Spring in Maine

Enjoying a sunny April day at Two Lights one of my favorite state parks.  The waves were amazing that day!

We have had some wonderful spring days lately.  Days that remind me that spring is probably my favorite season.  (Even though those nice days have been alternated with some pretty cold rainy days and one of the latest snowfalls I recall in April!) I guess it makes the nice days sweeter.

Taking it easy on our last snowy day (hopefully!!) A rare peaceful moment

Silliness

 I do love summer in Maine, but since I left here and moved back ten years ago I think spring wins.  Since having children I notice spring in a new way, as I point things out to them I see the magic through their eyes.  I notice the wonder of daffodils and crocuses blooming and the grass becoming greener each day, and I think one the best days of the year is that first truly warm day, sometimes in March, sometimes April where you can just bask in the sun without feeling the slightest bit cold.  I love to say to Claire 'Hey!  Look over there! What's different?"  And she'll report to me that the grass is even greener than the last time we were there.  It's the best when she points all the spring changes out to me.   However the other main reason I enjoy spring so much with young kids is that it is such a needed relief from the burdens of winter. Dressing them, trying so hard to get them outside, and finding things to do inside.  Ugh.  I'm always so glad it's over, not that I hate winter while it's happening it does have its own beauty, but I realize there is definitely more ease when it's nice out.  For the first times in the last few weeks my kiddos have actually gone outside without me dressing them, or when arriving home they have lingered outside and played independently instead of following me in begging for snuggles, snacks, water, boots off, all while I need to drink water, eat something and take the baby out of the carseat.  Those small moments feel like bliss, like there is some more room for me to breathe.  Who knows, perhaps some of that feeling of ease has to do with the baby getting bigger and napping more regularly (and longer!), and getting more sleep at night, but I think it's spring.  I can't remember who, but last fall when Maria was a newborn someone told me they thought October was a great time to have a newborn - that it would be a long winter but it would be an amazing spring with a bouncing six month old, ready to get outside.  Whoever said that was right. Spring is magic.

Some more pics of Maria just 'cause I love that smile

I have been really inspired this year to identify more and more plants and friendly, wonderful weeds and make more herbal medicines.  Last year I identified St. John's Wort at our new house and I made infused oil and tincture which was so easy, and that really boosted my confidence and desire to learn more about herbal medicine.  I have been re-visiting my two favorite herbal books Healing Wise by Susun Weed and this book by a Maine herbalist Gail Faith Edwards.  What I love about Susun Weed is how much she encourages becoming allies with the many weeds surrounding us, such as dandelion, violet and chickweed and the amazing benefits they can offer while also being extremely safe and nourishing.  It makes sense to me that the safest herbs with the most to offer would be everywhere!  I also like knowing that the plants that I've grown up around, that many people consider nuisances can actually do incredible things as medicines.  I have been so excited this spring to see what comes up around us.

It was fun to recognize violet right outside our door!  Once I did I found it everywhere in our yard

I'd also like to check out this book by Robin Rose Bennett and a book by Holly Bellebuono, I enjoy her articles very much in Taproot magazine.  One humbling thing at this stage in my life is trying to be present with my kids and love them up and enjoy them, even as my thoughts are full of all of these beautiful, inspiring things I'd love to do.  I'm trying very hard to remind myself that any medicine made, even just one, is a big accomplishment.  I will try to recognize my passion and excitement and pass this onto the kids and not get too caught up in the 'productivity' of it.  I do love being productive, so it's easier said than done.  Why make one jar of dandelion vinegar when I can make five?  I'm looking forward to watching something new bloom each week.  And I'm hoping for a nice warm May. 

Back to Blogging

I have been thinking so much about returning to blogging in the last few months and haven't quite made it happen, which it not surprising since Maria's arrival last October.  I felt stifled by not knowing what to say or what to focus on.  I have not been sewing at all, nor have I been taking very many photos.  I have also been questioning why I even wanted to write and post, and in the last few months it's been really clear to me that I just want to photo document my life for myself to help clarify the meaning and intention I have while being home right now with my three girls.  The intention is to be present and mindful, which is something that easily gets lost in the day to day.  I also want to do it for my future self, and when I just came back onto this space tonight it became so clear to me how wonderful it is to document these simple moments.  I was smiling and almost crying nostalgic tears looking at the sweet photos I took two years ago.  Claire was still such a baby, not even four!  Amelia really was a baby, barely a toddler!  I can't believe what big girls they are becoming.  Also while looking at those pictures I was actually able to give myself some much needed credit for being a good mom, something I'm sure we never do as moms. 
I hope to take more photos at home and post more and I'm feeling this need more now that I am working so much less after Maria's birth.  I have been working super super part time, just teaching four hours a week and childbirth ed once a month.  I feel so grateful to have this time.  For me personally I was having a hard time working the crazy nursing shifts and focusing as much as I wanted at home.  I always knew being home as much as possible was something I wanted, and while I'll always work a little, I am appreciating being home so much right now.  Of course having a third baby and staying home has not been without its challenges and there have been extremely challenging moments.  But I have grown and I am learning so much about myself and trying to focus a lot on mindfulness.  I am also learning to take better care of myself, the whole idea of emotional, physical and spiritual self care is actually kind of new to me and it is making such a difference. 
Little things I am excited about are my new prime camera lens, a treat for myself for my birthday.  It is already taking the shots that I always wanted, you know where the subject pops and the background is blurred.  I am excited for spring and planting in our garden in 60 degree weather this weekend.  I'm sure in my head, like always, I will have more planned that I will actually get done, but I'm getting better at being okay with that.   I am excited that we finally got a nature table set up in this house with things I had crafted previously (finally found that missing spring fairy after so much searching!  I think it was the spring magic...) It was so cute how much Claire pretty much set it up herself, I just did the hanging of the silks, and she also seems really proud of it. 

My big girl

Hard at work in her own little desk set up on the porch

General silliness

Seriously the hair.  Post tub hair is the best

Rockin her tea leaves sweater I did actually finish a couple months ago!  I always feel so happy when she chooses to wear it

I was very satisfied with this kangaroo wrap job

Always this happy.  Unless she's tired

First lost tooth!

Such sweetness