Monday Motivators

A morning memory and a wish that they'll always be more friend than foe.

I love naps. And love.

I've been coordinating the kids' afternoon naps to happen at the same time.  Those 2ish hours are a heaven sent treat to finally finish a cup of coffee, shower, nap on the couch,  watch "Pan Am", and sometimes even all of the above. 

Lately, I've been trying to catch up on some ideas I've had bouncing around in my often foggy head.  This Valentine mobile has been one of them.  Thankfully, I had quiet hour to finally execute my idea.

{Sticks found on a walk.}

{Sticks wrapped in yarn with felt scraps and thread.}

{The hardest part was deciding where to hang it.  The front door was the winning choice.}

***BONUS!  BONUS!  BONUS!  I loved making this so much that I'd love to make you one too!  From now until Monday February 6th at midnight pacific time I will send you a mini version with each purchase you make in my etsy shop.  Just enter "VALENTINE" at check out and I'll be sure to add a sweet treat to your package.***

Also, if you are inspired to make a mobile of your own, I'd love for you to comment here with a link or email me a photo of your creation.

Monday Motivators

I started roller derby classes a few weeks ago.  Completely random, completely wild, and completely awesome.  Evan thinks I am nuts.  My poor swollen ass thinks I am nuts too.  I have never had more fun. 

It's been a challenge to find my balance on wheels.  My feet turn and twist and I'm lost in a battle to grab a solid step.  I fall.  A lot.  But I'm getting better. 

I feel like my life is this same battle sometimes.  That feeling of your feet slipping out from under you.  Steps taking you away from your glances ahead.  A blink and you have no idea how you got to where you are. 

Twenty three days into the new year and I'm still in denial that it's no longer summertime.  Where did the last six months go?  Don't even get me started on how the holidays flew by and I feel like I barely had time to enjoy a good cup of hot chocolate. 

I could get lost every time I fall.  Every time I feel like my days have slipped away from me.  Lose myself in self pity, shame, and jealousy while watching others gracefully speed on by.  It's a lot easier to stay down.

Or I can take a deep breath, find my stance, look ahead, push off and smile.  I seem to have some catching up to do.

Melting

There's a crisp sickness
like snow
slowly melting out of our home.

It's been days since feet
like stars
tickle twinkling on the sidewalk.

Hold warmth, crisp snow.
It's time. 

There are teeth popping up. Dishes yearning to be cleaned. And memories ready to be made.

I admire and soak in success. 
Bouncing light and bright and smiling.
Feet turned and ready to burn. 
It's a shame there are only 1440 minutes today.

Yarn Wrapped Bracelets

I've been so inspired by all the colorful yarn wrapped wreaths popping up around etsy and the DIY blog world (see some cute ones here, here and here), that I decided to shrink that inspiration and make some yarn wrapped bracelets for a few of my gals for Christmas.

Each one took me about 5 minutes to make and made for a nice excuse to sit down in front of the tv while the new "Bachelor" was on.

Supplies needed:
bracelets (I used a $4.99 set of 6 bangles from target.)
yarn (each bracelet needed about 3 1/2 feet)
glue (I like this "3-in-1 Advanced craft glue" the best.  It dries clear, smooth when manipulated and actually adheres to felt, yarn and other fabrics rather quickly.)

Just tie the yarn to the bracelet,
wrap over the beginning knot and around tightly until the bracelet is covered,
add a strip of glue the that last half inch of yarn,
and hold tightly for about 30 seconds so the glue has a solid chance to grip.

These would be so much fun in a ton of different colors and variegated threads or fabrics or ribbons too.  I'm now hooked and adding "find various bracelets" to my thrifting hunt list.

What have you been inspired to make lately?

Cheers to newness!

I sip some tea.
I listen to some Eddie. 
I am settling into 2012.

{new styles}

{new tastes}

{new fears}

There's another great year ahead.  I hope you'll enjoy sharing it with me.