Our Daughters

Our daughters.  Smart, creative, imaginative, old souls.  For months they have dreamt about getting their attire in place and spending their summer weekends at the Renaissance Faire.

Though, the season passes may be in next years reality, hopefully we will get another chance this summer, and this weekend was one to remember.  Spending a beautiful day; half of it getting the perfect peasant chic dialed in.

So proud of my girl, getting into perfect Ren Faire character as she yelled "Lady Rebecca" through the store to be fitted with her bodice. (very against type I assure you, yet the glee in her face when she broke free to do it was priceless)!

Then to top off the glow of the day at the faire, an overnight with her kindred spirit.  Followed by a day planning for a photo shoot.

Look what lovely young wenches ladies, our daughters are turning out to be.

These photos were taken by my good friend Nicole.  An amazing job capturing the beautiful spirit of our daughters.  xo

Old and New

2013, what can I say, you were such a bittersweet year.  You were filled with accomplishment, joy and great upheaval.  I suppose that is just the yin and yang of life.  The natural balance that occurs to keep us on our toes and thankful.  

The year was filled with great food * better friends * I became a godmother * a long girls weekend away * a more abbreviated yet productive garden * lots handmade * our best canning year yet * winemaking * introducing the kids to the Alisal * expanding to four hives * becoming more active in our community * running the kids around * a tractor * crazy weather * decisions made * and dreams for the future envisioned, to name a few.

Years ago, I began to pick a word, something that would be the guiding mantra of the year.  This years word was pace.  As the year began I kept my pace, what was natural for me, keeping busy, getting involved, maybe beginning to move at a faster cadence than I had originally intended.  Then on March 29th, I was reminded that I need to slow down a bit and enjoy each moment.  When you see your husbands life flash before your eyes it has a way of resetting your priorities.  My word for the remainder of the year changed to heal.  Healing of body and mind continues as perspectives and priorities ebb, flow and mold into what will be our future goals.

Earlier this week, I came across this quote.  I think instead of one word this year, maybe I will look to one phrase:

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness.  I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art--write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can.  And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself." Neil Gaiman

A very Happy New Year to you, and may you find magic and dreams in 2014.

All is Calm, All is Bright

Wishing you and yours a magical Christmas 

full of love, peace, family, friends, great food, flowing drink

and the ability to see the season with the wide eyed splendor of a child.

All Hallows' Eve

There has been a light rain all day.  The colorful leaves are falling frantically, and the balminess has made the air feel very close.  When the light recedes the night will be dotted with Jack o' Lanterns, and a heightened awareness of the ghosts around us.  The kids will eagerly go out for their tricks or treats on this all hallows eve, and we will hear their quick shuffle, wet footsteps brushing over the carpet of leaves.

 "It's said that All Hallows' Eve is one of the nights when the veil between the worlds is thin- and whether you believe in such things or not, those roaming spirits probably believe in you, or at least acknowledge your existence, considering that it used to be their own.  Even the air feels different on Halloween, autumn-crisp and bright"  Erin Morganstern

Happy Halloween!

It's said that All Hallows' Eve is one of the nights when the veil between the worlds is thin - and whether you believe in such things or not, those roaming spirits probably believe in you, or at least acknowledge your existence, considering that it used to be their own. Even the air feels different on Halloween, autumn-crisp and bright.

Erin Morgenstern

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/erinmorgen475837.html#ZlqVfd38TKCpxMgy.99

It's said that All Hallows' Eve is one of the nights when the veil between the worlds is thin - and whether you believe in such things or not, those roaming spirits probably believe in you, or at least acknowledge your existence, considering that it used to be their own. Even the air feels different on Halloween, autumn-crisp and bright.

Erin Morgenstern

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/erinmorgen475837.html#ZlqVfd38TKCpxMgy.99

It's said that All Hallows' Eve is one of the nights when the veil between the worlds is thin - and whether you believe in such things or not, those roaming spirits probably believe in you, or at least acknowledge your existence, considering that it used to be their own. Even the air feels different on Halloween, autumn-crisp and bright.

Erin Morgenstern

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/erinmorgen475837.html#ZlqVfd38TKCpxMgy.99