Okay, before I sign off for the weekend, I had to show you this fabulous new trick that Eli learned! His personality has shown an infectious infusion of silly humor that has brought so much joy to our family, and he surprises us everyday with all the things he’s teasing us with (usually it’s the other way round, right?) He’s didn’t waste any time when I showed him how to wink, dazzling us with a wink wink wink right back at me in a flash, added with a clink of his tongue for good measure.  (He’s 13 months this week.)

We learn so much from his spirit, I’m so lucky to be his Mum and I treasure every moment I have with him, especially sweet is seeing him grow up with his big brother. We’ve has so many good times it seems like his winks are little communications of appreciative approval and subtle little acknowledgments of the happiness that he naturally carries with him.

A couple years ago for my husband’s birthday, I surprised him by getting him a banjo. Now, this might not sound like everyone’s wildest dreams coming true, but Marcus being born and bred a southern boy, for him it was like meeting a long lost brother. They hit it off right from the start.

So that brings me to tonight. Marcus was enjoying one of his quick evening practice sessions upstairs, while his most adoring fan (Eli, now 9 months) wanted in on the bluegrass action. He always has a good audience with us…

The adorable thing about this little helping moment is that Eli was poking around in the background the whole time and just jumped in during this particular song (Marcus records himself so he can see where he can better his technique.) I thought it was fitting since the song is Earl Scruggs‘ “Little Darlin’ Pal Of Mine.” Cuuuuute.

P.S. Little did I know that this gift would forever set the bar for all gifts.  He says it isn’t so, but I love that he is so taken with this gift that has brought music into his life every day since.  I’ve already started thinking about this year and his day doesn’t come until this summer…

Just as I planned this past weekend, I picked up my new (gently used) easel and it’s so perfect. You might have gathered that I’m not married to just one medium of art, for me it’s more of a commitment to just making art. I’ve always made a place where I make messes – I’ve had drafting tables, kitchen tables, bedroom floors, whole art studios, backyard sheds. And in our current home, a comfortable studio upstairs that I shared with my husband. As of this past month, that place is packed away. It seemed like it would have been a hard decision to make, but I didn’t really think twice about it because it was making an equally sacred space… for baby!  I have been wanting to rock him in a hushed room, lay him to sleep at night and then find him smiling me from his crib in the morning. You could hold a gilded frame around this scene each day, and hang my name underneath it with those sesame street puppet wires and I couldn’t be more proud. I couldn’t feel more blessed. (And I do have to confess that I am relieved to have so much space that wasn’t being used be put to better use, for the time being. Seeing my studio being so neglected made me feel a little bit down each time I passed it.)

So I’m just rearranging, not changing. All my supplies are neatly accessible in a newly organized closet, for anytime that I do get time, it’s there, just as it was before. And I’ve cleared a corner in my bedroom next to the spacious windows just for that new (used) easel. Having a quiet spot in my room devoted to the simplicity of a canvas feels special. Timely. Inviting. Whether I get in a few brushstrokes or a whole painting session, it won’t discriminate, it won’t guilt trip. It simply says, “I am here.”

So do you relate to all of this too? Have you ever arrived to a new place in your life where you’ve learned to adapt? I felt like maybe this is a common thing among us after reading Women are like stoves. I love this metaphor - “as long as your burners aren’t turned off, don’t get down on yourself when something on your stove isn’t on high.” You know those enormous viking ranges? I think I have about ten of those industrial models representing my life – but motherhood is on full blast right now while so many of the rest are on so dimly, you can barely tell they are there. But they are there, and that’s what counts. Besides, “if all our pots are on high, something is bound to burn.” YES.

We had the most extraordinary birthday, thanks to all of you in my life who made that happen! ♥  I was truly spoiled over the entire weekend in the most decadent fashion and I will always remember how 30 was brought in with such sweetness.

It’s been one of those weeks where I haven’t had a moment to spare, so I hope to share more with you soon.  So much to share! x.