With the shift in weather towards cooler temperatures, my younger children are spending most of their days outdoors. Silas’ favorite activity is what we call the “mushroom walk,” which is… (drumroll) a walk in the woods to look for mushrooms. The other day on our walk, Jonny spotted a little box turtle trying to eat an acorn. It would open it’s mouth wide and try to grip the acorn, but it kept popping back out. It was just too big. Jonny broke it in half, and hopefully the little turtle had it’s meal after we passed.
Larkspur and Beatrix have revived Mulberry, their little town that evolved out of their love for mud pie kitchens. There have also been almost daily campfires and even pots of simmering sassafras roots for a version of homemade root beer.
I’m saving seeds from special plants (the giant cock’s comb I grew from seeds I collected at Monticello on our anniversary trip last year). And, I have been dyeing yarn with fall blooming dahlias, hoping that with the help of my indigo vat, I will get this green again.
Jonny has made lots of progress on our laundry room/pantry redo. I am so happy to have pine shelves again, similar to the ones at our old house. And those butternut squash? They were a gift from our neighbors, the ones that bought that dear little house, and are now growing vegetables in our old garden. Pretty neat.
I’ve been reading a bit more than usual. I finished (affiliate links) Village School, and will most likely revisit that series at sometime in the future. Now I’m reading Home. I read Gilead awhile back and loved it. I attempted Lila, but I think I remember finding it depressing at the time, though I could be wrong. I just know I set it aside. I was informed that Home should be read first anyway, so here I am. (Gilead, Home, and Lila are a series of three books by Marilynne Robinson. I can definitely recommend Gilead, and 100 pages into Home, and I’m liking it too.)
That shrub in the last few photos is a Camellia sinensis that belongs to a friend of mine. I’d never noticed it before, but I really love it and think I need several of them. It’s the plant whose leaves are used to make tea, and it’s really beautiful!
Jonny and I met with a financial planner today (are we grown ups now?) because we have to make a withdrawal from retirement to cover expenses related to this period of unemployment. It’s not ideal, but I sure am grateful we’ve been saving all these years and have the option. We really are blessed. Jonny does have work on the horizon, though it will be rather different than the steady government job we were used to. (I think I enjoyed that more than he did-ha!) Everything is going to be alright, but for some reason (probably linked to childhood) this stuff sends me into tears. It’s not a rational thing that I have control of, just sort of wells up and out of me. Poor little girl, Ginny, always there. Jonny sure isn’t shedding any tears at this point, and I wish that change and uncertainty didn’t affect me so deeply. I really don’t mean to keep carrying on about it here. This is change for the better, I know it. My insides will figure that out eventually.
I finally sewed buttons on Mabel’s finished Pixie Dust cardigan. Of course she has been refusing clothing lately. When we suggest to her that she’s going to be cold, she tells us, “No I not!” I wish you could hear her. Two going on thirteen. She’s a sassy, stubborn little thing, such a spitfire, and we love it. I’m almost finished knitting my South Bay Sweater, though I’m pretty sure it’s going to Larkspur. I can knit myself another-I have plenty of yarn! Time though, there’s never enough.
p.s. For those who have asked recently what playsilks are for, you can see them in use in some of these photos. They are used for dress up, all sorts of props, tablecloths, and more. My kids use them every day in their play. That’s why I first started dyeing them! There are still plenty in my shop.
Melissa Lessard says
Ginny,
I adore your blog! I feel so privileged watching your family grow and change. Reading your posts is like opening a cherished children’s book but one that provides new adventures. Thank you!
You should make mushroom ? magnets! Love the pictures! The fiber festival looked incredible.
Thanks for the reminder to purchase play silks; I’ve been meaning to order some for my girls before Christmas & just placed my order in your shop.
Best of luck with Jonny’s employment!
Melissa, in Colorado
Tanya says
I’m also doing a Pixe Dust cardigan! In pink, for my daughter for Christmas. This is the 4th or 5th time we’ve both done the same pattern at the same time. Great minds think alike….
Ellen says
Change (even some of the good changes) is hard to face, and when you feel like your familiarity is being turned on its head, it is very hard. Crying is expected! And can even help. I like routine and ‘certainty’. Thrive actually. We’ve had a lot of tough changes in the past 2 years with 2 unexpected deaths, 2 job losses and a major move back to an area of the country that is sooo much more $$ – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I am just now beginning to feel a little wee bit more settled here, but it’s not where I want to be (downsizing) and I still feel so uninspired and uncreative. Anyway, enough of me. Ginny, we will pray for you and your family – that Jonny finds just the right job soon and that you can find calm every day.
Elizabeth says
Dear Ginny!! I know how hard it is not to feel anxious, I struggle with this too…. Just keep taking care of yourself when you get in that state; trying to calm oneself is such a skill and I am still learning it; somehow we have to ‘Mother our way through it’ I think… as in find ways that are helpful and life-giving to sooth ourselves … keep remember that God is with you and that Christ Him self tells you ‘do not worry’… may He give you peace in this time of transition!!! I have been there more than once and it’s not easy. But God IS with you and He WILL take care of you and your family! Keep trusting and keep trying….
Kristy Hegnauer says
Housekeeping by the same author is also wonderful.
Beautiful photos and blog post always enjoyed. Blessings to you and your family.
Lana says
We have been working with a financial planner and my Mom said that it means we are now old people! We had a good laugh out of that one.
Last year, 2017, I was a mess after my husband’s heart attack, coma and brain injury he was left with. It was hard to realize that he was home now forever and I was his care giver and that our income was now half what it was. Saving for retirement was cut short by 6 years and it is where we are now. But, It got easier and somehow we do not seem to have less income now that we are used to it. Any big change takes time and tears. Now I would not have it any other way but I sure did struggle with it for a long time. Praying for you! We have a good, good Father who cares so much for us.
karen says
I pray you feel stability soon, it is stressful when there are changes even good changes. I like my life to be predictable. As children, we used to dig under a big pine tree and make mud pies that my gram would taste test. OH the fun!
My two year old that I babysit went through a spell of ‘no’ to everything but now she is pleasantly ‘yes’. I love feeling that I am outwitting her 🙂
Jeannette says
HOW ARE YOUR OLDER BOYS? I HAVE CONNECTIONS TO LIBERIA SO AM ALWAYS INTERESTED IN NEWS OF GABE”S BASEBALL: READING: PROGRESS AS WELL AS SETH”S AND KEATS” SORRY STUCK ON ALL CAPS HERE NOT YELLING
Dawn says
The photos of Mabel miss the onsie days. So very sweet!
I’m sure you’ve heard this before but, sometimes, job loss or big change of any kind can end up being the biggest blessing of your life. This has been true for our family and I hope the same will be true for you all.
Peace and Blessings from the mountains of NC!
Theresa Boedeker says
I so loved Marilynne Robinson’s trilogy. Especially Gilead. I was so excited when I finished it that I bought a copy of the book for a dear friend. It must not have been to her taste, because years later she asked me what was all the fuss about that book. And then confessed she couldn’t get into the story at all. I remember reading Marilynne’s first book, HouseKeeping in graduate school. And I loved that book too. Another friend came to class huffing and puffing about the book and said she threw the book across the room and could not even finish it. Her books are ones I love, but I can’t say that my friends do. Funny how different books appeal to each of us.
Beverly says
I am so happy I found your lovely blog, and look forward to each post.
Marilyn says
Ginny, your posts are always so interesting and inviting. I feel like I am there with your children and their outdoor and indoor fun and play time. Keeping good thoughts for Jonny and getting a new job. God Bless.
Marilyn
CH says
I think that’s is the insecurities of childhood, Ginny, that cause such angst in adulthood.
I’ve been there several times with my husbands forced job changes.
Never easy but always for the best for us and our family. Employment choices have many ramifications, and we’ve seen Gods blessings from each change. And I’ve grown through each one as well, learned to trust the Lord more each time. Kind of like stepping stones to a better place.
Joan says
Enjoyable post. Hoping that Jonny will have employment real soon.
Joan
Marion says
A lovely post. Beatrix playing in her outdoor kitchen is like looking at a time gone by.
Marion
Melissa says
We plan for the future with our retirement and savings programs but life throws curve balls every once in a while, and there is a reason why. I am like you, I do not handle change well at all. My sciatica flares up, I break out all over my face and just feel vulnerable all around. Though I do know this, after all the years of my parents saying this, This Too Shall Pass. It is what we do in the meantime that makes a difference … and I think you are doing an exceptional job!
Meghann says
This post brings back many fond memories of my own outdoor kitchens and mud-pie creations as a girl! I enjoy so much seeing the diverse forms of play that your children create, without the aid of technology.
Lady Locust says
Oh Ginny, blessings to you and your family. Change is difficult initially but certainly seems to be fortuitous in hindsight. I hope your heart can find some peace in that.
That little wilderness kitchen is amazing! Where were your kids when I was a child ?. That would have been right up my alley.
Smiles~
Ariana W says
Best looking outdoor kitchen I’ve ever seen. Boy does that look like fun!!
Gretchen Weaver says
Your daughter playing in her outside kitchen reminds me of photos of Tasha Tudor. I have a grandson who is 2. I understand completely what’s happening with Mabel.
Stephanie says
Unemployment and the changes that come during and after are frightening; I’ve been there and that feeling of uncertainty and change are unsettling at best. Take care of yourself. These kinds of transitions are difficult.
I love seeing the pictures of your children playing outside! I’m not able to get outside with my daughter as much as I’d like- I suffer from chronic pain and chasing her around is more often unpleasant for me than not- and that’s something I feel bad about. It would be easier if we had a fenced in yard or didn’t live to the side of a major highway, but I can’t change those things, so I do the best with what I have. 🙂
Tracy says
I love to read your posts but never comment.. but reading this I had too!! Playsilks ,I always say we’re the best thing I ever bought my kids. They were expensive at the time ,10 years ago but it was the best money I ever invested in a “toy” .They played with them for years and years in hundreds of ways. Seeing yours ,in those amazing colours ,makes me want to buy them even though they are past playing with toys like that. Beautiful!!
Katie says
My kids tie playsilks together to make ropes that they use for rescue missions for their stuffed animals…lifting and lowering them over the stair railing. A bit strange. ? I love the colors of yours.
Laura M says
Going through unemployment too and has been really hard on me. Uncertainty is difficult for people like us who are naturally worriers and crave safety and stability. I’m glad there’s work in the horizon for your husband
Claire says
My church is reading Gilead right now for our church book club. The pastor in it is of the same denomination as our church and so far the voice really does strike me as one of an old Congregationalist minister. I’ve already underlined several passages and am really enjoying it.
Kitchen fairy says
Your concerns are part of what makes your writing real and easy to relate to. I think most of us have felt the uncertainty of job change and the way it is amplified by caring for a family. Whatever your feelings, they’re okay – it’s how you handle them that matters.
Glad there’s something enjoyable filling these days and something on the horizon, too. Our toddler also prefers variations of nakedness. Your pictures are beautiful. Happy knitting and dyeing! (Self care matters!)
Nicole Spring Frontierdreams says
Pretty much totally unrelated but I spied a tulip poplar leaf in your photos at the top. I only just learned about those trees last week. We have one here and I tried all summer to identify it but it wasn’t until we went to an animal sanctuary I was able to discover what type of tree it was. Sorry, this is one of those things that is probably 100 times more exciting to me than anyone else. haha.
I am so very glad you had money saved! And how ungrown-up am I (yes I just made up a word)? I never even knew about financial advisors. I think Kevin and I need to look into one.
Kate says
My husband and I have been married for 31 years and have never consulted a financial advisor (except St. Joseph). I probably have an unreasonable prejudice against them. My husband’s father was in finance and saved many companies from bankruptcy, but he could not balance his own checkbook. A good friend was told by a financial advisor that there was no way she could send her kids to a Catholic college. She ignored him, put her faith in God, and went for it. Her two boys are nearing graduation (without massive debt). If my husband had relied on the advice of a financial advisor, we would never have married! (Between us we had $5,000 is savings.)