~Creative Clutter~

I'm learning to let go.

This house is small & there are projects started on every surface.

Paint, legos, puzzles, science projects, Valentines crafts, fairy furniture, clay that is hardening & as of tonight, a white t-shirt that is being painted to look like a storm trooper suit.

Pay no attention to the baskets of yarn, knitting needles, piles of wool, printmaking supplies, photography equipment, thread & beads... *ahem*

I wonder where they get it?

Who really needs a clean house?

I see passion and inspiration around every corner.

Create.

It's good for the soul.

xoxo

{ This Moment }

******** Snow Day *********

{this moment}

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A Friday ritual inspired by Soulemama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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~ One Small Change ~

Last year, I started seeing the One Small Change posts on so many blogs.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea.

We all have the ability to create a ripple in the world with actions large & small.

In Andy & Suzy's words,

"We are challenging you to make one environmentally friendly change each month. If you wish to join us, here is how it works!

1. Choose a change that you want to bring into your life that is going to reduce your carbon footprint. It can be big or it can be small...just decide on one change....if you need ideas check out our "What Can I Change Page", browse through old posts for ideas, or simply email us and we would be glad to help!

2. At the beginning of each month leave a comment on this blog to the appropriate blog post (the blog post will be titled "May Change", "June Change", etc.) letting us know what you plan to change. Come back mid month to leave comments with updates and read about what others are doing. If you blog about your change, please leave a link to your blog post.

3. That's it! So easy, so fun, so rewarding, and so important!Throughout the months we will write posts offering support, ideas, inspiration, surprise giveaways and guest posts from our participants so check back often."

It really is a sweet community they have going over there.

We have done many little things over the years that have just become a way of life

but this inspires me to do more. What areas have we slacked on?

What could we do better with?

In January, I ran out of paper towels while cleaning the bathroom.

I used to buy 2-3 rolls a year for the really icky jobs.

We use cloth napkins & dishtowels in the kitchen

so there really isn't a whole lot of use for them.

(unless you ask the kids who seem to go crazy wanting the

cardboard tube when a roll is finished for some project!)

So, it really wasn't a big decision to just not buy anymore.

I cut up a couple old t-shirts & added them to the rag bin in the laundry room.

There you have it, other then t. paper, we are done with

disposable paper products in this house.

For this month, I am going to work on our recycling system.

Since we moved early last Fall, we haven't been quite so organized.

I'd like to see our waste reduced by at least half by the end of the month.

Also, I will begin knitting some washcloths for the kitchen.

In March, I plan to green up our dishwashing.

Somehow, buying biodegradable dishsoap

& recycling the bottle doesn't seem like enough.

Check out the One Small Change Blog for more information & to jump in.

Every little bit matters.

~~~~Love & Light Friends~~~~

"Snowgasm 2011"

Yes, I seriously heard it called that yesterday.

Snowgasm...HA!

It seems most of the blizzard has past through & now we are enjoying the big fat fluffy flakes of lake effect snow. It has been snowing for 30+ hours.

Other then wonky internet access, all has been well.

Lots of baking, making, reading & snowplay..

I'll write more tomorrow.

My arms are killing me at the moment from digging out most of the last two days.

A kind stranger came by & plowed my driveway this evening.

Last night, we had Thundersnow for about 20 minutes. That was WILD!

I love snow days.

School & work have been canceled for tomorrow as well

& we are looking forward to another fun day at home.

For now..I'll leave you with some fun photos.

Be safe & warm friends!!!

xoxo

The Calm Before the Storm?

They say we are a day away from the biggest snow storm we have had in recorded history.

Although by the looks of things, blue sky & sunshine, one wouldn't suspect it at all.

On the radio this morning it was announced as a "life threatening storm".

It's Winter in Chicago...shouldn't we be used to this..even expecting it?

I, for one, am looking forward to it.

This means a couple days off school & work filled with knitting & kneading.

It means snowball fights & hot cocoa.

It means taking a few days to connect as a family with no outside obligations.

That is something this busy, single mama appreciates deeply.

{bliss}

I'm off to stock up on groceries & yarn

Be safe.

Be warm.

Bring it on, Ma Nature.

We're ready.

{ This Moment )

{my girl & her fairies..}

{these moments}
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A Friday ritual inspired by Soulemama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.*** *** ***

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"When I am out of the moment...I stop... smile and turn my attention to the the gratitude of my beating heart. Then I remember to remember all that is good and alive." ~ Yogakids