November pull

Sometimes I need only to stand wherever I am to be blessed. ~Mary Oliver

Knitting in the woods 

Our new covered deck, Andy built over the summer. We love it so. 

Mittens meant to be plain, with the cream added as an afterthought. 

Soon to be a hat for Ezri

Baby dragon-made by Ezri, pattern by the talented MaesLanding

"Fern the Cat" ornament, pattern from an older issue of Making Magazine and made in black wool felt, because black cats are the best. 

Annndd more mittens: 

I am working on a traditional 16" waldorf doll with a small and simple wardrobe for Wren's Christmas. I am trying to stick with fabric patterns that she herself would choose, and clothes that are easy for a small child to dress and undress without too much fuss. I realized that this may be the last large waldorf doll that I make for a child of my own.

It is one of many "lasts" I am experiencing right now, as a mother to children grown, nearly grown, and growing all too fast. When I overly ruminate on it, as I tend to do- it can make me sad. As much joy and pride as I feel watching my children grow into the most wonderful, kind, amazing people- I will always and forever miss their soft innocent baby selves- the phase of life that is so magical, so sweet- yet passes so fast. 

But even with the number of "lasts" mounting, there are still a lot of "firsts" as well, as they grow and become-firsts for them- firsts for me- because we don't we just grow and change and experience our whole lives. 

Currently as our weather turns (slowly, this year it seems)- I am feeling the pull to sit warmly and quietly indoors, making things. Still, we gobble up as much time outdoors as we can before it becomes bitter- though this week it seems to be finally turning toward that. 

Folks often call November "bleak," or "gray" but I must say I love November. As the branches empty, the light changes dramatically, and the wind rattles the leafless trees- there is a sharp beauty to it all. One thing I am learning about myself: maybe I don't have a favorite month. Maybe I just really love them all.

Peace,

Melanie