tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54367375187198609782024-03-13T11:39:26.429-04:00chirp & lullabyimjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-14963743090431885432015-01-09T20:59:00.000-05:002015-01-09T20:59:01.192-05:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl1iLuZpInd1rGF9pnImNbgLgsftTsBjhFaegLVUr66MEJ07urlcZZ8a5vEeu2kKRcJGXsZgMq7qm95LzLi_5Phx9O7YoamQ6t0BEFih7g_eUw_0qCE9O_c4xcCLA5vKdMN0z9Nnrqcs/s1600/moment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fff1ee; clear: left; color: #313131; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl1iLuZpInd1rGF9pnImNbgLgsftTsBjhFaegLVUr66MEJ07urlcZZ8a5vEeu2kKRcJGXsZgMq7qm95LzLi_5Phx9O7YoamQ6t0BEFih7g_eUw_0qCE9O_c4xcCLA5vKdMN0z9Nnrqcs/s1600/moment.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333339691162px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{this moment}</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.9930553436279px;">A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" style="text-decoration: none;">SouleMama</a>. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</i></div>
imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-1830351702900084872014-04-28T16:04:00.000-04:002014-04-28T16:04:33.220-04:00a 'new' 'old' dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWjFHi35pC0wFLLD6WPmDDNmL-bQAMuK3J8113TpGwVVUWMBybAEPWLo0-7uA43mGW3wrJ73lz3LYrUwLH5ExE7fm42DZErZy2pE6jfOAew9Ibw1z5Q4e716F15SbzrkuEqmvO8qM2tc/s1600/dress3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWjFHi35pC0wFLLD6WPmDDNmL-bQAMuK3J8113TpGwVVUWMBybAEPWLo0-7uA43mGW3wrJ73lz3LYrUwLH5ExE7fm42DZErZy2pE6jfOAew9Ibw1z5Q4e716F15SbzrkuEqmvO8qM2tc/s1600/dress3.jpg" height="640" width="590" /></a></div>
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I think Wren is as excited as I am about this sweet floral cotton hand-me-down from Luke's side of the family. It's <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2013/03/cat-on-calico.html">another</a> one that at least two of her aunts (probably 3) wore a couple of decades ago. It's certainly hand-made, and I'm guessing that it's another dress that Luke's grandmother made for the girls.</div>
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I absolutely adore the 3 tucks across the bodice and the gathers (though the tucks were hard to photograph with this active little model). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8VrpWNK-UZSePW43K7NEfnk0czJZraTwp_KLDYD4tfpYywUpL3y4LyyTw-uZmubkny9CM42m3tAydvSV4S3TxMgF-FKutIsL2IhYEqyR26RNgFstic8k4AJt-uy5AsWScUP5e9YdTq8/s1600/dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8VrpWNK-UZSePW43K7NEfnk0czJZraTwp_KLDYD4tfpYywUpL3y4LyyTw-uZmubkny9CM42m3tAydvSV4S3TxMgF-FKutIsL2IhYEqyR26RNgFstic8k4AJt-uy5AsWScUP5e9YdTq8/s1600/dress.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
I decided to make a few alterations to the dress once I had a chance to try it on Wren. The original collar was one of <a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5567884/il_340x270.251571256.jpg">those</a> white deals with the lace embellishment. What exactly are they called? Peter Pan collars? Double Yoke collars? Regardless, I decided to remove that collar altogether and widen the neck hole a bit, then I simply sewed red binding around the raw edges. I also decided to take the elastic out of the arm holes to give her more room to move about. There was a lace trim along the hem of each sleeve, but I opted to remove that as well. One look at the hem and you can tell that the length has been adjusted several times. I actually decided to keep the hem short, so she can wear it like a shirt tunic instead of a dress. But I left the extra fabric there so we have the option to lengthen it again should we choose.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV48xgfsajJXtheLlHnCFDfMS2d5dCdMQ0ERz7ob1cZM_0IUha7SiYgax91iQv-UXhdWPaYuI9MDiSBT-qDJePmc4t9Z1yjBfKWvMvgJUMuJD-pLTab5w15yUj5UQ1dBmLPGSgzuwN6TU/s1600/dress2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV48xgfsajJXtheLlHnCFDfMS2d5dCdMQ0ERz7ob1cZM_0IUha7SiYgax91iQv-UXhdWPaYuI9MDiSBT-qDJePmc4t9Z1yjBfKWvMvgJUMuJD-pLTab5w15yUj5UQ1dBmLPGSgzuwN6TU/s1600/dress2.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a><br />
It's probably a bit silly, how excited I get about stuff like this. I've been very busy sewing lately, squirreling away some sweet baby items for the wee one (who will likely arrive within the next month!). But I'm happy to be finding the time to work on little projects like this dress that I'd like to get to before the baby and the move.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKiF72fyJWfGTm4FuR_qv39WDcgCGUqBdZgsyAdL9x5-GCFK-9eNS1lBia7p4NhA7xzCaq7Br_AkxoNDVk3U1nPAAjvCXdQDbAUBLBQLEiLVg_Pc7AGozZMDqZnS3VYwB4pDSPfhPZ7g/s1600/fox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKiF72fyJWfGTm4FuR_qv39WDcgCGUqBdZgsyAdL9x5-GCFK-9eNS1lBia7p4NhA7xzCaq7Br_AkxoNDVk3U1nPAAjvCXdQDbAUBLBQLEiLVg_Pc7AGozZMDqZnS3VYwB4pDSPfhPZ7g/s1600/fox.jpg" height="530" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2011/07/oysters-pufferfish-cats-and-foxes.html">fox</a>-sibling for Wren's new sibling!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY3YqgZ6uwOll2lttyR_3_6_aJ1efhjF74ZZ8YiI1lTFj4C1MhQailUKURN-OYCtppmhxlZBrR-E0Snabv-30pRQ1rVki113gXbJHuPK4ABcAFNYUVAH94WhgMs7iSIQSNJYn1cDl84A/s1600/daff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvY3YqgZ6uwOll2lttyR_3_6_aJ1efhjF74ZZ8YiI1lTFj4C1MhQailUKURN-OYCtppmhxlZBrR-E0Snabv-30pRQ1rVki113gXbJHuPK4ABcAFNYUVAH94WhgMs7iSIQSNJYn1cDl84A/s1600/daff.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a><br />
And just for fun, a photo that Wren herself took of the daffodils that a vendor at a flea market gave to her yesterday. She asked me if she could bring them home to "can them", so we found them a nice Ball jar.imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-67232138972399767492014-04-12T16:58:00.000-04:002014-04-12T16:58:10.183-04:00diaper business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9LDZrDOqiuC8i1QWQqrwXj4n700QWiTecJ18dX4ko8BZtg1M6eSveQRBELUmuU6WkVxCXN8JrvpieX84XuxbhCzP6v4pVIhYxKMDdoTogklEoDCU93CqUTpoCdrOi2Ks1MWzCikaGj4/s1600/d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9LDZrDOqiuC8i1QWQqrwXj4n700QWiTecJ18dX4ko8BZtg1M6eSveQRBELUmuU6WkVxCXN8JrvpieX84XuxbhCzP6v4pVIhYxKMDdoTogklEoDCU93CqUTpoCdrOi2Ks1MWzCikaGj4/s1600/d1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Over the past few years I've had several <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">moms</span> ask me about cloth diapers. So after responding many a-time with the same basic information, I thought it might be beneficial to compile my thoughts and opinions more 'officially'.</div>
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We <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">used</span> <a href="http://crappypictures.com/cloth-diapers-the-good-and-the-crappy/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">cloth diapers</a> with our daughter and <i>really</i> liked them. There are the obvious drawbacks or minor inconveniences, like having the forethought to make sure they're all cleaned at the appropriate times, and washing out poopy diapers in the toilet. But overall they've saved us SO much money and they are just plain CUTE!</div>
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I know a lot of people really like the all-in-one types (like<a href="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"> fuzzibunz</a>) because they are pretty simple and work just like disposable ones. They're also easier when babies start moving and crawling/walking because it's just one step to get them diapered. We chose not to use these because they're more expensive (though in the long run I'm sure they're still much cheaper than buying disposables for 2 and half years). We have 4 of this type that I actually bought off of Craigslist (maybe gross, but has worked for us), a different brand called <a href="http://www.smartipants.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">smartipants</a>. We like these all right, but they tend to leak a bit, so we only use them at home.</div>
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G-diapers are another popular brand that people like because they're simple, a bit more affordable and aren't as bulky (cloth diapers make babies' butts BIG but again, CUTE). You can buy these at Target which is nice because you can put them on your registry. We have 2 of these, and really they just leak too much for me to say much good about them. Other people really like them, but they're my least favorite in my stash.</div>
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Ultimately we like the prefold, trifold diapers that <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">our</span> <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">moms</span> <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">probably</span> <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">used</span>. We found a great small company (<a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/prefolds.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Green Mountain Diapers</a>) that makes them and ships them. They're the most economical. We bought 3 different sizes of these, and she's was in the 2nd size for a year and a half. To cover them we bought about 15 one-size diaper covers from a brand called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/KaWaii-Baby-Kawaii-One-Size-Cover/dp/B004YDVZN0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343395924&sr=8-1&keywords=kawaii+diaper+cover" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Kawaii</a>. And we <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">used</span> a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snappi-Cloth-Diaper-Fasteners-Green/dp/B004YWKWJO/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1343396179&sr=1-1&keywords=snappi" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">snappi</a> to fasten them instead of diaper pins. Eventually, when she got to the point that she was only wearing diapers at bed time, we abandoned the snappi altogether. We just folded the tri-folds into a long rectangle, slid them into the cover and snapped her up.</div>
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<i>Update: The Kawaii's have worked fine for us, but some of them have lost snaps over the last few years so I will have to replace them if we have another baby. In that case I'm totally buying a bunch from a Lancaster mom (called <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Zookaboo?ref=l2-shopheader-name" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Zookaboos</a>) who makes adorable covers that people really seem to l<a href="http://theclothdiaperbible.blogspot.com/2013/08/zookaboo-diaper-covers-review.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">ike</a>.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4r1l0CMC7HMfrP-tDTSYpmMXCtSgU4Mzr5R6lfS5S_T34R9LMAg7RImyxp9dhtHMBnoDzVLIb2UU97fiaNygTM4tnGYWhSJZL-2HVUUGNVhVNH2m36lFR2SjvJuy3_I5T6eM6VJO0qT0/s1600/zookaboos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4r1l0CMC7HMfrP-tDTSYpmMXCtSgU4Mzr5R6lfS5S_T34R9LMAg7RImyxp9dhtHMBnoDzVLIb2UU97fiaNygTM4tnGYWhSJZL-2HVUUGNVhVNH2m36lFR2SjvJuy3_I5T6eM6VJO0qT0/s1600/zookaboos.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a gorgeous diaper cover made by Zookaboos!</td></tr>
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A lot of <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; color: #222222;">our</span> diapering stuff we actually found on Craigslist. Some of them were <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; color: #222222;">used</span> (which I laundered facetiously) and others were simply diaper stashes that people intended to use but ultimately just ended up using disposables. </div>
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Oh, and we've <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">used</span> a special <a href="http://rockingreensoap.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">detergent</a> for all <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">our</span> diapers that is gentler on her butt than regular detergent, and also doesn't leave any residue that would affect the absorbency. </div>
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Phewwwwwwwww....<span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">probably</span> way more info than anyone actually wanted or needed, but there's that. I hope it helps!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaoX89ltXZdVx9y9H-TDDXGkwN1UauPonyapc6M_vRak1e41ZkpPH8QE4cpqHnqSpGMFJ2U4YlV3YqjgqIMsJCpXhFpGbYyzR1hrVbKJgw4Pwa4BYZCCDxFy8AQH-WkoMtUE4X8hMqXc/s1600/d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaoX89ltXZdVx9y9H-TDDXGkwN1UauPonyapc6M_vRak1e41ZkpPH8QE4cpqHnqSpGMFJ2U4YlV3YqjgqIMsJCpXhFpGbYyzR1hrVbKJgw4Pwa4BYZCCDxFy8AQH-WkoMtUE4X8hMqXc/s1600/d2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-32293027893317217252014-04-11T08:05:00.000-04:002014-04-11T08:05:08.047-04:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia97suKq16Q8o2B6w35uFCf6_asNN7VHP6hAIluVY0bbXbogGUdTaJWBNG6dyZbnyjdYqFRRgi9PqsmXkl1HWByMIGaOp09NKQC8L1fPFOToC8EjFpqyHVtsW_hzBYQCg5ZQhAAyrShfU/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia97suKq16Q8o2B6w35uFCf6_asNN7VHP6hAIluVY0bbXbogGUdTaJWBNG6dyZbnyjdYqFRRgi9PqsmXkl1HWByMIGaOp09NKQC8L1fPFOToC8EjFpqyHVtsW_hzBYQCg5ZQhAAyrShfU/s1600/love.jpg" height="622" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{this moment}</span></i><span style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px;"> </span></div>
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<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.99305534362793px;">A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" style="color: #898989; text-decoration: none;">SouleMama</a>. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</i></div>
imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-84178547383455824522014-04-03T07:22:00.002-04:002014-04-03T07:22:33.269-04:00spring soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBdhwjx9RMuDE-l_VzE9MKH05WmEmMlt0lo1gWfe2sfPW7ShSO41BMlyp4_jKLnm1QfqU86YOiyFH5R93IB3lg7UTfbvCkHmwDDBCFfC1OSJesJsQSfWNfJg6V4hAjcWzI1gvrQ36BWc/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBdhwjx9RMuDE-l_VzE9MKH05WmEmMlt0lo1gWfe2sfPW7ShSO41BMlyp4_jKLnm1QfqU86YOiyFH5R93IB3lg7UTfbvCkHmwDDBCFfC1OSJesJsQSfWNfJg6V4hAjcWzI1gvrQ36BWc/s1600/14.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFQvF7K-JCPI8ZC0LXPv_DZ_j16pTOQZcKkeRgWv-DFeDTYwFUC9wIPZqu-s_crFY1xL8BHzioQxW8Kaj9XQGlCerZ_ygOxfmDHig1BZdnLOg5CGlAazMvA_EDiZlP9PWctTDknvgFPU/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFQvF7K-JCPI8ZC0LXPv_DZ_j16pTOQZcKkeRgWv-DFeDTYwFUC9wIPZqu-s_crFY1xL8BHzioQxW8Kaj9XQGlCerZ_ygOxfmDHig1BZdnLOg5CGlAazMvA_EDiZlP9PWctTDknvgFPU/s1600/13.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX-qWKUqAHXMf4j-bbM9qDBPhdkfj2zfa2kUWJxc3ILcw0I2gfH3RCa7v61UJwbCUq19RVe5NbncNseQ0PKc_2hc-Yy-e4-Acgoe_Mpq0-JRQWwGoKHbp36BnvZW-NyDv9rA21aVkAlc/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuX-qWKUqAHXMf4j-bbM9qDBPhdkfj2zfa2kUWJxc3ILcw0I2gfH3RCa7v61UJwbCUq19RVe5NbncNseQ0PKc_2hc-Yy-e4-Acgoe_Mpq0-JRQWwGoKHbp36BnvZW-NyDv9rA21aVkAlc/s1600/12.jpg" height="548" width="640" /></a></div>
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The warmer weather and increased hours of sunlight seem to be bringing out the inner culinary genius in Wren. We've been enjoying lots of 'soup' this week. </div>
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Welcome, Spring!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I do not know which to prefer, </i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>The beauty of inflections </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Or the beauty of innuendoes, </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>The blackbird whistling </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Or just after.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">-Wallace Stevens</span>imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-456031566623577502014-03-28T06:40:00.001-04:002014-03-28T06:40:20.292-04:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsNQHQJ3A1lBbCAwiSYUv-8D8LZncrSlYo2yzzoh9Xwon5i31nNjDvYnpgU4I5OT7QwPmANl1ZjzKzoouuiHUOIg0QfsxfTgkInWUw364ZEg8tnNlVQFZRydHW8-RdckTP5vZTEwEMX8/s1600/wren1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsNQHQJ3A1lBbCAwiSYUv-8D8LZncrSlYo2yzzoh9Xwon5i31nNjDvYnpgU4I5OT7QwPmANl1ZjzKzoouuiHUOIg0QfsxfTgkInWUw364ZEg8tnNlVQFZRydHW8-RdckTP5vZTEwEMX8/s1600/wren1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{this moment}</span></i><span style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff1ee; clear: both; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.99305534362793px;">A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" style="color: #898989; text-decoration: none;">SouleMama</a>. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</i></div>
imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-32619903101680490832014-03-14T08:33:00.003-04:002014-03-14T08:34:24.476-04:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBr4xgF79cPTWf-ih8jhzChWoa64KXEIA7cOHLCHtbBdcjaj9vmAMPKW3PYFDtbYNZh596DABd89iQDT8ZMV-e3OiU4qpby5k8JazjOh2YqxO2zqEDoy45QYFt0EGiGfrPeQnIMFZnrM/s1600/geese10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBr4xgF79cPTWf-ih8jhzChWoa64KXEIA7cOHLCHtbBdcjaj9vmAMPKW3PYFDtbYNZh596DABd89iQDT8ZMV-e3OiU4qpby5k8JazjOh2YqxO2zqEDoy45QYFt0EGiGfrPeQnIMFZnrM/s1600/geese10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNFxCnE_caQhFCMex5bEn1s6w5IJjYIA-EEA_itLir6QkK3BD2qBaHXCPqWEXvw8UAuC822wPKQXT21aSftbSNEwh6oMIJV6kYx_r0-LfyXr8xPr_wQvkHkwfX8C7apbv07-53wE_DD0/s1600/geese11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNFxCnE_caQhFCMex5bEn1s6w5IJjYIA-EEA_itLir6QkK3BD2qBaHXCPqWEXvw8UAuC822wPKQXT21aSftbSNEwh6oMIJV6kYx_r0-LfyXr8xPr_wQvkHkwfX8C7apbv07-53wE_DD0/s1600/geese11.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2sXXf85Oex1fsxKGqXVuES9JdadT9tZ077GkDK4aVcUJug-_4JFFH5vQTjKyR6_lAEyFuqbs70mBNvOlVLkBqP1F9J5QMTbMLXwmy6Rjw2mYCUkpPE5CHbm4SoYyCJtlmr0F4WgPh-g/s1600/geese12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2sXXf85Oex1fsxKGqXVuES9JdadT9tZ077GkDK4aVcUJug-_4JFFH5vQTjKyR6_lAEyFuqbs70mBNvOlVLkBqP1F9J5QMTbMLXwmy6Rjw2mYCUkpPE5CHbm4SoYyCJtlmr0F4WgPh-g/s1600/geese12.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{this moment}</span></i><span style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff1ee; clear: both; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.99305534362793px;">A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" style="color: #898989; text-decoration: none;">SouleMama</a>. A few photos - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</i></div>
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<br />imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-23488564257799267302014-03-07T10:00:00.000-05:002014-03-07T10:00:55.024-05:00unrealI'm not sure exactly how to write this post, or if I <i>should</i> write this post.<br />
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Last week we got an unfathomable phone call from one of my brothers, telling us that our youngest nephew had died without any warning during a nap.<br />
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One of the very best parts of living where we do is that we are located exactly half way between my side of the family and Luke's side of the family. Because of our proximity (and genuine affection for our relatives) we get to spend lots of time visiting them or having them over here. And it turns out that Wren's closest friends and playmates are actually her cousins. To the extent that she unknowingly interchanges the term "cousin" and "friend" and despite our well-meaning explanations, she really doesn't seem to grasp the difference. <br />
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Like I said, I'm not sure exactly how to write this post, or if I <i>should</i> write this post. Should I describe our sweet nephew, that bundle of 6-month-old with chubby rolls and toothless smiles: his squeals and gurgles and raspberries? Do I find a way to write the aching grief that pervades our days, and how we try to come around our <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2014/02/buttons.html">little sister</a>, her husband, and their 3-year-old daughter? Maybe I could tell everyone that the little tribe of cousins- from toddlers up to pre-teens- each notice the loss and mourn; that the youngest ones seem quite confused by the rooms full of adults with blotchy red faces and seemingly endless tears. I could list all of the insightful, heartfelt questions they ask at the times you'd least expect it. Or maybe I should just use this space to philosophize about my own perspective on life, death, human suffering and despair?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUd-VSmhhRF51sPJJs9JJ_x5j8ijxo20qT3Nx8uShuFC5qWCkGALODrXsjT42tDFeE1da7s7a7mAhPupIesjk1q3ow-TYaLq-heJLGm-sH8Uq8lwu4lRw92HRDAZ737GexKBmdPCLlXEs/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUd-VSmhhRF51sPJJs9JJ_x5j8ijxo20qT3Nx8uShuFC5qWCkGALODrXsjT42tDFeE1da7s7a7mAhPupIesjk1q3ow-TYaLq-heJLGm-sH8Uq8lwu4lRw92HRDAZ737GexKBmdPCLlXEs/s1600/collage.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
It's a strange, slow time for our family right now. I'll not write any of those things, but instead close with a poem that perhaps does some justice to the very 'now' feelings of loss; feelings that are bound to evolve and change for us all. I know that in many ways peace that has come and that in other ways peace will continue to come to us all. But for now, I want to be honest about the universal rawness one feels in the wake of loss and grief:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">To Bhain Campbell </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">1911-1940</i></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;"> </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">(by </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">John Berryman)</span><br />
<i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">I told a lie once in a verse. I said</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">I said I said I said "The heart will mend,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">Body will break and mend, the foam replace</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">For even the unconsolable his taken friend."</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.600000381469727px;">This is a lie. I had not been here then.</span></i>imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-64655196486048149712014-02-23T17:03:00.004-05:002014-02-23T17:03:29.500-05:0026 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzszAVDxAXv1PsCGXDNE7oae3hgD2Ywip2fVm8q5v8-V_jP9KLHlXbrfxec6Xrziu_BIQuB_ylyc1larMBTZLzq32bgvf1XThvw5kd4lenbKogrdmaiiTUI2PRoIe2PMc51WE8zdcy9YY/s1600/preg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzszAVDxAXv1PsCGXDNE7oae3hgD2Ywip2fVm8q5v8-V_jP9KLHlXbrfxec6Xrziu_BIQuB_ylyc1larMBTZLzq32bgvf1XThvw5kd4lenbKogrdmaiiTUI2PRoIe2PMc51WE8zdcy9YY/s1600/preg2.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
We're currently 26 weeks along, just a week shy of the 3rd trimester! The next few months are likely to fly by in a flurry of packing (have I mentioned that we're <i>moving</i>?) and sewing projects (I believe my sewing ambitions may be a bit over-the-top for the given time frame, but I'm going to try!). At times it all feels overwhelming, especially when I remember how very much I need to fully experience the last weeks of 'just us' time with this one little girl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TazduZmurC-IxpRRhWrpkNVf5i-4mDtdVc_IKeg9SfySakD7wYXV8Rkvb3BEZTzOLIkozF8Y9GYcZrtwkg9n-QwVlWKdSuFO2bIWvNbxfV9piLgU3xCm6GKA7RnEJ95ZA8NKKiWsMOo/s1600/preg3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TazduZmurC-IxpRRhWrpkNVf5i-4mDtdVc_IKeg9SfySakD7wYXV8Rkvb3BEZTzOLIkozF8Y9GYcZrtwkg9n-QwVlWKdSuFO2bIWvNbxfV9piLgU3xCm6GKA7RnEJ95ZA8NKKiWsMOo/s1600/preg3.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
Earlier today she told me, "Hey Mom! Guess what? I have a big smile and 2 eyeballs."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYE9iN79O2yAI3ygB_lMKtMe-x_L11nzo6DwesTnN6Dcd189FvH8DfL6_Xo-VinFsbMm3mBkxOsV9YrU_YJKpfCIMz35zP30sUaVSAVrBgvsmGyujA3nQBOYt4jbkNI7E4UGgXt8Lid4/s1600/preg4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYE9iN79O2yAI3ygB_lMKtMe-x_L11nzo6DwesTnN6Dcd189FvH8DfL6_Xo-VinFsbMm3mBkxOsV9YrU_YJKpfCIMz35zP30sUaVSAVrBgvsmGyujA3nQBOYt4jbkNI7E4UGgXt8Lid4/s1600/preg4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
She's absolutely right.imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-36356455817520897152014-02-21T07:16:00.001-05:002014-02-21T07:16:25.059-05:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiN_EXT5pGNDtXe32l3jnwuu4eeEzh9gDVbrmmVHhQxqeX_k09UNAvm4yQcpML0cObdONwBoMA2Xv9-gkM0D3jIN5DnAZcwPYCj-Bsbk-vBTzQGinqFRkRxh__IryJu7wWZwlpurNN7k/s1600/DSCN4743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiN_EXT5pGNDtXe32l3jnwuu4eeEzh9gDVbrmmVHhQxqeX_k09UNAvm4yQcpML0cObdONwBoMA2Xv9-gkM0D3jIN5DnAZcwPYCj-Bsbk-vBTzQGinqFRkRxh__IryJu7wWZwlpurNN7k/s1600/DSCN4743.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff1ee; clear: both; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{this moment}</span></i><span style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff1ee; clear: both; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.99305534362793px;">A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" style="color: #898989; text-decoration: none;">SouleMama</a>. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</i></div>
imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-57802929060096060622014-02-20T15:12:00.003-05:002014-02-20T15:12:52.317-05:00if you sew a kid a bracelet...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GvYREgkN050DDJUYamGO2FAk4zxemPhEBE1HXvy2UGHCYxDEPMuO_4IzbARCXYC2hR9Jv97-zn0qaSYqVWNH2raEofjc-mOYGCAbqUvnrWLG8D_pfFvB3tYuqJ6qMRm4bH-w9J1FgEg/s1600/bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GvYREgkN050DDJUYamGO2FAk4zxemPhEBE1HXvy2UGHCYxDEPMuO_4IzbARCXYC2hR9Jv97-zn0qaSYqVWNH2raEofjc-mOYGCAbqUvnrWLG8D_pfFvB3tYuqJ6qMRm4bH-w9J1FgEg/s1600/bracelet.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSyZKCjujMyov6Hee_V5jiCxZ3mRgtcwChcgF5m81_zUA6xnlyxv6prUFNWBIdKQSVfUwZ4d86vt0XkIKBKmmIPDYxjdUbwT09vP9HoNAaJUOoGj9fajrv8KbnUDFhQXPMFi8cDHvQII/s1600/bracelet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSyZKCjujMyov6Hee_V5jiCxZ3mRgtcwChcgF5m81_zUA6xnlyxv6prUFNWBIdKQSVfUwZ4d86vt0XkIKBKmmIPDYxjdUbwT09vP9HoNAaJUOoGj9fajrv8KbnUDFhQXPMFi8cDHvQII/s1600/bracelet2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgojckBS34HYvZUD3b7tistSn2PEQjJfcDYu2MoPlyuHLa-8p2S9-m1C_istbqJnPbKZraHRGitwwYEJ7bsQ1w5BGGUunWLajCXHrDGmVpV2sOBtFzv4zoO9s_iC-cmX_SmQHyU3i6Dc/s1600/bracelet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgojckBS34HYvZUD3b7tistSn2PEQjJfcDYu2MoPlyuHLa-8p2S9-m1C_istbqJnPbKZraHRGitwwYEJ7bsQ1w5BGGUunWLajCXHrDGmVpV2sOBtFzv4zoO9s_iC-cmX_SmQHyU3i6Dc/s1600/bracelet3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_smjYplUDHtaxAdpLiJLd9TyV1GGiYe7lokDFLyYT0kkfnp7N45ybx4SqRFNWFm3q4_P4SOqlmPmgDYgY2VuEXstleKHLVfgyI8n5Z5lgfFAb3Z1nlBCs2PZXJMIkvR3XZ5MbVNUf1W0/s1600/bracelet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_smjYplUDHtaxAdpLiJLd9TyV1GGiYe7lokDFLyYT0kkfnp7N45ybx4SqRFNWFm3q4_P4SOqlmPmgDYgY2VuEXstleKHLVfgyI8n5Z5lgfFAb3Z1nlBCs2PZXJMIkvR3XZ5MbVNUf1W0/s1600/bracelet4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
All that button talk yesterday reminded me of the adorable button bracelets my sister-in-law gifted to a bunch of people for Christmas a few years ago. I believe she came across the idea on Pinterest, though I cannot be sure. I followed suit with a few of those buttons that Wren loves best. Using 1/4" elastic that fits loosely around her wrist I connected the ends together with a quick whip stitch and then sewed buttons of all sorts around it. The inside (where you can see the threads looping all about) isn't pretty in any sense, but it sure looks sweet from the right side! Cute as a button (bracelet).imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-18255299681356562632014-02-19T08:24:00.001-05:002014-02-19T08:24:21.809-05:00buttons!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5bKsEWVZfypycSzMYGAwQr1OqtqSmuP7f5TNHrpSXWeJhsBmJ-Gxco1HRs7QsQsT_jTrMGaQB4Q58dYCTR1yMpOZ03zpb9X6buYlLCCi-9V9cwqaSpA_MwRPnbpbeGHfkSYgVMrsmj0/s1600/buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5bKsEWVZfypycSzMYGAwQr1OqtqSmuP7f5TNHrpSXWeJhsBmJ-Gxco1HRs7QsQsT_jTrMGaQB4Q58dYCTR1yMpOZ03zpb9X6buYlLCCi-9V9cwqaSpA_MwRPnbpbeGHfkSYgVMrsmj0/s1600/buttons.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Wren demonstrates her new fascination with buttons on the sewing room sill.</td></tr>
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My younger sister, Julie, has a strange, inexplicable life-long aversion to buttons. She thinks they're <i>gross</i>. As kids we used to raid my mom's sewing room for novel art supplies and scissors and glue guns. I personally loved the antique tin filled with miscellaneous buttons: letting them run through my fingers like sand, organizing them into little piles and picking my favorites. Julie would shriek and call me disgusting and leave the room. She <i>still</i> barely will touch, wear or tolerate buttons in any form.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG64UJ4eXAbVXwh-wPJxylHZaClDrPWlDycSA6NtThlZmUUcrZiR-_d4iQGr5YjCOPiFqGo0aC2xfZgJVSTVFW0qAT49IgQcJAKS48Sc0f8GVZZme9t8X1BXc1jArB7R9BcfIrhxZt7d0/s1600/Julie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG64UJ4eXAbVXwh-wPJxylHZaClDrPWlDycSA6NtThlZmUUcrZiR-_d4iQGr5YjCOPiFqGo0aC2xfZgJVSTVFW0qAT49IgQcJAKS48Sc0f8GVZZme9t8X1BXc1jArB7R9BcfIrhxZt7d0/s1600/Julie.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little sister and her little guy. How sweet!</td></tr>
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I'm finding that I have a similar reaction these days, not to buttons, but to <i>sewing buttonholes</i>. Ewwww. Oh man, I have read site after site with information about doing buttonholes with a machine. I have been through nearly all the Youtube tutorials on the subject. I have the entire sewing-buttonholes-with-your-machine section of my sewing machine manual memorized. And I have yet to craft a buttonhole that doesn't make me cringe. They're functional, but they're decidedly not pretty. Maybe it's my machine? Regardless, it's frustrating and a bit disheartening.<br />
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I'm not giving up on the task completely, but I'm not gonna lie- there is much rejoicing when I can avoid it. And that's exactly what I did when I sewed this little sundress for Wren by re-purposing a women's button-down top from the thrift store.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVb_dwUk7WAkkgeREOWthlzQ3OjkXo-OVE20w-BykDOU02qDsiFDNiYWr_Sg9yeea0KNiVjqvI_IKy87KBXQ4a9X5cnzajfhjG4be7iwcj7W1kazBbeyI16xTWWkclXl9wdAi-dmgpNw/s1600/plus3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVb_dwUk7WAkkgeREOWthlzQ3OjkXo-OVE20w-BykDOU02qDsiFDNiYWr_Sg9yeea0KNiVjqvI_IKy87KBXQ4a9X5cnzajfhjG4be7iwcj7W1kazBbeyI16xTWWkclXl9wdAi-dmgpNw/s1600/plus3.jpg" height="640" width="486" /></a></div>
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I just took all of those beautiful, perfect, straight button holes and flipped them around from the front of the shirt to the back of this dress. It's a technique I've seen many others use when working with buttoned shirts, and I think it's a dream come true.<u><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyr0ih_1CYcu9HoXH2S4eAwefKumbaWrBI7GUpRRTyLLMQqdoL3QppxAMG6fnQ-6xY7vvjvZyL55CHImgrgZBU2rLbV-uOnPgGH3yHAU84ET-MA-D-Dxw29-WmAFHb-CCJdvRArPFVf94/s1600/plus5.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></u></div>
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I used some pattern pieces from another old pattern (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/170289090/uncut-sewing-pattern-little-girl-dresses?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=supplies_low&gclid=CJ7zoLKP17wCFaxxOgodcRYArA">McCall's 3531</a>) to get the sizing right. Then I added a lining to the bodice to give it a more finished look, though I had to fudge it a little bit around that glorious strip of buttons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZcpljqptPssiS_iJwLv9YBWZHbMhAoKFOlGt9yymLwam343FID-NfPVlXCCAvf7GrzdfW5gcrgt8tc-6BhLmaHToSGMZ7QYNw3e5W8IhD2MluH_wSOV062YnRihHmht6BWb6NwrP5-4/s1600/plus4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZcpljqptPssiS_iJwLv9YBWZHbMhAoKFOlGt9yymLwam343FID-NfPVlXCCAvf7GrzdfW5gcrgt8tc-6BhLmaHToSGMZ7QYNw3e5W8IhD2MluH_wSOV062YnRihHmht6BWb6NwrP5-4/s1600/plus4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'd originally planned to alter this shirt into a maternity top for myself, but I have to say that I'm totally happy to have forewent that plan in favor of a summer dress for the wee one. It's actually a size or so too big (I used clothes pins to gather at the back for these photos), so I think she'll get plenty of wear out of it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GR1-7PVoDW5Ajw9a9mF0-iV_upIy0EoxE8IfulFKvnGFEb38zzyfF-VXzuriaxx9oPBCq6WFCDh_izHHHzWXavzO2ORmsWm6Ym2UWxz0kiQBx9lG6bzPNLCHB6Uj4fIZrz0cKLQLo6Q/s1600/plus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GR1-7PVoDW5Ajw9a9mF0-iV_upIy0EoxE8IfulFKvnGFEb38zzyfF-VXzuriaxx9oPBCq6WFCDh_izHHHzWXavzO2ORmsWm6Ym2UWxz0kiQBx9lG6bzPNLCHB6Uj4fIZrz0cKLQLo6Q/s1600/plus2.jpg" height="640" width="370" /></a></div>
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And I suppose for the sake of my button-loathing little sister I won't be making a matching one for Wren's cousin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJs-wDIS7oJYB8T7cC20j7xKLrLFSCk6PcwHKRRYj9s-0ti4_PnfMd7dMWJtV_Bdtv_ZkmwzxQYHq4o8r-n49d2rPiGOixCi1WXsHQq0Ei6w5XF91z7xTai8V8z023JIvqYvIJP50re0/s1600/plus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJs-wDIS7oJYB8T7cC20j7xKLrLFSCk6PcwHKRRYj9s-0ti4_PnfMd7dMWJtV_Bdtv_ZkmwzxQYHq4o8r-n49d2rPiGOixCi1WXsHQq0Ei6w5XF91z7xTai8V8z023JIvqYvIJP50re0/s1600/plus.jpg" height="640" width="442" /></a></div>
imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-8948077554006178212014-02-18T09:44:00.000-05:002014-02-18T09:44:50.039-05:00on the periphery of another world<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>This post was originally written for a monthly community writing project I do with a group of friends. The challenge for the month was to write about "Another World" that we each experience apart from the rest of the community. After sharing it with those friends, I thought I might also share it here with these (you) friends as well!</i></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MSuT_JBxyjIkX0sWCL4aMj3X9PIOKtCbA23EUSR5V1qzTymiPgnr8E63IUqyP68AF16fj7FEhka_bIhxFo8f1LnxQ1TlyUJDLBRgBB0NJSfnu4-F2g29_vfGr36PLsd_oGP36b6fNf8/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MSuT_JBxyjIkX0sWCL4aMj3X9PIOKtCbA23EUSR5V1qzTymiPgnr8E63IUqyP68AF16fj7FEhka_bIhxFo8f1LnxQ1TlyUJDLBRgBB0NJSfnu4-F2g29_vfGr36PLsd_oGP36b6fNf8/s1600/me.jpg" height="520" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With routine days spent in such proximity, my daughter and I live in a unique world where a toddler and an adult inhabit the same space. At times I’m overtaken by my connection to her- my firstborn. Even though our contact is constant and overwhelming, I still want her close. At night, when I wake </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 15.552599906921387px;">scared <i>(When despair for the world grows in me</i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">/and I wake in the night at the least sound/in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be –Wendell Berry</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">), my first thought is to check on her in her bed, cuddle close, imbibe the rhythm of her nighttime breath, and whisper thanks over and over and over for the moments I’ve had with her. And I beg for more, for as many moments as we can have. Sometimes I imagine absorbing her back inside me so that my body might again be her safe place where she is closer to me, and a bit more removed from that ‘outside’ world I find so hard to trust.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwvbso3RTOcHDSfBJFzvqGQxcT70h2VldCEEu09K-VEurwQIv0LVXzdWmgh8CD6rUBf6VDjGO8GALZ4e-hKDxQuuPhWZ3gEWnGncCmyjXR8cSx1JIovGq4vorxl-4_IuDcTHehPzOzKI/s1600/DSCN4318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwvbso3RTOcHDSfBJFzvqGQxcT70h2VldCEEu09K-VEurwQIv0LVXzdWmgh8CD6rUBf6VDjGO8GALZ4e-hKDxQuuPhWZ3gEWnGncCmyjXR8cSx1JIovGq4vorxl-4_IuDcTHehPzOzKI/s1600/DSCN4318.JPG" height="480" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She dances around the house creating her own small worlds from blankets, discarded papers, stacked books and any old thing she imagines life into. She talks through her every thought and I have to guess nothing about her ideas, fears, hopes or intentions. I listen to her soliloquies and notice how she will weave in such little details of the day. When I listen, I can hear what she’s learned and how she absorbs it all through play:</span></span><br />
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once, when I fix her toy with glue she pretends to break and repair household objects for several hours thereafter. </span></li>
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a trip to the hospital and the pharmacy she carefully explains to a throng of dolls and stuffed animals that they should be sure to drink lots of water and juice so that they can feel better.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I drop my phone in frustration grunting, “What the <i>heck</i>?!” A few hours later she tells me in snotty frustration, “Mom, I have boogs. What the <i>heck</i>?!”</span></li>
</ul>
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can hear her arguing with Luke in the dining room and he tells her she’s ‘unbelievable’. So she climbs the steps to the second floor to report, “Mom, I’m undeliebable”.</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjI9ZvOrdKiZhfdp9Sx4pzjjGF1-JeGMGdfHjRb_YYEB75WcWCR3j4xC8PTI6wpD59R1uMaq47RxJaEdGm6nAku7PBa-88mE7iBjen-Tca1l6IXQL_kaf4WsXuBCO8KFpJZR2TR0S-Wvg/s1600/girls5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjI9ZvOrdKiZhfdp9Sx4pzjjGF1-JeGMGdfHjRb_YYEB75WcWCR3j4xC8PTI6wpD59R1uMaq47RxJaEdGm6nAku7PBa-88mE7iBjen-Tca1l6IXQL_kaf4WsXuBCO8KFpJZR2TR0S-Wvg/s1600/girls5.jpg" height="480" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a><br />Always learning, repeating, asking, refining, testing.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Exasperating and illogical as her toddler world may be, I feel privileged to spend my days in and out of its periphery. I can feel- <i>it’s palpable</i>- that in her world there is no pretense or hatred or dishonesty. In her transparent curiosity, she is light to me. She is love and hope and every good thing I long for in the adult world I generally inhabit. She and her 30 lb ilk are beyond precious. There is no word for it. Sometimes I just think that if every person in the world would look a toddler in the eyes and <i>listen</i> and <i>hear</i> – Oh, how could they do any of the ungodly things that we do? How could anyone do an ounce of evil to threaten all the shiny, hopeful, unblemished goodness of a tiny human who’s just piecing it all together?</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbX0jZmaM4lml1GftfcYRbcySEeXj3y7lPBCbtC5FkZoJFx9Np8Z2TyazUFXVc0JJBb6BdwdebSw7gQxGDcnatzopnYre9fuS1VCmxUNToJ_1vriV1suUkjPLQHykJQobKoXxbptNoPvQ/s1600/sf30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbX0jZmaM4lml1GftfcYRbcySEeXj3y7lPBCbtC5FkZoJFx9Np8Z2TyazUFXVc0JJBb6BdwdebSw7gQxGDcnatzopnYre9fuS1VCmxUNToJ_1vriV1suUkjPLQHykJQobKoXxbptNoPvQ/s1600/sf30.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />There’s no war in those eyes. No rape. No industrial mayhem. No slavery. It’s a world of possibility. I teach her, of course. But it’s no cliché to say that perhaps she is the true teacher here.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDU5UAeYBsaDo_1Yc2fQYZs-yjb1ciWS_aDNy5s8TMAIQ6fte_3Ura5V2uAFWz8GnZz7AwszKVRgLxaRhF20FJEyMGCQI_zwa2Z3jYmMDRa1EtgpQXqEkILT0U3WPjcrOZlf0u_9dm3g/s1600/September3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDU5UAeYBsaDo_1Yc2fQYZs-yjb1ciWS_aDNy5s8TMAIQ6fte_3Ura5V2uAFWz8GnZz7AwszKVRgLxaRhF20FJEyMGCQI_zwa2Z3jYmMDRa1EtgpQXqEkILT0U3WPjcrOZlf0u_9dm3g/s1600/September3.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And yet daily I find myself faced with the task of letting her go (because surely she belongs to no one, not even me), of walking near her, but not an obstacle to her growth, independence or strength. And worst (scariest, hardest?) of all, I must find some way to loose her into a world I do not trust with her. Obviously she’ll meet countless loving, wonderful, art-ful others who will feed her soul and buoy her. But what about that one or two or three who might mean her harm, or see her as a means to an end?</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0n_kHlFHlC5GbdOOMT0K-eu8EHFvAA-9KIptW2CqATQcKuaOljZDSOwSnianRpjmmHXVFzrlcqLsM2JG9DRHubjy9s3K2g7w7JoUiHlnC0JoYf_05-pkTLILdpD8OV124xkpbP5flUM/s1600/sf32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0n_kHlFHlC5GbdOOMT0K-eu8EHFvAA-9KIptW2CqATQcKuaOljZDSOwSnianRpjmmHXVFzrlcqLsM2JG9DRHubjy9s3K2g7w7JoUiHlnC0JoYf_05-pkTLILdpD8OV124xkpbP5flUM/s1600/sf32.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh world, let her live fully here. Let her be free in as many ways that there are. And let her shine through whatever darknesses lurk on her path. Help her know herself, trust herself, love herself deeply. Give her clarity and assurance. Let her and her peers teach us all, for we need to inhabit their curious world more than we’ll ever acknowledge.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT5vqQfWrLLUCQ1iXVgwfvJ6_Qw7Ak6at_jlmYZfd4CXL_Ss1seiOvGao1gISvkChRhOv2cqutlLiTsQIbM4bvkkFAcuQD2oivJ5vVoN740MWwlH8AYDm9876YISl2izAozR2s6myBuQ/s1600/sf5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT5vqQfWrLLUCQ1iXVgwfvJ6_Qw7Ak6at_jlmYZfd4CXL_Ss1seiOvGao1gISvkChRhOv2cqutlLiTsQIbM4bvkkFAcuQD2oivJ5vVoN740MWwlH8AYDm9876YISl2izAozR2s6myBuQ/s1600/sf5.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiaPCNbOVFboZZKfwp2DQsBgvJp3vJchZTuQ4cZp_yO160F6pWNMu6sshybvbN7GHLJmnpZFBDuW11tgN1T7Mrg5tWj2OtRbFDeTb_9BlItHtebbEFBz2jWbOJ68TSYXTpNG3iNCsJB8/s1600/sf16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiaPCNbOVFboZZKfwp2DQsBgvJp3vJchZTuQ4cZp_yO160F6pWNMu6sshybvbN7GHLJmnpZFBDuW11tgN1T7Mrg5tWj2OtRbFDeTb_9BlItHtebbEFBz2jWbOJ68TSYXTpNG3iNCsJB8/s1600/sf16.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgP5-7WNx_xdicGDcPeo8MOIPawLiLbg-YTUWtfKPSe3jIMoPaHi05Q_LNkKmeCRJFgAD4ROXo8_jtGN9mZ_La3Gv3_OYeg9VFu62ECi0spNRRjCuwf3wFp4GN35BDvNc6Ft9GInGniCY/s1600/girls4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgP5-7WNx_xdicGDcPeo8MOIPawLiLbg-YTUWtfKPSe3jIMoPaHi05Q_LNkKmeCRJFgAD4ROXo8_jtGN9mZ_La3Gv3_OYeg9VFu62ECi0spNRRjCuwf3wFp4GN35BDvNc6Ft9GInGniCY/s1600/girls4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5IrV4pcOIZ2eQU-Rl8g99etjqqjx-NJLKJKLsbXdoSIzoniompL7FZ3iRK8sfbfSvkCcpe9_i38Qml9xi0OrEljTsos9ph_fQAi-J2bYHEYa4_Fp1RSzhMHY46_Ql2NHCbi_tnpvTqE/s1600/February92014+134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 20.285999298095703px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a><br style="background-color: #c0a154; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20.285999298095703px;" />imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-54278845265270126722014-02-14T13:55:00.001-05:002014-02-14T13:55:14.400-05:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3caPQmM-GTmmE5uaAYwRlYmdJEWmnK7oYZ-0jBbVA2Qd0HB6nNp6brF79tidtwnAujqGKLt23yDrHbcW6DWD2alC2SmLOzL94DCHOCEnuwaPJBie0PjSU9K2AZ-4pddKg59ywRxsoB8/s1600/yessss4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3caPQmM-GTmmE5uaAYwRlYmdJEWmnK7oYZ-0jBbVA2Qd0HB6nNp6brF79tidtwnAujqGKLt23yDrHbcW6DWD2alC2SmLOzL94DCHOCEnuwaPJBie0PjSU9K2AZ-4pddKg59ywRxsoB8/s1600/yessss4.jpg" height="556" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{this moment}</span></i><span style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px;"> </span></div>
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<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.99305534362793px;">A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" style="color: #898989; text-decoration: none;">SouleMama</a>. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</i></div>
imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-22987878052444570612014-02-13T15:45:00.000-05:002014-02-19T08:33:24.841-05:00our songbird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8n45x8R3VD7BIioslY5eGm5bur2mzb3mW1xNLdgY1rinzTIN6F4s0uVYCaCiAIQhn_7E5nUKo9ux37V973vQ-UB4rzp7qDgYyY0s0-XhKR8baMzucurHLexJJDYq2n2WO6sLYRE4FuY/s1600/Collages1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8n45x8R3VD7BIioslY5eGm5bur2mzb3mW1xNLdgY1rinzTIN6F4s0uVYCaCiAIQhn_7E5nUKo9ux37V973vQ-UB4rzp7qDgYyY0s0-XhKR8baMzucurHLexJJDYq2n2WO6sLYRE4FuY/s1600/Collages1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each day it becomes more and more apparent that we were not mistaken in naming Wren for a chattering, warbling little songbird. Silent moments around this house are very rare, due mostly to her constant stream-of-thought conversations and her love for singing. My mother tells me that when she watches Wren play she feels like she's watching me as a toddler those many years ago. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_amJJB7LAV2qXiGN31Dr5S-1bsf_conaLiwXshpLydgugiVCcHQ5jcbpS01MkmP2_Z99aCM9eMlaGSUHME_WSDxVncTCkP9ZIa5EF3CUa3MAjU5PXwEVDxrsQ5IFW__-UKQpY4Qyf0ac/s1600/pillowcase4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_amJJB7LAV2qXiGN31Dr5S-1bsf_conaLiwXshpLydgugiVCcHQ5jcbpS01MkmP2_Z99aCM9eMlaGSUHME_WSDxVncTCkP9ZIa5EF3CUa3MAjU5PXwEVDxrsQ5IFW__-UKQpY4Qyf0ac/s1600/pillowcase4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's exhausting but it's also the best. Even when I'm trying to get her to stand-the-heck-still for a photo op!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYUKlC800Lw86IMGuv5pU2CCn4iZzRWm3Fm2PQOI2oa_739ic1FNVQoZXA8YOmj1iWhK7V-KLkddh8-oNXPAXWe6VTzlkAPQtBk3LT21O4ckHX53OW4jBNp2XzeLMmK_7M1sFBaSY7i4/s1600/pillowcase3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYUKlC800Lw86IMGuv5pU2CCn4iZzRWm3Fm2PQOI2oa_739ic1FNVQoZXA8YOmj1iWhK7V-KLkddh8-oNXPAXWe6VTzlkAPQtBk3LT21O4ckHX53OW4jBNp2XzeLMmK_7M1sFBaSY7i4/s1600/pillowcase3.jpg" height="640" width="382" /></a></div>
Yesterday at 3 in the afternoon I felt the inexhaustible urge to make Wren a dress using a pillowcase I picked up at the thrift store many moons ago. I scoured the interwebs for some direction or inspiration for a pillowcase dress, and quickly realized that I'm actually not a big fan of them. Honestly, I think it is mainly about using ribbons for straps. Back a few years ago <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2010/08/goofy-geese-for-silly-lilly.html">I made one</a> for my niece and was disappointed with how the ribbons both looked and functioned (or <i>didn't function</i> to stayed tied very well, as the case may be).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIgmHt6i47nWzhIZBLue4tRIarfJb2gqfkQbZzlhZRriazup0_GxZCW27dPrZaCBIUla0uhsGzMZvKlKzoT500WGlFfx0AJFItmG3YygFmEVOXSit8yRzZGJkzv1u0RY-6I6FQqb0DdE/s1600/pillowcase6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIgmHt6i47nWzhIZBLue4tRIarfJb2gqfkQbZzlhZRriazup0_GxZCW27dPrZaCBIUla0uhsGzMZvKlKzoT500WGlFfx0AJFItmG3YygFmEVOXSit8yRzZGJkzv1u0RY-6I6FQqb0DdE/s1600/pillowcase6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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I also really wanted to try something with sleeves, since I always tend to make sleeveless pinafore/jumpers (as seen <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2012/05/what-weve-been-up-to-sewing-wise.html">here</a>, <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2012/07/pestilence-and-other-tales-of-motherhood.html">here</a>, <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2013/03/tulle-and-glitter-and-chiffon-and.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2012/03/super-comfy-jumper.html">here</a>).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmNv1SOYIS8Sj83qY3A4GeV_p_VWYeccsQiTDJVkJCMWagdepVqyazHlsF33JOs3bZAVEpGLyLFneb9aJ8di19bYBlhZoi_lXeORnTcpLqRovPjK8i8salT4Y2SRs_fNlne5bI6cRt6g/s1600/pillowcase5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmNv1SOYIS8Sj83qY3A4GeV_p_VWYeccsQiTDJVkJCMWagdepVqyazHlsF33JOs3bZAVEpGLyLFneb9aJ8di19bYBlhZoi_lXeORnTcpLqRovPjK8i8salT4Y2SRs_fNlne5bI6cRt6g/s1600/pillowcase5.jpg" height="544" width="640" /></a></div>
So instead of a standard pillowcase dress, I chose to use a pattern (<a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Simplicity-5627-Pattern-UNC-Infant-Toddler-Easy-Summer-Dress-Sz-1-2-1-2-3-4-/151164873606">Simplicity 5627</a>) from my stash (also picked up at a thrift shop even more moons ago).<br />
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I primarily used the pattern to help form the bodice, and I added a soft blue cotton lining because the pillowcase I used is quite see-through. The skirt has much less fullness than the pattern calls for, simply because the pillowcase wasn't wide enough. But it still gathered very nicely at the waist. And I cut two strips to make the ties. The pattern suggested using ribbon around the waist, but I used leftover fabric instead because of my aforementioned opinions regarding ribbon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3ztfPOc6u7JDkOxnwo8vxGmvxEynmxaJQLN4W4ychvlnfTkDXW1luV3eCMAF2PQ20CTs41NFZa6ZuABHFdBV6t_xDIhGNBca9BRy6RzomyrgLGlKy4rHnL-hepnktp1XJImFnlyEHJA/s1600/pillowcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3ztfPOc6u7JDkOxnwo8vxGmvxEynmxaJQLN4W4ychvlnfTkDXW1luV3eCMAF2PQ20CTs41NFZa6ZuABHFdBV6t_xDIhGNBca9BRy6RzomyrgLGlKy4rHnL-hepnktp1XJImFnlyEHJA/s1600/pillowcase.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Perhaps my favorite detail of all is that turquoise button at the collar. I asked Wren to choose whatever button she wanted for her dress, and I don't think I could have chosen better myself. PLUS, I didn't need to make any buttonholes, because a tiny loop of elastic is sewn between the bodice and lining instead. </div>
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I am in love with this dress for both the shape and the fabric. I want one for myself, but I don't think they make pillowcases that size... </div>
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Oh well. Let's enjoy a little song from the songbird herself, shall we?</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzecohJKIXoBmjun5H8KDi3cpUxPKpGHKGWG4UaAOgU-qk4PLcwqU5gSN-sTvsf0PHkNpeTVFAnWyYp-R6d6g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-7781848029883945372014-02-11T17:55:00.000-05:002014-02-11T17:55:00.907-05:00i would be doing us all a huge disfavor if i failed to repost this amazing photographHoly cute! Enjoy!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMZRxtwrHpMnMaAfkzyOpPCDpJ968Wwhz6E1H08Gz7F69glwPy5kFeH5I4UQ9YvCoVqwqXXSgK8ZpJmMVVd02ivQ889zzzF3pEhwTCL-ws_pO9KCnG65opPPu-xK4pve8EUDH7pko-dI/s1600/wow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMZRxtwrHpMnMaAfkzyOpPCDpJ968Wwhz6E1H08Gz7F69glwPy5kFeH5I4UQ9YvCoVqwqXXSgK8ZpJmMVVd02ivQ889zzzF3pEhwTCL-ws_pO9KCnG65opPPu-xK4pve8EUDH7pko-dI/s1600/wow.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=604045053002932&set=a.102107073196735.4429.102099916530784&type=1">Humans of New York</a></td></tr>
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<br />imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-47728899513713879482014-02-09T15:02:00.000-05:002014-02-14T23:27:08.973-05:00cabin fever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg-yR-f2Gf87Tas5G5Dr9XLkeMPRiq38QnMPYkg08H8mqDmBVdEUkIwJvyhc15BA5HcTn5vzHcgL6UURViLYB3JH6gi-8JoWBb-eFGeiilaKRR9Zhwb3-gW2ALIyVsfV7IsncJ5seU1c/s1600/DSCN3940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg-yR-f2Gf87Tas5G5Dr9XLkeMPRiq38QnMPYkg08H8mqDmBVdEUkIwJvyhc15BA5HcTn5vzHcgL6UURViLYB3JH6gi-8JoWBb-eFGeiilaKRR9Zhwb3-gW2ALIyVsfV7IsncJ5seU1c/s1600/DSCN3940.JPG" height="640" width="618" /></a></div>
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Snow and ice, cold and more snow, and the flu. Essentially, this summarizes our winter around these parts pretty aptly (though that's probably the most self-pitying way I could describe it). Truthfully, I appreciate the winter for the way it slows us down and coops us up a bit more than we'd probably choose. I love passing these bright frigid days in a house that smells of fresh cooking and is bright with the sun reflecting off of the snow and ice outside our windows. And it's embarrassing how giddy I feel when our <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2013/02/finding-community-and-finding-strength.html">housemates</a> are called off work and snowed in with us, allowing for impromptu snow walks and sledding adventures. </div>
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The slowed pace this time of year is palpable and keeps us all a bit more insular. Despite some serious feelings of cabin fever (for myself and my extroverted mini-me), the truth is that interspersed between a few long weeks of hibernation we've hosted many friends, baked and cooked until our hearts and stomachs filled with oh so much good stuff, and focused lots of time and energy on creating.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO94C4k35n9DDfUNsyaP24jJ2y-9oTNXaOIzIJRTEn49fz9h43JUfhviOIcfBKTHjZ_bvq1_GTg8lSIc6us7SHh0xvHYZixIvvSlYqpQTzss2B5Yahi9Px98pUQ5lwaXJCF9uT6er3OLs/s1600/February92014+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO94C4k35n9DDfUNsyaP24jJ2y-9oTNXaOIzIJRTEn49fz9h43JUfhviOIcfBKTHjZ_bvq1_GTg8lSIc6us7SHh0xvHYZixIvvSlYqpQTzss2B5Yahi9Px98pUQ5lwaXJCF9uT6er3OLs/s1600/February92014+067.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Wren has been an avid artist during the month of January, and I am just amazed to see her natural affinity for activities like painting, drawing, coloring and working with play dough. We keep her art supplies in a place where she can access them herself (all except the contraband paints and markers which at this point are supervised-only tools), and it's so much fun to watch her create little masterpieces at her own behest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFNgWNHTgvY1gQiq8lgZnzg9snKs_jVRotwNQoGZFPZue8oVxQ0TermOgVxQIvIEVrbZAOzq7Cl-MqgbxafCXVVDsKkutJ7jBFupySsnfRXAU-EdiqE4ThQDkeot1P57EB4n78GJ8jUU/s1600/dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFNgWNHTgvY1gQiq8lgZnzg9snKs_jVRotwNQoGZFPZue8oVxQ0TermOgVxQIvIEVrbZAOzq7Cl-MqgbxafCXVVDsKkutJ7jBFupySsnfRXAU-EdiqE4ThQDkeot1P57EB4n78GJ8jUU/s1600/dad.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Luke is busy creating a new desk and seed flats, using fallen tree branches that were casualties of the recent ice storm and antique tools he inherited from a neighbor moving into retirement. And me? Of course all this hibernation means plenty of time at the sewing machine. In between stocking the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChirpAndLullaby?ref=si_shop">shop</a> with old favorite and brand new onesie designs, I am trying to stretch myself and learn some new stuff.</div>
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Last week a friend of a friend asked if I'd be up for the challenge of doing some alterations on a 18-24 month baptismal suit to make it fit a 3 month old. True to <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2013/03/tulle-and-glitter-and-chiffon-and.html">form</a>, my initial response was something like <i>"Ahhhhh! No! That sounds like something I'll swiftly destroy and leave hacked into pieces on my sewing room floor!" </i> BUT of course I realize that if I don't take chances or experiment I will never get to the point where I feel confident enough to take on a terrifying sewing project.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OIq_VT4uNd8NglI01TKkttLCurSgEqEedVyT0awakb14I0mle068qvXEYasgftIRzZpZRo6KMx0K1v9sCvLcb_aQHngEoyF7pFykEQz_nQvAI5GDL5ChyphenhyphenNT06h29Hp7tXMKdbflzFsg/s1600/2014-02-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OIq_VT4uNd8NglI01TKkttLCurSgEqEedVyT0awakb14I0mle068qvXEYasgftIRzZpZRo6KMx0K1v9sCvLcb_aQHngEoyF7pFykEQz_nQvAI5GDL5ChyphenhyphenNT06h29Hp7tXMKdbflzFsg/s1600/2014-02-05.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Honestly, after one afternoon the entire suit was in literal pieces on my sewing room floor, and I went to bed that night trying to decide how to tell this sweet baby's mother that her precious baptismal suit more closely resembled a jigsaw puzzle and couldn't be salvaged. But the next day I tried again and for some reason everything came together much easier. I took the button holes and buttons directly from the original suit and sewed them down the center of a onesie. I also cut the onesie's collar to make a "V" (instead of keeping it rounded) and sewed on little collars that made. I made a new pair of pants using a pattern right out of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Sew-Liberated-Handmade/dp/1596681624/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391974420&sr=1-2&keywords=sew+liberated">Growing Up Sew Liberated</a> from some white cotton in my stash. And the vest came together fairly easily, as I drafted a new vest pattern using the dimensions of the onesie. I kept as many of the finished edges as possible (especially at the buttons down the front) which helped it look more tailored. I was incredibly elated and relieved to see it all come together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtDgc05O8aycV0uO_FGnRQ0NsTbUQUnGcoaRbTLSxBw97ReVlApC1DautxV2RnEYSTRWLf2yA1KKCxOxAn-zQDDZ5QUg8sKFo209WSQ0daJG24z-l5P5cl7HyhUDFVoRr9xV1p5ane20/s1600/useit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtDgc05O8aycV0uO_FGnRQ0NsTbUQUnGcoaRbTLSxBw97ReVlApC1DautxV2RnEYSTRWLf2yA1KKCxOxAn-zQDDZ5QUg8sKFo209WSQ0daJG24z-l5P5cl7HyhUDFVoRr9xV1p5ane20/s1600/useit.jpg" height="640" width="450" /></a></div>
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This week I revisited the <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-a-simple-skirt.html">Simple Skirt</a> tutorial that I used last <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-sewing-interlude.html">summer</a>, this time for another niece's birthday. I picked up a fun, brightly striped Old Navy tank top at the thrift store to applique. A certain someone out there may recognize this floral cotton that was chilling in my fabric stash, and just happened to match the tank perfectly. Wren has already let me know that she's expecting a matching skirt sometime soon. And seeing as I'm trying to sew up a bunch of things for her before the baby arrives, it's incredibly likely that I will oblige.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWCehqV6cL7yScHgWJLfsd7SIHdRI7f2rt38b_WYBKWVZRGTsez48REcicAuac2Qzy5sySo4uPjT9HHWDZEuvZY66D9qSIKCf83eX3WtaLiYq03t5WQVgmbW4um9YGwVlxu9gKT8wDvY/s1600/Desktop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWCehqV6cL7yScHgWJLfsd7SIHdRI7f2rt38b_WYBKWVZRGTsez48REcicAuac2Qzy5sySo4uPjT9HHWDZEuvZY66D9qSIKCf83eX3WtaLiYq03t5WQVgmbW4um9YGwVlxu9gKT8wDvY/s1600/Desktop1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And finally, what would a Chirp & Lullaby post be without some obligatory onesie photos? </div>
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One of my new personal favorites is a design I made for my good friend Sam, who is red-headed and soon to be a 1st-time uncle. My amazingly talented artist of a housemate helped with the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/178469352/i-3-my-uncle-sam-appliqued-onesie-or-tee?ref=shop_home_active_23">Uncle Sam</a> sketch, and I was pleased how well it translated into fabric and thread. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WPuhDoJXW8BK9Xp-jmeH5lHc4NNzNaPdarLT0HSjSExREVHqPLGztpf6GRHkw7nIWdIVjKisO_OSU8z5352S28OFoz_HFWO_PXshGn4HeIjzMrnbl5qJiZ_MCz4wKT3buiXh_wN2nO0/s1600/DSCN4449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WPuhDoJXW8BK9Xp-jmeH5lHc4NNzNaPdarLT0HSjSExREVHqPLGztpf6GRHkw7nIWdIVjKisO_OSU8z5352S28OFoz_HFWO_PXshGn4HeIjzMrnbl5qJiZ_MCz4wKT3buiXh_wN2nO0/s1600/DSCN4449.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Annnnnnd a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/176303470/banjo-plaid-appliqued-embroidered-onesie?ref=shop_home_feat_3">banjo</a>. Because I love them. And as I told the Facebook world a few weeks ago: <span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my first of many attempts to live vicariously through my daughter, I am trying to convince her that she wants to play the banjo someday. She insists (adamantly) that the tambourine is the instrument for her, so now I'm living vicariously through my sewing machine instead.</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eOELVbmvF1KttjOhJSUQAZk2ahsHPF5YlRx7juhmhg0QWNC7qRGwt1pbspl9Pr8uLYJPmJ0g__nq7J6M2oXTIORCmLazVcTkx5MiUpUN2WEKzgfcIPeu1W9uPcnLRUH32QLqQycrF4Q/s1600/banjoblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eOELVbmvF1KttjOhJSUQAZk2ahsHPF5YlRx7juhmhg0QWNC7qRGwt1pbspl9Pr8uLYJPmJ0g__nq7J6M2oXTIORCmLazVcTkx5MiUpUN2WEKzgfcIPeu1W9uPcnLRUH32QLqQycrF4Q/s1600/banjoblog.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-13741671048347545242013-12-24T08:48:00.002-05:002013-12-24T09:02:43.073-05:00sending love and light<i>Hoping that these weeks of celebration and holiday are full of simple pleasures and peace. Love to you all!</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvayqoCUBiRY_hyHUcK0dBAvhcqw-MDwUd_Mm_Y5wl2uHm2s7J4i2Q4gS2RkYAmJK6P-IriDtp9gxNfpL2ippdzWFgtqznXT1iFOivMCYgTdWtaDck0GyY2I5YYb22vaFNVEXtQ2rLwY/s1600/stocking(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvayqoCUBiRY_hyHUcK0dBAvhcqw-MDwUd_Mm_Y5wl2uHm2s7J4i2Q4gS2RkYAmJK6P-IriDtp9gxNfpL2ippdzWFgtqznXT1iFOivMCYgTdWtaDck0GyY2I5YYb22vaFNVEXtQ2rLwY/s640/stocking(2).jpg" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely stocking knitted by my very talented mother!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXyKPsgiaPYjnxcajdy7KxN32BiQv-ExMWUPsIcJEO5zCVrPuG4h_YLhn7Z4XuuOP399ZIM8TN8OnVrozP-o9PRUOE7vqidHtaFubugDNrAM8ricCC6vGVwbtZ9EXoP9A-nOwWiEgGbY/s1600/card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXyKPsgiaPYjnxcajdy7KxN32BiQv-ExMWUPsIcJEO5zCVrPuG4h_YLhn7Z4XuuOP399ZIM8TN8OnVrozP-o9PRUOE7vqidHtaFubugDNrAM8ricCC6vGVwbtZ9EXoP9A-nOwWiEgGbY/s640/card.jpg" width="542" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a holiday card, with love from our family!</td></tr>
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And as a small gift-ly gesture: a poem that has been an important part of my holiday season this year. Perhaps it may resonate with you as well!</div>
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<i>Thirst by Mary Oliver</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Another morning and I wake with thirst</i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>for the goodness I do not have. I walk<br />out to the pond and all the way God has<br />given us such beautiful lessons. Oh Lord,<br />I was never a quick scholar but sulked<br />and hunched over my books past the hour<br />and the bell; grant me, in your mercy,<br />a little more time. Love for the earth<br />and love for you are having such a long<br />conversation in my heart. Who knows what<br />will finally happen or where I will be sent,<br />yet already I have given a great many things<br />away, expecting to be told to pack nothing,<br />except the prayers which, with this thirst,<br />I am slowly learning.</i></span>imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-26682001308428454342013-12-20T21:39:00.002-05:002013-12-20T21:42:08.177-05:00underwear everywhereAs strange as it is to publicize, it turns out that saggy underwear is one of my greatest pet peeves. Not just on my own person, but also on a certain potty-trainer who happens to live with me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitE0S6DO-C45baauzZMeK-KzIK7SrH0ZkM8T8mX4vj8AW7OflBAQEoNJ8mZxW0SUBuox-fzBv9TniG7zhF603rO78U5RsAt6asgpA3q21k-YMvTl0iDax1yojesJ5g-YdPjCmlexQZQwo/s1600/undies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitE0S6DO-C45baauzZMeK-KzIK7SrH0ZkM8T8mX4vj8AW7OflBAQEoNJ8mZxW0SUBuox-fzBv9TniG7zhF603rO78U5RsAt6asgpA3q21k-YMvTl0iDax1yojesJ5g-YdPjCmlexQZQwo/s640/undies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I don't have truckloads of experience working with knits and jersey material, but I have sewn with it enough at least to know that different fabrics have varying degrees of stretch and stretch recovery. You know this of course, but sometimes I'm slow to figure these things out! I realized that all those cheap little undies I bought for Wren a few months ago were sewn from knits that didn't bounce back, so to speak, or recover to fit snuggly enough to keep those dern things up around her waist!<br />
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Apparently this was enough of a frustration to me that I decided to take an old stained shirt of mine with wonderful stretchiness in all directions, and drafted a quick pattern using a pair of Wren's Hanes. My prototype had good stretch recovery and a casing with some elastic at the waist. They function, and they stay put, but the leg holes turned out a bit wonky and the elastic waist leaves a bit of red marking on Wren.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpHxKt1MnWny0lb6caHeQOo28Jo63pUvljhrANWLq9MK15ZX1w4HzhGjtRFzsjPCkB1fW4_I-S8GqfRdNB_kNvCo3SOjfu02tA7y9etzyYiBS49D3FoMscXLx7ceE_8-MNkiQuekWc1Q/s1600/use2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpHxKt1MnWny0lb6caHeQOo28Jo63pUvljhrANWLq9MK15ZX1w4HzhGjtRFzsjPCkB1fW4_I-S8GqfRdNB_kNvCo3SOjfu02tA7y9etzyYiBS49D3FoMscXLx7ceE_8-MNkiQuekWc1Q/s640/use2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added a few extra layers of material at the crotch for greater 'absorption'.</td></tr>
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Feeling a bit frustrated with these imperfections, I took to the internet for further suggestions and clarity, and came across the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/62428988/boy-cut-brief-unisex-underwear-pattern?ref=shop_home_active">undies-pattern-of-my-dreams</a> from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kitschycookids?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Kitschycookids</a>. The sewing directions were clear. The underpants turned out beautifully. They fit perfectly. They don't require any casing or elastic or belly-marking. They're adorable and made of any jersey and knit materials (read here: old t-shirts) you may have lying around the house (read here: doesn't cost a thing to make). And now I'm shamelessly advertising this pattern as a sort of public service announcement for anyone else who also hates saggy underpants.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl3LwsxtWmsThF_tYXJUKgr78fiv5bkbw_GUQJUW1XOGvfRX_zIPj8d1okDyp4fVTmeor9GHwKELuLLh25-5_71zPlZpkQnUdD_ZOv9P-EvZq5RIaXufdVCvHkS2zFm6e5fIXZgPr1xU/s1600/use1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl3LwsxtWmsThF_tYXJUKgr78fiv5bkbw_GUQJUW1XOGvfRX_zIPj8d1okDyp4fVTmeor9GHwKELuLLh25-5_71zPlZpkQnUdD_ZOv9P-EvZq5RIaXufdVCvHkS2zFm6e5fIXZgPr1xU/s640/use1.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
If you don't decide to invest in the aforementioned pattern, I will throw out a few undie-sewing tips:<br />
1. Use a knit with 2-way stretch or even better yet, find a knit with at least 4% spandex. They will fit like a dream, I promise!<br />
2. If using a regular sewing machine/zigzag stitch I highly recommend using a jersey needle. I don't know the specifics of why they're awesome and incredible, but I can tell you from experience that there is a marked difference between using a jersey needle and a standard needle whilst sewing up knits.<br />
3. For awesome and unique patterns and colors, I love to peruse the thrift shop t-shirt aisles. One adult size shirt can usually make at least 2 pairs of the cutest, snuggest undies you've ever seen. Better yet, I bring Wren along with me and let her pick out some colors that she likes. That's how we ended up with those perfect little red stars. She also wanted a huge cookie monster t-shirt, "but not for undies, just for holding in my hands". <br />
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As you can tell, I'm stoked about this pattern and the chance to venture beyond the pinky-pinkish-pink underwear color scheme for toddler girls. My excitement is such that I have officially become "that aunt" who will be gifting a bunch of underwear to my niece come Christmas. It's cliche, I know, but you've seen how cute they are. It just can't be helped. imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-28015284846218932132013-12-10T15:41:00.000-05:002013-12-20T21:47:32.743-05:00sewing when I can<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: left;">Just stopping in with a few photos of some of the fun custom orders that went out from the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChirpAndLullaby?ref=si_shop">shop</a> during the Fall:</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCEYBPYndcGXzWmN64dGrEML-9N4eGTy3Q9elg5QJFdpj5F9vDIr4BRQHI6RVRbUexspn2yxRt1SBm3KuUD1hvKP1bIqB1jAXzr73YSX0ABpgY0u4NCzqirWsm7z5PVGIDYyHGZkkMmI/s1600/set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCEYBPYndcGXzWmN64dGrEML-9N4eGTy3Q9elg5QJFdpj5F9vDIr4BRQHI6RVRbUexspn2yxRt1SBm3KuUD1hvKP1bIqB1jAXzr73YSX0ABpgY0u4NCzqirWsm7z5PVGIDYyHGZkkMmI/s640/set.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first farm-themed set that I've made for a boy. I'm thrilled with how this turned out, and hope to get something a lot like this listed again very soon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkUT9LjdgDfC5n8qpTtA5dqSlCIlgNSFyiGqi96XNYTXVIvuvS7Fskr3yxUqcRanl0hjKPeAbIiF9-uJ_4g_yK0LeYCqQkBIaYzqCL9AslkdUnJ2QB-prW-EI57Wx3QPUb4HqnT9csMQ/s1600/DSCN3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkUT9LjdgDfC5n8qpTtA5dqSlCIlgNSFyiGqi96XNYTXVIvuvS7Fskr3yxUqcRanl0hjKPeAbIiF9-uJ_4g_yK0LeYCqQkBIaYzqCL9AslkdUnJ2QB-prW-EI57Wx3QPUb4HqnT9csMQ/s640/DSCN3684.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And similarly, a gender-neutral set of matching garden onesies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7Mjqp-a2h8tSANmiLRgxW_sLvomnniS_QUvBbeQsqcNRaILV7d2eEgD-9peiZv7yZUuDZUvoc2AWhNf5xXgj44AMPm4gGxq3cZm-lnEc2pgCHXR2MY7vQQVhkGsepC9Gar1nOn8pkbA/s1600/DSCN3674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7Mjqp-a2h8tSANmiLRgxW_sLvomnniS_QUvBbeQsqcNRaILV7d2eEgD-9peiZv7yZUuDZUvoc2AWhNf5xXgj44AMPm4gGxq3cZm-lnEc2pgCHXR2MY7vQQVhkGsepC9Gar1nOn8pkbA/s640/DSCN3674.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister recently attended a baby shower where the theme was the lullaby, "You are my Sunshine". She asked for a set of onesies designed after the same song.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eKkP5c-_Aj7jlq2Q40QGewpb9RmxkfnG5pU8MZETrG2UuIhkRUN9bVtT9F7DCc5IR4cqYTru5GOZwVjGAvsBLGQ0yXHMsfaHsqptk73tUCrpbSYVLnHaD2ZkQpygsXosjbUhpJQwPCw/s1600/DSCN3676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eKkP5c-_Aj7jlq2Q40QGewpb9RmxkfnG5pU8MZETrG2UuIhkRUN9bVtT9F7DCc5IR4cqYTru5GOZwVjGAvsBLGQ0yXHMsfaHsqptk73tUCrpbSYVLnHaD2ZkQpygsXosjbUhpJQwPCw/s640/DSCN3676.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made just one pair of reversible baby shoes to go with this set: one side matches the "sunshine" and when flipped inside out, the other side matches the "clouds".<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaJnc4URjy3_et3fIFcOAWB1DsNcYOIb3CCgsviX0nbGboxmPBO4o6q72aBFrZe8bO-fHIw8xC1EckfJ65f1IRPAZvlItebE-_fAaPLEDRyRkzgPdzW0EZIuv_B3VTgl4N7QGdHTeRaE/s1600/truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaJnc4URjy3_et3fIFcOAWB1DsNcYOIb3CCgsviX0nbGboxmPBO4o6q72aBFrZe8bO-fHIw8xC1EckfJ65f1IRPAZvlItebE-_fAaPLEDRyRkzgPdzW0EZIuv_B3VTgl4N7QGdHTeRaE/s640/truck.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">And how about an adorable design for an adorable nephew (whose daddy drives a truck)!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAL6aueiOVjsU2qjyuASOj9xeWCBuM-VOhxtP_WKm7Yj-pKgBiXGWM8lYJnqd818VVapI8BEgly1lr2xsc55MVaFPfJYFPtH78wj_uuFXRhgTud-STt96NG99JvziYh4R1VxVEvYqczpE/s1600/DSCN3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAL6aueiOVjsU2qjyuASOj9xeWCBuM-VOhxtP_WKm7Yj-pKgBiXGWM8lYJnqd818VVapI8BEgly1lr2xsc55MVaFPfJYFPtH78wj_uuFXRhgTud-STt96NG99JvziYh4R1VxVEvYqczpE/s640/DSCN3802.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another crafty friend and I traded creative skills to make gifts for each other's childen. In exchange for an adorable Memory game set (that Wren requests to play daily), I sewed up this Doorway Puppet Theater that she's giving to her toddler for Christmas. I used a combination of <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/doorway-puppet-theater-0609">this</a> and <a href="http://www.themudpiemakers.com/2011/07/make-your-own-puppet-theater.html">this</a> tutorial, and found it to be a quick, fun project.</td></tr>
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Sorry to inundate you with such a random smattering of projects. Perhaps I am simply reminding myself that I have done a bit more than lay around moaning during this <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2013/12/this-snowy-sunday.html">pregnancy</a>. :) In reality I've focused much of my sewing energy in the past weeks on my family: getting to some of the things I really want to make for Wren (a post on sewing <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2013/12/underwear-everywhere.html">toddler undies</a> soon to come!), and whipping up some Christmas gifts for other loved ones. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavy2Dh73VVE1GK3lpPLs-ElGxRyjl1H3YakKKkmVrGafFrhxUIt0GTGoncUwaDtmiO2UQjiNktfK0AJBrlGTrAh6J2jkKUtY-C6VX4NOSjcY0drQyunvjJmYWkVxU4j-2rNTWthScYnI/s1600/baby2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavy2Dh73VVE1GK3lpPLs-ElGxRyjl1H3YakKKkmVrGafFrhxUIt0GTGoncUwaDtmiO2UQjiNktfK0AJBrlGTrAh6J2jkKUtY-C6VX4NOSjcY0drQyunvjJmYWkVxU4j-2rNTWthScYnI/s320/baby2.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This means Wren's doll has a new wardrobe that she herself got to help design (Wren helped, not the doll). </span></span> </td></tr>
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Ok, I have to run and embroider another custom "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChirpAndLullaby?section_id=13053286">ant</a>" before a certain someone awakes from naptime!imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-5859443276154093012013-12-08T11:27:00.003-05:002013-12-10T15:56:00.391-05:00the second time around<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Friday morning Wren woke with glassy eyes and demanding to be held close. I pulled her up into my bed and under the blankets, immediately noticing the feverish heat radiating from her little body. For the rest of the day she stayed close to me, fading in and out, and muttering strange, humorous things in her sleepy state. At one point we tried watching a Christmas movie, but in the two minutes that it took me to cue up the video, I turned to find her asleep sitting up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5creWHtvOWbF6NB0HIQrD_Ce2jQUXy2Tvp4idQ1QR4gIVNeioIYHayb8odepTLaPgceDDGZ6A9g93s1lXhBjlU4JEEKffMwMDORH6lY_-sBNW01G_WSoxXxytvFKFdE2P2BE7x5nx8c/s1600/fever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5creWHtvOWbF6NB0HIQrD_Ce2jQUXy2Tvp4idQ1QR4gIVNeioIYHayb8odepTLaPgceDDGZ6A9g93s1lXhBjlU4JEEKffMwMDORH6lY_-sBNW01G_WSoxXxytvFKFdE2P2BE7x5nx8c/s640/fever.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I mentally cast aside the list of errands, chores and play dates we'd scheduled for the day, and adjusted instead to the more immediate needs of a sick little girl. We spent the hours migrating around the house with a pile of blankets and books. I held her and she slept. I typed one-handed e-mails. I held a novel with one hand and turned the pages with my mouth. I fell asleep with her and woke with her. During her naps I maneuvered to lay her down without disturbing her. And I laughed to myself, remembering the earliest weeks and months of Wren's life, when so many hours passed in exactly this same way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBSBVqnVS-mkdCGM8gWaWOOdT0tula6UNIO4jgBsXqmkdgAii-KlhiU5u-A_1AKEI2h6e73rMxmn1uC1p23GJ8DxlxG0VLDwt6f9mjsOfXBzrfBpjQjietGKY42RWQ0y-nVCD-6l3qS0/s1600/DSCN3869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBSBVqnVS-mkdCGM8gWaWOOdT0tula6UNIO4jgBsXqmkdgAii-KlhiU5u-A_1AKEI2h6e73rMxmn1uC1p23GJ8DxlxG0VLDwt6f9mjsOfXBzrfBpjQjietGKY42RWQ0y-nVCD-6l3qS0/s640/DSCN3869.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I will admit I felt a bit of nostalgia for those days of so much sleepy physical proximity. Wren is a cuddler, but she's also two, which means it's hard to get her to sit still for any length of time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ8z0AcVUMcqej0XxEIaAo-UmRR_N2TVnEV0BQlXLD38MqouYz5dycqHilrJGJLphw5Pe_-QuEqLOXAoJ8tr7hR73sLakYjVYpv6VwtbY13GaulIAbBmJ60Gm16OrPnGhvTvj9Ix_mn0/s1600/use5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ8z0AcVUMcqej0XxEIaAo-UmRR_N2TVnEV0BQlXLD38MqouYz5dycqHilrJGJLphw5Pe_-QuEqLOXAoJ8tr7hR73sLakYjVYpv6VwtbY13GaulIAbBmJ60Gm16OrPnGhvTvj9Ix_mn0/s640/use5.JPG" width="604" /></a></div>
<i>But I suppose I needn't reminisce too much, because come this May, we will get to do it all over again!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hIaiGHok-hLrvCcuX678qegsbcqyRpvqAsBr50aZRpsXA6JQmHviQV1dG91gDAO8XpvPErJt4cNlHBSzxaS0iA0Z4zaIVBzOxINdiVwQQ2C07Al-7UCcqefk0H3taMRlwO9qPtFuZNQ/s1600/use4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hIaiGHok-hLrvCcuX678qegsbcqyRpvqAsBr50aZRpsXA6JQmHviQV1dG91gDAO8XpvPErJt4cNlHBSzxaS0iA0Z4zaIVBzOxINdiVwQQ2C07Al-7UCcqefk0H3taMRlwO9qPtFuZNQ/s640/use4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm currently 15 weeks along with the newest addition to our current trio. It's been a much different pregnancy than the first one, with a lot more sickness and a lot more fatigue (hence my long hiatus from this space). But this week has seemed like a bit of a turning point, and I am enjoying increased energy/interest in anything beyond laying in bed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPNGNYW6qIKbSNtDhJorXJC2Wv4IjXMVnjJfjwfx9AylY-u7480y2Pe001HVwoliFNyEWK61gvRWnRVE7g3bgG5uNUlhNY8wowfIL0TShJipIx19_otY5CJZ1T879pfz8kXgxFNcgvhU/s1600/use7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPNGNYW6qIKbSNtDhJorXJC2Wv4IjXMVnjJfjwfx9AylY-u7480y2Pe001HVwoliFNyEWK61gvRWnRVE7g3bgG5uNUlhNY8wowfIL0TShJipIx19_otY5CJZ1T879pfz8kXgxFNcgvhU/s640/use7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The other day Wren told some family friends, "I'm not feeling well because there's a baby in my belly." That was a bit convicting, even if I know she was lying. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6wUHb1CA99q2bMMhpTltg83-60du4MnzTIvjs8pFQiqqrWtZunFj8NyjQbLjmcNCdgC-X-REJKDdAfrtCYL3KAVPpXVzGANx1PFiUY2JM_eiV2XLKH6QNtCvuP8GBCOPXrkZefzpQec/s1600/hal1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6wUHb1CA99q2bMMhpTltg83-60du4MnzTIvjs8pFQiqqrWtZunFj8NyjQbLjmcNCdgC-X-REJKDdAfrtCYL3KAVPpXVzGANx1PFiUY2JM_eiV2XLKH6QNtCvuP8GBCOPXrkZefzpQec/s640/hal1.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2ovLphhI5Qcg5OoDDsQF7b3gSLb3F25Ohmq9WN479e_jncluedXaJK9eE_4UYktJ9cc9MfbBxEKaN_lr9ZHcRh6TeD3eLcXhM5kwAs59IubfE353Uxprr1Sk03Ef7UvlY_WRn5AAWOs/s1600/hal2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2ovLphhI5Qcg5OoDDsQF7b3gSLb3F25Ohmq9WN479e_jncluedXaJK9eE_4UYktJ9cc9MfbBxEKaN_lr9ZHcRh6TeD3eLcXhM5kwAs59IubfE353Uxprr1Sk03Ef7UvlY_WRn5AAWOs/s640/hal2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today is Sunday. Wren's fever broke yesterday and her unbounded energy returned. Luke just took her to dig up some roots for a tincture and she is eager to hold the basket for him. And as my own energy is returning, I'm catching up on some sewing and writing.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I2s_uSCo7biXNrFFg2YKN7_krvwctj9RirNPGMMsoCRoo2OP_1AdVEK7dU5-lEg72GC2FUNUJr_1Hge0ZGknwRndynHitemRwPv5U7QeHp2PRiE7JgIBwwGWAiezNuUeB1mxxwS54HI/s1600/DSCN3723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I2s_uSCo7biXNrFFg2YKN7_krvwctj9RirNPGMMsoCRoo2OP_1AdVEK7dU5-lEg72GC2FUNUJr_1Hge0ZGknwRndynHitemRwPv5U7QeHp2PRiE7JgIBwwGWAiezNuUeB1mxxwS54HI/s640/DSCN3723.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke shows Wren how to eat persimmon</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAen90i3QbM5kL_xwv-JZxHdAkBQCZewv5lXN6qNOzAJSKMLDe-HOKUIKKrMB2S-MChWhi9nKrdd5ebs4YdbHk2D3duR_lk3LUHtoIIkkYbpaZPuo8enF3qBYvdgvbEWk3wdDEB86970/s1600/DSCN3715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>All the while we're feeling eager and expectant about the many and varied changes that the coming year will bring. And preparing ourselves to welcome a second little soul into our collective life.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAen90i3QbM5kL_xwv-JZxHdAkBQCZewv5lXN6qNOzAJSKMLDe-HOKUIKKrMB2S-MChWhi9nKrdd5ebs4YdbHk2D3duR_lk3LUHtoIIkkYbpaZPuo8enF3qBYvdgvbEWk3wdDEB86970/s1600/DSCN3715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAen90i3QbM5kL_xwv-JZxHdAkBQCZewv5lXN6qNOzAJSKMLDe-HOKUIKKrMB2S-MChWhi9nKrdd5ebs4YdbHk2D3duR_lk3LUHtoIIkkYbpaZPuo8enF3qBYvdgvbEWk3wdDEB86970/s640/DSCN3715.JPG" width="640" /></a>imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-47872346764397733432013-11-01T08:37:00.003-04:002013-11-01T08:37:49.503-04:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.99305534362793px; text-align: center;">A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" style="color: #898989; text-decoration: none;">SouleMama</a>. Photography - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</i></div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.99305534362793px; text-align: center;"><br /></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkV6Om9cJJYT3ipquLWik5jlSKnPm9bJujdpxifMKXyWF37rOQlFlpc60-wsThx9hpuuxppvpQoIjR85vb22fRC5xQpBoBkuWPFt_0z0k8SeMwiJQTnK0GSmdEs8KcHmOUAh1NmASRjw/s1600/hal6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkV6Om9cJJYT3ipquLWik5jlSKnPm9bJujdpxifMKXyWF37rOQlFlpc60-wsThx9hpuuxppvpQoIjR85vb22fRC5xQpBoBkuWPFt_0z0k8SeMwiJQTnK0GSmdEs8KcHmOUAh1NmASRjw/s640/hal6.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwkIAbAgRY6vIsf9qIAYauTK5eiR0GwT8EB8yu_zxRaHzB_8gnWgvRc1qOHJ7q3FvbRaaGZY-XtovTgxhoKFBcyx5CUB0OoCCSeW4z9l8-0usukdfpK-i0JoxxsgvVK6bB-moiAnP_hY/s1600/hal4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwkIAbAgRY6vIsf9qIAYauTK5eiR0GwT8EB8yu_zxRaHzB_8gnWgvRc1qOHJ7q3FvbRaaGZY-XtovTgxhoKFBcyx5CUB0OoCCSeW4z9l8-0usukdfpK-i0JoxxsgvVK6bB-moiAnP_hY/s640/hal4.JPG" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little "Half-Pint's" first trick-or-treat!</td></tr>
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<br />imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-80676183883663879132013-10-09T21:44:00.000-04:002013-10-09T21:44:06.523-04:00guest post: brenda shares her story<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy fall! The weather around these parts is finally resembling the season, and we are loving every minute of the cool air/devouring apples as much as possible. It's always been my favorite time of year, and I welcome it eagerly each trip around the sun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few months back I wrote a bit about my childhood friend, <a href="http://quietdaylongclimb.blogspot.com/2013/03/tulle-and-glitter-and-chiffon-and.html">Brenda</a>, who is writing a memoir about becoming a widow at the age of 24. For her, I can imagine that the fall season brings with it a host of emotions and milestones. At the end of the month it will have been 5 years since her husband, Kevin, passed away. It's also the month that she is launching her <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/347520961/ebb-from-the-shoreline-a-memoir">Kickstarter</a> campaign to raise the money she needs to finally publish her memoir. I'm so happy to know this brave and thoughtful woman, and so excited to see her project published! In her words:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8YmTuHXl3HV6xcWW9GjV4EifDXTOCA3RCmq-QvOSavMm07lyX5ll1vq1eXpyjGeZDoi7r3GwS-XSA0y0ysw-fMamAjGXkqoH89Rrs9Khfx2L_RNLciCNNRiuIcL_xBDW1eH4-kwG4kw/s1600/brenda.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8YmTuHXl3HV6xcWW9GjV4EifDXTOCA3RCmq-QvOSavMm07lyX5ll1vq1eXpyjGeZDoi7r3GwS-XSA0y0ysw-fMamAjGXkqoH89Rrs9Khfx2L_RNLciCNNRiuIcL_xBDW1eH4-kwG4kw/s640/brenda.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kevin and I were together 3.5 years before he died. In that 3.5 years, I sum up our experiences into these parts:</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Online Dating</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Long Distance Relationship</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">U.S. Immigration</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moving & Wedding</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Broke </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Climbing out of Debt</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surf Fishing</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Angiosarcoma and Stupid Cancer</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Death.</span></i></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-174938c5-a001-a82a-d775-75818484aa43" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s a lot. When I began writing the memoir just weeks after Kevin died in 2008, I had no idea how to put all these moving parts together. The blog I had written while Kevin was sick for 4 months with Angiosarcoma was intense, and I had no clue how to incorporate several hundred sometimes boring, sometimes life-altering blogs, into the other story of our crazy life. It didn’t fit. Nothing did anymore, Kevin was gone, and the puzzle was missing pieces.</span></i></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took it apart and put it back together again and I ended up with the first draft - a love and loss memoir that floats back and forth between Kevin & I’s falling in love story, and the intimate blogs I kept during Kevin’s illness. One minute you may be learning about the second time we got to meet in person in Big Foot State Park, Wisconsin, and then read about Kevin being put on life support because of his weakening body. It’s a rollercoaster - much like the 3.5 years we had together.</span></i></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The memoir is not an easy read by any suggestion - there are boring parts, and I’m admittedly not a great storyteller and I really suck at sharing what Kevin might have said. I just don’t feel comfortable with speaking for him so specifically. But you will find hints at how Kevin may have felt when he was unable to legally work when he first moved to the States, and you will definitely know what our feelings are when Kevin is first diagnosed with Angiosarcoma. You’ll bounce back and forth in my memory bank and you may learn to like us a couple. You may have even wanted to grab a beer with us.</span></i></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></i></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mostly, this book is about completion. Kevin asked me to share our story. I feel I’ve done a decent job at it, but I think I know what he meant when he asked that big order of me. I believe he knew that our story could impact someone else. He knew, as I now do, what power this story has had on our friends and family and complete strangers. I’ve seen how sharing it can shift a relationship, can give person hope, how it can cause one to reflect, and for all those instances it’s well worth getting out into the world.</span></i></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I would greatly appreciate you sharing this story with your friends, family and maybe even pledging a buck or two. You can find updates at my </span><a href="http://brendaleefree.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">blog </span></a><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and you can get some pretty cool rewards </span><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/347520961/ebb-from-the-shoreline-a-memoir" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Thanks for supporting, however you can.</span></span></i>imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-72526071979286707712013-09-27T09:17:00.000-04:002013-09-27T09:17:00.563-04:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwMxsazQWWnRFX2AeUHgS7dlEd_HzXXmia_19o6HAS0_N8RI58BFIy9lLvF1EkKYR0pfpYWO2UIXxnlbK9wkI3P8XuZfHRvJAMLVaGAITlm3aVXLsYEDBq14P51bLKFFouIzkbIME6cU/s1600/f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwMxsazQWWnRFX2AeUHgS7dlEd_HzXXmia_19o6HAS0_N8RI58BFIy9lLvF1EkKYR0pfpYWO2UIXxnlbK9wkI3P8XuZfHRvJAMLVaGAITlm3aVXLsYEDBq14P51bLKFFouIzkbIME6cU/s640/f2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{this moment}</span></i><span style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #fff1ee; clear: both; color: #313131; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: #fbfaf8; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.99305534362793px;">A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" style="color: #898989; text-decoration: none;">SouleMama</a>. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</i></div>
imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5436737518719860978.post-31785763764896450692013-09-20T14:32:00.001-04:002013-09-20T14:32:09.310-04:00{this moment}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7SEohm1a10tns45j77O4Y6ldJcQ28i2S_PASsp8ltOGFwYeYrO-SnCMPxa_j-kLGQhxTMSKinlppNrwU0a9SQgQ9Jl4znpqG-Qd8nSVabQ15xFN0RfQ8RjuNwQIu0DtkvhFCfmOmuRk/s1600/DSCN3652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7SEohm1a10tns45j77O4Y6ldJcQ28i2S_PASsp8ltOGFwYeYrO-SnCMPxa_j-kLGQhxTMSKinlppNrwU0a9SQgQ9Jl4znpqG-Qd8nSVabQ15xFN0RfQ8RjuNwQIu0DtkvhFCfmOmuRk/s640/DSCN3652.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7vBjUBBE4qZ_rvBjSY-yv0jnSYUIFYO9dDzQmt9EYcJ9243XTdE1eaj0OCTl8E6cYLxsafibPHnFg3q36kvc2blpefrfc3U0OmyBXkduqtjPlHMof9o8rrG1PPHSJ01SRJjM-O74W4Q/s1600/DSCN3651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7vBjUBBE4qZ_rvBjSY-yv0jnSYUIFYO9dDzQmt9EYcJ9243XTdE1eaj0OCTl8E6cYLxsafibPHnFg3q36kvc2blpefrfc3U0OmyBXkduqtjPlHMof9o8rrG1PPHSJ01SRJjM-O74W4Q/s640/DSCN3651.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">{this moment}</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18.99305534362793px;">A Friday ritual inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/" style="text-decoration: none;">SouleMama</a>. Photography - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</i></div>
imjoyoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291100821688660584noreply@blogger.com0