SouleMama

feeding the chickens

Three times we went for this walk yesterday, my baby girl and I. The same walk, with the same conversations. The third time, I brought my camera. Confident, independent, smart, fabulously funny...I do love two year olds. And I loved my walk with her. All three times. 

sequins, cumberbunds and bowties

In the midst of the busy season of gardening and farming right now, we are in another busy season of rehearsals and performances and non-stop dancing. A ballet that hits the stage this weekend, followed by a week of recital time.  For the ballet productions throughout the year, the dance company stores and handles all of the costumes. But once-a-year recital costumes need to be lugged back and forth by the kids for picture day and dress rehearsals and multiple recitals. Each year as we do this, I've looked at the inexpensive, plastic garment bag we use that came 'free' with a tuxedo we bought Ezra and contemplated all of its faults. It could be shorter, it needs pockets on the inside, and goodness, it could certainly be a whole lot prettier.

I know. It's a garment bag. Something that we use maybe twice a year. I could just deal with it - certainly the boys aren't complaining about the ineffiecency of their recital costume garment bags. Ahem. But sometimes you just get a bee in your bonnet, you know? And each year, as I try to sort out which bow tie belongs in which bag and which white tights go with each sailor suit, I convince myself that a better organizational system would make the whole operation a great deal easier. (Aren't most problems solved with more shelving? I think so. Add bags and pockets to that list too.)

This week, before the kick off of a stretch of recital activity, I got to it. Using the old garment bag as a rough guide, I traced the pieces. Shortened the length of it all a bit and added a cotton lining with ample pockets on the inside for all the costume accessories. I used a laminate fabric (this one from Anna Maria Horner's Field Study line), and a heavy duty, extra long parka zipper. It took a little bit of brain stretching, this project - what with all the lining and pockets and laminate fabric to boot. It's a little funky to work with (I found Amy Butlers tips helpful), and so there's a little bit of wonkiness around the zipper in spots, not lying exactly as flat as I'd like it to. But overall, I'm pleased. Between the lining and the thickness of the laminate fabric, it has a great weight that helps it hold things well - without static or cling or plastic on the inside. And oh, those pockets really do help keep everything straight.

I had intended to monogram each of the boys initials on the outside so they could easily distinguish whose is whose in the dressing room. A look of horror passed over their faces when I suggested this, and I was promptly and enthusiastically informed that they wouldn't carry them if that were to be the case. (You'll don tights and dance in front of two thousand people but you won't carry a garment bag with your initials on it?, I countered, with no luck changing their minds.) Well, then. So a simple piece of ribbon is tied to each zipper - gold for Ezra, brown for Calvin. Subtle (for two boys who are anything but).

They were gracious and thankful, these sweet boys of mine. But despite my walk-through of the bags and how to use the hangers and where everything goes in which pocket and how....at the end of their first use of them, everything was a jumbled mess, off the hangers and out of the pockets, down at the bottom of the bag. Oh well. I'm happy to be the one to keep their cummerbunds and bow ties, tights and shoes in just the proper place. I'll even go so far as to call myself lucky to do so. 

new around here

Goodness, I have so many introductions to make today! There's been a flurry of new arrivals this past week. Picking them up, getting their spaces ready, moving electric fencing, and playing them a little harmonica (but of course!) has all been the focus of our days.

(A head's up to those who would rather pass on today's post and not read about it...I am talking about animals we raise for meat here today. The last thing I would want to do is offend someone - I do try to make this place of mine on the internet feel comfortable for everyone who is here. But the reality is that this is what we are doing, and is a part of our life and our days on this farm...and that silence about it feels wrong too. I will try, as always, to share with thoughtfulness to all who are reading...but still speak our truth.)

Three little pigs! (That truck cap is our super classy, fancy-pants pig shelter, oh yes. But it works so well! And well, it is the perfect sitting spot for anyone who might be passing by and wants a little chat with these three pigs.) We've only raised pigs in pairs before, so this is our first time having three. How much harder can it be to add one more? (If you know the answer to that, don't tell us. Let us live in our naivete until we are chasing three of them at two hundred pounds each down the road or through the woods when they escape. Oh gosh. Now I'm nervous again.) We have found, after a few years at this, that one pig produces enough pork for our family of seven for about eight months. We've fallen into a nice rhythm of sharing the second pig with family and friends who are in search of humanely-raised, organically fed, pasture pork, but not in the position to raise their own. And so, this time, we make the leap to three in hopes of being able to say 'yes' to more who ask.

Having adjusted to their arrival, and been trained to the wire, these three are settling in quite nicely - doing their work of rooting overgrown pasture, and eating and growing and being sung to by little ones who take great pleasure in hanging out with the pigs. 

 

And then, the Freedom Rangers arrived! Thirty-five fuzzy, yellow, tiny baby chicks, oh my! We switched to this heritage breed last year and were so pleased with the process and the results (over our experience with cornish cross the year prior). Last year, we raised sixty, which felt a little overwhelming when it came to processing them at once. So this year we'll raise two batches of thirty-five, staggered by about a month. (With some loss, and some sharing with friends, seventy seems to be the right number for a year for us.) They'll spend another week or so - just until it gets warmer - in the brooder, then move into the portable (Salatin-style) pen where they'll stay, rotating through the pasture for the next few months.

And last, we have a few new laying birds! Yes, yes...we did just add some, but I am sorry to say that while everyone else is healthy and strong and growing (so big, they are!), not a one of the buffs survived the first 48 hours. Most hatcheries have a guarantee on the first few days survival. And well, a credit to the hatchery is just too tempting. Adelaide and I used the opportunity to add another breed we've been admiring in the catalog - Dominiques. Not known exactly for their excellent egg productivity much to Papa's chagrin, but Adelaide and I think that 'prettiness' counts for a lot in the barnyard too. 

Phew. So much going on around here these days! The new bees are coming very soon, turkeys to follow, and then we begin the search for Mr. Right Ram for our ladies. The farm is more active, full and alive than it's ever been on our watch. It is a good, full and satisfying feeling, the work of trying to raise some of our own food. After three years of raising - and butchering - some of our own livestock, I struggle to find the accurate words to describe how it feels. Grounding is all that I can come up with, but it falls short. I feel closer than I've ever felt in all my life to the Earth, and feel a deeper connection to animals than I've ever known. Humbled, most definitely. And absolutely connected to all of that, the food we raise, the food we eat has become so much more meaningful - not precious nor perfect - just...right. For us, anyway...and that's all I can ask for.

all in a day

My people are so good to me. Many weeks ago now, we were looking at the calendar and realized that on Mother's Day, I'd be standing in the wings of the theater - helping with props, and watching my boys. And when not backstage that day, I'll be in the car, shuttling those dancing boys to and fro. Not only that, but it appears as though this will be the case for every Mother's Day for potentially a great many years, as their ballet company has the theater reserved for that weekend for years to come. Now, a day in the wings watching my boys dance is a delightful way to spend a day, but it does mean I miss out on the other three (and Papa!), and all the other good things we could be doing. And that's when my peeps decided to change the date of our Mother's Day. I'm telling you, they're good to me.

So yesterday was my Mother's Day. My requests, when pressed for them by my little ones in the weeks preceding, was that we all be together for the day. That we work in the garden as a family, and that we go for a walk in the woods after dinner. That they let me take a long-overdue family photograph. Requests, I would imagine, that sound familiar to any Mama. Simple things.

At the end of the day, exhausted and satisfied as we feel after most long everydays, I realized that not one of those requests actually happened. Papa worked so hard all day the garden for and with me, with little ones trickling in and out at our side for help, of the not always so helpful kind. The older crew complained and bickered and resisted. Our family walk in the woods after dinner was cancelled because an early nap for baby girl meant that she was crumbling by dinner time and ready for bed, with her next oldest brother right behind her. And the photograph? I couldn't remember where I put the tripod last and didn't have the energy to dive into a closet search for it. Plus the thought of trying to contain seven wriggly people within any kind of parameters for more than ten seconds with only a prime lens to boot? It suddenly became not that important to me.

But, sitting there at the end of the day all exhausted and satisfied as we were, I was overwhelmed with what I did get on Mother's Day. I slept in (as much as my body would let me anyway....will I ever be able to truly sleep in again?). I had my favorite breakfast prepared and delivered lovingly by so many hands (fried egg with braised kale, beets, onions and garlic over toast with goat cheese - yum). I was completely and thoroughly showered in handmade cards by all with the art and poetry and declarations of mama love that I will treasure always. I watched my baby girl climb on up into the wagon, make herself a little nest of pillows and blankets, and just fall asleep on her own - naked in the sunshine next to me in the garden. I planted purple potatoes (blue adirondacks) with my giggling Purple Working Man, who thought it was the most fabulous thing ever. I sat in the sheep pasture with my favorite shepherdess...and just sat and talked and played with those sheep in the sunshine. I had a most interesting and insightful conversation with Ez as we gathered the rocks and built a small border around my new magnolia tree (or Granola Tree, as we all call it now thanks to Harper). And later at night, my lanky, strong, growing oldest boy climbed into the big bed with me as I read Harper to sleep...and once his little brother fell asleep, we stayed there together talking about things great and small.

All day, there was sunshine and laughter, bare feet and hands in the dirt, and an impromptu after dinner show with a cast of five characters that make us laugh, cry, grow, and love more and more every single day. Mother's Day or not, they are all incredibly full. So much happens in the course of a family day, yes? 

I am so grateful. This was a very good one.

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Stubby Pencil Studio ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Stubby Pencil Studio. In Kate's words:

"Stubby Pencil Studio is a small, family owned and operated boutique offering natural art materials and products that inspire creativity. We stock a unique collection of products that we love for our own children and think you will, too. Find eco-friendly school supplies, craft kits, stationery, classic toys and games, books, party favors and more.

Follow us on facebook."

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Kate : In the Spring of 2006, my twins turned two and I looked for simple cards to send as thank you notes for gifts. Nothing seemed to fit, so I designed cards for the girls to color and I wrote the note inside - everyone loved them. Over time, we built the website, added more cards and stationery, art supplies, and other creative products. It's a great satisfaction to be able to source these items and make them available to other families.

SouleMama: How do you come up with new products?

Kate : As my daughters grow, they become more and more interested in art and experimenting with new mediums. We try new things and if they love it, I add it to the store (if possible). We have discovered several terrific books to learn to draw and wonderful coloring books filled with plants, brids and animals. I love books that inspire children to draw and color. It's so much fun to peek inside and see the wonderful illustrations that they create.

  

For today's giveaway, Stubby Pencil Studio  is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:

~ Nature coloring collection: set of 5 coloring books, crayons, colored pencils and a sharpener

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In addition, Stubby Pencil Studio  would like to offer SouleMama readers 15% off orders through 5/31/13. To receive the offer, please enter "  MAMASAVE15 " at checkout.

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!  The winner is...

What a lovely giveaway! Thank you!
Posted by: verane

Thank you,  Stubby Pencil Studio! 

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Barn Owl Primitives ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Barn Owl Primitives. In Kristi's words:

"Welcome to the Barn. Home of hand painted Family Rules and Typography Word Art ~ signs to decorate your life!

Follow us on facebook • twitter • pinterest • instagram"

SouleMama: What's your favorite thing you've ever made?

Kristi : I have sold signs to some pretty amazing people. My We Can Do Hard Things sign is hanging in the Etsy Corporate Office in New York City and in the MTV Office in London. When I received an order for my Playroom Rules sign from Brené Brown, I screamed out loud and almost fell off the couch. But by far the orders that I am most proud of are from people you’ve never heard of. The daughter who purchased a sign for her dad’s 70th birthday with all the sayings he’s been repeating to her for the last 46 years. The mother who allowed me to see and paint the special and private poem that she repeats to her autistic son each night before he goes to sleep. The grandmother who ordered my Strength of My Love sign for her granddaughter, who spent almost a year in the NICU before finally coming home. My friend who lost her 12-year-old son to an unthinkable accident during a flood. These are just a few of the accomplishments that I am the most proud of and the ones that make what I do so rewarding and worthwhile.

SouleMama: If you could spend a day with any crafter/artist who would it be and why?

Kristi: If I could spend a day with anyone, hands down it would be Lisa Leonard. I've had the opportunity to work with Lisa over the last several years. And while I consider her a friend, we've never had the opportunity to meet in real life. Lisa is like a breath of fresh air. She is sincere, loving, original and inspiring. She has faced many challenges and continues to seek the good and embrace the imperfections that make her who she is. She is a beautiful person inside and out and I know that when our paths cross in real life it will be like seeing an old friend.

SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs and ideas?

Kristi: I get most of my ideas for my work through every day life. I analyze everything and often look for things that I can spin into signs. I'm always looking at motivational quotes and love weaving ideas together to create unique pieces of art. I do my best work at night after my house has gone to sleep. My mind is free to create and wonder and dream. In those quiet moments, I can escape reality and get lost in the paint and the letters and the designs. When I started, I used to fire up the power tools at night too. I'm fairly certain my neighbors all rejoiced when I made the adjustment and now only turn them on while the sun is smiling down on my driveway! 

SouleMama: Where is your work available for purchase?

Kristi: My hand-painted, original works of art are sold exclusively through my Etsy shop. You can find licensed reproductions of several of my designs on canvas and paper in retail locations around the US, to include but not limited to; Target, HomeGoods, TJMaxx, Marshalls, Hobby Lobby, Bed Bath & Beyond and Cost Plus World Market.

  

For today's giveaway, Barn Owl Primitives is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:

~ $100 gift certificate to our Etsy shop

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In addition, Barn Owl Primitives would like to offer SouleMama readers 15% off your purchase through May 6th. To receive the offer, please enter "  soule15 " at checkout.

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  Comments closed!  The winner is:

So many I want. So many I love.
Posted by: deeapaulitan

Thank you, Barn Owl Primitives!

{this moment}

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{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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in and around the garden shed

I've heard that once upon a time not so long before we moved to this farm, there were llamas in here, this roughly 3/4 acre pasture. When we arrived, we made it a home for the chickens, and most recently two pigs overwintered here, rooting and turning up the soil as they so beautifully do. In the fall, we cleared the last trees that were blocking sunshine here, and gave the shed a new roof. Now, this spring, I'm ready to settle on into it as our long-term garden space. With the back section fenced off for livestock use as needed, I'm left with a rather large 100' x 70' space to work and plan and dream (and grow, oh my!). This spring, while we're working to get this season's garden in, we're also doing a bit of planning and a lot of work that will hopefully last for years to come. Some perennials are beginning to be tucked into corners here and there, an asparagus patch has been planted and rhubarb too, we're making permanent paths among the ones that will move each year, and have marked out the spot for a little greenhouse - all things that feel like settling in, in such a wonderful way.

I've been moving most of my gardening tools from the main barn to the garden shed here - so handy it is to have it all close by, and organized, and well, mine (though there is no one to blame but myself now when my garden gloves go missing again for use as a magician's gear or a knight's accessory, ahem). And goodness, I do love having a 'space' to play with. Even a simple, humble rustic shed that once housed fourty chickens. I'll take it. And I'll dream for a minute about another year sometime in the future when I can put windows on each side, and paint it, and make cute curtains that open out onto the stonework little table and chairs that I can someday sit and sip my tea at right beside the fiber dye garden that will be there too. Well, I dream all that anyway, as I tuck the dried hydrangeas in a bottle on the shelf, tack a poster to the walls, and feel grateful for a place to store the garden spade, and to keep my favorite gardening books handy and out of the elements.

For now is not quite the time for any of that prettying up, but for the good work of getting this years garden in. Which is just what we're doing, a little bit each day. The peas went in this week, with a new fort-like trellis plan - one for each of the kids, though Annabel loves to run from one to the other. It makes us all giggle so much that I can't imagine anyone would mind if she hung out in theirs for a while. 

May 1

Hello, May! 

And Welcome, to the newest Sponsors here at SouleMama. I'm so pleased to introduce them to you this morning...
 

Felt On The Fly 

wool felt, handwork and kits

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threadfollower

stitching and handcraft kits

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Butterbean

healthy sunscreen for little sprouts

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Check out their handmade, natural, and creative offerings - and those of our other Sponsors - in the days and weeks to come. I thank them and you both for your presence and support here. And if Sponsorship is something you're interested in for your own business, do be in touch. 

ducks in the pond

A few weeks ago now, a pair of mating mallard ducks came to visit us in our pond. Our 'pond' which is really nothing of the sort yet, but rather a work in progress we began last summer and will continue this summer, just as soon as we find the right day on which to rent and play with a bulldozer (oh boy). But regardless of its officialness (or not), these two ducks paid a visit to our not-so-fancy, nor-so-deep and wide "pond"...and then decided to stay for a while. For a good long two weeks they were here.

This girl of mine, oh this girl of mine. Upon discovering them, she immediately began her vigil. Getting closer and closer each time she'd visit, and sitting quietly at their side for hours so as not to scare them off. With drawing paper on a clipboard and pencils stuffed into her pockets, she sat and drew and watched. She came inside only to ask a question or do a little book research about her ducks, then returned armed with a plan for making them more comfortable, creating just the right nest options all around the pond in the hope that they'd decide to settle down and make their family here. Ducklings, she'd squeal! Mom, wouldn't that be SO great? Ducklings! On a sleepover with her best friend, when we usually never hear a peep from her, we fielded three phone calls from my girl, not to talk to us, of course, but checking to be sure the ducks hadn't left. It was, no exaggeration, her full-time occupation, passion and study for the duration of their stay, these ducks.

Of course, I was happy she was so fully and beautifully entertained. But I would be lying if I said that I wasn't a little worried that they would stay here and actually nest. A pessimist, I am not, but a realist on this young farm of ours, yes. All the possible scenarios with these silly little ducks played out in ways less than wonderful in my mind - the "pond" I knew would soon dry up, the fox would surely find them soon, or gosh, what if it were her beloved cat in some gruesome duckling scene she'd have to witness? Or, best case I suppose, what if they flew off and didn't nest here as she was so desperately hoping?

I'm her Mama, this is what I do. We Mamas run through all the possible outcomes. We worry sometimes. And we do what we can to protect those tender hearts of theirs. But sometimes, we forget that the outcome isn't really what matters. Or at least, that it pales in comparison to what came before. And that those tender hearts are huge and strong too.

The ducks didn't nest here. One morning, we looked out and they were just gone. The weather shifted, an energetic party of kids here the day before might have scared them off, or perhaps they just got word that the lovely 'pond' they were settling into was soon to be nothing more than a trench. Who knows, really. I do know that Adelaide was disappointed. For a moment she was genuinely sad. And a moment later, she was skipping to the sheep pasture to teach Cinnamon a new trick. Those ducks are a story now, inspiration for her art, fodder for her imagination, information for her growing knowledge of animals, and a sweet little childhood memory. And a very fond reminder of some good spring days, well spent.

I learn from these little ones every day, I really do.

planting time

On Friday, we removed all the car seats, folded the seats down to make as much space as we could, filled up on snacks and coffee and knitting, and in the blissfull silence of an empty car, took our annual date to the FEDCO tree sale. There, we filled up on all sorts of good things - trees, shrubs, bulbs, seeds, tubers, and tools. Interrupted every so often in our shopping by visits with friends we encountered doing the same. Doing our best to squeeze it into those empty seats we made the journey home where the work of the weekend began. And by the pull of the full moon this weekend, we did just that all day long and into the dark. Dig, plant, water, mulch. Over and over and over again for the apple trees, and elderberries and winterberries and  cherries and oh my....so many things went into the ground this weekend, and yet the pile 'still to be planted' is even larger.

This weekend - this first burst of spring planting - carries with it such a push of energy, of wishful thinking and great optimism about just what can be done this year....and the next. I love it so - it fuels us all along in the busy season ahead. And at our sides? Well, the best peat moss scoopers, compost shovelers, and waterers we ever could ask for. Surely, with all that strength of the full moon, optimism and hope, and earnest little hands, these things we plant will grow.

w e e k e n d

{Some recent Instagram snaps.}

It is a warm and sunny spring weekend here, and we are very busy soaking up every bit of it that we can. I hope you and yours are enjoying your weekend too!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Bundle ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Bundle. In Julie's words:

"Bundle is an innovative diaper service, that is opening up franchises nationwide.  Our online shop has a modern collection of super cute must haves; from cloth diapers and baby carriers to bright organic clothes and blankets."

SouleMama: Tell us what you envision and dream for the future of your business.

Julie: Bundle is such a rewarding place to work; doing work that my kids are proud of and that my community appreciates. We had the idea a few years ago to branch out and make the business available to other women and communities by offering franchises. So many of my friends struggle with jumping back into the work force after spending a few (or many) years at home with their kids. Women want to go back for work that is meaningful, since what they are leaving at home is so much more dear than it was before kids. My vision is that the community and business we have formed in Boulder, CO will be replicated in different towns around the country.

SouleMama: How does the balance of family and work play out for you? How has motherhood affected the work you do?

Julie: I have 3 kids under 8, and a fourth on the way. I started Bundle as a way to do work that was relevant to my life, and that would allow me to be home with my kids. In  the early days, I was swamped with work, and took business calls at the playground, scribbling notes and feeling frazzled. I quickly realized that what I wanted was actually to be home AND present with my kids. I had forgotten that very important distinction! Enter some fabulous employees and a cute little storefront. As my kids grow up, I'm sure my day to day involvement in the business will grow and change. For now I am happy to check in at nap time, catch up after bed time, and the few mornings that I do have to actually 'work' feel like a vacation!  

SouleMama: In your mind, what is that one thing which makes your business different?

Julie: At Bundle we love on babies and listen to parents - it's actually one of our core values! As a cloth diaper and baby shop we are relevant to families at such a transitional and tender little window of life. So we often have the opportunity to share some very special moments with our customers, and have developed many friendships along the way. Many families choose Bundle as their first outing after having a new baby, and some have even stopped by on their way to the hospital to deliver! All those squishy babies and sweet parents that come to Bundle keep us very happy!

   

For today's giveaway, Bundle  is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:

~ $100 gift certificate at Bundle

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In addition, Bundle would like to offer SouleMama readers 30% off your purchase through May 5th. To receive the offer, please enter "  soule30 "    at checkout.

                                              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  Comments closed. The winner is:

Thank you for the wonderful offer!
Posted by: Olena

Thank you,  Bundle !

{this moment}

. . . . . . . . . . 

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . . . .

for a little boy

These two little sweet peas, my nieces, (wearing the sweaters I made them before they were born), are about to become big sisters. We are all so excited to welcome another little one into the family, this being the thirteenth grandchild, and the fifth boy. Naturally, a little bit of knitting commenced just as soon as I heard the news.

(My Ravelry notes.) The sweater is knit in String Theory merino dk, a lovely yarn I really enjoy working with. It's a superwash wool because, well, my baby sister is soon to be a Mama of three children under the age of sixteen months and I thought the least I could do is not gift her something to be handwashed. Ahem. I've waxed on (and on) before about my love for Elizabeth Zimmermann, and especially for this wonderful patten, the Baby Surprise Jacket. It's really a delight to knit, and each time I get into it again, it feels like visiting an old friend. Does that sound silly? Maybe it does, but it's so true - it's a comforting, fun knit that I have a history with and know I'll always see it again.

It feels so good to have this off the needles, hanging in my studio for a little while to enjoy, and ready to wrap around the new little one when he arrives. And to have that familiar classic feeling each time I glance at it - are they ever really that tiny? Of course they are....and then, I get to linger in remembering.

sheep school

 

{Photographs by Calvin. Taken, apparently, in the rare moments when he wasn't ribbing his father for every little cut and nick he gave the sheep. Oh, those poor school sheep!}

While I was busy stitching and sorting buttons on Saturday, I was also doing my best to curb the little bits of jealousy of where Steve and Calvin were all day long. Shearing School - a class offered through the University of Maine's cooperative extention, and held at Wolfe's Neck Farm. (Honestly, the education we've received so readily and affordable from the cooperative extension is such a gift. Beekeeping! Sheep shearing! Fruit tree pruning! Tractor Safety! Yes, please, to all of it. What a wonderful resource.)

It may end up that we eventually turn over our shearing to the experts. For certainly there is much skill, grace, and efficiency in the way they do their work. I know this not only from watching here and there, but because Steve and I have taken to a little bit of an on line sheep shearing video habit. Really, there's no greater way to spend a late winter's Friday night than gathered around the wood stove, laptop at hand, and giggling, wowing and marveling at what there is to see in the world of shearing. From serious and informative to absurd and silly. And most definitely inspiring (I would love to move to blade shears someday, perhaps when we have a bit of experience). 

With that class fresh on his mind, videos and books and phone numbers nearby, and new clippers on the way, we are ready to give it a try on our own. We know our sheep so very well, and they trust and know us well. And of course, we have the greatest charmer shepherdess on hand to sweet talk them all the while. And well, you never know until you try, right? I think we can do this. We're excited to try.

purple working man

I'm not sure I've properly introduced you to my son, Purple Working Man. He's one very special guy. Attached at the hip both day and night, he is his Papa's sidekick (and those who were around long before me, say he's a spitting image in both looks, character and mischievous behavior to the younger version of him too). A happy guy, a tender heart, and my goodness the busiest Working Man you ever did meet! Busy from morning to night, this one is....busy, busy...working, working...and helping out whenever an opportunity to do so presents itself, and on the hunt for an opportunity whenever one isn't right in front of him. But he's not just any Working Man. He's Purple Working Man. Perhaps - in some foolish mistake, I might have introduced him to you as Harper Jude at one time. But that was my error, for as this quite shy fellow states clearly and firmly to all who ask, his name is Purple Working Man.

These days he'd prefer, quite naturally and befitting his fabulous name, to wear only purple. I have done my very best to make that happen with all the thrifty finds, and older sister hand me downs I can possibly find. And a wash cycle with some whites and lights and a bit of violet iDye worked wonders to increase the purple wardrobe on the quick. With another season of clothing ahead of us, I thought this Purple Working Man might like some new mama made pants, too. (The pattern is Kickin' Back Sweats - with a woven fabric, not knit - from Sewing for Boys.) Just one big pocket on the side is plenty for holding the nails and screws and caribiners that he picks up along the day. Each time before I do a load of laundry, a bowl fills with all the little bits of his work, and I smile, each time, marveling at the fun of living with such a little boy as he, my Purple Working Man.

saturday stitching

Saturday greeted us with a slow, rainy and rather dark start to the weekend. The perfect kind of weather, the right kind of moment, for a little bit of sewing. Sorting Mama's buttons by color, and sitting by perhaps the last fire in the woodstove of the year, putting the finishing buttons on a spring shirt. 

I gave the Esme another go, this time going down in size just a bit. I want it to be loose and comfortable and flowy, but not so much that it's just too big and awkward and maternity-like. This one feels right in all of those regards. (The fabric is a Michael Miller gingham.) I like where the sleeves fall - they're totally out of the way and off my elbows, which will make it a great working shirt. That is, just as soon as we can get out there and really start working. Soon. Soon enough. For now, there's a little more stitching to be done...

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Mosey Handmade ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Mosey Handmade. In Jes's words:

"Mosey Handmade is a collaboration between two best friends, Steph & Jes. We love making heirloom quality pieces that can be used in Birthday Celebrations & add a bit of whimsy to any celebration. The crowns we make are extra special and are great gifts from parents to their little ones on their special day!

Follow us on our blog ~ little bits and bobbin.  You can also find us on Instagram at: moseyhandmade (to see our latest custom crowns and follow Steph and her 5 rescue kitties) and here on morningglorywaldorf (to see Jes' Waldorf inspired kindergarten)."

SouleMama: How long have you been in business?

Jes: Steph and I have been working together for over 3 years now. Last Spring we really changed the focus of our business from Waldorf toys and woolies to Handmade Birthdays.

SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs and ideas?

Jes: We are so inspired by our customers, the mamas and the papas who write to us asking "can you make this special item for our child? she loves rainbows and unicorns--" and then the unicorn crown made it's way into our shop after that!  We also send sketches back and forth all the time to try and figure out exactly how each crown will be made. I think both Steph and I really love that part of designing, being able to bounce ideas off of each other. It keeps us inspired and motivated.

We are also very inspired by our own children. Jes' daughter has a lifetime supply of amazing thrifted vintage clothing from steph and as much as she mixes those patterns and colors--somehow those become the palettes of our day in the shop.

SouleMama: How do you keep yourself motivated, and avoid burnout?

Jes: This is where we feel very lucky to have each other. Having a teammate all the time, someone who knows the ups and downs and wants to talk it all out. We try to cheer each other on through the challenges of running a home based business. From a little wink text to a real phone call, we always have each other to lean on...When things get busy and hectic we've got each other's back. And Steph is really good at jokes, jokes are essential to decompressing in the mosey biz!

 

SouleMama: As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

Jes: Steph and I both wanted to be artists growing up and we feel pretty realized in that respect, which is very cool. Also both coming from a Fine Art backgrounds to the crafting community and having our art be taken seriously still has been really rewarding.

SouleMama: What role does 'handmade' play in our society?

Jes: I think this is a really important question, especially relevant over the last 10 years or so...handmade now means quality...that's a change from when we were growing up and it tended to mean your family didn't have enough money for storebought things. People see the value in items made in small batches one at a time--from fine food and canning to knitted socks and baby blankets, as a handmade community we are sharing the love in a big way. I think it also means a lot of heart went into the making of the handmade item & our society really values handmade in a way we haven't in a very long time.

And on a personal note my children put such a value on things "knitted by mama" which include sewn, knitted, baked or even hot glued---anything made by mama is "knitted" in the eyes of my daughter!  So as women and mother's we get to share a bit of our heart with others through crafting handmade//such an important way of connection in a society largely run by electronics and mechanics. I can imagine many children will feel that "heart" in handmade items from their mamas, papas and other crafters. And lucky for us, most of our customers are looking for the unique handmade birthday items that celebrate their child's individuality and that is often not found in the somewhat limited selection of mass produced birthday themes.

SouleMama: Is there a creative pursuit you haven't explored yet, but would like to?

Jes: Steph used to build large sculptural art, it would be so neat to build something in that fashion with the materials we now use...like a huge felt sculpture or installation.

For today's giveaway, Mosey Handmade  is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:

~ Over The Rainbow Party Pack (choose from one of our themes)

Pack includes:

1 birthday crown

1 personalized bunting or highchair bunting

1 happy birthday banner 

1 dozen cupcake toppers

1 cake bunting

1 birthday award ribbon with number of your choice 

6 party hats 

6 party favor award ribbons with appliqué from theme

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In addition, Mosey Handmade  would like to offer SouleMama readers 15% off your purchase through May 10th. To receive the offer, please enter "  MOSEYSOULE "    at checkout.

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winner is:

Love this! My daughter turns 5 in a few weeks!
Posted by: Cee

Thank you,  Mosey Handmade!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Bliss Beyond Naptime ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Bliss Beyond Naptime. In Kathy's words:

"In Simplicity Parenting ~ The Filtering Module we'll explore not only our intuitive impulse to shield our small kids from the excesses of adult-oriented media, conversation and screen time until a more appropriate age but also the effects of media on our specific parenting styles. This four week online workshop begins May 1st and includes three emails a week containing instructional videos, worksheets, interviews with guest experts plus two group calls to guide you through your own family values and ideals around this prevalent and complicated issue.

Besides being a Simplicity Parenting Leader I'm also a certified Kaizen Muse Creativity Coach. I deliver these combined skills to coach mamas through overwhelm and chaos to simplicity and bliss. I'm a Mama Bliss Coach! 

SouleMama: What does a typical day at work look like for you?

Kathy: I wake up to the sound of our rooster, Gilgamesh, crowing around 5:30 giving me an hour or two to work on my coaching practice, blog musings or current ecourse while I down my early morning latte. I milk our cow, Miss Daisy, at 8:00 while my husband gets the kids dressed and my daughter ready for school. My four year old son stays home with me but a grandma-figure sitter comes over Mondays and Wednesday mornings so I can devote more hours to this Bliss Beyond Naptime calling of mine. I also work all day Saturday while my husband takes my kids on border-line x-treme sport type adventures I'd rather not know about.

 But on a typical day, I'll garden, run errands or take my son to the park until it's time to pick up my daughter from school at 3:30. When we return home the kids play 'neighbors' in the yard while I cook dinner which lands on the table around five-ish. From there the bedtime wagon starts rolling down hill while I trot after it with a glass of wine in hand. After I put the cows to bed I read my daughter a chapter or two from her current bedtime book with our miniature dachshund on my lap then say good night to these amazing, sweet, imaginative kiddos at eight o'clock. My husband and I then get to hang out together on the coach reading, braiding each others hair or watching videos on the laptop. If there is a pressing deadline I'll work for a bit before this sacred time but my brain usually usually turns to mush around 9:00!

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

Kathy: The midwives with our daughter kept pressing upon me the importance of slowing down before my due date arrived then taking it easy for the weeks that follow the big event.  I took their advice to the extreme and didn't leave the house for two weeks after the homebirth (with my son it was over 40 days but we had a bigger house by then) I started becoming accustomed to this stick close to home, non-rushing lifestyle with small kids.

This opened the door to noticing how by inviting simplicity principles into our home life allowed for predictability and deep imaginative play to emerge which offers me the space to slip into my passions as my kids played contentedly alongside me. I decided to become a certified Simplicity Parenting leader. Then a couple of years ago after I returned from a yoga retreat I went on with the intention to encourage my son's self-weaning project, I got the epiphany that my bliss quota was maxing out an all time high and I deeply wanted to help other mamas experience this soul replenishment on a daily level. That's when I decided to become certified as a creativity coach to offer the tools and skills to help Mamas work through resistance, self-sabotage, feelings of overwhelm and to take the small steps toward their unique vision of a blissful home life and life calling.

 

SouleMama: How do you keep yourself motivated, and avoid burnout?

Kathy: I avoid burnout by ensuring I get enough sleep by getting to bed no later than ten and dosing up on the occasional sleep in if my body requests it. Othewise I tap into what energizes me on a creative level and pepper my days with bite size pieces of these pursuits. Luckily, because it has to be done, cooking energizes me and since I'm the only one who cooks around here I get to make whatever this Mama craves most nights!

Knitting and sewing are two big loves of the crafty side of my brain and my weekly knit group offers me the opportunity to see my amazing best friends and let it all hang out. To incorporate movement to my day I  either ride my cruiser bike to pick up groceries or hit the x-country ski trail at lunchtime (weather permitting). I'm also currently taking a hip-hop/fusion dance class on Wednesday nights (we're performing in Nelson next month ~ come check us out!). And believe it or not milking Daisy in the morning sun, listening to podcasts and audio books and then transforming this sweet nectar into cheese, butter and lattes elevates my bliss to a whole other level!

For today's giveaway, Bliss Beyond Naptime is generously offering the following gift to THREE winners:

~ A spot in the Simplicity Parenting - Filtering Module which starts on May 1st!

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In addition, Bliss Beyond Naptime would like to offer Soulemama readers a complimentary copy of the Bliss Filled Mama: Self-Care for Soulful Mothering after signing up for Filtering ecourse (registration ends April 30th).  To receive the offer, please email Kathy the password "Soulemama Mama" after purchase.

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8 am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are:

I love this. Her life does sound blissful. Thanks!
Posted by: paganmama

I am welling up thinking about how much I need this right now.
Posted by: Tracy

I have been learning about the simplicity parenting philosophy of Kim John Payne. Please include me in the drawing for this - it would be a wonderful opportunity. Thank you!
Posted by: Rebecca Joy (Stuart) Waddle

Thank you,  Bliss Beyond Naptime!

{this moment}

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{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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spring stitching

It's so interesting to me, the pull of the seasons as it corresponds to crafting. While the knitting needles were in my hands all winter long as often as I could manage, they've been sitting a little more quietly of late. Surely, I knit all year long. But this time of year, certainly less. Instead, I find myself gravitating more towards the sewing machine. 

With a quilt still deeply in progress on my studio table, I snuck in a little bit of something else this week. Doing a little spring cleaning closet assessment recently, I realized that everyone was quite set with all they needed. Excepting Mama. (For reasons having absolutely nothing to do with my daily ice cream consumption in conjunction with being nearly done nursing. Nope, it has nothing to do with that at all.)

Why not start, with what I can do myself? The piles of Japanese clothing books and dress and tunic patterns have been pulled off the shelves and into a pile as I ponder just what fabrics to pair them all with, and try to eek out the time in which to make them. This week, I gave a go at Esme, the new pattern from Sew Liberated. I used this vintage feedsack print for the first test run, and so pleased with the results. It came together smoothly, quickly and with relative ease, and I think I really like it. (Meg has some great video tutorials online now that accompany each pattern and would be an excellent guide for a beginning making one of these.) I would make a slight change next time (going down a size, despite what the measurements tell me...this one feels a little big), but I think this is a top that I could really enjoy making and wearing. Feedsack, voile, gingham, linen, hemp, flannel. Oh yes....I think there will be more of these to come.

with friends

This week is April vacation for the schools around here. For us, that means that most of our regularly scheduled classes and activities are on break, but it means anything but a quiet, restful vacation. This is the week we get to catch up with all our friends usually busy and/or in school....in the daytime! The days are packed full of visits and belated birthday celebrations with friends, sleepovers and double sleepovers, loads of fun and mountains of popcorn and thank goodness, a whole lot of sunshine. Oh, to run through the woods with friends with nothing but a t-shirt on these first days of spring? 

So much to be grateful for.

Boston

(Adelaide, in my parents' yard, looking at Portland harbor.)

 

Thinking about our friends, family and neighbors in Boston today. Sending love and light to all those in need. Wishing for peace and gentleness for all of us today.

April weekend

I had some rather lofty gardening goals heading into the weekend. Though it's far too early for me to be planting here, I thought I could at least get out there and clean up, prepare for the work to come, I thought. I am so longing to get my hands in the dirt and get to work on all of that. But then this happened (see above), and we laughed and thought, "Oh, but of course! It's still only just April," as we recalibrated our plans to fit the weather.

And back inside we were, with energy going toward spring cleaning and tidying and purging and a bit of repair and redo on the woodstove and hearth, which is coming off another long winter season spent working hard for us. Wandering wood chips of winter contained, stove polished, floors scrubbed and hearth tiles freshly painted. It's amazing to me to think about how this little corner of our home, the place at the center of our days and nights all fall and winter long, is soon to sit dormant and quiet in seasons of spring and summer to come. Cleaning this corner each spring season seems such a symbolic gesture of gratitude and care, and a marker of time. 

 Ah....yes, this is what April work is really about here. Cleaning up from the season behind us, and readying for the next. Right now is the time for all of that - waiting, preparing, building excitement all the while. 

It won't be long now, it really won't, before our hands are deep in the earth planting, and all of our energy is shifted out of doors. For now, we clean up from the season we're leaving behind, we wait as patiently as we can, and we enjoy - oh so much - the tiny glimspes we can get of spring. A taste of what's to come. 

SouleMama Sponsor ~ UB2 Urban Baby Bonnets ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, UB2 Urban Baby Bonnets. In Colette's words:

"unique & totally original fabric combinations define our hip, artsy approach to kid’s apparel design. like you, we’re mamas, too, and we think we’re still kind of hip. we’ve done all of our own product design. our kids have done the product testing. with UB2, you get an honest product with distinctive design flair. everything we sell is handmade. no sweatshops, no outsourcing, just beautifully handmade, heirloom quality clothes & accessories for your little one."

SouleMama: What inspires you?

Colette: my daughter is my inspiration. she's why i do this work. and she is the center of my life. i am an artist at heart, and wouldn't be happy if I wasn't creating, but before my daughter was born, I was a painter, a sculptor and I even did some installation art (check out: www.ecologies.org to see my work… it's a little out of date, but you get a feel for my style). once she was born, though, i wanted to make things that were for her… and that's part of the inspiration behind why i got started on bonnets in the first place. when she was about 3, we had a real scare with her health.  i thought we were going to lose her. and while it turned out to be nothing to worry about, it still set me on the edge of my seat. I had been planning to "go back" to work eventually (I have a PhD and an MFA and used to teach environmental philosophy and art)… but after our "moment" I knew that what I really wanted to do was stay home with her as long as I possibly could. Running UB2 let me home school her for her kindergarten year (she's reading books and writing sentences!), and we have a really, really close bond that I hope I can continue to foster for the rest of her life-- even when she does enter school full time. She'll never need before or after school care, and I will always have time for her and for the things SHE wants to do. I love knowing that the very structure of my life and work makes this possible. Plus, she gets to see me in a professional role WHILE I am being a mom. I LOVE it! I feel so lucky to have UB2… and that's partly why, as a company, we're so dedicated to working with other work-at-home moms. I want to give other women a similar opportunity to spend work time with (ok, well, around) their kids, too. 

SouleMama: What's the product or offering that you are most excited about in your shop/class right now? Tell us about it.

Colette: This spring, we released the modCap-- a fun, funky and totally cute sun hat for BOYS! And this is one of the things I'm really excited about right now. It seems like there's a sort of dead zone for boys clothing. You can put a little guy in jeans and a tee, but beyond that, there's nothing like the selection for little girls. And hats used to be the same way!  You could go ball cap (too plain!)-- but then he's just yanking it off of his head. Or, you can try a bucket cap (very cute!), but it's also just too easy to pull off. Our modCaps have a big brim, our classic adjustable snap strap (the hat stays ON!) and a classic newsboy shape. So, they really are appropriate for the little guys-- even dad'll agree!  they provide great sun protection… and with some SUPER cute fabrics. 

I am also really excited that UB2 will be launching our own blog! It's called baby + bonnet… and we're really stoked about it! We have some great guest writers lined up and some regular features.  our vision is that it will be a place where we can give back to the community of moms that have made us successful. probably the most popular feature will be out UB2bie of the month-- each month we'll select one winner (based on images submitted via Facebook) and they'll be interviewed and featured and they'll win a free bonnet, too. we will be launching in the beginning of May-- so stay tuned! If you want to be sure you don't miss the release, go to our website (www.urbanbabybonnets.com) and sign up for our newsletter-- we'll announce it there and then do occasional updates.

Past the blog and the new modCap, what really gets me going is FABRIC! I love it. Can't get enough. I am kind of a fabric junky.  I keep ordering it.  My favorite shop, Hawthorne Threads, certainly HAS to know me by name. WHen I get their flat rate enveloped stuffed full of fabrics in the mail, I can barely contain myself! I tear them open and start matching, pairing, re-matching. I keep working like that until I find a combination I really love… and then it becomes a bonnet! But, I get excited or inspired by other materials, too.  Like buttons.  I have a serious button habit! I can't get enough of them. I've started putting them on the mamaCaps (the adult version of the new modCap)…but I also just like to touch them, feel the different materials, and drool over the gorgeous designs. Many of the buttons in my collection are from Victorian times. That's so cool to me! They're so old and still so amazing! But I also love ricrac, thread, tape, paints, markers, pencils, stamps and stamp pads…you name it! if you can make something with it…it'll catch my eye!

For today's giveaway, UB2 Urban Baby Bonnets is generously offering the following gift to ONE winner:

~ 1 bonnet of your choice!

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In addition,  UB2 Urban Baby Bonnets would like to offer SouleMama readers free shipping on any order placed between April 13 and May 13.  Just enter " SOULELOVE" into the gift certificate box at checkout. You will need to create an account and sign in to receive the special offer.  

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Monday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed!  The winner is:

so cute!
Posted by: Ariel

Thank you, UB2 Urban Baby Bonnets!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Magpie Patterns ~

 

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Magpie Patterns. In Amy's words:

"A boutique of knitting, sewing, embroidery and crochet patterns for crafters of all stripes.

Follow us on Pinterest!"

SouleMama: how long have you been in business?

Amy: Magpie Patterns got its start in 2010, although I've been collecting (and using) fabulous patterns for much longer.

SouleMama: What role does 'handmade' play in our society? 

Amy: I'm so glad that the role of handmade in our society is growing, although not fast enough for me! I have high hopes that somehow we'll get to the point (once again) that handmade is the norm, forcing us all to slow down, consider craftsmanship, own less and appreciate more. Wouldn't it be lovely if there was no longer a need for Walmart because everything you needed (really, truly needed) was made in your own community?

SouleMama: What advice do you have for people wanting to be more creative?

Amy: Don't be afraid! You have to be willing to take risks and to fail. Trying something new is exhilarating and often frustrating at the same time but masters in their craft will tell you that all those failed attempts are progress, not stop signs.

For today's giveaway, Magpie Patterns is generously offering the following gift to THREE winners:

~ A chance to start new projects with a $25 gift certificate for anything in the shop.

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In addition, Magpie Patterns would like to offer SouleMama readers 20% off your entire purchase until May 1st. To receive the offer, please enter the code "  Spring20 "    at checkout.

                                              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are:

These look lovely I would be thrilled to try some of them out!
Posted by: Helen

Thanks for this giveaway opportunity.
Posted by: Isabel

hoping. . .
Posted by: L S

Thank you, Magpie Patterns!

{this moment}

. . . . . . . . . . 

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . . . .

chicken love

With just eleven hens in the yard these days, they're each getting a whole lot of love. Add to that the melting snow (they are so happy), the puddles that bliss out the duck, and all the kitchen scraps (now that we're not feeding pigs for a month or so), and well...I think we've got some pretty happy hens.

(Now. If they wouldn't mind rerturning the love this way by laying more than three eggs a day, I'd be ever so grateful.)

Meanwhile, in the brooder in the barn, the new chicks are growing, growing, growing. We have a bit of a hunch already that one of the austrolorps is a rooster. Can you believe that in all our ordering of chicks we haven't had an 'accidental' rooster? We wouldn't mind, and we're watching to see if Henrietta does indeed turn out to be a Henry. All of them - Henrietta, Judy Pecker, Ruby and the others - are in that rather awkward adolescent phase of chick growth with their feathers coming in here and there and going every which way. It doesn't matter - as you can see, they are adored just the same.

double digits

 

Sometimes...deadlines just aren't met. ("Mom, I wouldn't use it right now anyway, it's almost summer.")

Sometimes...we get lucky at the movie theater. 

Sometimes....pizza with the gaggle of cousins and aunties is just what he wants.

...and a bmx bike and his ears pierced with pink rhinestone earrings (yes, really).

Sometimes....being the best Mama I can be means choosing to be present with my time and energy...and buying that strawberry shortcake from Whole Foods.

Sometimes....I look at this now ten-year old boy and see the same dimpled baby who was always so content. Content to take it all in, content to let his older brother take the lead, content to read and draw and sit and chill. And chill, he still does. Ezra is the master of the chill. Interrupted though, just as it was when he was a babe, by moments of unexpected and wild personality. Quirky, creative and ridiculously funny exploits. And always with a surprise up his sleeve, this one with the dimples in his cheeks and twinkle in his eye that charms us all.

My children's birthdays certainly have a touch of sadness in them for me as I miss those baby days of theirs and think about how fast the time is going. But it's always so overshadowed by the joy and excitement in seeing what comes next for them. The pleasure in watching them grow. They are my children, of course I love them with every ounce of my being - but what a delight, and how grateful I am, that I really sincerely like them too. These days are fun.