Enchanted Mama

Weeding::

 

 What an interesting month May has been.  

May 1st brought 14" of snow.   Yesterday, I found myself outside listening to birds and children chatter as I pulled weeds out of the garden.  Rain and sunshine provided the ideal growing situation for the prolific nuisances in the yard.  

I'd begun to think that blogging just wasn't in the cards this month.  With family trips and big daddy trips and my girlie turning "14" time seemed to be all about the family.  No time to reflect when one is "on task" at all moments.  Alas, this afternoon the two littlest are happily playing amongst themselves and I have a full half an hour before I do the next school pick-up. 

So how are you friends?  I've missed being here.  

I've been spring cleaning this month.  Yes, it's almost summer with one more week of school left but I felt spring was late in arriving so I don't feel bad it's taken so long.  It's exciting and overwhelming to go through "stuff" and clear it all out.  This time I'm serious.  I'm clearing things out that have been gingerly laid back the last ten times I've cleared out.  Bags of things are being sent out to the appropriate places with a silent vow to not over-do anything again.  Really how many table cloths does one need when you have one table?  Plus the fact that I rarely use them?  How many t-shirts does one need to own when laundry is done every few days?  Dishes, don't get me started.  Books, which seem to be what I love and conveniently overlook all the time, are being gone through.  It's pretty liberating to clear out the books that tell me how to garden, and organize and simplify my life.  My grandmother was a delight in this area and I hear her voice often lately..."Why are you holding onto that old thing?"  I used to watch and giggle as I saw her clear out things that no longer served a purpose.  What a great example.  She also referred to books, and I must add here that she was an avid reader, as old ideas.  There are a few that you hold onto like the ones you re-read over and over again but otherwise?  Make room for new ideas.  Let some breath in.  

So that is what I'm doing.  As well as loving the weather outside and attempting to soak it all in.  Knitting...not much happening there.  Though I have a pile of projects that need to make it onto Ravelry.  Sewing...??? Crafting of any sort??? Reading...this might be what I'm doing the most of and that isn't much.  Like I said it's an interesting month.  A good month.  A month to breathe and be.  

I'm glad to have the opportunity to check in as the last photos on the blog are of snow.  Though it wasn't that long ago it seems miles away with all the green bursting forth outside now.  

Thank you dear friends for all the lovely comments you leave.  I read every one of them and love the thoughts and ideas you share.  

Happy end of May to you all.   

 

 

Sometimes::

:: Sometimes one must have a sense of humor about the weather.  One must understand that as King Winter and Lady Spring have their last tug of war all you can do is embrace it.  Put on your snow boots one day and your flip flops the next.  Squish around in rain boots.  Watch the water drip off snow clothes by the fire.  More than anything keep an inward giggle that soon all this water will bring spring flowers...hopefully.

 

:: Sometimes one must take your daughter to the premiere of the Sense and Sensibility Musical because really, Jane Austen rules.  One must enjoy a delicious french Croque Monsieur and drink Perrier.  One must listen to amazing singers tell a fabulous story and then give advice to your daughter, after the show, about how to enter the world of musicals.  Then one must revel in that cool, cool day.

 

:: Sometimes one must organize despite the weather outside.  One must go through thousands of photos and wonder what in the world to do with them all.  One must wonder many times, "where did all this stuff come from"?  Sometimes one then realizes that there may need to be an entire post on this later.  

 

:: Sometimes one must apply their Crossfit motto of "Don't think just do it" to writing for an excellent magazine.  One must sit and push through the moment when fingers hover over the keys and nothing, I repeat NOTHING, comes to mind.  Then one must sometimes put the computer away and be grateful when the whole idea comes pouring forth mid-tooth brushing.  Sometimes that's the way it goes with writing.

 

:: Sometimes one must realize that they are literally never going to blog again unless they can use Instagram photos once in awhile or everyday.  It may not be what one would ultimately want but it seems better than total radio silence.  Sometimes it's necessary to re-evaluate all the boundaries we trap ourselves in and have more fun.

 

:: Sometimes one must know that life if full. Interesting. Exciting. Worth being here for.  Sometimes, one must embrace the current moment and dance with the winds of change.

 

What do you do sometimes? 

Dragon Fire::

It's April and there's snow falling outside.  It started again yesterday and, more than likely, plans on continuing into tomorrow.  As grateful as I am for the moisture it seems to be wreaking havoc with my "Spring" ideas.  The "clean up and clear out" part of this season seems a distant thought.  Crawling into a warm, fur-lined nook by the fire with a good book sounds better.  Much better. 

As a distraction, on this otherwise non-spring day, I thought I'd give you an update on the fire cider we started a few months back.  The big daddy loved the whole idea of this recipe and the uses for this magical stuff.  Or was it the super spicy stuff he got to put in it?  He will never say, though I have my suspicions.   

This fire cider may very well be magic.  It seems to prevent and cure all.  This wet, cold, snowy season of Spring seems the perfect time to have our first batch ready to test.  Yes, we have started other batches as it takes a good four to eight weeks to brew.  This past weekend was the first sampling.  I'll admit, I was scared.  How spicy would it be?  Would I be able to take it and still convince my children to try it even if I'm hopping around the kitchen on fire?  What in the world would it taste like?  

Well, it's good!  Spicy. Vinegar-y. A burn in your throat kind of wonderful. Similar to Kombucha only with a kick.  We love it.  At least the two oldest and the two youngest do.  My five year old asked, "if he would be able to breathe fire afterwards"?  Um,(parental decision moment)....absolutely!  I felt like I was breathing fire, so why not?  We have since re-named it affectionately "Dragon Fire".  

If you are strong of heart and up for a challenge I suggest you put together some of this concoction.  There are many ways to make it your own. More spicy. Less spicy.  Amanda added honey, cayenne, and turmeric to different batches that they made. I suppose anything that sounds good to you would work...maybe not chocolate.  

But, then again.... 

 

 

Feet firmly planted::

A foot of snow sits outside as I write this.  The windshield wiper, just on the drivers side, was broken when we went to sweep snow off the car this morning.  Yet, I feel the promise of Spring in the air. Throw open the windows, feel the fresh breeze waft through kind of promise.      

I've been catching up on a few of my favorite blogs since returning home.  The theme...change.  It's out there.  It's being felt in so many ways.  Resulting in many thoughts and epiphanies.  Many feelings of over-whelm.  Change.  I feel it.  I welcome it.  I've felt limited.  Limited by myself.  Limited by how I've set things up.  

We had an amazing trip over Spring Break.  One that you look forward to and plan and think about for months ahead.  The trip very much apart of our dinner conversations and chats over lattes in the morning. A trip to celebrate the big daddy and a big birthday happening this summer.  Though, I felt unable to share it here.  For the sake of boundaries.  For the sake of feeling unsure how I felt about others knowing.  limited.

The photographs I take for the blog are just that..."blog photos".  I recently went through my library and realized that so many photographs of my children are half a face, no head, from above kind of photos.  Not a lot of "real" photos of my children.  For someone that has an interest in photography I found that mildly disturbing.  In fact, so disturbing that over Spring Break I took only photos that showed my children's faces.  Their personalities.  Who they are today.  Faces I want to remember. 

So, I'm noticing these things.  And, I'm no longer okay with them.  

This past July my littlest turned two.  Two. I panicked.  Mostly because I have spent a good part of my children's youth being pregnant, tired, nursing, over-weight, and not fast enough to keep up with them.  The day after my girls birthday I began researching.  I've changed the way I eat.  In October, the big daddy  joined me, to help make it easier, as well as he saw the results in me.  In November, my super-fit sister in law came for a visit over Thanksgiving.  I researched Crossfit gyms for her to attend while she was here.  It turned out that they happened to have an introduction class a few days after she left.  I decided to go, just to see.  I thought it would be too intense, as most outsiders think.  It was hard.  It challenged me.  I came home and told the big daddy, "I LOVE it!"  There it was.  My place.  After all this time.  I now call myself a "cross-fitter".  Though I've never even mentioned it here.  A big part of me.  

Do you see where I'm going with this?  How many places do we limit ourselves?  How often do we alter who we are to fit into certain parameters?  How many times are we not honest with ourselves and what we want? 

This blog, Enchantedmama, I started over four years ago to bring more creativity into my life.  A way to provide more tangible results.  Then, it shifted ever so slightly to document our stories as a family. A way to look back and remember things I would have forgotten in the blur of pregnancy and exhaustion.  Now? Well, that's what I'm working on.  I've felt a bit stalled here.  Limited in what I can share here.  I toyed with the idea of changing it completely.  Moving to another site.  Another name.  Another focus.  I've realized though that it has everything to do with me.  I'm the change that needs to happen.  Not the font, or colors.  Though, I will more than likely do that too!  Moving would just be delaying what really needs the shift. Me.  

So, I start from here. Feet firmly planted on the ground. Eyes open. And, I'm pleased with that.  

With the theme of change circulating "out there" this spring my version will involve looking into those places where I limit myself.  

I want to bring more here.  I want to show you what inspires me.  I want to know what inspires you.  I would like to have this blog change along with the seasons. Movement. Freedom. Change.   

I want to notice this Spring.  I want to look it in the eye and say, "Yes!".

Birds have always symbolized change in my life.  Even as a young child.  Today, as I write this post by the window, latte in hand, there are over thirty Robin Red Breast birds in my snowy yard.  My little two year old kept saying, "Birds.  Birds outside."  "uh-huh."  I would oblige between sentences.  "No, mama birds!" "Okay, sweetie pie." She grabs my hand, "Come now.  Birds!!!"  Roused from my writing I walk over to the window and see a festival, a gathering of over thirty birds.  "Birds!!!" I yell.  She smiles.  

They are still there.  Ruffling their feathers and looking positively fluffy.  Like a big warm winter coat.  So simple yet so telling.  If birds mean change.  And, I'm writing about change.  And, there are over thirty birds outside right now...that has to mean something right?!!???! 

So on that note...I will leave you for today.  

Until tomorrow my friends.  

 

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The Light::

As I was saying...::

The Light::

The light seems to have shifted.  Ever so slightly.  Just enough that the shadows are different.  The light streaming through the windows in the afternoon slants in different patterns.  Spring is in the air. 

We spent most of the weekend outside.  Sitting under the budding trees listening to the bees buzz-buzz buzzing around.  Busy in their work.  Calm and happy to be back at their job.  

I believe everything from the garage that has wheels was brought out, inspected, and taken for a ride.  Sand was moved around in the sandbox and pillows dusted off in the playhouse.  There seems to be a pile of shoes by every door ranging from snow boots to flip flops.  No one slept in, unfortunately, but all were exhausted early as the sun ducked behind the mountains.  

This time of year is exciting.  The brown earth begins to have shoots of green bumping through the tam-bark.  Snowdrops appear daily.  The lilac seem to have grown green buds overnight.  Our flowering trees let us know that Spring is on her way.  I love it.  Yet, I find it makes me even more ready for change.   

Ready to move things around outside as well as inside.  Spring cleaning a natural instinct it would seem. This past weekend with the warm sunshine and drifty wind it seemed to set things to rights.  Not the house. That my dears, is a disaster.  Hope to get to that today.  I hope. 

As Spring Break approaches I believe my "plans" will have to be relegated to the "to do" list for a bit longer.  I don't mind, mostly.  As the changes happen outside it gives me a chance to dream.  See what ideas have hibernated all winter.  See what new thoughts will arrive.  See how they each will blossom.  

Here is to the shift in the light and the budding of Spring, dear friends.

May this day hold beauty for all of us.

 

 

As I was saying...::

So, as I was saying*...you know, about the elusive light in February?  The last time we had a chat?

Well, lets just say I'm elated that March has come knocking and pushed the brown, gray, icy-thing past us.  March whispers of Spring. Green shoots peek through the monotone ground.  Warm sun dances on faces as we sit and ponder.  Bikes emerge from the garage.  More rain boots, less snow boots crowd the front door and back door...and every door for that matter!

Life is full.  Just like yours.  Crammed with fevers and books. Warm meals and homework.  Class plays and shelter projects.  Play dates and soccer practice. "You are my Shun-shine, my only shun-shine..." sung by a two year old.  Trips to see family and crazy-sweet cousin hugs and tears.  Clearing out and bringing in.  Crocheted afghans and bach suites from our cellist.  Amazing soup ala the big daddy(he must share this recipe soon) and exercise.  Yes, exercise. I know. Time to find our bearings as this season begins its slow transformation to SPRING!!!

Won't it be grand?  I couldn't be more excited.  It just seems like this year it will be brimming with possibility.  Answers to age old questions.  Time to soak up a bit of nature in less than three layers of clothing.  

So, there it is. I'm here.  Taking photos. Knitting. Tending. Attempting to read a lot.  Thinking about my garden.  Chasing after children. Recognizing when to stop and look.  If there is anytime to do this it surely is Spring.  The tiny buds waits for no man/woman.  So you better get out there and notice.  

Happy Wednesday to you all.   

 

  *As I was saying...a tricky way to get you to think that the month that has passed without blogging was imaginary.  Not real.  Just a parlor trick, if you will.  Rather, I just paused in conversation and then resumed with what I was saying.  Did it work?

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And so...::

Today::

Inspired by::

This past Saturday, a lovely sunny day, we spent outside. Lunch with the warmth at our back. Bikes. Playing at the Park. Knitting while the little ones played in the sandbox.  The whole weekend was supposed to be this way.  I didn't realize how much I had needed the warmth of the sunshine.  Sunday dawned and clouds covered the light.  The house took on a gray tinge and my mood followed suit. Subdued and moody to match the cloud cover outside.  

Today the sun is attempting to peek through and I plan to sling my camera over my shoulder and head outside in search of that elusive light.  So, I thought we could start off the day with some simple fun, whimsy and inspiration because who doesn't need a bit of that on a Monday morning??!!?! 

Enjoy!

 Inspired By...

---Paperman a Disney short film. I'm sure I'm late to the party on this one but it is too sweet not to share.  

---This sweater , thank you Phoe, just looks so simple and soft. A sweater to snuggle up by the fireplace with latte in hand and read a great book. Oh yeah. 

---Loved this book.  On to this book.  Working toward that 100 books in 2013.  Love the idea of this goal but realized why I read less these days...as soon as I pick up a book every child in the house has something to ask/tell me.  With knitting they assume I can still hear them and tend to play amongst themselves a little more.  Anyone else have that phenomenon in your home?  

---This Fire Cider.  A comparable substitute to Kombucha perhaps? .  Plan to Start our brew this week.

---Love this bunny fabric to create something with. 

 

Do you have anything you find particularly joyful today?  I'd love to hear about it.  Think we can all use a bit of extra sunshine in February!  

Happy Monday to you all.  

 

And so...::

...it's Monday again.  Another weekend experienced.  We attended french class, hoop class, made a hike up a mountain, ate lemon zucchini muffins, biked at the park, watched a middle school talent show, and played Lego's in pajamas.  A weekend full of life and opportunities to get along as a family.  

The weekends never seem quite long enough.  The dust barely settles before we are off again with lunch making and "where's my gloves" and "No, you may not wear a short sleeve shirt even if it looks warm outside" typical-weekday mornings. Fluffing and shooing three or four children out the door with lunch, cello, violin, backpacks and water bottles. And hopefully, two matching gloves.

Today began as any Monday does. A few of us reticent to wake.  A few others wishing it was Sunday.  All of us eating breakfast and heading out the door.  Luckily, for the two adults, there was some exercise planned this morning and then lattes that really helped ease us into the day.  After the caffeine I felt ready to tackle the day. the week. The Year!  Well, at least the day.  

As I write this the dishwasher hums and my girlie draws throughout my calender, which I'm sure I'll regret later, humming happily to herself.  Earlier she sang a clean up song while putting away blocks. oh.my.

That's where things stand.  Projects to be completed. Photographs to be taken. Laundry to be folded. Meals to be planned.  Just a typical Monday morning around here.  

What about you?  

 

 

Today::

"It was on of those still days of intense light, when every particle of mica in the soil flashed like a little mirror, and the glare from the plain below seemed more intense than the rays from above.  The sand ridges ran glittering gold out to where the mirage licked them up, shining and steaming like a lake in the tropics.  The sky looked like blue lava, forever incapable of clouds---a turquoise bowl that was the lid of the desert."   The Song of the Lark

This book has captured my imagination.  I'm enjoying it so much I wish it wouldn't end though I do have a few other books to finish.  The knitting in my life is undergoing some airing out and re-thinking.  I had a number of pending projects and have recently gone through them and cleared out all those which I do not, for one reason or another, want to finish.  Wrong color. Wrong style. Wrong idea.  It feels good to have done that and I plan on chatting with you about that later.  

There is a knit project happily floating in a cold bath upstairs.  Soon to be dried and blocked. I'm anxious to share as this particular project hung out on the needles for way too long. There may have been a moment, when the last stitch was cast-off, that I took a deep breath and whooped.  A big loud whoop!  I love completing things.  My dear grandfather, a good 'ol Iowa boy, would smack his hands together when completing a project and say, "Okay, what next."  That was how I felt. Happy to have it finished and eager to further empty my knitting basket.  

I've journeyed out this past week, hence the radio silence, to visit a dear friend and her new baby girl. Such a sweet little one.  We spent time chatting, knitting, getting the mama's feet up and watching her two boys build fort after fort at the park.  We ate yummy soup and took care of the mama as much as we could.  Grateful that she let me come and spoil her abit.  Just what we all need once in awhile, don't you think?

I'm working on laundry today and reading books with my girlie.  There is a long list of things that tell me they need to get done, though with the cloudy weather outside I'm not as motivated as I would like.  

Maybe just one more book?  A few more rows?  Another latte?  

Love to know about any great books you are reading.  Always can use a good book recommendation!  

Have a lovely day, 

Kellen

 

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Knitting and gnomes::

A challenge::

Snow Angels::

Oh.my.goodness.  It's hard to say who had the most fun!  

Christmas day, before "the fever" hit, found us bundled and trudging off to the park.  Time filled with laughter, squeals, running, pouncing, frozen hands and "just one more".  I pulled the "photographer" card, thank goodness.  Though it looked like a tremendous amount of fun I was grateful to be warm and documenting it for the family.  Next time though, I will leave the camera at home because sometimes warm is over-rated.  Sometimes attempting to out-run a nine year old can be memory making.  Sometimes the snow pile is quite joyful to be in the thick of. 

Any snow in your part of the world?