Quiet, beautiful stillness

Handmade Holiday update...

Poor lighting, but this bunny really turned out so cute! The belly is the same color as the inner ear! Made from two upcycled wool felted sweaters!

Upcycled sweater kitty! Cute striped belly to match the tail!

Teah helped make cookies to ship out!

mmm...Christmas cookies!

Felted wool brooch made from upcycled sweater bits~

Recognize these colors? ...from the bunny? I also made a dachsund puppy from these two sweaters!

Another upcycled sweater brooch!

Can't forget that handmade wrapping paper! We bought an end roll of newsprint from the Courier Express for $7 at the beginning of September and we still have plenty left after making the gift wrap! Be Green folks!

Voila! Beautiful Gift Wrap (and three proud children!)

Eco-spun felt brooch!

One tired but crafty mama!

Pretty flower brooch!

Rag wreath...revealed!

The children have really embraced Handmade Holiday this year! Their hard work paid off with this beautiful wreath they created from my scrap box! It is really beautiful and it makes me so proud to see them creating "green" crafts! Not to mention how successful I feel remembering where all those scraps came from!

Pure Solitude

Calm, Quiet, Still, Beautiful.....this is what I saw upon opening my drapes this morning. Just the inspiration I needed to brew up some tea, take out my knitting and give myself permission to stay in and embrace my family and my craft! No place to go, No one to be...that's my mantra today.

Self-Portrait

Well..actually, I didnt' take this one..Nakai did! I'm often pleasantly surprised when I clear the camera after he's been shooting! I was amazed to see that my double chin isn't visible from this angle! Good job, Nakai! Perhaps all my self-portraits will be from this angle from now on!

Happy Solstice!

Teah made a delicious suncake! You can't see them in this picture, but there are beautiful sunflower seeds spiraled on this cake too! Yummy!!
Solstice feast with friends!

Stars to symbolize light!

My neighbor and fellow home-schooling mama and I hosted a solstice party for our children this year. It was wonderful! The children were so excited! We had been counting down the days until solstice all month by lighting one candle each night and so they got to follow the progression and tonight all the candles were lit in a spiral formation! We told stories and recited verses and had all sorts of activities planned! Everyone enjoyed themselves and we feasted on delicious food and sun cake for dessert! Happy Solstice Everyone! Let's bring back the light!

Just like a man...

My son Nakai took this picture of me! I think it would be perfect in the "Conspicuously Incognito" Flickr pool featured below: don't you?

http://www.flickr.com/groups/900190@N24/pool/ Hop on over there and see what those girls have put together! Maybe I'll add this one to the pool.....

Happy Bday to Me! Self Portrait Wednesday

Monkey Bread....made just for me by my beautiful daughter Teah! Monkey Bread, although not a bit healthy, always reminds me of my mom-mom...who always made me monkey bread. Yum!

That's me! The birthday girl!

You know, some people really despise having birthdays...but me...not so much. I'm thankful for lessons learned, for friendships gained, for opportunities presented. Thanks to all of you who add those special touches to my life...you know who you are!

101 Reasons to buy handmade

Click here to go to the list: http://poppytalks101reasonstobuyhandmade.blogspot.com/

So, I'm taking a day off from actual crafting, to allow myself time to recover from this nasty stomach thing I picked up yesterday, but I'm trying to keep my brain on track, so I'm thinking and reading up on things I still need to make. I found this list on a blog that I follow and thought it would be something you all may like to read! So, in the spirit of handmade holiday 2008, brew up a mug of tea or cider and pull up your comfy chair....these are great reasons! I hope you think so too.

Etsy Shop Update!!!

Hey there, friends!

***In the spirit of Handmade Holiday 2008, I am offering FREE SHIPPING on all U.S. orders of $20 or more! I will also include a FREE GIFT from me!! This special is good through December 24, 2008.
To redeem: enter this secret code: FREESHIP20 in the message to seller section during checkout and wait for a revised invoice before paying! Easy Peasy!
The Holiday Season
Is
Just around the corner.

Why not go handmade this year?

Visit: http://www.dalaimamasday.etsy.com/ I have just added several new items!

Your stop for handmade, recycled gifts!

You can feel good about reducing your footprint, supporting real people, keeping your dollars local and giving unique, eco-conscious gifts!

GO GREEN! TAKE THE HANDMADE PLEDGE! SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISANS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!


The Holiday Season is just around the corner!
Why not go handmade this year?

Visit: http://www.dalaimamasday.etsy.com/

Your stop for handmade, recycled gifts!

You can feel good about reducing your footprint, supporting real people, and giving unique,
eco-conscious gifts!

GO GREEN! TAKE THE HANDMADE PLEDGE! SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISANS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Shhh...don't tell...

Handmade Holiday sneak peek #2:

Ahhh

one of those deep breathing moments that I cherish so much! After I've given all that I can all day long, I just love to sit, to be...silent. Chai made at home, served in a handmade mug, that's what does it for me! What do quiet moments look like in your world?

Corners of my home

This corner (well, it's not really a corner) truly is a favorite of mine. It symbolizes childhood ambition, dedication, perseverance, a wonderlust for all things musical. Be still my heart when a young one sits down and plays me a tune......bliss for this mama! A music corner....such a great place to be!

self-portrait

I felt so accomplished in this photo...I had just come from the YMCA after a very long hiatus! It felt good to push my body to limits recently unknown. As a family, we are going to try hard to visit our Y at least two times a week during this non-soccer season! It's a hard thing to commit to, though. We run and run and run so much during most of the year and I love to hibernate in the winter, turn inward and pursue my domestic goddess passions...baking, sewing, crafting, creating. But really, we do need to remember to be fit...so, I guess we'll hang at the Y a few evenings a week this season!

Handmade Holiday 2008 is under way!

Sneak peek #1:

Because handmade=love!

Pj's...all day long

Birthday bag...on the way, just for Kaliyah!

Do you ever wake up and try to psych yourself up for the day? Well that's what happened on this particular day. I was up hours before everyone else. Had consumed a mug of chai, had done my morning stretching, had let the dog out and greeted the day...and still....could not bring myself to get out of these pajamas! So...I decided to stay in them....all. day. long. And really, isn't that the beauty of homeschooling/working from home? That you have that permission? Schoolwork got done, sewing was accomplished, I even baked some delicious, organic blueberry muffins using blueberries from our friend Zeb's farm....I call that a success. And I would like to encourage you all to try it from time to time....to listen to that inner voice that says to you, "go slow today...no one to be, no where to go...." Indulge for a day. I'm glad I did!

Self-Portrait Monday

Off to be the secretary today! I asked my son, Nolan, if I looked the part and he sweetly replied, "umm, the secretary doesn't wear pretty shoes like that......." sweet boy.

Election Day!

Did you remember to get out and vote?

Cake for my sweet birthday boy

I made this delicious and beautiful cake for my youngest son Nakai, on his birthday. Though crooked, it did turn out really well. Classic yellow butter cake, covered in chocolate buttercream frosting and topped with delicious organic strawberries, blueberries and raspberries....mmmm.

I've been trying to be more mindful while baking recently. You know, really be focused on my intention with each creation. Instead of looking at it as a chore that must be done, I'm choosing to see it as an opportunity with which I am blessed to have. It was an honor to bake this cake for my sweet boy's birthday. I did it with love and joy....maybe that's why it tasted so good!

I've been reading the Tassajara recipe and bread book lately (don't know why it took so long for me to purchase them)...and the messages in these books are really resonating with me. Zen philosophy and poetry throughout, they are a pleasure to read and inspire me to create.

What are you baking these days?

Corners of my home

...inspired by amanda soule over at http://www.soulemama.typepad.com/.

Her "corners" collections inspire me to seek out those corners in my own home that bring me peace or feed me in some way.

In this corner...relaxation happens. Reading after a long day. Knitting and sipping tea by candlelight...listening to guitar being played for me....or my sweet daughter playing me a tune on the keyboard which is near. This corner feels like a treat to me. A reward at the end of the day. A place not often visited, but one I look forward to visiting more as winter comes to our neck of the woods.

Which corner of your home beckons you? Please feel free to share in the comments section!

Chill Moment

Ahhh...a moment in my rocking chair, chatting with my mama friend....I really should do this more often.

Self-Portrait Monday

Me. At my post. In the kitchen.

Change in Plans

This morning was supposed to be the busiest of all mornings with much multitasking going on. In fact, I've been prepping for this day all week long. The season's last soccer game, and Nolan's day to bring snack;The last Farmer's Market; Vending at the Fall Festival at Parker Dam State Park, which begins before said soccer game ends; Super Saturday Science for Teah in Clarion...an hour + in the opposite direction; invitation to Andy's dad's Bday shindig...all to happen today.

Well, when I awoke this morning (from a fitful sleep in which I tossed and turned and thought all night), the rain was coming down hard. I decided then and there that the Farmer's market was out for me. "Great!" I thought. Not only is it the busiest day, but we'll be busy and cold and wet all day! Better hop to it and get things rolling... Just as I was walking out the door to head to the market for fruit to chop up for the soccer snack, the phone rang. It was the coach informing me that the other team cancelled and doesn't want to make it up. I immediately was both happy and disappointed. Happy of course that we wouldn't have to hang out in the rain and that my asthmatic boy wouldn't be running and playing in the rain, but disappointed because I know how much Nolan loves soccer and was looking forward to this last game. Relieved because I didn't have to assemble snacks!

Okay, Next up...rounding up supplies and things to load for the festival. My fellow mama friend Kimberly who was to come with me, called saying that her boys were already not feeling great and she didn't think she would take them out today. Hmmm...I didn't really want to go and have Nolan sitting in the rain all day by ourselves...with all of my handmade, FABRIC wares....so that got me thinking about the fall festival in a different light. As a parent....would I take my family to the woods for a festival if it were freezing cold and raining hard? Would I want to spend money at the rainy festival? Would the activities (natural dye, leaf prints, candle dipping, cider pressing, pumpkin float, bonfire and storytelling) still occur in the rain? I'm not sure, but I don't think that I (a pretty woods-friendly mama) would even want to go to the festival given the conditions today. So, after a quick consult w/ Andy, I decided to stay home and consider my already paid fee a donation to Parker Dam.

Teah is already in Clarion with her dad and her plans to attend Harry Potter themed Super Saturday Science should be unchanged regardless of the weather.

So...all the stress of the week is suddenly gone. Amazing. I now have permission to enjoy a quiet day at home (until 6pm when we will now go to celebrate Andy's dad's bday)...doing all the things I love to do....organize, sew, clean, craft, read books snuggled up with Nolan, treat him to a movie....the possibilities are endless. Thanks to the rain!

Gratitude List for today:

1. permission to slow down (the rain)
2. being able to keep the curtains shut
3. my local freecycle group
4. crepes cooked in a cast iron skillet and filled with CNG blueberries from Zeb :)
5. our funny dog, Scooter (or Duder)
6. baskets of fall books
7. the beautiful bird tree that now we get to keep and enjoy instead of selling!
8. Spending the day with my beautiful son, just the two of us
9. tea in my mug
10. a basket full of yarn and gorgeous bamboo needles to play with

Here's hoping you are enjoying a day of stillness too! Really, we go and go all week long...don't we deserve some home time?

The end doesn't have to be...

The end of the season…
Well, Folks, we are winding down to the last weeks for the DuBois Farmer’s Market. My how time flies! I'd like to thank you all for supporting me this season. I hope you've enjoyed all your goodies. Jellies, Jams, organic breads, cookies and other healthy snacks! I've enjoyed bringing them to you. I hope to see you again next summer either at the DuBois Farmer's Market or perhaps through a CSA program. I will be attending the PASA conference in February to stay abreast on all the exciting new developments in the world of sustainability, organic farming, and all natural living so that I can bring that knowledge to you. Feel confident that when you buy local, handmade, certified naturally grown or organic, you are giving yourself and your family a wonderful gift. Thanks again and I hope to see you soon!
Now...what flavor shall I bake this week? Hmm.cinnamon-raisin, garlic-dill, healthy hearty whole grain, or honey wheat? We shall see.Oh, one more thing. I wanted to let you all know that just because the market is over, that doesn't mean you have to live without your favorite bread. No, no, no.... I still bake weekly for many other people, so if you'd like to place either a one-time order or a standing weekly order, simply give me a call at 814-591-7673 or 814-371-4130 and I'll be happy to bake for you! Okay, happy winter everyone!
In peace,
Terah
Dalai Mama’s Day

THE DAM SHOW...

Rasta tye-dye tapestry Mushroom tapestry
Beautiful Serenity in her fun and funky new dress! (thanks guys!)
patchy bags
Dalai Mama's Day...the booth

~ Dalai Mama herself~
tye-dye and patchy clothes
hacky sacks, prayer flags, bags, banners
Thanks to all who stopped by to say "Hey!"
Tree of Life tapestry

Me and my sidekick!
A very well-done lightshow on the dam
Our new friend, Local musician Josh Wolfe!
Watch for him!!!

FREE GRASS UNION!!! (we love you guys:)
Fun, fun, fun!

...at the beautiful Austin Dam Memorial Park! I had no idea such a cool event was happening right in our neck of the woods (well near Coudersport). This festival was great! Lots of families and wee ones, local music along with bands who traveled a bit, vendors, a light show, the works! I'll definitely go back next year. The music was great, it happened all day and all night...we got to mingle with new friends and say hi to some old friends! It was kind of like a vacation really...only I was working! For those of you who like great music and want to help support both young, local musicians and the Potter County Fine Arts Council and the Austin Dam Memorial Association (who put on this event to raise funds for the park), I would strongly urge you to visit:http://www.damshow.com and make plans to be there next July!!! The lineup included such bands as:

• Free Grass Union (New York)
• Gail Ayers (Coudersport)
• Willie Jack and the Northern Light (Danville area)
• Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (who has debuted on the Grand Ole Opry w/ Allison Krauss!)
• Blue Sky Mission Club
• J.Guy and the Grateful Floyd Band (Easton area)
• Buddhahood (Rochester)
• Tom Martin (Coudersport)
• Freakish Owl Boy (siblings, every one!)
• Redheaded Stepchild (Nashville)
• Hackensaw Boys (Virginia)
• Ryan Montbleau Band (Boston)
• The Slant (Pittsburgh)
• Cherylann Hawk (Pittsburgh)

Dalai Mama had a great weekend at the Austin Dam Show. Won't you join me next summer?