Weekend Projects

I was fortunate to spend a frigid Saturday tucked away in my Aunt's master seamstress sewing room, with my aunt, one of my two favorite cousins ;-) , and a space heater. Pooling our creativity, working literally back to back at moments and accessing my aunt's experienced brain crafted such a wonderful time, I can't wait to do it again!
While things moved quite a bit slower than when I work on my own, I was able to pick their brains and acquire a few new tips, which made the final project so much more special.

My camera was on the fritz when we were at her place, so sadly I was not able to capture those moments (although I think my cousin has a shot on her i-phone ;)
I started with a pair of old fatigues, sliced them down the inseam and inserted a panel. Group creativity took the drawstring that originally tightened the ankles and placed them along the sides of my new skirt scrunching the bottom just enough for a bit of texture. I also learned a great new technique from my aunt on how to apply an embellishment.. because, well, a gal like me, she just can't wear camo without balancing it out. (Note the peace sign on my lower right leg.)

Here is a picture of my finished project..


I put the finishing touches on my skirt at home and my oldest brought me a pair of HER pants and we spent sunday crafting a skirt for her..


I was very impressed with her straight seams. I really think fashion is in her future ...











Added 2-2-10:
My cousin just sent me this picture of the three of us..

Simplicity Parenting

I am so fortunate to be blessed with such magical children in my life. They breathe meaning into my every moment. They sparkle, they bring me joy. They are each others best friend.
I always viewed our family as a simple living one. We keep to the basics. We have no TV (although the computer is available for a movie when we desire). We've kept away from the loud, plastic, over-stimulating toys. We have no fancy child-rearing gadgets. Through all of this, we've still been lost in the whirlwind of life. The dizziness of too much of the outside strains the familial connection.


A mothering group that I belong to has organized a book discussion. In preparation, I have begun Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne. While the title sparked my interest, I was not expecting for it to resonate so deeply within me. The author is a child development specialist, who is steeped in Waldorf teachings. Kim John Payne has worked extensively with children around the world experiencing post traumatic stress disorder. While working in England with children who have never been through war, he discovered they were displaying the same symptoms of PTSD as the other children had. He links these symptoms with the stresses we have unconsciously placed upon our children from too much. Too much stuff, too much scheduled time, too much information. He has worked with a multitude of families with children labeled with ADD, ADHD and OCD and helped them move to simplicity with dramatic results. He explains why and most importantly how we can work through this. The book is proving to be an amazing one for me and I hope to share insights that are unfolding for me through my journey of returning to simplicity.

But for now I am off to enjoy another peaceful morning with my family.
Bliss.

Twelfth Night: Our First Venture into the Theatre

Since December 26th we have been on a fast riding coaster in preparation for one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen. We were honored to take part in a Celebration of Twelfth Night , a local performance that has been part of the fabric of our community for the last 30 plus years. Well, only the older ones were part of the play, while us parents did the driving back and forth (two and three rehearsals a day are what brings this masterpiece to fruition!) And the babe was corralled for many hours in the basement of the Hall.

Our "Crown Kid" delivered a crown to the evening's King and Queen, chosen randomly from the audience, they were the lucky recipients, finding a the hidden pea in their piece of cake, which was handed out by the "cake kids" during the performance.


Our "Earth Elemental" guided children through the forest and danced a marvelous garland dance for the Twelfth Night Celebration.


The performance was spectacular!

And the cast party was a perfect end to a memorable two weeks for the children.

And the next morning (after a bedtime of MIDNIGHT!!!) We all slept in, Dad went into work a bit late and we celebrated with a scrumptious breakfast at our favorite local eatery.

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Raw Mama Trick #2 Raising the food vibe

We've had quite a bit of fun going on in our lives recently, with the excitement of the Holidays and being involved in the local theater. With all the activity, food seems to have fallen by the wayside. My oldest declared "We need to eat more fruits and vegetables. More raw food." Ah, and is she ever right! Now, the tricky part... reclaiming those corrupted palates.

Time for Mama to get creative.

When "have an apple" gets groans, I grabbed a few fruits, a knife and cutting board and the large serving tray and went to work...

My Son has deemed him, "Puff the Magic Monster"
And most all of the fruit was eaten.

Next we had to reclaim the morning. Smoothies are tired. Fruit is boring. And our skin is revealing that we all need more good fat in our diets now that the heat is on. And with that the morning pudding is renewed.

Each morning, I have been crafting a pudding based on what we have in the house. Mostly a variation on the following:

• a dollop of coconut oil.
• a heaping scoop of irish moss (we keep blended irish moss in the fridge for easy use)
• a few leaves of kale
• an avocado (or two, depending on how much I am making)
• agave, maple syrup or honey
• a pinch of salt
• a TON of frozen fruit
  
• just enough water to blend

When the children are full and I am left with two half eaten bowls of pudding.. off to the freezer for a ready made ice cream the next time I hear those oh too common words, "I'm hu-u-u-n-n-n-gryyyy."

Happy Munchkins

Into the New Year

I've recently stumbled upon a quote I copied a bit ago. I'm not sure where it's from, but it seems to have popped back up at just the right time, because I am enjoying the moment. Very much.

"The journey, which prior to this was torture because all you wanted to do was get there is now beginning to become a pleasure. It is the pleasure of searching and the pleasure of an adventure. You are nourishing something that's very important - your dreams."

A bit of what is occupying our current adventure:

Sledding
Hula Hooping :-)
Twelfth Night Rehearsals
Enjoying the Winter!
Crafting a new playroom!
Reading
Painting
Knitting
Sewing
Growing (my goodness these kids are getting so big, SO fast!)
Zap Mama's latest Album (okay, only the kids and I can't get enough, especially her duet with Franti, which is great to hoop to.. )

Happy New Year!

Wild re-Education

Mystical Chocolates Presents:

Wild re-Education With Daniel Vitalis and Michael Ford:
Coming Soon to A Suburb Near You!

• Daniel Speaks On: The missing link in human nutrition!
• Michael Speaks On: Our indigenous ancestors, wild food and medicine!
• A wild excursion into edibles, herbals, medicinal mushrooms and living water!
• Raw Vegan Cuisine!
  

Saturday August 8th

Ticket Price of ONLY $67 Includes:
An Intimate, Day Long, Wild re-Education Intensive and Wild Edible Excursion with Daniel Vitalis and Michael Ford!
Raw Potluck Lunch, Gourmet Raw-Vegan Dinner and Mystical Dessert!
Amazing Company!

Schedule Includes:
8:30-9:00 Arrival
9:30 - 11:15 Daniel "Getting Wild! Humans Gone Feral!"
11:30-1:00 Michael Speaks on "Indigenous Plants of our Region and Their Uses"
1:00-2:00 Lunch: Raw-Vegan Potluck
2:00 - 5:00 Wild Excursion with Daniel and Michael: edible, herbal, medicinal
5:00 - 6:00 Daniel Speaks on "Alkaloids, The Missing Link in Human Nutrition!"
6:00 - 7:00 Gourmet, Raw-Vegan Dinner and Mystical Dessert!
7:00 - 9:00 Daniel "Putting it All Together, Creating Medicine from Wild Foods!"

For more information or to register Contact:
Gina at wildreeducation@gmail.com or (401)480-0914
Space is limited, Don't Hesitate! Reserve your spot today!

www.elixircraft.com www.apolloherbs.com

Salad Smiles

How can you say "no" to a four year old that comes inside asking for you to make salad dressing? Brother and sister, outside for their second night straight, with a pair of scissors and a bowl. Tearing into the first green pepper of the year, finely dicing chives, plucking nasturtium petals. As he waits he thumbs through the newest issue of "Get Fresh" Magazine (A raw food mag out of the UK) He declares that he will be the taste-tester. Waiting for dressing for their masterpiece. How could you say no to whipping up a fresh batch of tahini dressing, even when you are on hands and knees mopping up 16 ounces of bright red, freshly pressed veggie juice and a pile of broken glass? Did I mention the baby and I are covered in carrot pulp...

A VERY simple and yummy dressing that the kids seem to love:
1 pt tahini
1 pt apple cider vinegar
and just a splash of maple syrup