Family Meetings

I came home from work today to a house full of cranky people. Even Mango was giving me his talk-to-the-tail routine. Somewhere between the pickup line at school and getting dinner on the table, something had obviously gone very, very wrong with my family. My kids greeted me with a low-talking hi mom. My husband was darting around in the kitchen and avoiding eye contact at all costs. Everyone’s panties were in a twist. As I stood in the kitchen assessing the moods in the room, I knew exactly what we needed — a magically restorative family meeting. We are BIG on family meetings. They aren’t always pretty but they always end well. It's how we make our decisions, hand down verdicts, diffuse attitude bombs and name new pets. Family meetings have seen us through the good, the bad and the sticky. It’s a chance for everyone to have even footing, no matter who was right and who was wrong (or wronged in some cases). It gives each person a chance to be heard fairly. We always sit during our family meetings. It helps us to stop — literally — calming us and helping us formulate our arguments and positions on the matter at hand. Inherently one person takes on the role of the peacemaking facilitator, while the accused and accuser square off. The tension melts away a little with each word that's spoken. Until we end up completely seeing the other persons point of view. Apologies, realizations and forgiveness often make an appearance. Today’s family meeting was a familiar topic. Someone said something that upset someone else: resentment stewed, tempers flared, kids fought. After about 15 minutes of reminding my daughter not to interrupt while others shared their side of the story and reminding my husband to rephrase what he’d said that set her off in the first place; we reached an accord. They both said what they really meant to say to begin with. They took ownership for their words and really thought about how their harsh tones had hurt the other person. They took turns saying “I’m sorry.” A few tears were shed, loving smiles and hugs were shared. It's a good practice that I highly recommend. It works for us. And all is right with our world, for today.

Lucky Lovely 7

My best to Denise at Freshly Found for sharing the Kreativ Blogger award with me. My interpretation of the 7 things I love list is to focus on things or situations rather than people. Obviously I love my family more than words can express; friends, pets and those I share my life with. That being said, here's my list of 7 things that I love:



1. Being a Mom; the most important thing I'll ever be

2. Learning new things & going to places I've never been before

3. The taste of dark chocolate



4. Exploring perfect design in nature

5. Good memories

6. Hunting seashells at the beach

7. Clever things, funny moments - I love the joy in a good laugh

And now for the list of 7 creative bloggers that inspire me:
strongrrl
pesky cat designs
the constant gatherer
wishing willow
cheeky beaks
oh happy day
simple + pretty

My First Blog Award!

I opened my email today to find that I'd been honored with the Kreativ Blog award! My very first blog award -- thank you Denise of Freshly Found, I am truly honored. The Kreativ Blog award comes with a caveat that requires some pondering, so look for a post later this week where I will share seven things that I love AND pass the honor along to seven bloggers that inspire me!

Little Lost Lamb

I find creativity and sleep do not often visit me at the same time. Lately I've not been sleeping well or nearly enough. My mind is swimming in a pool of inspiration and yet my body is deeply tired. The nag to create is popping into every activity -- like what can I make this empty cereal box into to give it new purpose? What kind of curtains will I make for my daughters room and when exactly am I going to start on that project? And can I tell you the most ridiculous reoccurring nag I've had lately -- I've actually had the urge to drive and sketch at the same time! I know, it's an incredibly bad idea (and one that I promise not to try). It's obvious to me that my days are too tightly packed. There's no wiggle room left for creative pursuits, acts of whimsy or simply relaxing. So my body and my creative spirit are taking over the only time slot that's left, the night; my should-be-sleeping time. Here I am at midnight typing this post. Morning and her obligations come early. May sweet sleep be yours tonight; tomorrow I pray balance and courage will grace us all!

Visual Journal

I've been keeping a visual diary for a few months now. It was inspired by a book I picked up at the library, Creative License by Danny Gregory. It's a clever, honest book about allowing yourself to be creative, specifically relating to observation and drawing. He refers to and has clearly studied Betty Edwards phenomenal book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. This was my favorite textbook in art school. It teaches exercises that will help you learn how to draw what you see, rather than what you think you see (like how we think an eye is shaped exactly like an almond, when in reality it's quite different). It's funny but when I sketch the random, ordinary things that happen in a day – I'm finding that these moments aren't so ordinary at all. Vignettes of a life being lived; moments preserved. As I sketched my son, I was struck by how beautiful he is to me. I observed how careful and precise he was about what he was creating. It made me stop and take stock in the moment. This journal is teaching me how to be more present in my life. I hope you enjoy the sketch-snapshots of my life as I share them from time to time.

Ott-Lites Rock!

I have wanted an Ott-Lite for more years than I can remember. These lamps are amazing, perfect light for artists, crafters, quilters, etc. But the pricetag – yikes! I figured that someday I would snag one at a thrift store or yard sale. Being that Ott-Lites are the bomb, I knew it was going to be a while until that happened. Last weekend I hit a yard sale and there it was, a floor lamp model in perfect condition — and the best part — I paid $2.50 for it! Totally ridiculous. My crazy love for yard sales continues...

Baking Tip: Yogurt for Butter

While searching for ways to make healthier baked goods, I came across some information over at Taste of Home about using yogurt as a substitute for butter. I thought it would be fun to share this info, which I've changed slightly, on my blog. Happy, healthy baking!

• When a recipe calls for butter, replace half the butter with half as much yogurt. For instance, instead of 1 cup butter, use 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 cup yogurt. It's healthier and makes your baked goods so moist!
• When a recipe calls for shortening or oil, replace half the oil with 3/4 the amount of yogurt. For example, instead of 1 cup oil, use 1/2 cup oil and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons yogurt. I also find applesauce a great substitute for oil, I sub that equally (1/2 cup applesauce for 1/2 cup oil). This isn't for every recipe but works great for muffins, sweet breads and some cookies.
• Substitute yogurt cup for cup for sour cream in recipes.
• Try yogurt instead of water or milk in a recipe. Start by substituting 1/4 of the liquid with yogurt, up the amount depending on your result and preference. It really makes a creamier, more flavorful result.
• I've found both vanilla yogurt and plain yogurt to work well so use what you prefer.