Art of the Month: May

Here is the quilt/blanket I was hinting at two posts ago.  It is a gift for my nephew.  The pattern is from Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way to Sew.  I didn't make the template as large as suggested, which I would do next time and she also recommended washing it afterward which I didn't read until after I pre-washed the fabric...alas mommy brain strikes again.  I loved the tops and yo-yos on the fabric.  They say child without driving you crazy with colour or pattern overload.  

It is possible to do this in a day if you don't have an infant and 3 year old since there is no piecing involved.  The center is a cotton flannel and it comes together fairly well.   Hopefully it will meet with a 6 month old's approval :)

the end of an era

Please indulge my little journey down former television addict lane.  Yesterday as I'm sure you know was the last Oprah show.  As everyone has kept reminding me Oprah's influence in the world is certainly not disappearing.  But the vehicle of her show which has brought countless hours of change to the world is no longer in its original format.  Weekdays at 4 p.m are altered forever.  I wouldn't call myself an ultimate viewer but the show spanned 25 years and definitely influenced the way I see the world today.  Oprah's fundamental message of finding your true self and living from that place is one that I share.  And I applaud the work she does and her charity efforts.  She has put her money where her values are.  It seems strange to me that my kids will not see her show as a part of their formative years....perhaps it is just another reminder of how time moves forward whether we are ready or not.

Book of the Month: May

Since this time of year it seems that everyone who has a garden is in it and even if you don't garden you can't escape the new life all around I've chosen The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett as book of the month.  I read it for the first time earlier this spring and after seeing the The Secret Garden (1993) film several times, the book was even more magical.  Set during the 19th century the story follows a young girl raised by emotionally distant parents who is orphaned and sent to live with an unknown uncle in England.  When she is forced to explore in nature she begins a transformation and therein lies the theme of the story.  This book is targeted towards young adults but I think any nature lover would enjoy it.

spring love

Just some images of the love that is blooming all around us.  The sun is finally here for a few days in a row.  And is much needed I might add.

 cousin love (shhh..it's a surprise)

 

brother love (making mama's heart melt)

bubble love with new friends

clothesline love

first patio art session of the season love

and first picnic at the park love

happy weekend!

Tales from my Garden 2011

I am pleased to bring back my gardening adventures with a whole new space to fill up.  My gardening square footage has increased and hopefully my outcomes will prove more successful this season.  After blessing seeds for Imbolc I am trying to promptly get them into pots and the ground.  But first things first, I cleared out the front plot and am trying to plan the layout.

The back area against the house will have river stones since we were discouraged from planting anything closer than 18 inches from the foundation (due to Carpenter ants).

I pulled apart a humongous Hosta and planted parts of it at the rear.  They are hearty and love shade or part sun.  Only the first 4 to 5 feet of the garden gets direct sun. 

 

My plans for herbs are growing Lavender, Basil and Calendula from seed.  If I purchase some seedlings as well parsley is the only definite so far.  I've been consulting A Place in the Rain: Designing the West Coast Garden and of course Internet sources.  I think I may also reference Sugar Snaps and Strawberries: Simple Solutions for Creating Your Own Small-Space Edible Garden once I return from a vacation to Quebec in two weeks.

And as for my other edible plans my heat drenched south facing balcony is going to house some Heirloom tomatoes and is currently germinating some green peas.  I'm also going to attempt some squash and green peppers.  Ambitious you say?  Well, yes it is.  But it's all about trial and error and finding out what works in our new home.  I'll certainly be busy this summer but for me it's a fun busy when it comes to playing in the dirt!

refresh

With Beltaine's energy filling us all I felt an altar update was necessary.  I finally have a little shelf all my own to use as an altar in the otherwise chaotic sewing room/office.  For the last two months it has looked like this:

My birthing altar.   It held my drawing intention spell from Imbolc, a photo of the Damien Hirst Pregnant woman statue, my moon cord, two oil anointed candles also made on Imbolc, 4 cards from my Celestial Tarot deck: the ten of pentacles, Spring (Princess of Pentacles) for Elliott's birth season, and both the Aries (Emperor) and Pisces (Moon) cards because I wasn't sure what sign he would be.  Also included was a stone from my family farm, a piece off volcanic rock from Hawaii, a white pentacle for grounding, and a photo of an interpretation of Gaia.  There were various other stones and the contents from my witches ladder which was done before Kyan's birth.

Now that the holiday of love is here I thought it wise to change it up.  Beltaine is also special to me because 8 years ago I began dating Dave around this time, so the love factor is doubled for me.

I wanted something simple: a wedding photo, lovers statue, the Venus (Empress) card from Celestial Tarot, a romantic art card and some feathers.  Birds herald the sexy spring to me.  The most glorious part of my day yesterday was sitting rocking Elliott while listening to the birds sing outside.  It was warm and sunny, just a lovely day.  I hope your's was too.