Winter Break

The girls have found the rhythm of their "winter break," enjoying slow mornings, play-filled days and long winter nights. A calm happiness seems to have settled over them. It's hard to say if it's the unstructured days, a break from the energies of other children, the security of being close to home, or simply the magic of the season that has made my children so enjoyable. But their peace and joy are infectious!

Winter break in Florida offers a different kind of wonderland. Our days have been merry & bright with sunshine; and today, even white... Daddy Bird has been longing to see a sunset, so we ventured over to the beach this evening. In the snow-white, powder-fine, 99% quartz crystal sand, the girls enjoyed some traditional winter fun, including making "snow"balls...

...and "snow" angels. Plus, Sage tried out walking in the sand......and Selby pocketed some seashells for her ongoing nature collection. Then, surrounded by "snow birds," we watched the brilliant, golden sun kiss the Gulf. Days like this one make mothering mindfully easy. Or does mindful mothering make days like these? Something to think upon.

New Moon. New Year. New Focus.

Wahoo! I believe I'm as excited about the holiday season heading out as I was about it heading in last month. As intended, I kept it simple. But this is simple by my standards, which still tends to teeter on over-the-top. So today, as I recovered from and reflected on the past few weeks, I became very clear about the year to come. Tomorrow is, once again, a new moon. Preceding the new year by only a few days, it seems like an ideal time to reset my focus.

For 2009, instead of trying to do everything at once - as I'm guilty of attempting - I plan to focus my attention on three paramount passions: mothering, writing and living mindfully (I should have skipped the soul searching and just reread my profile). I imagine I'll delve into each of these individually in the future, outlining goals for each goal as only a Virgo would do. But in the meantime, I'm just wrapping myself around the general idea of these three creative pursuits.

Now, don't get me wrong. I still plan to blog, knit, sew, craft, decorate, garden, cook, organize to OCD levels, read, entertain, scrapbook... But here's the thing. I will not hold myself accountable for all of these things, all of the time. Instead, they'll get jumbled into a creative grab bag, to be pulled out like a prize when a moment arises or an urge pops up. Hmm, I believe this is what they call a hobby...

So that is where my head has been today. And as an extension of my head, what this blog will be exploring in the days to come.

What about you..any new focus for the new year?

You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!

After being unplugged and detached from my normal, daily life for nearly four days now, I am back home with a fresh perspective. Spending time with my family sans computer and phone was a breath of fresh air. And it reminded me just how powerful the mindful practice of detachment can be. How, when you release not only responsibility and obligations - which, of course, isn't always possible - but also expectations and ideals, you experience a sense of true freedom. And with this freedom comes the open-ended possibilities, adventure and magic of life.

It was magical indeed watching Selby's young eyes light up as she explored the Magic Kingdom, totally unattached to any outcome, devoid of any expectations. She reveled in the uncertainty of a new environment, delighting in the surprises around every corner. With this easy, open mind anything was possible - from catching "snowflakes" on her tongue on a balmy Florida night as we walked down Main Street USA...to being shrunk down to fairy size and meeting TinkerBell live and in person!

After watching her, I do believe that approaching each moment with this simple detached involvement might be as powerful as pixie dust. Add a little faith and trust and...You can fly! You can fly! You can fly!

When there's a smile in your heart
There's no better time to start
It's a very simple plan
You can do what the birdies can
At least it's worth a try

You can fly! You can fly!
You can fly! You can fly!

Do Less, Accomplish More

Christmas is only one week away now. Typically, at this point in the season, I begin to hear a clock ticking. It always feels like there is more to accomplish than there is time to accomplish it in. And as the seconds pass by, my stress level rises.

In the spirit of living more mindfully, this year I am going to take a different approach to the final days of 2008. In his insightful book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra talks about "The Law of Least Effort." Simply stated, it suggests we can do less and accomplish more. Sounds fantastic, I say!

Here are the three components to this principle:

1. Acceptance: Surrender to the moment. Accept people, situations, circumstances and events as they occur; don't waste energy struggling against them.
2. Responsibility: Take responsibility for current challenges and be alert to opportunities within them.
3. Defenselessness: Release the need to convince others of your point of view. Remain open minded and flexible; don't force outcomes.

Chopra suggests that when you follow these ideals, you are not only present in the moment, but more lighthearted, carefree and joyful.

I am going to try and walk this path of least effort and resistance right into the New Year and beyond. With any luck, I will trade some of my building holiday anxiety for a peace of mind that allows me to enjoy my family and create lasting, loving memories.

And speaking of family memories, we are off to Disney World tomorrow, so I'll meet you back here on Monday! Have a great weekend - try doing less and accomplishing more.

Silly Mommy, Christmas is for Kids

As my seasonal project list backlogs (stockings to sew, cards to address, final shopping to do), I'm reminded of all the chaos that comes with the holidays, no matter how simple I vow to make them. But the kids - now they have it made! Parties, cookies, presents...ah, to be a kid at Christmas time.

Last weekend we hosted a holiday open house for our friends and family. While we grown ups had a pleasant time, the kiddos had a BLAST. They turned the house into an obstacle course, rounding the dessert table, weaving through the living room and then, much to their delight, jumping off the master bed onto Sage's futon mattress below. This went on until linens were hanging from the bed and artwork was crooked on the wall. Now that's a party!This afternoon, Laura over at Snip and Snail hosted a cookie party for the kids. Masses of homemade dough, ranging from chocolate, to sugar molasses to cream cheese, was rolled out and transformed by little hands into gingerbread men, candy canes, stars and so on. With every manner of icing, sprinkles and candies laid out for decorating, I think as much went into little mouths as onto the cookies.So with a preschool holiday party, a trip to Disney World and, oh yeah, Christmas itself, still around the corner, a lot more merriment is lined up for the little ones. And perhaps a bit more chaos for mommy...

Birds of a Feather :: Part Two

It's hard to remember when, exactly, I started getting my kicks from throw pillows and knick-knacks and table linens. But the older I get, the more pleasure I find in transforming my living space into a comfortable, beautiful and meaningful home. My look is eclectic and simple. I like both old and new. I have equal appreciation for jewel tones, earth tones and a pure white canvas. And my own personal style is constantly evolving.

Traditionally, I have devoured magazines and books for decorating inspiration. But recently, I've been enjoying the interactive - and constant - inspiration out there in the blogosphere. I have come across several other "nester" blogs, focused primarily on decorating. Here are a few of my favorites:

Nesting Place

Feathered Nest

The Shabby Nest

The Cottage Nest

These blogs all feature fabulous photos and lots of great ideas. And they each have their own unique and authentic style. Check out these "birds of a feather" for a little inspiration when it comes to feathering your own nest. Enjoy!

Birds of a Feather :: Part 1

Want to join in the bird craze? Owls are a wise choice! These cute birds are everywhere right now, from homespun crafting to high-end decor. They are swooping into retail stores like Anthropologie and Pottery Barn. And they were leading the flock at a local, handmade DIY craft fair I visited today, the Atomic Holiday Bazaar (it's like etsy, live & in person). Fun, retro-inspired owls were...

Perching on colorful scarves created by Ragamufyn.Peeking through stained glass pieces by the The Crafty Hag.

Posing as cuddly pillows like this one by Boggiebead.
Hanging from chains like this pendant by Flying Heart Jewelry.And decorating trees like these ornaments by Felt and Paper.

I spotted owls on handbags, bibs, t-shirts... you name it. Turns out, I'm not the only one who gives a hoot about these wide-eyed birdies.

A Nature-Inspired Wreath

This year, I hung my fresh wreath inside to spread the holiday greenery around the house. And also for the selfish reason of hanging it where I can see it and enjoy it. It smells divine! I put the finishing design touches on it this afternoon; it's a bird-themed wreath, of course. I used 4 small cranberry and brown feather & bead sprigs from the craft store, as well as 2 large white, glittery plastic feathers, a couple of bird ornaments and some pine cones. Finally, two strands of battery operated red mini lights give this nature-inspired wreath a little color and pizazz. Another simple, natural and affordable way to enjoy the season!

Before:

After:

All Through the House

I'm really enjoying decorating for Christmas this year. Here are a few of the simple touches all through my house:

A chalkboard in the breakfast nook.

Display shelves all dressed up for the season.Views of the mantle.

The dining room hutch.

A memo board in my office.

The holidays are such a cozy time for nesting. More to come...

My Obsessions

A few things I'm crazy about right now...

1. After an extensive search for the perfect bird calendar for the coming year, I finally found it. The Birds & Blooms Collection 2009 Calendar from Papaya is divine. Featuring fabulous glitter-dusted artwork, each page can eventually be framed for a lovely collection. Even the back cover is great! I plan to cut out these cute round thumbnail images to make magnets for my office chalkboard.
2. I was completely enchanted by the feature on Amy Butler Design in the December Home Companion magazine (I am in love with this whole issue). The pictures of her holiday home were so inspiring. And she is offering lots of free holiday patterns on her website! I am feeling brave enough to tackle a couple:

I've been itching to make stockings for the family and I just love the simple, whimsical design of this felt stocking with a touch of fabric peeking through and a fun ball fringe. And I believe this sweet snow mum pillow will last way beyond the holiday season. Check out the gift tags too - just print and cut for chic tags!

3. Look at this great Feather Jewelry Display from Pottery Barn! I've had my eye out for a unique way to display my favorite jewelry - and I believe this one, modeled after vintage inkwells with quill pens, is it. (hint, hint Daddy Bird.)

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What about you... what are your obsessions right now?

A Back-to-Basics Tree

Traditionally, Christmas trees were decorated with organic items such as fruit, nuts, pine cones and candles. Like everything else in our modern world, tree decorating today has become a lot more elaborate and complicated. I've gone back-to-basics this year. I strung the tree with plain, non-blinking white lights reminiscent of candles (without the fire hazard) and strands of red, wooden bead garland that remind me of hand-strung cranberries. "Snow" dusted pine cones complete a nature-inspired, traditional backdrop for my ornament collection, which includes some new, adorable woodland creatures. I hope to make some sweet-scented Cinnamon Bird Ornaments to nestle into the branches as well. Nostalgic ornaments give the tree a story. I have an ornament I made in kindergarten that has hung on every tree I've had for the past 30 years! I actually remember making it... we dipped unsharpened pencils into pots of melted crayons to "stamp" ornaments onto a wooden tree form. I can remember the smell of the melted crayons to this day. Heirloom ornaments also grace our tree, including hand-crafted wooden figurines, engraved sterling silver pieces and beaded stars, angels and bells. With non-kid-friendly glass and crystal ornaments awaiting another year's tree, I filled in the gaps with various wooden, plush and knitted decorations.

Nestled into a corner near the fireplace, our kid-friendly, nature-inspired Christmas tree shines bright and silently tells a story about our family. What comfort & Joy!

Gathering Branches

Over the weekend, I began to collect the essentials needed to dress my nest for the holidays. My goals with decorating this season are to keep it simple, natural, affordable and kid-friendly. So I began, like any good bird, by gathering branches. Three botanical staples will provide the backbone of my decor:

Poinsettias

These traditional Christmas plants are an affordable way to have fresh, colorful "flowers" all season long. And contrary to popular belief, they are not poisonous (however their milky sap can irritate eyes and skin, so keep them out of reach from curious little hands & mouths).When choosing a poinsettia, look for plants where little or no yellow pollen is showing on the flower clusters in the center of the bracts. Those that have shed their pollen will soon drop their colorful leaves. Read this article on Pampering Your Poinsettia for more tips on choosing and caring for these beauties. I selected two big, full, deep-red plants for a total price of $8.00.

A Fresh Wreath

A fresh, handmade wreath is a natural, fragrant Christmas decoration that uses renewable resources. This year, I will hang ours inside the house where we can really enjoy it. (If you hang a fresh wreath inside, lightly mist it every day with warm water; indoors or outdoors, avoid placing it near heat sources or in direct sunlight.)
This lovely, 24" wreath caught my eye at the tree lot with a price tag of only $12.00! Of course you can make your own wreath with trimmings from your tree...but with my mind on keeping it simple, and with a great price, this handmade-by-someone-else wreath begged to come home with me!

A Fresh Christmas Tree

And of course, the main event - the tree. Fresh trees are the most eco-friendly choice, plus so beautiful & fragrant. Evergreens are not grown in my area, so we have to go to a tree lot; a cut-your-own tree farm sounds like a fun and educational family outing if you have one close by.We are moving our tree to a cozier spot than usual this year, allowing us to scale down the size and better meet my affordability goal. After a leisurely walk through the maze of trees, we selected one of the smallest on the lot (about 7 ft.) with a fair price tag of $39.00.So with all of my "branches" gathered (for only $59.00), we flew on home to get started decorating. I hope you will check back throughout the month as I share views of my nest, all feathered for the holiday season.