One of the sites that I frequent has a challenge going on. Its finish a project a week for a year. Its supposed to help motivate some of us to get creative and finish some of the things we've got going on. Some wondered if they had enough stuff to do 52 projects and I'm thinking I need to do more than one a week to finish all of my projects especially since I want to open up a shop here in the spring at the local farmer's market.
So I am set to finish the projects that I actually promised a couple of friends that I would send them a few things. Then finish what I promised Dusty. I told Rhett I'd make him a pair of mittens. Then all open projects. I think I have enough to keep me busy for awhile. ; )
I am hoping that there will be someone giving away fleece again come spring/summer when all the critters are shorn. I don't mind buying, but until I get the shop up and running and start turning a profit...free is good.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Its finally done
Rhett was invited to a costume party and of course me being me would not go out and buy him one. Why should I? So I decided to torture myself and make him one. I wanted to make him a Japanese outfit. It has Hakama pants, kosode and jacket.
Now, I really can't sew. I like to think I can, but I really do detest it. I am not that methodical. I do not like to do things in order and sewing makes me do things in order.
I don't think it came out all that bad. My sewing machine hates me and made sure the thread broke about every 30 seconds or so. It took me such a long time to get the jacket done whereas I had no problem with the pants.
I would have made Rhett dress up, but he fell asleep on me. I was even tempted to wake him up and make him try it on. Oh well. I shall get pictures of him tomorrow at the party.
Unschooling method (yes, its a rant)
This is in response to those who tell me: "I know some unschoolers and they just let their children play video games all day, every day. They do absolutely nothing with their kids..."
I love unschooling and I realize that it is not for everyone. It does take a leap of faith to believe that your children will learn while letting them follow their own interests.
It may look like, to others especially critical ones, that my children do nothing all day. It may look like they play games all day or are on the computer all day. However, they are not with us all day. My four year old does play quite a bit of games but he also tells the most amazing stories from imagination, is learning to read, can recite songs as well as make some up on his own, is learning about different types of bugs, learning to sew, knows how to needle felt as well as wet felt and is learning to crochet. He is learning to read in Japanese, loves to help me cook, plays with the dogs, gardens and collect pieces of wood that he calls swords. This is pretty much on his own without my coaxing, coaching or making him sit at a table for hours on end.
My older son has a wealth of interests although you wouldn't think that with the amount of time he spends on Facebook or texting his friends. He wants to write a book, he is interested in atvs, motorbikes, horses, taking things apart, and music. He does awesome in public speaking and goes out of his way to help people.
Most unschoolers are not doing nothing all day. It may seem like it but there is usually a lot more learning going on than they let on and unless you spend 24/7 with one, you will not know it.
So before a person says: "I know an unschooler and they do absolutely nothing..." Make sure you have your facts straight and hard evidence before you start ranting about how the parents are ruining their children by this method and they are neglectful. It just might stop some animosity from growing.
Oh~I'm sure there are some homeschooling parents out there that do neglect their children and they are the ones that get the most publicity because they are the ones who get in the news. However, they are really few and far between.
I love unschooling and I realize that it is not for everyone. It does take a leap of faith to believe that your children will learn while letting them follow their own interests.
It may look like, to others especially critical ones, that my children do nothing all day. It may look like they play games all day or are on the computer all day. However, they are not with us all day. My four year old does play quite a bit of games but he also tells the most amazing stories from imagination, is learning to read, can recite songs as well as make some up on his own, is learning about different types of bugs, learning to sew, knows how to needle felt as well as wet felt and is learning to crochet. He is learning to read in Japanese, loves to help me cook, plays with the dogs, gardens and collect pieces of wood that he calls swords. This is pretty much on his own without my coaxing, coaching or making him sit at a table for hours on end.
My older son has a wealth of interests although you wouldn't think that with the amount of time he spends on Facebook or texting his friends. He wants to write a book, he is interested in atvs, motorbikes, horses, taking things apart, and music. He does awesome in public speaking and goes out of his way to help people.
Most unschoolers are not doing nothing all day. It may seem like it but there is usually a lot more learning going on than they let on and unless you spend 24/7 with one, you will not know it.
So before a person says: "I know an unschooler and they do absolutely nothing..." Make sure you have your facts straight and hard evidence before you start ranting about how the parents are ruining their children by this method and they are neglectful. It just might stop some animosity from growing.
Oh~I'm sure there are some homeschooling parents out there that do neglect their children and they are the ones that get the most publicity because they are the ones who get in the news. However, they are really few and far between.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Projects
Keeping busy and putting my mind to other things has been an obsession. If I stop to think I cry so I try not to think. I miss my mom. Its hard not to wish the person who hit her is suffering as much as I am. But I know she has her own thoughts and feelings to live with. Forgiveness...I am really trying.
So here are some of the projects that I have been working on
lately. I made another drop spindle so I can work on two projects instead of waiting to clear one spindle before starting on another. I want to make a top whorl spindle next.
I love how the green dye came out. In one bath I ended up with three shades of green due to the Ascorbic Acid I added to it. This is sheep wool from an unknown donor. I got a couple of bags of wool from a wonderful person off of Craig's list.
Yes, before you ask, that is a drop spindle mad
e from tinkertoy parts. It works fabulously too. This is a mixture of white and blonde from an llama. Another wonderful find off of Craig's list. Eight bags of llama fleece of varying colour.
Here is a finished hank of the green. I used food colouring. I was thinking of raiding a neighbours walnut tree, but then I thought...I already have some beautiful natural brown wool and llama fleece. I was trying to dig up some yellow dock that grows in the area, but they are hard to get out. I hear they make a vibrant yellowish orange. I suppose I should just try a little harder.
I am going to dye this using tumeric. I want to see the difference between tumeric and the dock root once I get it.
I am not much of a knitter or crocheter. I am learning to knit but I am slow and clumsy and forget where I am at often. I did make my little one some socks to run around the house in. They were full of mistakes, but of course he didn't mind. He watched me make them so he thought they were very special and each day he would ask me if they were done yet.
He loves to help me spin as he spins the spindle while I draft the roving. He also loves to play with the fiber and is getting quite good at needle felting.
So here are some of the projects that I have been working on
lately. I made another drop spindle so I can work on two projects instead of waiting to clear one spindle before starting on another. I want to make a top whorl spindle next.I love how the green dye came out. In one bath I ended up with three shades of green due to the Ascorbic Acid I added to it. This is sheep wool from an unknown donor. I got a couple of bags of wool from a wonderful person off of Craig's list.
Yes, before you ask, that is a drop spindle mad
e from tinkertoy parts. It works fabulously too. This is a mixture of white and blonde from an llama. Another wonderful find off of Craig's list. Eight bags of llama fleece of varying colour.
Here is a finished hank of the green. I used food colouring. I was thinking of raiding a neighbours walnut tree, but then I thought...I already have some beautiful natural brown wool and llama fleece. I was trying to dig up some yellow dock that grows in the area, but they are hard to get out. I hear they make a vibrant yellowish orange. I suppose I should just try a little harder.
I am going to dye this using tumeric. I want to see the difference between tumeric and the dock root once I get it.
I am not much of a knitter or crocheter. I am learning to knit but I am slow and clumsy and forget where I am at often. I did make my little one some socks to run around the house in. They were full of mistakes, but of course he didn't mind. He watched me make them so he thought they were very special and each day he would ask me if they were done yet.
He loves to help me spin as he spins the spindle while I draft the roving. He also loves to play with the fiber and is getting quite good at needle felting.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Herb 101...for Neil. =) Pt.1
You can take herbs in several forms, but the basic ones are teas (infusion), decoctions or syrups.
To make a simple tea using a single herb you would mix 1 oz of herb to 1 pint of boiling water. Infusions would be used for light herbs such as leaves, berries, flowers, etc.
Decoctions are used for harder materials such as twigs, bark, etc. The measurements are the same: 1 oz herb to 1 pint of water. Place herbs into a glass pot pour cold water over the herb then gradually bring to a boil. Boil for at least 15 minutes although certain herbs will require longer.
Syrups are basically a sugar concentrate that has reached saturation point. Syrups can be made and stored separately then add a dry herb or tincture to it or you could make an herbal syrup. For an herbal syrup, you would begin with a concentrated herb liquid (infusion or decoction) at least 1 pt of liquid...so take 2 pts of herb liquid and simmer it til it is down to a half to concentrate it. Add 1-2 ozs of honey and 1-2 ozs of vegetable (food grade) glycerine.
To make a simple tea using a single herb you would mix 1 oz of herb to 1 pint of boiling water. Infusions would be used for light herbs such as leaves, berries, flowers, etc.
Decoctions are used for harder materials such as twigs, bark, etc. The measurements are the same: 1 oz herb to 1 pint of water. Place herbs into a glass pot pour cold water over the herb then gradually bring to a boil. Boil for at least 15 minutes although certain herbs will require longer.
Syrups are basically a sugar concentrate that has reached saturation point. Syrups can be made and stored separately then add a dry herb or tincture to it or you could make an herbal syrup. For an herbal syrup, you would begin with a concentrated herb liquid (infusion or decoction) at least 1 pt of liquid...so take 2 pts of herb liquid and simmer it til it is down to a half to concentrate it. Add 1-2 ozs of honey and 1-2 ozs of vegetable (food grade) glycerine.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Local First Day of School
August 31st was the first day of school for many of the children around here. While they were lined up for the bus early in the morning, my son Dusty was walking to the place he has come to love. Hidden Valley Ranch. They raise Paint horses and he goes there two days a week to work in exchange for riding privileges.
His spirit free and happy doing what he enjoys, while the numerous children looked sort of downcast and tired for their first day. I am sure they were wishing that the summer had not ended.
As for Rhett's day, we spent the day in the garden, reading books and playing hide and seek. We caught grasshoppers and looked for a Praying Mantis that had found its way into our yard.
He is asking me to spell everything for him now, so we spend the days spelling out words and of course I must not go fast or he tells me to "do it more slowly..." You can see his little mind working as he tries to picture the letter in his mind as I spell it out.
So while the children were sitting at desks inside a building, my boys were outside enjoying the things they do best...being themselves, learning the way they want and what they want. I feel this is part of raising a holistically healthy child.
His spirit free and happy doing what he enjoys, while the numerous children looked sort of downcast and tired for their first day. I am sure they were wishing that the summer had not ended.
As for Rhett's day, we spent the day in the garden, reading books and playing hide and seek. We caught grasshoppers and looked for a Praying Mantis that had found its way into our yard.
He is asking me to spell everything for him now, so we spend the days spelling out words and of course I must not go fast or he tells me to "do it more slowly..." You can see his little mind working as he tries to picture the letter in his mind as I spell it out.
So while the children were sitting at desks inside a building, my boys were outside enjoying the things they do best...being themselves, learning the way they want and what they want. I feel this is part of raising a holistically healthy child.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Its the end of August already???
We have been here for 2 months. I am sorry to those I promised to drop a line to but haven't yet.
So much has happened. Cody is back home. YaY!!! He is not so happy though. I told him to take this time to solidify his plans for the future. If it means school, then go to school. If he wants to learn a trade, then do so. He has the time right now.
School is starting next week for the locals here. I hear mixed reviews from parents and children alike.
I love the fact that my children will be kept out of the massive crowds at the schools and have the freedom to pursuit their likes. One of the girls who also volunteers at the ranch has to quit even though she homeschools. Dusty said something about her not having time now that school is starting again. So I am thinking virtual school or her parents are pretty strict. Which is ok if that is what fits their family. I think it kind of sad that she loves being around horses and cannot be even though she is homeschooled.
When Dusty is working at the horse ranch, Rhett and I take long walks by the canal. It is supposedly illegal to swim in the canal because of dangerous undercurrents. But there is a place where we can go down to a sandy spot that is pretty level. I let Rhett go up to his knees. The water is still pretty cold. We have been finding all sorts of interesting things in the water from pond skaters to water snails. He loves to throw rocks in the water. Its quite a relaxing way to spend the mornings.
Most of our days are spent playing in the backyard, taking walks and sitting in the garden reading books. We venture out to the library once a week and spend a couple of hours there where he plays with other children and the library's pets. They have such a cute guinea pig named CoCo that Rhett is quite fond of.
Soon we will begin visiting the local flora and fauna. There is a place called Bogus Basin that is supposed to be a great place to go hiking. The downtown parks are supposed to be really nice as well. We still have to visit the nature center and zoo here. Supposedly the first Thursday of the month are free days at the museums and such so we shall see.
We are still adapting and Rhett talks about the "pink" house often. Especially how he had to leave his toys there. I hope to replace them soon, I know he is sad about that. I am sad as well. I had to leave some things that were important to me. I know they can be replaced, but not the sentiment.
Life is full of disappointing things, I just have to adjust and move along.
So much has happened. Cody is back home. YaY!!! He is not so happy though. I told him to take this time to solidify his plans for the future. If it means school, then go to school. If he wants to learn a trade, then do so. He has the time right now.
School is starting next week for the locals here. I hear mixed reviews from parents and children alike.
I love the fact that my children will be kept out of the massive crowds at the schools and have the freedom to pursuit their likes. One of the girls who also volunteers at the ranch has to quit even though she homeschools. Dusty said something about her not having time now that school is starting again. So I am thinking virtual school or her parents are pretty strict. Which is ok if that is what fits their family. I think it kind of sad that she loves being around horses and cannot be even though she is homeschooled.
When Dusty is working at the horse ranch, Rhett and I take long walks by the canal. It is supposedly illegal to swim in the canal because of dangerous undercurrents. But there is a place where we can go down to a sandy spot that is pretty level. I let Rhett go up to his knees. The water is still pretty cold. We have been finding all sorts of interesting things in the water from pond skaters to water snails. He loves to throw rocks in the water. Its quite a relaxing way to spend the mornings.
Most of our days are spent playing in the backyard, taking walks and sitting in the garden reading books. We venture out to the library once a week and spend a couple of hours there where he plays with other children and the library's pets. They have such a cute guinea pig named CoCo that Rhett is quite fond of.
Soon we will begin visiting the local flora and fauna. There is a place called Bogus Basin that is supposed to be a great place to go hiking. The downtown parks are supposed to be really nice as well. We still have to visit the nature center and zoo here. Supposedly the first Thursday of the month are free days at the museums and such so we shall see.
We are still adapting and Rhett talks about the "pink" house often. Especially how he had to leave his toys there. I hope to replace them soon, I know he is sad about that. I am sad as well. I had to leave some things that were important to me. I know they can be replaced, but not the sentiment.
Life is full of disappointing things, I just have to adjust and move along.
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