Let the good times roll

Look what my talented husband built us this past weekend:
A sandbox on wheels! Isn't it lovely?

Busy busy bees today

R is building a sandbox:

I organized things that no normal person should ever organize:
Now, time to make a warm cup of something or other & read a bit in my book (it is a Saturday, after all).

A Pattern Language

Varnum's Quarters in Valley Forge is a beautiful house.

It is restored to what it might have looked like in George Washingon's time, but breathed such a timelessness that it reminded me of the patterns in Alexander, Ishikawa, & Silverstein's A Pattern Language.

Pattern #207: Good materials

Pattern #252: Pools of Light

Pattern #211: Thickening the Outer Walls

Pattern #159: Light on Two Sides of Every Room

Studio dreams

my office
Originally uploaded by Castanet

One of my big goals this year is to carve out a little workspace/studio space that is just for me. Ultimately, I dream of this being a little space on its own with lots of windows & wonderful light, storage to keep my materials tidy & in one location, and to have a board to pin up ideas & inspirations.

With lighting like this, possibly?All images are out of my league and from YLighting

Until that day happens, I think if we move our bed & nightstands to the other wall, enough space will be opened up in the far corner to attach a small shelf to the wall for my sewing machine. I can use the bed to lay out my cutting board & fabrics. Also the light is wonderful in that room, which is an added plus. But really, all I really want is a permanent place for the sewing machine (currently kept on the top shelf of Baby M's bookcase) and a quiet place to work.

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning found us...

Dressing our favorite dolly up in holiday duds:
Eating Swedish pancakes with lemon, powdered sugar & jam:

Crafting a few new ornaments (sparkly mushrooms!):

Resting & reading with our feet up on the coffee table (this is our view from said location):

Winter Cleaning

Inspired by the beauty & efficiency of our new windows, all day yesterday, R & I got busy setting more to rights. R took on the shed, I sewed up a new bag for our paper recyclables, cleaning, cleaning, purging and then, just as the rest of the world was settling down to a nice, quiet evening, we rearranged our all furniture yet one. more. time.

We've been through this drill so many times. Each time seemed better than the last, but none were quite right.

This time though, I think we've got it. Our 12'x13' room now has four distinct areas: a tiny entry area with a table to drop our keys & the mail, a sitting area just off to the left of the door, a play area tucked behind the easy chair, and a second play area next to the bookcase. Me likey.

Toy shelves behind the easy chair:

Comfy sitting area with nice light streaming in from the windows:

I love this arrangement. We have a nice line of sight through the arch and into the dining room & kitchen. It's a great spot for cozying up with a cup of coffee & the paper & watching Baby M play in her new, distinct play area:

One of the shelves on the bookcase is just for her. And soon, when she's old enough, this will be a perfect spot for coloring and working on projects. Right now, she's digging playing tea party with the bright & cheery coffee set Omi & Opa brought back from their trip.

Whiff

I am not a perfume person, but I love the idea of Baby M growing up and associating a particular scent with me. It seems so elegant & old world to 'own' a fragrance in that way. To have it be yours & yours alone.

I think I've got it right this time.

I love the teeny glass bottle. I love the feeling of pulling out the itsy little glass stopper & adding a precious drop to my wrist & the back of my neck. I love how it changes and mellows from morning 'til evening. I love how it gets on my scarf & my clothing begins to take on this mysterious ghost scent all on its own. I love how the reaction of the perfumed oil melds with my own chemistry to create something new, unlike anything/anyone else. I love how such a simple act of wearing a hint of perfume can make me feel more pulled together & elevate an otherwise ordinary routine.