LIB*MADE: homemade, homespun, scratch

: : kid creative : : jump up

As a kid I had neither nerve nor opportunity to show my stuff in a talent show.  This was likely a good thing, since my stand-out talent involved a butterfly net, a swamp full of algae and frogs jumping for their lives.  This is a different childhood experience for my kids.  Last spring a couple of parents spearheaded a delightful, homegrown talent show that included dancers, musicians, magicians, jugglers, actors and comedians of all ages.  It was no surprise that the second annual Journeys School Talent Show garnered a long list of talented young performers. 

Enter Elsie and her "pogo-palooza."  After an exhaustive and unsatisfying search on iTunes, we found a song that seemed just right for Elsie's first talent show foray.  Funny that this pogo-perfect song was under our noses the whole time, an album we have enjoyed countless times by one of our family favorite musicians, Dan Zanes.  Not only did "Jump Up" make us smile, but it was, perhaps most importantly, short enough for continuous jumping.  (Perhaps being the operative word.)

                           Elsie accessorized her routine with homemade props, using leftover cardboard from our recent rainy day cardboard house.  Hand-cut and hand-painted with great detail, I couldn't imagine tossing out her hard work (nor could she!) so we had to find a permanent home for her fine artwork.

Sheltered from the elements (including Sunday's snow!) on the interior ceiling of the treehouse seemed like a great permanent home for "passing clouds," "grab a rainbow," "day is breaking" and "love love love you."

I think we all agree it feels a little more homey now that we've got some artwork hung on the walls of our treehouse.

: : wonders 5.25.12

For those of you who love a backyard mashmallow roast as much as we do.  Outdoor fire season, here we come. 

Someday this would make for a great adventure, but it might be a little tight for our party of five.

For those of you who share my obsession with washi tape, this might be tempting.

It's a good thing I'm planning on another rhubarb harvest, because these are inspired.

My never ending list of projects for the studio includes some new pillows.  These are helping me bide my time until they're done.  Will start soon.

In lieu of a more efficient mudroom, I'd love for this to waltz into my house.

My old friend Bar Rucci has great talent.  Just check out her business and blog. Love.

: : first harvest

Rhubarb is perhaps the most hearty of garden goodies and its ease of growing makes for a proud farmer.  We have a typical Wyoming Memorial Day weather forecast, including snow showers, so we'll hold off on planting annuals and seeds but have faith: the first harvest is in.  Snowstorms be gone!

: : this moment 5.18.12

 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.  - inspired by Amanda Blake Soule

: : on being eight

Last Sunday was a double scoop kind of day: a birthday and Mother's Day rolled together. One imaginary coffee chip scoop for me and one very real square scoop of birthday cake ice cream for my (gasp!) 8 year-old, Elsie.

Five of us spent a mostly sleepless Saturday night in one hotel room in Idaho Falls, ID as we spectated, distasterously at times, Bettina's soccer team in a regional tournament.  The weekend served as a not-so-gentle reminder why family time and travel soccer weekends are not particularly compatible.  Thankfully soccer games on Sunday were tidied up early and after an obligatory visit with our black footed penguin, snow leopard, sloth bear and red panda friends at the zoo, we retreated home to enjoy the remainder of the glorious afternoon outside in the yard.

Home has almost never felt so good.  We jumped on the trampoline, admired serviceberries in bloom, climbed trees, "mountain" biked laps around the house, picked dandelions and made a seasonal crown for the birthday girl.  We were away for only 24 hours, but it felt much longer.Mother's Day was celebrated in the time honored way of flower/weed bouquets and dinner out.  A relaxing and enjoyable end to a long weekend.

Getting back to the celebration of one special birthday girl... at school. Journeys School honors each child on their special day with a birthday circle.  Hands were enthusiastically raised for my girl.  One by one, her classmates and teachers shared how they are each thankful for Elsie.  This community truly knows her.  They celebrated Elsie for being: a passionate artist, a really good friend, very articulate, a hard worker, creative, a one of a kind, a great dresser (usually in stripes), always willing to play with everybody, sparkly and like a sister (thanks Flynn).  Her heart was singing.  Mine too.  Happy Birthday love.

Birthday treats were then gobbled by one and all.