Often (umm, too often), I come upon a sewing pattern that just fits my aesthetic so much that I must buy it.
That's how it was with The Gathering Apron by Sew Liberated. One part utilitarian, another part feminine, with just the right amount of rustic charm. So pretty, it could (almost) be worn as a garment!
I love the designs that Meg produces at Sew Liberated. However, sewing instructions without many diagrams are more of a struggle for me--- I'm definitely a visual learner. I appreciate that Sew Liberated provides video tutorials for their patterns (you receive the password with the pattern)--- I had to fall back on the video in one part of the sewing process.
Those crossing straps & bowtie are adorable.
I'm not sure if I like the front or the back more!
I love the way it turned out and I plan on making another in a different fabric--- possibly linen next time! It looks cute on my daughter, too.
Even when I don't have the time to tackle my projects that sit idly by while I race through my current life, it's fun to grab a few images here and there of the things that inspire me to maintain my creative side. I'm fortunate to have a dedicated sewing space (even if it's the size of a closet--- but hey, I'm not complaining!) and even stepping into that little creative spot makes me happy.
I've never studied Feng Shui or taken to becoming very adept at decorating. However, I do know that I like my little corners of interest, inspiration, and memories. I'll focus my attention on those spots rather than the spaces that accumulate the clutter of a mom and two teens.
My house could be much more organized; for example, if I didn't spontaneously strip half my kitchen table of its placemats to cut out a sewing pattern, or if I warmed up a prepackaged meal for dinner--- so much easier to keep things neat and tidy that way. But for me, I gave up that notion long ago. It's not who I am. Instead, I have a sewing room with projects half finished; library books overflowing their designated spot; and a spice drawer that is woefully in need of resorting.
As I grow older, I recognize and accept who I am. Yep, my desk could use some organizing. And my yard could really use some TLC. But, we all posses attributes that make us who we are, good and bad. Sometiems, it takes getting older to recognize and embrace them. If you're fortunate enough to have people in your life that do the same, then you are truly lucky.
So, I'm not slob, but I'm not a neat freak, either. But, above all, I'm creative. It's not even a choice for me. It flows through me.
My kids' birthdays are six weeks apart. Yet, somehow, that span of time between June and July feels so much shorter. So much so that their Dad & I decided to hold a few "combined" birthday parties for them when they were younger. We promised bigger and better birthday parties; but, no matter how much effort was put into the bigger and better party, one or both kids usually felt slighted. And in the end we were all overwhelmed----- Hmmm, how many of those birthday party nights closed on a 2-year old tantrum fit--- and that wasn't just the kids!
But that was then.
I recently read this past post about my daughter----who turned 15 over a week ago: In a State of Grace. To this day, my daughter bemoans her name--- the common association of her name, Grace (being graceful---- which, she is not!).
But the name, and my daughter, are so much more than the typical definition of Grace. In fact, when I read through that previous post, I nodded in agreement. And I felt so much appreciation for the grace that she brings to our family's life.
She might not look like that girl I wrote about four years ago. But as much as things have changed, there are many things that have stayed the same. There were the same friends here for her birthday. She requested the same ice cream cake that's been served on her birthday for seven years.
And really, it is the perfect cake for her----- the lover of ice cream with a birthday in the hottest part of the year.
It's a simple cake and the recipe comes straight out of Cooking Light Magazine. I still have the torn-out page from all those years ago....
This was my view for much of a recent hike with my son: his lanky frame in front of me between the curves of our trail. It was a rare just-you-and-me moment for us---- few and far between these days. And those moments always put a lot of pressure on me---- should I bring up all the important subjects at once?! Or let things develop?
He was extremely quiet. In fact, he often is. I don't know that it's his age or just his personality--- I'm quiet, too. With my kids the age they are, my experience is that full communication is as unpredictable as trying to forecast a rainbow. Forget about it. But when it happens---- when they are receptive and open--- I listen. And I ask. And I'm present.
My son wasn't ready for long conversations today.
I asked him about potential colleges. About driving. About his friends. About the plot to his newest story he's writing. About the book I brought home for him to read. His answers were one to two words, at most. I asked him how he felt about going to college in a little over a year and his answer was, "nervous."
Frankly, it was all okay with me.
At his age, I remember all too well adults trying to pry information from me (they called it communicating)----- how their "let's talk" voice alone sent shivers up my spine. And advice---well, it was plentiful. I remember adult family friends telling me of my "vast potential" and that I'd have "all the time in the world to pursue relationships" after I'd settled myself into a successful career. Yet, those words fell on young and stubborn ears. The ears of a young adult who had not experienced the far reaching cause and effect of adult decisions yet. I had my own agenda. And frankly, don't we all? Don't we all have our own custom-made, personal lessons to learn from our choices in life? I know I did.
So, on this evening with my son, rather than pushing the point, I waited for cues from him. Cues that weren't there. He politely waited for me when I lagged behind----as I was taking too many photos of the beautiful views--- but moved on when I caught up. He asked me when we would return to town because he wanted to go to the local festival, wondering if it was still going on. He had his own agenda that night.
I've learned that so much of parenting older kids is about choices: "reading" their moods and being there when they're receptive. Guiding rather than telling. Backing off when you need to. And all the while, I'm sure that I'm facing more of my own lessons as their parent, as well. We often learn through teaching.
This time of year, our grill gets a lot of use and since corn on the cob is plentiful, cheap, and GOOD, we often serve it alongside our other favorites.
Sometimes, though, the usual butter & salt treatment gets a little boring.
I'm fairly certain this way of serving corn on the cob comes from my brother & his soon-to-be wife--- both chefs. It's surprisingly good and very easy, too. Just the right thing on a busy summer evening!
Basil Butter Spread for Corn
This is more of technique than a recipe...
Into a blender, add equal parts melted butter, olive oil, and fresh basil leaves. Throw in a couple peeled garlic cloves & a tsp chili powder. Blend until smooth.
Grill ears of corn over a medium-high grill. For great grilled corn, don't overdo it. You want the kernels to carmelize just a bit (brown) but if they overcook, they will be tough and dry. I always error on the side of less time (even if I'm boiling corn the traditional way--- less is more).
When corn is done, brush with the basil butter and serve. YUM!
