apple pie and breastfeeding

This isn't an add for Crisco it's just that I used the recipe on the box:)  I'm feeling nesty, not really a word but one nevertheless that describes the mood I'm in.  

I've been knee deep in laundry and have finally caught up, this makes me supremely happy.  As the rain continues to come down I think about the borscht we'll have for lunch and just now as I'm writing this I think about my Oma who planned her day around the meals, it makes me smile to remember this.  As a young child she'd let me sit on the counter while she whizzed around me cooking up delectable dishes.  I find that the older I get the more german my roots feel.

All the women in "Little Earthquakes" have had their babies and are learning about breastfeeding. I recently saw this photo shot in downtown London, I love that this is an image that people can see as they go about their day.  Although it was a hard time for me I miss the days when it was just me and and my baby when the days were slow and quiet and I felt the most needed that I ever have been.  Happy breastfeeding!  

So, today needs lots of tea, baby cuddling, hot soup with toast, and later yummy pie with ice cream, yes I'm feeling nesty and a cozy nest it is.

my wild and precious life

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do 

with your one wild and precious life?” 

― Mary Oliver

“The Journey"

One day you finally knew 

what you had to do, and began, 

though the voices around you 

kept shouting 

their bad advice -- 

though the whole house 

began to tremble 

and you felt the old tug 

at your ankles. 

"Mend my life!" 

each voice cried. 

But you didn't stop. 

You knew what you had to do, 

though the wind pried 

with its stiff fingers 

at the very foundations, 

though their melancholy 

was terrible. 

It was already late 

enough, and a wild night, 

and the road full of fallen 

branches and stones. 

But little by little, 

as you left their voices behind, 

the stars began to burn 

through the sheets of clouds, 

and there was a new voice 

which you slowly 

recognized as your own, 

that kept you company 

as you strode deeper and deeper 

into the world, 

determined to do 

the only thing you could do -- 

determined to save 

the only life you could save.” 

― Mary Oliver

The question posed by Mary Oliver is so poignant!  Everyday I see my goals as I go about my kitchen and I am inspired however upon reading some of Mary's poetry I was moved to rethink my goals.  In them I don't quite see a wild enough life, do you know what I mean?  I'm feeling like I didn't take the time to really dream far or wide enough.  I haven't included enough people, I haven't really dug into myself to see what's holding me back from creating a rare and exquisite life.

I'm listening to "The Head And The Heart" while I watch my little darlings play with their wooden toys, each one using their imagination to come up with story lines that make my heart giddy with the beauty of it.  There are such wonderful mama moments in each day that it sometimes takes my breath away. I'm feeling sentimental, another day I'll write about the crazy times when I feel like I'm drowning in the fighting, whining and crying:)  But for today I'm feeling the mama love.  It'll be soon time for a little cafe getaway where I can look at my life, dream big and make it a little or a lot more WILD!

reading, painting and homemaking

My computer hasn't been working and I've felt very cut off from the outside world:)  We've had some neat moments together in the last few days.  Neka made the cutest little bed for herself and her doll one afternoon and later the girls had some painting time where they created to their heart's content. 

 I've been reading "Little Earthquakes"  by Jennifer Weiner and I'm in love with the story!  First time moms figuring it all out:)  

For lunch today I made couscous and added cranberries and slivered almonds and have decided that they must be a staple in the whole couscous affair.  

I'm ready to put my feet up, drink some tea and watch a movie with Tey.  

russian ballet dancer

My Friend Maia

Shot in Fire Island, New York, this film (4min. 23 sec) captures the secrets of eternal youth as Maia Helles, a Russian ballet dancer turns 95 but still remains resolutely independent, healthy and as fit as a forty year old. Made by Julia Warr, artist and film maker met Maia on a plane 4 years ago and became utterly convinced by the benefits of her daily exercise routine, which Maia perfected, together with her Mother, over 60 years ago, long before exercise classes were ever invented. (2011)

Film by Julia Warr
Music by Lola Perrin
juliawarr.com 

I was so touched by this film. So beautiful are the moments we see Maia on her mat doing her exercises.  I imagined her dancing as a young woman in Russia and glimpsed her floating across the stage as surely as she gracefully moves all these years later.  I seek to have this grace in my life.

time at the beach and a backyard picnic

After dropping Daddy off at the ferry for the day we ventured down to the ocean at Ambleside.  I drove past cafe Crema and decided I'd be back for a day of art (the vancouver arts council has a heritage house there where they offer art classes), lunch at cafe crema, a stroll through the community gardens, and some time letting the salty ocean air fill my lungs.  

 The girls were more than happy to pose for me:)

 I loved the community gardens, around the tree is a bench that looks like it would be a lovely place to sit and read awhile.

 Nala proudly shows me the daisy she found growing in the field close by.

 Of course the day wasn't complete without having a picnic in our backyard.  Becky suggested this marvelous idea and I was instantly excited, it was the first of the season and it was delightful!

 Nara got some undivided attention while her sisters went for their naps. I feel for my third born as she has to share mommy with two, very energetic siblings:)  She cuddled, giggled and filled up her little love tank.

Later in the day while Beckie made sticker cards with the girls I baked some lovely lemon lavender cakes (more about these cakes in my next post:).  After  I tuck the girls in Tey will be home and I am looking forward to sitting down, eating some cake and watching a movie with my man.  What a wonderful day! 

cilantro is a must in my quesadillas

All day I was in the mood for quesadillas and so by supper time I had my nice, fresh ingredients and started chopping away.  The cilantro is a real must for me as I absolutely love the taste:)

 I used my mini chopper for the onions and garlic and I quite like the size they became. I used about a half of a bunch of cilantro, one onion, a couple of cloves of garlic and about five tomatoes.  A sprinkle of sea salt and a glug of olive oil and I was ready.  

I shredded my cheese and put one wrap in the pan, sprinkled some cheese on it and folded it in half. I turned it over once the cheese started melting and then out of the pan it came onto my plate.

All that was left was to put some sour cream and my lovely tomato salad inside and voila I was ready for the scrumptious bite that followed!
 

moms work from home

I'm listening to "The Head And The Heart" thinking about all that's been going on in my life.  The sun is shining and I feel happy to be alive right now!
I wanted to give you a little snapshot into what I'm up to.  I've partnered with a company and have put my own spin on it and am loving being part of something that is so much bigger than myself. For the first time in my life I feel like I'm an owner in a company with a cause and a mission that I whole heartedly believe in, yay, it feels good!
If you have any interest you can check it out:)

www.canvas.teamasea.com

the head and the heart

I was just reading one of my favorite earthy blogs soulemama
and she wrote about a band that she really liked, I checked them out and I'm in love!!!  "The Head And The Heart" are a group that play music that get me excited about LIFE!  I'm posting two videos. I can't wait to hear more from them as well as maybe go to one of their concerts:)  Here's to love, life and music! 

the importance of being earnest

A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament. Oscar Wilde  

Last night a couple of friends and I went to see "The Importance of being Earnest."  The play was simply delightful!  I laughed so much and was amazed how relevant and witty the material was.  Thanks girls, what fun!

It was so cool to see actors from my community in a play, it definitely made me think that I need to do this more often. Include in that some gallery visits and hopefully one day soon attend my own art show opening at a cafe:)

from pregnant to born in 90 seconds

I love this video!

Lemon Cake with Chai Tea Icing

Lemon Cake with Chai Tea Icing (This one's for you Alessandra)

Oh. My. Goodness!!!  Wow!  Making this cake was the most fun I've had in the kitchen thus far.  The smells were to die for.  As I downloaded these photos I swear I could smell the lemons bubbling away:) I found the recipe for this cake from honey and jam

The only thing that I changed was to use Chai tea, still black, for the icing because I loved the spicy smell. It was dreamy to make and presented nicely, the next day Tey and I were licking our fingers as we finished it and all I can say is yum!  Have fun  with this one!  So, even though the Bachelor didn't end like I would have wanted it to it was fun to get together, watch a show and of course, eat cake!

jane eyre, cake, dancing and meditation

An afternoon of Jane Eyre, content that the children are happily playing with daddy so that I can have some girl time.  Oh so wonderful!  Hot drink in hand, dark mint chocolate close by and a great friend to chat with:)  The end was as any great love story should be, perfect!  

Today I will attempt a cake that I found on a wonderful blog honey and jam

I'm excited for it to turn out!  If I said it was for the "Bachelor" party we are having tonight please don't judge me to harshly:)  I'll let you know how it turns out.  

The girls are singing to "The Cat In the Hat" while collecting little treasures around the house and arranging them in fun scenes.  I love watching their imaginations at work.  Neka was leading me through her "Dashama" dance this morning (totally made up by her).  I love these little darlings so much it hurts sometimes:)

I think it's time to take the eggs and butter out of the fridge.  Have a wonderful Monday!  Take time to nourish yourself today in body soul and mind.  I took some time to meditate this morning on some scripture, Proverbs 31 verses 10-31.  The Virtuous Wife is a passage that really inspires me to be all that I can be!  

projects, food and family

This is a project that Tey is working on to organize and store toys better, I am very much looking forward to it being ready!  He is making each one separate so that they can be used as benches as well, love his way of thinking:)

 Neka "reading" "Have you seen my cat?" by Eric Carl to her sisters. Lots of RRRRRRRRING!

 Movie time with the cousins, each one has an organic lollipop to  boot, life is "sweet".

 Lunch with my girls, Neka wearing her beads and looking very colorful. We are eating leftover lasagna from yesterday's yummy lunch.  Now the house is quiet as everyone is having either a nap or quiet time in their rooms.  This morning I made pancakes for the family after I tackled the dishes.  I put my earbuds in and listened to some Laura Marling really loud:)  I got into a rhythm and soon the kitchen was ready to make delicious food.  Tey and I got into a bit of a tiff over something and later, after breakfast I headed out to get some air.  After ordering an Egyptian Mint tea at my favorite Wired Monk I caught up with some pinteresting and then tucked my feet up to have a little read.  A while later I was feeling much more like myself, calm and peaceful.  Taking this time is so important, to come back to the family with a level head feeling heard by ones self.

penne with a creamy cashew sauce

I usually make a cream sauce but today I thought about a cashew sauce my mom makes that I really like.  It turned out so creamy and lovely that both Tey and I agreed that it should make the rotation more often.  

 Penne with a Creamy Cashew Sauce

Penne:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add olive oil and salt. Cook and drain Penne, set aside.

Vegetables:

Saute a 

whole onion

any color pepper 

a whole zucchini and

a small section of ginger, finely cut

Cut in a can of vegetable protein (original frichick from the ABC) Set aside.

Cashew Sauce:

all measurements are approximate, I just go with texture and flavour to see what's right

In a blender, put about a cup and a half of raw cashews

a glug of olive oil

a large clove of garlic

a Tbsp. vegetable base. The one I use comes in a jar called "Better Than Bouillon."  You can find it at Save On Foods in the natural food isle.  

about 1/3 cup brewers yeast.

a small chunk ginger

about 3 cups boiling water

Blend until very smooth.

Place cooked noodles in a favorite serving bowl, add sauteed vegetables and finally, pour over the cashew sauce.  Lightly mix together and serve, yum!  I can smell it now:)

puzzeling

After my friend and I picked up our hot drinks we headed to her place for some "knitting." We say that we are getting together to knit but history shows it usually never even get's out of the bag.  On this day my friend asked if I was up for a puzzle and I said an enthusiastic "yes!"  I hadn't done one in years and as long as it wasn't too big I thought, what fun!  Here is the completed masterpiece, I have decided puzzeling must be part of my life:) So must yummy hot drinks with biscotti!

 Nala works on a puzzle at home and does very well:)

civilian

Last night I spent time with some old friends as well as a few new ones that I totally fell in love with.  We were talking and listening to music. Tony Bennett was singing one of his classics and I stopped and was present for a moment, looking around the room I realized that times like these are so unique and integral to a rich life.  I used the word 'thwarted' and 'pram' in conversation and both times I surprised myself at my word choice.  I felt a lot like myself and heard bits of my past come into the conversation making me realize that I've had a very "hippy" upbringing.  We lived for a while in a school bus that my dad, an artist, painted soft pink with lots of flowers.  The door handle was a deer's horn and the windows were filled with panes of his stained glass. I never thought much about it as a kid but looking back on it now it seems strange and yet somehow it influenced how I approach life, in a good way!

baltic amber necklace

Yesterday a friend and I headed to White Rock for the sale at Not For Long (link below), we had a blast.  I found some delightful treasures for the girls including some adorable outfits, some small food containers and best of all this baltic amber teething necklace.  I just pulled it out of her shirt to show you but it lies against the skin where the heat bring out the succinic oil which is a natural pain reliever for teething, so they say:)  I'm all about becoming a believer!  It's cool how awareness comes about, I saw them on pinterest and was curious and then at play time I saw a little boy with one and thought hmmm...I just saw that, I wonder what it's about?  Then, the girls at Not for Long told me how much they love them for their kids, I got excited to see if it would work for Nora!  I'll keep you posted:)

This is the company that makes them

Not for Long

moments

I've been reading "Balancing Acts" by Zoe Fishman and am loving it!  It follows the lives of Charlie, Sabine, Naomi and Bess as they forge a friendship while doing yoga.  It has all the elements of a great read, the only thing I'm sad about is that it is Zoe's first book and I know that I will want to read much more of her work after finishing it.  

 Nala is blowing her birdie whistle from Auntie Shannon while eating her Saturday night supper, it was such a precious moment with her.  Neka was out running errands with Daddy and Nora was burbling a story at the table with us, it made me sentimental realizing that the cuteness of these days passes so quickly.  I know each stage has beautiful elements but oh the cuddles and giggles had with a two year old is beyond precious!

 Nora was in such a good mood yesterday so during one such particularly great moment I plucked her into the moses basket with the toys and this grin emerged:)

 Neka showed me her animals all lined up.  I've noticed some things developing in her.  Confidence in what she likes, precision with story telling and a real flair for drawing.  I love watching the people my girls are becoming.

 It amazes me that these little people come from us and it causes me to be so aware of how I'm shaping them.  I love the guidance of those older who have already gone through this time.

We went to Safari Zone yesterday with the kids and it surprised me that Nala was so bold!  She figured out how to climb some things that had held her back previously as well as shooting down the big slides all by herself:)  I loved how she would say "count mommy, one, two, three, go!" and down she'd go not even looking back.

 I think it's time for a tea, some chocolate and a few moments reading my delightful book!

bedroom

Things have been busy at home, good busy!  We finally got our headboard up, yay!!!  I found these boards at a reclaimed wood place near mission and I'm in love with how it grounds the room.  Tey and I took turns sanding them, the process feels like a metaphor for marriage.  I'm working on an art piece that will go above it but overall our bedroom feels finished.  I love sleeping in a room that is made with love!

The closet is from Ikea but I got it from a friend for 40 dollars, it makes any bedroom feel like mine.  In its drawers I have my treasures, favorite cards, positive pregnancy test (Nora's) jewellery, (Freedom Stones) watch (from Tey that I no longer wear but love) and lingerie that I am just now feeling feeling great enough to wear again:)

There is still lots to do in our home but I love working on it room by room, slowly creating the feel I envision.