simplesparrow

it lives, and lives well

I had my son pick 2 random numbers from the give away post and the winners are Heather Wilson and Francine . Yay! Send your addresses girls and I'll get a little something out to you soon.

Here's an outside corner of my home . This vine is climbing by my front door and I love it so much. Last winter we had a pretty good freeze and I thought I had lost it. Nope! It's thriving and giving me loads of happiness.

Well--back to sea, as we say around here when there is work to be done. I'm still trying to check off my list of things to get done around here before we start school. It's just all going at a snail's pace. Dang.

Like I said, back to sea...

and all the rest

Do you worry?  If so, what do you do with worry and if not, how?  Mother worries is what I mean.Oh yes, I can worry up a storm if I didn't stop myself. It seems mothers are looking out for their children in so many ways--there is always something to be concerned about! I pray for them a lot, and that gives me a lot of peace. I know that God loves them so much and wants what's best for them. I know I can trust Him to take of them and lead them in the direction they should go. My faith in Jesus and in His promises is what keeps me from getting overwhelmed with worry.

What's your favorite art/craft to look at and which is your favorite to take on?
I do love to look at beautifully, handcrafted jewelry. It is just so amazing to me. My favorite to take on? That would have to be sewing and crochet.

What do you wear when the kids are all elsewhere(?), no-one is coming over, and it's just YOU time?
hehe...that's funny. I'm afraid my answer is going to be totally boring but, I just wear my normal stuff, kids or no kids, company or not. Wide legged or flared jeans, (low rise to, I will never ever wear anything up around my waist again! the low ones are just way more comfortable) a simple shirt and almost always a zippered hoody of some kind and flip-flops. Plain jane. That doesn't mean I don't like to spruce up now and then, I DO. And I really don't want to look frumpy.

How did you decide on your blog name? Does it have special meaning?
When I first started blogging over on Blogger I had a different name. When I decided to switch to Typepad, I was also thinking about trying my hand at selling my stuff. I wanted my blog name and my "label" to be the same, and I didn't want it to be what I was already using. Long story short, I was in the shower and the thought came to me--I'm a simple gal--I like simple food, simple style, simple living and simple projects! Basic stuff, nothing to fancy. I also love birds and sparrows are sweet and humble. Simple. So there you have it, Simple Sparrow. Rocket science, eh? :)

What made you decide to start blogging in the first place? I am thinking of starting a blog but then I think, what do i really have to say?
The first part of that question I think I covered in my last post. I will add though, that when I discovered crafts blogs *I knew* I just had to be a part of this whole crafty world. It really did fuel my fire to be creative on a greater level then ever before. What do you have to say? Plenty! Start your blog! Be your self, post when you feel inspired and let it come from your heart. That's it. You'll be making friends in no time I'm sure.

Were you home schooled yourself, and why did you start home schooling your kids?
No, I wasn't. I don't think anyone was doing it when I was in school, maybe the last couple of years it was just starting as a movement. I would have loved to have been HS. Knowing myself, I think I would have thrived learning that way. Public school was just one big distraction for me. It made me very self conscience and pre-occupied with things that had no lasting value. As for why we chose HS for our kids, that's a longer tale then I have time to type right now. The nutshell is this: passing on our faith and our values was a priority. We felt it would be much harder to do that if they were gone 5 days a week for several hours and at the same time undoing all the negatives they would be exposed to. We wanted to really know them and have lots of time with them--they grow up way to fast. Home schooling has so much flexibility in schedule and in tailoring studies to each individual child. Even though I have felt feeble sometimes in my teaching efforts, my kids know so much!! Something is working, and working well. I really could share SO MUCH more. But I'll stop here :)

What three pieces of advice would you give to this Mom of an 8 and almost 6 year old? How do we keep our kids close to us as they enter their pre-teen and teen years?
Let me first say that I've shed many tears worrying if I have done a good job as a mom. I've had a lot of successes, but I've also made mistakes. Hopefully I'm learning and doing better each year. Whenever I'm asked to narrow something down, such as just 3 pieces of advice, I get a bit frantic! What is the most important? Certainly there is way more then 3 things! Oh gosh, can I give the right answer? Anyway.....
(sorry for the ramble)

1. Have fun with your kids. Enjoy them. Fake it at first if you have to :)  Laugh with them, play with them, work with them. Smile at them A LOT. Involve them in YOUR life, get involved in THEIR life. Show them you are interested in the things they enjoy and care about.

2. Listen to them. As soon as the they start talking and don't stop. Look them in the eye, give them your full attention. If you want teenagers that will talk to you, listen to them NOW.

3. Be a happy person. Enjoy life, make your home a happy place to be. Deal with stress and problems in your own life so it isn't always carrying over into theirs. That doesn't mean they can't see you work through a hard time, but I never wanted them to remember their mom as someone who was ALWAYS dragging and stressed out. I've known moms like that and the whole family suffered. Be thankful, everyday. When you have a habit of thankfulness, the sun is suddenly shining much brighter.

Lastly, I know this has been way more then just 3! Love and respect your husband. Kids feel secure and at ease when they know mom and dad are in love. We could talk for weeks on how to carry all this out day to day. I know I'm leaving gaps, I hope you get my gist.

What is your favorite part of the crafting process: eg. choosing materials, designing or sewing it all together? Designing and choosing. My dad was right, I'm a shooter not a skinner.

What is the best advice you can give a crafter for beginning to sell their items...how would you recommend etsy, craft fairs, or other venues for someone who would like to share their crafts with others but who still have a full time job outside of the crafty world?
I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer this! I've only ever done one craft fair, Felt Club. It was great and lots of fun, but I'm not up for the amount of work that goes into doing a fair very often. Etsy is a great thing. You can craft and list at your own pace, whenever you want or have time. I would suggest starting there. I've been selling on etsy for almost 2 years now and it just fits in so well with the rest of my life. I don't have a job outside of the home, but being a full time mom and home schooling limits my time for other things just the same. Etsy is a good fit.

My question would be - how do you come up with your designs? I've got a fledgling craft business on the go but my problem is how to make something original to sell which doesn't infringe someone else's copyright.
This topic has been talked about lots in the crafty blog world. We are all very much inspired by the same things. Still, I would not want to rob anyone of their work, no do I even want to be border line close! There are some basic shapes that we all work with and you can make them your own by the materials you choose and the details you add. I really try to developed my own style with each piece that I make. Keep in mind too, that, there are really no *new* ideas out there. Just different and unique spins on things that have been around for a very long time.

I would like to know what your favorite craft book is?
Oh there are lots. I love all the new ones that are buzzing around the blogs and if you add Japanese craft books, well, prepare yourself for some serious addiction. I also look for vintage craft books when I go the thrift store.

Are you looking forward to the new school year yet? What is your favorite back-to-school tradition?
Yes, I always look forward to a new year. That's the great thing about seasons. Just when one is coming to a close, I feel ready and excited for the next. I also look forward to getting a little more of a routine going after the carefree days of summer. No favorite traditions, but I do always look forward to buying spanking brand new crayons and pencils!

Has it always come this easy to you (blogging) ? Have you had to work hard to cultivate the beauty and order in your life or does it just come naturally? When you had littler kids, was it this same way, or did you find yourself with less time than energy like I do every day?

I think all things good and lovely come with hard work. I don't think I'm so much of a natural as much as I am stubborn! I know what I want and I work at it until I get it. There are days when I just settle too, I don't want to be obnoxious about having everything *just so*. There are to many other things in life waiting to get done. I'm a real, regular person that doesn't live in a magazine. Just peek inside my laundry room ;) As far as having time and energy, it does get much easier as your kids get older. I would not have even considered blogging 5 years ago.

How do you get focussed?..there are dozens of things I would like to create but I keep flitting between them all and achieving nothing.
That's a hard one. I get that too. I think the nitty-gritty is that we just have to stay on task with one project at a time (or 2) until it gets done.  I'm afraid discipline is the key word here. That's what it's been for me. Otherwise I just keep buying supplies for all these projects I'm thinking up and nothing ever gets done!

if you were holding a dinner party and could invite anybody you liked, from any historical period or fictional character etc, who would you ask?
You would think that after all these years of reading great historical novels to my kids I could think of someone! I can't. What a wimp. Maybe I would have Martha Stewart over and serve her a peanut butter sandwich. Sometimes this is real life Martha, real life. just kidding.

What is your favorite biscuit?
Something with coconut and chocolate. But most will do!

What is your most recent item you started collecting? Do you have a certain favorite color this fall you like to work with? Even though I keep my eyes open for several favorite things, I really only have one collection that I would like to keep adding to--my white, vintage pottery. I have about 6 pieces now I think. I haven't started to think about fall colors just yet, but it will undoubtedly include my old standby *green*

There, all done! It was quite an effort on my end but I've enjoyed it. Thank you again for providing the conversation! I fought through an electrical storm for the last hour and a half with the power going off and losing my post, to typing it again and saving it after each question! That's the stubborn part in me, I will get this done says she!!

If I didn't answer your question directly it was because I got a few that were essentially asking the same thing and I just answered the one that came first. I'll announce the winners for the give away in my next post.

Nighty-night all,

T.

 

   

carrying on

Do you spend a lot of time with color/design/pattern or do you just know instantly what looks great together?
A little of both. As far as instantly knowing, I would have to clarify that that would be by my definition! I know what I like, what gives me that satisfied feeling---that does not mean it's great by other people's standards! There are times when all the elements of what I'm working with just click right away and I know. So great when that happens. Then, I absolutely have times of mulling things over and over again until it's good. I really want to love what I design. I'm trying to hold myself to that standard, but sometimes I give in to second best still.

How did all this get started?
I'm assuming this question is in reference to blogging, if not let me know! 2 years ago I accidentally came across Bella Dia . What's this? Someone sharing about making stuff? Look at those incredible pincushions!! Oh boy, look at all the links to other making...blogs?! This is a blog? All of that went through my head as I just ate up all the goodness on Cassi's site and the links she had to other blogs. I didn't even know what a blog was until that day. I don't think it was more then 2 or 3 days later that I started my own craft blog on Blogger and then about 3 months into it I switched to Typepad. It's been a super fun ride ever since.

Do you have any favorite home schooling supplies?
Oh no! I'm actually drawing a blank right now! Really though, my very favorite way of home schooling is to let my children's interests lead. For instance, I've shared how Noah, my 6 yr. old, is super interested in owls and other birds of prey. With that in mind, I'll bring home lots of great books from the library with great pictures and any nature documentaries I can find on birds of prey. We read to him A LOT. We'll take him to the zoo where he can see them up close or to our tiny natural history museum where he can see several stuffed ones. Mark has been taking him almost each night before bed on an "owl drive". We live in a pretty rural area and there is one road in particular where we can spot several Barn and Great Horned owls! It's really exciting! In a nut-shell, we just try to provide a rich environment for learning and try our best to bring lots of resources and opportunities their way. As they get older we throw in a couple of textbooks because they can be helpful---especially with math! But we try to keep this same philosophy with the older kids as well. I've seen the best results with my kids learning in this fashion.

Do you have a set time each day for blogging or sewing?
Nope! I just grab the time when it presents itself. Although I do try to blog or sew when my family is occupied doing other things. I want to first always be available to my kids or husband. If I take time to do those things when my family needs me or we have time to all be together, then I feel like I've missed out on something more valuable. There have been days though, when I make an announcement: people, I just need to sew right now, or be alone or whatever it may be... It's important to make time when you really need it too.

Set schedule, or go with the flow?
Again, a little of both! I've found that a regular routine is very conducive to happy kids and a happy home. Of course, being flexible is so important. You can't take advantage of worthwhile and meaningful opportunities that pop up spontaneously if you are a task master to your schedule. I try, try, try to keep a balance. So hard sometimes! I'm very spontaneous by nature and can get distracted very easily. I work hard at staying on track ;)

What's your biggest challenge as a mom?
Gosh. There are several I'm sure, but I'm feeling blank again! This one just came to mind, and that is when my kids are bored (that's a bad word to me!) I'm not quite sure what to do. I feel responsible somehow. I come up with all kinds of suggestions and if nothing works I just feel squirmy inside until we can fix it. I know that life sometimes is just boring and I can't expect myself to be a cruise director 24/7! I don't want that feeling to last too long. And I want to make sure I do what I can to help direct their interest toward something. Fortunately, this doesn't happen very often. Whew.

What do you think you are really good at?
I'm good at not ever yelling at my kids. That was so important to me when I became a mom, I felt determined. Way too many experiences of hearing moms yelling at their kids in public--it just made me cringe. I have pretty good self control when I'm frustrated, sometimes I may need to be alone in a hurry...ahem :) but I never take anything out on them.

What would you like to learn to do in the next year or two?
Maybe knit, I only know how to crochet right now. Actually, I would love to learn how to crochet socks! One thing about home schooling my kids is that I'm learning new things all.the.time. I have learned more teaching my own kids then I ever did when I went to school! It definitely gives me the satisfaction that I'm still growing in my knowledge, which may explain why I can't think of anything else!

If you could go back to any period of history (and any place), where would you go and what would you do? 
Oh boy. Great question, but a tough one too! Off the top of my head, I'm a Little House on the Prairie fan and I love that life was much more home focused back then and simple. I know it was also a lot of work and I certainly do appreciate some of the modern equipment we have today that makes life easier! I'm really such a home-body and I love all that home make-y stuff...baking, gardening, sewing etc. And maybe, if I really could go back in time, I would just stay right here! I'm very happy with my life.

Photos:

1. My super adorable, sack of potatoes kitty--Otter.

2. Noah being Noah.

3. Brothers. Aren't they beautiful?

ok then, here we go!

Oh gosh, thanks guys so much for your questions! I got some of the nicest and sweetest comments too, you really know how to tug at my heart strings! Thank you.

Well, I thought originally that I would try to group the questions together in categories and answer them that way, but now I think it might just be easier to answer them in the order the came.

How did you learn to sew? Any tips for beginners? 
I don't have any memories of actually sewing anything until I took Home Ec in 7th grade. Although, I have lots of watching my mother sew (and fighting with her machine over the tension) when I was very young. I also remember always being very interested in anything someone made themselves. So, I guess the whole sewing thing started for me in Jr. High but the fascination with it was there all along. My own interest in it and the classes I would continue to take in school gave me my foundation. Most of my sewing skills came from trial and error and I shudder to think of some of the errors I wore to high school! My advice to beginners would be to not take on anything to grand that would be totally frustrating and rob you of the fun. Start basic and work your way up to more involved projects. Don't be afraid of trying a new skill, and most of all DON'T EVER GIVE UP! It will all be worth it, promise.

When did you realize you were and artist, what were you crafting?
I have never thought of myself as an artist. That word has always felt way more talented then I ever considered myself. Though I have come to the conclusion recently, that what many of us do really is art. I don't feel that way about everything I make of course, but some of it I do. In our own personal ways, I think we are all artists. That feeling has been coming on slowly and only recently. There was not a defining moment while I was working on anything in particular.

Have you crafted since you were little or did you start later in life?
Yes, since I was young. I remember making Christmas ornaments each year, doing cross stitch that came in those tiny kits complete with a cheap-o frame and crocheting a 50 ft. long chain because my mom forgot how to turn around! ha. I would say no matter your age now, if you have an interest--dive in!

Have you always enjoyed photography? What kind of camera do you use?
Oh yes, have always enjoyed photography. I took it in high school, way back before digital ;) and used a dark room for all my developing. The camera I use now was given to me (thank you daddy!) and it's a Cannon Rebel. It's their older model, but still plenty of camera for me. More bells and whistles then I know what to do with!

What do you think about when setting up a photo?
Well, first I think about the color or colors of the object I'm photographing and what kind of background would complement it best. It's not like I have a lot choices around  here, but  almost always I prefer a neutral background. Overall, I always want to think about the whole photo and not just my subject. Natural light is always best I think, so I wait (if time permits) for the right time of the day when I know the light will be pretty. Or, sometimes I notice how wonderful the light is spontaneously and grab my camera for an impromptu shoot. And then there are those days when just getting the picture taken is the priority and I don't have the luxury of setting things up just the way I would like them. Such is the life of a mom! Details need to wait many days.

I just got a call from Mark and he is taking me out to dinner! So I'll need to stop a little short of where I planned. Answering all your wonderful questions will take another post or 2, or 5 :)

A bit about the photos before I run:

1. Still life in monochrome. Flowers from my yard, ceramic lemon.

2. New pink daisies I'm getting ready to plant.

3. Part of my whole sprucing up deal, an old chandelier is getting a new paint job! Can't wait to hang it.

Back soon!

T.

there and back again

Nothing makes me feel quite as settled in as a fresh bouquet for my kitchen table. Nice to be home, as always. It's funny, when you've been away for a while you suddenly see your home in a new light. I wish I was I going to tell you how pleased I was to see everything organized and clutter free.... alas, ALL I seemed to notice was how UN-organized and how NOT clutter free some areas of my house are! Gee-whiz, was I wearing dark sunglasses all summer? Well, it's all crystal clear now and I'm on a mission to get this place in shape (really, does it ever end??)

Along with de-cluttering and organizing, I really want to do some long over due sprucing up around here. New pillows for the couch (long, long, LONG over due) some furniture re-arranging, some painting, and hanging a new-old chandelier that has been in a box since Christmas for starters.

While I'm busy with all that, I thought I would copy Blair's idea, which I thought was so great, and see if any of you would like to ask me any questions. You know, kind of like getting to know the blogger behind the blog as Blair said, and I'll answer them in my next post (this question is a little scary to ask, I mean, what if no one wants to! that is very possible...gulp.) So, as I continue typing with one eye squinted and a "what if I end up looking like a total dork" expression on my face...ask me anything you would like to know. Parenting, crafting, just life in general. I'm open :)

And since I was already planning to do a give-away when I got back, I'll just make this part of it. I'll draw a name or two from the comments and send a little thank you gift for reading simple sparrow. Because really, I'm just so grateful that you guys even care about my ramblings here!

edited: I have all the questions I can handle for now, thank you! But please feel free to leave a comment if you would like your name to go into the drawing for the give-away.

 

summer vacation #3

I've been wearing a big smile as I watch my little guy lose his nervousness around the water and paddle around with lots of excitement. In the deep end even. Watching my older kids play around together brings equally big smiles too.

While in the land of the blackberry one must always make a blackberry pie. This one is compliments of Hannah. No recipe, just her magic touch.

And what is a vacation without some shopping? My favorite buy is that adorable clock. The little bird ticks back and forth. It sold me in about 2 seconds flat. The others are some inspiring reading, a lovely plate and a bamboo lantern that gives off the faintest glow. It will be a perfect night-light.

Hannah and I also had the very wonderful pleasure of enjoying lunch with Vicki and Grace,

and dinner with Alicia...

My heart was warmed by their generous hospitality and the time they gave to us. Hannah and I felt so loved. I never expected blogging to lead to such wonderful connections. Isn't it nice that life still holds so many happy surprises. Send your love and prayers to Alicia and Andy, their precious Audrey had to leave them and just maybe all of our support will help to fill the hole that is in their hearts.

This is my last vacation post. I hope all of this wasn't to boring for some you! I'll be home the middle of next week and regular life will resume with lots of crafting to chat about.

Until then, be well friends.

xo,

T.

summer vacation #2

The farm.

This is the home of my husband's mom. She's lived here I think for about 23 years. She raises sheep and cattle on a small scale and always has a huge vegetable garden. I love to roam the garden. It's quiet and beautiful, and I love to see food growing as opposed to how I see it most of the time--in the produce section of the market. I am so fond of vegetable gardens, big or small. The sights the sounds, it just seems so right.

We actually lived next-door to her here, on a piece of property she gave us for about 3 years. Hannah was born at home right there out in the country. Those were 3 special years and we have so many fond memories. The 3 boys were in heaven with 16 acres to roam and dig (little boys love to dig you know, all the way to China if they could) and a swimming hole just across the road. Mark's brother now lives on that piece of property running his nursery business. It's good to have it in the family still and that's how it will stay for a very long time.

Inner tubes waiting for the creek.

Feeding time for the cows. Grandma has named each one of them :)

One of my favorite gates that the grape vine has taken over. I still went through it, hunched over and all.

I took pictures of all the gates around the house and garden. I feel sentimental about them I guess. Going in and out so many times, the endless times of reminding the kids to close them, the familiar and different squeaks each one makes. They seem like part of the family.

I forgot to ask grandma what this was, but who could resist taking a picture of it with that gorgeous color and curious vine meandering it's way through? Not I. 

Farm, I will always love you...xo.

my summer vacation #1

My new shoes now stand on Washington soil.

I have been once again pondering the perfect beauty of my favorite tree in my parent's yard.

Playing lots of croquet.

Doing a little fabric shopping, lots of relaxing, and taking in the many peaceful images around my parent's home.