Category Archives: Posts

A new dress for Emma

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Emma and I were visiting the main library one afternoon when I came upon the book “The Widow’s Broom” by Chris Van Allsburg. I read it and immediately thought both maiki and Emma would love it! I read it to Emma and then checked it out. As we walked towards home she looked at the pictures again, really focusing on a picture of a witch that was wearing a long black dress with buttons down the front. She declared “Mom, she looks so lovely! Her dress is so elegant.” As we walked Emma continued to study the illustration of the witch.

We ended up wandering into the Field Day shop. They make beautiful clothes for women. In the back was this dress that perfectly matched the illustration. It was long and black and had buttons down the front. Also they only had a small and extra small size left. I encouraged Emma to try it on and it was a perfect fit. My mouth dropped open. It was like it was made for her. We talked about how it was important to buy new clothes from the people that made them. Plus it is a small women owned local business. I suggested we get it and it is stunning. Emma wore it daily until it got too warm but she is looking forward to her new autumn dress.

This “Fiona” style dress in the picture is extra small. We ended buying the small so that it would fit her a bit longer.

It just so happens that Field Day is the shop Emma got her first broom. Such a little witch! ^_^

thinking about autumn in a heat wave

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Yup, that is right I am thinking about autumn in a heat wave. Really the bay area has had a very mild summer. Now its September and its finally warming up and the pools are closed and the kids have almost been in school for a month.

Anyways, I blame the Toast UK autumn lookbook. Its so wonderfully cozy and chock full of boots, woolen pullovers, plaid and scarves. I am predictable and steady. I would probably still have all of the sweaters, coats and plaid things I have ever owned if it were possible to keep every piece of clothing one has owned for twenty five years.

Another great thing on the internet are pictures from past catalogs that people post. They all seem timeless. I had a page torn out from a catalog on my closet door in our Highwind house It was this cat sitting on a wool blanket (as seen below). The paper was thick for a catalog and in those days Toast would send them across the world for free. I would gush over the quality of them to maiki and memorize every page. Now I make do with digital versions but I appreciate them all the same.

As I much as I love Toast I have never bought anything from them. My plan has always been to find inspiration and then scope out the thrift and vintage shops. Nowadays I use Thred Up and Etsy as well as thrift and resale shops. Good design does not go out of style.

back to school

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School started this past Monday and we met with our advisor on Wednesday. We started out with a new method that I read about at the end of the last school year. The parent/teacher writes out everything expected of the student for the day in the morning and the child/student can choose the order to do the tasks and can check them off when completed. Since Emma begins her day with assistance from maiki for math that subject begins after breakfast. Then she has choice as how to proceed.

Sometimes we go to the gardens, sometimes we have an errand or activity and I will try to include those on the list. If she finishes before six p.m. she has free time and afterwards we are settling down with more unplugged activities for the evening.

Started off slow this week with three subjects each day. I was glad that the bulk of my decision making about the days events happened in ten minutes in the morning and I was able to pass on more responsiblity to Emma. I felt more organized and she was happier to know what was going to happen. I had read that this method was wildly successful when homeschooling more than one child but it was just as effective for one too. Decision fatigue can be the hardest part of my days.

This year we are incorporating piano instruction with Hoffman Academy and studying U.S. History. I am looking forward to reading a lot of great historical fiction together. I decided we would study cursive more frequently for a bit since she her finger skills are more developed. We will also continue with knitting club. We are all looking forward to the new school year!