Press Pot Cozy

It is raining buckets outside and we have no power at our house. I was feeling kind of down, but I went outside and the Red-Winged Blackbirds are back! They were singing their hearts out, staking out their territory. That put me in a much better mood.

Presently I'm at the library so that I can do a little administrative work for BCharmer, and connect with you! Here is a picture of a little cozy that I made for my press pot. It makes the process of making coffee so much better; kind of like wearing an apron when I cook. I love the details of formality, even if I'm a casual kind of gal.

A Rainy Day

Well, it is raining today. A lot. There is almost no snow on the ground any longer, which is nice for being able to get out and about. Today Bronwyn went back to school for the first time since the begining of last month. The house is quiet and my sewing beckons me. So this is a short post for now. But I'll leave you with some photos of a scarf that a customer had me make for her. I really like the fabrics that she chose.

Happy New Year

Well, it's been a little bit since my last post. Bronwyn is still not in school, and Brian has taken some time off from work so I've been spending my time with my two favorite people. Last night Brian and I played cards instead of veging out in front of a movie. It was great!

The snow is melting now, and it's warm outside again. My onions survived the cold, and my seed catalogue arrived in the mail... I'm already dreaming about the spring planting. And in that vein, I've been reading an inspiring and very well written book: "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver. It is definitely making me think differently about the foods that I eat and what I grow in my own garden. So yes, my thoughts are of spring.

Here are some wallets that I made recently that make me think of the changing season.

My Big Dream

*DEEP BREATH* After my post a few days ago about my birthday wish, I felt scattered. I felt like I hadn't spoken the exact truth. I wondered, "What is it that I really want for the second half of my life. The answer was clear. I want world peace and happiness. I know, I know, I had the same thought: "Yeah, of course! Everyone wants world peace, dummy. Way to set the bar so high that you feel defeated." But wait. Is world peace really an impossibility? We won't know until we try. Wanting world peace doesn't mean that I sit around and hope it happens right?

I was listening to an interview on the radio the other day about the horrible horrible atrocities being commited against people in Africa, and my heart just hurt. I felt so helpless and unable to do anything. I mean, I'm so broke that I can't donate $25.00 to the deserving charities that call me every month. And I have very little time to give to worthy causes. So I felt defeated and depressed. I felt small. And feeling small, my mind brought me to my place in the Universe where I'm such a tiny speck as to be completely insignificant. But then I threw myself a lifeline; I thought about the fact that I am one of many other beings, about how I am part of a huge web of life. So while my individuality does not really matter to the universe directly, it does matter to the person directly connected to me. And what they do matters to the person connected to them. And so on. And if what I do influences my neighbor in a positive way, and that helps them help their neighbor, isn't that the first step to world peace? So what I'm thinking is: it's the LITTLE things that we do every day that make the difference. Of course donating a million dollars is great if you can do it, but that's just not most of our realities.

*another deep breath*

I am happy to report that I now feel empowered to make a difference in this, my fourtieth year. It will be barely noticeable in the grand scheme of things; it will be my little secret of small, kind gestures and tolerance and compassion. And that goes for the way I treat myself, too. It is difficult to radiate kindess outward if you can't start inward. I can't wait to get started!



So there. That is my comitment to myself and to you. Happy New Year to everyone. May you feel kindness towards yourself and compassion for others.

I Guess I'm A Grown-Up Now

Well, today is my Birthday, and it's one that I'm sitting up straight for. I've turned 40 today. Wow. 4o. Really?? I've known that it has been on its way for quite sometime now, so to be suprised by it is a little funny. But I am. Suprised, I mean. I have to say that I've been thinking a lot about what it means to me to be about half-way through my years; what I want to do with the rest of my life. This brings new year's resolutions to a whole new level entirely!

Here are my random thoughts on what I'd like to give myself for my birthday:

I would like to treat myself as though I really matter. That means, I need to go to bed at a reasonable hour. Sleep is precious and helpful. Also, I need to eat to maximize my health and well-being. It feels hard to say "No" to those yummy empty calories and foods that are actually toxic, but isn't it harder to deal with the negative consequences? Excercise and reflective thought are also on my list. I think I would like to start practicing some sort of yoga again.

As I'm writing this, I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed. Maybe I need to just breathe in deeply and take one day at a time. I'll think about this ever-growing list of what I'd like to do for myself and get back to you! In the meantime, I would like to welcome myself to maturity and also to reassure the child within that she is also important and not forgotten.

Peace and love,

Colleen.

Counting the Industrious

Today is a slow day; Bronwyn is having a few more seizures than normal, and so we are spending a lot of time on the couch. Luckily we have a large picture window nearby, and we can look out and see the birds flitting, flying, and feeding! So far, I've seen these birds:

Black-capped Chickadee

Red Breasted Nuthatch

Red Shafted Flicker

Juncos

American Goldfinch

Ruby Crowned Kinglet

Glaucous Winged Gull (seagull)

Crow

Scrub Jay

Stellar's Blue Jay

Bushtit

Red Breasted Robin

House Sparrow

Purple finch

Starling

Rufous Sided Towhee

Our soundtrack this morning is: Rory Block's "I'm Every Woman," Eric Bibb's "Get on Board," and now Cathy Fink's "Banjo Talkin'" All of these courtesy of my fabulous Step-Father-In-Law, Rik, who understands my need for tunes.

Have a blessed day; we will do the same. And Merry Christmas Eve.

Nesting

Every morning lately, Bronwyn and I have started a lovely little routine. After we open our eyes in the morning (but before we're really awake), I set up a little nest for her on the couch. I put on some music, and tuck her in. From this vantage point, she can see our Christmas tree, look out the window, or see me in the kitchen (we have a very small house). Then I get started on breakfast (coffee first!). With all of the snow and ice outside right now, I have to say I feel super snug and happy. This morning we're listening to Bobbie Nelson's "Autobiography" album. That's Willie Nelson's sister, just in case you didn't know.