The Moments in Between

It is my belief that the moments in between are what tell our stories in a way that the bigger, flashier moments can't quite grasp- A formation of clouds brief and fleeting against a startling blue sky.

A small waterfall, flowing over rock and moss, snow and ice as the earth awakens.

 An indoor garden, the plants lovingly tucked into the soil of their new home (just like us).

These are where we tell our stories, in these small moments that give way to hope and to what my mother calls the little thank yous everywhere. It begs us to ask ourselves what our moments in between look like.....

In Search of Magic Moments

It has been a long time since I posted anything here and anyone who followed the older posts knows that there was struggle here in this new place as we adjusted and readjusted. I am hesitant to take on something that I may struggle to maintain but the amount of inspiration I feel these days seeks to inspire others if only with words or a photo.

Perhaps, life without struggle is far less creative, I can only imagine it is. This has forced new growth and abundance that I could only have dreamed of. In the face of the challenges we have come across, I have bent and wavered, fallen and gotten up, hoped and cried and found that time after time I belong right where I am, though I am not always sure why this is. I sit in gratitude most days in awe that all that has happened.

There have been mounds of art made and a multitude of new undertakings. There are new farm animals and pets (we said goodbye to some of our furry family members last summer after two car accidents). There is now a barn with color and life and murals that has stopped traffic and brought  smiles. There is an enclosed porch to bask in as the weather finally begins to warm in this northern place and the greenhouse awaits the seeds we have set aside for the garden.

So much has changed. So much has stayed the same and so much gratitude is to be found in the moments of each and every day......

Making Do With What You've Got

I'm sure you've heard that one before. But it takes on so many new meanings throughout life. With our change of location came a serious (and, admittedly, scary) change of finances. And that certainly forces creativity on a new level. Where, before, it was fun and funded (mostly), now it is a find and make art situation.
The project I recently faced was a revamp of the kitchen. We hadn't really organized it- 7 months ago when the moving truck showed up, I sort of unpacked and shoved things around. Then, when the hubby arrived, I waited for him to make it into what he needed- since he is the chef. But a few days ago, I got the itch- a serious itch. So I unloaded everything and started fresh- with the help of a new soul friend egging me on and hauling butt on those cupboards.

With drawers and cupboard re-organized, I looked at the drawer, once the holder of all things silverware, newly organized with my overstock tea (yes, I have an addiction- can you ever have enough tea?) and then to the counter- now full of homeless silverware.
I wanted to do something creative, something that was both practical and funky. So, I pulled some cans from my recent obsession with coconut milk banana shakes and washed them thoroughly and hammered down any sharp edges.
And then, you'll never guess-- then, I pulled out Mod Podge and fabric- I know-- GASP!! I bet you didn't see that one coming- Hehehehehehe. And I sat down and decoupaged them. I cut out a little fabric spoon, fork and knife and put those on the cans so that they were "labeled" and then I let them dry. And when they were, I loaded them and put them on the counter (which still has it's characteristic squeak because it still isn't properly attached- we'll get there) and just like that my kitchen had some funky matching action.

Next up? Well, a pot rack I designed- designed with desperation and some serious form meets function action- well, I hope- we haven't made it yet- but I see it in my head- that counts, doesn't it?
Did I mention we are also busy drawing property layouts for this little farmlette? Where will the garden go? Where will the barn? What about the berries and grapes? And the orchard?
 Oh there are things to be done!