Inspiration

Lately I've been thinking about all the lovely new friends I've been meeting recently... many of them from the blogging world. It reminded me of this piece I had written for One Generation to Another March 9, 2008. So, for no particular reason, this is for all my friends... old and new!  

If you were ever a Brownie you know the song…

Make new friends, but keep the old,
One is silver and the other’s gold.

New friends are great! They’re kinda like a “do over”. I ran into a neighbor “boy” that was home visiting his parents. He is now married and he and his wife bought their first home. After we were chatting for a while he said, “Boy, I was a jerk in high school. I wish I could go back and apologize to a ton of people.” The truth is he was a jerk. He was a bully, and he and his friends terrorized many insecure classmates. A dear friend’s son was often the target of his cruelty. And perhaps not surprisingly, but totally irrational, this “jerk” was quite popular. I looked at this neighbor “boy” and I thought, “You know, I think you really have changed.” He was nice mannered, pleasant and very communicative. Anyone who met him now would have a profoundly different impression of him than his classmates and teachers did back in his high school days.

New friends fall into the category of “Variety is the spice of life.” As we go through our lives, interests change. Maybe in college you were the partying sorority girl. Now, by some cosmic hiccup you’ve become, of all things, a crunchy mom. How is that even possible? And although you hold tightly to your old friends, it’s wonderful to make new friends that share your present mindset. (There’s no way your still single college roommate who continues to party every weekend would give a flying leap that you found a supplier of organic diaper wraps!) So, new friends, with common interests, allow you to share a slice of your life…maybe, some day, they will become “old friends”, but for the time being, they enrich our lives and embellish our personal tapestry.

But this blog is really about “old friends”…those friends that have been with us through thick and thin. They’ve seen us at our best…and our worst. They may be people we talk to every day or just exchange annual newsletters with at Christmas time, but they are the people who “knew us when”. Several years ago I took an “old friend” to the community Bible study I belonged to. We’ve been friends since she was 16 and I was 19…so, hmmmm, OMG…34 years! Irrelevant, other than demonstrating that we’ve been together for a long time! Anyway, we were sitting in the pews of the church where a visiting speaker was talking about temperance. She was this little old lady, who was standing on a stool to be seen above the podium. She was waving her hands, slamming her fist on the lectern, talking about the evils of alcohol. Now, I can guarantee you, being raised Catholic, I had never once heard a sermon quite like this one. I think this is what Carrie Nation must have sounded like! Anyway, with a grin on my face, I leaned into my friend to make a comment, but when I turned around I noticed she had slid about 6 feet away from me. I whispered, “What are you doing?” And with a completely deadpan face she whispered back, “When the lighting hits, I don’t want to be sitting too close to you!” I faked a coughing attach, and made my way to the bathroom just in time to avoid wetting my pants! There wasn’t a single other person in that room who could have made that comment to me. She continually tells friends that the only time she ever got in trouble was when she was with me. When our children were young, her father always grimaced when she mentioned I was watching her kids and to this day he develops facial tics when my name is brought up! Old friends!

Every Wednesday morning I meet a group of “old friends” for coffee, aforementioned friend being among them. We’ve known each other for eons. I remember when we use to talk about “boys”, then babies and stretch marks. We’re still talking about stretch marks, but also about menopause, our husband’s heart attack, saggy boobs, and the grand babies. We also talk about politics, books, our children, and hot actors. (Quite true!) And we still talk about our youth. (Again, ask my pew pal about “chaps and the Marriot”…I think she blew the entire thing out of proportion…at least that’s what the guys in the band would say!) But, I digress…

But there you have it…our existence is a kaleidoscope of old and new friends, everyone adding a little to our life. As time goes by we find some of our new friends and acquaintances are temporary or “situational” friends, but some hold fast and become kindred spirits. I’ve forgotten the name of some friends I’ve made over the years, yet I am grateful that they were there when I needed them. But I must admit, I am every so grateful, and feel blessed, every time I think about my handful of close friends. The ones who knew me when…and to quote Simon and Garfunkel in their song Bookends…

Time it was and what a time it was it was,
A time of innocence, a time of confidences.

There is no overriding purpose to this week’s blog other than acknowledging the value of friendship. I wish all my friends out there, the old and the “new”, a lifetime of friendships that grow and flourish and bestow untold smiles upon your days!

We are very excited to introduce our newest sponsor, Bella Luna Toys, and specifically Sarah Baldwin; owner and Waldorf educator. In keeping with our philosophy of offering sponsorships to shops that reflect the values of Wee Folk Art, we can honestly say we would be delighted to own ANYTHING Sarah offers at Bella Luna Toys. We thought it would be great fun to interview Sarah so we all got to know her a little better. 

If you are a Waldorf parent, you will find Sarah to be a kindred spirit. If you're not quite sure what Waldorf is all about, Sarah does a wonderful job of sharing the basic philosophies and how they impact education and home. I am grateful that Sarah has taken the time to share her extensive expertise with us, and I know I am a little wiser after reading the interview.

Make sure you take the time to not only read this delightful interview, but to make your way over to Bella Luna Toys, and take a look around. I spoke to Sarah several days ago, and as the new owner, she has big plans. Over the next few months you can expect to see a new look to the website, and the addition of many wonderful toys. And, oh yes... I almost forgot... we talked about a super Give Away that is sure to excite all Wee Folk Art readers. You'll hear about that in a couple of weeks. Yay! For the time being, grab a hot beverage, a few quite moments, and enjoy getting to know Sarah. I know I did! If you have another question for Sarah, just post it in the comments and she'll answer it as soon as possible.   

Kimara: In a nutshell, what distinguishes a Waldorf classroom from a more traditional educational environment?

Sarah: There are so many facets and layers to Waldorf education that it is nearly impossible to describe it in a neat, tidy package, even though I am frequently asked to do so! Since I am an early childhood teacher, I will highlight three of the key elements that distinguish a Waldorf early childhood classroom from that of a more mainstream preschool.

• A homelike environment with an emphasis on natural materials

A Waldorf kindergarten is typically furnished to look much like a home, with silk curtains, wool rugs, a rocking chair and wooden tables and chairs. Teachers consciously choose playthings for the classroom that will nourish a young child's senses, and sheathe them in beauty. Toys found in the classroom are made from natural fiber and materials to nourish a young child's senses.

• Real work for a real purpose

Waldorf teachers model meaningful, purposeful work in the classroom by engaging in activities such as cooking, cleaning, baking, sewing or knitting. Outdoors, teachers may be found raking, gardening, filling bird feeders or shoveling snow. Out of imitation, children engage in, and help with, all these activities. The children are learning real life skills, as they become confident and capable helpers.

• Imagination and Play

Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, emphasized the importance of the imagination in childhood, and Waldorf educators believe that imaginative play is the key to creative thinking later in life. In a Waldorf early childhood classroom, ample time is allowed each day for unstructured, imaginative play without a lot of adult interference. This is when an observer might see children becoming cats and mice; witness tea parties in the play kitchen; boys and girls building large structures out of Waldorf wooden playstands draped with large silks; building with stumps and natural tree blocks; and other children donning capes and crowns to become princesses and princes. One might say that free play is the heart of a Waldorf kindergarten morning.

To read the remainder of Sarah's insightful interview, click HERE!

We are very excited to introduce our newest sponsor, Bella Luna Toys, and specifically Sarah Baldwin; owner and Waldorf educator. In keeping with our philosophy of offering sponsorships to shops that reflect the values of Wee Folk Art, we can honestly say we would be delighted to own ANYTHING Sarah offers at Bella Luna Toys. We thought it would be great fun to interview Sarah so we all got to know her a little better.

If you are a Waldorf parent, you will find Sarah to be a kindred spirit. If you're not quite sure what Waldorf is all about, Sarah does a wonderful job of sharing the basic philosophies and how they impact education and home. I am grateful that Sarah has taken the time to share her extensive expertise with us, and I know I am a little wiser after reading the interview.

Make sure you take the time to not only read this delightful interview, but make your way over to Bella Luna Toys, and take a look around. I spoke to Sarah several days ago, and as the new owner, she has big plans. Over the next few months you can expect to see a new look to the website, and the addition of many wonderful toys. And, oh yes... I almost forgot... we talked about a super Give Away that is sure to excite all Wee Folk Art readers. You'll hear about that in a couple of weeks. Yay! For the time being, grab a hot beverage, a few quite moments, and enjoy getting to know Sarah. I know I did! If you have another question for Sarah, just post it in the comments, and she'll answer it as soon as possible. 

Kimara: In a nutshell, what distinguishes a Waldorf classroom from a more traditional educational environment?

Sarah: There are so many facets and layers to Waldorf education that it is nearly impossible to describe it in a neat, tidy package, even though I am frequently asked to do so! Since I am an early childhood teacher, I will highlight three of the key elements that distinguish a Waldorf early childhood classroom from that of a more mainstream preschool.

• A homelike environment with an emphasis on natural materials

A Waldorf kindergarten is typically furnished to look much like a home, with silk curtains, wool rugs, a rocking chair and wooden tables and chairs. Teachers consciously choose playthings for the classroom that will nourish a young child's senses, and sheathe them in beauty. Toys found in the classroom are made from natural fiber and materials to nourish a young child's senses.

• Real work for a real purpose

Waldorf teachers model meaningful, purposeful work in the classroom by engaging in activities such as cooking, cleaning, baking, sewing or knitting. Outdoors, teachers may be found raking, gardening, filling birdfeeders or shoveling snow. Out of imitation, children engage in, and help with, all these activities. The children are learning real life skills, as they become confident and capable helpers.

• Imagination and Play

Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, emphasized the importance of the imagination in childhood, and Waldorf educators believe that imaginative play is the key to creative thinking later in life. In a Waldorf early childhood classroom, ample time is allowed each day for unstructured, imaginative play without a lot of adult interference. This is when an observer might see children becoming cats and mice; witness tea parties in the play kitchen; boys and girls building large structures out of Waldorf wooden playstands draped with large silks; building with stumps and natural tree blocks; and other children donning capes and crowns to become princesses and princes. One might say that free play is the heart of a Waldorf kindergarten morning.

Kimara: How can parents bring the Waldorf philosophy into their homes?

Sarah: Waldorf teachers work consciously with the idea of "rhythm." We talk about the rhythm of the day, the rhythm of the week and the rhythm of the year. The daily rhythm is a regular, predictable schedule. An example would be a morning that starts with free play, which is then followed by cleanup, circle time, rest time, snack time, outdoor time, story time and lunch. This daily rhythm would be the same all year long without variation. Once the children become familiar with the rhythm, they relax into it and benefit from the predictability of the day. They feel confident and secure, knowing exactly what to expect. Children can be become quite anxious when their days are irregular and unpredictable. So one important thing parents can do is to bring more rhythm into their home. Have regular times for meals, bath and bed, and add little rituals to each of these activities.

Another thing parents can do is to bring reverence and ritual to the family meal table. Even if you are not religious, take a moment to light a candle and say a verse of gratitude for the food you are about to eat. One can thank God, or simply thank the sun and the rain for producing the food. What's important is to cultivate a sense of reverence and gratitude in your children. And, of course, eating meals together as a family!

Kimara: Before the birth of your first child, you were pursuing a career as an actress. How were you able to utilize that training in the Waldorf classroom?

Sarah: Before my son Harper was born, I was working as an actress, but even then I had been thinking about going to back to school to become a teacher. At the time, I thought of this as a career change. However, after I discovered Waldorf education, with its emphasis on storytelling, puppetry, singing and reciting verses, I came to think of it as a career progression. Not only did those artistic skills lend themselves to my work as an early childhood teacher, but it also allowed me to be quite comfortable "performing" in front of parents when I taught Parent/Toddler classes. I felt like I was still performing, but now for a higher purpose and for a much more appreciative audience!

Kimara: I know I’m asking for a very condensed explanation, but implementing the Waldorf philosophy, what are the attributes parents should look for when crafting or purchasing playthings for their children?

Sarah: One exercise I used to do with parents in my classes during a parent evening on “toys and play” was to blindfold them. Then I would hand them different toys. Some were typical toys from a modern child's toy box, such as Barbie dolls, action figures, metal trucks, plastic baby dolls and so forth; alternating with toys from our Waldorf classroom, such as shells, stones, sanded pieces of wood or dolls made from cotton and wool. I would ask each parent to feel the toys, smell them, and even taste them, if they dared! (Because all babies WILL put toys into their mouth.) I urge you to try it. Even when blindfolded, this exercise will really "open your eyes" as to how children experience toys with all their senses. The experience of touching cold metal vs. warm wood, or the different qualities between a plastic doll and one made of natural fibers can really be appreciated when not relying on one's sense of sight.

Rudolf Steiner once described the young child as a "wholly sense organ." That is, a child’s senses are much more sensitive than an adult’s, and her experience of the world relies less on sight alone. A child takes in the whole world through all of her senses, so we want to choose toys that are going to nourish and feed the senses in a healthy way. Furthermore, toys made from natural fibers and materials seem to have a calming quality, which can be observed in children’s play.

Another thing parents should look for are toys that will inspire and ignite the imagination, and toys that are open-ended (that is, toys that can be played with in a variety of ways). They should look for playthings that are not too formed and fixed, that leave some room for the imagination. For example, Waldorf dolls usually have minimal features, and Waldorf puppets typically have no face at all. This allows a child to imagine the face happy, sad or angry, and to develop his inner picturing abilities.

Kimara: What role do you think parents should play in their children’s creative expression and play?

Sarah: In general, Waldorf early childhood teachers do not directly engage in play with the children. Children, left to their own devices, are usually so much freer in their imaginations and richer in their play than we are as adults! As teachers, we work alongside the children as they play -- sewing, preparing food, or the like. We work, we hum, and we watch. A parent can stimulate a child's imagination by providing the kinds of playthings that invite creative play, and even nudging a child's imagination if she seems stuck. For instance, a child may start throwing blocks. We can take the blocks and pretend now that they're teacups, inviting the child to have a tea party with us, thereby guiding the play into a new direction.

Kimara: Given the fact that most of us are dealing with limited resources, what do you think are the basic toys or supplies we should have available for children, and when creating a "Wish List", what items in your shop would have to be on the list?

Sarah: A parent needn't spend much to provide a rich array of playthings for a child. At least half the playthings in my classroom were either gathered from nature or handmade. A basket of shells, a basket of smooth river stones, and branches cut up and sanded into natural blocks were among the toys I considered essential.

That said, what comes to mind as other essential items, which can be bought or handmade, are:

• Play Silks. A basket of brightly colored silk squares can be used in an endless variety of ways. They become scarves, capes and skirts; they can swaddle a baby; they become tablecloths; a blue silk becomes a river; a green one, a meadow. They are also lovely for decorating a “nature table,” or draping a puppet play. The quality of the silk makes the colors shimmer, and feels heavenly next to a young child’s skin.

• A Waldorf Doll. Both boys and girls would take turns caring for the “babies” in our classroom. The Waldorf 16" dress-up doll is often what's most readily recognizable as a Waldorf toy. These dolls are best for 4- to 6-year olds who have the fine motor skills to be able to dress them and comb their hair. For younger children, a bunting doll, such as our Cuddle Doll, is soft and huggable, perfect for toddlers; and a Blanket Doll is a wonderful first doll for a baby, with a human face that babies respond to, but with a soft blanket body, which often becomes a special "lovey." All these dolls are made with natural fibers and materials with cotton knit skin and stuffed with wool.

• Playstands and Play Clips. These are also classic Waldorf toys that are found in virtually every Waldorf kindergarten classroom. With two playstands, long pieces of silk or cloth, and a couple pairs of play clips, children can build houses and forts. They use the shelves to play "store," or as a stage for puppet plays. They have an endless variety of uses, and are used heavily by the children every day.

• A Play Kitchen Corner. The most popular spot in my classroom, year after year, was the play kitchen--a corner blocked off by two playstands. In the cozy corner was a wooden play stove, a small table set with wooden dishes, chairs, and doll cradles. During free play, this area was always bustling with tea parties, cooking, caring for babies, setting the table and washing. Here, the children would imitate the work of the adults in their company.

Kimara: On a rainy afternoon, what is your favorite way to while away the hours with children?

Sarah: My favorite rainy day activity is one we ONLY did on rainy days. (That is to say, torrentially rainy days, otherwise we'd be outside!) I have an electric hot plate with a glass top that I got at a yard sale -- the kind that is meant to keep food warm and doesn't get too hot. I'd take a sheet of drawing paper and tape it to the hot plate, then invite the children, one at a time, to color with our beeswax crayons on the hot plate. The warmth would melt the beeswax, producing beautiful wax “paintings” that looked like stained glass. Afterwards, we would hang them in the windows and, once the rain ended, we would admire the way the sun would shine through them!

Kimara: Finally, what prompted you to leave the classroom and run Bella Luna Toys?

Sarah: After more than ten years of teaching full-time in a Waldorf school, I was discovering that my two teenage boys needed me as much (if not more) than they did when they were toddlers. While I’ve always felt that Waldorf teaching was my life’s calling and absolutely loved my time in the classroom, I was looking for a way to put my expertise and love for Waldorf education to use in a new way—one that would allow me to continue working to promote Waldorf education in the world, but also give me more time at home. Just as I was pondering what new direction my life might take, a newsletter arrived in my mailbox, announcing that Bella Luna Toys was for sale. Bella Luna was a well-established Waldorf toy company of which I had long been aware, and I knew its founder, Miaja (prounounced “Maya”) Rocciola through Waldorf homeschooling circles. After many conversations with Miaja, I became the new owner of Bella Luna Toys in September 2009, and the company moved from the beautiful coast of California, to the equally beautiful midcoast of Maine. I'm learning a lot, and having a ball!

EDIT: The following question was asked by one of our readers and I wanted to make sure that the question and Sarah's answer were included for posterity in the interview :) Thanks for the thought provoking question, Ashlie, and thanks again Sarah, for your thorough reply!

Ashlie: This truly was an enjoyable article, but I really would love to hear more about children crafting and artistic expression. Are there "typical" Waldorf crafts and can you recommend books or websites to foster intrinsic artistic expression? Love your classroom. Heading over to check out your shop now.

Sarah: Well, Ashlie, you are in the right spot! Wee Folk Art is a great resource for parents who are drawn to Waldorf education and interested in crafting. The crafts offered here by Kimara are the kinds of things typically made by teachers and students in a Waldorf School. As I said in the interview, there are many facets to Waldorf education, and I failed to mention them all. But since this is a crafting blog, not mentioning the importance of handwork in a Waldorf classroom was a big omission!

All children in a Waldorf school learn handwork beginning in early childhood. Children in my kindergarten class would learn to "fingerknit" (creating a crocheted chain with their fingers) and to sew. Craft projects were created all year long connected to the seasons and festivals of the year. When children at a Waldorf school get to first grade, they learn to knit with needles, and as the years go on, they learn to crochet, embroider, make dolls and more. Much research in recent years has documented the benefits of developing fine motor skills through handwork to brain development, so the goal in teaching handwork to children is not just about the finished product!

I also failed to mention in the article that Bella Luna Toys carries a wide variety of craft kits that come with all the materials needed and instructions to create animals, gnomes, angels, fairies and more. In addition, I can highly recommend the book Crafts Through the Year (also available on the site) that has beautiful photographs and instructions for making many seasonal Waldorf crafts connected to the seasons and holidays.

A recycled blog is just the thing for a... gulp... Tuesday! First published at One Generation To Another, February 12, 2008.

I’m not a fan of Tuesdays…never have been…never will be. To me Tuesdays are like having something wedged between two teeth. It serves no purpose and is exceedingly annoying. Tuesdays are too far away from the coming weekend to start getting excited, and they’re too far removed from the past weekend to provide comfort. The effects of the “weekend massage” (you know, the restful, change of pace from the work week feeling you get) have worn off and you can feel your muscles tensing. Let’s just say I lack motivation on Tuesdays and no where is that more apparent than when I think about cooking dinner. Frankly, I think the world should go out to dinner on Tuesdays…let someone else worry about this often thankless mundane chore! (BTW…this is usually the only day of the week when you’ll hear me make a comment like that. For the most part I thoroughly enjoy cooking!) But Tuesdays…well, they suck the life right out of me. Even pleasurable tasks can be overwhelming.

Having said all that, let’s make the assumption that logistically speaking, not everyone can go out to dinner on Tuesdays…think of the lines…think of the shortages of chicken fajitas! Then, accept the fact that people still need to eat whether you feel like cooking or not and chances are your family is in the same Tuesday funk you’re in, and could benefit from a plate of comfort food. Let’s also assume you only order pizza on Friday nights…not sure if it’s a local or national ordinance; at the very least I consider it a moral imperative! So, the enigma…how do you get a soothing meal prepared for your family with little effort? Answer…fast foods. I don’t mean burgers ‘n fries from the golden arches, but rather foods that don’t take long to prepare, but are satisfying and become “welcomed friends” to the entire family. These are the foods you can make every week and no one complains!

I think that through divine intervention or sheer happenstance, everyone stumbles upon that one meal they can make with their eyes closed, yet appreciated by the whole family. THESE RECIPES ARE WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD! The meals won’t win any prizes for the most creative use of an artichoke or couscous, and they certainly won’t impress anyone with a sophisticated palate, BUT, for the average family, they are delicious, satisfying and comforting. (Okay, they are not JUST Tuesday meals…good is good anytime…but they are life savers when you’re lacking drive and inspiration.)

My mom was, actually still is, a wonderful cook. Her recipes ranged from the painfully simple…like her tuna variation of S.O.S. (A colorful military abbreviation for Sh*t On a Shingle…or for the civilian, chipped beef on toast!) to elaborate gourmet meals. (See my Sweater Flambe blog for her wonderful Beef Bourguignonne recipe.) But, with the exception of Saturday nights, when dinner was usually sandwiches and/or canned soup, she made a warm meal every night. Some dishes took her all day to prepare…like her killer spaghetti sauce…to dinners with prep times of less than half an hour. (BTW…not everyone’s idea of “easy” is the same. But that doesn’t really matter, does it? We’re talking about surviving Tuesdays…so if it works for you and easy means heating up a pot pie…great!) One of my favorite “quick” recipes Mom made was Easy Lasagna. She could throw it together at any time during the day, and pop it in the oven half an hour before dinner. She found the recipe in a magazine around 1956 and it’s been a favorite with our family since then!

MOM’S EASY LASAGNA

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups uncooked medium noodles
1 cup cream style cottage cheese
1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup shredded parmesan or mozzarella cheese

Directions

In a heavy skillet, brown ground beef along with chopped onions. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, salt, garlic salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, cook the noodles. Drain. Combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. Spread half the noodles in an 11 x 7 x 1 1/2" baking dish. Top with a little meat sauce, cover with cheese mixture. Add remaining noodles and remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serves 6.

I stumbled upon my “golden recipe” early in my married life. It came from a Betty Crocker cookbook. It was quick, easy and enjoyed by everyone in the family. Like all easy recipes, if time permits, you can muck about with them to enhance them…I know my daughter has made some changes to this “basic” recipe…but left as is, they stand on their own. While my kids were growing up, we usually had this dinner once a week. I never heard, “Oh no, not again!” I would say that makes it rather priceless!

HAMBURGER STROGANOFF

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup butter or margarine
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt or 1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (8 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups hot cooked noodles
Snipped parsley (or dried)

Directions

In large skillet, cook and stir ground beef and onion in butter until onion is tender. Stir in flour, salt, garlic salt, pepper and mushrooms; cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Stir in soup; simmer uncovered 10 minutes. Stir in sour cream; heat through. Serve over noodles. Sprinkle with snipped parsley. Serves 4 - 6.

So, there you have it…my answer to Tuesdays! No, I have no secret formula for abolishing Tuesdays altogether, not sure I’d want that responsibility anyway. Think of the global cost of switching over to a 6 day a week calendar, and I’m sure there would be some serious Biblical implications, too! (Wonder what God actually created on that first Tuesday. I’m guessing it was something simple!) Anyway…Tuesdays are here to stay! So, hunker in, batten down the hatches, circle the wagons, and get ready to take on 52 Tuesdays a year. A tried and true recipe just might make them a little more palatable! (BTW…As Tim was proofing this his comment was, “I thought everyone had trouble with Wednesdays. That’s why they’re referred to as “The hump.” My reply, “One man’s Tuesday is another man’s Wednesday!” Personally, the optimist in me feels good about Wednesdays…they have a round, cheery feeling…and it is permissible, without being delusional, to start thinking about the weekend. But, hey, it doesn’t matter if our challenging day is a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, they’re weekly, and survival is the key!)

How do you “culinaryly” cope with Tuesdays? Do you have a “golden” recipe you'd like to share? Let’s face it, some weeks feel like every night is Tuesday! Best to be prepared with a collection of “simple” meals! Just one more little note on Tuesdays…I seldom make enough food for one meal. Anything that freezes well, I double. So, when even “Easy Lasagna” seems too draining on a Tuesday, just defrost a meal, and, well, everyone is feed, Easy Peasy!

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

I think God can relate to crafters. I think he can understand our desire to create something beautiful and useful. I think he can also relate to our tendency to jump from craft to craft... a time to knit, a time to sew, a time to cross stitch, a time to macrame, a time to stain glass, a time to paint, a time to needle felt, a time to sketch... you get the idea. Having lived half a century, most of which I've been crafting, I can look back fondly on all the different crafts I've dabbled in, and revel at the list of things I've yet to try. (I have a weaving loom showing up next week... can't wait!) 

Sure, there are some crafts that have been my mainstay... might call them my "meat and potatoes" crafts... I've always knit and sewn without interruption. But there were some crafts I was so totally immersed in, I can't believe I no longer do them. Like cross stitching. I'm not sure when I stopped making samplers and bookmarks. I know it was not a conscience decision to stop cross stitching, but I have. Every once in a while I go through my case of cross stitching supplies, look at the books and the unfinished projects, and think I should get back to it, but I haven't... and truth be told... not sure that I ever will. (I will point out I'm still not ready to pack off the supplies and give them away... you never know!)

Another one of those bygone crafts is basket weaving. There was a time when I constantly had a basket project going. My SIL Jennifer, was also enamored with weaving... she even went so far as to make enough baskets that she was selling them at street fairs... but over time, we both moved on. Michelle and my niece, Bailey, remember us basket weaving... even made a few projects, but they were too young to tackle the craft in earnest. After a fair amount of prodding, Jennifer and I decided to revisit basket weaving.

So, yesterday, we headed over to Jennifer's, with plans to basket weave. She had pulled out all the old supplies... she had become the caretaker of basket weaving paraphernalia... and the kitchen was littered with reeds and buckets, books and tools. Jennifer and I were both engrossed in flipping through our old books, oohing and aahing over the patterns we had made, and those we had not gotten to yet. 

I was trying to decide which basket I would like to make, when Jennifer went to the sink, and started filling a bucket with warm water, to dump into the big barrel that the reed would soak it. THEN, it came to me in a flash why I quit basket weaving... it is a messy, wet, time consuming, wet, skin cracking, wet craft. Did I mention you get wet while basket weaving... at least the way I basket weave! I get cold easily. The thought of working with wet reed held no appeal to me. And, my hands get so dried out in the winter, to the point of cracking, the thought of working with the reed sounded downright painful! I decided I was content to sit around the table, offering advice when advising was called for, drink my coffee, and flip through the books. I will point out, Jennifer made the same decision.

So, Jennifer and I sat at the table, chatting and laughing, while Michelle and Bailey worked on baskets. My mom even stopped by for a cup of coffee and conversation. We all had a great time. I felt like we were handing off the torch. Our time to basket weave was behind us (okay... I'm not saying I'll NEVER basket weave again, but if I do, it will be outside, in 78 degree weather!) and it was now time for our daughters to have a go at it. And, I couldn't help think... a time to teach, a time to learn.   
     

Just about everyone I know knits. If they didn't know how to before meeting me, chances are I'll be teaching them. Although I am a multi-crafter, knitting is often my "go to" craft I use for television watching, chatting with friends, or waiting in doctors' offices. It's neat, easy to pack up, and if you don't have a complex pattern, easy to do while you're doing something else. 

Over the holidays many evenings were spent around an open fire, where you could hear lively conversations and the clicking of knitting needles. On one such evening, Michelle found herself without a knitting project. She disappeared into my attic closet, and she returned with a basket full of yarn remnants and a pair of knitting needles. She informed me that this was now the Community Knitting Basket. She cast on 36 stitches, and started a scarf. She had gotten the idea from the book Weekend Knitting. Now, any guest in our house that finds herself without a knitting project, will be invited to pick up the scarf and continue knitting. It doesn't matter whether you're an experienced knitter, adding fancy stitches, or a beginner, turning out row after row of garter stitch, all knitters are welcome. And, if you don't know how to knit, we'll gladly show you!

Weekend Knitting suggested making a narrow ribbon, which could be used as a "memory ribbon" of sorts, reminding us of past projects and lovely friends. We liked that idea, but decided instead to make scarves. Then, next winter, we will donate our scarves of many colors and talents to a local shelter. I'm loving this idea!

EDIT: I'm thinking it might be fun to pack a Community Knitting Bag when I go somewhere that I know there will be a long wait... like a surgery waiting room. You can't imagine how many people have said to me, "Wish I thought to bring some knitting." Then, I could smile and ask if they'd like to add a bit to our community scarf!

When my youngest was in first grade, I converted our walk-out into a 2 room school house. For the next 10 years I ran a preschool program from our home offering children, and my family, "the best of both worlds". I'll talk more about my preschool, aptly named "Wee Care" at another time. But for today, I want to draw everybody's attention to the ceiling in the school.  

Although rather hard to discern in this picture, each fall we dipped the children's hands in paint and pressed their hand prints on the ceiling. How, you might ask. Without going into detail, think about trying to put pajamas on a ferret! Anyway, each year, each student left his or her mark on our ceiling, not only recording their growth over 3 years, but beautifully reminding me of all the little lives I had come in contact with. When I finally moved out of the house, it was very hard saying goodbye to the ceiling, especially knowing that the next owners would probably promptly paint over it.

Travel forward in time. When I moved in with Tim, one of the very first things I did was to turn the basement into a playroom. (This was accomplished when Michelle was pregnant with our first grandchild.) I had so much enjoyed my preschoolers' hand prints that I knew it was imperative that I found a way to record my grandchildren's. Tim and I came up with a wonderful idea... which I'll share next time!

We would like to wish everyone the Merriest Christmas! We are taking the Holidays off to be with family and friends. We will be back after the Holidays ready to share a New Year of crafty goodness! 

Joy and Peace of the Season!

Fondly,
Kimara and Michelle 

"Glory to the New Born King!"

EDIT: It had been my plan to just include the last paragraph of this blog, first printed December 8, 2008 on One Generation to Another. Since this morning, I've gotten 3 requests for the complete blog... so here is the post in its entirety... titled... Polish for the Day.

I have a strong Polish ancestry. With the possible exception of contamination from an amorous invader that I am unaware of, I am 100% Polish. (Poland's history is laced with invasion and occupation from...well, from just about all neighboring countries!) I think I'm fairly rare today...a fourth generation American with a pure blood heritage. It stopped with my children, however. Their father is...well, he's a mutt. Nothing wrong with that; mutts have many wonderful qualities including hardiness and longevity. But this does mean I can't share my pedigree with my children; they too are mutts! What I can share with them, however, is the few remaining vestiges of my Polish ancestry.

You would think with all this Polish blood pulsating through my veins that I would be well versed in the culture and traditions of Poland, but I'm not. Both my maternal and paternal great-grandparents were born in Poland and came here hoping to improve their lot in life. Like most immigrants, they settled with their own kind. They spoke Polish in their homes and amongst their friends. It was their children, my grandparents, that ventured out into the American melting pot and brought English into their homes. So, the progression was, my great-grandparents spoke predominantly Polish, my grandparents spoke Polish in their homes, but English everywhere else, my parents could read Polish and speak it well enough to converse with their grandparents but English had become their native language, and I, well the only Polish I know is this rather naughty song that some relative taught me, but it would prove useless if I needed to communicate with a Pole!

Polish traditions followed the trend of the Polish language, with each generation giving up a little more of their connection to their motherland, until now, I'm left with the cultural equivalent of a little naughty ditty! The only time my Polish ancestry surfaces is at Christmas dinner. I serve pierogi (stuffed dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), golabki (stuffed cabbage), makowki (poppy seed bread), kluski (thick buttered noodles), kapusta (sauerkraut), mizeria (cucumbers and sour cream) and sernik (cheese cake). If that sounds Greek to you, it does to me too! In our house we use the English words for most of these foods.

The lovely thing about Christmas dinner, besides some seriously delicious food, is my connection to my past. There was a time when these foods were a mainstay in my ancestors' daily life. Today, they are reserved for special occasions; actually A special occasion, Christmas dinner. I wish my grandparents were still around to share this feast with us. Since they can't be, at Christmas I bring not only the memory of Bushia and Grandma Pearl in the kitchen with me, I bring their pictures. On my kitchen counter are photographs of my grandmothers as young women, taken at a time in their lives when they would have been busy preparing Christmas dinners.They remain with me in the kitchen throughout the month of December. I rather think it would make them happy to know I still feel a strong ancestral tug. I also have pics of my mom and daughter there too, even though they spend the day helping me with Christmas dinner. But it pleases me to see the 5 of us together, knowing full well, that if not in body, certainly in spirit, we're sharing in the festivities of Christmas day, and that although my connection to my ancestry may be tenuous, it's still alive!

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 (PLEASE NOTE SOME EDITS) If you would like your shop to be included in the listing please send me an email (michelle@weefolkart.com) including your Name, Shop, Website and a brief description of the products you carry. Also, please let me know if I can include a photo from your shop (I WILL add a photo unless otherwise noted... they look so pretty). You must sell handmade items or crafting supplies (family friendly of course) to be included. This is a FREE listing that we will maintain through the holiday season. We hope to have many shops take advantage of this opportunity to share their crafty goodness with others, thus making our holiday shopping a bit easier this season. The more the merrier!!! PLEASE NOTE: You do NOT have to have an "ETSY" shop... just your own shop that sells handmade items or crafting supplies.

Celia My name's Celia and I opened a little shop in Etsy where I sell 2 crochet patterns I've made and I'm also trying to make some more, just waiting for my inspiration to wake up a bit!!! lol... SHOP http://www.etsy.com/shop/celiaescuela

Silver Sisters Studios I am Gisele from Silver Sisters Studio. I make lovely hand embroidered pins and hair accessories out of recycled felted wool sweaters. SHOP www.SilverSistersStudio.etsy.com

Bolete's Things My name is Angela. I have a small shop, "Bolete's Things", which has handmade items. The items include aprons, magnets, drawings, mixed media and cards. SHOP http://www.etsy.com/shop/bolete

Kindershop My shop is kindershop and I am mostly making toys, accessories and clothing for children. -Beatrix SHOP www.kindershop.etsy.com

Georgie Pie I recently opened an etsy shop, and it's still a small shop. It's called Georgie Pie. I carry tote bags and zippered pouches for kids, with some knitted hats as well. I am hoping to add some more items, including some Christmas cards and artwork for kids soon. - Jill SHOP http://georgiepie.etsy.com

Nothing But Soap Hello, My name is Sarah and my shop is Nothing But Soap on Etsy. Each bar of soap is cold processed made with high quality vegetable based ingredients, most with abundant aroma of essential oil. With true premium blends of shea butter, concentrated blends of aloe and olive oil you will want to keep each bar for yourself (but they do make great gifts). SHOP www.nothingbutsoap.etsy.com

MagicRainbowDreaminx Hi, I am Nicky. I am offering my lovingly handmade accessories and little treasures in my Etsy shop Magic Rainbow Dreaminx. Currently, my main crafty 'obsessions' are felt accessories and creating gem stone earrings (with 925 Sterling silver). SHOP www.magicrainbowdreaminx.etsy.com

Daddy's Little Princess I make sweet little girls' dresses in many styles. I've been disappointed more and more over the years with what is available in stores for girls to wear, so I started making my own. My motto is Letting little girls be little girls... Heidi SHOP http://www.daddys-little-princess.com

Sweet Tidings Hello, I'm Christy. Sweet Tidings, my little shop on ETSY offers a happy menagerie of one-of-a kind handmade and handsewn softies,fabric crafts and an eco friendly collection of green designed products and finds for the natural home. SHOP http://www.sweettidings.etsy.com/

Two Cheeky Monkeys My name is Deb and I have an Etsy store named Two Cheeky Monkeys. I make beaded jewelery and accessories for any occasion, some of which use vintage beads and findings. SHOP http://www.etsy.com/shop/dspdavey

ArtOcrat ArtOcrat is a one woman design studio. Everything from illustrating, printing, packaging and posting is done by me. In the shop you will find dozens of fun and colorful artwork featuring one of my many feathery friends. -Pragya SHOP http://PragyaK.etsy.com

The Enchanted Owl My name is Lauren from The Enchanted Owl. I create hand painted ornaments from recycled light bulbs, as well as hand painted sand dollars. Every item is unique, as I paint to order. I can add personalization to each ornament and I'm always happy to create custom ornaments with special designs. My ornaments suit children to adults and make great gifts! SHOP http://enoreelapo.etsy.com/

Wool Felt Central Wool Felt Central stocks 78 colors of National Nonwoven's Wool Felt for all your crafting needs. They also have a wide selection of patterns for penny rugs, pillows, ornaments, faux foods, and anything you can imagine. Wee Folk Art readers can take advantage of a special offer - use coupon code FOLKARTTREE to take 20% off any regular priced order placed through DEC 26th. SHOP http://woolfeltcentral.com/

Amburg My name is Amber and I have a sweet little shop on Etsy that's dedicated to the cute, the quirky, and the fabulous. Right now I have baby items and accessories, but I'm going to be adding more accessories, more baby boy items, a few seasonal items (such as ornaments and stockings) and some items for the home (like fabulous pillows and dishtowels.) SHOP www.amburg.etsy.com

Cooper Boom We're a new shop but we're working hard to fill it up for the holidays. Baby slings, knit hats, twirly skirts and more. Several of my items are also tagged with "water4christams". 100% of the sales of these items will go directly to charity:water to help build clean water wells in Liberia. Thanks for shopping and happy holidays! - Abby SHOP www.copperboombaby.etsy.com

CJ's Craft Corner My name is Carly and my mom and I have an Etsy shop called CJ's Craft Corner. The shop stocks a variety of household and gift items including tablerunners, placemats, tea wallets, aprons, tote bags, and more. The shop also will take custom requests. More items will continue to be added, including items in Christmas fabrics. SHOP www.etsy.com/shop/cjscraftcorner

Foggy Notions My name is Adrienne and my shop is called Foggy Notions. I opened my shop earlier this year after being encouraged by several friends to try and sell some of the things I make. My shop has purses, handbags, and baby blankets in it. I'm hoping to add some patterns soon. I've always loved creating and have really enjoyed being able to use my creative energy in my store. SHOP http://www.etsy.com/shop/FoggyNotions

The Stitchin' Chicken' My name is Cheryl. I have a store on Etsy called The Stitchin' Chicken'. I make gift items such as totes, purses and bags, fabric bucket/baskets, quilted and patchwork pillows and other items that are for the home as well as the seasons and holidays. I use a wide assortment of vintage, new and repurposed materials to make these gifts. I occasionally list fabric that I have collected. SHOP www.thestitchinchicken.etsy.com

Omphalie I specialize in crocheting, polymer clay figurines and jewelry as well as sewn bags, purses and accessories. -Traci SHOP http://www.etsy.com/shop/Omphalie

Wing And Willow Welcome to Wing And Willow! Here you will find fantastic photographic prints, and beautifully unique laminated placemats depicting trees, nature, and fine feathered friends. The placemats are sturdy and functional, and I have listed them individually, so that you can mix and match to put your own set together! - Elisa SHOP http://WingAndWillow.etsy.com

Nana Brown's I am Nicole from Nana Brown's. I make all kinds wonderful things from fabric. I try to make useful things with simple and stylish designs for everyday living. Insulated lunch bags, eco- bags and children's items are my best sellers. SHOP www.nanabrowns.etsy.com

NimbleNeedles My name is Deb aka Hennie my webshop is nimbleneedles, where I make all manner of gift ideas. Novelty cushions, handknit toys, animals, teddies etc. SHOP www.nimbleneedles.co.uk

Fabric Paper Thread My name is Lorrie and I love to create in a variety of mediums. Upcycling has become an interest, and my shop contains handstitched journals with recycled covers, felted wool pins made from sweaters, vintage-look flash cards and soft, cuddly dolls. There's sure to be something new added frequently and my goal is to provide the best handmade products I can. SHOP www.etsy.com/shop/fabricpaperthread

Maple Creek Soapworks We are Shane & Phyllis from Maple Creek Soapworks. We handmake natural bath and body treats. We have a shop on etsy at maplecreeksoap.etsy.com. SHOP http://www.maplecreeksoap.etsy.com

Katiecl I used to sell doll carriers, but have started making a variety of sewn, knitted, and felted items for kids and adults. - Katie SHOP http://www.katiecl.etsy.com

Lolo Craft I am Aunt LoLo. I have tried making and selling lots of different things (flower clippies, bow/bow-tie clippies and aprons) but I have found the most success with my unique, handmade aprons...so that's where the shop will be headed for the holidays. My aprons range from toddler sized to mommy sized. You can be sure that if it's a LoLo Craft apron, it will be a one of a kind! SHOP www.lolocraft.etsy.com

RsIslandCrafts Hi, my name is Robin. RsIslandCrafts is home to a variety of handmade items made for your family and home. I have crochet patterns, hats, scarves, stuffies, and my current obsession - quilts. SHOP http://www.artfire.com/users/rsislandcrafts

Adolina's Shop My name is Ann and my shop website is http://www.etsy.com/shop/adolina . I make Waldorf inspired knitted gnomes and cats made and stuffed with wool. All are simple in form to let your child's imagination fill in the blanks. SHOP http://www.etsy.com/shop/adolina

Natural Earth Farm Our family makes handcrafted toys on our homestead in northern Vermont of sustainable materials. -Tonya SHOP http://www.naturalearthfarm.com

Jerisew I have started an Etsy shop selling my machine embroidery designs that I usually sew out on wool felt for coasters. -Jerilynn SHOP http://www.etsy.com/shop/jerisew

Kayt Taylor Accessories for Children I create children's accessories (for both boys & girls) including scarves, cowls, hair clips, headbands, organic onesies and more. I love creating with buttons, flannel, animal patterns, and shimmer with a focus on comfort, fashion, & affordability. - Katie SHOP http://kayttaylor.etsy.com

Bella McBride Designs I'm Bella and I design and sell crochet patterns on Etsy that not only add a touch a whimsy to everyday life, but are easy to read and follow. To do this I only use basic crochet stitches and have multiple step by step pictures in each pattern so that any beginner crocheter will be successful. This is truly a great way to make a personalized, homemade gift for the ones you love! SHOP www.BellaMcBride.etsy.com

Whimsical Creations I create polymer clay ornaments. Most of the ornaments can be personalized. If there is something you have in mind, but do not see please contact me and I will create a custom listing for you. -Melanie SHOP http://melaniescrafts.etsy.com

Tortagialla My name is Linda and I offer art prints, cute creations, printables and digital stamps in my Etsy store - all from the Tuscan hills of Italy. Stop by and get a taste of cute creations from my happy little home. Grazie! SHOP http://www.etsy.com/shop/tortagialla

Skipping Stones My name is Particia. I saw the Handmade Holiday Directory on Wee Folk Art. It looks great. I would love to be included in the directory. I have a shop on ETSY, Skippingstones, where I sell handmade jewelry with a whimsical vintage-y vibe using, alot of applique, beading, embroidery and felt. SHOP www.skippingstones.etsy.com

Cute Folk Art Original Folk Art made by Claudia Garcia. Cute, sweet and naive folk art with vibrant colors. Angels, girls, fairies, cats, flowers and more created with acrylics, clay, paper, etc. Affordable art for everybody! SHOP http://www.cutefolkart.com

The Blue Egg The Blue Egg is fantasy art , originals and mostly prints, they are whimsical and magical for children of all ages. -Norma SHOP http://www.etsy.com/shop/nyta434

Sew Much Better Hello, my name is Kathy and I love to sew and quilt. This year I began to make fabric calendar holders for printed pad calendars. I also have been selling paper pieces for English paper piecing. SHOP www.etsy.com/shop/sewmuchbetter56

Crafty Owl Khris I create all sorts of things. Handbags, purses, fabric covered notebooks, credit card holders, dolls, pincushinos, needle-cases and primitive items. Items for mums, dads and the kids. My style is varied and vast as I like change. I like to make good quality items with good quality fabrics that are are pleasing to the eye and are versatile and usable. SHOP http://craftyowlkhris.blogspot.com/

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GNOME:
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STOCKING:
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