It finally feels like summer after a visit to the lupines and buttercups. It was such an amazing day. The little one, perched on a log, picked every last buttercup in reach and they survived the transport around the park, to visit the bunnies, in a sweltering hot car to finally rest in a milk jug on the table. Sweetness. This morning he plans on making buttercup soup.

(missing the Nikon some which is currently being put to good use here but i’m getting back into having to move more with the 50mm. it is not a lazy lens)

Perusing older files - 2006;

Reminiscing - 2004 (34 weeks);

Amongst other things, little A is going to be a photo taker when he grows up. i tell him that he is one already. The Nikon D80 is a step up from his usual Sunday photo taking with the point and shoot but he fairs well and explores his creativity despite which camera he’s using.

it really isn’t the camera that makes the picture but rather the photo taker. Of course these are only my favorites of his growing collection of photos. i’m certain he would have chosen 6 others.

i’ve already linked to this article on my “about” page but in case you don’t venture that way on the main page i’m making it more easily accessible here and now. Read and get inspired with the gear you’ve got.

We’ve been to Maplewood Farm many times before but this was the first time exploring in such a big group (i don’t know how i managed to take all these photos without others in the back and foreground?). it was pretty fun running into our Waldorf friends left right and center on this fantastic field trip.The goats seemed less nosy than usual and more content to lie their full pregnant bellies in the sun while the wee little lambs huddled with their mamas in the barn. The bunnies were soft as ever though seemingly perturbed by the constant urgings to eat more more more. The chickens and ducks, on the other hand, could eat rather endlessly. it’s a beautiful place, this farm so near to the city, with it’s trails, bridges and duck pond. We enjoyed again.

little greens from our little garden - i dare any weed to just try and take root. we are at the ready, eager really to pull something up from the planted ground.

Little A and i were gifted these fun pancake molds (Thank you T!) and so the morning  began at 6;30  with “it’s pancake day! Let’s get up.” I am so grateful for my full night’s rest because pancakes are always a little more messy than the usual hot cereal breakfast routine. It was well worth the fuss. The little one has been dancing and singing about pancakes and how good they were and what a great idea the shapes are and is now quietly writing out his version of the recipe we modified.

whisk together in a large bowl;

1c whole wheat flour

3/4c unbleached flour

1/3c stone ground cornmeal

2 tbsp wheat germ

2 tbsp cold milled flax seeds

a token pinch of granulated cane sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

pinch of each cinnamon and nutmeg

whisk together in another bowl;

1 and 3/4c milk

4 tbsp unsalted melted butter

a token drizzle of honey

3 large eggs

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and whisk them together just until combined. Spoon the batter onto your hot buttered griddle - first one’s always the tester.  Serve with fresh fruits and maple syrup. Delicious. I’ve cooked up the rest of the batter so we can warm them in the oven for snacks later.

We love the Children’s Festival despite the $expense$ and poor weather all week long. It is especially fun when friends come along to join in being both entertained and overwhelmed.

I don’t know why but Salty Sam is the highlight for Little A. The seagull is what he remembers, what he looks forward to and today he braved a high 5. I’m certain he’ll talk about it for months.

Amongst the regular stilt walkers and dressed up folk were a couple of hobbits who i thought were quirky and brilliant.

I came across this older photo of a small fire we built while waiting in line at the festival last year.

Wishes. Little A wishes it was his birthday.

It’s not his birthday though. It is everyone else’s birthdays. So many of them that i can’t keep up but that doesn’t mean i’m not thinking of you all.  I did get to enjoy a special Sunday brunch with 2 lovely May birthday girlfriends in town on getaway from their little yayas. I’ve grown up and away with each of them at different times. It’s so cool that they have connected together now. Brunch, shopping, gelati, visiting…. a good afternoon with the good folk.

You know the saying, “birds of a  feather…” Lynn from Satsuma Press was so quick and efficient in posting my last minute order of these prints that i even had time to pop in at Opus to frame them before gifting them to my flock.  I love mine. So much.

Oooh and how did i never notice these irresistible squares at the art supply store? I’m so glad i was wearing my red shoes today.

They’re in much better shape than little A’s worn out campers.  Am i really going to buy him another pair?

The sun is shining. It smells of summer. We spent another great day this weekend with friends around the parks. I am thoroughly entertained by the little one’s shows;

it is such a fascinating time of discovering, this pre 5 age, being hungry for life and learning with so many questions and wonder. i can’t say that i’m terribly thrilled to play ALL of his games but in nature is where we most easily connect and are most deeply satisfied. he still won’t touch pages of books with spiders or crabs or other creepy crawlies but his curiousity is aroused by the ever so curious snail.

and worms, well, they’re like treasures and there are plenty to find. at preschool one child asks, “can that worm be my worm?” another child replies, “the worms belong to all of us.” they are utterly enthralled.

spent the day with my little one. i assure you it wasn’t all daisies and buttercups but there sure were some sweet moments.

We all went on  safari;

and came home tuckered out;

but not really;

Enjoy your weekend!

(one day i’ll change the Easter banner but first i have to figure out how).

come and see us at got craft? this Sunday May3rd 11-5.

First 30 people through the doors will receive a promotional swag bag. Be forewarned the line up will be long and lengthy and, i trust, well worth the wait.

Hopefully you won’t miss me tucked into the far left corner as you enter the room. The space will be colorful of dolls, crowns, wool felt balls, picnic placemats and other bright and natural  items for wee ones and their folks. i will have just a few wee dresses for ages 2-3yrs as well as a few pairs of lightweight corduroy pants ages 2-5yrs.

Though it may not seem to be the season in Vancouver, these fabric scarves suit the transitional weather.

In time for Mother’s Day, these organic lavender eye pillows make a perfect gift for a mom in need of some extra relaxation. Pair it with a massage gift certificate and you will have a very happy mom.

May is the month of birthdays for me and so i have been busy sewing festive bunting flags. (photo credit - Jen from Beebee Mod is also carrying Little Red Caboose flags.)