[decisions]

Dear Friend,

Next Monday is suppose to be the first day of school. 

Our first day, 

the local public school went back on the 24th of August. 

Which always makes me feel a ting sad 

that Emma is not going to be one of them. 

 For all the delights homeschool brings me...

I remember all the fun school was for me too...

It is such a tug of war.

I am guessing 

that 

as a homeschool mom 

I am always going to feel that little ping 

of 

'should I send her' 

every school year. 

This year is no exception.

A bit of Waldorf, a dash of Unschooling, a sprinkle of Montessori...

So far everything she has learned she has discovered on her own

or with little assistance from me. 

Therefor she owns it, 

its hers, 

she's the teacher, 

she's the chemist, 

the cook and baker, 

she's the reader 

and 

the story book maker. 

So I sit here debating on what to do, 

where we are going?

how we are going to get there?

and maybe I should just ride the wave for what it is. 

But then 

I get nervous, 

like all mothers, 

wondering if she will be left behind, 

what would happen if I had to go back to work, 

but I digress...

worrying about tomorrow makes for a poor today.

::Lion Snack Quick Bread::

Dear Reader,

 I have a little girl who is only 11 months. 

Yet she has been feeding herself for a while now. 

_____________________________________________

That means a bit of frustration 

when it comes to mommy feeding her. 

Frustration on both parts. 

So I completely oblige and give her food she can comfortably feed herself. 

But what to do with all that left over baby food...

 This past baking day 

as I was patiently and meditatively kneading out my Tassajara Bread 

it hit me... 

to make a flavored quick bread for my sweet little one. 

______ 

Out of throwing few ingredients together

more out of necessity to rid of overstocked baby food 

this simple yet very satisfying recipe emerged. 

The older kids love these too.

Lion Snack Quick Bread

1 egg - organic or backyard raised.

7 oz. baby food - I used two packs of the Ella Organic baby food.

1 C flour - I used the Gold organic but will be switching to Wheat Montana.

1/2 C oatmeal - I used Happy Bellies Organic.

1 tsp. seasoning - I did add cinnamon to mine but one was sweet potato and the other was apple. Use your own culinary instincts if you would like to add any seasonings.

Preheat oven at 350°. Grease muffin tin or line with baking cups. Bake for half an hour or until toothpick comes out clean. When done baking let cool and enjoy. 

Yields 6 muffins.

ENJOY!

here it is

dear kindred spirit, reader, friend,

here it is

the truth

____

I fancy myself an artist.

that very statement is a secret

well, it was a secret

it is a funny thing

to me

to want to be something

that you feel you should have some 

training,

for 

or 

at least a feeling of authentication.

I suppose 

an

art show,

a fan club,

a degree,

actually verifying that another 

human

wants

your art,

your creation,

a piece of you.

but I am a little past 

feeling

pretensious

and am just going to take the 

leap 

and let everyone know

i 

am

an

artist.

____

the best peanut butter cookies

::Dear Kindred Spirit::

We have been spending most of our time outdoors this week. The little ladybugs that laid dormant in our home are coming out in full force looking for a way to escape to the fresh air.

I sewed up a little bear and he enjoyed the fresh air too. He was a little shy. I enticed him out of hiding with the promise of peanut butter cookies. We shared a cup of coffee before he agreed to pose for a few pictures. A pattern to come soon.

The BEST soft and chewy peanut butter cookies. This is a basic recipe substitute ingredients where you see fit...

2 sticks butter
1 cup peanutbutter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix dry ingredients set aside. Mix butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time. After the eggs are well Incorporated, beat in the vanilla and peanut butter. Add the dry ingredients. Then add in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoon full and bake for 10-12 min. Enjoy!!

xo
Gloria

[spring]

 

Dear Kindred Spirit:: 

It is spring. It really really is. It is wet, cool and we have seven eggs stashed. I am so happy.

Last night while Jason read to the kids their story, Farmer Boy, I went for a walk in the cool night air. The moon so bright and full it coaxed me to take his picture. In my poor attempts I manged to capture a nice brightly lit dot. But I forgive myself and will keep the photos in remembrance of that glorious night I was able to take the time to enjoy the night sky just for being itself. Cool crisp and full of anticipation for what is to come. 

[dreaming]

::Dear Kindred Spirit::

Here I am, truly, with the best intentions to write everyday. But, alas, I am dreaming of Summer. Of a bowl full of blueberry's, of canning, of Sal. I am being tickled by late evenings and sparkly skies.

It all started on Monday, when I stuck my head out of the second floor window. It overlooks the front yard, first you see the roof of the porch below. But just after that, a few feet ahead, are pine trees, ten in all, clustered together to give the illusion of a random natural wood. Planted by previous owners. And just after that three rows of carefully planted trees, twelve in all. Deliberately separated and planted in rows by owners that came after the pine trees. And there just out of my reach, was a sweet little robin. Hoping around...searching for breakfast. I never before, until this moment, understood the joy it would be to own a telephoto lens...

I am coming up with a spring to do list. All of which are things that I want to do, not the things that need to be done, exploring, trips to the park, trips to the beach...fishing...being out doors.

Here I am, with my head in the clouds while my chores are pulling on my apron stings and my eyes are glossed over looking out the window dreaming...of spring.

[coffee]

I woke to Nora talking to the ceiling. Waving her arms around and laughing. It was really wonderful.

I was remembering when Emma was that little. How quickly it all passes.

Now shes asking to sew and wants to learn to knit. She sees every piece of paper as a blank canvas. Her spirit is so high and soars into the sky and I am blessed that I get her to keep her home with me. I get to see that little girl explore and learn all about her world. Unabashed, unregulated, free to do, free to create, free to just be Emma. Without any expectation of coloring in the lines and cutting on the dotted ones.

[love]

I heard from a long time friend today. Someone that I lost contact with for a while. She lives on the other side of the country and we talk as often as we can. It is so wonderful to hear from someone that you think of quite often. Think if they are happy, if they are healthy, if they have found love. And she is happy and love has filled her heart. And that makes my Valentines Day very special.

[baking]

We made crackers and other little goodies and they have been whittling away. I found Grant this morning behind the sofa munching away. I am pretty sure he just did not want to share his treasure.

[growing]

 

My little Nora. I feel a little pinch in my heart when I see how fast she is growing. Five months already, my goodness that is already half of the time she spent in my womb. I look at that face and I just can not let go. 

[construction]

milk cloud is under construction but should be up and running...soon...[wink]