the same position each and every time I sit down to throw and create. The first few pots I had to think about new positioning and hand movement, but after that I was off to the races.

The order dried in no time and is in the kiln for a bisque fire.

{this 'honest' moment}

2011-04-08T13:10:00.001-04:00

I awoke with a headache leaving me in a fog and feeling like everything is out of focus

My house is a mess

I have cried twice today

The kids have cried more

I called twice for support, just an I Love You, this makes me feel better

I run errands

Sam steals a chocolate bar from the store, it is a hard lesson to learn for both of us.

Dinner is in the slow cooker

Everyone is having a nap

All is quiet for at least a few moments

My life could be quiet, clean, and simple but then I would miss out on Motherhood

Third Trimester Creative Energy

2011-04-07T12:03:00.000-04:00

At 30 weeks I am starting to get the creative bug to finish some of those projects that have been sitting there waiting for a creative rush of energy. In the fall I ripped a bunch of sheets for rag rugs. Today I finished up the last ball and the last rug. I was hoping that it would be large enough for the kids play area, but alas it is going to be a bathroom rug instead.

Just a simple granny square crochet pattern with the largest crochet hook.

Just Another Lazy Monday

2011-04-05T09:42:00.000-04:00

After a weekend away there was a few grumpies that thought they would visit us. This makes for a very unstructured day as I just let the kids (and myself) do what we need to. Sometimes after some time apart it takes a moment or two to get back into our rhythm together.

This means playing outside in the warm afternoon in our pajama's

Playing and working together learning about colours and memory. (We use a great website called Linked to Learning. All the activities are for preschoolers and Kindergardens)

This even means an afternoon nap with the cutest toddler toes.

#3 ~ Celebrate our 5 year anniversary with a special trip

2011-04-04T09:22:00.001-04:00

This past weekend Paul and I finally had the opportunity to get away for some much needed time away and time together. We had planned on going away in January for our 5 Year Anniversary but the timing wasn't right and it was only recently that all the pieces fell into place.

A few weeks ago Paul surprised my with all the details taken care of for this past weekend. Everything was booked and child care taken care of with a special weekend at Nana's for the kids.

We were booked in at the Delta Sherwood Inn located in the Muskokas. For those of you that don't know this area it is the most beautiful part of Ontario known as the Canadian Shield. While this time of year it is rather muddy and in some places still snow covered, we took in the drive and area knowing the beauty that lay beneath.

Each night they had a campfire outside for us.

The beautiful Main Inn. We had the most amazing gourmet food and large fireplace in the main room.

The panoramic view from the main dock.

The most beautiful trail from the main inn down to what looks like in the summer is an archway for weddings.

We went into town and found a little antique shop and in the back I spotted this blanket. Heavier wool blanket with crochet flowers felted and sewn on with fringe hanging from the flowers. It was truly a piece of artwork.

The view from our room. We had large windows that looked out onto the lake, a fireplace to keep us warm and a large comfy king size bed (I am trying to figure out if a king would fit in our room at home there was so much space it was amazing, but alas, not enough room)

The weekend away together was amazing. Lots of time resting, relaxing, and of course what most parents want and need with small children; SLEEP! We had some special moments as well just being together without worrying about what needs to get done, who is watching who, and feeling lazy for just sitting around all weekend.

It was out first weekend away since out honeymoon and I am sure it will be awhile before we are able to get away again. Now back to the daily routines which I am finding a little more difficult on this Monday morning. I think everyone missed each other and so we are going to continue the relaxation for just one more day! Routines can wait until tomorrow.

#36 ~ Learn for Love my Body by 30

2011-04-01T10:29:00.000-04:00

When I listed this as one of the things that I wanted to do in my 730 days I had followed it up by saying lose that last 15 pounds. Losing poundage is clearing not something that happened. However, I have come to love the body that I was given. In reality how can a woman not love her body when she is pregnant? It is one of the most amazing things that our bodies can do. It changes shape, it adapts and changes hormones, it knows to self sacrifice if need be, and it creates a new life.

I am heading into my 30th week and while I am becoming more and more belly by the minute I am not as uncomfortable as I have been in the past. I remember being big, uncomfortable, and frustrated while pregnant with my other two. This time this is not the feeling I have (well I do have 10 more weeks to go, maybe we will check in at 39 weeks and see how I feel!). Maybe it is the shift in thinking about my body while pregnant that has changed my feelings or maybe it is the knowledge that this is my last pregnancy and I want to cherish these moments rather than complain and wish them away. Don't get me wrong, I want to meet my little guy, and if he was to come a few weeks early I would be o.k. with that as well. (wouldn't it be cool and unique if all the kids had birthdays on the 26th of the months of birth)

So with 10 (or 8) weeks to go I am going to continue to love this body I was given and I will try and love it even more after pregnancy knowing that it gave me three amazing children. Should I not honour it every day for such a beautiful gift.

From My Bed I can See..

2011-03-30T18:57:00.000-04:00

When I lay in bed and the curtains are open this is the sight I see.

I watch this large tree with the changing seasons as though it is my guide.

Sometimes I escape and lay down and watch the happenings of the tree if only for a few months.

Somehow I feel better after having a moment, maybe her deep roots ground me as well.

I have always needed a bed with a view. Setting up the room with the best angle for me to see out the window and have the sun shine in my face as I awake from slumber or if I need a moment to recharge. From the other side of the bed the view is different and of course not the same for me. I want my side and my view.

What do you see out the window from your side of the bed?

I am the Right Brain

2011-03-28T22:51:00.003-04:00

Left brain: I am the left brain. I am a scientist. A mathematician. I love the familiar. I categorize. I am accurate. Linear. Analytical. Strategic. I am practical. Always in control. A master of words and language. Realistic. I calculate equations and play with numbers. I am order. I am logic. I know exactly who I am.
Right brain: I am the right brain. I am creativity. A free spirit. I am passion. Yearning. Sensuality. I am the sound of roaring laughter. I am taste. The feeling of sand beneath bare feat. I am movement. Vivid colors. I am the urge to paint on an empty canvas. I am boundless imagination. Art. Poetry. I sense. I feel. I am everything I wanted to be.

Sweaters for Two Birthday Girls

2011-03-28T10:29:00.001-04:00

I while back I decided that I would knit Lily and I sweaters for our Birthdays. I already had knit myself the February Lady Sweater and I had knit her the Tiny Tea Leaves, so I thought what a better gift to each other if I knit the smaller and bigger versions of each sweater. We would have two sets of matching sweaters. She is after all my only girl and I have to make the most of this!

For Lily I knitted the Baby Sweater on Two Needles by Elizabeth Zimmerman. It was the first time I had knitted a EZ pattern and it was amazing! I did it with Koigu Kertsi and the yarn was beautiful to work with.

Here is a picture of my February Lady Sweater

For myself I knitted the Tea Leaves Cardigan published in Madelinetosh and I used the Malabrigo Merino Worsted. All I can say is that this yarn is so amazing. It feels great, it knits up fast and easy and the structure and stretch are both equal. I have not taken it off since I finished it on Saturday.

The pattern has this great texture around the yoke and the makes the whole thing.

Here is Lily's Tiny Tea Leaves that I knitted for her at Christmas. Since then I have pulled in the neck line more and changed the buttons to square black ones, oh and she has grown a lot and it fits her much better.

We are two girls ready for the spring weather.

With those sweaters done it is now on the next project waiting for me in the project bag.

Turning 2

2011-03-26T09:28:00.000-04:00

Today my not so baby girl turns 2 years old.

She and I have travelled a journey together unlike anything I could have imagined. She has taught me more about myself and the world than I think I have taught her at this point. She loves and challenges me everyday and I love her more and more for each moment that we are together.

She will be my only girl and therefore hold a special place in my heart. As soon as I figure it all out, I hope to teach her everything there is to know about being the woman that she wants to be.

Until then she is my little firecracker who has us all marching to the beat of her drum.

Welcome to the Third Decade (#35 ~ Have a Birthday Bash)

2011-03-26T09:16:00.001-04:00

I stumble from sleep this morning and for a brief moment I am startled as the house is quiet. I then remember that the kids are with Dad having a special sleep over. I also then remember that yesterday was my birthday and it is official I am now 30. Yes for some strange reason this fact nags at me. I can not pin point the exact reason for me feelings around turing 30. Everyone who has passed this milestone continues to tell me that the 30's are the best. I feel like I am no longer in a place where I can shrug life off and later say 'Hey I was in my 20's, that did I know, of course I made mistakes, I had lots of time to figure it out'.

I sometimes feel I have crossed over a river and when I looked back the bridge is now gone. I try and look at the new landscape and see the things that have come there with me. My beautiful children, my amazing husband, my friends and family that had supported me through so many things. I look a little further and I start to see other images emerging in the distance. Myself as the artist I want and long to someday be. The Mother who in one moment is standing cheering her children on and in the other is holding and comforting them. Paul and I standing in a moment of love, another moment of standing next to the sold sign of our first home. I also see the faces of friends, some I recognize and others are friends I have yet to meet, but they are all laughing and smiling and I can feel their support and love. Further in the distance I see myself as I am today. I stand with my arms open welcoming myself into them. With trust I step forward and take my hand and as I look back across the river one last time and I see my fear standing there. I turn back and take one step forward and know that with myself by my side there is nothing to fear.

With each step forward I smile into the sunshine

Knitted Gnome

2011-03-22T12:01:00.001-04:00

A friend in my circle of friends recently had her fourth babe and I wanted to knit up something cute and special for him. When looking through my Ravelry favourites I came across this cute little gnome pattern that I had added many, many months ago. I thought that it was the perfect thing.

I had some left over organic cotton from Rowan and thought it would be great as I wanted to make sure that the fiber was something that could loved and used as well as being safe for babe to put in his mouth. I stuffed him with some natural roving that I had left over from my attempt at learning to spin. (I will try again in the future, maybe take a class this time rather than reading in a book or watching youtube videos)

He turned out amazing and so super cute. I am thinking of all the little people that could use or want a gnome family. For sure my little guy is getting one of these made (maybe putting bells in the belly) and I am thinking that Lily must have a gnome family for the wooden play house.

The Equinox Moon

2011-03-21T16:22:00.002-04:00

What else can you say except simple beautiful and amazing.

Spring Equinox

2011-03-20T19:41:00.000-04:00

To celebrate the the first day of Spring today we decided to take a walk in the forest. What a better way to celebrate the change of the season than to be a part of nature if even for a brief moment.

When we got there we noticed that they are doing some thinning of the forest. My Mom was very concerned about them cut down healthy trees. I was a little excited to be able to put to work that Geography Degree I obtained and explain to Paul, Mom and the kids the reasons for what they are doing. ( I will save you all the geography lesson and just say it is to maintain a healthy forest)

The great big pile of logs did make for some great climbing as well as photos.

What did you do today to celebrate and welcome Spring? I know that here we are very excited to welcome Spring and all the renewal and rebirth that it brings.

Raindrops = Snowflakes

2011-03-16T10:28:00.000-04:00

No sun today, but I am o.k. with this as I know that with each raindrop another snowflake melts.
Do you think that they match equally one for one? Does that mean by the end of the day there will be no more snow?

I am excited and feeling alive with the possibility of spring. I have told a few friends lately that I would rather have to bath the kids a few times a day to clean off the mud than feel stuck inside with the snow.
It helps that bathing is something that everyone loves here.

I am excited yet the kids are restless with a rainy day. I am going to have to pass some of my energy to them.

Any rainy day suggestions?

Maple Syrup Festival

2011-03-15T14:56:00.000-04:00

Today was a beautiful and amazing day. The weather is getting warmer and the sun shone all day. I am literally starting to see the light of Spring around the corner!

To celebrate Sam's first March Break we have planned a few special trips and today was the Maple Syrup Festival at Bruce Mills Conservation.

Watching them boil the soon to be Maple Syrup.

Lily's taste of pure sweetness.

After taking a group shot Sam's head bumped the bucket sending syrup flying everywhere. I think this was the most exciting part for the kids.

Big Sam and Little Sam. Can you tell which one is which?

Feeding the sheep

Lily wanted to get right in the pen with the animals. I think being at Nana's farm she thinks that we always get into pens to see animals!

I was so great to get out with the kids and friends today. Almost feeling free and alive again.

Sun?

2011-03-14T09:37:00.002-04:00

I woke up to the sun shining in my face for the first time in what feels like forever.
This week they are calling for lots of sun and warmer weather.

Maybe Mother Nature has been listening to all my pleading.

Painting

2011-03-10T11:37:00.000-05:00

With the forecast calling for lots of rain and some more snow (yuck!) for the next few days we have had to find some more inside activities to help starve off the crazies.

Painting with my old Watercolours seems to be the biggest hit. We have tried using kids paints but I find that the Sam and Lily really enjoying using my old Watercolours so much more. I am not too sure if it is the vibrancy of the colours or the ease in which it paints on. Either way it makes for a longer and less frustrating painting session.

Even Paul has gotten involved in a few painting sessions.

The next night after the paintings had dried Paul and I went to bed to find a painting for each of us next to the bed from Sam. He said it was just a little present. Yup, this Prego Mama tried a little.

Hoping

2011-03-09T12:19:00.000-05:00

It is now nap/quiet time at our house. Today was one of those days in which I felt time this time was a) never going to come or b) couldn't come fast enough.
I am now sipping a hot coffee, thinking about it is that I want to eat, while I scan the endless pages of knitting patterns on Ravelry.
We had the glimpse of Spring on the weekend, it was taken from us, and as I look out the window I see that the called for snow has begun to fall. The winds make the house creek and the gate that was not latched this morning bangs against the fence. In March this weather makes me slow, sad, and sleepy. I want to stay in bed, do nothing, and wake up when Spring comes. This does not happen as I am lifted from sleep to the sounds of Lily saying 'Morning Mama, time to wake up' my glasses are waiting in her hands.
I think we are all tired of Winter, restless and need to connect to nature again. This makes for some difficult days here at our house. Today all I can hope for it that the called for rain this afternoon will wash away all of the snow and I will see grass again soon.

A Space with a Door to Call my Own

2011-03-08T10:20:00.000-05:00

With the closing of the studio and converting the once basement studio into a basement apartment for my brother I have had to move and create new space for myself in other parts of the house.

In our room we had a huge walk-in closet that had up until now been used as unproductive storage (really just a place I could throw stuff without having to really deal with it).

One afternoon last week I had a huge brainwave and realized that if cleaned out and a few other things added that it was the perfect size and location for a craft space for me.

After some cleaning, organizing, and sorting through the crafts supplies I wanted/needed/used this is what we ended up with. It has a very bright light (even better than the one in my old space really) and the perfect amount of space.

I have an organized space for all my yarn and craft books. I am actually down to only yarn that I am using for current projects. Yes, that means I have really no stash to speak of meaning that with every new project I start I get new yarn!

I have a space for my sewing machine instead of the kitchen table and all my usable fabric stashed under the table. I was also able to put up my vision board as well as the cork board for added space for inspiration to be stuck. I have found myself in the last few days just sitting in there realizing that even though it used to be a closet that I have a small space (with a door) that I can call my own.

Weekend Weather

2011-03-07T08:52:00.000-05:00

Saturday we played in the rain and ran around sliding on the icy driveway.

When I looked out the front window I saw grass.

Sunday we woke up to this:

I was just getting hopeful that spring was on its way! I am not too sure how much more I can take of this snow and cold. I want and need Spring to come. For no other reason that I am getting too pregnant to pull the sled or push the stroller up the snowy hill to get Sam from school.

Small Things

2011-03-04T16:11:00.000-05:00

At week 25 I have been told to take it easy to try and minimize the intense Round Ligament Pain that I am experiencing with this third pregnancy. Apparently these pains are worse the more pregnancies that you have as I just don't have the muscle strength to hold it all up and together.

Last night after a trip to the hospital to meet with my midwife to make sure that everything was just normal pregnancy pains, Paul has requested that I take it easy trying to rest as much as possible.
This means I am going to have to slow down. Does he know how difficult that is for me? I feel the need to go, go, go so that I am able to feel like I am doing something with my day. That when he comes home I can say I did this, this, and this today. See it is great that I stay home, making me feel like I am valuable in some way.

So I am trying to realize that there is value in the small things that I am able to do.
Today I emptied the dishwasher and reloaded, put a chicken in the slow cooker, and tallied my expenses. That's it! I feel like I have done nothing, so I am trying to look at it from the perspective that technically dinner is more than half made. Paul doesn't come home to a sink full of dishes, and I am ready to send the taxes off to the accountant.

Tomorrow I will do a few more small things, and the day after that a few more and maybe by the end of the week they will all add up to a lot of things done.

March

2011-03-03T09:16:00.000-05:00

March...
It has always been a really strange and crazy kind of month for me. It is my birthday month and the strangest things always seem to happen at this time.
Last year I got a bad case of Mastitis and had to have surgery to have the infection removed.
The year before that Lily was born 2 hours after my birthday.
The year prior to that I changed all our plans and decided that I wanted to have another baby. (Hence Lily 12 months later)

I always go into March with the Lion and Lamb theory. I am excited for the newness of Spring that seems so much more possible as well as the celebration of my Birthday. Then I am always apprehensive of the Lion laying in wait, ready to pounce at any time, creating craziness and throwing my world into a spin.

This year by the end of March I will have turned 30, I will finally be in my third trimester, my little snap dragon will have turned 2, and I will be two weeks away from closing the studio. All beautiful and amazing steps forward, but I will be keeping my eyes out for the Lion in the tall grass.

Dreaming of Summer Nights

2011-02-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

Image from Home and Garden

As the snow falls again this morning, I am dreaming of summer nights. Of the time I will spend under the stars and lights with my new little babe in my arms. Of nights laughing and sharing next to the fire comforted and warmed by the flames. Of long summer days of running, sliding, swinging, falling and getting back up, afternoons in the pool, and adventures created.
Of a vegetable garden tended and cultivated by our hands and food exploding with flavor. Knowing that the food was grown with love and care. Teaching the kids about nature and growth.
Long walks in the dying sunlight, children deep in slumber that only long summer days and nature can bring, and the strange rhythm that summer brings and works so well for everyone.
But for now we are covered in a new blanket of snow.

Glaze Mixing Weekend

2011-02-21T22:29:00.001-05:00

One of the things that I like least about being a Potter is Glazing. There are so many different elements involved in this part of the process that if one was to sit down and think about them all one may choose not to be a Potter. There is first the decision on what colors you want, whether to make them yourself or buy them commercially, and how much research into new and original color you want to do. So far there hasn't even been any talk of actually making any glazes yet!

When I first started the studio I decided that since I really didn't know ANYTHING about chemistry and I thought I would buy them commercially and then mix them up myself. Sounds like a great idea, except super expensive! So then I decided to try my hand at mixing and making my own glazes from recipes. O.k. not a bad idea but a lot of trial and errors in the kiln and on pieces. Not so great when you are either trying to sell stuff or it is on student work.
So in the end I have a mix of commercial glazes that I can count on as well as some of my own that I know may not work 'all' the time but at least when they do turnout it is amazing.

At the end of the last lessons in the fall I let the glaze run out knowing that I would have make all new ones in the Winter Session. I thought that I would just make all new batches and we would be all topped up and ready to go for the Session as well as Production for the one Spring show. Seems like a good idea, except I had not mixed that many glazes all at once before, so it took all weekend to mix all 6 glazes! Many breaks, and a very fine mask on for safety, it is all done and completed. Feels good to have it all done. Now on to the fun part of putting the color on!

{this moment}

2011-02-18T07:56:00.000-05:00

This past weekend my Dad and Adriene came for a visit. They live about 2 hours from us and so we don't get to see them as often as my Mom or Paul's parents. The kids love it when they come as it is someone new to laugh with them and enjoy the their games and play.

You would think that not seeing them that they may play strange or be shy, but they run to see them, as though they see them every weekend!

Handmade Dress for 2011

2011-02-16T09:15:00.000-05:00

In the middle of what feels like the longest Winter ever I have gotten the creative bug for some reason. Maybe it is the middle of the pregnancy hormones or maybe it makes me feel like I have accomplished something on the days when I in reality I haven't done much else. What ever the reason there are many new things being created daily.

A few weeks ago I ordered the Ruffled Kimono from ManiMina to be this years homemade dress. Looked simple, easy to sew, and oh so super cute. It lived up to everything.

I was able to cut out the pieces, and sew it together in a little less the 2 hours. This in my books is fast and great for my instant gratification that I sometimes need when knitting projects are taking a little longer. The part I liked best was that I didn't need large pieces of fabric. I was able to mix and match to get great colour combinations as well as use of some of the pretty fabrics I have but are not large enough for a full project on their own.

I was also excited to use the yellow fabric with the pink flowers as now Lily and I have matching outfits. Do you remember the sewing treat for me last summer? Always wanted mother daughter matching outfits. I think there is a few more of these kimonos in the future.

Teaching Night Easy Dinner

2011-02-15T08:51:00.000-05:00

Today is Tuesday which means that I teach my pottery class tonight and there is little time for preparation, eating and cleaning of dinner. This means I have to find a few special meals that meets these needs.

I thought I would share with you one of my favourites; Chickpea Ratatouille from Vive Le Vegan!

*Please excuse the picture, I am no food photographer.

It is super easy to make and enjoy. Everything is mixed right in the dish and then put into the oven to cook. I have even mixed all the ingredients in the morning and covered in the fridge until it was time to cook. While the recipe is from a vegan cookbook we have been known to throw sausage and other leftovers that we may have from previous nights.

Chickpea Ratatouille (modified for little people's taste buds)
3 cups of cooked chickpeas
1 - 2 cups of red onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic
1 28oz can of diced tomatoes
1/2 cup of green/red bell peppers, diced
2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp of olive oil
2 tsp of honey
2 tsp of basil
1 tsp of oregano
1/2 tsp of rosemary
1 tsp of sea salt
1/2 tsp of allspice
2 bay leaves.

Mix all the ingredients together, bake covered at 400 degrees F for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes add 1 cup of minute rice stir and place back in the oven for 10 minutes.
Take out cool for little ones and serve!

Enjoy!

Sweet Hearts

2011-02-14T17:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day from the two sweetest hearts I know

The Cocoon of Pregnancy

2011-02-13T09:50:00.000-05:00

We have all experienced it. Whether it is while you are pregnant or watching a friend during her pregnancy. We just seem to quiet down and draw inward. I have been spending my days inside, cozied up on my bed either knitting, reading, typing, surfing or eating. I don't often get dressed and the kids play while I cocoon. I haven't seen friends in a while and not because I have been avoiding them but it just hasn't seemed to work out; busy schedules and me without a car to get around in the mounds of snow.

I am in a slow moving quiet place. I spend time thinking about the little soul growing inside of me. Who will he be, how will be change all of us, will he be the same baby as Sam and Lily or will he is calm and quiet. (both Sam and Lily cried a lot the first few months)

There are times in which I feel bad that I am still in my pj's at 4:00pm while making dinner, or that I think there is a bum imprint on my side of the bed. Are the kids getting enough of my attention or are they ok playing with themselves. Should I be getting more done and why does everyday feel like Mondays around here. I am sure this is all just me feeling like I have to keep going as I was before even though I am pregnant, but the reality is I can't. So shouldn't I let these thoughts go. Everyone is fine. The kids are happy and everyone is fed. Soon the cocoon of pregnancy will be over and I will be thrown into the care of a newborn. What else is there for me to do but enjoy the cocoon for now.

{this moment}

2011-02-11T09:23:00.000-05:00

A single moment from the week in which you want to savour and remember.

This is the first snowman that we have ever made. We had to replace the nose a few times as Sam got hungry while making and ate the carrots.

Pregnancy and Cookies

2011-02-09T22:58:00.001-05:00

I think the excitement of hitting the half way mark in my pregnancy is starting to wear off. When we hit 20 weeks there was this mini celebration of realizing that we are half way there. Now two weeks later we are realizing that there is still much time left, 17 weeks 5 days to exact.
I have been thinking that when I was pregnant with my first there was so much stuff to figure out and get ready that we probably needed the 9 months to prepare. When I was pregnant with the second I had so much inner work to do that again I probably needed the 9 months. This time I feel like what am I to do with all these months of 'preparation'. I know that the little peanut inside needs this time to grow but don't you think that there should be some pass when it is your third time or more. Third time or more and your pregnancy is only 6 months. You and your body have done this before you have a routine. Kind of like baking cookies, after a while you don't have to look at the recipe, and you are able quickly put everything together and great cookies come out every time! Now I know I am comparing pregnancy to cookies, but I think you get what I am saying. The more you do it the less prep time.
Cookies..... (Mmmm) maybe I will bake cookies today.

Finished Knits

2011-02-09T09:45:00.000-05:00

So my plan of knitting the 9 projects spaced out over 18 weeks seemed like a good idea at the time. Counting down the weeks and days until the little peanut arrived. So far in the first week and a half I have finished 4 of them. I think I had forgotten just how quickly baby knits are.

So here are the first three finished projects for the little one.

The Baby Sophisticate.

The Pebble Vest.

Vintage Baby Shirt

All links and info for these projects can be found here.

All of them are super cute and snuggly and it makes me want to meet him so much more. I am thinking of our summer together. Well maybe that dream is more coming from a place of wanting it to stop snowing and start melting. Yes it is snowing again here this morning!

Weekend Snow

2011-02-08T09:28:00.000-05:00

A beautiful weekend in the snow. After another huge snowfall we received a mild day perfect for outside playing with little ones. We have been having such very cold weather that there hasn't been much outdoor play. It was nice to be outside laughing with the snow falling. Sam learning about snowballs and Lily taking to the rhythmic task of shoveling.

#41 ~ Make quilts for the Kids beds. Pt. 2

2011-02-07T11:04:00.000-05:00

Last week the fabric for Lily's quilt arrived and so I got right to work on making the quilt for her new bed. I didn't want to cut the fabric as I loved the patterns so much. So I just put them together with some lavender strips in the middle.

I also lined the back with some flannel for added comfort and warmth.

Doesn't she look like she is enjoying the new blanket! She is growing up into quite the little girl.

A Moment to Myself

2011-02-04T10:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a different kind of day for me. I was alone for the whole day. I had no appointments that I had to rush to, no real errands I had to do, just a day to myself. I almost didn't know that to do. After dropping off Lily I went to the Starbucks, got a Mocha and muffin and sat down with my knitting. It was quiet and at first I felt a little uncomfortable. I am so used to rushing from one thing to the other or having the kids with me and therefore managing them at the same time. At that moment I had none of that. I was just sitting there in the morning sun knitting and sipping warmth. I started to feel guilty. I was paying for Lily to be at Daycare and here I was relaxing and doing 'nothing'. I started thinking of all the things that I could be doing, should be doing, and what I was going to do with the rest of my day.

For a minute it was overwhelming. Then I stopped and realized that I was missing this moment to myself. I picked up my knitting and with each stitch I let it go. I enjoyed watching the people come and go and the warm sun after so many days of snow. I walked around the Chapters looking at books I wanted to just because and even took some notes for future projects. When I left it was because I was done and not because I had to rush onto the next thing. I felt like I was moving in slow motion but in a good way. A few more times in the day I let the guilt of being alone creep back in and each time I tried to push it away. Trying to remind myself that this time to myself is o.k.

Having a few moments to finish the quilts (pics to come), make soup, and eat my lunch in quiet is what I needed. I spend so much time caring for the other people in my life and sometimes I forget about caring for myself. I think there is a little more self caring needed and coming in the future.

Snowed in on Groundhog Day

2011-02-02T10:49:00.003-05:00

Last night Southern Ontario was hit with another winter storm. We are under a blanket of 6 inches of snow, and everyone is home from work as the offices are closed. This means lots of warm food, games played, and for this Mama knitting! I am hoping to snuggle into me bed and knit the snow away.

With a small bit of motivation (the dog chewed the old ones) I decided to recover the couch pillows. I have used this fabric on the doors of the kitchen cabinet as well as the resurfacing of the bench by the front door. I now find that it ties all the rooms together in a small way. After 3 years of living here I am starting to feel like we are finally getting it to a place that we want and feels like home.

With January finally behind us I am starting to feel hopeful for Spring (I know thats hard when we are under another blanket of snow) January is just such a dark, dreary month. And this year I found it even more difficult, just felt like I was under a cloud of winter and pregnancy. While I am half way through my pregnancy there is still so much time left. January is cold, everyone is tired and burnt out from the holidays, and there is this feeling that there is just so much Winter left here in Ontario. I always find that once February starts that spring is here before I know it. With a few less days in February, Mine and Lily's Birthdays in March, March Break, and then before you know it April 1st is here.

Sam this morning informed us that today was Groundhog Day and that if he saw his shadow there would be more winter. It is not sunny here and so I am sure he didn't see his shadow I am also sure he was not able to get out either. So who knows how much more Winter we are in for.

First of the Handmades 2011

2011-01-31T21:54:00.000-05:00

Here is the first project that I made for the Handmade 2011 Challenge. It was for a friend that I had the pleasure of recently meeting through Red Tent. She had wanted to attend the Slipper for the Soul workshop being held at the Invisible City but was unable to. So I decided to make her a pair of the slippers that she would have made.

I used a general felted slipper pattern and they knitted up in a weekend. I had to felt them about 3 times before I got the feeling and size I was looking for. To add a little something to the slipper I put some glass beads on the toes.

She loved them! I am thinking there are more of these next winter!

Count Down Knitting

2011-01-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

When I was entering the last part of my pregnancy with Lily I decided to knit a blanket to count down the weeks until she arrived. I figured it was a good thing to do as there was 24 squares that needed to be done and only about 12 weeks until she was due. It was amazing and filled the time well and in the end I had a blanket for her and I to snuggle under.

This time I have decided to something similar to pass the time. I have just hit the half way mark at 20 weeks. So 19 more weeks to go! I always find it difficult when people are excited in saying Wow you are half way it will be soon now. All I can think is 20 more weeks is still a long ways off.

This week I cast on a few more projects for a total of 9 projects on the needles. This is completing one project every two weeks until the little guy arrives. Many of the projects are for him with a few for me afterwards. Some require more concentration than others, so there is the ones I knit at the park while watching the kids at the same time and there are the ones that I knit is the quiet after they have gone to bed. Inspired by Amanda at SouleMama as well as making Paul happy I have used almost everything from my stash.

So here is are the projects.

(all of the pictures are from Ravelry as all my projects are in the beginning or casting on stages.)

Thrum Mittens. Basically I am tired of my hands being cold in the winter! Enough Said. It is the Fleece Artist Thrum Mitten Kit.

Pebble Vest. With being a June babe, I think a little vest to put over a short sleeve onesie will keep in the right amount of body heat. I am using the Mini Mochi with two strands held together.

Kangaroo Tunic. Doesn't this look snuggly after Baby. For a few cool nights. I am using the Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick and leaving out the pocket in the front. I will have enough adage there after baby without a pocket.

Vintage Baby Vest. This is the first think I casted on a few weeks ago. What a great little shirt for a summer babe. I am using the Koigu Handpainted yarn.

Kayla Shrug. This is for me afterwards. A simple shrug what will be in a beautiful mustard yellow for summer. Done in the Americo Prima Cotton.

Bloom Doll Dress. A matching doll dress for Lily's Birthday. I made a big girl dress for Lily for her birthday last year. I am using Katia Linen.

Baby Sophisticate. Love, Love Love this sweater. I have knit it a few times in the past for friend little ones and it knits up quick and it comfy and cozy to wear. My little one will snuggle up in this. I am using the Manos Maxima.

Mara Shawl. This is a total guilty pleasure for me. I was in the yarn shop loved the yarn and the sample and just want to have this yarn around my neck. I can also wrap it around me on those cooler spring mornings. I am using the Manos Maxima.

Pixie Hat. o.k. is this not the cutest little hat you have ever seen. Yup, my little guy needs one of these. I am using the Noro Sekku with two strands held together. It may only fit for a few weeks but the cuteness involved is worth it.

I know that I may have bitten off more than I can knit but I am excited to have a little bit of a challenge to get me through the next few months. As if taking care of the 4 and 2 year olds, the pottery production and studio closure isn't enough already!

Cold Outside means Etsy Love Inside

2011-01-25T09:22:00.000-05:00

Since it has been so cold outside as of late that means there is more time for me to wander through the pages of Etsy. Oh this can be such a dangerous thing as there is SO MUCH amazing things by some great artists. Here are a few of the things that I have been loving:

One: A doll Sling for Lily and Sam is in order I think was a new baby brother on the way. Check out snuggybabe as they have lots of different fabric to choose from.
Two: I know that I just gave up being creative in a way but look at this cute kimono dress fro Lily. Cool and comfy for the summer. ManiMina patterns are great!
Three: Every new babe needs a handmade toy from Mama and these cute little owls fit the bill I think!
Four: This amazing dress is for two years after I have the new babe and I get back the body after three pregnancies!

What are your Esty Loves?

Wind Chill

2011-01-24T19:22:00.000-05:00

In southern Ontario we are currently experiencing a cold snap. This means that with the wind chill the temperature is close to -35 to 40 degrees celsius. In other words VERY COLD! We can feel every draft in the house, I am thinking of marking these spots so that we can better insulate, and we are covered in extra layers. This also means that we are all starting to get a bit of cabin fever as going outside is really not an option.
So we have been trying to make the best of it. Making soup (a great recipe I found here and it cooked up fast), making bread, playing board games, and watching a few of our favourite movies (truth be told if I have to watch Cars, How to Train your Dragon or another episode of Little Einsteins again I might just go crazy)
I have been trying to pass the time by knitting up a few things for the new babe (when finished I will post pics), as well as getting some much needed production done before the last round of lessons start next week. I was able to make about 70 bowls this past weekend and hope to get to the goal of 130 before Thursday when I have a chiropractic appointment and the amazing Dr. Laura can get me all lined up again after hunching over the wheel for 5 days.
This time inside has also allowed the kids to create some illness. There is lots of waking in the night with coughs, earaches and sore throats. The day is filled with lots of tissues and fluids. While I like to honour the time that the kids need to be sick and heal themselves it is not so great on the cabin fever!

Today I am.......

2011-01-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

Loving: The freedom of letting go.

Welcoming: The news of finding out we are having boy.

Appreciating: The friends that I have and attract into my life.

Noticing: The new tiny kicks of the babe within.

Wishing: For a good night sleep!

Eating: Drinking coffee and tea to keep warm as the snow is falling again for the 4th day in a row.

Counting: The number of weeks left of teaching.

Feeling: Tired from the adventure through the snow to walk Sam to school this morning.

Listening: To a little girl play in the living room

Thinking: Of 5 years ago today as I married a man who stole my heart.

#8 - Bake Bread from Scratch

2011-01-19T20:32:00.000-05:00

I put this on my list thinking that it was going to be a huge production. In reality it wasn't that difficult and there was some kind of rhythm to the whole process and therefore my day.
The longest part was the 20 minutes it took me to put all the ingredients together. Then rise for two hours, punch down, rise for another hour, then bake for 25 minutes.
I used the recipe for Milk Bread from Apples for Jam. It was somewhat light and fluffy (I have made more bricks in my bread maker!) I guess the true test was how fast it went warm out of the oven with butter and jam. There is not much left!
I can see myself doing this much more often! I am thinking a regular relaxing Monday task.

Big Decisions and Clearing Out

2011-01-18T16:07:00.001-05:00

With baby only a few months away it was time for Paul and I to make some decisions about the studio and what would happen after the summer months. We have been mulling over this topic for some time.
When I was pregnant the first time with Sam I had been working full-time and therefore took maternity leave for the full year afterwards. I didn't have to worry about anything except caring for my babe. When I was pregnant with Lily I had just begun the studio and Paul and I where trying to get on our feet financial, so we decided to continue the studio. I took a break for two weeks after giving birth to Lily and then went right back to teaching. It was in one word HORRIBLE! I was torn between teaching my students and listening to my little tiny babe scream upstairs. I would have to leave at the very moment that my babe needed me and my little guy was getting used to having a little sister. There was many days I hated my situation and felt like a terrible parent and even more terrible teacher. These people paid me to teach them pottery and I was only really half there.
This time we decided that things needed to be different. So we have decided to close the studio, and I must tell you I feel happy and peaceful about this decision. We had talked a few times in the past about closing for a bit and I was always stressed about the topic and felt it would be a failure if we did. There was always so much emotion and connection tied to it. This time we talked about it, we both kind of looked at one another and knew that it was the right decision and it was an easy decision. We know that things will have to change without the income of the studio but we both realized that it is more important to us for this moment to be there for our children. For me to be able to be the Mama that they want/need and the one that I want to be for them. So big deal no summer vacation for us, we are planting a veggie garden to save on groceries and preserving what we can, we won't be able to have all those speciality channels, we are not going to open the very large pool in the backyard this summer and we are turning the once studio area into a small apartment for my brother that he is going to rent from us. This all seems worth it to us.
The studio is not going away forever just for now. I know that being an artist is part of my soul and who I am and want to be and I will find many ways to let that artist diva out over the next little while. I am clearing out all the crafting supplies that I have been given and collected over the years as I continue to look at myself and realize that just because I can sew, paint, knit, construct, create, and form doesn't mean that I HAVE to. It is o.k. to be creative and not create. Or at least that is what I am telling myself as I clear things out and feel good about it.

The First to Turn 30

2011-01-17T09:29:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we celebrated the first of a few 30th birthdays this year. Being a January baby this meant that Paul was going to be the first. I am secretly hoping that by March when it is my turn to roll over to the big 3-0 I won't be still so scared.
I look back to when I first met Paul and the young 23 year old that sat around from me at the local pub (which has since closed) I realize so much has changed in the last 7 years. How much he has grown and the amazing man that is becoming.
This weekend I was the one that was a little grumpy not Paul. I told him I was being upset for him for turning 30, and he promptly replied that he felt great about turning 30. He had a very blessed life, a wife, 2 amazing children with another one coming to great us in a few short months, a career that he was working hard at, and we are getting close to finally paying off all that debt that we accumulated in our early 20's. Things he said are looking amazing. I replied that but it seems like we haven't done anything yet and he said that he always thought of his 30's as the time when he was able to start doing things. I thought about this and realized that we have been spending our 20's creating a foundation for our lives and now as we roll into our 30's we are in a place to live the life we have always imagined. I guess turning 30 does make you a little more wise! (thank you honey)
We celebrated the day with a case of Pink Eye again and so no one was going any where, so a quiet day of Paul playing a new game on the Playstation, the kids jumping with excitement for the cupcakes we made and a movie and snuggles for Paul and I after the kids went to bed. So all in all a normal family weekend, just a little extra Playstation time for Paul. Like two full days, yes I think he has filled his time for the month in one weekend, but hey it was his birthday and on birthdays here you get to do whatever you want. This Mama is going away for the whole weekend on her birthday. Oh the plans I am making.

The Finished Sketchbook!

2011-01-14T15:33:00.000-05:00

I started this project in the fall as a way to challenge myself and my creativity. Challenge doesn't begin to describe what it was like. When I started the project I was really hung up on the theme of "Make Mine a Double" all I could think about was a double scotch! For months the book just sat there and stared at me, then one day I just decided to paint regardless of the theme. I painted the double fetuses (no I am not having twins!) Then my creativity tanked with my first trimester. I didn't touch it for some time. Then with the crunch of it having to be mailed by the 15th of January I started painting, sketching, drawing and the pages came together. So here is the finished project. It was a great experience and I am glad that a piece of my creativity is now out there in the world.

#30 - Create a Sacred Space in our Room

2011-01-13T14:48:00.000-05:00

I had been stalling on considering this one complete. The room was painted, rearranged, and a new TV and Art put in but there just felt like something was missing. Then for Christmas I received these sheets as a gift. They completed the room. The sheets and pillows has "Goodnight my Love, goodnight my Everything" It is also on our way given as an anniversary gift a few years ago.

I made the quilt as a wedding gift to us. The sleigh bed was a gift made by my Mom as a wedding gift as well.

The First Sweater of 2011

2011-01-12T09:01:00.000-05:00

This week I finished the first sweater of 2011. It is the Shalom Pattern (ravelry notes here). I have knit it once before but it was too small for this Mama's body and so like everything that I knit and is to small it goes to my much smaller than me good friend. This time I grabbed some bulky wool and decided to up the needle size hoping to create a fast knit that would fit this growing body.

See my cute little 18weeks belly. I love how it turned out much longer, it covers my bum and I love thinking of all the ways I can wear it. The short sleeves allow for it to layer for covering it up and to wear into the warmer months of spring.

This I imagine in the first of many sweater for 2011. I already have a bunch on the needles as well as lots waiting to be cast on. After sitting down and counting I knit about 15 sweaters or dresses in 2010. Some might call this an obsession but each stitch last year has a tale to tell. It was a stitch in love for someone else, a stitch in quiet meditation, a stitch of distraction, a stitch of peace, a stitch of calm, or even a few stitches obsession. Knitting means so much more to me than just another craft. I started knitting when I was postpartum with Sam and it has carried me through many moments since then and I am sure it will carry me through many more.

Slipper Love

2011-01-11T08:55:00.001-05:00

For Christmas this year I gifted myself a pair of these Mary Jane style slippers. An amazing fiber artist friend of mine (Crochet Hippie) creates these for adults as well as kids and I knew that I just needed a pair for myself. So I ordered them before Christmas. A pair for myself, a pair for Lily and a Woolies Warmth pair for Sam. Crochet Hippie asked each of us our favourite colours and set to work on our creations.
In a special box they arrived the week before Christmas. I peaked at each of the kids but followed the hand written instructions on the top of my box, "Do Not Open Until Christmas". I wrapped them up and waiting until Christmas morning. I was so excited and happy to open these slipper on Christmas morning. I am not too sure I have taken them off since then!
Send Crocher Hippie and e-mail and get a pair for yourself or that special someone. Valentines is just around the corner.

This Moment

2011-01-07T08:53:00.000-05:00

I am just in love with this moment. A quite moment of thought it seems as he pauses for a moment before getting back up and trying again. He would have stayed out there all day if we would have let him!

Handmade Pay it Forward

2011-01-06T22:24:00.000-05:00

I will admit I am a Facebook junky, but in my defense there are many days when I just can't get organized enough with the kids to leave the house and Facebook helps keep me connected. I am sure the news could as well, but it wouldn't be the news of my community and the happenings and support. So there I have admitted my addiction to Facebook and they say that is the first step to recovery. Moving on.....

This lovely thing happened on Facebook today. A friend of mine posted this as her status:
Pay it Forward 2011: I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment. They must in turn post this and send something they made to the first 5 people who comment on their status. The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011. (What a great way to start 2011!!)

Of course as an artist I jumped on board. I commented on her post and then posted to my status. Within a few hours I had my five people to receive my handmade items. It was so amazing to me to see the first five people that commented. A friend from the past, a friend from the present, a mentor, an amazing artist, and my soul sister. Each of them will get something different and unique to them and how they touched and life.

I am super excited for this and how it will mark my creativity this year!

#41 ~ Make quilts for the Kids beds. Pt. 1

2011-01-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

One of the things on my list of 73 in 730 days was to make quilts for each of the kids beds.
For Christmas I finished one of them. Lily is still sleeping in a crib and so I am planning on making hers for when she moves into a big bed. She is just on the cusp of such a transition so I had better bet sewing.

I made an "Eye Spy" quilt for Sam. A series of rows of different fabrics. I was able to purchase a set from a great shop of Etsy with the squares precut. All I had to do was sew! I lined the back with fleece for a comfy feel and the binding is hand sewn.

It was a huge hit Christmas morning and I have since heard him a few times playing Eye Spy with Lily and himself.

Emerging

2011-01-04T08:52:00.000-05:00

Today I emerge out from the fog and cocoon of the holidays. Everyone returns to work or school and the bubble of the time together bursts and we are back to the routine. We had created this little world of our own over the last 2 weeks. We hardly left the house and most days didn't even get dressed. We lounged in the comforts of knowing there was nothing that really 'had' to be done and we could go with the rhythm and flow that everyone needed.
Many of us where ill and it was a time when we could just be in the space we needed and know that there was no rush to get better, but rather a feeling of letting our bodies be. So often we are rushing to get better so that we can get on to the next task.
We did crafts, we watched movies, we cheers for Team Canada at the World Juniors, we finished a trying puzzle and the kids played and bonded in a way I had not yet seen. No one went to work, no one thought about work (o.k. maybe I thought about the studio and the production calling to me), we slept in, and we napped.
Now we must return to work, school and the routines of old. But I think that for one more day Lily and I will put off the routine and stay here in the cocoon of the holidays, just us girls.

Hibernation

2010-12-13T22:47:00.001-05:00

This is what we see outside every window.

We are settling in for a winter of cold weather and lots of snow.

Our Advent Calendar

2010-12-12T23:54:00.000-05:00

As a new family with small children we are continuing to create new traditions each year. We try some one year and some others the next trying to figure out what works best. Last year and again this year we did an advent calendar to help Sam with the counting down of the days.
A few year back Paul's Mom gave me an advent blanket, and last year we hung it on the wall and put little ornaments inside that we took out everyday and hung on a little tree in Sam's room.
This year we put larger ornaments in it for the big tree as well as a little note (that can be printed from Anna over at Noodlehead.) This tradition seems to be working well for us plus the kids are very excited each morning to get up and put a new ornament on the tree.

Important to Support Us.

2010-11-29T16:41:00.000-05:00

The Family Life of Pottery

2010-11-24T16:26:00.000-05:00

I read this article today and it touched me in some strange way.

http://ceramicartsdaily.org/ceramic-art-and-artists/raised-in-clay/?floater=99

Where to Find Us: Grackle Coffee Company

2010-11-15T09:54:00.000-05:00

With the holidays fast approaching I thought I would do a little series here this week on the different places that you can find my products. I have product in a wide array of places each picked with me and my art in mind.

First let me introduce Grackle Coffee Company

The Grackle Coffee Company is located on Main Street in Schomberg about 10 minutes West of Newmarket. Amanda has created an amazing feel for the cafe, the staff is friendly and helpful and the food is delicious. She makes all her food with local organic products and the coffee is fair trade and organic as well. The artist work she carries is unique and original and you can find that one of a kind gift for that special someone.

To check out more about the cafe check out her website for hours and special events.

{this moment}

2010-11-12T16:08:00.002-05:00

A beautiful mystic morning in the forest.

Each Day

2010-11-11T10:28:00.000-05:00

Each day I come here.
I start to type
I get too tired to finish a thought
I crawl back to the couch
I watch another episode of Little Einsteins with the Kids
I think about dinner, realize thinking about food makes me feel even more sick than I already feel
Try not to let the mess growing around me bother me
I know Paul will be home soon and all will be better
I will be better tomorrow or at the very least I am one day closer to 12 weeks and feeling better.

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T09:32:00.000-04:00

Sam Singing at the Halloween Assembly.

Five Little Pumpkins Rolled out of Sight!

Enjoying a few Treats before bed in our Spider PJ's

The Trick or Treating Gang.

Optimus Prime, Butterfly, Bunny and Ducky!

What an amazing night of watching excitement and joy!

Inspiration

2010-10-29T12:20:00.000-04:00

I am dwelling in the low of First Trimester illness and fatigue.
Thank you Erin for inspiring me with this.....

"How To Start Over" by Maya Stein

1.
resist the temptation to wipe the slate clean entirely.
you cannot do this.
you are where you are.
but you can dust. you can mop. you can cleanse your belly
of all the heavy cheeses you ate at last month's holiday parties.
you can initiate the day with decaf.
you can rake four batches of leaves from the lawn.
you can sing, loudly, in the car to no one
but the man on the radio who is singing with you.
you can decide that the apple pie you are craving
will not come from your hands, your oven, your kitchen,
but from the bakery aisle at your neighborhood grocery.

2.
ignore the titles from the self-help shelves and glossy
women's magazines, with their sound bytes of colorful insight.
you do not need a makeover, a diet, a religious conversion.
you do not need to get more in touch with your feelings.
you do not need potassium, or St. John's Wort, or a colonic.
you need a walk, communion with shore birds, a rainstorm,
a glass of wine in front of a fire, lip gloss, a whole evening
of the novel you read only incrementally, at night, before bed.

3.
ignore the calendar, the clock, the larger itineraries
ticking their niggling bits of time.
you will sleep when you need to.
you will know when it is time for water, for a shower,
for a phone call, for a kiss, for solitude, for Indian food,
whatever nourishment you need for your throat, your ears,
the palms of your hands, the hunger just under your skin.

4.
imagine, despite your unbearable faults and fissures,
you are still a thing of beauty, a rare creature, a snowflake,
a singular, spectacular atom circumnavigating the tangled astronomy

Something to Share

2010-10-26T09:26:00.000-04:00

For the past few weeks we have been holding a small secret close to our hearts. I have thought many times to share it here but I was just not ready.

We are expecting our third babe in June. We at first had thought that we would keep this close to us and share little with others as it will probably be our last pregnancy and I wanted to hold it sacred for a while. However, in our initial excitement we told Sam and therefore everyone he met for the next few days he told them that his Mommy was growing another baby in her belly. So everyone knew, even strangers.

Being my third pregnancy I am stressed about very little. I am very calm and excited about the next 8 months and the transformation and inner work that it brings. I have had difficulty this time accepting being pregnant. Paul and I had talked about it for a few months and then decided that we would try one cycle and see what happens if it was meant to be we would get pregnant and if not we would wait a year. (Having a summer baby is best for the studio as we close it for the summer, therefore I can take the time off mostly guilt free)
So we tried and got pregnant and I was taken back. I started over thinking it, why was this the right time? Why was I special enough to get what I asked for? If I asked for this and got it what other possibilities are out there? Everything is going amazing, pregnancy, kids, studio, marriage, creativity. When was the other shoe going to drop? I don't feel pregnant, I feel great, are we sure I am pregnant.

Now I am taking all that over thinking back. I sure FEEL pregnant now! Just as we block out labour pain, we block out morning sickness and all the other 'joys' of the first trimester. The most difficult one for me is the lack of creativity. I don't feel like doing anything, the knitting collects dust, very little pottery is made and fabric piles up waiting to be made into something. I know that this will all pass in the next few weeks/months but for someone who defines herself so much on who she is as being creative, this slump is sometimes hard to take. I am slowing doing something each day that I can count as being creative making me feel better. I am catching up on reading and movies.

So please be patient as I try to get here a write what I can as I start the cocoon of pregnancy.

{this moment}

2010-10-22T09:37:00.002-04:00

Waiting for the bus

Autumn Wonder

2010-10-21T09:25:00.000-04:00

Here in Ontario this time of year turns into Mother Nature's Palette of beautiful warm colours. The changing of the leaves is something I have always found to be so amazing and inspiring. Even though the days are getting shorter and darkness keeps finding us sooner and sooner, the brightness of the trees seems to even it all out.

Each morning I awake in my bed to see the trees have changed just a little more from the day before. The pile of leaves at the door has grown a little bigger and yet again there has been rain over night. I crawl out of the warmth of my bed, slip on my newly made slippers, wrap myself in snuggly robe and head to the kitchen to see what sort of wonder awaits me there (the kids have been up for about an hour on their own).

The change that Autumn brings is greatly welcomed after the heat and non-structure of the summer. We all seem to fall right back into the rhythm that works so well for us. Sam back to school, Paul back to regular working hours, Mama cooking and teaching, and Lily along for the ride enjoying the comfort of what comes next.

There is warm food cooking, knitting for warm heads, snuggling at night under warm blankets, and the beauty of nature. Just a few of the many reasons I love Autumn so much.

I won an Art Prize!

2010-10-19T16:10:00.000-04:00

My painting won third place in the Georgina Art Centre 10 in 10 Art Competition! Not too sure what that means as I was not able to make it to the artist reception.

I can't believe that I won something for my mixed media. I am just a potter.

I am guessing this means I am a real artist now.

Little Creations

2010-10-14T08:43:00.000-04:00

I was going to write about something completely different today but then I awake to this sweet project this morning.

Sam is an early riser and so it up much earlier than we are. He always comes into our room to tell us that he is awake and each morning we ask him to play quietly until everyone else gets up. Most mornings he plays cars or 'robots', this morning he must have been feeling rather creative.

He decorated the pumpkins that we brought home on the weekend from the farm. He explained that he had made a Lily one, a Sam one, and a Mommy/Daddy Hat one. He even included the dog in the scene by adding her leash. It amazes me each and everyday the growth that they have. They are never standing still they are always growing and changing. Not unlike us I guess.

What little creations are at your house? Are you seeing them?

Unravelling

2010-10-13T08:42:00.000-04:00

At the end of September I started Susannah Conway's online course Unravelling: Ways of Seeing My Self. I must tell you that this course has rocked me world. It is already shifting me as well as everyone else around me. There is a weekly photography assignment, a writing exercise and a video from Susannah each week for 8 weeks.
The different assignments has pushed me to look at my world and me in it. What am I attracting and what am I missing that is right here. Am I honoring myself in what I am doing and who I am? Who am I really? These questions have been swirling around in my head for the past few weeks. Even picking up the camera and taking pictures of different things has allowed me to see me and my world. I am always taking pictures of the kids and the things that we are doing but I very rarely capture me as I am always behind the camera.
She has another course that is starting in the new year and I strongly suggest it to anyone! You never know that will unravel from within.

The Swing of Things

2010-10-12T10:41:00.001-04:00

Sorry for my long absence I have been busy with shows, little ones and Mamahood. I have also been wrapped up in creating many new and exciting things.

I am hoping to get back in to the swing of writing and sharing the adventures and mishaps that go on here.

Tomorrow I am hoping to share a few of the things that have been going on here as of late. Until then here is a peak at our Thanksgiving Weekend.

{this moment}

2010-10-08T20:59:00.000-04:00

A quiet moment at the kitchen table in the morning sunlight.

Longing

2010-09-29T14:21:00.000-04:00

Today I am longing to those days when no one cried at my feet while I ate. I could watch my favorite show without having to pause and be a referee. I could start something and finish in a timely fashion. I could take a shower in the morning and not during an afternoon nap. I could pee in private. I could leave the house without having to look and see if there was food, snot, dirt, marker on my clothes. I had the freedom to eat when I wanted and what I wanted without thinking about feeding someone else.
For the days of endless time in the studio, no laundry, staying up late just because, deciding at the last moment to take a trip and able to pack in seconds. Of being someone who was not defined by the role they played in someone elses life.

10 in 10 an Art Experience

2010-09-27T10:08:00.001-04:00

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Georgina Art Gallery there is a art competition. It is called 10 in 10 and those wanting to participate bought a 10 inch canvas and let loose with their creativity. The pieces are then taken back to the gallery juried and then entered into the exhibition. All of the artists at the Miles Road Location on the Georgina Studio Tour decided that we would participate and would complete our pieces this past weekend together.

My first layer of Paint. I started with some watercolor and then added acrylics for a more vibrant colour.

Two of the other artist Lori-Anne and Lisa are both painters and gave me tips on my technique. It was interesting to see how little I know about actual painting and how much I like to just put paint to a surface and see what happens.

In the end what came together was mix of many mediums and textures. I am now not too sure I want to sell it. So we are thinking of pricing it high and then if someone wants to buy it then I am sure I can live with that :)