Mama's little helper

Estar has an uncanny way of choosing the absolutely worst times to want attention; I'm such a klutz, I have a hard time not spilling and making a mess on my own; having a squirming toddler in your lap makes it a real feat if you get it right! And yet, I'd never tell her no, 'cause she's so stinkin' cute, and so happy and proud to "help" me....
She's very good with Violette. Puts a blanket on her, brings her little toys, tries to give her a sippy cup. She's kind and she shares without being told to, it's really beautiful to watch her be so kind naturally.

Pre-Santa

Miss Violette, always brilliant, knew enough to plan her nap well.
Just afterwards, at dusk, police and fire sirens let us know someone very special was on his way.... and then Santa came by in the back of a pickup, handing out teddy's and candy canes!
It was so cold out there, Violette stuffed her hand in her mouth; I'm not certain exactly what that means, but I suspect it wasn't in delight.

green and Violette

that's her big sissies sweater that her Nana made, by the way.

Don't you just want to kiss her fingers?

You Should Lend My Sister Money

Or better yet, give it to her!!

She happens to be a wonderful knitter and paid me back with these:

Aren't they lovely?! They're a really beautiful color, I love them! (The pattern is here: http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring07/PATTdashing.html ) What a great surprise; there I was at my mailbox, thinking, why look an envelope, what could it be? And fortunately for me, it had one of those "satisfy your curiosity immediately" zip open things, and so of course I did... and Wow! I'm in love... again.... this happens to me so often!

Like, take yesterday for example. Or perhaps it was Monday, being home 24/7 with 2 babies, one tends to lose track of time (among other things). So there it was, either Monday or Tuesday, and I got another package in the mail, this time from the bella Minde. Bless her heart and various other parts, Miss Minde had handmade me what is inarguably the world's most extraordinary diaper/knitting/messenger bag. See?

I had admired this one she has for sale on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14909751 and so she made one for me! Oh my Goddess it is so beautiful! It's got 3 goddesses on the front, depicting myself, Estar and Violette..... what can I say? It brought tears to my eyes, I was so touched. She is one kind mama, and an amzing stitcher, to boot! Two Souls Earth Threads http://www.twosoulsearththreads.etsy.com/

mmmm....mil-uk

He's such a good daddy. Look how handsome he is, feeding our baby girl her 8:00 feeding; you can see the love on his face. I love my Greggie! And so does Violette, she's captivated by him when he sings to her...

Thread the needle
right through the eye
The thread that runs so true
All the others I let pass by
I only wanted you
Never cared for careless love
but how your bright eyes glowed
Way down, down along Lazy River Road
--Robert Hunter

Estar Cletus

Here's a shout out to all you hillbillies

Raking leaves and such...

Fresh from Alaska

A little shout out to Estar's godfather -- thanks for turning me on to this comic strip...

Violette under her sheepy blanket

Here is Miss Violette sleeping under the beautiful blanket her Aunt Margo knit her; it's the most gorgeous lil blankie, it has sheep all around the border-- even one black sheep, of course! I can only dream of knitting something this fancy.

'This and That' Hat

This was a fun pattern to do, from One Skein Wonders. Mom made one as part of her collection of knit items to donate to the Ladies Aid Fair (http://www.chebeague.org/). I liked this one so much, I made one to donate, as well. The yarn is Plymouth Encore.

We'll always have Paris

I made a new friend at the hospital a couple weeks back...

It's just as well someone bought him, before I did. The possibility of me buying him out of a combination of depression and puppy love was certainly there.

HALLOWEEN

Minde's dress

Estar and me in Vermont this past July.
I'm wearing the dress Minde made me, it's incredible.
She makes beautiful patchwork and embroidered clothing and messenger bags, and if you want something specific, she also does custom's and her prices are very reasonable.
Why are you still here? Go get you one!
http://www.TwoSoulsEarthThreads.etsy.com

TWO FAKE PLASTIC TURKEYS

TWO FAKE PLASTIC TURKEYS

THE DISASTER THAT IS THE BUSH ADMIN (PT 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMRkUcyRYpA

MCBUSH THE SEQUEL & TURNING THE PAGE WITH BARACK (PT 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4az0UzUXHUU


Yer goofy old pal Greg (my husband...) is SOOOOOOO Psyched. He just posted these Youtube videos, to make a difference this election cycle. They've been months in the making, and a real labor of love. It very much makes my day to share it with E-family. It's based on a national anti-Bush CD-single he/we put out with his band Whole World in 2004. At one point or other, we might have given you a copy. It went out to 1,400 college & Indi radio stations across the country, and was included on the CD insert in CMJ music magazine's Sept 2004 news-stand issue. The song charted in portions of the country, was played on Air America Radio, and received positive responses from Al Franken, Howard Dean, Michael Moore (& Leonard Nimoy of all people).
SO anyhow, this is an updated and expanded music video version, that includes John McBush facts & makes the case for electing Barack. It's a swirl of music, humor, and a ton of incisive facts, presented in two pieces:

THE DISASTER THAT IS THE BUSH ADMIN (PT 1)
MCBUSH THE SEQUEL & TURNING THE PAGE WITH BARACK (PT 2)

His current two cents to the cause. We would love it if you checked it out, and genuinely appreciate any comments. And by all means, please share it with anyone you'd care to. Any borderline vote tipped from Red to Blue makes it all worth it. To better days!

Estar, July 2008

This photo was taken by Amaya, age 3, at the Vermont regional rainbow gathering in July. I was completely charmed by Amaya and her sister Naomi at the gathering; they were 2 of so many new Nerlings born in the past decade. It made my heart soar to see the next generation of rainbow kids playing in the woods, working in the kitchen and bakery, and learning about community. We are a beautiful family...

Cousins

Break out the gardening gear

It's almost St. Patricks Day - and that can only mean one thing. Time to plant peas! They're always the first thing I plant each spring, a much-anticipated event, heralding the imminent arrival of spring and fresh food from the garden.
There's nothing like getting the pitchfork out and turning over those first few rows of soil, after a long winter of no contact with the earth. This weekend I'll be planting snow peas, pod peas, spinach and perhaps some other greens.
I love this season!

my long lost rugby shirt

What is it about my long lost rugby shirt? I must have gotten it 20 years ago, as a gift from my mom probably. It was from Beans in Maine, off white and khaki stiped; thick, soft cotton. I don't know what happened to it over the years but I would sure love to find another just like it.

she is Moth Silverglow

Estars fairy is called Moth Silverglow
She is a protector from evil demons and a poisoner of werewolves.
She lives close to crystal caverns and stalagtite grottos.
She is only seen in the light of a full moon.
She collects crystals to wear on her dresses. She has delicate translucent wings like a cicada.