tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67775069892203668322024-03-19T04:48:35.427-04:00maya*mademayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.comBlogger1529125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-27821436825379471832017-01-26T17:39:00.002-05:002017-03-09T22:42:34.578-05:00Goodbye Barn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4EnAf8mS3A/WIptOw8TP4I/AAAAAAAANA8/KykH7Pd3Xkg4WLbYVkaP1i3XKhkiOYoYQCLcB/s1600/summer%2Bbarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4EnAf8mS3A/WIptOw8TP4I/AAAAAAAANA8/KykH7Pd3Xkg4WLbYVkaP1i3XKhkiOYoYQCLcB/s640/summer%2Bbarn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been such a long time since I've sat at my computer to write a post... I've missed YOU! The longer I was quiet here, the harder it became to find the time. The full story is not just about being over scheduled, but a desire for privacy as I moved through so many new changes, each with huge uncertainty about the outcomes. Accepting that life is unpredictable is what I'll be working on forever, it seems. I think I've been holding my breath since the last post in April. It's time to exhale into what I do know for today:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>My first born is now settled and thriving in college. </li>
<li>My second has begun a brand new middle school and is navigating it with grace.</li>
<li>I began working at wonderful <a href="http://www.snugplanet.com/">local company</a>- my first job outside of home in 18 years.</li>
<li>We came <i>this close </i>to moving away and renting our farmhouse... but we're staying, thank goodness!</li>
<li>My mother is selling her barn. THE BARN! Our beloved barn.</li>
</ul>
<div>
The open house is in two days, on Saturday, which is why I chose now to return. To breathe. To let go. We all have loved that barn, haven't we! My amazing mother thoughtfully restored it from an old abandoned building sitting on cinderblocks to the beautiful art studio and home it is today. It's been our family gathering place and the backdrop to so much mother and daughter creativity for the last ten years. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This barn is waiting for its new chapter now...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-77309220724691128132016-04-28T15:11:00.002-04:002016-04-28T15:18:41.044-04:00grateful<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhd_WRbbWsA/VyJdWCCk8DI/AAAAAAAAM9I/AinuWd52XtUrAZDCwsCHj5BMCm53QPSIgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhd_WRbbWsA/VyJdWCCk8DI/AAAAAAAAM9I/AinuWd52XtUrAZDCwsCHj5BMCm53QPSIgCLcB/s640/IMG_0664.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello friends!<br />
<br />
All is well, and I can't tell you how much I've appreciated your personal emails with questions and concerns for my whereabouts. Instagram has hinted at the lovely time I'm having, but not everyone checks there and I'm sorry for my silence here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuhZaAddRU4/VyJdUw8_7AI/AAAAAAAAM9E/nXFDzQl087wLCjheKz4_lyX2MGMKxvVJwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuhZaAddRU4/VyJdUw8_7AI/AAAAAAAAM9E/nXFDzQl087wLCjheKz4_lyX2MGMKxvVJwCLcB/s640/IMG_0742.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My children at the beach south of Half Moon By</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Life is moving swiftly along and time feels a bit surreal these days. Blogging has taken a temporary back burner as I've focused on living without documenting. Since I started maya*made, eight years ago, I've kept writing steadily- even during the ups and downs of life. This particular moment in time called for my complete focus and a pause, as I take on yet another transition. A new chapter is unfolding for my family. My son, my first born, is preparing to go to college in a matter of months. The spring semester of senior year is such a crazy time in both a parent and student's life. Just like birth- you can hear other mother's stories, but until you experience it for yourself, it's impossible to know how it will impact you. As the celebrating of acceptances and consoling over denials of schools unfolds, the true taste of having an adult as my child has emerged. I'm embracing the emotions and complexity of it all, while preparing for his journey from the nest.<br />
<br />
And so we came home to California and my family for the first time in 4 years. It has been the perfect way for us to all feel secure and held at this pivotal moment. I will return to blogging on a regular basis next month when we are settled back into the east coast and spring. I am forever grateful for your interest, support and love.<br />
xox,<br />
Maya<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_6NC5a-XTU/VyJdULy2T8I/AAAAAAAAM9A/nreKNR4DMwob5jCiE8nD4Hz9mKjMbqDmgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_6NC5a-XTU/VyJdULy2T8I/AAAAAAAAM9A/nreKNR4DMwob5jCiE8nD4Hz9mKjMbqDmgCLcB/s640/IMG_0717.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-70308045114643016862016-03-11T13:35:00.002-05:002016-03-11T13:38:07.934-05:00thai carrot ginger soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSOoLW5WS6I/VuMPjbZLHJI/AAAAAAAAM8Y/uneKRUdRSDUSrRiylKFcRfT9SKK8F7XhQ/s1600/photo-24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSOoLW5WS6I/VuMPjbZLHJI/AAAAAAAAM8Y/uneKRUdRSDUSrRiylKFcRfT9SKK8F7XhQ/s640/photo-24.JPG" width="560" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I made this last night, and it's my new favorite soup. Topping it off with fresh radish sprouts made this root puree feel fresh and springy, too. I didn't measure, but I'll share with you the ingredients and steps to try to concoct something similar yourself. Because you have to! It's just so good!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>6 large carrots chopped</li>
<li>water to cover carrots</li>
<li>olive oil</li>
<li>two cloves of garlic pressed</li>
<li>nub of fresh ginger chopped</li>
<li>sea salt</li>
<li>thai red curry paste (maybe a teaspoonful)</li>
<li>splash of apple cider vinegar</li>
<li>dash or two of cumin</li>
</ul>
<div>
Saute ginger and garlic in olive oil. Add carrots and water and salt. Cook until soft. Transfer to a blender and add the rest of the ingredients. Blend until smooth. Taste and determine if you want to add a little this or that. Serve with freshly ground pepper and radish sprouts. So simple, but so delicious!</div>
<br />
<br />mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-40087962251276429722016-03-07T08:20:00.000-05:002016-03-07T08:22:24.695-05:00spring-y announcements<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYaEZzMCTdY/Vt19wZS6E1I/AAAAAAAAM8E/ar81icWfV1k/s1600/IMG_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYaEZzMCTdY/Vt19wZS6E1I/AAAAAAAAM8E/ar81icWfV1k/s640/IMG_0373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I hope your weekend was rejuvenating. Often times, I feel like I spend Saturday and Sunday catching up on laundry, cleaning, sleep and work. Somehow I managed all of that and still had time for a lot of play. And this morning I woke up to blue skies and a weather forecast that has me singing! Spring is definitely in the air...<br />
<br />
Two related and lovely announcements for this new week:<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://craftsanity.com/2016/02/craftsanity-podcast-episode-182-maya-pagan-donenfeld-tells-the-story-behind-her-new-book-hope-make-heal/">Jennifer Ackerman of Craftsanity </a>interviewed me for her podcast series a few weeks back and it's now live. I shared about the process of creating my second book and revealed it's evolution. I hope it gives some insight into why and how I channeled a huge life challenge into something positive. So with a bit of a vulnerable "gulp"- I invite to grab a cuppa and give a listen. Here's the <a href="https://soundcloud.com/craftsanity">podcast</a>. Thanks Jennifer, for a lovely talk!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n6v_QPzQIiU/Vt19vVGZNrI/AAAAAAAAM8A/Wh2fR6Oa4NE/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n6v_QPzQIiU/Vt19vVGZNrI/AAAAAAAAM8A/Wh2fR6Oa4NE/s640/IMG_0368.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">2. There are now signed copies of Hope, Make, Heal in my Etsy shop! You can find them </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/271269040/hope-make-heal-20-crafts-to-mend-the?ref=shop_home_feat_4" style="text-align: center;">here</a><span style="text-align: center;">.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">And a local reminder that Ellen Abrams and I will be hosting an Equinox workshop on Sunday, March 20th.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh9NLhdMQOU/VrShsNGFNkI/AAAAAAAAM4k/2U0H7GFXfsw/s1600/picmonkey_image-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh9NLhdMQOU/VrShsNGFNkI/AAAAAAAAM4k/2U0H7GFXfsw/s640/picmonkey_image-3.jpeg" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the details are right <a href="http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2016/02/mindful-making_5.html">here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-91774686062107022282016-03-02T14:13:00.001-05:002016-03-02T16:30:24.925-05:00March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0O1vETXiKY/VtcnvQFYBUI/AAAAAAAAM7M/VVyrf1DwOPo/s1600/photo-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0O1vETXiKY/VtcnvQFYBUI/AAAAAAAAM7M/VVyrf1DwOPo/s640/photo-23.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The winds whipped up last night, shaking the windows and howling out as they circled around the house. At dawn, the world seemed to be swept clean as I headed off to yoga. My teacher spoke of the importance of having an anchor when a storm blows in. It's a message I know well, but I smiled sheepishly from my mat because I'm always grateful for a little kick in the pants reminder. You see, February is typically my challenging month. It's been a little more than four years since my life turned upside down- I truly feel wonderful most days, but these deep wounds are always tender at anniversaries, don't you think? I chose to slow down internet-wise for a little while to allow for some quiet. And some yoga. And breathing. And smoothies. And making stuff. All of my favorites.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTFhhgcPUN0/VtcntaiPsGI/AAAAAAAAM7I/EeEFf-7IynM/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTFhhgcPUN0/VtcntaiPsGI/AAAAAAAAM7I/EeEFf-7IynM/s640/IMG_0362.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I didn't even realize I was anchoring when the winds began to blow a few weeks ago... I just do so naturally and automatically now. This is a direct result of having a tool kit for survival at the ready. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm amazed that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1611802008/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1611802008&linkCode=as2&tag=mayamade-20&linkId=KZD3B6FA5265YT22">Hope, Make, Heal</a> continues to be my very own guidebook, and I so hope it helps some of you. There are <a href="http://www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/3-craft-projects-to-help-you-heal-your-heart-and-reinvent-yourself-really/">three crafts up on the Well and Good site</a> directly from the pages that might just be the something you could use right now, including the instructions for making the Survival Satchel below that I love so much!</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gsZEuArBajA/Vtc3EITVr4I/AAAAAAAAM7s/MXqz0xNyCPM/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gsZEuArBajA/Vtc3EITVr4I/AAAAAAAAM7s/MXqz0xNyCPM/s640/unnamed.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So happy to <b><i>March</i></b> forward with you... into the wind we go!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-52588192636180032992016-02-10T17:03:00.000-05:002016-02-10T17:04:06.293-05:00book reading and craft night<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just a quick local announcement! I'll be reading, crafting, selling and signing at the end of the month, and I'd love you to come if you're somewhere close by. Below are the details:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-r9TxCerg8/VrtwdBPQubI/AAAAAAAAM6Y/7Sg5Fkk143Y/s1600/Image%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-r9TxCerg8/VrtwdBPQubI/AAAAAAAAM6Y/7Sg5Fkk143Y/s320/Image%2B2.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Join local author, Maya Pagán Donenfeld, for a book
reading <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">and craft night! There will be opportunities to share and talk about meaningful making and coping with loss and then create
items directly from or inspired by </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Hope, Make, Heal.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
When: Thursday,
February 25<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Time: 6:30-8:30pm<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Where: Dolce Delight <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
1080 Danby Road
Ithaca<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
This event is free
and open to the public. A small donation is suggested to cover costs of the
materials provided.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-66602487319614225302016-02-08T21:48:00.000-05:002016-03-04T12:55:02.290-05:00aurora shoe co<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">On the other side of my beautiful lake (Cayuga Lake of the Fingerlakes) is a pretty little village built directly on the shore called Aurora. Right before you arrive, a sign for </span><a href="http://www.aurorashoeco.com/" style="text-align: start;">The Aurora Shoe Company</a><span style="text-align: start;"> can be seen from the road.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i40YhZq2VAU/Vrfp-D3nNZI/AAAAAAAAM5E/oUdcsmsdDUU/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i40YhZq2VAU/Vrfp-D3nNZI/AAAAAAAAM5E/oUdcsmsdDUU/s640/IMG_0226.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm so excited to finally be wearing a pair of Aurora Shoes. How lucky we are to have THIS handmade shoe company in our area. I've been in Ithaca for 15 years, and it seems like everyone has a pair. And if you look on instagram at the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/aurorashoes/">#aurorashoes</a> you'll see they're popular all over the globe! They are so well constructed that they last for years and, as I'm experiencing first-hand, get sweeter with every step. They're so comfortable it's all some folks will wear! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://The Aurora Shoe Company">Aurora Shoe Company</a> was one of maya*made's first sponsors back in the day when this blog used to have sponsorship... but I'm embarrassed to say it's taken me years to finally go check out their brick and mortar workshop. What a treat for someone who appreciates the creative process. David, the owner, gave me a tour of each step that goes into building a shoe. From stretching the leather to cutting the straps, He and his sister, Alyssa (who is does all the marketing and photography), grew up down the road from the shoe company. David bought his first pair when he was 13. Years later, when he was working as an industrial engineer, and wishing to relocate his family back to his childhood town, there was word that the Aurora Shoe Co was for sale. It was an exciting opportunity, and he took it. I love stories of small business bravery! Under this new ownership, the shoes are still lovingly crafted by hand by most of the very same folks that have been making these tried and true shoes for 30 years. David brought in a few new modes of efficiency(engineers are so good at that!) and Alyssa has worked to create an internet presence with lovely photos... but so much of the what has made these artisan shoes such a staple remains the same. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In today's fast-paced world of consumerism, it's always inspiring to see a business model based on slow, intentional and quality craftsmanship. Here are some pics from the tour and several courtesy of Alyssa.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKK51FBmKE4/VrfprgnzaHI/AAAAAAAAM44/U_MpL7jlpbI/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKK51FBmKE4/VrfprgnzaHI/AAAAAAAAM44/U_MpL7jlpbI/s640/IMG_0176.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGlpKk4omSU/VrfqFTzH0gI/AAAAAAAAM5Y/joaFRGtU3rw/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGlpKk4omSU/VrfqFTzH0gI/AAAAAAAAM5Y/joaFRGtU3rw/s640/IMG_0230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ItYAL_Lr-w/VrfqDoWxmvI/AAAAAAAAM5Q/vvodAC3isdg/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ItYAL_Lr-w/VrfqDoWxmvI/AAAAAAAAM5Q/vvodAC3isdg/s640/IMG_0228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kBhtfUcimAI/VrfqEBxOCTI/AAAAAAAAM5U/VmSnJEzeECw/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kBhtfUcimAI/VrfqEBxOCTI/AAAAAAAAM5U/VmSnJEzeECw/s640/IMG_0229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9yrtfiG1Ys/Vrfps6PBR2I/AAAAAAAAM48/Z6P2-XIK2MM/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9yrtfiG1Ys/Vrfps6PBR2I/AAAAAAAAM48/Z6P2-XIK2MM/s640/IMG_0181.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3VWDXJs-U8/Vrfp2mQQm4I/AAAAAAAAM5A/dVQKkq1J8i4/s1600/IMG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3VWDXJs-U8/Vrfp2mQQm4I/AAAAAAAAM5A/dVQKkq1J8i4/s640/IMG_0182.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUyrgje1NoU/VrfqI4sCIQI/AAAAAAAAM5c/2VyKK3_40DA/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qUyrgje1NoU/VrfqI4sCIQI/AAAAAAAAM5c/2VyKK3_40DA/s640/IMG_0231.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">After observing the fascinating process of leather stretching and examining the vintage shoe making tools, I was invited to try on a few different pairs and go on a photo shoot with Alyssa. Dreamy!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwgMEgFHtvk/VrlQja0xdoI/AAAAAAAAM6A/X7rZAa_4M-o/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwgMEgFHtvk/VrlQja0xdoI/AAAAAAAAM6A/X7rZAa_4M-o/s640/IMG_0236.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
It was windy with flurries, so we only lasted a few minutes out by the lake before we ran into the <a href="http://www.innsofaurora.com/food-wine/aurora-inn-dining-room/">Aurora Inn</a> to warm up by the fire. Here is a link to more pics of the <a href="http://www.aurorashoeco.com/blogs/blog/75539589-local-author-visit" style="text-align: start;">photo shoot </a> and you must see their new boots! And if you love to enjoy farm to table food when you wear your handmade shoes do check out the link to the menu at the inn. It's a favorite special occasion spot for me, for sure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EvCFerxwr_A/VrfqAa6VDZI/AAAAAAAAM5M/Kr42X0M232w/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EvCFerxwr_A/VrfqAa6VDZI/AAAAAAAAM5M/Kr42X0M232w/s640/IMG_0187.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oR4uQ_pv2Lw/VrfqJolyiOI/AAAAAAAAM5k/QnHeqKUedJU/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oR4uQ_pv2Lw/VrfqJolyiOI/AAAAAAAAM5k/QnHeqKUedJU/s640/IMG_0233.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmpypUQFaKc/VrfqNLYGZFI/AAAAAAAAM5w/Kwet9zAjmQg/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmpypUQFaKc/VrfqNLYGZFI/AAAAAAAAM5w/Kwet9zAjmQg/s640/IMG_0234.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: start;">
Thank you David and Alyssa for keeping alive such a lovely handmade business. Thank you Aurora Shoe Company for such a fun morning!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-36011254637977109292016-02-05T08:21:00.003-05:002016-03-07T08:17:10.834-05:00Mindful Making<div class="" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="" style="font-family: "helvetica";">Ellen Abrams and I have been friends for many years... raising our children in the same small community and always wishing for more time together. </span><span class="" style="font-family: "helvetica";"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">As a marriage and family therapist, with an established meditation practice, Ellen began offering weekly groups for people working through grief a few years back. In her lovely words- she began running <i><b>"trauma informed mindfulness groups as a place to explore oneself through the lens of kindness and to develop, with support and connection, practices that cultivate a positive sense of self, equanimity, and nourishment". </b></i></span></div>
<div class="" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"> I was writing <a href="http://mayamade.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html">Hope, Make, Heal</a> and deep in the process of examining my own loss and how it impacted daily living. I signed up. Right away! It was a game-changer. With her guidance, I discovered new ways of finding peace within, even during the most turbulent times. What a useful tool... <i>for everyone</i>. I invited Ellen to contribute meditations to the book I was writing. And she did! They begin each section. </span></div>
<div class="" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Collaborating with someone you love and respect is always exciting... so we're not stopping! We're joining forces to merge mindfulness and creativity into a live workshop. It's going to be so good!</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh9NLhdMQOU/VrShsNGFNkI/AAAAAAAAM4k/2U0H7GFXfsw/s1600/picmonkey_image-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh9NLhdMQOU/VrShsNGFNkI/AAAAAAAAM4k/2U0H7GFXfsw/s640/picmonkey_image-3.jpeg" width="468" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: medium;">Sunday March 20th 1-4 pm </span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: medium;">Vernal Equinox</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: medium;">Trumansburg, NY</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: medium;"><br class="" /></span></div>
<div class="" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="" style="font-size: medium;">What a wonderful way to celebrate the first day of spring! We will make Open-hearted Journals, Lights for the End of the Tunnel and/or Inner Altars. These projects from the pages of Hope, Make, Heal will beautifully support a new (or renewed) meditation practice. All supplies will be provided. Additional personal items will be suggested in an optional materials list.</span></div>
<div class="" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: medium;">Fee: $75</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: medium;"><br class="" /></span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">(Scholarships available)</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: medium;">For more info and to register email:</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: medium;">mayaluna(at)yahoo(dot)com or</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: medium;">ellenabrams1(at) gmail(dot)com</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span class="" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-46621679254597978402016-02-03T09:18:00.000-05:002016-02-03T09:19:16.084-05:00Be strong- eat for power!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZquOugG4O58/VrIKjaE-z3I/AAAAAAAAM4U/RUiLSlPr-cs/s1600/IMG_0940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZquOugG4O58/VrIKjaE-z3I/AAAAAAAAM4U/RUiLSlPr-cs/s640/IMG_0940.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Benton Sans Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i>"The act of healing will look different for each of us. There is no need to rush—nor a clear timetable for traveling through the unique terrain of each loss. Death of a loved one, a traumatic life event, or deep heartbreak are all wounds that have the potential never to leave us. The scars remain to remind us of what we’ve felt, whom we’ve loved, and how we’ve grown. They become part of the fabric of our lives.</i></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Benton Sans Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i>I sew. A lot. The metaphors that surround needle and thread seep into my thoughts often. The British proverb “A stitch in time saves nine” is a favorite. The meaning is simple: sew up a little hole with one stitch now so that it doesn’t expand and turn into something greater that may need nine or more stitches. It’s a saying that refers to doing things well the first time and not putting something off until later. Healing well from the start is an unhurried and deliberate mending. The frayed and broken fibers of our stories can almost always be woven back together, but how we choose to repair and patch ourselves up determines quite a bit. A quick fix is sure to leave you weak for unraveling. This is true in the literal sense, such as stitching up a hole in a seam. Why wouldn’t it also be true for our souls?</i></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: 'Benton Sans Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i>I believe that taking supremely good care of yourself will strengthen every muscle— including your heart. You’ll be ready for that moment..."</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is an excerpt from Hope, Make Heal currently featured in Spirituality & Health. <a href="http://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/be-strong-%E2%80%94-eat-power">Click here </a>to read the entire article and how green smoothies were a life-saver, plus get the recipe for this favorite of mine.</div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-10131770141983884832016-02-01T10:44:00.002-05:002016-02-01T10:44:30.922-05:00February<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7fStE2NAT0/UQxF-cqS-JI/AAAAAAAAH2A/B6Th3UiNFJs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="604" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7fStE2NAT0/UQxF-cqS-JI/AAAAAAAAH2A/B6Th3UiNFJs/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Ahh! You know how much I love when a new month is on Monday- so fresh and good!</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">The above picture is from February 1st- </span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;"><b>three years ago</b></i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">. I remember just how fragile I felt as I carried those stitched paper map hearts into <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ithacamade/">ithacamade</a> for a February window installation. Giant heart maps- I was holding every metaphor with a death grip in those days. My internal GPS seemed to have worked- and I found my way. Happy February- I'm blowing a kiss to all of your tender hearts.</span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><i><b> *******</b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">I announced the winner of the feather banner and Hope, Make, Heal on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mayamade/">instagram</a> just now. Congratulations @artytarsh! There will be more instagram giveaways coming soon. But for those of you not on instagram- I heard your messages and will find a way to include you, too in the future! </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-45925406484716473232016-01-28T09:58:00.001-05:002016-01-28T09:59:52.004-05:00giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3vUjE9xXVA/VqlWKxquanI/AAAAAAAAM4E/QlQ9oPr_uYw/s1600/IMG_7020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3vUjE9xXVA/VqlWKxquanI/AAAAAAAAM4E/QlQ9oPr_uYw/s640/IMG_7020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hello lovely friends! I'm still here- just spending most of my time over at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mayamade/">instagram</a> these days. I do hope you'll join me there- it's quite cozy and I'd love to stay connected with you. In fact, I'm hosting my first instagram giveaway over there right now. I'm offering a signed copy of Hope, Make, Heal along with the original feathered banner from the last chapter. I will be tucking in a surprise or two, as well. Heading to my studio right now to work on a little something for the sweet winner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgwpIybVNrA/VqlWI5XU_iI/AAAAAAAAM38/dVO9xn_N0Ng/s1600/IMG_7016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgwpIybVNrA/VqlWI5XU_iI/AAAAAAAAM38/dVO9xn_N0Ng/s640/IMG_7016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you'd like to enter, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BBFin1PBDev/?taken-by=mayamade">hop over</a>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
xxx</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Maya</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-84195514057434700032016-01-12T12:36:00.001-05:002016-01-12T12:53:11.647-05:00launched<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSvqbke73f8/VpUa9X00dyI/AAAAAAAAM18/xNv2759HaFg/s1600/IMG_4521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSvqbke73f8/VpUa9X00dyI/AAAAAAAAM18/xNv2759HaFg/s640/IMG_4521.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
It's been said by many that the energy in the room was wonderful at the Hope Make Heal launch at Buffalo Street Books. It was a very receptive crowd, who not only were so supportive of me personally, but also were clearly happy to take a copy of the book home with them... either for their own use or for a friend. Here were my opening lines before I read excerpts from several of the chapters:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">"Welcome and thank you for coming to celebrate with me today. My first book, Reinvention, was published at the beginning of 2012. It
was <i>not</i> a time for celebrating. At the exact moment that it was coming off the
press, I was reeling from the unexpected and very sudden loss of my 16 year
marriage. The last four years have been a wild ride filled with <b>hope</b>
that I would survive the pain, the <b>making </b>of<b> </b>a new life for my
children and myself, and then the <b>healing</b> of the places that had been broken.
That grieving and rebuilding process evolved along side this second book that I hold
in my hands today. Hope, Make, Heal was published exactly 10 days ago and I couldn’t
be happier and more ready to share it with all of you... to celebrate!"</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8So8BOGRu90/VpUa_MtobEI/AAAAAAAAM2E/4bCuGk0Am7g/s1600/IMG_4540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8So8BOGRu90/VpUa_MtobEI/AAAAAAAAM2E/4bCuGk0Am7g/s640/IMG_4540.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I introduced my dear friend Ellen Abrams (sadly not pictured here- send me pics if you have them friends), who contributed the meditations to each section. Ellen is a local therapist who also leads Mindfulness Meditation groups for people who have experienced trauma. I was attending it during the writing process of the book and knew it was an important component to include. She led a beautiful meditation and then there were paper feathers offered for writing intentions on. Templates for six of my feather prints are located in the back of the book for using in various projects!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiyDSnJNkMw/VpU3kI_wXxI/AAAAAAAAM2w/73MCH7UWYuo/s1600/photo-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiyDSnJNkMw/VpU3kI_wXxI/AAAAAAAAM2w/73MCH7UWYuo/s640/photo-22.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then it was on to signing... Buffalo sold out, but have let me know that more copies will be arriving this week.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAnKH3mNtsQ/VpUboGkId3I/AAAAAAAAM2U/5_i_ZDRrP8g/s1600/IMG_4552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAnKH3mNtsQ/VpUboGkId3I/AAAAAAAAM2U/5_i_ZDRrP8g/s640/IMG_4552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-80434864686962961172016-01-04T11:54:00.002-05:002016-01-04T11:54:51.759-05:00book launch party!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0qqqTEn05rk/VoqMNuJ93jI/AAAAAAAAM1g/Zn5bZiqH5hI/s1600/photo-21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0qqqTEn05rk/VoqMNuJ93jI/AAAAAAAAM1g/Zn5bZiqH5hI/s640/photo-21.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Feathers played an integral part in my healing process- painting, carving and collecting them. I've included some of my favorite feather prints in the back of my book for using with several HMH projects or some of your own. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">I'm now stamping and cutting out bunches of them for this weekend's launch at Buffalo Street Books. If you are local, I'd be so happy to see you! Come by at 3pm this Saturday, 1/9/16 for a signed copy. I'll be doing a reading and sharing an activity around setting intentions for this year. There will be light snacks, sweet conversation and good folks- so do join us for the celebration if you can!</span></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-65046687401311560552015-12-29T12:37:00.000-05:002015-12-29T12:43:31.410-05:00RELEASED!This week, three years ago I had done everything within my power to give my children a beautiful Christmas and my daughter a happy birthday. Although almost a year had already passed since their father had moved out without warning, it was our first december on our own. The winter holidays have the potential to be a time of magic, as well as the tendency to illuminate loss and magnify grief. I remember making it to this last week of the year and thinking- I'm almost there. I will survive this hellish year after all. I chose my word for the upcoming year: HOPE. Here is <a href="http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2012/12/hope.html">that post</a>, like a little time capsule.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Thank goodness for my kids. They were the reason I made myself get out of bed every morning and that I was doing more than just making it... I was determined to to heal for them.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>To learn everything I could about how to face darkness and come out on top. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>To thrive and help them to do the same. </i></div>
It was the hardest challenge of my life. Desolation was always at my side in the beginning, but I acted brave for them... until one day it was true.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-riCKvdjcg70/VoK-nhKjagI/AAAAAAAAM0c/oAzNEaWQ6_0/s1600/IMG_0168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-riCKvdjcg70/VoK-nhKjagI/AAAAAAAAM0c/oAzNEaWQ6_0/s640/IMG_0168.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
By that Christmas in 2012, some good days were sprinkled in with the constant rough ones. I started seeing glimpses of the light at the end of the tunnel. And I began writing down my process. As a writer and an artist, there was an overwhelming need to document my return towards wholeness. I blogged and journaled the tools I was discovering (and most often creating) to guide me forward.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5BjCF86SUI/VoK-vGKIhDI/AAAAAAAAM0k/ZS3PGYF6ExI/s1600/IMG_0203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5BjCF86SUI/VoK-vGKIhDI/AAAAAAAAM0k/ZS3PGYF6ExI/s640/IMG_0203.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
My second book was emerging long before I was ready to actually write it. But it was the book I was wishing someone could place in my hands at that very moment. So I began. I knew it was about hope and creating. I prayed it would bring my healing and maybe help others who were struggling through one of life's inevitable transitions. Several years in the living and making, and TODAY it goes out into the world!! TODAY!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8K3TVd8kaBA/VoK9ivdjpJI/AAAAAAAAM0Q/N2u43COeSYg/s1600/IMG_6074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8K3TVd8kaBA/VoK9ivdjpJI/AAAAAAAAM0Q/N2u43COeSYg/s640/IMG_6074.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Hope, Make Heal is filled with the 20 projects, plus recipes and meditations, that brought me to this point today. I am a confident and proud single mother of two very healthy and amazing kids (one getting ready to head out into the world in a matter of months). There are fresh traditions and new people in our lives, as well as wonderful (bittersweet) memories of a different life long ago. I can now hold the story in my heart without feeling crippled by it. I laugh. A lot. And so do my children.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHrtCCQUlms/VoK7u5G6a8I/AAAAAAAAM0E/-FL_Si-NJY8/s1600/IMG_0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHrtCCQUlms/VoK7u5G6a8I/AAAAAAAAM0E/-FL_Si-NJY8/s640/IMG_0743.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so happy to have arrived at this moment!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*all photos in this post our projects from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1611802008/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1611802008&linkCode=as2&tag=mayamade-20&linkId=KZD3B6FA5265YT22">Hope, Make, Heal- 20 Crafts to Mend the Heart</a>.</span></i></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-9678230857000468612015-12-24T15:06:00.002-05:002015-12-24T15:06:48.055-05:00santa cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NkLfWJyMiI/VnxO8Iu-8JI/AAAAAAAAMy0/PJlcN6INBh8/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NkLfWJyMiI/VnxO8Iu-8JI/AAAAAAAAMy0/PJlcN6INBh8/s640/photo%2B1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
I love that we had all the ingredients for <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2015/12/the-browniest-cookies/">these cookies</a> in the cupboard. My kids love an addition of crushed candy canes to everything this time of year, and I do believe that it elevated them to the perfect treat to leave out for Santa tonight.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyWLHGqYhB0/VnxO9pI_h5I/AAAAAAAAMy8/qywkyNuS9tM/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyWLHGqYhB0/VnxO9pI_h5I/AAAAAAAAMy8/qywkyNuS9tM/s640/photo%2B2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you have a wonderful few days filled with love and sweets and joy!</div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-55630546111415124132015-12-22T15:12:00.001-05:002015-12-22T15:36:59.977-05:00gift bags on creativebug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ns2tVaARVWQ/VniLY23s3OI/AAAAAAAAMx0/QQ1qzSBm0Jw/s1600/BurlapGiftBags_FB_Ad_600x315_title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ns2tVaARVWQ/VniLY23s3OI/AAAAAAAAMx0/QQ1qzSBm0Jw/s640/BurlapGiftBags_FB_Ad_600x315_title.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It's the count down to Christmas, and if you haven't started wrapping your gifts- it's time to start thinking about it! I have a great new class that was just released on Creativebug. I show you how to make two kinds of burlap bags- a boxed edge stand up tote and a frayed edge bag that features weaving. Both elevate the gifts your giving and are quick and satisfying. Bonus- they cost nothing (or close to that!). They also double any gift you give because they are re-usable. Whip up several at a time and put the wrapping paper away! <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=864068&b=404942&m=42943&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecreativebug%2Ecom%2Fclassseries%2Fsingle%2Fsew%2Dburlap%2Dgift%2Dbags">You can check it out right here</a>.*<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjDPgprMEf0/VnmszQvl95I/AAAAAAAAMyk/X1jbKHVpa78/s1600/BurlapGiftBags_Pinterest_735x1200-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="622" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjDPgprMEf0/VnmszQvl95I/AAAAAAAAMyk/X1jbKHVpa78/s640/BurlapGiftBags_Pinterest_735x1200-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>*I'm an affiliate with Creativebug, so if you sign up by linking over from here, I receive a little "something". Thanks so much!</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-45729714099932675322015-12-21T19:47:00.001-05:002015-12-22T09:38:46.534-05:00light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McJLhPFTErY/VniI8EAogkI/AAAAAAAAMxo/X1qocblSr3Y/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McJLhPFTErY/VniI8EAogkI/AAAAAAAAMxo/X1qocblSr3Y/s640/IMG_0144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Wishing you a cozy and peaceful Solstice. This shortest day of the year brings the annual hope of light returning us- the perfect metaphor for anyone traveling through a dark time. The holidays can be challenging for so many. Missing loved ones that can't be here, or the knowledge that life doesn't always match the parades of perfection flaunted by every ad campaign. Our lives are complex and often fragile. Sending you all so much love and strength as we turn towards the sun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This handmade message candle is one of the projects in my new book. I call them "Lights for the End of the Tunnel".</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://mayamade.blogspot.com/p/my-book.html"><i>Hope, Make, Heal 20 crafts to Mend the Heart</i> </a>will officially hit bookshelves next week (yes-finally!!)... and freshly printed copies will find their way into all of the mailboxes of folks who pre-ordered it a few months back and even today. A brand new year is the perfect time to begin the process of using creativity for self-care and renewal... my wish is that this book finds its way into the hands of all that need it right now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6yYTfxGvQQ/VniZ4AfNXxI/AAAAAAAAMyU/GMa65quyZM0/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6yYTfxGvQQ/VniZ4AfNXxI/AAAAAAAAMyU/GMa65quyZM0/s640/photo%2B1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-52759977485928386932015-12-17T06:44:00.001-05:002015-12-21T15:26:03.877-05:00A little one<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vvQxxoYf8_o/VnKgKbfGzqI/AAAAAAAAMwg/6FCwTpWmv1A/s640/blogger-image-1374513035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vvQxxoYf8_o/VnKgKbfGzqI/AAAAAAAAMwg/6FCwTpWmv1A/s640/blogger-image-1374513035.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--KN_0bDHL-Q/VnKgHseB-iI/AAAAAAAAMwY/L5h7OcRsuEo/s640/blogger-image-330737454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--KN_0bDHL-Q/VnKgHseB-iI/AAAAAAAAMwY/L5h7OcRsuEo/s640/blogger-image-330737454.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I adore our hodgepodge of mismatched and handmade Christmas ornaments, but I equally enjoyed it with only lights- and have been missing that simplicity. I've made a plan for next year. We will have TWO trees! There will be an addition of a smaller one with only lights and this felt garland I made a while back. It was never long enough to cover our typical 7ft tall tree, but would work perfectly on a tiny one. Our collection of Swedish straw stars are my favorites, but usually only go on at the very last to fill any empty spots. On my little tree these will be the only ornaments with the garland. I think I can wait a whole year... But wouldn't be surprised if I slipped out to the woods to find a mini...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9eHApvxas_k/VnKf_E-aNOI/AAAAAAAAMwI/8VBaBWe79t0/s640/blogger-image--1744744658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9eHApvxas_k/VnKf_E-aNOI/AAAAAAAAMwI/8VBaBWe79t0/s640/blogger-image--1744744658.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9DLPPgKHUAs/VnKf1bZ-jDI/AAAAAAAAMwA/OwNT9EwvToM/s640/blogger-image--378442833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9DLPPgKHUAs/VnKf1bZ-jDI/AAAAAAAAMwA/OwNT9EwvToM/s640/blogger-image--378442833.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-80787510688777877242015-12-14T04:54:00.001-05:002015-12-21T15:26:55.554-05:00Merry Monday!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K_lw5C9GB4Y/Vm6RvUleG9I/AAAAAAAAMvo/7XRy4Lgqjz0/s640/blogger-image-582607836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K_lw5C9GB4Y/Vm6RvUleG9I/AAAAAAAAMvo/7XRy4Lgqjz0/s1600/blogger-image-582607836.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I hope your lists aren't too long. It's so easy for many of us to become overwhelmed this time of year. Each December, I set the intention to do less and enjoy more. I don't know that I actually lesson my load, but I certainly am more conscious of the pleasure it is to give to the ones I love. Every holiday I look forward to simple handmade gifts for them wrapped in basic and natural materials. Here's our stack of teacher gifts... Little bits of "happy" tied up with jute. Have a merry start to your week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RaclsnWu6vA/Vm6RzUdzf1I/AAAAAAAAMvw/-yLcVtJkW74/s640/blogger-image-1927413452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RaclsnWu6vA/Vm6RzUdzf1I/AAAAAAAAMvw/-yLcVtJkW74/s640/blogger-image-1927413452.jpg" /></a></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-62944856237300865302015-12-07T09:55:00.001-05:002015-12-07T09:55:51.640-05:00felt sew goodI have not had much time these days for my own creative pursuits, but have have felt so fulfilled helping the girls in my sewing classes create wonderful holiday items both by hand and by machine. I was surprised yesterday when I was handed a slew of fabulous felt ornaments after they had gotten together for a sewing date <b><i>without me</i></b>. Watching their evolution and total joy as they create things on their own has been one of the best things ever! Pretty impressive pajamas, mittens and pouches have been accomplished, but I must admit that their favorite time is spent whipping up felty stuffed things without any patterns. And so these ornaments (and one personalized pillow) are my favorites too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnKKQkWFCzI/VmWak5NyPRI/AAAAAAAAMvY/QCZcH45t5Mw/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnKKQkWFCzI/VmWak5NyPRI/AAAAAAAAMvY/QCZcH45t5Mw/s640/Image.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
I might be partial to this pom pom adorned "mama" one- but who could blame me. The little "Marry Christmas" one also stole my heart. The maker is so smitten with her new machine and it's embroidering capabilities, but was crushed when she realized her typo. She was quickly persuaded to give it anyways... that I would still love it. Good advice- I love it even more!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aAZM1T1JtDY/VmWafzCmPWI/AAAAAAAAMvQ/F-eOWKdl1Ko/s1600/Image%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aAZM1T1JtDY/VmWafzCmPWI/AAAAAAAAMvQ/F-eOWKdl1Ko/s640/Image%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No matter your sewing skill level- felt is always a winner!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-50097220812954727792015-11-23T07:36:00.000-05:002015-11-23T07:38:44.408-05:00pajama pants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJnawX5Qxlc/VlKJpgo3UlI/AAAAAAAAMu4/rqmIRhpcs9U/s1600/IMG_9530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJnawX5Qxlc/VlKJpgo3UlI/AAAAAAAAMu4/rqmIRhpcs9U/s640/IMG_9530.JPG" width="570" /></a></div>
Hi friends! I've missed you and my creative time the last few weeks. Life has a way of spinning into a busy flurry this time of year, but I'm back and gearing up for the winter ahead! Our dining room table has seen a lot of sewing and girls recently, as I hosted a Holiday Stitch series for my advanced sewers. One of our most exciting projects involved flannel. I make a pair of pajama pants for my daughter every winter, but this year I thought she and her friends were up to the task on their own. I drafted patterns with them from other bottoms, and then they got to work cutting, sewing and threading elastic through waist bands. Not too complicated for this crafty bunch, but still a challenge.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3UgacGv51Y/VlKGSKASPWI/AAAAAAAAMuM/dl5Gnplw0vQ/s1600/IMG_6984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F3UgacGv51Y/VlKGSKASPWI/AAAAAAAAMuM/dl5Gnplw0vQ/s640/IMG_6984.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two finished together… what a sweet reward to snuggle into them and start lounging. Soft and roomy- perfect for dancing and getting silly!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eh-oTWYGhyI/VlKGWSVvyhI/AAAAAAAAMuY/ovIsLDrsxt0/s1600/IMG_6993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eh-oTWYGhyI/VlKGWSVvyhI/AAAAAAAAMuY/ovIsLDrsxt0/s640/IMG_6993.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_3Oic-lT10/VlKGa5gxxYI/AAAAAAAAMuo/42p_BeFqubs/s1600/IMG_6995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_3Oic-lT10/VlKGa5gxxYI/AAAAAAAAMuo/42p_BeFqubs/s640/IMG_6995.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This kind of garment sewing is super forgiving, which makes it a great advanced beginner project and fun for gift-giving too! Pinterest has plenty of tutorials if you do a quick search. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRtphMMyvxE/VlKGXNjgNMI/AAAAAAAAMuk/grFs8kL5bxo/s1600/IMG_6988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRtphMMyvxE/VlKGXNjgNMI/AAAAAAAAMuk/grFs8kL5bxo/s640/IMG_6988.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's to the cozy season ahead!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-71612804720891730672015-11-09T09:46:00.002-05:002015-11-09T09:47:49.792-05:00handmade heirlooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TE-PDHqC5To/Vj_EH_xhHrI/AAAAAAAAMtk/w5my_2p_9PA/s1600/Image%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TE-PDHqC5To/Vj_EH_xhHrI/AAAAAAAAMtk/w5my_2p_9PA/s640/Image%2B4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
New mittens- made by my 10 year old! She has forecasted many more. She used the pattern for "Easy Going Mittens" from Jennifer Casa's brand new book <a href="http://www.roostbooks.com/books/handmade-heirlooms.html">Handmade Heirlooms</a>. Several of her sewing buddies came over with their machines and each of them whipped out a pair. They were simple and satisfying with just the right amount of challenge (sewing stretched elastic can be tricky). This is just the right combo for making gifts in multiple- something many of us are thinking about at this time of year. There are 24 projects to sew, knit, crochet, craft and repurpose. That about covers all of us- right? The premiss and subtitle: "crafting with intention" is my favorite way to make stuff. Thank you Jennifer, for creating this lovely book!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can find Handmade Heirlooms, produced by my favorite publishers (yay <a href="http://www.roostbooks.com/">Roost</a>!), and read more about it right <a href="http://www.roostbooks.com/books/handmade-heirlooms.html">here</a>.<span id="goog_1970728124"></span><span id="goog_1970728125"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGOxPk-3Kck/Vj_EOjMqaTI/AAAAAAAAMt0/8WHkn21mrTs/s1600/Image%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGOxPk-3Kck/Vj_EOjMqaTI/AAAAAAAAMt0/8WHkn21mrTs/s640/Image%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Although we haven't had any real snow yet, mitten season has begun- and this sweet one is proud of her new pair!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_h5OOSpSGk/Vj_EMozJecI/AAAAAAAAMts/EKLXdH09QX4/s1600/Image%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_h5OOSpSGk/Vj_EMozJecI/AAAAAAAAMts/EKLXdH09QX4/s640/Image%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-75336050685119708832015-11-02T16:06:00.001-05:002015-11-02T16:06:43.617-05:00thankful leaf hearts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njSiStVJa18/VjaBs46FzHI/AAAAAAAAMtU/vSiYg946HYI/s1600/Image%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njSiStVJa18/VjaBs46FzHI/AAAAAAAAMtU/vSiYg946HYI/s640/Image%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I love the beginning of November! The doorway to the holiday season opens, and it's like an old friend welcoming you into a cozy home filled with the scents of soup on the stove and pie in the oven. Decorating with nature is at its peak, as I forage for as much as I can find on the forest floor before it's covered in snow. I gather up my dried leaves, line up my squash and pumpkins and scatter pinecones and acorns everywhere. Maybe I was a squirrel in another life!<br />
<br />
My latest bit of creative fun began with a sharpie pen and then incorporated a heart punch and a few pressed maple leaves.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASRVD-6_Pm0/VjaBkF2IcpI/AAAAAAAAMtE/Y-J5lLV-95s/s1600/Image%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASRVD-6_Pm0/VjaBkF2IcpI/AAAAAAAAMtE/Y-J5lLV-95s/s640/Image%2B2.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
I think "thankful leaves and leaf hearts" will be tucked into every corner of my house this month!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLV9jFMBh0c/VjaBpppqoAI/AAAAAAAAMtM/EedrfLvc6DA/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLV9jFMBh0c/VjaBpppqoAI/AAAAAAAAMtM/EedrfLvc6DA/s640/Image.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-82510640341000810872015-10-26T09:30:00.001-04:002015-10-26T22:21:12.145-04:00monday inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OH-Wrs17S0U/Vi4n8rkPbxI/AAAAAAAAMsg/d2cAlalhFyE/s1600/IMG_5479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OH-Wrs17S0U/Vi4n8rkPbxI/AAAAAAAAMsg/d2cAlalhFyE/s640/IMG_5479.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
During the weekends a good sleep-in is always welcome, but when Monday arrives- I love the hush of waking before daybreak and watching the sun come up. My back meadow is beautiful, but nothing beats the ocean rises I had this time last year at <a href="http://animyst.com/serendipity-2014-classes/">Serendipty</a>, so that pic is for you as much as it is for me! Wherever you begin your day, these <a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/2015/10/14/14-morning-mantras-that-will-calm-your-restless-mind/">Morning Mantras</a> are a really great practice.<br />
<br />
And here are some other great links and ideas that have inspired me recently:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm still on a low to no gluten diet, but sometimes I dream of baking bread again- this is a version of two of my favorite recipes combined. <a href="http://www.craftwork.rocks/blog-1/2015/10/23/amy-lous-lazy-bread">Amylou's Lazy Bread</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://meghanshimek.com/pages/rove">This weavers work with wool and roving is breathtaking!</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I'm pressing leaves right now for<a href="http://artfulparent.com/2011/11/leaf-doodles-and-mandalas.html"> this fave fall craft from The Artful Parent</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://hodgepodgefarm.net/">Cal</a> pointed me to this video knowing I'd LOOOOVE it. You will too!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_p8DPB3VJaQ" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've been gathering up some wish jars to give as gifts to friends that might need a little extra magic in their life. If there is milkweed in your area, this is a fun project for any age- to give or to receive!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8dQZ-K6KCw/Vi4muU3W4JI/AAAAAAAAMsU/sxUB8lZeURU/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8dQZ-K6KCw/Vi4muU3W4JI/AAAAAAAAMsU/sxUB8lZeURU/s640/Image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li> I'm discovering so much about this wonderful plant- I loved learning about all of its edible properties, too. <a href="http://foragersharvest.com/milkweed-a-truly-remarkable-wild-vegetable/">Read this</a>!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Have a wonderful start to your week!</i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6777506989220366832.post-68267870608750972582015-10-22T07:49:00.000-04:002015-10-22T07:49:28.920-04:00milkweed and fairy weaving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBVXRYieRZ4/VihEcsFVOII/AAAAAAAAMro/rFsde-7pgGw/s1600/Image%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBVXRYieRZ4/VihEcsFVOII/AAAAAAAAMro/rFsde-7pgGw/s640/Image%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Milkweed grows rampant in the field on the southern side of our house. It's a fall tradition to collect their pods and blow the seeds out into the field. We make wishes, dandelion style, as they float through the air. I took one home and really examined the seeds. They reminded me of tiny dancers… or little fairies with silk limbs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBo9-zMm92g/VihEc2OCueI/AAAAAAAAMrs/DsaOkWDx44E/s1600/Image%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBo9-zMm92g/VihEc2OCueI/AAAAAAAAMrs/DsaOkWDx44E/s640/Image%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JjxFByl0dk/VihEh5U4v2I/AAAAAAAAMr8/rjR8wbgy6tw/s1600/Image%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JjxFByl0dk/VihEh5U4v2I/AAAAAAAAMr8/rjR8wbgy6tw/s640/Image%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Silk… threads…fiber… this inspired me to pick up a needle and some silver floss.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XojTkVYu-T8/VihEerjOieI/AAAAAAAAMr4/UxxWIt9_Qbs/s1600/Image%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XojTkVYu-T8/VihEerjOieI/AAAAAAAAMr4/UxxWIt9_Qbs/s640/Image%2B9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And experiment. And improvise. What would a fairy use for a loom? Perhaps a milkweed pod!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4nEtcUVTDg/VihEIYYzd8I/AAAAAAAAMrY/yGuybFHQ-qY/s1600/Image%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4nEtcUVTDg/VihEIYYzd8I/AAAAAAAAMrY/yGuybFHQ-qY/s640/Image%2B6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was my first attempt… as inspiration struck, but there is an entire field to forage for more pods. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
mayalunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06701015028881253692noreply@blogger.com3