branching out

moving!

2009-02-19T08:38:00.003-06:00

Okay- today is the day- moving day! I hope you will come visit me at my new spot- website and blog all in one - to celebrate there is a little give-away! Thanks so much for reading here and I hope to see you at my new blog!

green reading

2009-02-18T12:51:00.004-06:00

I just got these books in that I ordered for the bookstore where I work and I got the chance to pick these cuties up this morning and browse through them. What's new- board books about animals, trees, senses, and gardens?? Well nothing really new in the subject line- we all have seen a plethora of cutie board books like this, but . . .what I thought was unique about this line is the green factor.

This is a new line from Innovative Kids called Green Start- they are printed on 98% post consumer recycled materials and printed with soy based inks. I also like at the end of each book has "parent tips" that helps you take it one step further.

Lovely and green- psst my favorite is "One Tree"!

stay tuned . . .

2009-02-17T21:12:00.002-06:00

I really wanted to release the new site to you today on my Blogaversary- but you know sometimes the best made plans . . .I am having a couple domain name mapping issues that I hope to get resolved tomorrow- technology is a bugger sometimes!

Till then I wanted to share this really neat book that I picked up today that is pretty fitting. I am not putting blogger in the past, but really do look forward to the future with my new blog. All of these books about "soul work" have caught my eye lately and this one seems really interesting.

It is called Soul Visioning: Clear the Past Creat Your Future by Susan Wisehart. It seems to be workbook style leading through several chapters and steps to learn how your past lives impact your present and future- maybe this will be the year I actually get that past life reading. I trust my incredibly intuitive friend and she has always recommended School of Metaphysics past life intuitive readings.

Heavy duty- but what can be more fun but to learn more about what your own soul is destined to do?

Signs of Spring!

2009-02-16T17:27:00.006-06:00

I know, I know- I was probably suppose to be talking about presidents or something like that with the boys home from school today, but I ended up cutting out a bunch of stuff this morning and then the boys and I went out for a "Signs of Spring" walk- with all 3 of us with brand new foraging bags from the handmade world of Etsy- we set out to see what we could.

It is still very much winter- but the sun was shining and we had such a quiet sweet walk in the neighborhood to see those first glimpses of spring that give this Aries girl hope and love for spring! When we stopped at our Goblin Walk tree I found a marble next to the tree. This is the oddest thing that has always happened to me since I was a little girl on the farm where I grew up. Okay- it could be because they were used with slingshots by kiddos back in the day and I am sure trees were often the targets, but I see it as a greater sign of my roots of being a toymaker- hahaha and even more fitting since my last name is Willow and company name is mamaroots- it is cosmic I tell ya!

Above are a couple of the pictures and you can view a small slide show here-spring, spring, spring- I love you spring!

ahhhh

2009-02-16T17:21:00.002-06:00

98% done! Yes that is right my kitchen and window remodel project is 98% done and I had a wee party for my parents and older sis this past Valentines. It was so great and I have to say, I love my new kitchen. It may be hard to catch the true essence, but here are a couple of the before and after shots I got. I thought I lost my before shots but found some in a tucked away folder in the computer- ha I am so bad about that!

This project did put a big dent in my crafting time, but I am hoping to get all caught up and new spring stuff loaded in the shop in the next couple of weeks- now to go make that cup of tea in my new digs!

Dear Blogger

2009-02-14T07:14:00.003-06:00

you have been a great blog spot, you were there in the beginning and helped me go from "what the heck is a blog" to absolutely loving to blog. But I must confess our relationship has run its course and I will be leaving you soon- but you will always be a fond part of my life.

All kidding aside- I had to write my love break-up letter to blogger today on Valentines because it is coming close to when I will be switching over to a new spot. I really have enjoyed blogger, easy to use, neat gadgets, did I mention free. . .but I wanted to have a blog that could function more like my website and blog all in one spot.

So coming next week will be my new spot- some giveaways and also the February Once Upon a Table story project. I love blogging, I love reading blogs- it is ironic, in some ways I have never felt so connected with people I have never met, and also I love seeing more glimpses in the lives of my dear friends.

So thanks so much for reading, thanks for posting on your blogs so I have fun stuff to read- keep spreading the blog love! I am off to plan a special Goblin Walk for my lovey doveys!

Jasper's Heart is . . .

2009-02-13T10:29:00.007-06:00

handmade- after a week long of evening times spent making different Valentines for different folks, Jasper's handmade heart made my heart grow 3 sizes this week, and we are still not quite done!

He started off wanting to make his daddy a pillow- this was out of the blue but he asked for the password to the fabric stash in my studio, needle, thread, and some help from mama. He did the cutting, sewing, and drawing (love those fabric pastels) and I helped him sew the 2 pieces together at the finish. I knew he could not hold out till tomorrow- he was so excited to give it to daddy he surprised him the other night!

This year for his Valentines for classmates he got cardstock in his favorite color- the password for my rubber stamp stash and stamped and wrote out each friends name. I had some extra wood hearts left, and so we drilled holes and put each friends initial on them and then we strung them on some fun eco yarn we got from one of our favorite local yarn shops.

His little fingers we all inky last night when we finished!

**Boxed Valentines from Walmart .99 cents

**Handmade Valentines made over the course of 3 evenings- priceless!

three simple words . . .

2009-02-12T18:36:00.003-06:00

that I love to hear during my day job is . . . do you have . . . and usually this is proceeded by some book title that they are looking for. I am usually in my office looking through catalogs, planning author events, daydreaming about different toys I want to make etc. . . and then I pop out into the stacks and help some customers when I get a chance. Today was one of those days that I got those magical words "do you have" and it was from a young fella visiting campus with his older sibling and family and he was looking for a particular book. He let me know that where he is from they don't have any good bookstores.

Well, my fingers danced across the computer to see if we had it, and score! We had it- as we walked to find the book he told me that he was just about done with the 3rd in that series and was so ready for the next book. Ahhh- that is when being a book buyer is complete- a kiddo coming up asking for this book he is dying for and then having it on the shelf waiting for him! In case you were wondering it was #4 in the Patterson Maximum Ride series for youth reading- huh who knew!

So here are some book recommendations for my younger readers as we are all getting ready to tell Winter bye bye!1- Trudy by Henry Cole- super cute with a surprise ending!
2- Frog, Bee, and Snail Look For Snow by one of my favorite Dutch authors Loek Koopmans
3- Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms by Julia Rawlinson- another funny ending
4- A Bell for Ursli by Selena Chonz- swiss setting and a neat tradition for welcoming spring!

All of these make my mind spin with ideas for new story sets to come to the shop this spring! Here's to good books!

crafting some change

2009-02-11T14:56:00.004-06:00

I was browsing a magazine that I read weekly for the buzz in the book industry and came across this article that talked about a genre of books that is bucking the ecomonic trend- craft books. Seems like us crafty folks know that mantra of "I can make that" instead of always buying it. Please don't get me wrong, it is really troubling to hear about folks loosing their jobs and the economic crisis that we are in, but darn it sometimes I think we do just need to keep our consumerism in check as a society.

I for one was happy to read this article that continues to breath air on the burning desire for people to DIY. So in light of the article, and a current obsession (remember my warnings of my obsessions that come and go) here is a really lovely sewing book that I loved browsing this morning. It is called Home Sewn and has all of the natural and lovely ideas of stuff to sew for your home.

Here is the obsession- there were these amazing dandelion embroidered linen napkins- oh I am in-love with dandelions right now! Soon their sweet little yellow heads will be popping up all over my yard and at The Womb Room!

Here is to finding some dandelions this spring and wishing for some change for our economy-

sweetness

2009-02-09T09:31:00.003-06:00

Blimey where did the past few days go- what have I been doing? Well the ongoing drama of the remodel continues to unfold, but we are getting oh so close and we are in the unpacking and more cleaning phase with trim and paint touch ups happening in the evenings! I am having a kitchen warming, anniversary party for my folks on Saturday and decided to also plan a goblin walk for my boys and neice and nephew on Saturday during the party! I will post more details to come but it is so sweet and fun to plan these out!

So I also wanted to pass on a reminder for the Missouri folks that tomorrow is the annual Cookies Day at the Missouri State Capitol. I just learned that there is another attempt to repeal the language that finally made Midwives legal in Missouri once more. Here is a link to the article to read more about it. I am not able to get off work to go down, but if you get a chance it would be a great time to visit once more with the Missouri folks to let them know Missouri women are capable of making their own choice in childbirth.

As an extra sweet treat, Jennifer Block, the author of Pushed will be at the 1:00 rally in the Rotunda. See the Friends of Missouri Midwives website for the full details but basically in 3 easy steps:

*make some yummy homemade cookies

*attach a sweet valentine and write a message from your family

*go to the Capitol- meet outside Room 113 and deliver your treats!

Speaking of Cookie Day- it was that day 2 years ago that was my first blog post! You may have noticed this past week a bit of an absence from me. I decided to take the plunge and merge both my website and blog into one spot- a weblog I believe they are called. So behind the scenes I have been working on creating a new blog that gives you access to individual pages for The Womb Room, Crafty Mamas, Root Children, etc . . . so needless to say my nights have been busy!

So watch out for the move- I decided to leave this blog up as an archive. I will have some fun give-away contests also! I am anticipating the new spot to be up on my blogaversary of 2/17!!

root children

2009-02-03T20:30:00.001-06:00

When you have a few little Renicks lined up on your craft table ready for paint it can mean nothing else except that tomorrow is his debut at Root Children story and hand craft! I am so excited to be sharing him tomorrow with my special friends- most of them under 3 feet tall!

We will be reading "Naming Renick" - my first children's book and making medicine bags. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

It is freezing today but I am still dreaming of spring . . .

2009-02-03T12:23:00.007-06:00

Last night we lit our Brigit candle at dinner and thought about the warmth of the flame, melting the snow and ice and letting those shoots come up! Then we all gave our wishes and blew out the flame together, breath from the four directions! So we sent our wishes up and mine always include an early spring!

I am a spring baby and I love those first hints of green- so it does not help that this morning the wind chill was like -12 when I got up, but to keep my spirit light I thought I would share some recent goodies that I got with spring in mind. A couple of these are getting tucked away until just the right day for the boys- but these are all so fun.

I just love the creativity and love in so many handmade items out there! So these are my

4-For Spring Loves!

1-Herbal Roots- Feb 09- from Luna Farm Creations- this lovely mama is just a few hours away from me, so I am hoping to meet her this summer! This is a great PDF for herbal learning with kiddos! I am so excited to explore this with the boys- if you purchase a copy mention me as a referral and I just might get a free copy next month hehehe- she is also dedicating her Monday posts the the Herbal Roots subscribers-

2. Berries Foraging Bag- from tiny happy shop- these just made me smile so I had to get this- it will be perfect for our nature and troll walks- what is a troll walk- oh that is another post all together but probably soon as the boys have been asking me for one!

3. Nature/Playground Scavenger Hunt cards- from Blynken and Nod- so well made and cute- laminated and so sweet. Keep them together or take them apart- a talented mama who made that amazing Amend the CPSIA graphic.

4. Mushroom Foraging Bag- from tiny happy shop- well I could not have just one, each of my boys had to have a lovely foraging bag! Too sweet to resist!

Well- I can keep dreaming as I put on all my layers of winter clothes! Happy dreams to you-

Shadow Play

2009-02-02T09:29:00.004-06:00

Happy Groundhog's Day, Candlemas, Imbolc . . . oh and big happy Anniversary to my parents who celebrated their 40th yesterday- hehehe- I guess that means the 4-0 will be here for me in a few years, but I get to watch my big sis hit the milestone first!

So I guess you may have heard that Phil saw his shadow today- yep 6 more weeks of winter- this is always the hardest month for me to get through! But I thought I would share some history of today- I just love love love how oral folklore and history transcend down over time. I found this nice concise history from a landscaping website that was more about pest control, but . . . that set aside there was a good history of today:

In its earliest incarnation, Groundhog Day was Imbolc, a pagan celebration associated with fertility and weather divination. The word, Imbolc is Gaelic, the language of the Celts. There is a strong association between Imbolc and Brigid, a Celtic fertility goddess. When the pagan holidays were transformed into Catholic equivalents, two new holidays emerged from Imbolc. One, Saint Brigid's Day (a.k.a. Saint Bridget's Day), was celebrated on February 1. Saint Brigid's Day honored an Irish saint, named after the Celtic goddess, who was a contemporary of Saint Patrick's.
The second holiday deriving from Imbolc was Candlemas Day and was celebrated on February 2 (Groundhog Day). Candlemas was the feast of Mary's purification and was marked by a candle procession. The ties between purification rituals and the month of February also hark back to the pagan era. Indeed, our very word, "February," which derives from Latin, unmistakably designates the month as a time for purification (februa means "expiatory offerings"). The Lupercalia, a pagan Roman purification ritual, took place in February.

But how did a groundhog become the symbol for a holiday that was marked by a candle procession? Well, the Romans, for instance, had celebrated a rough equivalent to our Groundhog Day in early February -- only a hedgehog was in charge of the weather divination, not a groundhog. And such beliefs survived the Christianization of Europe (going "underground," if you will), attaching themselves to Candlemas Day as folklore. European settlers in North America kept the pagan tradition alive, but substituted the native groundhog for the European hedgehog. Clearly, Imbolc and the older traditions have won out: today in North America, almost everyone in the general public has heard of "Groundhog Day," while mention of "Candlemas Day" would generally draw expressions of puzzlement!

Most people have now distanced themselves from fertility rites, purification rituals and weather divination (well, except for meteorologists, perhaps!). Nonetheless, on some level, don't we still intuitively associate fertility and purification with spring? Nor can we help but spend our winters speculating on spring's arrival. If hope had a scent, it would be the smell in the air on a warm February day.

Isn't that fun! I was so excited to wake up today and see that Phil and Bill- my groundhog brothers made it into the Etsy Storeque Great Finds spot for today- they or I should say I am blushing! How sweet!

So in the spirit of Imbolc- the forth coming spring, my spirit animal- and the burning creative spirit- here is an older picture of me conversing with my spirit animal via shadow play!

Ahhh- some relief . . .

2009-01-30T17:25:00.002-06:00

I am on my way out the door The Womb Room to meet up with my Crafty Mamas and make some handcarved stamps for valentines and I took a second to check the Etsy Forums for CPSIA news- a multi day ritual as Feb gets closer and saw this:

CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirement

Oh I am so excited- I have so many ideas for new toys and story sets that I have been holding back on- Yeah- but I need to read up more on the details . . .

Off to meet with the mamas-

ribbit

2009-01-30T08:50:00.002-06:00

I wish I had a picture of a new forthcoming book to show you but it is not to be found yet. As a girl growing up in the 70's the Arnold Lobel books were my staple beginning reading books- how could I resist Tear Tea from Owl and the hilarious bumps in his bed, Mouse Soup, Grasshopper in the Road, and of course Frog and Toad!

I was so excited to hear yesterday that a new Arnold Lobel book is coming out in May. His daughter who is also an artist, discovered several of her father's handmade books and together with Harper Collins publishers put together some the best poems and pictures to create Frogs and Toads All Sang-
Described as "silly sweetness" this is one that will make my spring! In the essence of silly sweetness- here is a picture of a couple of fellas I work with that I talked into being Frog and Toad for me a last year at the bookstore where I work- how cute is that!

Once Upon a Table . . .

2009-01-28T22:11:00.004-06:00

You may remember last month when I had the first Story Table Project -Tomten- with a few days to spare I finished up the tutorial for the January project. I also came up with a name for this ongoing monthly offering:

Once Upon a Table

Some coordinating ideas are brewing but wanted to offer this for some cozy storytelling as we go into the final stretch of winter!

Enjoy! Let me know what you think! This is called Brigit and the Wheel- it celebrates Candlemas.

wishes

2009-01-28T22:08:00.002-06:00

I could not resist showing this amazing graphic made by Hilary, blynkenandnod of Etsy. In it's simplicity it says so much . . .

CPSIA Blog In- Holding the Key

2009-01-28T09:31:00.009-06:00

Right now as my fingers dance across this keyboard- I envision tons of other fingers and hands that are usually crafting away. Fingers weaving, sewing, sanding, painting- cottage industry folks who I would imagine would much rather be making some amazing handmade children's items than blogging about trying to find away for our voices to be heard.

I am still meeting folks who have not heard of the CPSIA that was enacted last August so I wanted to share some basic information that was put together from an Etsy forum if you are curious how the new Consumer Protection Safety Information Act will affect you:

How will these new laws affect you?

Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students: Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader: Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade: Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist: Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper: Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur: Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector: Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy: Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy: Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbeshttp://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.htmlAnd for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled,

The New Lawhttp://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Now- because I am also a storyteller, or talkie talk as my friends and family like to call me, I thought I would share a story with you. See that is one of the really great things about all of these local cottage industry folks is that you can get to know me- I am a one-mama company. I am happy to answer questions and share who I am.

So- this is a story about me. I grew up in the country in the midwest. I grew up pretty humbly- I always had clothes on my back, homegrown food on my plate, and tons of love around me. Some of my first memories were of living in a trailer next to an abandoned big farm house that my parents were remodeling for us to live in. It was the middle of the middle of the midwest. I meandered through the house and all the barns, fields, woods growing up as my parents worked hard everyday making this old home beautiful and tilling up the soil to grow our food. Sure I had toys also- most of my play was domestic play and full of imagination. For some reason though I always remember going to some friends of my parents house and they had tons of plastic toys that fascinated me. This was the 70's and it was Fisher Price heaven. I had my dolls, a wood cradle my great grandpa had made and lots of stuff around me to make things out of.

For some reason I was always fascinated my my friend Jamie's plastic giant keys- I don't know why- but they really seemed so neat to me. I had a skeleton key from our house. Yes I did have some plastic toys here and there, but in so much appreciation now to my parents- they just did not buy us a ton of stuff. I appreciate that so much now- because I always had their love and desire to create.

Flash forward 30 some years and I have my own children. I knew from the time they were babies that I wanted them to have as many natural toys as possible. It was only natural that I made toys for them. When I started working with wood, want to guess what one of the first things I made was? Wood keys- all natural- toss them in the woods when you are done keys! Everytime I sit down to make another set, one of my favorite things to do is listen to the way they sound clinking together- so natural. I cut each and every key out by hand- sand it by hand, color it with the same non-toxic watercolors my son's paint with and seal it all up with beeswax mixed with jojoba oil.

I love making these and really feel that for me natural, imagination driven, handmade childrens creations are a vital key to a sustainable, slow, greenroots based vital part of our economy. Just for fun I thought I would show you a couple comparison pictures, a couple of the keys that I make, and a picture of some I found on-line- plastic, noise making, battery operated keys . . .made by who? made where?

This is a great link if you would like to be part of the activism that is spreading- oh and thanks for sharing in my childhood moment that started my fascnination with keys and thanks to my folks for a great way to grow up!

the burning muse

2009-01-26T21:26:00.003-06:00

shew it finally came . . .amidst the paint fumes and dust at my house of our extended (unintentionally) remodel last night and today the Story Table project came to me. Remember the Tomten project in December? Well this is a fun one celebrating Candlemas- stay tuned. I will be taking the pictures and writing up the tutorial in the next couple of days. This new venture is called:

Once Upon a Table- Story Table Projects

beige is the new black or is it green?

2009-01-26T14:48:00.007-06:00

What am I going to do? It has been a question that I have been asked by a reporter, fellow craftsman, customers, and myself.

The CPSIA debaucle is looming and I have been thinking about it alot. I am not very good at reading government documents, (though I have been trying) and reading blogs, Etsy forum ect . . . But regardless Feb 10 is just around the corner so I do need to make a game plan. First I will continue my teacher, storyteller, and birthing line of gifts as these are not affected. I will also continue a few collectibles such as the Imaginary Friends line as these are a collectible OOAK wood art that is for the Lifestraws project.

But what about all the toys? Well, in my heart I do feel this will all get worked out- but as it stands now there is not a fiscally reasonable testing method that I can afford, nor do I wish to raise my prices to cover the testing expense. This past weekend I did go through and spot test my toys with a home lead test and not to my surprise they came up lead free. But that does not satisfy the new law.

As soon as I see in writing the the proposal of unaltered natural materials has been exempted I will be creating the Naked Natural line- it will many of my classic wood animals and toys without the color, without the beeswax seal. I am putting together a zine that will accompany each toy that gives activism talking points to direct customers too, before and after images, and recommendation on the non-toxic finishes I normally use. I am also in the works of putting together homemade beeswax seal that I will not charge for and include and let the parents choose to use it.

So this is my ode to colors, some have said that beige will be the new black- but you know this is how I see it, it will be more like green, like grassroots green- it is my way of not giving up and closing shop but still trying to figure this all out. I am starting to re-read The Secret tonight to remind myself of the positive energy and it's force!

Till then this is my Mouse Paint story set for the love of color and a sweet video I found of a song my Jasper loves to sing- I hope our children will not just have to sing about color but will be able to have it in their natural toys as well!

celebrating

2009-01-25T20:44:00.003-06:00

some visual treats last night! It was such a great opportunity to celebrate some art in my community! The 3rd annual Art Auction and Silent Film to benefit my oldest son's school was such fun. It worked out that the boys ended up at my folks for a sleepover and hubby and I got a date!

I had a lovely time visiting with folks and then it happened- a piece of art just reached out and tugged on my heart- I new I must have this piece! After some neurotic hovering over the bid sheets I was victorious! This small subtle piece is entitle "Urge to Worship II"- it symbolizes my boys and my spirituality in one. Under these trees with sticks in their hands . . . under the deep winter . . . the energy of these 2 boys swirling in the trees- oh I just loved it. And yes here is the honesty- many times those actual sticks in my boys hands maybe somewhat more weapon oriented than I usually like, but many times they are wands, fort builders, magical sticks!

I caught a few moments of a Buster Keaton silent film- a true celebration of cinema art before I purchased my art and then headed to our local independent theatre for Slumdog Millionaire- I am still absorbing that movie- a dynamic movie- a dynamic date celebrating art.

You can bet I was rested and missing my boys this morning when they came running through the snow to my front door all smiling and loving being spoiled at my folks place!

painting community

2009-01-24T08:37:00.005-06:00

I have often been apart of the the discussion about education with children. It naturally happens when you have children. Thanks to the country where we live there are so many choices that we have as parents- public, private, homeschool, etc . . . Isn't it great to have the freedom choose. We can be king for a day in so many different learning settings.

I think the one thing for me as a mama, my hubby and I as parents believe is that if families define and create something that works for them that is what is important. What may work for some folks may not work for others. When we can peacefully look at a non-judgmental place of sharing those worlds- the beauty of learning can happen.

For our family we did choose to go with public school. In making that choice though we did look at our neighborhood school and then decided to seek out a different option. Our community has something really unique to a public school setting- it is a school whose curriculum is based on the arts. It is the Expressive Arts school that approaches all learning from art. I really enjoy this approach to learning. Is it perfect- well no, but nothing really is, but I love that it is this small old school nestled in the downtown of my community a short walk from where both me and hubby work.

But here is the lovely part of this school- with every brush stroke of paint, every small hand hitting drum or transforming clay into a figure a community is created. I love walking up the sidewalk and seeing my friends and getting to talk with my son's friends. I love going to the local community Art Studio with other mamas to work on the upcoming fundraiser while our children are scattered about the floor with pencils in hand creating pictures for each other.

Tonight is one of the annual fundraisers for the school at the recently renovated Missouri Theatre. It is a Silent Film and then Art Auction for the school. The boys and I stopped by yesterday to drop off some wood mushrooms we made to donate to the art sale. I am so excited to be apart of this community- vibrant and growing.

We create a loving learning atmosphere at home centered on art and storytelling, I adore the festivals we go to and share at the local Waldorf school. So what type of schooling do we have for our children? Well we like to call it the shoedgepodge- kinda like hodgepodge but with the schomaker side- (shoemaker) walking our own walk- underneath that willow tree!

tweet!

2009-01-21T14:40:00.006-06:00

I discovered a tweet giveaway indeed today- on the wings of change it has been great fun discovering all of these different beauties- if you have a thing for some birds be sure to check out the listing of individual blogs!

I also wanted to share a new storyset that I finished up that was so much fun! It was inspired by both a lovely story "The Robot and the Bluebird" and all of my Missouri friends that help me create such a cozy nest at The Womb Room! I will be listing another set soon at the Etsy Shop as my first set went to my boys who told me that the first toy I make in a series is always the special one for them! Seriously did you hear my heart break with that one!

like a ray of hope

2009-01-20T18:21:00.003-06:00

my tears were dropping down my cheek, falling on my son's shirt as he sat in my lap basking in the rays of hope . . .

How Do You See Yourself?

2009-01-19T22:40:00.004-06:00

I know this may be a stretch, but yes this is my Inauguration Eve post- I have thought alot about how we are seen as a country on the eve of this incredible historic and hopeful presidency. I listened to a great story on the radio about how other countries like France are now looking at America and what we did this past election and now looking at race issues in their own country.

Wow it feels good to be looked at again as a country that is hopeful and diverse. I have a thing for toys that personalize our portraits and it is so funny to sit back with some craft in my lap and watch them play out their imaginations with their toys!

Here are a couple newbies!

1- Our woody family by Dawn Alice Designs- so cute
2-My Custom Set I ordered from Woodmouse- so beautiful- this toy is for me!
3-A new favorite- my boy fairies (shhh . . .they have not seen these yet) from Star House- so sweet!
4-Freshly made today- Jasper and Silas' self portrait sock puppets!- Jasper set up this tutorial for us to do today, and I broke out my stash of my grandmama's buttons I played with when I was little!

So how do I see myself tonight- crafty, happy, and hopefull!

change

2009-01-16T21:23:00.003-06:00

sometimes it is a little dusty, okay alot dusty, but change can be so exciting! We are on the homeward stretch of our kitchen remodel and the dust feels like it is in my clothes, my tea cup, my tooth brush, wait it is in all of those places, but . . . it means:

1-our 1/2 person kitchen can now at least be a 2 person kitchen
2-our boys can eat their breakfast at a breakfast bar instead of the cobblers bench on the floor!
3-I can look out into the front yard from the new kitchen window
4-I can grow to love my humble little abode even more- a place where we live, love, be born, and grow!

Now onto the painting tomorrow- though to be honest I am chomping at the bit to make toys and paint them instead of the walls- I will have to sneak in some craft time!

Last Day to Vote

2009-01-15T13:01:00.002-06:00

My head is definitely still swimming with all of the CPSIA stuff, but just a reminder that TODAY is the last day to vote at Change.org- to at least get this issue presented to President Obama-

I believe it is currently in 6th place- the top 10 make it to a presentation to the President. Let's keep spreading those out those grassroots!

Save Small Business from CPSIA

As a proud mommy blog- I thought this comment was very interesting from a representative from CPSC that "mommy-blogs spreading misinformation "- hmmm- does that show the scope of their underestimating what we do as moms and natural toy makers???? Check out the story here and a link to the video.

Graditude

2009-01-14T19:28:00.004-06:00

During our bitterly cold night, Jody and I trying to fend off some colds our selves and also having to mostly hunker down in the basement of our house to avoid the dust and nails upstairs we decided to go ahead and make our thank you cards tonight for the wonderful holiday presents we received.

I love being able to find a way to engage the boys in this also. Here is a real simple but sweet way to make a thank you, have your kiddos write thank you however they like- snap a picture of their cutie pie faces- use a simple postcard program like Publisher, give them some space to write their name or other thanks and shebam- a sweet little thank you postcard!

This is the picture from the photo shoot tonight that we ended up using- Jasper has been enjoying making "curly" letters! I also have to love Silas' signature!

Thanks to everyone for your great support!

It is getting wild . . .

2009-01-13T08:03:00.005-06:00

Anyone else dreaming about CPSIA? Besides this affecting me as a mama who wants quality toys for my children and as a natural toymaker, this new law is equally affecting during my day job as a book buyer. I am trying to figure out this new law and how it affects the books that i purchase for my local independent bookstore- so confusing. It is equally confusing for libraries also. Here is some early morning reading I did today:

Congress bans kids from libraries?
New safety law may prohibit children under 12 from libraries – or make many books illegal

I generally say I am a posititve person and am still very much holding to the light that this will all work out in the end. Part of my continuing to be positive about the whole situation is to offer a moment of my gratitude each day of blogging. Today I am so grateful I have 2 spirited, imaginative boys to read to and to always make toys for. Jasper asked me to other day if I will make toys for his kids someday- how is that for a swollen mama heart and a very loud rompus YES!

I leave you this morning with 2 books that I am not recommending yet . . . but just wanted to share what is on my reading list. These are both YA or young adult titles that I wanted to read last fall but am going to dedicated the winter weeks to reading them. As a book buyer for both the bookstore and myself I am a sucker for covers- as they are intended to be eye catchers. Both of these books seemed so interesting.

Bird is by Rita Murphy- look at the cover- an old house, a girl named Miranda who must wear special boots to keep her grounded so the wind does not take her away, and a spinsterly widow named Wysteria- yeah this book had me at the old house!

The other book that will be gracing my bookshelf next to my bed is Mimus by Lilli Thal and translated from the original German by John Brownjohn. What is it about Jesters- this is the second book that the jester just jumped out at me! I feel a wood jester series coming soon to the shop! From what I read this is a fairly dark and original fantasy, so I will wait to give a full recommendation on this until I read it! I believe also the mimus is another word for mockingbird- hmm wonder how that will play into it! I am really interested in the role of the jester though in history- my obsessive side of my personality it chomping at the bit for something just like this! There is a lesson plan for this one here.

What is on your reading list?

why I love where I live

2009-01-11T20:33:00.002-06:00

I love living in Columbia- it is not too big like the city living I did fresh out of college, and it is not tooo small like I had growing up in a rural farm town- but just right. I also love that it is a liberal college town with lots of activity happening! This came through in an e-mail and cracked me up! Though I am not sure I will make it down to the "note" for this one, it gives me an idea to host a little Bye Bye Bush party of my own!

Bye Bye Bush Bash

Sunday, January 18, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Blue Note, 17 N. 9th St.

Peaceworks and our allies in the Columbia Peace Coalition invite you to participate in a festive evening celebrating the end of an era (or was that error?). Somehow, we have survived the past eight years and, despite all the harm and suffering that the exiting administration has caused, this is reason to celebrate. We will be holding the Bye Bye Bush Bash--A People's Inaugural.

This free event will include a potluck dinner (at 5:30), speakers, music, a costume contest (come dressed as an artifact of the Bush era), an open mic, games, and much more.

I also wanted to share something that caught my eye that was just plain interesting. It doesn't deal with birth, or crafting, or books, or handmade toys- it is completely different but worth blogging about. I read about this in the most recent Inside Columbia magazine and could not find a link to the article but googled another article that talked about Green Burial options that forming in the area. This article is about a Wiccan group that is creating a "green" burial area, but I also found information about an area here in Columbia also called Pushing Up Daisies. Now mind you readers that I am not obsessed with death- though I spent my early wanna be photographer years photographing and charting Missouri artistic movements via tombstones . . . but I have always struggled myself with what I would like to happen to me when I enter into that part of my cycle of life- this by far has been the most appealing so far!

just a couple more . . .

2009-01-09T14:53:00.008-06:00

I mentioned yesterday that I would have some more Floris Book recommendations. It is all part and parcel of being a book buyer that puts these fantastic books infront of my eyes that then make their way to my lap with 2 boys on either side of me!

You may recall my Mitten dilema and how I ultimately choose a version of The Mitten story called "Any Room For Me" by Loek Koopmans- I was so happy with this and am also so happy it and my story set touched some folks this winter- take a peak here and here! I love the gentle illustrations and had to order some more of his work. The cover cracked me up and my hubby always makes us a special pancake breakfast on the weekends, so I had to order this one because it looked funny!

I have also been wanting to expand on the monarch that I did and was so excited to see this new book coming out at the end of January- I can't wait to get this one and tie in with some new butterflies!

Just had to share my favorite find of the day- a personal favorite from this ohhh so talented mama Woodmouse- it just made my heart grow 3 sizes today when I saw these beautiful creations- they are a limited edition- check them out- they are beautiful!!

why??

2009-01-08T12:57:00.004-06:00

I love it when children's books show children that it is okay to ask why and show conflict resolution. In the world of where we are all learning about becoming ourselves and wonder why people do different things it is always great to see a book say why???

Like why has it taken me so long to recommend some more books for you?? Don't worry they will be coming more and more, not to mention a couple new titles I am excited about from Floris books!

Of course my brain get to working in overdrive and I will not be able to resist making these into story sets soon, but they were pretty good reads!

First is the new book by Mo Willems- gotta love Pigeon, it is called The Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed- how can you resist a book with a character so unique as a naked mole rat- it caused me to do some research on these little creatures and they are a really interesting mammal. They are also known as sand puppies, and are considered eusocial- rare among mammals, they live in a colony type setting similar to ants with a queen and 1-2 males that do the reproducing and a whole heck of alot of workers! Science lesson aside, the main naked mole rat wants to wear clothes, and with his usual wit and humor Willems takes us through the colony with the ramifications of asking "why" until a resolution is reached. Pigeon lovers will like the reference at the end! Sometimes it just takes one little guy to ask why to make change happen!

The other book that I enjoyed that also dealt with a community working out a resolution for two characters that are not getting along is The Owl and the Woodpecker by Brian Wildsmith. I am a sucker for the colorful illustrations of this book and felt that they are the stronger element to this book, but I did find it humorous the different personalities from a variety of forest animals as Owl and Woodpecker work out their difference.

Now hopefully I can remember the positive side of why when I hear it about 50 times tonight before bed before my 3 year old goes to sleep!

He's here!

2009-01-07T13:46:00.005-06:00

Well it has been about a year in the making, but Renick is here! A little over a year ago I had my Renick dream and was told by this little wood toy to make him and over and over he said his name was Renick- I have blogged a few other times about this special little guy over the past months and am so happy that this has come to fruition for me.

He was one of the very first things I started making from wood and in my heart I think he is going to take me to some fun new places, he is so special to me and I am so happy to share him with you.

My plans right now are to make about 1 Renick per month and list him with the book as a collectible. Each Renick will be signed and numbered. Of course the first Renick went to my boys, the second to some friends, and the third just sold to a special customer. The January Root Children will feature Renick and some of my close local friends that ordered Renick will be getting theirs at that time. If you want to place an order let me know.

The book is also available for purchase directly at Blurb- what a wonderful spot to self-publish, I could not be more happy with the end result. Also a huge thank you to my illustrator Kylie Parry! She captured Renick and his story so perfectly- better than I ever imagined!

Thanks to everyone for reading and letting me share Renick with you!

Naming Renick

By mamaroots illustr...

Book Preview

So much love for Sukie

2009-01-07T12:14:00.002-06:00

You may remember me posting about Sukie before- I love their stationery line from Chronicle Books and now they have made my crafty day! They came out with Sukie Iron-Ons! I have am taking my copy home today to start ironing away this weekend- nothing like some great hedgehogs and mushrooms to make some fresh shirts for my boys! Not to mention the ever so cute rabbits also!!

I highly recommend this just for the fun of it!

Let the final voting begin

2009-01-05T13:44:00.007-06:00

Okay handmade toy lovers from near and far, it is time for the final voting at Change.org- we made it to the final round, but we need those votes!

Thanks to Sara from Woolies for pointing the way to this awesome button- I ordered mine and am anxious to get it! There are still some at the shop- I love grassroots! I am hoping to finish my you-tube video this week!

on the wings of the New Year

2009-01-04T09:29:00.005-06:00

how did your New Year arrive?? I am actually still a bit confused by which day it is as I am still super busy with a move at my work and remodel at my house, but I was lucky enough to stop and notice the other day that there was this pair of cardinals that was following me from tree to tree as I walked to my car the other day!

I love to notice animals in my surroundings and learn from them- I love seeing these winter birds- that brilliant red that stands out among the leafless trees is a reminder of my favorite color and of the promise of spring and summer for me!What projects are you working on? Learning anything new? Timely with my bird friends, I finished up my nephews winter birds set to go with their presents along with a birding journal- I had some help from Jasper as he looked up the birds in our bird book to try and get the features correct!

My own little birds have been making thread weavings and nest gallore here in the winter months, so I ordered a Lucet for us to busy our hands and minds with some craft- they can then use the cord to create all their traps and imaginative games! I will keep you posted how it all turns out!

Keep on crafting and happy New Year!!

Contest Winners!

2009-01-04T09:25:00.003-06:00

Jasper was more than willing to help draw the names for the December contests!!

Babbity Rabbity and a copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard goes to:

Boatbaby!!

Tomten goes to:

Alycia!!

Thanks so much everyone- I will be contacting the winners for snail mail addy's

Be on the watch for the January Story Table project coming soon!

New Years Windows

2008-12-31T13:18:00.003-06:00

They say that the eyes are the windows of the soul, and this year and especially the past few weeks have shown that to me. I am sure it is because of New Year's Eve that I am feeling reflective, but also because so much change is happening in my physical surroundings right now.

My day job of being a book buyer has been so busy this past couple months. Not from doing the normal research and love of finding great books, but because the bookstore where I work is moving- that is my first new set of windows that I am looking out of- wonderful indeed but not without its challenges.

I am at the start of a remodel at my house and yesterday we got our new windows at our house yesterday- wow what a change! I am still getting use to it and my new kitchen isn't even done. Of course I say "my" new kitchen as if I did the cooking, I will leave that up to my talented hubby! Needless to say we will be having a little party action in January after it is all done!

But like I said earlier the eyes are the window to the soul. 2008 has been a wild ride of a year. My eyes have seen an amazing group of friends gather starting in January of 2008- we started gathering under the simple idea of mamas needing some time together and loved to craft. Crafty Mama's was born- I love the magic that happens at The Womb Room on Friday Nights- happy new year's eve all my crafty friends!

My eyes also witnessed another year of growth in many ways of my sons- to my boys always Happy New Years! I will be breaking out the pots and pans tonight for our countdown at 9 tonight- they never seem to make it up to midnight no matter how much caffienne I give them hahaha!

Of course my eyes also saw an amazing election happen that brought me to my knees and cry for the new hope that I feel!

Looking out the windows everywhere, both figuratively and on a soul level brought me so much beauty and also made me shake my head in wonder, but it is with a vision that allows me to see the humor in so much of it!

I hope you had a vibrant 2008 and here's to 2009!! This great picture is from I-stock photo- one of my favorite spots of photos and clipart- it is how it completely captures my New Year's move, remembering those incredible giant trees with all these amazing roots intertwined with other trees- others that they need to grow and thrive with- Happy New Year's from mamaroots!

oh and remember those 2 year end contest here and here- and guess who is coming tomorrow to the shop- a little fella named Renick and a pal groundhog named Phil!

what you mean breasts are for feeding babies??

2008-12-30T10:14:00.002-06:00

Why do some of the most basic things in life get so heavily feared and regulated in our culture??

***Midwifery and homebirth
***Baby carrying
***Handmade natural toys
***Topping the list- breastfeeding

This is the story I saw in the news today and just makes me shake my head- at a time in our culture where I personally feel the more people that see women powerfully and confidently breastfeeding their children, the more people will breastfeed.

Protest as Facebook removes breastfeeding photos

Remember that breastmilk is nature's most perfect food. I am so happy to have breastfed both of my boys into their toddlerhood!

Viva la milk- I believe their is a facebook petition going on- I am not part of facebook, but here is the link

Just for the love of teaching our children, this is one of my favorite pictures from my lactivist years!

In the news . . .

2008-12-29T12:02:00.002-06:00

A couple good articles for you reading pleasure today- okay one is a shameless self-promotion of a local article on bloggers that I was asked to be a part of, but the other 2 are wonderful articles also.

First is another piece by Jennifer Block, the author of Pushed: make sure to click for a link to the whole article

Midwives deliver
America needs better birth care, and midwives can deliver it.
By Jennifer Block December 24, 2008

Some healthcare trivia: In the United States, what is the No. 1 reason people are admitted to the hospital? Not diabetes, not heart attack, not stroke. The answer is something that isn't even a disease: childbirth.

Hopefully change in on the horizon for the CPSIA testing that could potentially lead to the downfall of many fantastic safe and natural mom and pop toymakers out there. I was very encouraged in reading this story- still lighting my candle:

Toy companies cheer proposed lead rule changes

And yes here is the story about Columbia bloggers, is was so great to get the call from the paper for the interview. Though all the snow days stopped me from making my photoshoot, it was great to be featured as a blogger who is "a local craft enthusiast"- thanks to all of you who read and make blogging so much fun- I can't wait to enter my 3rd year of blogging!!

Why Columbians Blog
Columbia bloggers, like Americans in general, use blogs to project themselves to a wider audience.

12 Days of Christmas

2008-12-28T07:08:00.007-06:00

or more appropriately named would be the 12 Things I Love About Christmas 2008!

1-Our woodsy smelling Christmas tree covered in handmade ornaments!
2-An NPR story on the morning alarm about handmade Sugar Plums and coming home to find my husband listened to the same story even though I thought he was still asleep and made them that day!
3-The joy of watching a 1970's Christmas movie that I missed from my childhood with my boys on Christmas Eve!
4-Being able to laugh when that same movie had Bergermeister Meisterberger and realize the similarities with the new CPSIA law!
5-Being called Santa by my customers!
6-Being able to give my first children's book to my nephews and niece this year!
7-Spending 2 very late nights right before Christmas making a very special wood toy set for my boys based on one of their favorite stories- The Twelve Brothers!
8-The love of simple wood toys that my sons attached too!
9-Being begged by my son's in the car Christmas Day on the way out to my folks for a mama story!
10-The complete joy of seeing a theatre movie the day after Christmas with my boys that inspired a fabulous pot of soup that night!
11-The most incredible gift that my husband and I do each year for each other- no, not an expensive gift- but a date- us, good food from a yummy local Indian spot, and then walking to the local Indie film theatre for an amazing movie.
12-A true understanding why rarely did my parents give each other presents but watched with love and twinkle in their eyes as we opened our presents- knowing that I am now that parent, lovingly raised and now with baited twinkle in my eye as my boys open their presents!

Hope you had a wonderful holiday!

welcoming our friend the sun!

2008-12-22T12:58:00.008-06:00

This weekend started off so nicely with a coffee break gathering of my crafty friends- warm belly with hot chai and warm soul with this amazing group of friends! Saturday was a cozy family day and Jasper decided that we should make Tangle, our resident Solstice Fairy a warm quilt!

So we picked out the fabric together and stitched it together and made little squares then did the old fashioned tie method of quilt making as we talked a bit about the history of quilt making! We went out to my mom and dads and treated them to some yummy daddy food!

With love we put out the fairy door for Tangle to magically enter and left out her quilt, then tucked the boys in for sweet solstice dreams! In steps mama remembering at midnight to pack away the tiny quilt into the memory box and leave out the sweet Tangle presents. This year she left them a wood image of herself (thanks to Woodmouse) and wood images of us as a family (thanks to Dawn Alice Designs)!! The boys were delighted and we were treated to a delicious sunny breakfast from daddy!

We always joke that Tangle has a whole group of woodland friends that help her make the boyw their gifts. In fact we use a little squirrel to mark winter solstice on our advent spiral. Right on cue this little cutie climbed up on the branch right outside the window when we were eating breakfast- we were for sure that he was checking to see if the boys liked their presents!

After a fun party at some friends house we went to go by the magic tree here in Columbia- click here for some amazing shots my friend Amy got- then we went home for a dinner completely by candlelight- not electric to honor the darkest day of the year! It was so special and meaningful for me! These are the candles we made at the last Crafty Mamas- the orange was my favorite! It smelt like honey and oranges combined when burnt!

Here are a few more winter and Solstice pictures- I hope yours was as magical as ours!

a little sunshine

2008-12-18T13:18:00.006-06:00

I know I know the first official day of winter has not arrived yet- but it is the return or celebration of the birth of the sun right? We will be anixiously awaiting Tangle's (our solstice fairy) arrival and we will be doing some other magical things on Sunday- but speaking of all of the "sun" reminded me of some upcoming books that are coming out next summer.

How can I possibly be thinking about next summer already? Well when I wear my book buyers's hat I am in a constant surrounded state of books- not too bad of a place to be in huh?

The books that I am ordering for the bookstore right now is actually the Summer Season of books and when I opened a box of catalogs from Random House I went straight for the Shambhala catalog and with much excitement found Soulemama's newest book coming out in August. Giddy indeed viewing the double page spread viewing a couple pictures of a couple of the projects- I can't wait for this one!

It seems like just yesterday when I first came across the first book she did in my catalog and then checked out her blog- what an amazing and inspiring mama! I won't say too much more as it is her book to promote, it is listed on-line if you want to watch for pre-order options. Of course my local mamas, you know it will be at the bookstore where I work! I keep putting out "The Creative Family" on my holiday tables and love to see that I need to replace it when it sells- someone lucky is getting a fun book for the holidays!

In that same catalog there is also a new book coming out next summer by the author of "I Love Dirt", Jennifer Ward- her new book is called "Let's Go Outside" and looks like another fantastic book to inspire nature family life!

Going along with Soulemama's new book about re-purposing old materials is another book coming out next April called "The Scavenger's Manifesto" by Anneli Rufus and Kristan Lawson- it really looks like a great book that speaks to the new culture of creating a lifestyle of the 3 R's- recycle, reuse, and repurpose!

How is that for some fun sunny day book recommendations on this cold winter day- don't worry I am saving one of my favorite children's book recommendations for the winter season that just came out till tomorrow!

more tomten magic

2008-12-18T12:57:00.002-06:00

this morning as I was trying to convince myself to get out of bed and package up a late order from last night I heard the most beautiful singing and then what did my ears hear but a sweet reference to Tomten! This was an interview with a vocal group from Norway called Trio Mediaeval

There's no Santa Claus in Norway. Instead, Ossum says, they have several kinds of nisse — Christmas gnomes, you might say — including the Barn-nisse, who comes on Christmas Eve to eat porridge.
And if you don't leave the porridge, Ossum explains, this little gnome might get angry. Then there's the Julenisse: "He comes on Christmas Eve with the presents," Ossum says.

I am going to have to order their CD- it just went to my core this morning, and you know I don't post too often about music! What a great way to start off this day!

T is for Tomten

2008-12-16T19:26:00.008-06:00

As promised here is a little pattern for the Tomten we made a crafty mamas last Friday. I could not help myself from saying ohhhh at all the different little Tomtens that were made! First I wanted to tell you the story behind the Tomten. He has been a much loved story for my boys for several years now, but it was also one of the very first books and crafts that I did when I first opened The Womb Room 2 years ago!

It still warms my heart! As I have been pondering the magic of The Womb Room, the great friendships with my crafty mamas, and also the joy in sharing stories with all the "Root Children" I am overjoyed and thankful to everyone. Also with everything happening with the Handmade Toys I will be shifting the mamaroot line at Etsy to more one of a kind story sets for storytellers and items for teachers and parents in February until this all settles down. Of course I will be making just as steady, but stocking up till it settles and well I will need a place to store it, so I think I will need to keep it at The Womb Room- wink!

Soo . . .I am joining the National Storytellers Network this year as a gift to myself and also a new thing I am bringing to all of my non-local mamas is once a month a pattern for a Story Table project.

I will also be creating a spot that has all the past Root Children story and hand craft so that you may have ideas for your child.

Enough of the talky and get to it you say- well heck I can't be a storyteller without being long winded!

So in honor of the important part Tomten has played in the magic of our lives, here is pattern for you to make. All of the Story Table project patterns are free- I just ask that you do not re-sale anything made from these patterns- just make and give and share- many thanks!

*****Please note this blog and all patterns moved the this spot*******

Just so you see what a Tomten nut I am also here are a couple pics of some of our different Tomtens, a couple are the twig Tomtens we made at The Womb Room, some of the recent wool Tomtens made recently, a wood Tomten from the very talented Anne Moze, and my most recent addition that just came yesterday, a needle felted Tomten from fellow Etsian Moon Goat.

Yes I know that I said this was my last contest, but what the heck- since I am very new to pattern making, leave a comment and let you know what you think of the pattern and be entered for a contest for the Tomten I made for the pattern pictures! Ends on Dec 31 at midnight- be sure to leave me a way to get ahold of you if you win!

Of course I can't leave without a link to the incredible books that started it all for us!

Imagine the world

2008-12-16T10:32:00.006-06:00

In the spirit of giving this season I wanted to highlight a couple things this morning if you are looking at some ways to give to others in need. This first is to highlight the Refugee Center in Columbia is in desperate need for warm clothing (all ages), hats, gloves, blankets, furniture, car seats for the flood of refugees coming into Columbia.

If you are cleaning out before the Holidays, PLEASE consider donating to the Refugee Center.

Refugee Resettlement Office
Dan Murphy (bilingual)/Senad Music
201 W. Broadway
Columbia, Missouri 65203
(573) 442-7568

The other giving piece that I wanted to share was about Life Straws- my oldest son's school is part of an Oprah Charter School program raising money for Life Straws- the cliff notes version from their website:


	Half of the world's poor suffer from waterborne disease, and nearly 6,000 people - mainly children - die each day by consuming unsafe drinking water. LifeStraw® water purifiers have been developed as a practical way of preventing disease and saving lives, as well as achieving the Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe water by the year 2015. LifeStraw® Personal and LifeStraw® Family are complimentary point-of-use water filters - truly unique offerings from Vestergaard Frandsen that will help people obtain safe drinking water at home and outside - paving the way for swiftly and effectively accomplishing the VF and MDGs.

Jasper and I decided that we would donate all of the proceeds of the sale of his Imaginary Friends to the Life Straws project- just imagine, a world with clean drinking water! So far we have raised $30 towards the project that we will be donating this week!

Still coming- my gift to you is the tomten pattern! After some sledding with my boys today "snow day"

2008-12-14T06:32:00.002-06:00

Just a quick post this morning on another spot to help the Handmade Toy Alliance- you can go to Change.org and vote of this issue- it is getting alot of votes, but needs a few more to make it into the second round-

Lighting my candle for this issue- speaking of candles, what a wonderful time the other night making the candles featured in the most recent Living Crafts magazine, we made orange and walnut candles for solstice. The one benefit they did not mention was the yummy eating of the juice orange all squished up with your spoon aspect! Thanks to crafties for a warm crafty night!

I will be trying to create a PDF of the pattern that we used to make the Tomtens today to share- they were super fun to make!

let's keep at it!

2008-12-13T15:24:00.005-06:00

crafting and chillin

2008-12-11T18:47:00.003-06:00

I look forward to seeing everyone Friday night- wow does everyone realize we are coming up on our 1 year anniversary gathering and crafting!

Tomorrow night we will be making solstice candles featured in Living Crafts magazine and these adorable little Tomtens! I will bring the book to read also!

The New Endangered Species- Handmade Toys

2008-12-09T17:42:00.003-06:00

Did you know that there is a new endangered species on the horizon? No it is not the Great Horned Owl, fox, or the wee grey squirrel- well that is unless a cottage toymaker has made you that owl, fox or squirrel with love and care because of the toxicity of today's toys.

Yep you heard me right, our government did a great thing- they actually passed a law due to the high levels of lead, small parts, and phthalates that flooded the toy market in 2007. So, they passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in August of this year. I absolutely agree with testing products, but this is such a broad bill that mandates 3rd party testing on each toy which can range from $150-$4,000 per toy!

This will essentially put all of the natural toy makers out of business that provide an alternative to the flooded mass market of toys- this is the most backwards thing in the world! I would be happy to have each and everyone of my toys tested but it has to be a reasonable cost per toy.

Just as an example, my Earl the Grey is all natural made from wood, painted with AP Certified non-toxic watercolors that children paint with, and then all sealed with beeswax seal. I sell these for $7 each- I made about 20 of these this year- would you pay $157 for it if I had to get the minimum test done?

What can you do? I have seen grassroots do incredible things- here are some resources, this is a great website for more information- join the Handmade Toy Alliance.

Sign the online petition here

Contact your US congress and senate. If you are local- here is the contact information for here in Columbia:
http://mccaskill.senate.gov/contact/
http://bond.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.ContactForm
http://hulshof.house.gov/Contact.aspx

There is a sample letter that you can use here.

Lastly- tell people, no is the perfect season to let people know what is happening- include a card with all of the toys you give out- let people know. I plan on making some postcards to send out and trying to gather people together in my own community.

Please help save handmade toys!

growing red

2008-12-06T02:40:00.005-06:00

maybe it is because I blush so easy, but my most favorite color in the whole world is deep dark red- that will take some past life investigation work to figure out- hopefully I was not the Blood Countess in some past life!

Anycase I am so happy to say I was featured in the Missourian today! I spent a wonderful couple of afternoons with a great reporter. So I am indeed blushing right now and so tickled to see the story- here is a link to a video and more pictures of my cuties!

Such big thanks to a Samantha for the story- and thanks to everyone for such great support! Thanks to my boys who help me grow as mama and toymaker everyday! They are my biggest fans!

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

2008-12-06T02:30:00.003-06:00

as from prior posts you will remember that we are meshing stories and are celebrating St. Nicholas Day with the story of King Laurin- tonight we light a lamp for him to find our house, put out the shoes on our old cobbler bench, and left King Laurin a gift of a Geode crystal that was gifted to us from one of Jasper's buddies! We figured that an old dwarf king would like some crystals!

This is the after shot after hubby and I eerr I mean King Laurin filled up the shoes with gold dollars, some yummy candy from my favorite local candy shop, some nuts and or course a big giant yummy orange!

I can't wait to see the look on their faces in the morning! Then sweet rolls in the morning, a big cup of tea and we are off to the Christmas Tree farm!

Oh and just for fun, with all of this talk of shoes, shoemakers and since it is my hubby's family line, I heard this great story on NPR the other morning in bed about how in the economy people are actually repairing their shoes instead of buying more- pretty novel idea! It is all Dansko clogs or Birkenstocks for me!

magical number 12 and a contest!

2008-12-04T15:17:00.006-06:00

What were you doing at midnight last night? I was hosting a midnight release party at the bookstore where I work for the latest JK Rowling book "The Tales of Beedle the Bard"- did I say JK Rowling? I mean the fantabulous, magical JK Rowling! You only have to read my archives to hear me rave about Ms Rowling- including my trip to NY last year to meet her- all be it for a very brief hello! My magical career as a book buyer and seller began the same year that Mr Potter entered the world of children's literature and the rest to us muggles is sheer history!

So yes indeed this latest book is even more special as it is a wee book of wizard tales- mmmmm stories indeed rock my world! I am one of those nuts that pre-ordered the collectors edition and am anxiously tracking it as we speak! So last night was a much smaller crowd compared the the party I did last year for about 500 people but it was magical none the less, and I never need an excuse to wear strippy tights!

That being said, the magical hour of 12 came, I sold some books, cleaned up shop, came home and kissed my sleeping boys and went down to package up orders. It was the most I had done in one time I packaged up 12 orders and do you know what one of the last orders was? It was Ms Babbity Rabbity herself! How is that for some magic huh? So far this is my favorite tale from the book- homage to the wise wise witchy women- and one that can shapeshift into my power animal Rabbit no less!

So in honor of JK Rowling, in honor of storytellers everywhere, in honor of a magical 2008- my first selling year on Etsy I am doing my last contest- it is pretty fun! I am going to give away a Babbity Rabbity and toss in a copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard just for fun so you can enjoy reading this too! Just the standard edition folks!

What do you do? Leave me a comment- tell me something magical that has happened to you lately! Make sure to leave me a way to get a hold of you if your name is drawn- I haven't mastered divination yet! Deadline is Dec 31 at midnight of course!

Chat at the Birth Center

2008-12-02T14:53:00.002-06:00

I was never more involved with legislative efforts than the re-legalizing efforts that has occurred during the past 5 years to get Midwives legal once more in Missouri. If you are in Columbia, tonight is a chance to meet the new Senator for District 19 at the Columbia Community Birth Center tonight:

Please Come Celebrate

“A Senator Who Will Speak To Us!”

Supporters of the rights of women and families to choose their own maternity care, including midwives and homebirth are celebrating the election of

Kurt Schaefer

Tuesday, December 2, 7-8 pm

Columbia Community Birth Center
1511 Chapel Hill Rd.
Columbia, MO 65203

Next topic on the agenda that I will be blogging more about is the effort to save handmade toys- this is so frustrating I can't really wrap my brain around it. It is just about as backwards as Midwives being felons in Missouri- more to come!

december traditions

2008-12-02T12:44:00.008-06:00

wow- so busy, sorry I was away from the blog for a few days, but I had a wonderful Thanksgiving and heavy duty toymaking! The next thing you know it is December! So yesterday after school we got down the 2 boxes of holiday decorations- I can't do a ton of holiday decorating besides using nature as the decoration, but we do have a few things and one of my favorite things is our Advent Spiral Wreath. We use it to help us count down to Winter Solstice and also Christmas. We light the candle at dinner time so it lights all of our December nights!I also got out our Solstice bag that I gave the boys last year that had characters from a wonderful story that we started reading last year with friends. It is called Raven Steals the Light from the book "Return of the Light" from Carolyn McVickar Edwards. It is a fun solstice read about raven trying to outwit Tupilak for the bag of light-sun. I created this bag last solstice for them with the hope that they will add elements to it each year from different solstice stories- not as expensive this year now that I am making toys! The character was the Ostheimer Night Watchman and was pretty pricey last year! So we also switched over the story table last night for a more wintery read feel!

The last thing that we worked on for the first of December was creating our shoes that we will be leaving out for King Laurin the King of Dwarves, or in some stories Goblins. I really wanted to incorporate the Dec 6- St. Nicholas Day tradition in some way but was having trouble trying to distinguish St. Nicholas from Santa as the two seemed to meld together but really loved the idea of leaving shoes out on Dec 6 for St. Nicholas Day. Then I remembered one of the stories the boys have been loving, the Austrian folktale Schnitzle, Schnotzle, and Schnootzle, (from the Fireside Stories collection)where King Laurin visits the cabin of cobbler's sons while their father is off mending shoes. King Laurin plays some tricks, but the tricks deliver ripe oranges, gold coins, and Christmas buns falling from their pockets. This story is also the storyline of the book "The Remarkable Christmas of the Cobbler's Sons" by Ruth Sawyer. That is when it hit me, why couldn't we incorporate the two stories? What could be more perfect for 2 boys whose last name is Schomaker and come from a long line of actual shoemakers on their dad's side!

So last night the boys sanded and worked on their wooden shoes I had picked up at an Estate Sale, we added their initials, and we have been reading alot about King Laurin. So one of our new traditions is we will leave the boys shoes out around Dec 6 for King Laurin to see if he fills them with goodies! I think we will leave them out Friday night, I need to find some lovely oranges and some fun gold money from the bank to leave in the shoes, and then have Christmas buns ready for Saturday morning before we got out to get the Christmas tree at our local tree farm that we love!

Is it nutty to have so many traditions? Between King Laurin on Dec 6, Tangle Goblinwand on Solstice, and Mr. Claus on Christmas my boys will be surrounded with stories and handmade goodies galore!

What are some of your family traditions for December?

in stages

2008-11-27T00:04:00.008-06:00

I have to stop myself and really ask "is it really Thanksgiving?" It is just after midnight and everyone is asleep except me. Thanksgiving, hmmm maybe it is the quiet house, but it leads me to take this moment and give thanks. As I am surrounded by unfinished toys at my feet, desk, and scattered at the art area, I lovingly noticed they are mixed in with Jasper's thankful notes he has been working on for everyone in the family, toothpick turkeys in a giveaway game he created, dried up paint in the palette from Silas' painting earlier, and castle blocks and dress up clothes scattered everywhere!

Yes I will need to clean all this up in the morning with some help, but it does stop me in my tracks and realize how thankful I am. Thankful for my imaginative children who challenge me, yet fill me with the most incredible joy. Thankful for my hubby who made us rice balls and miso tonight for a light meal before turkey tomorrow. Thankful for my family and friends who support and me and create my magical community. Thankful for an amazing 6 months premier as mamaroots expanded this year with Etsy. Thankful for the second wonderful year at "the womb room" and the complete magic it creates!
I also wanted to show some quick pictures of the tree stage we made the other night. This is for our storytable, but it already has been traveling around the house to different spots! This is a super easy project you can do. This was one of the projects from "Creative Play for Your Toddler" by Christopher Clouder. It is on page 54, and they call is a doll house, but we thought it was more of a stage! I used a slice of unfinished tree, you could also get a finished piece of unfinished wood like they suggest, or you might be surprise what you can recycle from your scraps- maybe an old shelf? The hardest part for me was finding the chair cain, but I did finally find it at Westlake's Hardware. Then it was just drilling 6 holes along the back, 3 on each side, and using the cane to create arches. Lay a silk over and shebam, you have a storytelling stage or a doll house!

Our Thankful Gnome that we got from Painting Pixie has been putting on some plays for the animals! He became the minimoys king the other day!

And lastly since stages seems to be on my mind, I just completed the first draft of the book Naming Renick and ordered the first copy. Once I get it and proof it to make sure it is all set I will order some to sell and it will be available to order directly via Blurb. It was just about a year ago when Renick came to me in a dream, he said he would save me if I made him. Well, not sure what all of the saving means, but I do know that creating him and all of the other toys fills my soul with so much happiness- I know that this is the first stage of doing toymaking, storytelling, advocacy work full time verses as a hobby in the future!

Thank you everyone for reading and sharing- I love reading your comments! Have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy your turkey if you eat it, we honor our food and know we are blessed to eat it. If you are inclined to not eat turkey, I came across the Adopt-A-Turkey project, check it out! I will be spending the next few days toymaking and visiting family- that always infuses an extra little bit of love in them, especially when my niece and nephews come and join in on the sanding!

noticed anything new?

2008-11-24T12:48:00.002-06:00

Did you notice anything new? A very talented gal I found through Etsy Alchemy redesigned my banners for the shop and blog- I love them! I am continually amazed at the talented people out there on Etsy that are working together to make this vibrant handmade community- to you feel the buzz- the handmade revolution happening??

what is in your fridge?

2008-11-24T12:43:00.002-06:00

It is Root Children Day! Today we will be reading "The Pink Refrigerator" by Tim Eagan- this is such a fun book about moving away from TV and back into imagination- all because of an abandoned pink fridge, a magnet, and a little mouse name Dudley! See you there!

scraps

2008-11-22T19:57:00.005-06:00

It is a fun time when the scraps that you have no idea what you are going to do with mesh with your child's imagination to become a handmade birthday present for his buddies b-day present! I have this bucket of this little semi-circles from the marble towers that I did not know what I was going to do with them, and when Jasper was trying to decided what to make for his buddy, I pulled these out to see what he could do!

This is what he came up with- a set of bowling monsters! He sanded these down, drew that faces, I woodburnt, he painted them and then they were all sealed up. Combine this with a little personalized journal and pencil to keep score and you got your self a birthday present you won't find at Toys R Us!

Coming tomorrow- I will be re-setting the storytelling table with our new wood stage we made tonight and a very special Pumpkin Gnome we got from fellow Etsy Natural Kids Team gal Painting Pixie- the detail is amazing! Even though our re-model in our house is coming soon and I am starting the packing process in the kitchen, I can't take down the storytable- just condense it down a little tomorrow!

warm me up Mittens!

2008-11-21T09:17:00.011-06:00

I know it is much cuter when my boys draw the name for the contest winner, but I wanted to announce it today and this January like Missouri weather had me reaching for mittens and scarves today! And so I used one of the those fancy number generators and the magic number is:

Number 3 is Amy J.- as luck would have it Amy is a friend of mine so I can do a personal delivery! As the Universe always delivers in wonderful ways, Amy happens to have a very touching blog post about finding extra mittens and hats to give to the Salvation Army to keep those warm- a very nice post.

Thanks so much to everyone for giving me feedback on which version of the Mitten you liked and the votes leaned towards the Jan Brett version, but for the first couple of sets that I will be doing I will be using the "Any Room for Me" version published by Floris Books, I just love the gentle message of "sure there is room, come on in!" and the wee cute little puppy! I cut out the first set yesterday and will have it listed in the shop tomorrow. I will be finishing the mitten tonight at "Crafty Mamas"

I wanted to also highlight another super cute book that has some super sweet elements similar to the folktale The Mitten. It is a really cute book called Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Lee that involves a little girl, animals, some tracks, and a mitten. Just an all around sweet book for winter reading. This one just might warrant a story set as well!

The other day on one of our nature walks we found a few tracks that we identified! We figured out what has been driving our dog nutty at night in the woods behind the house! I made a new set of dice in the shop to help with track identification also- who doesn't like to go hunting down animal tracks in the woods with their kiddos!

Naming . . .

2008-11-18T13:28:00.003-06:00

I wanted to give a brief update on the progress of the book. It is that great time of the year that I eagerly check the mail for new packages, mostly holiday gifts! When I saw the package of the illustrations for the children's book I am working on I didn't even wait to take my coat off before I opened the package!

I am so thrilled with the work of this illustrator Kylie Perry, and can't wait to see it all come together! So here is a sneak peak at one of the illustrations. I am also happy to announce I found the spot where I am going to have it put together, a neat looking self-publishing spot called Blurb. I downloaded the software and am going to get the illustrations scanned and start placing it in the format- I am giving myself a goal of the end of the month to have it ready for Blurb to print, and then in the shop by the second week in Dec.

I was struggling with the name of the book, and then it dawned on me that it is all about little Renick and how he is named, so . . .drumroll, I am 99% sure the title will be Naming Renick.- what do you think?

Fallin For Fairies

2008-11-17T12:32:00.009-06:00

Yesterday was such a pretty fall day that mama took a break from toymaking to go tromp through the woods at our neighborhood park. We were on the hunt for more acorn caps and I also had a wee little hint from a friend that there were some fairy sightings in the park! We made our way to the woods and look what we saw- fairy houses!

This was so fun- my friend Sarah and her girls have been exploring the books Fairy Houses and made a special little house at the park in between our houses- our turn next!

Jasper had fun gathering, measuring and drawing on leaves, and I found a Charcoal Burner mushroom- I recognized it from my favorite mushroom book that I used in making the educational mushrooms for your nature table- see it is even educational for mamas- I recognized it right away!

And you know those fairies like to hang out with some gnomes, the Natural Kids team is doing a promotion called Hide and Seek, you find the mystery gnome and get a special offer with purchase- check out the Natural Kids Blog to see who is playing!

Reading Independently . . .

2008-11-15T21:08:00.004-06:00

I love sharing my love of books and story with you and had been thinking for a while of partnering up with an online bookstore to list out these books in one spot for you. I was seriously leaning towards Amazon, though having worked in Independent Bookstores my whole life I just was having a really hard time with that. Last night at crafty mamas, after talking with my friends the Independent Bookstore Powells was mentioned. I had forgotten about Powells and had not checked into that option.

Well thanks to talking with my friends tonight I joined up with Powells. I created a bookshelf on their site. I am slowly adding the book recommendations that I have been blogging about for the past couple of years and will add them to the bookshelf or link directly their with each new recommendation. This is also a fun preview of story sets that are in the works- you don't even want to know how full my brain is of story sets I want to make!

Definitely shop your local independent bookstore first, but if you need another great independent bookstore to shop- try Powells. You will see the link on my sidebar that will take you directly to my bookshelf.

So just to start it off for fun, another story set in the works before the holidays is for this super sweet little book that just came out called A Cup for Everyone- this is a has a special handmade gift message to it for the holidays and a special spot for me, since my hubby and I met at a Craft Studio while we were both learning pottery. I also enjoy the eternal message about the gifts that children have to teach us!

Have fun with books this holiday- they are the perfect gift, with a wood toys of course!

excited

2008-11-15T11:28:00.008-06:00

I wanted to share my giddiness that one of my toys was featured in the Good Finds section of Living Crafts magazine- eeek I was so excited! This weekend I am going to be cutting out some more Marble Towers and doing some new themes- gnomes like to play marbles right??

Thanks to the mamas for another wonderful Crafty Mama gathering last night- yummy food, yummy friends, and such a neat variety of crafting happening, a little knitting, a little singing, a little wood working, a little horticulture, and of course lots of good story sharing!

I think we decided to make some of the gorgeous candles in natural holders at Crafty Mamas before solistice!

MO Recycling

2008-11-15T10:19:00.004-06:00

Did you know that today is America Recycles Day? I think it is great that it is getting some more attention, but then everyday should be national recycling day right? But I do like the idea of there being a focus on it today right before the holidays when so much money is spent on wrappings and paper cards. Missouri also has some events happening for today.

On that note I wanted to thank everyone who has voted on the poll- I will be announcing the winner next Wednesday. In honor of America Recycles I wanted to share as part of some of the winter story sets, animals in this story set will go into a mitten of course, and at the suggestion of my friend Amy I am "upcycling" some wool sweaters into mittens and adding some beautiful buttons from fellow Etsian Jenn- they are so lovely!

Here is some instructions from Martha- I found to wonderful sweaters at the thrift store to recycle into the mittens. First though I should have my first "mitten" motif story set listed tomorrow in a pair of handmade mittens my hubby picked up at the thrift store for me to use. Meow meow said the 3 little kittens who lost their mittens!

help me with some mittens!

2008-11-13T10:40:00.007-06:00

no more reading Mitten mama! That is what my boys told me this week! I have been reading several different versions of the Ukrainian folktale for The Mitten in preparation of making a couple sets for the shop for the holidays.

I like and dislike things about all 3 versions and want to know what you think. I actually had the pleasure of meeting Jan Brett a few years ago at a booksigning I hosted for her and she was very lovely, and her book is lovely but in the non-board book version of The Mitten (did you know they often abridge and change the story if it is not originally written as a board book?) the animals all make room in the mitten because they are a little bit afraid of each other. In the version by Alvin Tresselt- it is a really interesting art style that is reminescent of the genre of the folktale, but I have not figured out how to make a cricket yet. The last version "Any Room for Me" is my favorite and published by Floris books which publishes several very lovely Waldorf books- but is the least accessible to be in book stores- of course all of these have different sets of animals too!

So I am having a little fun poll-- mark on the side bar your answer and then leave a comment with a way to get in touch with you and I will put you in a drawing for a Luna- Happy Full Moon!

plum good!

2008-11-12T12:22:00.002-06:00

I have mentioned one of my favorite foods- mushrooms- love them love them love them! But I do have some other really bizarre taste in foods. My hubby is a chef so I get a broad array of foods, and one of the things that he started making for us this past spring is Japanese Rice Balls- you would not believe the excitement in the air when we know he is going to make them! This past weekend we got a special treat when he made them for us on Sunday.

I realized the thing I like about them the most is the pickled plum or Ume-he had some extra chopped in a bowl that did not make it into a rice ball and i nibbled on it- oh my they are so so tasty- sour, salty, fruity- good grief my mouth is watering just thinking about them. So last night as I saw the jar of Ume sitting in the fridge that I know he is saving for the next round of rice balls I could not resist- oh good grief and I could not stop with one- I had to stop myself at 2. So for my hubby this poem is for you!

This Is Just To Say
William Carlos Williams

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

I heard from a friend that lived in Japan for a while that they make an Ume tea that I am on the hunt for! He also told me a funny story about eating a particularly bitter pickled plum in Japan and was told that was good to help ground you in the overly happy giddy times! Isn't that funny- I prefer those happy giddy times that plums give me!

What crazy foods do you love? Don't even get me started on bread dough!

looking for the alternative

2008-11-11T23:25:00.005-06:00

even though some stores have been playing holiday music since Oct. it is finally starting to get into the holiday swing. I am really looking forward to making it another year of the handmade pledge and keeping the holidays simple. If you are looking for an alternative to the mall- here are some options:

The Natural Kids Store- this is one of the Etsy Teams that I am on- it is an amazing group of artists and crafters working in the Waldorf Tradition
In Columbia there is the Beaux Art Bizarre- I did this show for several years- always some great goodies to be foundAnd of course there is my own annual Swap n Shop that my hubby and I have been doing for about 7 years now- bring your handmade goods to swap or sell-

I wanted to highlight also this amazing set of wood balls that I ordered for the boys from fellow Etsian ElementalHandcrafts- these are so warm and fun to feel- I played with them for a good while before putting them away in my gift stash- they are just so lovely- and how much fun is a toy with your name on it! Love them!

Orgasmic Birth

2008-11-11T07:32:00.002-06:00

catchy title huh? If you have not heard of this concept or movie you should come check out a local screening of Orgasmic Birth this Wednesday. I was asked to be on the discussion panel after the movie and was able to host an early viewing of the movie this past weekend. I think it is a very good movie.

One of the wonderful things about this movie is the positive message it has about enjoying this right of passage as a mother. I had not really thought about my births being orgasmic before but I can say I really yearned and wanted the "ring of fire" with my second birth after having a c-section with my first son. I also remember the amazing feeling of my body working with my baby- the rocking rhythm of his head moving down, holding, and rocking back until the rush was done until that magical moment of crowning and the ring of fire- that was mind blowing for me!

So all you local mamas, come on down for a free showing of the movie- another beautiful moment to share the power of storytelling- as was said in the movie

"women of the earth, take back your birth"

getting crafty!

2008-11-11T07:27:00.001-06:00

MO blue . . .

2008-11-10T12:49:00.004-06:00

Did you know that the state bird of Missouri is the little sweet bluebird? I think I always knew this growing up, but never really knew why- viva la google!

"The bluebird is well named, for he wears a coat of the purest, richest, and most gorgeous blue on back, wings, and tail; no North American bird better deserves the name, for no other flashes before our admiring eyes so much brilliant blue. It has been said that he carries on his back the blue of heaven and the rich brown of the freshly turned earth on his breast; but who has ever seen the bluest sky as blue as the bluebird's back?" (Quote describing the eastern bluebird from the Arthur Cleveland Bent series on the Birds of North America.)
The eastern bluebird is the only one of the 3 bluebird species regularly found in Missouri. Bluebirds are usually found in fields, open woodlands, parks or along golf courses or other open areas, including suburban locations with open spaces and scattered tress. The eastern bluebird has a musical flight call that often reveals its presence.

I love the contrast between the color of the earth and sky on this little one! Likewise there is a a great contrast in a new picture book by David Lucas called the Robot and the Bird. A broken hearted robot finds new life as he provides shelter to a little bluebird in his chest- pretty darn sweet, plus I like the contrast between the metal/technology world of the robot and the living earthy world of the bluebird. The pictures alone are worth the lap time with this one!

Speaking of bluebirds, there is also a musice and art festival this weekend in the ever so lovely and happening downtown Columbia called most fittingly Bluebird Festival celebrating local midwestern music- check it out!

and the winner is . . .

2008-11-09T17:02:00.004-06:00

FunkyMommy!

Jasper did the honors of pulling the winners name this morning for the story dice! I will be in touch with you to get see what you are wanting on your dice! What a wonderful array of stories we love- I look forward to rediscovering many that were mentioned.

So some of my favorite stories are the Russian folk tale Gigantic Turnip, the Ukranian folk tale The Mitten- ( special story set coming for this one soon!) and I have to say one of my favorite books for the winter season is The Tomten- it was one of the very first books I did at The Womb Room nearly 2 years ago- I can hardly believe it! I am thinking of having a special something for my 2 year anniversary of opening The Womb Room. For my boys- probably their favorite stories right now are Brementown Musicians, and Schnitzle, Schnotzle Schnootzle from the Fireside Stories!

The cool weather has come to Missouri- shew what a good weekend for staying in, crafting with the boys, lots of hot chocolate and loving life!

Lots of new stuff in the shop and coming, as I make a few things in between custom orders- thanks so much to everyone for such amazing support!

Happy storytelling!

where were you?

2008-11-06T11:25:00.005-06:00

It is still sinking in. That truly historic election that happened this week. I really did think that I would see something as hopeful and historic as this in my lifetime, just not this early!

As I was processing this, I was reflecting on Tuesday. Change can be hopeful to some and scary to others. I believe things happen for a reason. Life delivers amazing messages. So bear with me a bit as I chronicle what I was doing on Tuesday.

First I woke early in the morning to finish an order that needed to go out. I then woke my sleepy boys and we ate breakfast and went to the polls together. This was one of the first times we went as a family- we are usually going at different times of the day. As we parted with smiles on our face, Silas hoped on the back of daddy's bike to go to school and I took Jasper to one of his best buds house for a playdate until I got done with work. Being on a college campus was energizing and wonderful. This is the 3 presidential election in which I have been on this particular college campus and I have never seen the students so ready to vote and excited!

When I picked up Jasper I visited with his buddy's mama who happens to be an English professor and we talked about a chance meeting when our sons were first born, how we just missed her being one of my English professors and about toys. She told be about an essay that I should read called Toys by Roland Barthes. I made a mental note of the essay and then went to pick up Silas and head to Starbucks. Onto home, dinner, and snuggling the boys into bed so that we could sit down to watch the results.

I surrounded myself with toys I was working on making next to my hubby on my big ol- 1970's orange and avacado green couch that I love and we started to watch the results. My stomach went from nervous to fluttering with butterflies as the night continued, all the while sanding and working on some toys.

Around 10 we saw the result- Obama had done it! With tears in our eyes and whoots and hollers we stayed up to watch his speech and some more of the Missouri results that were very important to me as well for the Midwifery efforts in Missouri.

The next day was a lovely day of hugging and smiling and I remembered that essay about toys. I took a break and went to the library where I spent so many of my undergrad years tucked away in the stacks reading books on literature or art history or yes even crafting. The smell hit me as soon as I walked in, memory guided me to the stacks and I found the book of essays I was looking for. Faded blue, torn cloth binding, and this amazing essay originally written in 1957 in french. As I sat in the breezy, warm, leaf swirling campus reading this essay, I could not believe the message. Not only was the essay talking about blocks which is what I was working on, but wood.

"current toys are made of a graceless material, the product of chemistry, not of nature. . . it destroys all the pleasure, the sweetness, the humanity of touch. . . wood removes, from all the forms which it supports, the wounding quality of angles which are too sharp, the chemical coldness of metal. When the child handles it and knocks it, it neither vibrates nor grates, it has a sound at once muffled and sharp. It is a familiar and poetic substance, which does not sever the child from close contact with the tree, the table, the floor. Wood does not wound or break . . .it does not shatter, it wears out, it can last a long time, live with the child, alter little by little the relations between the object and the hand"

This is a paraphrase of the essay that I found so moving- though written in 1957, and distressed as the gradual disappearance of wood toys, I am one happy toymaker creating wood toys to be loved and altered by children's hands and reflecting on the night where I felt as a country we are on the eve of an incredible direction.

As we look forward, I am proud to be looking back to a time of old with toymaking which will bring about great things for our children. If you are interested in reading the whole essay it is in a collection called Mythologies by Roland Barthes- this translation was done in 1972- which just so happens to be the year I was born- how is that for coincidence?

Don't forget the contest for your own story dice- customized! Ends tomorrow!

http://mamaroots.blogspot.com/2008/10/once-upon-time.html

today in pictures

2008-11-04T14:38:00.009-06:00

a day of little words, but it was so wonderful to go to the poll as a family and be a part of this historic election. Our mantra Vote Obama Today Everyone! It is off to Starbucks for some free coffee and hot chocolate for the boys!

secrets . . .

2008-11-03T14:35:00.003-06:00

though children's books are definitely my love, over the past several years of working in a bookstore have allowed me to have the honor of meeting some amazing folks. This Thursday I am coordinating an author event for Frank Warren, the author of PostSecret- I am really looking forward to hearing his presentation and then my favorite part- seeing the peoples faces as they get to come up and meet the author face to face- I love it!

Speaking of secrets though- I do have to send this website along. This was sent to me and in light of the election tomorrow I felt I had to share. I would never vote for this fella, no matter how blue he may be because of his stance on midwifery and the filibuster stints he did several years in a row. I wish I knew his secret reason for being so against midwives, but then again I think he has other secrets also. But then again it just goes to show the amazing power of mamas and some grassroots efforts to protect birth! Check out the website for Chuck Graham

http://watchchuckdrive.com/

Tomorrow is the big day, and just to help us all keep up to watch the election results, Starbucks is giving away a free cup of coffee to everyone who votes!

where to begin . . .

2008-11-02T21:56:00.004-06:00

wow- to start I had an amazing time with my crafty friends Megan and Amy at the Obama rally last Thursday- Amy has much better pics- and I have to agree with her- take the good cameras next time! I was so happy to go even though I was way back at the end of the line and then at the back of the rally- but it was an amazing experience to be there and be a part of this inspiring campaign! I have never been more excited to vote than I am this election- and I love voting! This was my favorite picture- I have to get a hold of this artist who loves to use my power animal in his art!

Friday was a wonderful Halloween! I have to admit I learned another lesson this year. I spent the afternoon making a fun Halloween dinner for the boys- witch fingers, frankenstein toes, and mummy meatloaf. But well there is a reason I married a chef- I just am not that good of a cook and I don't think the boys liked the meal a whole lot- or maybe they just wanted to really get out and trick or treat! A very mild enjoyable night trick or treating with friends in the neighborhood and then I cuddled up with my hubby for a good scary movie- it was a subtitled film called "The Orphanage"- very good ghost story- and I love ghost stories with houses involved!

Saturday was a wonderful Autumn Faire Waldorf festival that I attended. It was such a joy to be back. I loved hanging out under the tree to sell some goods, the boys loved the sweet fair they had in the yard. The kids got to go through all of these stations to make bread- it truly was so sweet and inspired me to work on a story set for Little Red Hen! The Galdone version is my favorite! I think I just found what I want to get the boys for Christmas- I fell in-love with the grinder! Wonderful day- wonderful customers! To see more pictures of the fair click here.

Now onto Tuesday and a wonderful holiday season- I am itching to make some more stuff!

big thanks!

2008-10-30T15:58:00.003-05:00

I wanted to say thanks to a couple of mamas that recently featured me in their blogs- big shouts of thanks to everyone who gives me so much support!

greenearthjourney.blogspot.com/

girlloaf.blogspot.com/

Be sure to check out these blogs- they are great!

once upon a time . . .

2008-10-29T14:29:00.005-05:00

there was a contest! We have been enjoying creating our own family stories all summer long. I recently started making the story dice in the shop to help you give it a roll and see what stories the images inspire!

I decided to have some stamps made from my Dover clipart book for fairy, elf, and gnome images made for both the stamps and some special Marble Towers coming next week. I am so thrilled with how these stamps came out, and so excited to be vending at the Waldorf festival this weekend here in my town that I decided to hold a little contest. I will be giving away a customized Wee Waldorf Folk Story Dice and journal on Nov 7th- how do you win? Just leave a comment and let me know one of your favorite fairy tales- your own or one from oral tradtion.

I will have the boys randomly draw a name and send you your own set to start some wonderful storytelling!

Obama Mamas!

2008-10-29T14:04:00.002-05:00

Because we have such awesome hubbies- several of the crafty mama's hubbies have volunteered to stay at home with the kiddos so that the crafty mamas can be Obama Mamas tomorrow night- if you are interested in meeting up with us in Columbia e-mail me and we will all try and rendevous there.

Okay and I have to admit it, because the festival I am doing is 3 days away I will probably have some craft of some sort in my pocket to work in while we wait in line!

e-mail me if interested- willow@mamaroots.com

shopping log #2

2008-10-28T23:12:00.002-05:00

I know I have had robots a bit on the brain lately with getting ready for our remodel and redo on the boys room, but these pants caught my eye the other day and they are just too darn cute! I am not sure if these would be big enough for my Silas- but they sure would look cute on his bottom on Christmas Day!

These are made by fellow Etsy NaturalKids teammate- Soulyluna- be sure to check out her blog for a fun contest that she is doing!

ooo....

2008-10-27T23:15:00.003-05:00

Oh my- I was really hoping he would come to Columbia and he is! I know it has been said alot- but I find Obama very inspiring and am so excited that he is coming to Columbia- we are going to try and go down for sure!

http://blogs.columbiatribune.com/politics/

One thing I heard him say on a commercial the other day that really stuck- in talking about education he said it is time for parents to turn off the TV and read to our children!

See you there!!

root children

2008-10-27T11:15:00.002-05:00

on the wings of the dead . . .

2008-10-24T18:32:00.006-05:00

Last year we started the tradition of celebrating the Day of the D ead in our family by incorporating family stories of ancestors from both my side and Jody's side of the family with the boys. We have started making our family altar, and stories will be shared to create the bridge between Halloween and the Day of the Dead festival.

Of course this is also the time of the wheel of the year that becomes new- going inward. We also happen to be in the migratory path of the monarchs as they make their way to the Oyamel Firs in Mexico. The boys and I have been researching, reading and doing monarch work at home. I made 1 special set for the shop that celebrates monarchs, Day of the Dead, and also honoring the place of holding family memories in space for this generation.

So this is my first Grandmama Monarch Memory Bag in honor of my grandmama Ruth Ida that passed away right around this time of the year- in early November, 4 years ago- it was with her help that I was able to have my homebirth.

I will have 1 or 2 more sets at the Waldorf festival I am vending at on Nov 1. We will see though- I have stuff spread all over the house! Toys in all different stages of being done!

The boys also enjoyed making their butterflies for our family offrenda (altar) and we will be finishing their own memory bags this weekend.
Of course I cannot leave you without a book recommendation to go along with this amazing festival and tradition. My favorite by far is called "Ghost Wings"- the illustrations lend to the simple yet strong storyline. The images are bold and the story incredibly touching. Here is the saddest part- it is out of print- but try your library or some out of print sources on-line- so worth it!A new picture book did come out this fall called "Uncle Monarch and The Day of the Dead" that is also a lovely book, but a bit more text driven and lacked the subtle yet strong storyline that I really enjoy in Ghost Wings. Both are lovely contributions though to introducing your children to this amazing celebratory festival!

Have a wonderful Friday- a wonderful week before Halloween and Day of the Dead- one of my most favorite times of the year! Monday is Root Children at The Womb Room- and you can probably guess what we will be reading!-maybe Ghost Wings!!

creative friends . .

2008-10-23T13:47:00.004-05:00

I was reminded yesterday at an after school art playdate with Jasper, some of his school friends and their moms the incredible bond that creating can create- pun intended! We gathered with the simple idea of creating a neighborhood collage. In this case a school neighborhood- there is a sweet little park, slowfood and community garden area and an outdoor little stage behind school. Off went 8 youngin's to gather signs of nature to put in cigar boxes for nature collages!

As the kids gathered, the moms chatted and we talked about life, jackets, Etsy and of course Soulemama! When the kids were all done and it was time for us to go on our ways for the afternoon, we all agreed that this was great for the kids, and then someone said, yeah and great for us also!

I was reminded of the same feeling that I have for Crafty Mama's at "the womb room"- it is not just the gathering and sharing of food, and crafting- it is also the sharing of story, hugs, and even tears. It is for this love that I am so honored to share this with so many different circles in my life. It truly amazing the change that can come from "your own two hands"

On that note when I was browsing the shelves at work today to see what had recently come in, this book caught my eye- it is called Crafternoon by Maura Madden and is all about creating those artsy and crafty gatherings with your friends- a really fun book that has craft ideas laid out for the season each month-

So gather, craft, and relish in the simple acts of sharing story and hand crafts!

I recently have started a new section in my Etsy shop with this in mind- crafting has always been so insturmental in my life and I feel that all of us can make a difference- so there is a new section I called Crafting for a Cause- these are specific products that I make that will have an activism side to them- a portion of their proceeds will be donated to that cause. I will be adding individual pages this week to my main website to show their progress! I am finishing up a donation to the Slow Food's Art of Slow Food Benefit- take a look at the logo and take a guess! I hope to have pictures by tonight!

So keep on crafting- I will with my own two hands- can you tell this is one of my favorite songs!

where did Monday and Tuesday go . . .

2008-10-22T14:41:00.002-05:00

I swear I lost them somewhere in my bag, or behind the couch! I can't believe how fast the days are flying by! I have some very fun things in the works including a very special Dia de Muertos set for the shop and some new story dice sets with stamps that I am having made! Till then though, here are a couple fun articles to read- midwives and milk!

Yale Midwives

http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/25891

Unraveling Breastmilk

http://pubs.acs.org/cen/coverstory/86/8639cover.html

I just read from my friend Amy that this author is coming to Jeff City tomorrow if you want to try and catch her, I will try not to cry since I can't go down!

http://www.whaleysrx.com/

when the dust settles . . .

2008-10-19T21:27:00.005-05:00

In the midst of making and making stuff for the upcoming Waldorf festival and detoxing Silas' room to help with his asthma- I finally had a moment to sit down and write. I decided to power through some more cleaning and thinning out of some of our "stuff" and also use this beautiful weekend to finally paint the antique bed for Silas. So while the boys played with friends in the woods finding and making wishing dirt (magical dirt sifted through a tray that you toss in the air, run under and make a wish!) I cleaned, primed, and painted his antique bed an awesome green color!

You see I have this thing for antique metal beds- I sought out mine and Jody did not have much choice when we got married- it was written in the wedding vows that we would sleep in my bed forever! I found Jasper's bed in a flea market and slaved over it with stripper and lots of elbow grease! Silas' bed is a delicate little bed that will be just perfect in his room which is smaller than his brother- and often reminded of that fact by his brother!

So I really look forward to continue to detox our house before our remodel and redecorate the boys rooms- "aliens" for Silas!

In the midst of the dust being swept up in the house, the dust cleaned from the old bed, and the dust made from the scroll saw of new creations, I was able to make a couple new things in the shop even though most of the stuff I am making I am setting aside. I am starting some new dice called "story dice" to help inspire or at least give a starting spot with storytelling- you know the good ol storytelling on the fly!

I am in the process of having some elf, gnome and fairy images made into stamps from my good ol' Dover clipart book and will have some magical friends dice coming soon. Give them a roll and see where it takes you!

This is the book that inspired it for me- I really recommend this to inspire you to do some original storytelling- and this coming from a book nut like me!

Sweet dreams to you and sweet stories!!

shopping log #1

2008-10-17T13:13:00.007-05:00

As I am gearing up for the holiday season both from a selling and buying perspective I am making a recommitment to buying Handmade this holiday. Of course the one part of that I have to add an exception to is books- my holidays cannot be complete obviously without books!

I thought it would be fun for the next few weeks to highlight some goods that I have my own eye on for the holidays! I joined the Natural Kids team on Etsy this past June and am amazed at the plethor of wonderful handmade goods. It is great to see so many people working towards a common goal of providing heirloom toys from natural materials. Today's feature is from another member of the Natural Kids Team- Chimera

Maybe it is because I have been in an alien place with re-decorating Silas' but I have fallen in love with these cute little Felt Aliens from Chimera. Seriously- how cute are these guys! I have not been able to choose between Nestor, Zagmar, or Norman. If you get a chance- check these cuties out. She also made this great gnome math set that I thought was wonderful- I snoozed and it recently sold- maybe she will make some more! She has a sweet craft blog also.

So on that alien note, I have this book set aside for Silas for the holidays- it is called Beegu by Alexis Deacon- a sweet little alien that gets lost on Earth- but not all the Earth creatures are friendly- it is the children- "the small ones" that except her without judgement and the ones she will always remember when she does find her way back home to her mama and daddy! Super duper cute- perfect for my Silas! I think I might even have to make him his own Beegu to go with his space ship!!

the alchemy of dreams

2008-10-16T17:08:00.006-05:00

I could not resist giving you a sneak peak at a project that has been in the works for close to a year! Last year I had a powerful, powerful dream about a little wood guy who told me to make him and that he would save me. There was a strong connection to the Missouri River, in which I live close to. Over and over he told me his name was Renick. I drew a couple pictures, made a couple Renicks out of wood, wrote a story about him- and then a few weeks ago I did my first Alchemy request on Etsy. I had about 8 people bid on the option to do the illustrations and I trusted my gut and went with this one illustrator that seemed to capture the essence of Renick. I am so thrilled to show you a sneak peak and know that Renick and his story will be available by the holidays. I am looking at making the small book through Lulu- unless I come up with a different option.

So here is a quick look at Renick, a sneak peak at one of the illustrations in draft. It is a sweet story with a heritage in my neck of the woods- the beautiful Missouri River area and a special tree that is getting some national recognition in November! The rest of the story will have to wait till he is all set- thank you so much Renick for coming in my dream space!

I look forward to sharing this magical guy with you soon!

feelings . . .

2008-10-16T10:12:00.007-05:00

emotions are complicated little critters residing in our bodies and our children's bodies. I wanted to feature couple of children's books that came out recently that has feelings as a central part of the storyline.

We can talk to children about their feelings and our feelings in lots of different mediums. It can be as simple as a short story about a little seal named Splash that feels blue and down and what happens when he tells the sun not to bother to rise! It is super sweet and I really like it because it also shows the affect the sun and its energy can have on us. I usually bounce back pretty well when adversity comes my way, and found Splash to be a sweet story to share when kiddos are feeling down. The author is Maria Van Lieshout- a Holland born author and illustrator. I love the watercolor and ink style of her art and how it ties in with her other two similar books, Leap and Bloom! Just for fun- this is a seal set that I did actually inspired by the classic beginning reader Sammy the Seal- but it fits in so well! Crafting is an incredible happy place for me and this is one set I really liked making and will be taking another set to the waldorf festival in a couple weeks.

There are also some great books that incorporate the element of fantasy to help children work through their feelings. The newest book illustrated by one of my favorites, Ana Juan is called "The Elephant Wish" and is written by Lou Berger, the head writer for Sesame Street. Ana Juan's artwork beautifully lends itself to the element of fantasy and the feelings evocted in the story of the feeling of growing up and wanting to stay a child forever. The elephant Cousin Floyd is a humble harbinger of that fantasy world in his floppy hat!

And last of all- you can explore feelings with kids in this hilarious book called "Butterflies in My Stomach and other School Hazards" by Serge Bloch that is just such a simple concept and art style the show what it looks like when adults words about feelings and actions are taken by their literal meaning! Sure to crack you and you kiddos up!

all is fair . . .

2008-10-14T23:52:00.002-05:00

Last Friday it was a fair day- fair trade day I should say. I stopped by a couple of the Fair Trade spots downtown with Silas to get a few things. I first went to the Museum of Anthropology to get some Sugar Skulls for our family altar for our Day of the Dead tradition we started last year. I was excited to hear that they were making these and loved that they were homemade! As we get closer to Halloween and the Days of Dead our family altar should grow indeed.
We then happen to stop by our favorite natural food and juice cafe for a green machine smoothie to share and the newest fair trade shop in town just opened called Mustard Seed- it is in the old 9th Street video spot- it is so odd not seeing videos there- don't worry you can still get movies, they just moved to the new RagTag building!

The Mustard Seed was a neat shop and I look forward to going back. I needed another bag like a hole in the head, but I could not resist an indian block print bag in my favorite dark red.

If you are interested in the global market principals of fair trade and ensuring fair paid wages to world artists, I would recommend both of these spots!

la luna grande

2008-10-13T17:17:00.007-05:00

One of the phrases that I love teaching to my boys is "la luna grande" full moon. Since they were both wee little guys they will look up at that sky and utter the words and it is such a sweet sound. It has just been one of the things that has stuck with them!

Tomorrow is the full moon in October called the Hunter's Moon:

Full Hunter's Moon - October With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can easily see fox and the animals which have come out to glean.

Speaking of full moons, I listed a special set in honor of the full moon this month. I did this based on the influence of the folk story of the rabbit in the moon, the incredible lovely book "With You Always Little Monday" by Genevieve Cote and also as a dedication to an artist in the UK who did an amazing piece of art for me that symbolizes one of my loves, reading to children. She incorporated my power animal, the tree that is my last name- willow, and reading to the kiddos! Hopefully she doesn't see this before she gets her package with her own special rabbit in the moon in it! He art is lovely- www.moonrabbit.co.uk
I will be listing just a few things between now and the end of the month at the shop, as I am in heavy duty prep mode for a fall festival on Nov 1.

I will be at the Garden Gate Waldorf School vending at the Autumn Faire and need the next 2 weeks to get stocked up- after that it is all Etsy for the holidays, including my holiday shopping! I could not resist making this little graphic to help promote their event! How cute are these 2 fellas!

Happy moon gazing tomorrow!

fall fruits

2008-10-13T12:39:00.006-05:00

It was a full weekend of being with family and getting ready for fall. As I was surrounded by the bounty of fall fruits this weekend, it reminded me of eating seasonally. I would love to make err- have hubby make me some roasted squash, pumpkin soup, and he found these hazel nuts that he is not sure what we are going to do with them yet. Fall is a wonderful time to go inward- this corresponds to my favorite greek myth- the story of Persephone (or Kore), eating the pomegranate seeds is what causes her to remember to go back to the underworld- now is the time when mama earth (Demeter) will go into mourning over losing her daughter till the spring.

Cora, a named derived from Kore is what Silas' name would have been if he were a girl. I still feel his connection to Persephone and mama earth even though he was Silas. He and Jasper are both my bounty- my deep treasure!

The boys and I are also going to go on a walk this afternoon to our neighbors house that has an incredible bounty of persimmons in their yard that they have offered up to the neighborhood!

Here is to fall . . .

economics 101

2008-10-10T13:50:00.003-05:00

Anyone else confused by the economic crisis? I am fuzzy on how this is all going to trickle down and affect us, but I saw this article and it is a basic common sense benefit of midwifery, doulas, and back to the basics approach to birth that actually helps the economy. Click on the header to read the whole article.

Study: High-tech interventions deliver huge childbirth bill
By Rita Rubin, USA TODAY

Childbirth is the leading reason for hospitalization in the USA and one of the top reasons for outpatient visits, yet much maternity care consists of high-tech procedures that lack scientific evidence of benefit for most women, a report says today.

Just another plug for those local folks who want to participate in an alternative to the holiday shopping, I will be hosting the annual "Swap and Shop" that Jody and I have done in our home for a few years at the womb room this year- make some stuff and come swap!

12-7-08 from 11-4

why I do what I do

2008-10-09T12:21:00.005-05:00

I just recently celebrated my 10 year anniversary at my job as a book buyer- yikes 10 years. At first I was like uhhh I have never been at a job for that long- is that a comfortable spot? To be honest I am making my business plan now so that in a couple years I can be doing advocacy and craft work full time, but I know that books- particularly children's books will always be on that journey with me.

This past weekend I took some children's books to a teacher's conference. It was so completely refreshing to be from behind a desk looking at kids books to bring into the store to have the books right in front of me talking to teachers about them. So many books just blow me away like a huge gust of wind. The kind of wind that you kick off your shoes run in a grassy field with your child's hand in yours and skirt blowing flowing around you. Well, that is how I feel since I wear skirts 99% of the time! I wanted to feature a couple books this week. The first is just really amazing. I had never heard of the artist Alexander Calder in my college art history days, but he is known to have had an expansive career as an artist and sculpture. This is a great site to read more about him. Besides having his sculptures he created a small whimsical circus from different materials like corks, wires, paper, pins, etc. . . This fall a beautiful picture book came out exploring this artist called Sandy's Circus by Tanya Lee Stone. I would really recommend this book- it is a great way to explore this sculpture art form with kiddos. A student who was working with me mentioned that she had just seen a documentary on Alexander Calder. I have not seen this yet, but it would be a good excuse to join Netflix! Get some spools, corks, and glue and read this book with your kids!

When I was at this conference the main education speaker read a couple of books to the teachers and I went in to hear him read and fell in love with another of couple books. The first is "Once Upon an Ordinary School Day" by Colin McNaughton- it really holds to the beauty of that vibrant place that music can create for the imagination! It is a sweet read to see what happens when this ordinary boys listens to some music!

On the music side of things- I finally got my pictures downloaded from the Bluegrass festival we went to a couple weeks ago- Flat Stanley joined us from Jasper's school! This was such a fun atmosphere I think we are going to try and go again next year!

The other book the speaker at this conference read is called "The Pink Refrigerator" and I am going to leave you hanging till tomorrow with this one till I can show you when the story set that is going to go with it!

till then- keep reading!

in a photo . . .

2008-10-09T07:25:00.005-05:00

it is amazing what can be captured. For that split moment the emotion and love of that instant can be captured on film. Sitting back and looking at pictures of my wedding, my sons, my homebirth photos is all so humbling just as much as a picture of Jasper playing around with some bubbles. An amazing photographer and I am so honored to know and have shared some major life moment with is Stacie. In fact she took the picture of Jasper slingin and talkin in the prior post!

I wanted to share an event called Hold That Hug that she is doing this weekend. I don't know if we will be able to go sadly as I think it is a touching and special event in memory of their friend for all of these photographers

and it begins . . .

2008-10-08T17:57:00.002-05:00

It seems like just yesterday he was my little bitty guy. Playing like he was talking on the phone while slinging his baby- now he is seven and bringing home phone numbers home with him to call his buddies from school. I watched with a few tears in my eyes as he dialed the number called his friend chatted a while and set up a slumber party for Friday. I feel like I am going to blink and he is going to be asking me for his own cell phone and the keys to the car! Here is to growing up!

unicorns

2008-10-07T18:35:00.008-05:00

I came across this on another list I am on for waldorf crafting, these are canvas prints of some super magical waldorf unicorns. Since Jasper and I were playing with some Unicorns over the weekend I thought this was fun timing! I am sure this is from us pouring over his favorite Spiderwick book, Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide. We are just about finished reading "The Monster Problem" and honestly I am not liking the second series of Spiderwick books quite as much as the first series of five, but I still do really love the imagination and also how elements of myth and folk stories are explored.

I loved these play unicorns. My favorite image is of the nursing unicorn!! Check out the artist- Krisite Karima Burns , I really like her work.

Here is Jasper's drawing and my Ruby Amalthea that I made for the shop earlier in the week. Of course we own a copy of The Last Unicorn! You can bet I am singing that opening song by America!! If you are interested in finding out more about unicorn culture click here for a good site.

an open letter . . .

2008-10-06T14:57:00.006-05:00

and now for something completely different, an open letter to an illustrator I think is amazing!

Dear Jackie Morris-

I cannot begin to express the beauty I find in your illustrations. I have been anxiously awaiting the new book "Singing to the Sun" and it arrived in the bookstore where I work. From the moment I opened it I just sunk into the pictures! The pictures illuminate the story so well and it all gives this amazing life to jesters. I cannot wait to share this with my boys. We have also been reading "Can you see the bear" and it is such a beautiful sight to have your 7 year old read to your 3 year old and seek out the bear in the beautiful book! Your book Mariana and the Merchild was read over and over with my oldest son when his brother was my little water baby in my belly! With many thanks- you are on my list of favorite illustrators!

with joy- chris, mama and book lover!

ps to everyone reading if you want to read an interesting history or jesters check here! it really is fascinating! And check here for the artist's ongoing blog as she is designing her next book!

stop for a moment of breath Tools #4

2008-10-06T10:48:00.011-05:00

I am often reminded how essential breathing can be. In and out- just a simple act. Out of all the chaos there is always breath. I took a moment and visualized some beautiful things last night and also wanted to give thanks for the beautiful support and comments. I also wanted to take that breath and give an apology- an apology to my friends, family, readers, and customers. Customers I have had even before I moved from selling off my website direct to Etsy. There were some recent hurtful and untruthful things said about me- I apologize to anyone who has had to read and navigate this- my saddness comes from the fact that anyone else except for the hurting people involved had to simply be involved.

I really won't say too much more because in all honesty this is not the place for that, but I did feel it was necessary to just say sorry to you to have to navigate this. So for that I am sorry to all of you.

In moving forward though this is a good opportunity to tell you more about myself and my crafting. One thing you should know about me is I am a double Aries- I was born under the sun and moon sign of Aries- now that is alot of fire- and frankly alot of horns that can come out. I am on a contiunal path to work on harnessing positive effects of the horns coming out! Let me know if you can think of some to help me harness them! I also come from an Aries mama and an Aries aunt- her sister.

My aunt is an artist that I always admired and so looked forward to her packages and presents as a child. They might be a little flip book, a small zine, postcards, etc . . . Though I grew up a few states away from her, I always look upon her and my mama as my most major influences in my crafting life.

My aunt is who taught me to first carve stamps. I was seven years old and can still remember sitting on the dining room table with all of these green and pink erasers in front of us as she showed us how to carve. Back then it was erasers and exacto knives- today it is Mastercarve and cutting tools, which are a heck of a lot easier! I wish I was better about saving the stamps I made when I was little, I think I mostly made cats, but when my Aunt recently moved back into the area she was going through some of her things and she gave me a box of stamps she had made herself during many of those lessons. I cherish these as much as the memories. I think this is why I am such a saver now, I wish I did more saving when I was little.

So for another snippet of DIY tools- I actually use a mixture of commercial made stamps on my products, and hand carved stamps. Here is a peak at some of my piles of stamps including a couple of the Eraser stamps my aunt made- a sweet little tomten like character and a little cottage she made. I also wanted to show a couple more treasures I found at that Estate Sale- I got this whole box of old wood spools- I thought they would be great fun to glue some stamps to and then wrap some natural yarns on for eco-friendly wrapping- I carved up a couple yesterday and put them up on the shop!

I have lots of different alphabet stamp sets so I can fit them into different projects, whether it be keys, marble towers, or other stamped wood sets. My tip is to get signed up on the coupon lists for Michaels or Joann's or Hobby Lobby and get those sets at 50% off if you can- Also I think I mentioned in many other posts- but if you are stamping on wood or fabric- you should check out the Fabrico or formerly called VersaCraft inks specially designed for wood and fabric. I am desperately waiting on my refill order to come- I have used these pretty heavily since I discover them earlier this year.

Sunshine and light to everyone- many many thanks for your support and good energy! And to my auntie if you are reading today- thanks thanks and thanks!!

t for truth and v for vote

2008-10-05T18:02:00.002-05:00

I saw this article today and though I have not been too terribly vocal in my politics, I did enjoy making some Obama t-shirts with some gals a couple weeks ago and I am really looking forward to the election. I enjoy voting, love taking the boys their with me to do it and I am really inspired and fired up about Obama. I heard an interview with Ani D. when she was in for a concert last week talking about how fired up she is about Obama. I feel change in the air!

This was an amazing attack given by Palin, but I really feel that the truth will prevail and it will be both a historic and fresh election.

I have been thinking alot about attacks and truth today and know that instead of attacking back it is just really best to put forth positive light and energy. In this blog space- this is my positive space. I may not always show you the low moments of my day, or spirit because I choose not to- instead I am choosing to share good energy and the beautiful moments of my days- I am so thankful to everyone who chooses to share them with me and get to know me.

I am lighting a candle tonight and from here until election day I am visualizing my next President and it is a great day!

Click on the title to read the full article:

Analysis: Palin's words may backfire on McCain

By DOUGLASS K. DANIEL, Associated Press Writer 47 minutes ago

By claiming that Democrat Barack Obama is "palling around with terrorists" and doesn't see the U.S. like other Americans, vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin targeted key goals for a faltering campaign.

And though she may have scored a political hit each time, her attack was unsubstantiated and carried a racially tinged subtext that John McCain himself may come to regret.

First, Palin's attack shows that her energetic debate with rival Joe Biden may be just the beginning, not the end, of a sharpened role in the battle to win the presidency.

"Our opponent ... is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect, imperfect enough, that he's palling around with terrorists who would target their own country," Palin told a group of donors in Englewood, Colo. A deliberate attempt to smear Obama, McCain's ticket-mate echoed the line at three separate events Saturday.

"This is not a man who sees America like you and I see America," she said. "We see America as a force of good in this world. We see an America of exceptionalism."

Obama isn't above attacking McCain's character with loaded words, releasing an ad on Sunday that calls the Arizona Republican "erratic" — a hard-to miss suggestion that McCain's age, 72, might be an issue.

"Our financial system in turmoil," an announcer says in Obama's new ad. "And John McCain? Erratic in a crisis. Out of touch on the economy."

A harsh and plainly partisan judgment, certainly, but not on the level of suggesting that a fellow senator is un-American and even a friend of terrorists.