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.

 

Comments

[Jaimi]

Hi! I'm a new reader and am really enjoying your beautiful projects and photographs. Thank you for the inspiration and eye candy.

I'm a knitter and new crocheter, a general crafter, really, and I'd like to learn how to sew. Where did you learn, and any tips for beginners? Thanks!

[nadia]

Ciao,
I was wondering when did you realize to be an artist? What were you crafting?
Congratulation for a wondeful blog and much inspiration!
Nadia

[macati]

hi!
glad you're back... I don't know if I would have the courage you did, to answer questions people make... so, I won't make any... just to tell you "hi" and love the look over the camera!!!
:)
manela

[athena]

Dear! of COURSE we all love your ramblings, and I can ask any question at all about parenting, crafting, life in general? Well let's see the first question that popped into my head is can you be my mom? Just kidding with ya, though I do love your mommyishness and find it inspiring when you say you and your husband pour everything into your children and now you're reaping what you've sown, very inspiring.

;-)

[Meredith]

I enjoy your blog and have been wondering if you crafted since you were little or if it was something you took up later. I am almost 39 and experiencing some kind of crafting "bug"...I started knitting a year and half ago, then sewing, now embroidering. I always wanted to have the knack to do it and didn't, so I am curious about when people began jumping into craft.

Also have you always enjoyed photography? You are very good at it!!

[Dana]

Hello :)

What kind of camera is that ? Your pictures on the blog are always wonderful!What's the secret ;)?

Thanks for a great blog! Keep up the good work!

Dana
d07@goldingers.com

[Amy]

I love reading your blog and looking at all of your beautiful pictures. What do you think about when setting up for a photo? they are arranged so perfectly!

[Meaghan]

I haven't commented yet, but I just wanted to let you know that you're my favorite new blog...new to me, that is. I discovered you somewhat randomly, but I'm so delighted to read your posts whenever they show up in my feed reader!! I dream of your craft room!

So thank you for making the corner of the internet I happen to read that much brighter! :)

best, meaghan from queering domesticity

[patricia]

I don't think I've ever commented on your blog before... not sure. I just want to say that your blog is wonderful and that I specially appreciate your photography. Lovely.

[Jennifer]

I'm a new reader (clicked on your link from Alicia Paulson's blog) and I love your photography. I was going to ask for pointers about that, but since it has already been asked...I would also like to know if you spend a lot of time with your color/design/pattern arrangement of your home and crafts or if it is just a gut thing and you know instantly what would look great together? (long rambling question, sorry!)

[Jennalou]

hmmm... not sure if I've commented around here before... but I've been a reader for a while. I just love looking at your pictures and all your crafty projects!

Seems though like my questions has already been asked... and I don't mean to lack creativity... but I would love to hear about how this all got started.

ps... you are one brave blogger.

[Laura W.]

Hi!
I have been enjoying your blog for several months now. I did recently email you, but, I don't think you got it...not sure...anyway I love your blog, your crafts, your beautiful family. I have six young children and home school and my question is: Do you have any 'favorite' home schooling supplies or books that you have used over and over each year and LOVE...or do you un-school and just learn with your family by reading lots and lots of books (I know you are a library fan ~ as are we) and follow your children's interests??? Any home schooling tips would be great. Also, I was wondering if you have a set time each day that is set aside for a cup of tea and blogging for you or a specific time that you sew etc.. do you have a daily schedule or do you see what each new day brings and 'go with the flow'???? :)
Thanks so much!
Laura

[Eren]

I did this awhile back and it was really fun...and I was worried about being a goof as well. But it was great. Here's mine...your biggest challenge as a mama? what do you think you are really GOOD at? what is one thing you would like to learn to do in the next year or two?

Love your blog as always. Glad you are back and on a mission. Maybe it will rub off on me.

[Susie]

Hi. I love your blog and always look forward to new posts. I especially like your way with all things vintage and thrifted. My question for you is kind of related to that: if you could go back to any period of history (and any place), where would you go and what would you do?

[Sherri]

Your blog is so serene and inspiring. I'm a crafter who never seems to find time to craft. My question is: do you sit down to craft when the spirit moves you, or is it more like, "I've had my breakfast, now it's time to sew/knit/etc.," or? I know I need to MAKE the time to do what I enjoy, but somehow . . . Thanks!

[Kathe Kramer]

Care????
Peek at Simple Sparrow in hopes of some daily lovliness.
Inspiration, I always find it here. You cover all the bases. Family, faith, care of self. You seem to fill so many needs for so many people including all of us readers. How do you do that? Do you worry? If so, what do you do with worry and if not, how? Mother worries is what I mean.
You have taken your generosity of self even further with this post and we care!

[Heather]

Well, someone took my camera question, so how about, what's your fave art/craft to look at and which is your fave to take on?
I like the comfortable voice your blog has, very approachable (in a virtual web kinda way). Happy weekend! ~H

[bigbucketgirl]

Is it just me..but what do you wear when the kids are all elsewhere(?), no-one is coming over, the shops are shut (no chance of emergency thrifting, and it's just YOU time? Weird question? I'm guessing so...says me... typing in my new favourite thrifted outfit...a pink and turquoise kaftan and I even matched my nail polish. (just because I knew I was on here with a beer and peace and quiet!)
xxx

[Ali]

I've just come home from a few days away and decided the house is just plain dirty - I'm spring cleaning this weekend! Perhaps then I'll be able to think about sprucing up!

And a question. How did you decide on your blog name? Does it have special meaning?

[Oona L]

I don't really think I have a question. I agree with what everyone has said. I love you blog and you inspire me to knit more( All I know how to do so far is dishclothes and scarves.And nothing fancy) I would love to learn to crochet. I also cross stitch and do some plastic canvas. Alot of your projects have inspired me to dust off my sewing machine and use it!!!
I love everything about your blog, your writings, pictures and home. Love your taste it is really classy!!
I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your life with us. You have inspired me to enjoy the beauty in everything around me. Not to overlook even the littlest things. I have enjoyed everything you have shared with us. Thanks so much. Oh and greets from New Brunswick, Canada!!!
Keep up the great work...........

[heather wilson]

hi! i have been reading your blog for a few weeks now and I love it!

I was wondering, 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??? lol.

[Mhairi]

Okay, not very original, but...
Who taught you to sew, what age were you, and what was the first thing you made ?
Also, were you homeschooled yourself, and what started you onthe homeschooling for your kids ( i.e. good schools far away/expensive etc.) ?
Phew, think I've asked enough questions for several folk.
My aunt taught me to sew (and knit) , and the first thing I remember making was a bag from leftover scraps from the jacket she was making, I also made a little money purse to go inside the bag. The first thing I remember knitting was a dolly hat, at school, with some horrible variegated acrylic yarn. Miss Stenhouse was our teacher - very talented, very strict. I adored her!

[Ouiz]

I can't think of a question right now either, but I did want to say welcome back and thank you for all the inspiring posts you write!

[vonnie]

Thanks for your fresh and sweet blog....enjoy your photos very much, too. Thanks for being a "cyber-friend"!

[ellen]

Loved your vacation pictures. Am hoping you will show us some new corners of your home once you "spruce up."