Friday, April 29, 2011

{ this moment }

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Hosted by Soulemama.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

My little green corner

Around here we good-naturedly joke about our little shoebox of a home. We're on the prowl for a new home - a house - but in these uncertain times we are being careful and also waiting for the perfect home. Which we probably won't find, but we don't want to make too many compromises on our dream home. Until then we will just have to make-do with what we have. As far as gardens go we have a tiny little bit of lawn beside the entrance to our place, which I've meant to do something with for some time.
 So far its just been a place for Sebastián to keep his bobby car, bikes and whatever else he's playing with outside. But not for long!
I ordered seeds from Impecta fröhandel, a great source for just about every plant you can imagine. After much browsing of their catalogue, I ordered what I usually end up ordering - Nasturtium, Snapdragons, Pumpkins, Hollyhock and Babys breath (Indiankrasse, Lejongap, Pumpor, Stockrosor och Brudslöja). I also ordered Morning glory (Blomman för dagen) but won't be sowing it this year since I realized its poisonous. I love, love, love these type of "granny" flowers. Old-fashioned species that you would expect to find in an old ladies garden. Sowing seeds is a bit more work than just buying the plants at the store, but it is way cheaper and I really enjoy the whole process. Its something kids can help out with as well and so far Sebastián has also enjoyed following what is going on with our little seedlings.
 I decided to create a triangular flower bed with a white Bleeding heart bush (Löjtnantshjärta) in the far corner. My base color will be white, so that it stands out well in contrast with the red walls. The Snapdragons will hopefully give the flower bed a dash of color, and I'm hoping the delicate Babys breath in the mix will give it some more character. I've planted white Violets (penséer) along the border so that we can have something in there until the seedlings are ready to be planted outside, which won't be much longer the way things are progressing.
Can't wait to show you the end result, its gonna be pretty!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

A reminder

Since becoming a mother I have plowed through several parenting books, something I thought I would never do. I've always felt that parenting should just come naturally - its not like its rocket science, right? But parenting is a daunting task, a big commitment and a heavy responsibility, one which most definitely requires guidance of some sort. I haven't really found a book that has struck a chord with me, until I came across "Mitten strings for God: Reflections for mothers in a hurry" by Katrina Kenison. First off, let me say that this is in no way a religious book as the title suggests. Its simply a book about one mothers experiences with her children. Central to the book is slowing down and being present, something that really appeals to me as a mother and in general. Never do things get so crazy around here as when I expect to get a million things done while taking care of the kids at the same time. I can definitely see this being a book that I will read over and over again, because it serves as a reminder of the kind of everyday life that I want my kids growing up in, but sometimes loose sight of:
simple. present. engaging....and full of wonder and warmth.

Friday, April 15, 2011

{ this moment }

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Hosted by Soulemama.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Dusks embrace

Light from the setting sun was sneaking in through cracks in the blinds and somewhere outside a blackbird was marking the onset of dusk with his song. I sat in bed with Esther in my arms, who was suckling away while half asleep. Sebastián was lying in his room, quietly settling into his bed and starting to breathe heavily. At that moment, I felt that the peace and calm that had settled over our household as my babies fell asleep was something I could claim, that I could take pride in. I'm creating my childrens memories with every day that passes, and I like to think that underneath the mess of everyday life they feel my good intent, my deep love and the peace I wish for them. It was in the air that evening; so palpable and comforting. Comforting to a tired mama who often wonders if she is doing this whole mothering thing right.  At that moment, I felt that yes, I am doing this just right. Just right....