Merry & Mod at home

this day

At the close of a day that felt uninspired - we are all rather tired - I thought it would serve me well to share a few happy moments. 

 

Amazing:  the symmetry and towering triumph of his Lego building, which he constructed all by himself. 

 

Most welcome:  the happy reunion of Amy and her wineglasses, after nearly 18 months of lonely separation. 

 

Acceptance:  having helpers in the kitchen means a bit of chaos and plenty of mess.  Do you see that harmonica hiding among the onion peels?  Can you imagine what the floor looked like?  But look again...we have installed a knife magnet, which has the dual benefit of clearing considerable counter space while keeping sharp objects out of grabby fingers' reach. 

Also:  these brownies from The Wednesday Chef.  They will cure melancholy and malcontent - vanquishing the doldrums! - in adults and children instantly.  In fact, I'm off to have another;  they should go perfectly with a splash of wine in a proper glass. 
 

a recent discovery

   

There is nothing sweeter than a boy and his baby.

happy and new

 

 

 

A happy combination:  fresh paint, flowers, a little winter sunshine. 

mango silk scarf

 
  
Eventually, I completed my mom's birthday gift.  Only a month after the actual date, but as I've mentioned, she is patient and understanding.  (As every mom should be, no?)

Row by row, this mango yellow scarf grew slowly.  A few weeks ago, while relaxing and watching an episode of Planet Earth with my oldest child, he helped me by unwinding a bit of yarn for me every few minutes.  I noticed that he was holding the yarn gently to his top lip, just under his nose; the incredibly soft combination of silk and alpaca seemed to tickle him just so in that particular spot.  (It reminded me of another boy who once enjoyed the softness of a pussy willow, until it became stuck in his nose and had to be removed with the help of tweezers and a doctor.)  I became absorbed in my work as M absentmindedly unwound the yarn, until I noticed that nearly the entire ball of yarn sat in a tangle on the couch between us.  Once asked to rewind the yarn, he climbed off the couch and began tightly wrapping the yarn into something resembling a drumstick. 

Finally, the scarf was finished.  When I consulted the pattern for finishing instructions I discovered that my creation doesn't look much like the photo.  Huh.  I have a few skeins left of this yarn; perhaps I'll try again and read the instructions more carefully next time.   Or maybe, so we won't be so mother-daughter matchy-matchy, I'll make one to match my pretty beret. 

Every completed project must be appropriately documented, so I headed outside with the camera during a sunny afternoon.  My arms aren't quite long enough for a self-portrait, and the timer didn't suit either.  The solution?  Hand the four year old the digital camera and show him which button to press.
  

Winter weather

Rain boots are an excellent antidote to grey skies and dreary weather. 

 
First hand experience gives me the credibility to make such a statement. 

 
Once inside, I stay warm and cozy by revisiting an old project with fresh eyes.  Only now, when the granny square blanket is almost complete, am I fully appreciating the colors I chose.  Oh yes, I have special plans for this project. 

welcome, remember

Slowly, patiently, our home is becoming more organized, more stylish, more ours.  The much-discussed list of projects grows constantly.  One conundrum remains the entryway and accompanying tiny closet.  Into this space we fling coats, shoes, bags, the detritus of our day.  Dirt often accumulates and we have needed something to cover the cold travertine.  This bamboo mat, from Cost Plus World Market for only $25, fits the bill just fine.  It wasn't until I brought it home and walked over for a few days that I noticed the forget-me-nots.  What a lovely image, I thought, for sending our guests on their way home.  Remember us.  Please come back. 

Or, even more immediately:  remember to hang up your coat, put your shoes away, stash your keys.