My Mother's Day

We spent the day at Old Sturbridge Village - just the girls (my mom, myself, and Aries). There was a carriage ride, a silly shifty eyed sheep, peppermint tea bag making, and a visit to the candy store. Aries even enjoyed the little tours of the houses - my favorite was the little yellow cottage. I could have gladly taken any of the farm tables - they were all amazing. It was lovely mother's day. Hope you had a lovely mother's day too!

The Weekend

We filled this weekend up with laughter and fun. First we took the kids to glow in the dark bowling. It was the first time any of them really bowled. Damien was trying to figure out how dear hubby could hit the pins so hard. He would watch the ball slowly roll down the lane every time - and ended up with the only strike of the game. Aries had her stance. She was would get in this thinking position, fling the ball with all her might, and even made "ugh" noises. She impressed us with her skills. Odyn took awhile to warm up to this sport but once he did every time he threw the ball he would laugh. It was a little evil chuckle. 

The next day we spent outside digging in the dirt, planting our herb garden. Mint, sage, pesto basil, lavender, rosemary, lemon verbena, and thyme just to name a few. We even picked up some pretty foxgloves. As the plants fill out I'll slowly add more flowers and herbs. That side of the yard is already feeling 100% improved.

I also started cutting fabric squares for a quilt, a new book, and my new photography course! This weekend - I don't think it could have been better. 

Friday Joys

+ Opening the window for Onyx to bird watch

+ Noticing new flowers outside, like the red tulip in the yard

+ Iced Black Tea unsweetened at Starbucks

+ Aries picking me a purple flower on the way home from school

+ Signing up for a photography course - my mother's day present

+ Beautiful blue sky weather 

+ Giant Art that made me smile

+ Finished a good book

+ Got an unexpected raise at work

+ Thinking about getting a new camera

Hope your Friday was as joyful as mine.

Weekend Adventures

This weekend we had a day where it was just dear hubby and I. The kids visited with my mom and their new cow - which they lovingly named "buttkiss". I'm sure I don't have to tell you what the cow did to get that name. My guess is Damien the 10 year old had more say in the name.

Rob and I snuck off to a flea market, the Book Barn, and a lovely blog friends greenhouse, all by ourselves. At the flea market we walked in the sun looking at everyone's goods. There are the usual things I look for like handmade blue pottery mugs and old chippy furniture but this time I added something to the list. Vintage film cameras. When we rounded a corner, hubby scouted some out and we left with a neat Kodak camera made in Germany from the 1960's. I can't wait to see what kind of pictures it takes.

At the Book Barn we looked for books together, something we never get to do. I had a list in hand this time and found four books from it, Rob was able to find 5 books for himself. Then we headed down the road to a blog friends nursery. 

Carole's greenhouses were filled with color. We decided to focus on the side yard herb garden first and picked out a great variety to start with. We couldn't help but sniff the air while we were there. It was so fresh. Plus there was also the added pleasure of meeting a person I've only known through our blogs. Such a great way to end the day.

These were our adventures this weekend. What were yours? 

Refuge

We are not news people. In fact I'm not sure when the last time I watched the nightly news was. The stories always disappoint me and remind me how cruel we can be to each other. Senseless crimes, devastation, and fighting. All the things I strive not to surround myself or my family with. But this week there was no escaping it all. Boston is close to home. While I couldn't bring myself to read the stories or know every detail, my thoughts were still with the people effected. 

This week we've kept busy, trying to make our own little corner better. Stripping wallpaper in the kids rooms, organizing our closet, playing outside in the yard, collecting violets, and letting the sun warm us. Every night I sit down and draw little. Practicing. Taking refuge in our tiny bubble. 

Art For Art

There is nothing I like better than to make something for someone. One day, not too long ago, I discovered that my phone does indeed get instagram. I started following friends feeds and blogs that I follow. There was a comment that struck me as perfect and lovely. This comment led me to @tooyoungtobehippies and her art. Falling head over heels in love with her portraits I contacted her right away asking if she does custom portraits. Maybe we could swap art for art. That's what we did. I made an embroidered pillowcase, lavender filled sachet, and a watercolor for her for part of some custom portraits of the kids.
Soon they will hang in the upstairs hallway, that got stripped of wallpaper this weekend. It's just waiting for some primer and paint.

The Lone Daffodil

Across the street there is a lone daffodil. Just one - all by it's itself. Surrounded by trees, rocks, and leaves. I'm not quite sure who planted it or if some how some way it made it's way over there. But every time I open the door and it's brings a little cheer to the day.

It's finally starting to feel like spring. We are making plans for all the gardens and outdoor landscaping we want to do. Getting ready to move our table outside to the porch again - meals outside everyday. Reading my pile of books from the book barn, learning about the healing power of herbs and how to use them daily. I cut some daffodils the previous owner planted in the secret garden and spread them around the house. Our vintage pink quilt is starting to stay folded on the back of the couch and windows were opened today. 

Ahh spring!