two straight lines

We're blessed enough to entertain three sets of guests every December, and while I consider myself incredibly lucky that all of these people are willing to travel to visit us during the holidays, it doesn't come without it's fair share of stress.  In the midst of this past season, I decided to declare January the 'month of me.'  I turn 40 this April, and I thought I would give myself one full month during my 40th year, to get back to my creative pursuits, and possibly even record them right here in this space.

I don't consider myself a religious person, but I am a Woody Allen fan, and this brings to mind his quote-- "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans."  No sooner had January begun and I was plunged knee deep into a crisis of a family member, with little time for me, me, me.  I try to keep this place happy and light, but I also think it's important to acknowledge the real life challenges that you face in order to be authentic;  For the last several years, since just before Lucie was born, I have been dealing with the addictions issues of a beloved member of my extended family.

If any of you have had addiction touch your life, you know how heartbreaking situations like this can be.  At the same time, I've learned is that it's so important to believe in all of your heart that your family member has the capacity to get better, and to give them all of the love and support that you are capable of, while maintaining safe boundaries for yourself.  I don't yet know how this situation will resolve-- I would've liked it to end like a neat little blog post-- but I am proud of myself for giving this situation my all, yet being clear about where I draw the line.  I couldn't live with myself if I did any less, actually.

So, after a few months in a transitional place, this problem is no longer on my plate, and I find myself in the middle of a few too many home improvement projects.  The sunroom on our first floor is currently sealed off for wallpaper removal to be followed by plaster repair, carpet removal, painting and likely the refinishing of wood floors.  I'm also in the process of removing wallpaper glue from our first floor bath so I can prime and paint the walls, hopefully in the next week.  And I repainted a piece of furniture recently using some techniques from Barb at Knack Studios, and am very pleased with the outcome.  I'd like to share these projects in the near future, unless life throws me another curveball.

On a brighter note, the sweet kitty you see in the photo above joined or family on a particularly dismal Sunday morning in January.  Yes, I adopted a pet as a pick-me-up, but I promise that she will live a long and happy life with our family, and has already integrated seamlessly among our other pets.  Georgia was her given name, and we decided to keep it.  You can see that she and Lucie are fast friends.

sneak peak of my freshly painted kitchen.  some of you will remember this shot of it a year ago.

It may be obvious to some of you that I've been having some problems recently with blog content.  It's not that I have nothing to say, it's just that I've been grappling a bit with the goals and purpose of this blog, and my life for that matter, and I've been trying to bring the two more in line.

For those of us who've been blogging a long time (I'm coming up on 4 years any day now), we've seen this community and the content of blogs change quite a bit.  For me, this started out as a way to connect with other women (primarily) who shared common interests with me.  It then landed me a payed gig with a magazine (which later folded), and since that time, I've been floundering a bit in this space.  Do I go back to just blogging about life with my family, my creative projects, and life in general, or do I start creating content specifically for the blog in an effort to make money for my family?  This is the dilemma I've been struggling with for the last year or so.

At the beginning of the new year, I decided that I wanted to reduce the number of activities that I was involved in so that I could devote more time to those things that I really do value.  This has resulted in some changes in my real life, and now this blog will reflect those changes as well.  There are things that I've done in the past just for the sake of the blog, and I won't be doing those things anymore.  From now on, this blog will be a reflection of what I am up to in real life, and hopefully those subjects will resonate with you, just as they did when we started down this path four years ago.

As always, thank you for stopping by here, even if just for a few moments.  I'm going to be posting more regularly.  I've got a lot to show you, I've been very busy.

I know most of you are finished with teacher's gifts by now, but I wanted to share this idea so you could apply it to other gift giving, or even file it away for teachers at a later date.  This morning was the final hurdle of our insane week before winter break, and of course we needed to deliver our teacher's gifts. 

I know this is a much debated and even a hotly contested issue.  I had lengthy discussions about it with at least three friends this year.  My initial decision was to give entirely handmade gifts to Elliot's three main teachers, but after a discussion with my best friend just a few days ago, I decided to go mainly with gift cards, packaged in a cute way, with a few sentimental items included.

She had talked with a few of her close friends, who are teachers, about what they prefer.  The consensus among these ladies was that it gets really difficult to find a place to contain all the stuff, and that while not sentimental, gift cards sure are handy.  I think it is hard for those of us who are makers to buy into this concept, but I can say that I really do enjoy receiving well chosen gift cards myself.

So, this morning I had a few hours to figure out how to creatively package the cards.  Ever since I wrote a piece a few years back for Wondertime using embellished clipboards, I had been toying with the idea of using them for gift packaging.  They're cheap, easily available and useful.  When painted they can be hung on the wall to hold a snapshot or to-do list.  My kids even love to use them...as clipboards.

I just happened to have three clipboards already embellished for a previous project that I hadn't used.  Two are just painted, the third one is painted and just has lined school paper decoupaged over the paint.  I clipped a photo from our fall program, a printout of a painting Elliot made of their class mascot Zero the Hero, and the gift card under the clip, wrapped the whole thing with striped baker's string and added a felt snowflake with a dab of hot glue.  I also tucked a personal note under the string on the underside.

I feel like this accomplished everything I was going for-- practical, useful, and a wee bit sentimental.  I hope they like it as well.

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Teachers-- what say you about teacher's gifts?  I'd love to hear your opinions, as well as ideas from non-teachers for favorite things to give.

The apron + goodies winner is:

Comment#60:

Congratulations on your 3rd Blogiversary! I am not much for giveaways either, but here goes nothing.

I am tall too - 5'10". I just found out today I don't have a right kidney. It's weird...

Posted by: Lynn | 14 April 2009 at 05:52

(Please contact me Lynn, because I don't seem to be able to access your information.)

The scrap bag + goodies winners are:

Comment#106:

Hmm... I've done random so many times on my blog, that much of it is not random any more!

I asked my husband to name a random thing about me and this is what he said, "You like mushrooms, but not to eat. Just to look at them. You're weird."

There you have it!

Posted by: sarah | 15 April 2009 at 07:20 PM

(Sarah- weren't we partners last year for the children's book swap?)

and

Comment #138:

I also love your new banner.

Something about me...hmmm. I draw ( I have a BFA in graphic design). The best part about the whole process is seeing someone's face when you give them the picture. It is the best feeling in the world.

Posted by: Wendy Gleaves | 17 April 2009 at 01:22 PM

(Wendy- it looks like you need to contact me as well!)

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Thanks for all of your continued support and inspiration.

Hi there.  It's nice to be back.  Things suddenly got very busy around here.  As you know, Lucie had a birthday in late March, then on April 1st I had one (38th) and somewhere in that time frame, this little blog also turned three.  Add to that, spring break, a business dinner and leaving town for Easter weekend and you have a busy few weeks. 

That's why I chose to redesign my blog, in honor of its third birthday.  I'd like to thank Alyson of Seventy & Sunny for designing my banner, "good craft" button (which I'll explain as soon as I have the chance) and the tiny button favicon.  She was great to work with- my ideas sparking her ideas, which in turn sparked more ideas from me.  Thanks Alyson!

So, for my blog birthday, I'd love to do a little give-away.  I want to start by saying that I've hosted one give-away on my blog a while back, and I swore I'd never do it again.  I was a bit embarrassed by the influx of comments, partially because I knew they were mainly because people wanted to get "free stuff."  For that same reason, I am often hesitant to enter into give-aways on other peoples blogs.

Because of this I am going to share five random things about myself, and for your comment, please share one random thing about yourself.  No need to toot my horn, just tell me something interesting about you, so that I can save it as a little snapshot of you. 

And what will I be giving away?  The main winner will receive the one and only "two straight lines" patchwork apron  (photo here) and a few other goodies.  I've gone back and forth about whether or not to give away the apron-- but I think its time for a fresh start.  Two more people will receive a scrap bag with a few other goodies as well.

OK, here goes.  Five things about me.

1) I have a "colorful" family.  My grandmother's maiden name was Blue, and she married my grandfather, whose last name was White.  My Mother's maiden name was White, and her married name (the one that stuck) was Brown.

2) In college I made and sold flavored oils and vinegars at the farmer's market in Bloomington, Indiana, where I went to school.

3) We have two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Madeline (12) and Basil (11), a fluffy black cat named Clio (we don't know how old he is, but we think he's older than the dogs), and two fish, Sunshine and Little Gray.

4) For both of my kids I had natural childbirth in a hospital setting.  I'm not an evangelist about natural childbirth, believing it is a very personal decision.  But, I do wish every woman knew that she could do it. If I can do it, anyone can.  I wouldn't even jog around the block willingly.  I think jogging is miserable.

5) I am pretty tall, a little over 5'9".

OK, your turn...

Update: I'm going to cut off the comments now.  Thanks for all of your great "random" things.  They really brightened up my week.  I will announce the winners shortly.

With all the bad news these days, its nice to have little ones around to keep us firmly planted "in the moment."  I found this adorable drawing of Elliot's the other day (the little Scotty is a sticker), and although it obviously isn't what he intended, I think it illustrates beautifully the challenges facing many of us today.  Yet, the message is still cheerful and optimistic.

So, what is the bright side of all of this?  Is there one?  Have any of your families made choices that were at first painful, but had a silver lining?  I'll go first.

Any relocation is a tough one, but this one has been particularly so because we have been unable to sell our home near Detroit.  There really isn't a worse place to be trying to sell a home these days, and even after a large price drop a month ago, we have only had one recent showing.  Of course, we are still well fed and warm, so I don't have much to complain about yet, but this combined with the loss of my income when Wondertime closed means that there is no "fun money" these days.

So what's the good news?  Well, we've been staying close to home more, having fun nesting in our new home, and cooking up some yummy things in our kitchen.  This morning I made some sourdough pancakes that Catherine Newman posted over here, and then pulled out The Pancake Handbook (from the cooks at Bette's Diner in Berkeley, CA) and looked up some more recipes, trying to decide just what makes the perfect pancake. (Is there really a bad pancake??)  Now I'm thinking my little assistants and I may have a little cook-off to decide which recipe is best, maybe come up with our own variation.

What about you, what have you been doing with your family that was brought on by necessity, yet has had unexpected benefits?

We're slowly digging ourselves out from what seems like a long, lovely winter's nap.  Daddy had to "go back to work" yesterday, so that pushed us back into real life a bit.   But, we can still be found lounging in our pj's a bit longer than usual.

So, it is a new year, is it?  For me, last year was an amazing one-- full of incredible highs- the most important of which was having my sweet girl-- words can't express the love I feel for you, sweet Lucie.  You are just starting to say "Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma."  Even if you have know idea what it means, well, it really melts a Ma-ma's heart.

I found work that suits me well-- "What, you're going to pay me for this?"   I feel so privileged to be a part of such a quality publication.  As I read it from cover to cover I see myself in so many of the articles.  And my editor is a dream to work with.  (really, R.)

And I had my share of tough times too, particularly watching two of the most beloved people in my life have real struggles, at a time when I am the least able to help them.   There is nothing harder than standing by and watching people you love make destructive decisions.

But, I really learned a lot about myself this year.  As Elliot grows up and becomes his own person, I really view my own past differently.  My brother Drew and I have an age spread pretty close to my kids, and for the first time I wondered what all of our experiences must have been like for him.  That's the amazing thing about siblings.  You're the only two (or three or four- whatever) people who have had experiences so similar-- and yet, how it effects you and who you become is entirely different.  Drew was always the athletic and artistic one, I was the smart one.  I used to correct his grammar-- how obnoxious is that?  I didn't pursue art until adulthood because Drew was so naturally talented at it.  It probably could have saved both of us a lot of angst if we weren't so busy trying to be what the other wasn't.

And you kind people, I really feel like your support and enthusiasm have helped my clarify who I am- or as Elliot says--"who I want to be when I grow up."  Actually, he asked me that recently, and when I replied "A Mommy," he exclaimed-- "no, somebody that does something!!!"  Ha!

For the coming year I want to:
1) learn to crochet (registered for a 10 week class this morning- yay!)
2) carve out more time for my husband and myself
3) find more support for our family through scheduled childcare, reaching out to old friends, making new ones, getting more involved in building a community, etc.
4) be more realistic about what I can accomplish without making myself crazy
5) relax

Here's to a great one, people.  Now, back to doing nothing...

It's funny, I really don't buy into all of the hype surrounding Christmas, but I seem to be on the treadmill like everyone else.  First there was Thanksgiving and guests, then Elliot's school Holiday Bazaar and guests, then next week there's the Advent Spiral at E's school, a get together with the ladies in my neighborhood, then E's birthday and very small party (and the celebration at school which requires 2 capes to be sewn and a cake to be baked), and then some travels to two out of town destinations all leading up to the big day.  Can I curl up in the fetal position now?  Ah well, I'm sure it will all be over in the blink of an eye.  I'll just try to keep it as simple as possible. 

I'm curious what you all think of this "Give One, Get One" concept.   Is that what the children of the world need-- laptops?  I'm not saying the answer is no, just that we shouldn't assume that the answer is yes.  Hmmm...I'd love some concrete examples of how this will improve their lives.  I took a quick look at the website and didn't find them, but haven't fully explored it.  Sort of reminds me of when Karin Blixen opened the school in Out of Africa (my favorite movie), making a lot of assumptions along the way about what "the other" people needed.  Even some of the language on the site rubs me the wrong way-- "to contribute to a more productive and saner world community."  Huh?? 

OK, sorry for the rant, I'm just not convinced.

Update: I replied to comments below rather than individually.

Today is the 8 month anniversary of Lucie's birth.  Man, time flies.  In some ways it seems like she's been here forever, in others, it seems like the time has passed in a flash.  She is all sweetness and smiles right now, she brings so much laughter to our family-- even to the other small member who certainly has mixed feelings about her.  And she already has her Daddy wrapped around her finger.

We had a nice Thanksgiving with my brother Drew up from Chicago, and my Uncle Bob who lives nearby.  They are both bachelors happy to have a meal cooked for them, so the pressure is low, which is how I prefer it.  Elliot and I did our grocery shopping the night before, foregoing Whole Foods and heading to our local natural foods store instead.  Figured the parking and crowds would be easier to handle there with a pre-schooler in tow.  We didn't have a ton planned except the staples- turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls and pumpkin pie-  letting ourselves be inspired by what looked fresh.  We also ended up with brussels sprouts, multi-colored baby carrots, and green beans.  I figured I'd cook until I was tired, but I ended up getting to it all.  The last few things were prepared with recipes from Martha, and were very easy.  I've never made brussels sprouts in my life, always thought I hated them, but they're delicious  roasted with apples and bacon-- what isn't right?

So, for the first time in my life I am nearly finished with my Christmas shopping.  I've done it all online during Lucie's naps, and even bought a lot of gift cards.  Every year I have the biggest struggle trying to marry my idea of a good gift with the recipient's, adding in the environmental effect.  Of course, I love to make handmade items, but if the recipient doesn't want/need/like it, then it ends up as junk in a landfill just as much as store bought stuff does, you know.  So, most of my recipients will get a small handmade item together with a gift card to a place that I know they frequent.  That way, there is very little spending on shipping, no gas to return items, I'm not adding clutter to their homes, and they can get something they truly want. 

I don't want to be a scrooge, but I feel like gifts have evolved from being a small token, or a thing that someone actually needs to just being over the top.  Remember when Laura Ingalls would be all thrilled to get an orange and a maple candy?  Maybe some wool socks?  Now kids need what, an 87th stuffed unicorn?  I certainly buy my fair share, but I suppose what I buy fits into my value system.  So this is my solution for this year, I still get to come up with some clever crafty packaging, but the recipient also will get to choose what "stuff" they want to bring into their life.  Any good ideas for gift card packing, preferably something useful as well?

I love wool.

What is it about wool that inspires such strong feelings?  I bet 1/3 of you are nodding in agreement, and  I've already lost the other 2/3 of you.  But seriously, each fall I renew my love affair with wool-- hello sweaters, hello socks, so glad to see you.  I've missed you.  I would wear wool year round if it wouldn't raise a few eyebrows in my climate.  Merino t-shirts, yes please.  Maybe I should take up knitting so I'd have an excuse to buy all that gorgeous yarn.  Why does wool seem to have almost magical qualities?

We attended the Mt. Bruce Station Wool and Sheep Festival this weekend.  Good old fashioned fun, with sheep shearing, border collie demonstrations, giant piles of hay bales, bluegrass music, and crafts.  I came home with a tiny felted sheep and a handmade broom with a lovely turned handle.  If you're local I recommend making the trek to Romeo next September.  I will go out on a limb and say that the people at the fair actually feel as strongly about wool as I do, even stronger.  They were buying up little sheep pins for the sweatshirts and stuff like that, so I definitely think they like wool even better than me.

And for those of you in the market for baby stuff, did you know that natural mat, the esteemed baby mattress company from England is now available in the US?  Coinciding perfectly with us setting up Lucie's crib this coming weekend.  Placed my order this morning-- for the coco mat model.  Pricey, yes, but most of the other organic mattresses that I've seen are about that much.  When Elliot was a baby, I had to hold him to get him to nap, and while he slept I would read the testimonials on their website (which I don't see anymore) dreaming he would sleep in his crib if only he had one of those mattresses.  We shall see if they are all they're cracked up to be.

And another find-- did you all see Elsita's Blog and Etsy shop on Whipup last week?  Wow.  I ordered two prints right away, as well as her fabulous tiny sister and brother Dido and Dida.  By the way, her print quality was exceptional-- the best I have bought from etsy so far.

OK, enough of my consumerism.  Hope you are all well.  Off to the apple orchard for cider and doughnuts.  Yum.