Summer lovin'

I am having a passionate love affair with summer. Please, don’t let it end! Thank goodness for the silver lining of Fall - the crisp, too-short season that I admire most of all. But we all know what comes next...and for us Texans living up here in the North country, it’s not pretty! It’s a long, long wait until next summer, folks. So we're making the most of this summer lovin’.

And, I might add, it’s hard to beat summers in Minneapolis. They are simply idyllic, with endless bike trails; countless beaches; refreshing dips in the lake; outdoor concerts and movies; family bike rides to the ice cream shop; summer nights at the ball park; patio happy hours at our favorite cafes (virgin bootlegs for this prego-mama!); barbecues with friends; family weekends ‘up north’; Sundays on the boat; peonies and hydrangeas in full-bloom; picking blueberries at local farms; the ease of entertaining curious little minds with butterfly-watching, bubble-blowing and garden-watering; the sounds of kids playing in the neighborhood until the last drop of sun dips down; good talks and night-caps with my love on the back porch after Liza Cate goes to bed; sleeping with the windows open...this year, we even dipped our toe back into camping (family-style, of course) with great success! Ah, summer. The warmth and sunshine sets my spirit free. 

Perhaps I'll revisit this post in February, when the tundra sets in, and use it as a reminder that like every phase in life ‘this, too shall pass’. In the meantime, back to soaking in every last drop of this glorious season in life, with gratitude and presence.  I love you, summer!

Sweet dreams

Here is one of my favorite creations this year: shades for my daughter’s bedroom windows. Once I decided roman shades would work best in her room, I started perusing fabric samples without much success. Nothing I saw stood out or spoke to me. I quickly realized what was missing in the fabrics I saw: none of them had any connection to Liza Cate. I wanted something that reflected her life-loving, adventurous personality. And since I haven’t yet gotten around to hanging artwork or personal touches on her walls, I decided - why not make her curtains a work of art?

So, I started sketching a few of her favorite things: animals; her ever-loyal friend, “puppy” (her lovey); books; balloons; her teepee; the moon & stars; and some elements of outdoor adventures. Organically, a couple of scenes came to life, and I wove them together into some sort of damask pattern...and voila! Soon, I had this fabric design that tugs at my heart-strings. It's just my baby girl's style. The best part was when I showed her the pattern swatch and she exclaimed (totally un-prompted), “Oooh, I love that!”  Nothing could say ‘success’ better than those genuine, sweet little words.

Ellen & Chas’s Save the Date (or STD, as we like to call it)

Earlier this year, I got to work on this fun and exciting project with my awesome sister-in-law-to-be. Now that she’s officially one of my ‘sistas’, and I’m reflecting back on our journey into sisterhood, it occurred to me to post this little creation of ours. It was a true team effort. Ellen had a clear sense of the style she wanted, and gave me some examples of her favorite designs. I sketched-up some concepts, she picked her favorite, and after some refinements, touch-ups and font choices (who knew my brother was marrying the font-queen!? :) this STD came to life. Cheers to a match made in heaven, and to one heck of a shin dig in Branch, Michigan! 

Sprinkles

Cupcakes are big in our house, ever since Liza Cate had her first one in February. Her taste buds have quickly evolved since then...broccoli is out, and sprinkles are in. She has discovered that there’s a whole big world of cupcakes out there, and I’m quite confident that she will explore it to the fullest.

I love children’s ability to find color and creativity in the world, even in the most mundane objects. The other day, John was holding Liza Cate and she noticed a few freckles on his shoulder. “Dada has sprinkles!” she said with curious expression. And I thought, ‘Yes! Of course those little things should be called sprinkles!’ 

So now we call freckles ‘sprinkles’ in our house. And every time we spy a ‘sprinkle’ I’m reminded of the joy of seeing the world with eyes of wonder and curiosity, and discovering color and creativity in new places. 

May the coming summer leave a few extra ‘sprinkles’ on your cheeks!

Love, love, love

Monday Morning Donuts

What is it about donuts?  They have such an effect on people!  They bring out memories and warmth; they inspire community and conversation; they soften our edges; often they just make us smile.  

I snapped this photo during an oil painting class that my Mom and I took together in Arizona a few weeks ago.  While everyone busseled around, getting comfortable and carving out his or her personal space in the classroom, these colorful, sweet, innocent little creatures sat quietly in the middle of the action, inviting a diverse group of people to connect through a shared love of art.  As we came together, the donuts were enjoyed - not only as a decadent snack, but also as a tool for exploring warm and cool light in painting.  

For me, this photo reminds me of my Mom, and the passion for creativity that she's inspired in me.  It reminds of of my dear friend, Pam, who is responsible for my loyalty to Dunkin Donuts (which is finally coming to Minnesota - woot, woot!).  And there's something about the colors and textures of these donuts...to me, they represent completeness.  

Here's to a chocolate-sprinkled-donut kind of day!

Today is my chance

How is it almost February!?  I feel like I’ve barely blinked since Christmas.  With the polar vortex holding us prisoner indoors for what feels like an entire month (oh, wait - it HAS been an entire month!), a saying my Mom once shared with me [about parenting] has never rung more true: The days are long, but the years are short. 

Today, Liza Cate wanted to walk from the coffee shop to the car on her own two feet.  Instead of her usual request for me to “Pickey Up”, she reached up, grabbed my hand and said “Walk, Mama!” with an adventurous gleam in her eye.  My tiny, bouncing, blue-eyed ginger proceeded to walk the two blocks to our car, through sunny and bustling Linden Hills, with a smile that beamed freedom, joy and pride in every direction.  She didn’t need me, or anyone else, to reinforce her pride in herself.  Her light shined, simply because she was embracing the moment, and courageously following her heart.  As I soaked in this precious moment, watching my daughter’s spirit soar, my heart bursted with joy and heartbreak all at the same time.  The years go too fast, indeed; but they get sweeter along the way.

As I drove us home, I thought about a quote that Ali Certain shared in her yoga class last week: “Today is my chance".  This sums up Liza Cate’s spirit, today and every day.  And while I’m guiding her through this big, crazy world, so often she is the one teaching me.  

Today is our chance to build beautiful memories.  Today is our chance to indulge in the unbridled joy these memories bring.  Today is our chance to embrace the moment, and courageously follow our hearts.

Living Authentically

Authenticity is one of my favorite themes for the coming year. I’m feeling inspired by Brene Brown's e-course about living authentically (click here for more info), and this is one of Brene's messages that I got creative with in my art journal.  I love how simple it is, and yet so powerful. 

All of the other Reindeer

One of my latest designs...channeling my inner outdoors-woman. Santa would be proud, I think.

Jingle All the Way

It’s the most wonderful time of the year...when John puts up with my glowing affection for Christmas music for four weeks solid! This year, I’ve rediscovered my love of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ Christmas Without You. When it comes to Christmas tunes, there really are no others that put me in the spirit like this fine collection. Also, how amazing is this album cover?? Everything’s better with Dolly!

Antioxidant Cocktail

It's the holiday season. A time of cozy gatherings that give way to an unspoken acceptance of a season of indulgence.  Personally, I am all for a little indulgence here and there.  It keeps me from taking life too seriously.  But I can only go so long before I start to feel like a more sluggish version of myself and look forward to January 1st when I will resolve to return to my health(ier) lifestyle.  

In the midst of a week-long celebration of Thanksgiving with family and friends (why celebrate the greatest holiday on earth for just one day?), we received a text from our Bozeman friends about a recent version of their famous “antioxidant cocktail”, and I thought: ‘Now that’s a good idea...why not antioxidize your way through the holidays!?’  If I recall correctly, after enjoying one or two of these together at 'Camp Bozeman 2013', we were all laughing a little more loudly and sharing stories a little more easily. Truth be told, I believe it was the neighborly gathering of friends, old and new, that warmed our souls and cleansed our spirits. But surely this prescription for healthful toasting didn’t hurt.

And so, whether a stroke of brilliance or just a way to feel better about all of this festive indulgence, I thought I’d share this recipe for Shasta & Tom’s irresistible, whiskeylicious treat.  Enjoy!

- 1 or 2 fresh squeezed oranges, depending on how juicy the oranges are ("I like the squeezers that leave a lot of pulp," says the mix master)
- Healthy handful of Costco three berry blend (best deal on frozen berries you will find anywhere)
- Two generous shots of bourbon
- A generous splash of good tequila 
- A lime wedge
- As much soda water as your hydration needs demand
-Stir and Enjoy!

First Steps

Last weekend, our little family traveled to a quaint town on the Connecticut coast where my sister, her husband, their three incredible kids and sweet, shaggy dog spend their summers. It was one of those weekends that makes you wish your family all lived on the same block. And that summer could last forever. Riding bikes to the beach, scrapbooking on the porch in our shorts & flip flops, barefoot dance parties in the living room, cousins playing past bedtime, late night sister-talks, early morning trips to Dunkin Donuts...it doesn’t get much better.

At the end of the weekend, I asked the three cousins what I should write about in my next blog entry, and my God daughter, Ruby gave me the perfect topic: First Steps. Earlier that day, I had watched my baby girl take her very first steps with the help of her cousins. We all stood around cheering her on and I thought to myself, “how cool that she chose to take her first steps here!” Selfishly, I loved her timing. But I know it wasn’t an accident. Aren’t we our best selves - grounded and confident - when we’re surrounded by the love and support of our family? It’s like God gave us family and said, “Here’s your anchor.”

So, when we got home from this memorable weekend I was inspired to make this pattern. Call it scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, or a table cloth for an Abbott's lobster dinner...this one's for you, cousins!

Breath of fresh air

I’m in a post-vacation daze: clinging to the carefree spirit of our refreshing escape while reality slowly engulfs me. I can feel it sneaking its way back in with every traffic light, phone call and load of laundry. I’m not ready to let go of the slow pace of thinking, moving, talking; the avoidance of mundane responsibilities; the permission to be disconnected. It’s amazing how good it feels to let go, slow down and just be a family.  

I know I can’t live in vacation-mode forever. And eventually, I do want to reconnect with our life here at home. But maybe there’s a way to carry some version of the vacation mentality back into the everyday: to hold onto this feeling of simplicity; this openness to new places, faces, ideas and inspiration; this knowing that the only company we really need is family and a few close friends; this appreciation of the neighborly life; this trust that we don’t need a schedule of activities to make us feel connected or productive; this realization that Liza Cate needs just a hand full of objects to entertain her, most of which can be found in the front yard and kitchen cabinets. Maybe it’s possible to continue gathering fulfillment in just being present, and looking for inspiration and  adventure in the everyday, however simple they may be.

First step: put away the cell phone, get outside with my baby girl, look up at the sky and breathe.

Love this Life

We drove by this last night and had to turn the car around so we could go back and get a better look. I love this artist's expression of raw passion for life and beauty. A good way to start the week!

Wild and Free

Last night, John and I got to go on a date, just the two of us. Naturally, we went to the rodeo. The Livingston Roundup is a professional rodeo held in Livingston, Montana every year over the fourth of July. The event, which has been popular since 1924, draws 10,000 people who come from all over the country to see cowboys cling to bucking horses and bulls for as long as their adrenaline-pumped bodies will allow; and watch cowgirls maneuver horses around barrels at full speed. All while drinking beers and eating elephant ears (the spectators, that is). What could be better.

I realized I’ve been living up North too long when I felt sad for the young calf whose feet were being tied together by some cowboy he’d never met, just after an unexpected jerk of the neck had yanked him to the ground. Everyone in the crowd waited on pins and needles to see if that calf would stay put for six seconds and make the cowboy a champion, and all I could think was: ‘Poor little guy. There he was, just thinking it was a big party with his friends. And that’s some mama cow’s baby.’

And there you have it...it’s the Mom in me. My daughter came into this world and opened up places in my heart I never knew existed. And now that they’ve burst open I’m unable reign in my urge to love, protect and nurture.

But I luuuuv me a good rodeo. I do. People of all ages and walks of life - their eyes filled with the freedom of summer; their boots and jeans collecting dust - gather in one arena to watch a great tradition of the Wild West. It’s a celebration of community and tradition; of the wild hearts and free spirit that created our country and continue to make it thrive. 

Happy birthday, U.S.A. And may we continue to live wild and free!

National Ice Cream Month

My latest mint-chocolate-chip ice cream craving popped up just in time...it’s National Ice Cream Month! This is not an unusual craving for me (i.e. No, I’m not pregnant). Mint chip is my favorite flavor. Especially when it’s actually the color mint green, which is at the top of my list of favorite colors. Today, I went and got a pedicure while John gave me the precious gift of a little time to myself. And what color did I choose? Mint green. It’s just that kind of day.

Calling all Adventurers

Bozeman, Montana! We’re here. And we might never leave. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the air is fresh with wildflowers and mountain breezes. And, of course, there’s that wild Montana sky John Denver told me about before I had ever set foot outside the state of Texas. It really is a big, Big Sky. Liza Cate seems equally as happy with our vacation plans as John & me, if not more. She is constantly pointing and gasping and reaching, like she just wants to drink it all up. 

Yesterday, we went on a hike together, the three of us. It was our second official family hike - the first being a hike in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area last summer. There’s something about family adventures...they make John & me so proud. We just look at each other and smile half the time - so happy to be out exploring the world with our baby girl. Or as John says, “We’re doin it, honey!”.  

So, our family hike was a big success. And by success, I mean we all made it up the trail and back to the car in one piece and we still love each other. Truth be told, it was not without some impatience on Liza Cate’s part. We learned an important lesson in managing expectations (i.e. John’s itinerary of hikes for the remainder of the week has probably been paired down a bit), and I’m quite sure that’s the last time we will ever forget to bring an extra diaper and wipes on a multi-hour family excursion. But most importantly, we all enjoyed the view. Including Liza Cate, who was enamored with river rocks, waterfalls, and especially friendly dogs we saw along the way. Mission accomplished. 

My favorite treasure on the hike was this carving on a tree trunk beside the waterfall. It was such a sweet surprise to see our initials inside the heart...it felt like someone was sending us a little message that we’re right where we’re supposed to be. As if to say, “Life is as it should be. Carry on, adventurers.” 

We need to keep getting out and making adventures happen together as a family, no matter how busy life gets. And to that end, I feel grateful to have a husband who just gets up, decides what he’s going to do, and does it. I need that kind of inspiration in life. More and more, the things I 'should do' threaten to get in the way of my free and open spirit of exploration. Washing bottles, picking up crumbs beneath Liza Cate’s high chair before the ants find them, doing laundry, scheduling, preparing food...not to mention, no one warned me that ‘to-do’ lists in general would grow exponentially in parenthood. On that note, I’m preparing myself for a lifelong battle: I hereby declare that I will not let to-do lists defeat adventurism. I’ll need a strong army to help carry out this mission...who’s with me!? 

Nice to meet you

Welcome to Redbird & Ginger's blog! Here, I will share ideas about hints of color in the world; bursts of creativity where you wouldn’t expect it; and sparks of uniqueness among the ordinary. The purpose of sharing is two-fold: for me, writing is the best way to process ideas and experiences; and for others who enjoy design and creativity, I hope this blog might provide some inspiration. In the coming months, I'll just be getting acquainted with this whole blog concept, so bear with me if I veer off-focus a bit.

First, I thought I should start with a proper introduction of myself. So, here goes...

In my hero-goggles version: I live in an old barn that my husband & I turned into our dream home; pick fresh veggies and herbs from our garden; cook great meals for our family on a regular basis; spend my weekdays working on designs and ideas in my sunny studio at home; go on long family hikes on the weekends; know just the right words to say to someone I love when they’re having a tough day; manage to keep my energy up, my spirit calm and my sense of humor in tact while I juggle it all. 

In the real-life version: I live in a sweet (i.e. tiny) 1903 farmhouse-style home that we rent in the city while we save our money and debate whether it’s worth pouring it all into a house; spend too much on organic produce; cook decent meals sporadically, when the mood strikes and I’m organized enough to find a recipe AND get to the grocery store in the same day; use my daughter’s nap times to work on designs and ideas at the dining room table we inherited from my parents; and if I take my omegas and vitamins every morning, pray once a day and go to yoga once a week, then I might still feel like myself by Friday.

But in both versions, I have the kindest, most loving husband in the world and a strawberry-blond baby girl (the 'Ginger' in all of this) who is quite literally our sunshine.

Thank you for taking time to visit!