Farmer's Market is finished!

Well, it's been a great harvest season, but it's time to say goodbye. That's right, time has come for the Farmer's market to end. Thank you to all of my loyal customers who stop by my table and buy my bread and other goodies each week. I'm thankful to each of you for allowing me to make a living in a way that affords me the opportunity to stay at home with my precious children. And...I'd like to remind you all, that you can still get your yummy home-baked (with organic ingredients) goodies all winter simply by calling to place your order! 371-4130 is the number to call!
OR...by joining our winter CSA! What's it cost you ask? Just $25.50 per week! What do you get? Well, you get a loaf of my yummy bread, enough organic veggies for 4-5 meals, a pastured chicken, a dozen free-range eggs and chevre cheese! Wow! The CSA is for 10 weeks...give me a call for more info.

Also, we have decided to close the Coolspring Market in Sykesville for the winter too, due to lack of interest. But please remember, you can still get your goodies by calling!

Enjoy the winter!

~Dalai Mama

LOVE...

Love, Love, Love, Love

People, we are made of Love.

Love each other as ourselves,

For we are all one.

I sang this song with a bunch of other mamas at the rainbow gathering and it made me really think and remember the type of Mama I want to be. So, I've implemented this song into our daily rhythm. Whenever the children are not getting along or are being disrespectful to one another, I begin singing this song. At first, they just stared at me, wondering what on earth I was doing....but then, about three days later, I sang it and they began singing along. Now, they get it. We sing the song and then the adversity ends.

Try the song...it can't hurt.

Cookies!

These are chocolate chip!

For your protection!

Dalai Mama wearing a hairnet during her most recent "get cha bake on" marathon session! Afterall, I am locking my hair up....it's everywhere! (But not in your bread!)

"The Kitchenaide"

Here it is! My favorite kitchen accessory! My kitchenaide mixer! Before getting this beauty, I mixed every batch by hand. This cuts my labor greatly and is so quiet and efficient! I love it!

Dalai Mama does the DuBois Farmer's Market

Zeb and I have been enjoying seeing all the friendly faces at the DuBois Farmer's Market this year. It's nice to be out in the community interacting on Saturday mornings.

We did try to hold a later market in DuBois on Saturdays, but didn't get enough traffic and so we are just at the DuBois Farmer's Market on the Luigi's lot from 8-11 now. Come out and see us.

Purple fuzzy sweater bag

This bag was made from Teah's purple fuzzy sweater! It turned out really nice. I used a silky lavender lining inside that really compliments the bag.

Check out the article I wrote on how to make recycled fabric bags of your very own on my associated content producer page:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/53722/mama_b.html

Dalai Mama is Back!!

Thanks to all of you for being understanding while I was away last week. I really needed to get into the woods and reconnect. I had a wonderful time, and I'm back and ready to bake. I'll be at the DuBois Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings from 8-11 and then at the Coolspring Farmer's Market in Sykesville Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4. Hope to see you there!

You should all come out to the Coolspring Market this weekend. This afternoon we are having a pumpkin and garlic tasting. Come and sample some wonderful recipes that will knock your socks off! Take home some veggies and recipes (and bread) and make some for your family! The pumpkin stew is delicious!! And that garlic butter, yum!
Sunday, we will again have the garlic tasting and I'll feature a zucchini day! Try out some baked goods using that wonderful veggie, Zucchini! I'll have samples of zucchini brownies and will have zucchini bread, brownies, oatmeal zucchini cookies and chocolate zucchini cupcakes for sale! Adding zucchini to baked goods is one of my favorite ways to teach children to love their veggies! Take home some recipes, too!

Okay, so we're back and in full swing!
Hope to see you at the market.

Dalai Mama will go on vacation this weekend...

Hey all you loyal bread-buying customers:
Dalai Mama needs a break. I must get out of my hot, hot kitchen and relax for awhile. I know you'll understand, and besides I always take custom orders. I'll make it up to you! So, I will not be at the DuBois Farmer's Market or Coolspring Market on Saturday or Sunday of this week for sure. I will be there on Wednesday and the following Wednesday, but I haven't made up my mind yet about the following Saturday and Sunday.

Where will I go, you ask? I'm running off to the forest to join my rainbow friends. I'm going to breathe in the forest air and listen to great acoustic music. I'm going to eat delicious vegetarian food made over the fire. I'll romp and play with my children with nothing to interfere or distract me from them. I'll sleep under the stars and sing around the fire after bedtime. I'll talk to old friends and make some new. I'll help out with other mama's at kiddie village...and, I'll probably bake some bread to share. That's where I'll be. Maybe I'll see you there. Allegheny National Forest near Warren...that's as much info as I can share.
Peace out and I'll see you Wednesday.

Childhood

Childhood

Childhood is a time for learning about the essentials

about the heavenly world and the earthly,

about goodness, beauty and truth.

Childhood is a time to be loved and to love

to express fear and to learn trust

to be allowed to be serious and calm

and to celebrate with laughter and Joy.

Children have a right to dream,

and they need time to grow at their own pace.

They have the right to make mistakes

and the right to be forgiven.

Children need help to develop self-mastery,

to transform themselves and bring forth their highest capacities.

Children have a right to be spared violence and hunger,

to have a home and protection.

They need help to grow up healthy,with good habits and sound nutrition.

Children need people to respect,

adults whose example and loving authority they follow.

They need a range of experience,

tenderness and kindness, boldness and courage,

and even mischief and misbehavior.

Children need time for receiving and giving,

for belonging and participating.

be part of a community, and they need to be individuals.

They need privacy and sociability.

They need time to rest and time to play,

time to do nothing and time to work.

They need moments for devotion and room for curiosity.

They need protective boundaries and freedom for creativity.

They need to be introduced to a life of principles,

and given the freedom to discover their own.

They need a relationship to the earth

to animals and to nature:

and they need to unfold as human beings within the community.

The spirit of childhood is to be protected and nurtured.

It is an essential part of every human being

and needs to be kept alive.

~Thanks to the Alliance for Childhood

So, I came across this on one of my favorite sites, www.waldorfhomeschoolers.com and thought I would share it with you. I hope you find it as meaningful as I do. I believe children are our one greatest investment and that we should do everything in our power to let children remain children for as long as possible. No easy feat, but definitely worth trying for...

Farmer's Markets!

Thanks to everyone for making the DuBois Farmer's Market such a success yesterday! I sold out of everything and wasn't able to sell at the All Natural Farm Market.....instead, I was able to spend the day with my beautiful children, which I needed so badly! They do such a great job of being patient and understanding while their mama bakes and bakes and bakes all week, it was nice to be able to fill them up!

Today at Coolspring Farmer's Market, I have lots and lots of Honey Wheat bread along with pumpkin bread and large loaves of Cinnamon-Raisin bread. There are also oatmeal raisin and chocolate, peanut butter chip cookies and naturally sweet strawberry jam available! Zeb and Lucinda both have loads of delicious, colorful, healthy veggies and fruits to offer....all organic or certified naturally grown! Rush on over and stock up on groceries! Lucinda also has eggs for sale and fresh herb cuttings along with potted plants! Oh, you can also stock up on recycled fabric market bags while you're there.

Enjoy the sunshine!!! Play outside! Walk in the woods, ride a bike, toss a frisbee, talk to a child...make a difference in the world! Grab a cup of fair trade, organic coffee or herbal tea, or....organic red wine and catch up with friends and talk about solutions for global warming!!! Hey, I know of a great place to do just that.....you know it too! Coolspring market....see you there.

Last night, Andy and I took the children to a live earth gathering at friend Lucinda's organic farm (Paradise Farm and Garden) to listen to the broadcast of LIVE EARTH and to discuss our own impact and possible solutions to the issues of climate change and global warming, among other things. During the gathering, we brainstormed ways to act locally, regionally, at the state level, nationally and internationally. It was nice to chat with informed, like-minded people who knew what they thought and could articulate it in positive ways. We decided that we would try to organize an open forum discussion in our local area, inviting citizens, experts and legislators/local politicians to come and discuss these very same issues. We all merged our contacts and learned that together we can do some pretty serious networking. It was a nice evening and the kids did fairly well, considering there weren't any other children there and the focus wasn't really on their level....they did very well (even though the goats were let out and they ended up covered in sand by the end of the evening....)

If you would like to learn more about Live Earth and what you can do, please visit:
http://www.liveearth.org/news.php
for tools and info.

Organize your own local discussion....together we can make a difference and help change happen!
Stop by the Coolspring Farmer's Market in Sykesville and brainstorm with us. We'd love to chat with you over herbal tea and yummy samples!

Pray for Peace!

(I tried to post this on the third, but for some reason, blogger was not cooperating with me...so, here it is..still valid, still possible....give it a go!)

Wherever you are on mother earth...you are invited to join in!
Morning of 4th of July-GATHER LOCALLY in silence and prayer until HIGH NOON breaking the silence first with Auming and possible heartsong Rap-up of the circle.
Gather on the nearest town square or plaza-bring candles and signs that say SILENCE in prayer for World Peace and Healing- on the evening of the 3rd, join in circle for Peace Prayer, a sharing of each individual with music, poetry, prayer, affirmations and heartsongs around YOUR LOCAL circle.

Pass the word!

See you at the Eastern Regional Rainbow Gathering early August......

Mother Teresa...

What an amazing woman....I've often been touched by the things she's done. I rented her dvd-autobiography once and watched it with Teah who then decided that when she was old enough she wanted to give all her posessions away and move to the streets of Calcutta! I'm so proud of this amazing young girl I've been blessed to hold and know. When did I get so lucky? Anyway, I've had this posted on my door for some time now and I read it daily before walking out the door. I try to live my life this way, but really....I am human and it is difficult. Dalai Mama is focusing on doing the best she can at every moment.....so, I guess I'll give it more effort!!

Consider this:
People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successfu, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. (Insert your preference here...Creator, Goddess, etc.)
It was never between you and them anyway.
~Mother Teresa

Hootenanny!

So, I went to this Hootenanny at the CampHill Community in Kimberton (near philly) with my friend Zeb. I wasn't really sure what to expect but I'd been interested in CampHill as an intentional community for some years now. I had also met Zeb's friend Thomas who runs the dairy at Camphill, earlier in the winter at the PASA conference and had talked with him about life at Camphill and the process of applying to live and work there. I decided to go while the children were with their dad and I'm so glad I did. I actually almost cancelled on Zeb the night before because I was so stressed with my work and to do list and my relationship, and everything and thought it would be hard to justify hootenannying when so much was on my plate. Zeb, in his very chill, Zeb way, looked at me and said,"Terah, stress is a reason to go, not to stay...you need to get away." And you know what? He was right. I haven't done anything for myself in I don't know how long. I'm always serving other people and working in some way. I did need to go.

We had a great time! The music was exceptional and I bought two cd's that I really love, but more than the music being great, the people were amazing! It was everything I knew communal life could be and it reaffirmed my desire to really explore it and contemplate how to make it happen in my life.

It brought tears of joy to my eyes to see the way the residents exhibited such strength of character and positive self-esteem! They knew their world was about them, and they thrived in such freedom! The coworkers too, were truly in love with their work and with the folks that they lived and worked with. They danced and sang together and played games and chatted like family, no differentiation between those who were "normal" and those who were differently abled. Everyone lived, played and worked together as housemates and friends. You know what else rocked my world? The entire community is based on Rudolph Steiner and Anthroposophy! Anyone who knows me knows that Waldorf is very high on my list! It is the basis of my thoughts on child-rearing and education.

SO, this community has a farm, gardens, woodworking shop, thrift shop, bakery, cafe, knittery and so much more. The buildings were all built of natural materials and the wood was so beautiful....they were decorated with residents artwork...many gorgeous watercolor paintings hung in the buildings in huge frames! It really added to the peaceful vibe of the living spaces. I found out that there are short-term coworkers who work and live there for a year and then long-term coworkers who stay for around two years or so and then there are the lifers who plan to stay as long as they can. Everyone is assigned an area to work in based on their experiences, interests,etc. I also found out that in addition to room/board and a small monthly stipend, coworkers receive paid vacations and those with children benefit from the fact that their children get to attend the local waldorf school! (for me that would be $45,000 in yearly tuition for three children)... the place is beautiful...It's everything I've ever wanted for my children.

We enjoyed the evening of folk music and dancing and then got invited to an afterparty in the barn that was a blast! Lots of free-spirited, yet hard-working hippies letting loose and playing music, chatting, sharing recipes, dancing and fun in the barn all night. I was amazed at what a socialite Zeb was...a whole hidden side of him that I never knew of....I really enjoyed watching people play with the poi balls...if my shoulder were healed up, I would've tried it...I think I'll order some. Then the next day, we woke up and went to breakfast and then spent the day working and helping clean up from the Hootenanny. It was hard, disgusting work, but so enjoyable at the same time. Everyone has such diverse backgrounds and stories that brought them here....what a great time of sharing. I missed Andy which was nice because I wondered if I would given the tough week we had....I kept thinking about how much he would've enjoyed the scene.... I could see him dancing in the crowd and playing with fire. And of course I missed my kids..they would've loved the hootenanny, though the barn party would've been out for me if they had been there...I also was sad when I thought of Dennis...sad that we didn't work out and reflective of how often I'd discussed intentional community with him and how he had never really been into it at all...he's such a private person. I also kept thinking of him because I kept thinking how great it would be personally and professionally if he would move to Philly. Then I would really pursue coming to Camphill so the kids could be close to their dad and we could all still work and interact together. Just like I've thought so many times about how because we've separated, he's been able to exerience so many wonderful places and opportunities and now I was getting that same opportunity....whereas if we were still together, we never would've been open to that.....we would never have left our family scene to experience personal growth or interests.....that's a whole different topic. Anyway, I though of Tawoda many times over the weekend...especially when I spotted the hawks circling the farm! I know we'll always fly together in some way or another.

SO, I was talking with Zeb's friend Arden who lives there but is leaving to join the peace corps at the end of the summer and she was asking me about my life, what I do, what I'm into, etc. And I asked her about her experiences at camphill. She paused for a second and then said, "why don't you come and run our bakery/cafe at the end of summer? The people who are doing it now are leaving and frankly, their bread isn't very good!" I was in shock! This is just what I've wanted. I spoke to several coworkers and residents during my two long days at Camphill and learned about the process of applying, etc. I called Dennis and told him about it, thinking he'd have no problem with relocating closer to Philly, since he commutes there regularly during the school year for his work. Then the children would have their mom and dad in close proximity and would benefit from both life in a waldorf community/farm and resources a metro area like Philly could offer them. I mean, nothing is keeping either of us in DuBOis, now that his contract with the school is up. He commutes all over the state for his work and much of it is near Philly. He said that it sounded like a great opportunity and that I should look into it, but then called me back and said he really wasn't okay with it because he couldn't financially justify moving to PHilly anytime soon and it would kill him to be that far apart from the children. I understand that and of course want them to have a close relationship with their dad, it just seems like the answer to a long time prayer of mine and such a good opportunity. So, for now, I guess I'll put it on the back burner and hope that the opportunity will present itself again soon...but I'll never give up on it. My dream come true...living in community with like-minded people and other children who are growing up like mine...a waldorf education...making a living serving the people and offering my bread to the community and the greater community because they sell their bread to healthfood stores in town, too.....farm living with home-grown veggies, the opportunity to grow up free and healthy on a far, creative arts encompassing everyday life....media-free living......ahhhh.....

Welcome to the world!

Mama C, Ayden and the Dreg had their baby! A beautiful baby girl named Elaine Grace Cherico-Martin arrived on June 21st, the summer solstice! 9 pounds , 4 ounces, delivered by c-section after a very long, hard labor for Sadie. We love you guys! Congrats on a job well done!

So much to celebrate! It felt so wonderful to hold this tiny bundle and feel her vibration. She has much to say and I'm sure she'll demand that we all take note! I miss having a tiny baby, the way they cuddle up and suckle non-stop, how they fall asleep on your chest. The way they melt their daddy's hearts! Having my children were the best years of my life and I'll never forget it. Enjoy this time guys, it does go by so fast. LUVIN YOU!

Coolspring Farmers Market!!! Now opened!

The Coolspring Farmer's Market opened it's doors on June 17th and has so far been a success. The market is a collaboration between me, Zeb of Thousand Suns Farm who is certified naturally grown, and Lucinda of Paradise Farms and Garden who is certified organic. It is the area's first and only indoor, organic market. I was initially concerned that folks wouldn't find it or travel to it in Sykesville, but have happily been proven wrong! Many people drop in to check it out and comment on how happy they are to have us here. We are open three days a week: Wednesdays from 4-7 (that's when I'm there, come have tea with me); Saturdays from 12-4 (Lucinda's there with free coffee) and Sundays from 12-4 (Zeb's there with mintade) to make it easy for people to fit us into their schedule. The produce is always changing and the bread is always fresh, so I think that people are going to be supportive of the market overall. We plan to stay open throughout the holidays and possibly year round. The market has really evolved from where it started, appearance wise. I sewed up some patchy curtains and Steven painted the floors and walls. Lucinda got matching table fabrics and we both sewed patchy runners for them. I put some fabric on the walls and hung some great recycled fabric market bags. The children love it when the baby goat is there, and do a great job of entertaining themselves each time they come. There is a little apartment above the market that Lucinda and Steven really want to rent....the children go back and forth....when we're there, they think it's a great idea...when we're home and they have gazillions of kids to play with, they don't think it's so great....I'm really thinking about it though. I love that it has a yard with a natural hedge fence and some huge pine trees. Makes it feel like a home instead of an apartment, like we have now. No neighbors hooked on to the sides of your place, and I would work right downstairs. The children could be playing happily in their own home instead of minding their manners in the market. There is a sidewalk for bike riding and they could have their dog and maybe the trampoline too...the playground is a very short distance away too. The one issue would be school...they've decided they want to go this year to public school instead of homeschooling, and so I've already enrolled them in what I consider to be the best elementary school in the district... if I move to Sykesville, that would mean they'd attend the local school there...I'm not thrilled about that, though I do know the principal and he's great. Or, perhaps I could keep them enrolled in the other school and drive them....I haven't really decided yet. The other thing to consider is that the apartment itself, though it has a great yard, is tiny....very small. Really just one big open space plus a kitchen and bath....we're feeling cramped in the three-bedroom we have now and we also have many large closets and a shed....the apartment above the shop has no closets, no basement or storage and no walls to call bedrooms... There is an enclosed porch along the front that I could claim as storage or a toy area...I love the windows and the privacy of the space and the character..the bones of it if you will. It feels like my space....chill, calming, private, peaceful. Much different than the zoo I'm living in now. Ideas anyone? Downsizing would be a must again...(we just did that in January when we moved from the house to the townhouse) I'm fine with that. I could let go of a lot more...I just don't know what I'd encourage the children to let go of...they've already given so many possessions away and have been through so much this year....we're still normalizing (whatever that means)....trying to weigh the pros and cons right now and see if I could swing it. For me, I'd love to do it. It would mean I'd have more control over the children's environment again and wouldn't have these neighborhood kids influencing them constantly and I think they would thrive in such a peaceful place. They would love having their dog too....I do worry though that it's so secluded compared to where we're at now. Safety wise, I feel like if anything happened here, everyone would see/hear/know about it and get involved. There, it's pretty dark and quiet at night with minimal people around....that worries me. But, I'd have the dog, too....

This is what Dalai Mama is pondering today....

Come and build community with us at the market. We offer free samples and complimentary fair-trade coffee, herbal teas and infusions. Lots of reading material to peruse and always lots to talk about. Hope to see you soon!
Oh, Teah lost her tooth on one of the first day s the market was open! She was thrilled!!! My girl is growing up! I hope I'm prepared!!