Diligence

This past couple of weeks my daughter has been sick with a nasty cold. And then I got sick. And it was really rainy outside. We laid on the couch together and sipped tea. It sounds so idyllic and wonderful when I put it that way, but we were snorkling snot, coughing, and moaning. We got little sleep. We were cranky and frankly, we got tired of each other. FINALLY we're feeling better, and yesterday the sun was out. We went for a long long walk, and I noticed that my daffodils are not only up, they're trying to bloom! It's almost December up here in the Pacific Northwest. What the heck?? But it was a nice little spiritual reckoning for me, seeing those tender bittys standing up tall and ripening their buds. Maybe I'll have daffodils on my Thanksgiving table this year; that would be a first!

Snow Petals

Autumn is waning into winter now, and I'm starting to feel the need for cozy. I found some really nice flannel and thought that it would be great to make some scarves. Now in my shop (and more to come) are some more cozy scarves with high quality fabrics. This one is flannel on one side and the reverse is a high quality cotton twill by Joel Dewberry. The color pallette and pattern remind me of the quiet softness of winter. Grab your hot cocoa and go outside for some bird watching.

Little Birdy Bag

Well, I've finally finished the diaper bag that I've been working on for what seems like forever! It came out well, I think, and my girlfriend is finding it useful! I made it using a lovely firm wool fabric, and also fabric from the AMAZING Michelle Engel Bencsko of Cicada Daydream. The fabric is linen and is her original design. Isn't it sweet? It took me a while to get this bag designed the way I wanted, but after using the prototype for a while, I made some changes and I think it's now ready to declare as "perfect!" It features two pleated end pockets, a bank of three pockets under the flap plus a zippered pocket, and three interior pockets. Also, it has a key fob inside the bag (not too long; I hate having to fish for my keys) and a D-ring just under the flap to attach a toy or a pacifier. The cool thing about this bag is that it can be used as a bookbag instead of a diaper bag; it's versatile! I guess I'm feeling a little bit proud of myself. Let me know what you think!

SO IMPORTANT

I DO think it's important who you vote for, BUT regardless, I believe in the power of the process. JUST DO IT!

If you're still undecided about who you are planning to cast your ballot for, you can look at Mr. Obama's view of the issues HERE

Trick or Treat

I haven't posted for a while because my sweet daughter has been sick, and then my other sweetie got sick after. We weren't sure if we were going to be able to participate in Halloween fun this year, but the good news is that we DID! Our lovely neighbor, Talcott, made Bronwyn and me these matching hats, and we carved a couple of pumpkins. We went out and walked our neighborhood early in the evening for some showing off (Bronwyn was the cutest little witch ever!) and then came home to pass out toothbrushes and candy to the little goblins that came to our door. Seeing our pumpkins glowing on the porch made me feel calm and happy. It all worked out in the end.

The Sweetest Pressure

Cider Pressing
Originally uploaded by BCharmer

Yesterday was one of those glorious fall days; what better way to spend time than to press apples in our cider press. Some of our friends and neighbors came over to help, which made the whole experience just so much better.

I feel very satisfied by the whole process of harvest. The day prior to pressing, my daughter and I went out and picked all of the apples from our trees. We sat outside in the sunshine and washed them all in preparation for press day. Several neighbors came by to chat. After pressing, there was a big mess, but even the clean-up felt good and honest. We got about three gallons of the sweetest cider; doesn't it look beautiful in the sunlight?

Flavia's Gift

Flavia's Gift
Originally uploaded by BCharmer

I have a story for you today: Flavia, a woman that I "met" on a photo site called "Flickr" suggested that we do a fabric swap, since we both love fabric and live on different continents. I selected some of her brazilian fabrics, and she said, "I love suprises; send me some suprise fabrics." Well I sent my package off to her, and today the package from her arrived. Inside was not just some fabulous fabric, but she also custom made some adorable zippered wristlets for my daughter and me. Each bears our name, hand embroidered. I cannot tell you how loved and special I felt, opening that gift. Flavia selected fabrics that she knew were amongst my favorites, and took the time to make these just for us, out of the goodness of her own heart. The generosity of people just astounds me. The lesson? Never underestimate your power to do good in the world, even with a seemingly small gesture. We can reach out to each other all over the world, even without having to meet face to face. I feel so happy. Thank-You, Flavia. What a friend you have become. You can see the fabrics that she sent me on my flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcharmer/2889776025/ and you can see more of Flavia's work on her site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ternurinhas