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!