PUFF BALL

***Monday September 27th, 2010***

One thing about my old place that made it really hard to leave it, was the morel mushrooms growing in the backyard. I love mushrooms, especially morals. So, when Lone and I discovered this monster puff ball in our new yard, I was quite pleased. I felt sort of rustic and was glad that we still have some fungi nature in our lives.

The plan was to eat it. Dale's not a big fan of the taste of puff ball though, having had a bad experience in the past. So I planned to make it into a quiche, as my sister Kim suggested. But the next day we were out all day, including dinner. So by the third day, I wasn't confident about using it anymore and ended up just tossing it in the little forest behind our house. It's laying out there right now, with the dead mouse Dale pulled from the pool's filter and I am feeling awful for both of them :(

LUNCH AT BARBARA AND BRIAN'S

***Tuesday September 21st, 2010***

We had lunch at Barbara and Brian's on Sunday. I love visiting their home.

When I am there, more than anywhere else, I can see myself living out my days in the country, in an old country house. Well...their house anyway :)

Walking away from my modern home and life.

Together, they have created an oasis of tranquility and magic.

Barbara is an organic farmer, among many other things. She makes wonderful things at BROOKSIDE FARM and we were fortunate enough to be invited, with some others, to dine on some of the fruits of her labour...

BARBARA AND BRIAN'S CONT'D

Nature is a magical world that a child can get lost in and won't ever forget.

There is nothing like childhood memories of fields, swings, ponds and lazy butterflies.

Nature always produces such fine fare and fine feelings.

I'm so happy that we have a place like Barbara's to spend time at.

She has created a fantastical and inviting world on her farm. A doorway to a fairy land.

A peaceful place.

LUNCH AT BARBARA AND BRIAN'S CON'T

I just love the little details that Barbara adds,

They remind me so much of my mother's own creative touches.

It was the perfect weather. Our own big, blue sky.

So many places to disappear to. To sit and have a quiet chat within.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

Now for some of the food....

Ask if you would like to know what it is...

A German Broad bean dish...yum

It was all so delicious. I don't know how she does it.

DESERT!

And of course, this little girl's favorite.......

And maybe theirs too....

Desert!

I loved the melted cheese with Barbara's own sweet pepper jam!

Dale liked the currant meringue!

And Lone was in love with the vegan, chocolate brownies.

It was a beautiful day of food and friends.

MODEL SMYTH

***Thursday, Septemeber 16th, 2010***

Some days I should not bother to turn on the radio. Knowledge brings so much weight, sometimes it's crushing.

On to other things. Happy things....

"I'm a model..."

"You know what I mean?!"

"And I do my..."

"little turn on the momma's bed!"

"Yeah, on the bed. I shake my little diapered bum on the bed..."

Say hi to SMYTH, my newest model.

LONE IS FOUR

***Tuesday September 7th, 2010***

Lone is FOUR. Yup, four. I must say I have mixed feelings, but really don't we all when our little one's seem to grow so fast. Today she said "who cares", a few nights ago she explained the importance of refraining from "double dipping" to her daddy. Where has it all gone? I look down at the little one (Smyth) slobbering on my hand and try to imagine her at four. Can't, just like I can't image Lone at six, etc.

Blurry, but beautiful...

My sister did a marvelous job on this rainbow cake!

Must find a pic of it before it was cut, it was so beautiful.

Did you know that you pull strings to release the loot on Pinatas these days?

No more beating it to death?

Fine by me.

People who live in glass houses shouldn't hand base ball bats to preschoolers.

Taadaa! Told you I would get her these pants. Already had tons of complements too.

And she wore them today for the first day of school!

Yes, it's true she has been wearing them for three days straight. But who cares, they rock!

LONE IS FOUR Cont.

Some of the fun things for Lone's fourth....

Letting kids decorate things like this really inspires them.

Lone is still decorating leftover sombreros!

Lots of blurry pics...Never seemed to stand still long enough!

Little sparkly pinatas and fans brought back from Mexico!

Too cute!

Paper flowers, also from Mexico and sent home with guests.

Love it all!

ETSY LISTINGS

Two of CHERUBSN listings made it into ETSY treasuries!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c8230beb9e98eefb9f21df6/little-girls-and-birds?index=0

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c6df36605938eef415f7d38/its-always-spring-time-in-london

LONE'S FOUR

***Friday September 3rd, 2010***

Tomorrow at 12:12 pm, Lone will be four years old.

I've watched my little fashionista grow before my eyes. It used to be that I got to dress her.

"She's not a doll" her daddy once said. "I know, but she's sort of like one." Said I.

She has taught me so much. There is no doubt, no doubt, that this little girl saved my life. She came at a time when I needed to be grounded, to mature and she came just before the greatest loss of my life.

Daily, she reminds me of how precious life is and how much fun it can all be.

She also makes me terrified knowing that one day she will make her own choices,

go her own way. Away from me.

Just know this little girl. Where ever your wonderful life takes you.

Mommy will always have your back.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LONE