The Art of Spring Cleaning

Well! We certainly wasted no time upon reentry of our 10 day holiday to dive right in and create mayhem in our home. These past few days have been warm and quite Springlike so we threw open the windows and inch by inch tore up the stacks and stuffiness of the back of the house (which inevitably means the rest of the house, too).  It all started with these shelves.......

 

These are my craft supply shelves. Over the past few months I haven't been the best at keeping things organized and when I am afforded the time to create I usually just leave everything laid out on our dining room table. Of course, we have to eat so everything gets quickly shoved into where ever it might fit. Ironically, these shelves still haven't been straightened! LOL

 

This is where we chose to begin. The closet. This 8'x10' room was a closet for 5 people! Me, Lee, Charlotte, Kiki and Seraphina. Utilizing dressers, shelves, and a homemade armoire we somehow (kinda) made it work. There is no door to this room so we  hung a curtain in the doorway to keep visitors eyes from drifting too deeply inside. We very rarely could keep it neat; clothes would easily pile up after being laundered, baskets captured most of the dirty clothes, and a myriad of other non-clothes items would find their way into this space simply because we lack the storage and space in this 1000 sq. ft., one floor, home.  Needless to say, I'm glad we made my craft shelves wait.

 

This was an in between shot. Partially finished but with plenty more yet to do.

 

This is what happened to the bathroom.....yes, that's a ton of stuff just piled into the bathtub!

 

This is Bella's room. The poor Dear had just cleaned her room and we took full advantage of the space while she was at her riding lesson. She just about cried when she saw this picture. I assured her it would be back in order before she went to bed, at it was......more or less!!!

 

This is the laundry space. Just stacks and stacks and stacks. Oy! I dreaded getting in here because a.) I couldn't just close a door and hide it, this space is right in our hallway. There was no way to avoid it and b.) all of the storage that exists was currently being used for other stuff. Where and how the heck was I going to somehow make room!!!

 

 

In the end, it was all well worth the suffering.

 

This is our finished bedroom. Just to give you an idea of why this is a monumental moment, my husband and I had shared a room with the 3 littles. A 10'x10' room that held a queen size bed, bunk beds, a dresser, a shelving unit, a co sleeper, a micro book shelf, and the cozy corner. Cozy in every sense of the word. For the first time in 7 years, Lee and I have our own room, we do share it still with Seraphina but we still feel like grown ups! Big people! It's just so nice.

 

 

This is my side of the room. Heaven!

 

 

This is now the "somewhat organized, at least manageable, I can reach what I need" laundry space. That huge black case to the left is my massage table. I'm finding that even though I'm not in school anymore (you can read more about that here) I'm still finding use for it, however obtrusive, it'll have to stay there for now.

 

 

The bathroom is back in order except for some shelves that need some minor organizing. For now, it's manageable. In case you were wondering, NO, there is nothing hiding behind the shower curtain!!!

 

 

 

This is Charlotte and Kiki's room. Where the long dresser on the right sits is where our bed used to be. Their room is largely acceptable. We still have clothes piles to contend with but they can be assimilated slowly and at a more leisurely pace.

 

 

This is a view to their bunks. Just out of bed but so much more room to jump into from bed. They have a huge bit of space to play in now, thank goodness. Next in here will be a new floor and some minor details like silk curtains and taking those stickers of the bed!! Those stickers used to go on our car window (we were those people!!!) I'll have to figure out another way for them to keep their prized "visit to the bank" stickers.

 

 

Now, I just have to clean off the dining room table and.......

 

 

.....reinvent this corner. This used to be Rosco's window. His bed was right under the window and gave him the perfect spot to watch us from his resting spot. The window will get spruced up, the radio in the corner will be moved, along with the stash of boxes from various trips to the basement that never got returned. My hope is that my craft shelves can fit here, those drawers can stay and be used for homeschool supplies and the like and a few really beautiful plants can sit atop the dresser  and soak up the sunshine from the south. For me, it feels really important to make that space a beautiful one to look at. I miss my boy everyday and to leave his spot empty just reminds us that his little body is gone. Gotta bring some life back into his space, make it a shared space.

 

 

This mess is our home.....and even though it feels so good when it's not quite as messy, it's doesn't feel any less like home even when it's the messiest.

 

Are you spring cleaning? How's it going for you?

 

{ pretty, happy, funny, real }

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter

{ pretty }
 

 

Even though we'll miss the cherry blossoms (ironically, we're usually too late!!) the magnolias are sure putting on a show for us! They are breathtaking.

 

I was treated to a tour of the monuments at nighttime. The scene is totally different. Yes, there are fewer people but the reverence, the quiet, the energy. It's all different. The quiet lends itself to more thought provoking images. The shadows stir up mystery and your mind wanders through the history and experience of it all.  This photo was taken while standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. A friend of mine had shared with me that this spot is one of her favorite man made spots to see at night, and now I know why.

 

 

 

We experienced so many beautiful sights, one of my all time favorites is the ones that show love shared. If I know one thing for sure, our vessels have been overflowing with love and gratitude for the family we are visiting here in DC. It's beautiful, selfless, enduring, and strong.

 

{ happy }

 

 

 

 

Kiki has been experiencing many facets of joy this past week. She has especially enjoyed being carried around, for miles, all over Washington, DC. Whether in the arms of Aunt Claire or in the Ergo on my back, this little lover, her arms and snuggles warmed me up even when the coldest winds were whipping around us.

 

This is Kiki's "neighborhooding" look. She had places to be and people to see.

 

Charlotte was chosen to be a contestant in a "game show" at the White House Easter Egg Roll. She won this adorable puppet and couldn't have been happier.

 

Happiness has come to us in many forms this week. Simply goofing off in the backseat of the car with my big kids proved to be a hilarious moment. Connecting with them is getting more and more challenging as their needs change, I'm always so grateful when a moment organically brings itself to us and we can just exist together, in joy and happiness and have fun!

 

{ funny }

 

 

This is a photo of my brother in law, Cameron, and my husband, Lee. The creation of this photo had the dining room roaring in laughter. Their faces matching perfectly, their hair lines, the eyebrows, the shape of their mouths. Genetics are truly amazing!

 

 

Charlotte thought putting Seri in the box would be funny, and she was right!

 

{ real }

 

The one thing that is truly real this week are the connections made and the bonds built between us all. The love is palpable. We are all so truly blessed.

 

 

Uncle Cam teaching Bella how to play Heart and Soul

 

Grandma Sally helping Bella and Charlotte prepare for the Easter Egg Roll

 

Aunt Claire, she is a Saint and can do no wrong in the eyes of the children.....and me.

 

Our second night in DC, when the rest of the family arrived, turned into an all out family jam session, complete with music, dancing, drumming, singing, and laughing. I was below the joy, holding our baby while she fell asleep but I experienced every bit of the happiness. It was truly a wonderful moment.

 

Another thing I know for sure is there is nothing more real than family.

For Little Hands:: Vacationing

Welcome to For Little Hands, a weekly series that hopes to inspire creative whimsy for the little hands in your life.

 

I don't have any crafting ideas for you this week because we are busy crafting a holiday to DC. I'll just share some photos with you on how we've begun to do that :)



Snuggles are imperative to beginning a vacation

 

 

Rainbows have been finding us lately.....hope in form.

 

 

Late night shaking the sillies out



Goofing and smiles!

Sleepiness and more snuggles is vacation

Joy!

I hope this finds all of you well and enjoying your holiday weekend! xoxo

{ pretty, happy, funny, real }

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter

{pretty}

 

The first of our spring time flowers have begun to peek there pretty little blossoms this week. I've been desperate for some joy as it has been a sad time in our home (more about that below).As I was driving around aimlessly the other day I saw these lovely gifts off the side of the road. I just had to stop and take in their beauty and express my gratitude for their existence and snap this picture. The crocus, the flower of St. Valentine, is also associated with joy and merriment, devotion, and love. All of which are entirely appropriate for this season of my life.

 

{ happy }

 

We're on vacation this week. We get away every couple of years or so and by the time things fall into place well enough for us to actually pull off an excursion, our vessels are in desperate need of refilling/refreshing. It's always a rocky start, this time in particular (again, you'll find out why below). Emotions ran high, we were all fragile and raw. By the time we left, it was past dinner time and we had 6 hours to go before we reached the half way point of our trip. Needless to say, the joy and merriment :) that we each felt to have simply left our sadness behind was well worth the immense amount of frantic preparations and scurrying about to simply make it out the door at all. We're happy to be in the midst of dear ones who we love and who bring so much joy to our hearts. Healing will be well underway in their company.

 

{ funny }

 

 

This photo speaks for itself :)

 

{ real }

 

This is a photo of me and my pup of 11 years. Rosco passed away on Tuesday. Sadly, we had to intervene. I never imagined that would have been something I would ever have to do, but, it was. It was an amazingly powerful day. I could get into all the details of the whys and hows and what brought us to the point of no return, but really, there's no point. The only thing that matters is that his passing was truly beautiful. He came to me at a mere 4 months old via a pit bull rescue group. He needed a lot of immediate care and I was more than willing to give it to him. In return, he was the man of my house for many years. He was the guardian and protector of my children and me. He would stay awake at night and keep guard and then sleep most days to be ready for the children in the afternoon. He loved walks in the woods and mountains. He didn't fancy water much but would tolerate our insatiable need for the river and creeks around our home. He traveled to Block Island and Kentucky many times and  to NYC  on a weekly/bi-weekly basis for many years. Rosco won over the hearts of my parents. my father in particular. He called him Waldo because we were always asking "Where's Rosco?" because at my folks he could go and go between creeks and meadows and wander to his heart's content. His life meant so much to our little pack. Even as he aged and withdrew more and more, his sheer existence meant we were whole. Over the last few years he didn't travel anymore, he didn't spend his days wandering. He spent them in loving devotion to simply being present, for us. He chose to continue his life based on love alone. I have so many beautiful images of him now; his fur is clean and shiny and full, his smile is big and his eyes are bright.

 

This song came to me out of nowhere this last week. I was immediately drawn to it without really knowing the words. My 5 year old wanted to hear it over and over, and so we listened. When Rosco passed, all of a sudden, the words clicked. I highlighted the parts that really resonated with me quite deeply. Part of the images I have are of him sitting in a meadow, looking my way, waiting. Just waiting, for me. And I believe he will be.......

 

 

Well, I came home
Like a stone
And I fell heavy into your armsThese days of darkness
Which we've known
Will blow away with this new sun
But I'll kneel down,
Wait for now
And I'll kneel down,
Know my ground

And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you

So break my step
And relent
Well, you forgave and I won't forgetKnow what we've seen
And him with less
Now in some way shake the excess
'Cause I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you

Now I'll be bold
As well as strong
And use my head alongside my heart
So tame my flesh
And fix my eyes
A tethered mind freed from the lies

And I'll kneel down,
Wait for now
I'll kneel down,
Know my ground

Raise my hands
Paint my spirit gold
And bow my head
Keep my heart slow
'Cause I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you  

Meet Flora and Blossom

 

Good Monday, friends! I'd like to take a moment and introduce you to my darlings, Flora and Blossom. These ladies will be sent away to my buddies in a peg doll swap that I'm participating in started by Margaret over at We Bloom Here. This is my first swap and I'm so excited!!

 

Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul. ~ The Koran



Hi! I'm Blossom :)

Hi! I'm Flora :)

 

For Little Hands:: Pysanky

Welcome to For Little Hands, a weekly series that hopes to inspire creative whimsy for the little hands in your life.

Easter is just around the corner and we've been working feverishly to create some beautiful Pysanky eggs for our Easter tree. We are planning to get away over the holiday, but traditions run deep in our family. Regardless of where we'll be celebrating, our home will continue to hold the preparations we've set; the essence of our honor to the Lenten season and the newness and comfort in knowing that with love and forgiveness all things are possible.

Pysanky is a beautiful and meditative way to decorate eggs for Easter. It requires patience and a gentle hand. I have found, that for the littlest hands (1-3 year olds) beeswax crayons are a safer option for the resist part, instead of the hot wax and a hot kistka. The dying can remain the same but with a bit more adult assistance. Charlotte was 4 when she used her first kistka. I sat right beside her and showed her all the hot parts of the process. I sat closely to her and did my best to help her avoid any spills of hot wax. It was the look on her face when she dyed her egg, with each dipping of color it was if magic was happening right before her eyes. And it was!

The process of Pysanky requires some specific tools::

~ Natural beeswax blocks

~ Kistkas (medium size works best for little hands)

Kistkas are the tools used to draw the melted wax onto the egg. The more modern ones have plastic handle and a brass cup with a spout. 

~ Egg dye in various colors from light to dark

(we have Mason jars filled with yellow, orange, pumpkin, pink, red, scarlet, light green, turquoise, light blue, royal blue, and purple)

~ Lit candles to heat up the kistka and melt the wax of the egg when completed

~ Eggs, blown out or not (the ones left with the yolks will eventually dry out over time)

~ Rags for soaking up the dye and wiping of the hot wax

There are many wonderful books available that will give you the run down and even step by step instructions for designs. This is not an instant gratification project. It takes much time and patience. An egg can take a whole day or more depending on how intricate the design. 

To give you an overview of how Pysanky is done::

First, draw your basic design on your egg with a pencil. Then, you heat up the kistka in the flame of a lit candle. Scoop up some beeswax into the cup of the kistka, and begin drawing the first bit of your design onto your egg. These first lines will be white when you're finished. Then you dip your egg into the first light color of your choosing. You must go from lightest colors to darkest. Each line drawn with wax after you've dyed the egg will be the last color you dipped. I hope this makes sense :) Pysanky is basically wax resist/batik style egg decorating. If you haven't tried it, you must! Find a book that inspires you, and have at it! The heirlooms that will come from the creations you make will be worth the time and energy learning this technique. 

There is a bit of a disclaimer I will attach to this. When committing to Pysanky egg dying you are agreeing to take a risk of heartbreak if an egg should break, especially after hours of work and prayer have been poured over its creation. I find that this process reminds me of the ebbs and flows of living; how I might have worked so hard at something only to have it fall apart or with great effort and care I might have been afforded the honor of seeing my passion come to form, but in the end, the lesson I come away with is that nothing is mine to keep, only to nourish and love. I can tend to, breathe life in to, and gently care and provide for this little gift but there is a path that belongs to the process, and it's not mine to control. 

You have to take risks. We only understand the miracle of life when we allow the unexpected to happen. ~ Paulo Coelho

I wish for you all a wonderful week of preparations for the Easter time upon us. I would love to see and hear all about your egg dying eggstravaganzas (I couldn't help it!!!). If you have pictures you'd like to share, post them to our Facebook page. I will add them into the Shared Inspiration album. 

Spring has sprung and Easter is near,

 Bringing about laughter and cheer.

Be merry, be light, and prepare the way,

To honor and welcome the newness of each day.

{ pretty, happy, funny, real }

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter

 

{ pretty}

 

 

Pysanky eggs. They are so pretty. For the past few years we've really delved deep into creating pysanky eggs. Kiki and Seri are still too young(they participate along side us in other ways) but Charlotte and the big kids love it. It's very meditative and when we're all sitting at the table, candles burning and the aroma of hot beeswax fills the air one can't help but fall into the reverence.....the quiet prayerful state. With each stroke of the kistka, with each design created, there is meaning beyond our knowing.

 

{ happy }

 

This little bean....her little love lights up our lives in so many ways. It's her smile that strikes deep, and those piercing blue eyes. She's got a direct shot to our heartstrings. Seraphina's new favorite spot is in the backpack. I was unsure of how she'd do looking forward from behind as opposed to snuggled in front by our hearts but, so long as she's bundled and slathered in peet and lavender oil, she seems to do fine. She is our HSP (highly sensitive person) so a lot goes into making sure she is protected on every level imaginable, even for something as simple as going to the grocery. All of that aside, this little lass is one happy little bugger.

 

{ funny }

 

Charlotte has been big into babywearing lately. I was calling and calling her for breakfast one morning and finally, after like the fourth time, I wandered in and discovered what she was up to! As I snapped the picture she was calling back "Hold on, Mama! I'm trying to tie my Moby!"

 

{ real }

 

It's really Spring. We've been having an assortment of visitors to our bird feeders over the past week or so. This is our first visit from the Titmouse. Aren't they sweet?! I could stand at that window all day and watch the busyness of it all.

 

"Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems." ~ Rainer Maria Rilke