tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2489600258807328862012-01-20T07:14:00.335-07:00This is where I take Poetic License - often musings on parenthood and radical unschooling, sometimes derailment to ventings or observing simple personal evolution.... Always exploring my Truths...Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.comBlogger7111100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-73059116156246743852010-11-22T11:50:00.002-07:002010-11-22T12:04:46.850-07:00

We were writing on our Thankful leaves for our Tree."What else, Madd?""Me. I'm thankful for Me."I smiled, "I wrote 'Me', too," I said.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-89561593354435589962010-09-11T17:22:00.003-06:002010-09-11T17:25:12.817-06:00

mmm.  on one of those moods... this is why I am reluctant to say goodbye to summertime. wanting to lie in the pool -water- under the afternoon sun and moon.. being a part of Bigger Than Me... elements that seem apart, yet a part of me... needing to join in with The Everything. doesn't make sense, does it?. i'm just not done. i want to fall off and into... to swirl and swish and immerse and bask

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-65490793910115155572010-08-18T16:45:00.003-06:002010-08-18T16:57:48.612-06:00

I am reading Eat Pray Love.Again.Since I'm (perhaps shamefully) so disconnected from The World's goings on (aside from the few blogs I read and a handful of FB friends), I had no idea that it had become a movie.Until a couple of nights ago when I logged into hulu to let Dr. Watson and Mr. Holmes charm me into sleep. It's hard to say whom I have the biggest crush upon, but -today- I suspect it is

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-23125393320898161532010-08-18T16:16:00.001-06:002010-08-18T16:17:42.647-06:00

Thank You.Thank You.Thank You.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-50529714737611425232010-07-10T13:45:00.000-06:002010-07-10T13:45:43.085-06:00

note to self: expect fantastic and extraordinary things.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-18177744195014283912010-07-09T11:08:00.000-06:002010-07-09T11:08:21.296-06:00

Now, honestly. Who could possibly be sad or grumpy while working (even under a summer's sun and heat!) with all these flutter-by's flitting about?

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-57628885849789316432010-06-17T11:55:00.002-06:002010-06-17T11:55:58.986-06:00

Tea!! I'm grateful for tea. Today green with peppermint straight-from-the-garden. mmmmmm.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-44073055625104321042010-06-14T15:04:00.000-06:002010-06-14T15:04:16.217-06:00

my husband. my prince, my partner-in-crime my cheering section my side-kick my best friend. love you Rico.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-47257800218927601032010-06-09T14:10:00.000-06:002010-06-09T14:10:58.959-06:00

i am thankful to know that things that seem too impossibly beautiful too be believed ... are not   in deed impossible.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-3233515089174611952010-06-06T20:26:00.000-06:002010-06-06T20:26:51.277-06:00

Right this minute: Sitting on covered patio looking at babe- eating a popsicle (because she can't resist)wrapped in a super soft, warm blankeynext to the fire-sitting in a favoriteRedadirondack chair with laptop on kneeslaying back againstfavorite pretty whitewhicker something or other feet up on stool body feeling Fineskin  feelingdelicious eyes ....oh...eyes feasting!upon impossibly bright pink

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-20096009937816278372010-06-05T20:00:00.000-06:002010-06-05T20:00:10.554-06:00

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-37706670734654761142010-06-02T19:46:00.000-06:002010-06-02T19:46:41.290-06:00

I am in love and thankful-- for freckles and skin pink from being bared in the sun and littles toddling around in oversized t-shirts for sleeping and the beginnings of blondy sun streaks.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-77345743883049336902010-06-02T09:52:00.001-06:002010-06-02T09:56:05.119-06:00

(I skipped a day - I totally forgot on Monday.) Tuesday found me sooo grateful for this puttering spot. The day had some irritating things in it, and we found ourselves adrift and disappointed out in the world, and finally came home to console ourselves. I did that here. I so love this tiny corner.  It's no bigger than a small room - a little bigger than ten feet square.   It's on the north

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-66731285528173244692010-05-30T20:35:00.001-06:002010-05-30T20:36:21.418-06:00

Today I am so, so grateful that my Sunday morning began in the soft and quiet. I got to just stand around in my backyard - mostly feeling the still, and listening to the birds singing.  I'm certain they were singing extra sweetly just for me. In my wander I discovered another sweetness - a tiny rolled phlox flower - wound today, but ready to rise and burst tomorrow. In these things I found

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-10722527185963962012010-05-29T17:02:00.000-06:002010-05-29T17:02:09.980-06:00

It's my turn (and Trevy's) to have the flus, I guess. So, so grateful for a sparkling clean bathroom, and an entire day of fifty-something-degree breezes blowing in and throughout.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-51638290577944091992010-05-28T16:12:00.002-06:002010-05-28T16:15:46.388-06:00

When I was in my twenties (long before I had babies), and Eric and I were working to survive, as so many young couples are wont to do, I was asked quite often what I wanted to do or be -- presumably when I grew up. My answer was always the same - and so, so heart-felt. "I want to chase frogs in the creek with my son. "I want to take art classes on Wednesday nights. "I want to sit on the porch

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-52182875671768484332010-04-16T07:40:00.000-06:002010-04-16T07:40:12.275-06:00

This just in. I relate to people through feeling. I cross barriers (or plow them over) through feeling. I am finding my way to the truth of One, through feeling. Emotions and intuition are my everyday compass - I act and Do according to these. Huh.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-92042113270563548352010-03-29T20:20:00.001-06:002010-03-29T20:23:00.916-06:00

Someone Who Can Kiss God Come to my house late at night-- Do not be shy Hafiz will be barefoot and dancing. I will be In such a grand and generous mood! Come to my door at any hour, Even if your eyes Are frightened by my light. My heart and arms are open And need no rest-- They will always welcome you. Come in, my dear, From that harsh world That has rained elements of stone Upon your tender

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-87444530994700753412010-03-29T11:43:00.001-06:002010-03-29T11:45:18.557-06:00

Prob'ly I should keep these thoughts to myself, but this is where I think, so....(Feel free to skip over this.)Yet again I can relate this book to my broader vision or philosophy -(Talking about the negative, depressive voices we hear -and listen to- in our heads)"What is most debilitiating about negative thinking is that those voices slip in the back way, unannounced, and start taking over the

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-17430413435724838632010-03-28T12:57:00.001-06:002010-03-28T13:42:40.098-06:00

I had to share this, just in case it will be as.... salvaging... to someone as it has been (immediately) to me.My son isn't a dark and moody person.But I do have trouble with his emotions, and the explosiveness of them.Just the ones that come from frustration... the rest I am at ease with.I always say that he comes by it honest, as his Mama and Daddy are both emotional, "wear it on your sleeve"

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-39240262047707248482010-03-23T09:41:00.002-06:002010-03-23T10:37:15.772-06:00

Mindfulness has often been... well, on my mind, lately.Watering the seeds of Happiness.Smiling "with the peace of stringbean."Aiding my children in being the active Creators of their lives in stead of falling into the role of Observer.Taking care of This Moment.Contemplating if it is possible to be at peace in This Moment when my child comes calling - when three seconds ago I was contemplating

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-68880703004658211632010-03-14T09:07:00.001-06:002010-03-14T09:07:34.015-06:00

So many things in my head, right now.Re-align.Re-calibrate.Re-do.Re-arrange,re-move,re-ducereadand rethink.Usually when I'm in this space it's out of a sort of desperation and a need for drastic personal evolution, but that isn't the case, this time.There are really no problems, though I have been in a funk the last few days - I am finally coming to realize today the reason for that funk is not

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-52395715853091632912010-01-06T08:59:00.003-07:002010-01-06T09:02:20.690-07:00

You'd think that since I write daily for OLM, that writing here wouldn't be difficult, wouldn't you? Especially because I'm a Mama that loves to get inside her own head for at least a little while every day.This morning (pre babes waking) I am grateful for the thoughts and ideas and happiness that are filling me up!We've had adventures away from home the last two days, and have a park date with

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-27213678046279458422010-01-02T19:42:00.002-07:002010-01-02T19:46:14.451-07:00

A year ago I did thirty days of gratitude. At that time I chose to do so because looking for things to be grateful for is a very effective way to first of all get your mind away from things that you don't want to pay more attention to (and that you'd just-as-soon left your consciousness/world altogether), and secondly intentionally watching for the Goodness is a lovely way to spend a bit of time

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-81003510293074493802010-01-01T10:11:00.001-07:002010-01-01T10:18:45.866-07:00

Mmmmm, [she sighs in deliciousness, as she is very happy with this year's word] my third year for a one-word resolution.In 2007, my word for 2008 was Intention.A powerful word. A constant reminder to be conscious of all workings and thoughts. A steady awareness of what I was creating. A helpful and worthy course, certainly.This last year my chosen (felt) word was Still.Again, an intrinsic word

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-88062955686088571972009-12-20T10:29:00.003-07:002009-12-22T09:49:57.195-07:00

a note: this is more of a journal entry, rather than something that is well-organized or engaging. Mostly "this is where my head is right now" notes to myself.Something interesting has happened.The other day I visited Homeschooling Is Freedom, scrolled down a bit, and because Pam Sarooshian was in it, I decided to watch a minute of the video that was made of the 2009 Homeschool Association of

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-70211249113181318912009-12-03T08:09:00.005-07:002009-12-03T08:33:03.191-07:00

Don't you love when you can let your mind freely wander and work things through while scrubbin' the kitchen? This has to be done while everyone still sleeps, of course.Lots of thoughts lately on my simpatico with little son. Lots of feelings like "we're not friends", "we're disconnected", etc.Been thinking that the best way through (for me, I've discovered) is to stop focusing on "this is wrong

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-69675812568350327932009-11-09T07:43:00.000-07:002009-11-09T07:44:22.559-07:00

sacred space, maybe.but it wasn't even about the physical space so much today, as about the spiritual space.the Inside.the Going Within.as it happens, i traveled into my delegated Sacred Space (I have a room to call my own)in a very physical way...to make rhyme and flow out of a place that has for months been exuding chaos.(throughout my consciousness... throughout my home.... literally... this

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-13603661147803010132009-11-04T05:17:00.000-07:002009-11-04T05:18:15.605-07:00

...when you wake up at two something?You finish last night's blogpost (olm, not here, of course)you check and read your emailyou check to make sure the package you're looking forward to today is still on timeyou get caught up on everyone else's blogsyou leave commentsand now you're ready to cleanand greet the sun, soon...and it's 5:13am!:)It promises to be a lovely day....

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-8280931898433630742009-10-17T23:18:00.001-06:002009-10-17T23:21:54.263-06:00

(S'pose I'll post this to both Happy and Free and OLM-- there are different readers.)Sometimes it might take two minutes.' might take me two days.Might even take me a couple of weeks.oof.But eventuallyit always comes down toJoy.My children are entitled to Joyand I Choose Joyand learning should be had in Joy.Personal philosophy.Some might say narcissistic or hedonistic....and maybe that's true...

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-21739293382846925832009-10-16T10:07:00.002-06:002009-10-16T10:14:26.120-06:00

This is what stuck with me the most.At Crunchy Christian Mama's blog, she said that someone around her said she wasn't an Unschooler any longer. The reason given was that she led her children.Which I smile at.But of course it also raised lots of feelings and questions for me... at the top of the list was "Are we unschoolers?"Not in a panicky, judging, let's-tear-this-apart way, gnash my teeth

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-1382641047934875442009-09-16T07:20:00.003-06:002009-09-16T07:26:47.199-06:00

-even a little-while tossing into the recycle the infa-feeders, breast pump, and bottles?hmmm...(yes, we're done. very, very done.)

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-22955042135867381532009-09-12T18:54:00.005-06:002009-09-12T19:21:50.914-06:00

on your markget setgo!

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-76029119137629149922009-09-05T18:55:00.002-06:002009-09-05T19:06:08.765-06:00

Wood Floors.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-30411275881283941602009-08-28T09:17:00.014-06:002009-08-28T13:11:32.232-06:00

I've heard a few people lament that we can't put bigger pictures into blogger.I know that we can change the html code in the layout, but I've messed with mine so much at olm that i'm afraid to do anything else lest it falls apart.Here's a super easy way! I got the info from Lindsay and the Johnsons, and the link from Nicola at Which Name?On to it, then.After uploading the picture -in "large"

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-31956208950118941402009-08-28T09:01:00.006-06:002009-08-28T10:51:15.047-06:00

"Good Morning!", offered the world."Thank you for the gift," said I.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-77512639449996229882009-08-17T08:43:00.002-06:002009-08-17T09:09:42.793-06:00

"In the Universe there is an unmeasurable, indescribable force, which those who live of the Source call Intention.And absolutely everything that exists in the entire cosmos is attached to intent by a connecting link.Sourcerers (those who live of the source, naguals, people living at the highest levels of energy) are not only concerned with understanding and explaining this connecting link, but

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-88370400374957754442009-08-10T09:10:00.001-06:002009-08-10T09:14:14.596-06:00

Wait.......... that's better. Had to get tucked in outside on the patio for this.The beauty of living a life of freedom and honoring flow is that you can make up a Sunday whenever you wish.Sunday is my favorite day.This weekend -especially since we were all about home and hearth- I figured maybe I'd have Sunday to go through my herbs, clean my room, clean house while riding on a hum.... you get

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-85232505826682787922009-08-01T13:28:00.000-06:002009-08-01T13:28:55.363-06:00

back from the farmers market.buy anything?oh, yes.purchased some local clean beef.anything else?, you ask?no.No!organic veggies? zuc, cucs, tomatoes. yeah. same things as in my garden.any fruits? nope. sprayed.sprayed, sprayed, sprayed! (and not even pretty!)dh tries to hide his laughs from me in the car while I grumble and vent... he says it's more evidence of my idealism.fine. call it what

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-64206562234481145402009-08-01T09:03:00.001-06:002009-08-01T09:05:17.358-06:00

a lovely morning in the Still.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-83205317094188361182009-07-31T21:13:00.002-06:002009-07-31T21:15:39.430-06:00

in the ways of the Old Country,it's a holiday.the first of the harvest holidays-the summer yellow harvest, i think of it as-time for jamsand collecting leaves for winter potionsand reaping the wheat.I have a lovely weekend planned for myself -gathering calendula petalsa trip to the farmer's marketand i've got my eye on a powerful potion...Mirabelle Brandy.aaah, bliss.a lovely weekend to you,

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-51576603656262666952009-07-26T21:39:00.004-06:002009-07-27T07:56:22.134-06:00

So I scooted off to the store this morning to get a couple of book cases.My philosophy is that if it's in cupboards and storage boxes we don't see it, and therefore can't be Juiced (inspired) by it.So our materials (art, science, crafts, and obviously books, etc) are on shelves.Often in little plastic cubbies. And they get rotated through different areas of the house and bedrooms.So.Back to the

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-33101725087020303102009-07-07T10:51:00.001-06:002009-07-07T10:54:21.643-06:00

the last few days have been of the sighing sort.you know the ones...they're filled with lots of kisses from the babesand you smile so much over their games and conversationyou marvel over the youngest's personality that shows itself so often, now.you look at your beautiful child...and just sigh and sigh.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-1942146156999493082009-05-31T13:23:00.000-06:002009-05-31T13:24:21.484-06:00

swayed by my surroundingsI'm doing my best toliveeatbreatheinspireexudeand Bethe Beauty around me.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-17075321631714668752009-05-05T17:53:00.010-06:002009-05-06T07:42:08.732-06:00

I got this from Sherry.I thought I'd face it head on.I was scared.Trev came tearing through for a pit stop while enjoying a jumping session with Maddie and our neighbor, Blondie."Hey, Bud.... have ten quick questions for you...." (I figured I'd let him off lightly.)After letting him in on what an interview is, and how they're given to famous people, and that no, this doesn't mean that he's famous

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-89987555385674542582009-05-02T20:10:00.000-06:002009-05-02T20:10:17.238-06:00

raindrops and puddlesseeing my daughter riding horsey on her daddy's back around the house, hollering "red light... green light!"sodden dandelionsdiscovering my almost forgotten bleeding heartraindrops on clovera blossoming vinerich, wet earthtiny tiny tiny leaves of lichenhearing and seeing my three loves raise a wild ruckus in the backyardlilacs, still.and then even more rainseeing Little Son

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-14656030882284110512009-04-30T11:48:00.003-06:002009-04-30T12:01:23.224-06:00

i've been poisoned. I am convinced.seems like stricnine, though i've never officially been poisoned by strychnine - and i am not correcting the spelling because i haven't the energy to look it up.if i twittered, i'd let you know through that, but i do not, so i am here.i'm praying for either immediate death or considering having someone saw (or chop, i care not which) my body off directly under

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-18949921170962744452009-04-20T10:01:00.001-06:002009-04-20T10:04:20.420-06:00

how much cleaning can one Mama get done when Daddy has taken the babes to the half-hour-away fancy fishing store?I'm giddy with anticipation.....

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-89822715500525230162009-04-13T12:05:00.001-06:002009-04-13T12:21:49.704-06:00

So back to it. :)Here's my problem.... complacency.And I don't mean a "resting" period. And I don't mean a "soaking it all in" period. I mean a "I'm comfortable where I am watching television" period.Not that the tellie is even a problem (read: a stressful worry for Mama) at the moment, as Cartoon Network has been banned again. By Trevelyn, of course. For a couple of more months, until

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-64408050905154076202009-04-13T08:22:00.000-06:002009-04-13T08:23:18.877-06:00

.... to yesterday's post.Addendum: I reserve the right to think on all this, and to change my mind at any time. :)

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-32795388796731566822009-04-12T09:44:00.002-06:002009-04-13T08:23:44.610-06:00

I believe in Unschooling.I agree with Mr. Einstein's words of "It is a very grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be promoted by means of coercion and a sense of duty." It's also cause for yet another of the puzzles my life.Like that I believe in not harming any living creature but that I eat meat.And that people who don't follow the rule of using their turn signal

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-10454270146937912362009-03-15T09:41:00.003-06:002009-03-15T09:49:59.461-06:00

For the last several months (maybe for even over a year now) I've had this love/hate relationship with the 1911 square feet of space that I call My House. Being its mistress, I mean.We (the children and I, and Eric when he's home with us) spend our days living in this house fully. We eat, we grow, we explode, we explore, we track in and trek through, we meld and melt. We do 92% of our Living

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-91316124265060091602009-03-15T06:18:00.002-06:002009-03-15T06:35:47.749-06:00

We received our little township newspaper yesterday and in it is an article on chickens. It seems that Salt Lake City Unincorporated has received requests from folks to be allowed to raise poultry, in the name of Sustainable Living.How cool is that???The county mayor's office replied that they "Support strategies that encourage sustainable living..." and that they've provided propositional

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-56597042222969714592009-03-11T07:16:00.011-06:002009-03-14T17:12:27.777-06:00

The big one. The spring-green one.The one that never really got done last year,the one where every surface and sub-surface is cleaned and every item every where is handled, considered, and judged.Just because sometimes I like to make a list.(I always like to, I just don't do it often because I'm not kind to myself or very understanding when/if I don't get it all done in five minutes.)Madd's

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-45992972371857873942009-03-10T09:16:00.002-06:002009-03-10T18:32:22.387-06:00

have you started spring cleaning, yet?I'm seriously thinking of beginning the children's bedrooms today....

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-27802309971103099322009-03-03T07:12:00.004-07:002009-03-03T07:25:55.902-07:00

The first bit of Must Do garden work has been completed.Today I have a need for opening the doors and windows (even if only halfway, it's mighty windy at the moment) to stir and liven the house with the warm spring wind.Shining, airing, scrubbing and mopping feel like old and welcome friends.On to it, then.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-87836733422547558332009-03-02T07:47:00.003-07:002009-03-02T07:58:32.708-07:00

have I told you of the Great Mystery?There is a spot a few steps outside my back door, near the rose patio, that is The Sweetest Spot In The Land.Whenever I walk past this spot while doing my outside chores, I inevitably stop and backtrack back to it, and stop to stand and breathe that air into every part of me.It's the sweetest of sweet... it's Promises and rebirth and renewal and blossoms and

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-89314823385114487382009-03-01T06:32:00.002-07:002009-03-01T06:37:04.782-07:00

My father in law (Bill... I have two) gave me a book for Christmas.It's called The Gardener's Journal - An Old-Fashioned Keepbook.And it is as romantic as the name implies.It's a garden journal with Victorian quotes and pictures.It has pages for Our Garden History, winter, spring, summer and fall notes, and beautifully decorated graphing squares - pages and pages of them.I can't tell you how much

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-13044463992498180422009-02-14T08:32:00.005-07:002009-02-14T09:01:53.844-07:00

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-18130833020105696252009-02-09T11:48:00.001-07:002009-02-09T11:50:53.694-07:00

I found myself worrying what others think of me, today.And then I considered that I am on my path truly and rightly.And I stopped.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-89623089211147596862009-02-08T15:39:00.004-07:002009-02-08T15:45:31.695-07:00

thay, yoga, and me

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-68369362710903400452009-02-07T08:42:00.006-07:002009-02-07T08:58:20.696-07:00

i don't have a cell phonei don't text messagei don't have caller idi'm not on myspacei'm not on facebooki don't twitter. except with the birds.don't look for me in any of these venues anytime soon.just so you know.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-19699759557539201312009-02-04T07:30:00.002-07:002009-02-04T07:39:12.352-07:00

Yup.She's in transition.While I intend to post about some of this on OLM (for reasons I'll give there), I have a need for breaking it down a bit more here, first. Processing, don't you know.One thing brought me to (yet another) pause, and now three other related's have finally brought me to a screeching halt.One) Little Son has not liked pretty much anything I've said or done lately. At least

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-41077023375452804322009-02-01T20:39:00.003-07:002009-02-01T20:42:38.308-07:00

I've been here deeply for the last two days.Reformatting OLM. Up to -way passed- my eyeballs in pictures of green and sun and warm and color and bright.I can't help but feel that life is so good.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-75262153545042978022009-01-23T13:44:00.001-07:002009-01-23T13:45:59.189-07:00

I keep wondering why everything looks so different on my laptop....And then I remember that I cleaned my screen. :/

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-72667883435971820552009-01-22T06:19:00.008-07:002009-01-22T08:07:50.907-07:00

Sometimes I struggle a bit (maybe that means over-think) with the way we've chosen to live and Be. Different from most of society, I mean.There's a subtlety that rests (and stirs) at the heart of it - that if you choose to bring and recognize Magic in your life Every Day -and sometimes every moment- then you have a life full of said Magic, and there's nothing left that's sacred or

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-25466958211784588132009-01-15T06:53:00.003-07:002009-01-15T07:26:00.137-07:00

Yesterday I had a really interesting experience.About a week ago, I was reading someone's blogpost for the day, and she had posted pictures of trees and plants and things, and I commented something like "Oh, since seeing this, I have to get outside - to see things, and smell things, and touch things!" I hadn't even realized that I had missed it, even though it probably had only been a few of

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-49888797817284163362009-01-13T04:51:00.002-07:002009-01-13T06:12:55.316-07:00

First off, I begin this post at four-something a.m, so if it rambles or makes no sense we'll blame it on that. Agreed? (Even though very early morning is when I usually feel Quite The Thing.)Let's see if I can make sense of this, now.I was talking to my friend (my very gentle and smart friend) the other day. I was telling her that I was somewhat freaking about Math. Math, of all things!

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-62428637355871429882009-01-10T07:40:00.004-07:002009-01-10T07:49:17.747-07:00

I've been reminded (this morning and yesterday evening) that it's all about the heart's smiles, the delight, and the joy.So that's what I'm focusing on today.Paying particular and close attention to the joy and sweetness of my babes.Pretty Snippets to follow.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-42587670746308877732009-01-08T17:03:00.003-07:002009-01-08T17:08:05.517-07:00

You would think that I'd have a few quiet minutes to reflect and gather my thoughts.But, no.Somehow, we've come out of the busy-ness of making/doing/crafting/getting ready and have fallen into Let's Play and Celebrate - the babes and I.I've no doubt that soon will be time for reflecting and getting into the grit, but for right this minute...There's just play and more play and exploring.I feel a

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-74380824474595711702009-01-03T18:20:00.003-07:002009-01-03T18:51:43.231-07:00

today i got to play a little in the Light.and it was enough.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-59773360404239865442008-12-31T11:56:00.001-07:002008-12-31T11:58:24.168-07:00

Wanted to give a little toot that I've decided to reformat Growing Naturally a bit.I've been thinking it over for a few weeks, and I've decided now is a good time to pronounce connection with others.Scoot on over to see what I'm talking about, if you're a member or interested.xo

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-89765735663140112402008-12-29T06:48:00.006-07:002008-12-29T07:47:39.226-07:00

So since I wrote the other day on the discord that has often drifted through our home lately (tumultuous erraticism is how I think of it), it's been quiet.Not forcefully quiet, just... easy.Peaceful.Maybe much of the stress has been spawned by the pressures of the holidays. Though I wasn't feeling frenzied by it all, really. Maybe it's because we've been cooped up - it's so damned cold,

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-35358737000663357492008-12-28T08:54:00.004-07:002009-01-01T07:26:55.717-07:00

I think that sometimes it's way too easy to take ourselves too seriously.Today I thought of that post I wrote not too long ago that contained the story Rule #6.Remember? 'Don't take yourself so goddamn seriously.'It's easy to consider personal evolution and spiritual matters as Very Serious Business.When we are searching and seeking, it seems that God (or The All, Allah, Krishna, whatever)

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-51167150205824103862008-12-27T06:53:00.008-07:002009-01-01T07:27:32.198-07:00

It seems that many things are wacky?.. going awry?.... off?..... discordant! right now.There's been lots of disharmony with Trev, I'm edgy, I shout just because I can and want to instead of coming from a place of authenticity and peace.Re-acting instead of Creating.No good.I guess I'll start with sharing the problem highlighted by Trev - I'm hoping to come to a definitive place of

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-45333959862021817042008-12-26T11:26:00.003-07:002009-01-01T07:28:03.515-07:00

How happy I am (I do love those serendipitous and synchronistic happenings, you know) that the other day I visited Pam at Idyllic Moments, and she was writing her thoughts about her word for this year's Resolution Revolution.I'm so glad she reminded me to slow down enough to start thinking on it.As I was leaving her a comment, I wrote ".....It needs to be something that gets to the heart of all

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-10908497429259487772008-12-23T09:45:00.006-07:002008-12-23T09:50:49.693-07:00

You may freely ooh and aah over my beautiful new scarf.Thanks, Aub. Love you.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-29735771306002185922008-12-23T09:00:00.004-07:002008-12-23T09:39:58.465-07:00

Let's see.How's that list coming?I finished up all the lotions and potions. :)!I'm abandoning the second set of fairy wings for Right This Minute. We'll do that together later. I have the skirt done. She'll have some glorious things to spend the first few days in, she'll not miss them, I think.I put the sticks on the Horseys, and little friend has been given hers.The treats are done.There are

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-90018563805435262252008-12-22T05:43:00.002-07:002008-12-22T05:58:58.029-07:00

Well, I suppose the beauty of celebrating and stretching things out over a few days instead of just one is that you get to add a few more days to The Day, hmmm? And a few more days to get things done.While yesterday saw much merry-making and Holiday Spirit, it also saw a couple of last-minute trips to the store, and standing in the kitchen over pots with bubbling brews being made.I'll tell you

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-22709752685775087732008-12-21T05:50:00.006-07:002008-12-21T06:06:22.598-07:00

We'll begin our official Merry-Making today.All the usual stuff -eggnogmaking cookies and candieslighting a firemaking our wrapped packages pretty with ribbons, fancifuls, and bowssinging jingly songsopening a present or twoand hopefully delivering goodies to Loved Ones.Hope your day is full with what you love best!

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-5363366475730668622008-12-20T06:20:00.004-07:002008-12-20T08:09:42.309-07:00

I'd love to share this with you -- it's a story that is so close to my heart.As it warmly wraps so many of my thoughts and feelings. Hopefully these are the things I'll be able to convey to my children - and hopefully they, like myself, will always believe in Santa Claus.I got it here, my favorite wiccan/pagan info site. I don't 'spect many will want to travel to such a far-away place, so I'm

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-56233490692391762292008-12-18T17:13:00.002-07:002008-12-18T17:16:13.772-07:00

close your eyes, Aubrey.i am sooo excited about this one.feeling right proud of myself, i am.a roll of adhesive-magsealantlots of beautiful (printed) love wordsMagic!poetry magnets?done!

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-52549065484963016372008-12-17T08:21:00.004-07:002008-12-17T09:03:15.536-07:00

It's 14 degrees.Though time is surely running out, I'm in need of slow and easy.Into the Still.Here's what I'd most like today (and I haven't yet given up on it because it's still quiet, I've caught up on blogging, and the babes are still asleep) -Walking softly.Softly in the kitchen. Steadily cleaning counters, mopping the floor, warm deliciousness coming from the oven -in the name of Sugar

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-7231195887669053852008-12-17T07:13:00.008-07:002008-12-17T08:15:40.012-07:00

I finished Gentry's blocks. One side has been stamped with an animal for a matching game. I used five different animals, obviously. I didn't have permanent stamp ink, so I colored the stamps with an industrial Sharpie. That allowed me to mod podge the picture after it had been stamped.I've made the swords. I think I did them well - I used a hanger to make the handle and beginning of the blade

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-45697325481608344222008-12-16T20:01:00.002-07:002008-12-21T17:21:43.294-07:00

frufru apron for tea partiestwo more for dollstwo swords (cloth, soft)one cooking aprontwo horsesfinish blocksanother plant pressbath bombspeppermint foot creamsomething hand-made for Grandmafelt puppetsanother fairy skirt with wingsgoodies for neighborsadded:sticker pagesfort blocksvolcanopondadded again:marshmallow shooterspoetry magnetsornaments with basketpretty for my Momoof.i'm tired.over

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-6976669084598615802008-12-15T10:28:00.004-07:002008-12-15T10:49:32.155-07:00

Ha!My friend Julie mentioned that she was making marshmallow shooters.I looked them up today after I saw them mentioned somewhere else.... can't remember where.Anyway - saw them and was thrilled!!I've been racking my brain trying to come up with gift ideas for the four boys on Eric's side of the family (ages 9-17). Last year I gave each family a magnetic dartboard - a big hit.Marshmallow

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-84979280493698058702008-12-14T07:59:00.003-07:002008-12-14T08:40:55.128-07:00

which is all about settling the Bustling Flurries.and falling gently and d r i f t i n gands i n k i n ginto the still.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-44839889492372449262008-12-13T20:20:00.001-07:002008-12-13T20:21:09.656-07:00

frufru apron for tea partiestwo more for dollstwo swordsone cooking aprontwo horsesfinish blocksanother plant pressbath bombspeppermint foot creamsomething hand-made for Grandmafelt puppetsanother fairy skirt with wingsgoodies for neighborsadded:sticker pagesfort blocksvolcanopond

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-28496662418703850572008-12-13T20:02:00.007-07:002008-12-13T20:25:24.549-07:00

apron...check.puppetscheck.(I fell in love with these faces today, and just had to make them for a little tiny person we know.)Oh! And I cleaned my house. :)

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-21119702473083268552008-12-11T16:32:00.004-07:002008-12-11T16:41:20.529-07:00

aprons?check.horseys?check! (Thanks so much to my blogging friend Sarah for the how-to. These are awesome.)

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-22308893843107269292008-12-11T09:23:00.005-07:002008-12-12T07:05:10.489-07:00

Two weeks!!frufru apron for tea partiestwo more for dollstwo swordsone cooking aprontwo horsesfinish blocksanother plant pressbath bombspeppermint foot creamsomething hand-made for Grandmafelt puppetsanother fairy skirt with wingsgoodies for neighborswhat else???...

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-81291612151247560362008-12-09T07:43:00.002-07:002008-12-09T07:44:49.403-07:00

dang.But there's snow.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-27282021432081341562008-12-08T09:21:00.003-07:002008-12-08T09:29:45.628-07:00

So I went into the livingroom, and spied an empty box of candy canes -- that I just bought yesterday.What?! An entire box, already?But not to worry.About two feet off the ground I saw this.With a little extra prettiness, too, I see.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-18735929690621578092008-12-08T08:18:00.003-07:002008-12-08T08:22:26.501-07:00

We have mice that you can buy.For cheap!We would prefer that you'd come catch your own (in which case you can have them For Free!), or you can choose one from our little friendly mouse-catchers. You'd better hurry - we only keep them around for a day or two in the catchers before we take them to live at the park.sigh.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-87656366067717230252008-12-07T20:21:00.003-07:002008-12-07T20:28:06.137-07:00

and skirt.yay.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-34981086850715832622008-12-07T17:30:00.004-07:002008-12-08T06:41:53.100-07:00

a morning spent with a bosom friend

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-2687813912363635872008-12-03T16:01:00.000-07:002008-12-03T16:03:45.720-07:00

Okay, it's 4:01 and it's starting to get dark. Sheesh!I mean... come on!Not dark dark, but it will be soon enough.Thank goodness we don't live any further north than we do.psh.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-39460065401672116652008-12-01T19:21:00.003-07:002008-12-01T19:37:44.205-07:00

I'm laying at one end of the couch with my nose a few inches away from my book, Eric sits at the other with his resting on his lap.The Tree lights are twinkling.My feet are tucked into a blanket on my husband's lap.Maddie walks back and forth with pinecones, feeding some to Annabelle.The roasting turkey warms the oven and the house.All is well.Blissful.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-68908357408872549762008-12-01T16:43:00.003-07:002008-12-01T16:52:19.523-07:00

My husband has this really loving relationship with Ullr, the Snow God.Actually He's the God of Thunder, I think, but he's also in charge of Snow.Last year he placed this upon my fridge, and we had snow whenever he refreshed and renewed his plea.I've been complaining and grumbling for a couple of weeks - "I want to change your sign.""What?!?""I want it to say "Snow In My Yard." As snow in

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248960025880732886.post-65070324260539881952008-11-26T20:46:00.004-07:002008-11-27T14:24:46.969-07:00

Today I found much happiness in watching the children play with our Enchanted Winter scene, something we created with our own hands.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06646398396834008698noreply@blogger.com4