In with the New...

As 2009 draws to a close, I have many things for which I am thankful, and many things on which to reflect as 2010 opens. What I am remembering tonight is being a new mother over two years ago, and thinking about all of the decisions that were made in the following days, months and years. One thing I agonize over constantly is whether or not I made the right decision to return to work outside of my home, and what I am finding today is though it may not be the right decision forever, it is the right decision now. Although it is only these days that Uli is sick that I really get to spend time with him alone, it will have to do for now.

On that note, this hippie mama has borne a non-hippie son. Darn boy won't drink any honeyed-up tea or let me put compresses on him. Guess he's with Papo on this one: "Better living through chemistry."

Another thing that makes me happy about the year to come: not only will this year open to sales of Uli's Woolies in a store, but I will spend many hours continuing my quest to fill this house (and friend's too) full of handmade-mama-love. First project of 2010: I am soon to receive a wool blanket that I believe belonged to my Oma, which will get a quick makeover (binding and embellishing as seen in "Weekend Sewing"), and be passed on to my Sunny-Son. I am so excited.

We were headed up to Cape Ann today, but alas Uli's sinus infection won today's round, so our New Year's celebration will be postponed until tomorrow. Uli and his buddy will just have to play that much harder tomorrow to make up for the time missed today. In celebration (?) of the 'sick season,' I made something for my Amesbury Family, to be released upon them as soon as we arrive. Don't blame me, blame her... (though her's are WAY cuter).

Happy New Year to all of you. Here's to a fun 2010.

Happy Holidays

...a wonderful, low key holiday has been had by all that entered here. Perhaps my expectations were low, but dinner was fabulous (all 'in season' -meaning the veggies were pulled from storage!) and lots of fun was had by The Ooch. We may all be cursing Papo in a few days though, who knew Uli would take to the bike so quickly, and who decided it was a push-toy? Pedal, young man!

Any way... still thinking about the small change for next month... perhaps a few more houseplants? Composting the lint from the dryer? Keeping the curtains closed to maintain the indoor temperature a bit more efficiently? See, the problem is here - we've done these things! Help me out here!

New Goals

After months of putting myself out there, I finally got a bite on Uli's Woolies. A lovely little store in Milford, NH has asked that I bring in several woolies for them to put on in their store and on their website. So, the creativity has begun. I have new design ideas - I want to truly make these my own. So, stay tuned...

One of my personal struggles has always been with finding and maintaining community. I am a horrible friend, and am terrible and keeping in touch with people. I am getting better, but I admit, it is a challenge. I am always seeking out community - like-minded people with a common goal that make me feel welcome. It's been difficult for me to find these people after I moved to New England. Funny thing though, one day I stumbled on this awesome blog (thanks Amanda!), and I was suddenly aware of so many other women out there like me! I love that I have found so many people out there that are working toward common goals - raising children in what I consider a more wholesome way (that's my self-rightiousnes talking, I'm working on it) and being kind to the earth. It just so happens that I've found what I am looking for here on the web. I must say though, I crave nothing more than meeting these women and talking for hours while our kids play together...

Finally, after visiting another favorite blog last night and catching up on what I've missed in the last week, I found another site that is encouraging people to make one small change in their life each month leading up to Earth Day. This will be a challenge for us - not because it will be difficult to move toward a green lifestyle - but because we have exhausted her list of suggestions over the years (my husband goes along with it all, but does have a few choice words for me every now and then, like this morning when I reminded him that the Guiness can is RECYCLEABLE...). So, our challenge is two-fold: come up with another change each month, and implement it. I will be blogging about the change... stay tuned.

And welcome. I plan to be here more often now... I feel the need to connect and to put my crafts out there... thanks for having me here.

Happy Solstice and Merry Christmas.