Jan 22, 2015::sick day

Brice and I both woke up this morning with the cold that Daddy has been suffering for nearly two weeks. The big kids seem healthy, so far, but a sick day is in order for the little guy (and me, as much as possible). 

I fixed a snacky buffet for us, so everyone can wander in and out between school assignments and have some healthy options without Mom's watchful eye.

Today is winter CSA day, which just so happens to be soup and pie. Low pressure, nourishing, and nurturing.

The rest of the day will likely be filled with hot tea, PBS, elderberries, dog snuggling, and knitting. 

Tomorrow is Saturday. Maybe we can convince Dad to join us in the slowness then.

Namaste

Jan 21, 2015::tiny studio

Since I can remember, if someone asked me what do I want most I have had one abiding thought...a studio. 

Of course, a studio ranks after health, contentment, and world peace, but it plays a huge part in my own health, contentment, and inner peace. Twice in my adult life, I have had a studio. A room of my own where I can leave projects in progress and come and go at leisure. A place where others in the family are welcome, but is usually quiet and comfortable, is my greatest material desire.

In recent years, that space has been shared by homeschool curriculum and books, books, books. Fine, and fun, but not peace and quiet and creativity. When we picked up and moved to Indiana, we decided to go for a smaller house. Still five of us living and learning together, just less space to do so. Studio on hold again.

In response to tighter quarters, I have picked up the habit of working on writing and projects in early morning quiet. All the kids are late sleepers, so I usually get a couple of solid hours of thinking time, but dragging supplies out of the garage every morning...not so motivating. 

Periodically, over the eighteen months we have lived here, I have wandered the house looking for inspiration for a studio space. Where can I put a table and my supplies? Where can I do that and still have some semblance of order? Well, surprise! No studio loft appeared! 

What did appear, though, was this magical wardrobe. One day, it caught my eye. No fur coats and lamppost. We have stored knock knacks and yoga mats in here for years. A nice prop room for changing up seasonal tables, but a lot of wasted space. 

Oh, now...it is a magical place for me. My tiny studio storage space full of possibility. I still have to work on the dining room table, but it's like a candy store, calling my name every time I walk by...make something...come on...open the door...you know you want to...

Namaste

Jan 20, 2015::Gambills take DC

Our holiday break, and subsequent holiday travels, started early this year. The kids, and dogs, and I left Kokomo on Dec 15 for my parents' house in Tennessee. Todd flew to Washington, DC on Dec 17 for business and we decided to accompany him. But first, we needed to drop off the dogs and Christmas gifts with my dad, and pick up my mother and mother-in-law, who both joined in on the adventure.

The 17th began well, with plans to meet Mom's college roommate for lunch in Staunton, VA. About thirty miles from the exit I started hearing strange sounds from the engine and smelled the unmistakable stench of antifreeze. By the time we pulled into the restaurant, it was clear that a visit to the dealer was necessary. So, the moms and kids stayed behind to eat pie and I sat in the dealership lobby, watching. Bonanza and Adam12 for three hours. Finally, after learning that Todd and. I would be buying each other a new radiator for Christmas, I rented another van and hauled the crew on to DC. What a way to start the trip!!

Once we arrived in DC, the fun began in earnest. We walked and walked, and saw as much as we could possibly see in the two and a half days we had there. That seems to be our MO...never do a field trip half-way. I think I learned that from my Dad. Wish he could have accompanied us. Next time, Poppy!!

A little Adam-12 at the repair shop.

DC Day 1

National Botanical Garden to see the trains

The Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress were on the list as well

Air and Space Museum

The sculpture garden

And the Mall

Where are George and Ringo?

Natural History Museum

Back to the Capitol

DC Day 2

White House Visitor Center

And the White House

The War Memorials

And the Lincoln Memorial ( "Hamriham Lincoln" Brice)

And the Washington Monument

A little break and on to...

The American History Musem

DC Day 3

National Gallery before heading back to TN

Namaste