Little* Miss Independent is Five!

In this whirlwind of house flipping and farmstead buying (we close this week -YAH!) my baby turned five. Hard to believe it has been five years since our little butterfly was born. She is such a ray of sunshine. Always a smile and quick wit, just like her Daddy. She is my bug searching, dirt loving, Miss Independent, soon-to-be farm girl. Can't imagine my life without her. I tell myself the baby fever I am having is normal. Watching my baby turn into a little girl is what does it. Knowing that she may very well be my last baby makes my heart ache. Secretly, or not so secretly, I hold onto the idea of having another, another amazing young one to hold and show the world... Believe me when I tell you, I am pleading my case. Goes something like this: We'll be on the farm (always been a dream of ours), Roxie is five now (we like years between our babies), life will be a bit more simple (I know there will be lots of work -but the work is different, it is work that provides)...Good time to grow our family by one. You never know, we might even have a boy!

Hidden Jewels Delight

Taking a moment to share more of the hidden jewels we've found on the farmhouse property. Offer has been accepted, tying up loose ends...and that jazz. In the meantime, we are flipping a rental property for more cash on the farm. Check out the work we've done (outside only so far) here.

I'll keep you posted!

And Just Like That...

Just when we think we have at all figured out...this hidden jewel comes along to shake things up. In the midst of negotiation and dreaming...we must remind ourselves to enjoy the process and keep our chins up.

Crazy You Might Say...

Yes, you might think I'm crazy...I've heard it before. But the only thing I want to do right now is sew...and I can't! And yes, you might ask, "Didn't you get enough sewing in with the costumes?" And my reply would be simple: "Never is there enough sewing". Yah, the rest of my house may be falling apart so badly that I can't stand to be in certain rooms, and the laundry is piled so high...I have no clean work pants, and Roxie's shoes? She really needs some new sandals for summer anyways...right? Oh yah -that's green of me...to simply run out and buy new shoes because hers are forever lost in their bedroom. And their bedroom?! That is the monster I am trying to tackle. It spans over two rooms, the smaller of the two becoming a sort of closet/storage place for all their stuff. And their stuff?! I am so over it...I've just had it! Ask my girls...they'll tell ya.

Deep breath here...I can beat this. I am black bagging a HUGE majority of it and shipping it off, or shoving it into my VW van and driving across town. And that is the reason I am not sewing. Because of all the stuff we don't need and that somehow keeps making it's way into our lives. Makes for a very unhappy, frazzled Mama.

Do you have this problem? Being so overcome with stuff you can hardly breathe?

Not only do I need to gut out and organize for my own sanity, but also for future house looking. Yes, we have settled into staying in this house another year. But a year is not very long and I know all the work I need to do. We have seen a few properties in the last week and have even driven out to them...torture and encouraging at the same time. I know we are not ready to move...and I truly believe that we need to be ready for the change of address for it to happen. Kinda like saying, "OK universe, we're ready...show us what you've got!" I know our time will come.

So now, I am off to do chores. On this beautiful rainy day...a perfect day for sewing I should add, I will be doing chores. Don't worry though, I will reward myself with a sewing fix at some point. And if you're interested in such things, I will continue posting recent sewing projects at Craft-Crazy (I have about 10 project yet to share there).

Photo posted: a simple reminder that change happens...even when you are not looking or think you are ready.

Done and Ready for More....

Well...I didn't get my sewing done in time for the sew-free sunny Sunday, but was still able to enjoy the sunshine. For more of the story...dance costuming and such...click on over to Craft-Crazy.

Getting it Done...

"Sew" busy.....but I wanted to pop in to say Hello and wish you a lovely weekend. I am hoping to be done and enjoying the expected 70's and sunny weather tomorrow...wish me luck!

Right Now...

I am balancing transition...with gentle reminders from nature...to simply go with the flow...right here and now.

Easter Time '09...

To me Easter is a time of new beginnings, a time to be grateful for the fullness in our lives, a time for re-birth...in nature and within ourselves. The whole Easter Bunny thing is kind of a drag, but I play along for my girls. Keeping to our base of nurturing a love of the natural world, we filled the girls baskets with native seeds and each with a native plant: Pale Evening Primrose, Lovely Penstemon and Trilobata. And of course, a Mama-Made goodie completed the Easter Basket madness. Each of the girls planted their native seeds and plants in our bird garden. The rest of our Easter was spent playing in the garden, riding bikes and simply enjoying the sunshine and good company.

Everyone Together Now...Cold Frames

Cold Frames. Lance made ours from found material around our yard and the greenhouse project at work. Spent only 12 bucks on the hinges...now that's RRRing at it's finest! Using a cold frame in the garden has many benefits...from maximizing solar exposure to acclimating warm season vegetables. Right now we have carrots, onions, garlic, endive and cilantro popping up. I have opened up one of these bad boys on a cloudy day and been simply amazed at the heat inside...our growing season has been extended tremendously!

We tried our luck at starting seeds indoors this year, something neither of us has done before. Worried now that our seedlings are getting too "leggy", we have limited time spent under the grow light. Perhaps our light is too far above the plants? In any case, we figure it is all a learning experience and it'll only get better with practice.

We have friends that are also fairly new to the garden scene. I have noticed that when we are together, our conversation flows smoothly from one garden subject to the next...from tomato seeds to new salsa recipes...early season radishes to apple pressing. I love this! Not only does the garden bring you closer to your food, but it also brings people together...strengthening family bonds, friendships and traditions. What more could you ask for? (besides more land and time)

And yes...ours is pretty much just a hobby garden...for now.

Setting the Stage...

Lance and I have settled into the idea of living at least one more year in our house. One more year before we can seriously start looking for our country home. With our surrendering, came Lance breaking out his shovel to build more garden space. A way of coping perhaps. We both long to live in the country with our children. To give them the life we feel is crucial for humankind's positive progress into the future...my children's future.

Funny how these simple actions -shovel work and seed planting, can set the stage as a reminder...a reminder to be grateful for what space we do have, to be content, to be here now...

Bringing in Spring '09...

Just as we brought in the Autumn Equinox...we gathered together to bring in spring. With no apples in sight, we switched gears to root beer making. What fun!

Admitting We're Human...And Then Moving Forward

Saying you're Sorry is never easy. It means you must swallow your pride, admit you were wrong and simply...face the music. But, the way I see it, being sorry for actions said or done, is an opportunity for positive growth. Taking what has been learned, from both sides of the apology, and then moving forward. Forward towards more open and flowing communication, towards stronger bonds and healthier friendships.

The photo posted is of Roxie writing her big sister, Kaziah, a sorry note. You see, Kaziah had "bought"(with fake money earned at school) a butterfly and cage at the school auction. While she was at dance class, Roxie decided it needed attention of some sort. This, of course, ended with the butterfly getting away and a very sorry, teary-eyed four year old. Now, these weren't the tears of a child whose only thoughts were of getting into trouble, oh no. Hers were big tears of true sorriness. She knew how excited her big sister had been about the butterfly. And now, because of her, it was gone.

As a way to comfort both her and Kaziah, I suggested she write an apology. Needless to say, Kaziah was heartbroken when she came home, went straight to her new pet and found it gone. She hollered out from her bedroom, "Where is my butterfly...Roxie!" My Roxie was brave, she did not hesitate. I watched as she told her sister what had happened and then hand her the sorry note, all the while knowing how upset Ziah would be. Although Kaziah did have a hard time hiding her disappointment, she gave Roxie a big hug and told her thank you for the card. She now uses it as a bookmark. A few times since, as I'm making my goodnight-lights-out bedtime bit, Kaziah has shown me the card and remarked on how special it is. She says this in such a sweet, big sister kinda way, my heart just melts...melts into a big puddle of pride.

Oracle of Sorts...

Marjory the Trash Heap is a large, matronly, sentient compost heap from Fraggle Rock. According to her rat-like companions Philo and Gunge, who serve as her shills, the Trash Heap knows all and sees all. In fact Marjory is all: "I'm orange peel, I'm coffee grounds, I'm wisdom!" She serves as an oracle to the Fraggles, dispensing advice and wise sayings, and the Fraggles stand in awe and reverence of her.

That is who I thought of as I photographed our progress in the garden. We were adding our compost to the garden beds, wishing we had done a bit more chopping before we threw our food refuse in the pile, when it dawned on me...we have our own Marjory the Trash Heap! Our own all-knowing oracle, who just is...just happens. I love to think of our backyard compost pile in this way, makes me grateful. More importantly, let's not forget the wonderful benefits of composting...from pumping up the garden, to lessening the load in our landfills, to making a person think a bit more about how wasteful humans can be...

How 'bout you, do you have your own Marjory the Trash Heap residing in your garden space as well?

Rambling On...and On

Color Your World Pink started as a way to stay connected with friends and family. I was inspired to do so by my Mom and Aunt Lisa who blogged their journey across the Southern States. I wasn't completely new to the blogosphere world, the idea of me actually having one just never occurred. Color Your World Pink was first open to invite reads only. But, as I started searching and reading other blogs, I decided I wanted in on the blogging action. I really feel people underestimate the power blogging carries. The opportunity it provides to connect people across the world is quite mind boggling.

I started with Color Your World Pink, then as my brother, Sam, was restoring a 356 Porsche and had me documenting I thought, "A blog would be perfect for this!" and that become My 356 Restoration. If you haven't yet, go check it out. The blog is completely photo only and you would never know by looking at them that the shop photographed is the very one I grew up hanging out in. A VW shop that sits on Main Street in our Old Downtown district. My brothers and I had the run of Main St. Sure, we got into trouble, but we knew the shop keepers that were friendly and the ones we stayed away from...like the grumpy old jeweler in a little, musty closet of a shop. Looking back now, he was probably a cool old guy. Anyway, these photos hold dear to me on many levels. Provokes thoughts of childhood, simpler times and also gratefulness for what we had and now hold. A family business that has kept and sustained us. Yep, the smell of carb cleaner will always take me back.

Shortly after, another "Myshell" blog was born, Craft-Crazy-Thrift-Spinner. I find it funny the blog I frequent the most, was the last thought of. I have always loved handcraft, my first blog reads were craft dedicated ones. Sewing, in particular, has always been an element in my life. I turn to it when I am happy or sad, overflowing with inspiration or lacking of. My happy space -full of light, color and the smell of starch. An open notebook, colored pencils and cup of coffee is an excellent way to spend an afternoon. Especially if you have young ones next to you with pencil in hand. Just a fountain of inspiration there. At Craft-Crazy you'll find old and new projects of mine. I'm not a tutorial writer, more of a show and teller. It's a showcase of my crafty skills...from cake baking to knitting (I'm a lousy knitter!) to Thrift-Spinning.

Where am I going with all this you might ask...I would too.

At times I feel much more inclined to hang out at Craft-Crazy and neglect my writing here, which is something I also enjoy but must make time for, where sewing/crafting just happens. I have thought of combining the two blogs, Pink and Craft-Crazy, but dismissed the idea immediately. Instead, I have enlisted help. Help from my amazing, yet reluctant, husband who says blogging is too open. He's not a very social guy at all...which is kinda funny cause he married me! And if you know me at all, you know I love to connect and be social. You could say we balance each other pretty well. So, after stating my point of view: "What if by blogging what we're doing to lighten our footprint, we inspire others to look more closely at their footprint. Sharing how we built our cold frame or rain barrel could very well connect you to someone who has good advise or questions to help them on their way. You just never know." Finally, I got what every woman loves to hear, "Yah, I guess you're right" ...YES!

So now...I am happy to announce that my awesomely amazing husband will be here with me at times, to help me keep our blog more green minded and not so fluffy. I'm not saying it's the end of my fluff...I like fluff, fluff is good. It's just, Lance's presence will give me the balance and inspirational guidance to keep Color Your World Pink rolling where I would like it to go. That's all.

What can I say, Lance ROCKS! and I want to share more of him with you.

Until next ramble...

As it Goes...

Loving... the green (native) grasses reaching up to the sun, the garden planning and seed planting, the fresh paint and organized spaces within our home. The games we play outside and the birds we feed and count. New discoveries to be made, lessons to learn and songs to sing. The warm breeze that speaks of spring and the summer to follow. Spring carries such wonderful potential...