la Mere de Boheme

Finale

2010-06-08T23:47:00.003-05:00

Hello dear readers - I'm signing off here at La Mere de Boheme. My posts have become infrequent and random and while I love having space to write it out and work it out online, I'm afraid I need to close up shop. I have another blog where I have daily posts and you'll still be able to find me there. Please stop by and say hello when you have a chance: La Maison Boheme. Thanks again for sticking with me through the last year and a half. I've enjoyed every minute of it!

Cheers and all the best,
Sarah

I'll see you over at La Maison Boheme!

Sewing for Baby

2010-06-07T07:44:00.000-05:00

Oh, it sure feels good to start and finish a weekend project. Usually, I begin a project with gusto and get sidetracked by something. Then three months later I pick it up out of shame and do a half-assed job finishing it up. Not this time, my friends! Here is the diaper bag I stitched up for myself this weekend. I used the Amy Butler 'Birdie Sling' pattern. I particularly love the fabric I found for the handle. It's a dictionary print with words like "faith", "noble", "peace", "courage", "hope", followed by their actual definition. I thought this would be a good print for someone who is about to be lugging an infant around. You like?

Puddle Jumping

2010-05-16T13:15:00.005-05:00

Walker and I are off to Scotland tomorrow. As you can imagine, I'm a little trepidatious about taking an international flight with a toddler... alone. Also being a little more than pregnant poses its own challenges. I'm confident, though, that Walker and I will both behave and make it through the 13 hour ordeal in tact. It seems that being born into this family means putting your rear end on a plane every four or five months. Walker has always handled flying with grace and only minimal tears. We'll spend two weeks with my Dad in the house above, overlooking the bay in Gardenstown, Scotland. I'm packing only one bag for the two of us and all the fixings for cake balls. Its time someone brought this famous Texas treat to the UK. I'm going to be the one to do it! Bon Voyage!

Typography

2010-05-14T17:43:00.001-05:00

My Dad just sent this to me. We're both writers and word lovers, so this really tickles our fancy. Not only is this, like, a totally fabulous poem, it is also, like, awesomely made and laid out, ya know? Enjoy!

Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.

Mother's Day Proclamation

2010-05-09T09:11:00.005-05:00

"Fisherman's Wife" by Rie Munoz of Juneau, Alaska

Arise then...women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Say firmly:
"We will not have questions answered by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country,
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

From the bosom of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with
Our own. It says: "Disarm! Disarm!
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe out dishonor,
Nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil
At the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home
For a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace...
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God -
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality,
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.

-Julia Ward Howe 1870

Tick Tock

2010-05-03T10:28:00.003-05:00

I'm 28 weeks pregnant and in my final trimester. I'm just beginning to wrap my head around the fact that my time - at least time before baby number two arrives - is limited. I have had a great pregnancy until now and I don't expect that to change. Aside from the few normal aches and pains, I've been feeling really lovely! But I remember those last 6-8 weeks before Walker was born - the sleeping issues, the walking issues, the crankiness, the exhaustion, etc... and I'm just a little anxious about doing that again. This time I'll be doing it with a toddler and without the constant help of my husband who will be elsewhere for a theater job. Don't worry, he'll be back before I deliver, but things are going to get exponentially tougher in the weeks to come. Luckily, I have the help of friends and visiting family. I'm really curious to see how this all plays out. One day at a time, yeah?

Outside

2010-04-14T11:36:00.003-05:00

Spring in Dallas is pretty awesome. I've been outside everyday enjoying the blooms and greenery and pollen. My kid and I have both been hoarse and snotty what with all the crazy seed stuff floating through the air, but its worth it. I've got sweet peas (my mother's favorite flower) popping up on my back patio and sweet broom exploding in the back yard. Birdies and creatures of all sorts visit us on the patio like we're Snow White lost in the woods. Its pretty dreamy. Happy spring everyone.

Fruitful Weekend

2010-03-28T20:26:00.005-05:00

This weekend I...
took my family to the Dallas Arboretum,
cut my husband's hair,
painted my dining room midnight blue,
planted a bunch of springy flowers in my garden,
worked at the birth center doing postpartum for a Mama,
installed a lighting fixture over my dining table,
prepared my bulk trash pile for pick up,
visited a dear friend with a new baby,
continued to grow a baby of my own
and
completely destroyed my beloved camera.

(Yeah, I'm not so stoked about that last one.)

Oy.

2010-03-25T14:24:00.002-05:00

I just came upon this old ad for Dr. Worden's Female Pills. The description says, "For weak women. Complexion, beauty, nerve and blood maker." Hmmm... makes me wonder what's in these magic pills. I'm feeling week today and certainly, my complexion could use a little boost. My nerves are fine and I don't need to make more blood, but I wouldn't be above trying out Dr. Worden's remedy. This pregnancy has been good to me for the most part, but every week or so I have a good old fashioned "weak woman" moment when I look around for a fainting couch and a glass of spirits. Today is one of those days. A little tired, a little disoriented and sorely lacking in grace. I know that admitting to having these kinds of days only adds to the Victorian feminine stereotype so many of my fore-mothers were trying to battle, but what the hell. How are you feeling today?

Not Impossible

2010-03-01T12:48:00.002-06:00

Impossible as it may seem,
I still hold tight to my assertion that I can do it all.
All I have to do is keep it balanced.

Jardin de la mère

2010-02-28T08:05:00.000-06:00

The sun is out and buds are showing up on every thawing branch. This will be our first spring in the new house and I'm thrilled to see what pops up and what needs tending. I LOVE gardening and have been without a green space to call my own for almost 6 years. One of my favorite Spring reads is We Made a Garden by Margery Fish. It is a first person story of a wife and her husband who reclaim a home in the English countryside and restore its historic garden. The narrative also covers the meaning of life and marriage. Its the most inspiring and beautiful book.

Snow!

2010-02-11T16:47:00.003-06:00

Today is a wintry white snow day and I'm at home with beautiful people drinking tea with cream and preparing a spaghetti feed. It is really the perfect day. I hope you're having a perfect day too.

My sweet son and sweet mother-in-law decide to build a snow man!

Everybody, at some point in their life, will eat bad snow.
Today was his day to eat bad snow.

Family Meals

2010-02-05T08:47:00.001-06:00

I've been hearing great things about the cook book above: Feeding the Whole Family. One of my favorite things about my new home is the kitchen. I love love love cooking in my kitchen. I first read about this book on Soule Mama, one of my favorite family art and lifestyle blogs. Get it here - either for yourself or for me.

Nesting Impulse already?

2010-01-31T20:29:00.003-06:00

Now that I'm home from my travels, I can feel my inner metronome slow a bit. This is a welcome feeling. As I putter around the house, I'm noticing all sorts of fun and wonderful projects for my ever growing To Do list. However, I'm surprised that I'm already thinking about this new baby and the kind of room he or she might enjoy. Jack and I have agreed that there really isn't a need to create a nursery or re-do a room just yet. Our son slept with us for almost 9 months and only hung out in the bedroom to change poopy diapers. I've already got a crib set up for the babies that happen in and out of the house and I'm sure our little kiddo will be just fine with a co-sleeper or bassinet in our room. But still, as I dream forward to what this house might look like in a few years time, there is definitely a second child's room. What will it look like? Who will sleep in it? Who's this baby going to be?

Wasting time with fear.

2010-01-29T14:11:00.003-06:00

I had a long night last night. I had a hard time falling asleep because the rain and hail and wild weather was making all sorts of weird noises in my house. Bumps and squeaks and creaky panels and a valiant roof fending off the deluge all made for an unsettling cacophony. Then, I began feeling like someone was in the house. There was no one, to be sure, but that sick gut feeling wouldn't go away and kept me wide awake. Then Walker awoke around 3am to thunder claps. And again at 4:30 to what I imagine was a bad dream. He was shaking and screaming and it was all I could do to peel him off of my body. He was filled with something - fear, panic, night terrors - I don't know really.

We made it through the night. When I awoke I read a few news stories, one which involved the suicide of a nine year old at a nearby school. The other story was of a woman, shopping at a Whole Foods - the closest one to my home - who was beaten and robbed in the parking around 7pm the other night. So much unsettling news and all of it right here in my back yard. My mind is reeling a bit lately, mostly because of the pregnancy hormones, but the past 24 hours have given me a bit of a scare. Nothing with any longevity, I'm sure. My irrational brain, the one prone to exaggerated night time frights and such, is usually easily crushed by my overriding optimistic nature. I'm just trying to find a way to be grateful for this day - this strange and scary day where babies hang themselves and men attack moms bringing groceries home to their families. Shake it off, Sarah. I am grateful. I have my boys, I have my home and I do not need to live in fear because above all I have love.

The mood I'm in...

2010-01-26T17:50:00.003-06:00

I'd like to go here...

...and drink this...

...and feel like this.

How about you? What kind of mood are you in?

Home.

2010-01-24T23:31:00.004-06:00

I consider myself immeasurably fortunate to be able to travel with my family for weeks on end. My husband's work is such that he is able to take large spans of time away. And my work is such that I can put things on hold and tag along. And my son's temperament is such that we can drag him pretty much anywhere and he'll roll with it. But after this last bout of planes, trains and automobiles, I'm ready to land. I'm ready to unpack and sit down and be pregnant and cook in my own kitchen and rake leaves and monitor the heater and try to work the god-damned DVD player and snuggle in my own bed and read to my son in a rocking chair and feed the crazy ducks that live across the street in that wet-land the city parks and rec call a pond. I'm home and so very happy to be so.

Joyeux Noël.

2009-12-19T21:51:00.008-06:00

The ultimate Bohemian Mama:

My husband and I have been reading Dickens' A Christmas Carol aloud over the past few nights. We do it every Christmas. One of my professors in college spoke of this Christmas story as one of the greatest pieces of "healing" literature of our time. I have to agree. This dark, cold, and sometimes bleak time of the year can be so taxing and bereft - I think that's why more people pass away at this time of the year. But I have always thought of this time - this Winter Solstice time - as a season of renewal. Of turning inward and listening to our soul's true desires. This is the season of deep wishing and manifestation. Just like Scrooge's withered and locked-up heart - we are all capable of total and absolute redemption. We are all capable of BIG LOVE. I'm spending this holiday season with child. I'm pregnant with what will eventually be my second child. I am pregnant with hope, with unspeakable joy and a deep wish for peace in our hearts, peace in our homes, peace in our communities and peace on this green, verdant and ever-burgeoning earth.

Merry Everything and Happy Always.
Sarah - la mere de boheme

Two is a magic number.

2009-12-09T16:15:00.005-06:00

Alright, la meres. Here we go again. This mama is having another baby and today I'm celebrating with morning sickness! I almost can't believe it. Then I get a little queasy and believe it with all my being. I'm thrilled. I'm over the moon. And I also have a healthy sense of "What in the world do I think I'm doing!" Last year when we were considering a second child, my husband fortuitously found himself in a cab on the way home from DFW airprot. The cab driver, who was an immigrant from an East African country - I don't remember which one, asked about children - Do you have any? How many? Etc. My husband mentioned that when all is said and done, we may only stick with one. His driver smiled and said, "Each child brings their own luck." Well, I'm all for it. We've been nothing but lucky with Walker and I say MORE JOY. Bring it!

Just for fun.

2009-12-03T18:14:00.003-06:00

Found this the other day and thought I'd share. Gotta love the WWII "keep your thing in your pants" posters. I have this image of WWII aces flying into war zones while scratching their crabbies, thinking "Darnit all, Uncle Sam warned me about those sweet winking women!"

Racler les feuilles.

2009-11-27T14:50:00.007-06:00

Today I did something that I haven't done since I was a kid. I raked leaves. It used to be one of those seasonal chores that my Dad would save for my brother and me. But I haven't lived in a house since leaving home at eighteen, so my leaf raking opportunities have been far and few in between. My front yard, like the other yards on my block, has been covered in brown crumpled leaves for the past few weeks. My neighbors have started picking theirs up and not wanting to look bad... well you understand, I'm sure. My son and I had a wonderful time pulling the debris around the yard and stuffing it into a rubbish bin. I know this is going to sound a little silly and somewhat exaggerated, but I felt like the monk whose job it is to sweep the temple steps. The repetitive action mixed with a mindset of caring for my surroundings made me feel connected to my home and to my son. After we were done, we had lunch at the dinning room table so we could look out side and admire our work. We watched as the wind picked up and blew a new batch of leaves onto the lawn. Oh well.

Just getting by today.

2009-11-26T13:32:00.003-06:00

I'm not trying to be super mom. Today, I'm just getting by. My once peaceful kid has turned two and replaced his little kisses with "NO", his curiosity with destruction and his smile with kicking. I know this is only a moment, but it is a moment when I have no tools. I'm a little off my game today, so I'll just settle for non-harm. I guess that counts as parenting, right?

By the way, Happy Thanksgiving.

The Pink Glove Dance

2009-11-22T22:51:00.003-06:00

I have way too many friends with breast cancer. It makes me want to go running into the streets and scream at the universe, WHY, WHY, WHY? But instead of howling at the moon I watched this wonderful video on You Tube. Emily MacInnes Somers, created, directed and choreographed this in Portland last week for her Medline glove division as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. This was all her idea to help promote their new pink gloves. I don't know how she got so many employees, doctors and patients to participate, but it started to really catch on and they all had a lot of fun doing it.When the video gets 1 million hits, Medline will be making a huge contribution to the hospital, as well as offering free mammograms for the community. Please check it out. It rocks.

You are never powerless.

2009-11-22T00:05:00.002-06:00

There are a million and one ways to affect change in your world. My suggestion is to start small. You know who you are. Pick something that you want to change and do it. It is all in your power. Really breathe it in and make something happen. Please don't shackle yourself to your old self. You have more power than you can possibly know. Now go forth and "be the change". Make it better than it was yesterday. I promise, you'll feel better, lifted, different, lightened, happy. It all lies before you. You only have to chose it.

Home Improvement Incentives

2009-11-08T07:24:00.004-06:00

I've spent the last three days prepping and painting two behemoth projects in my living room. One is a floor to ceiling dark wood built-in hutch that hasn't been touched since 1971. She's a real piece of history, but if she wants to live in my house, she needs to shape up and fit in. The second project is a brick wall that houses our fire place. The bricks are very porous and craggy, which is wonderful to look at and crazy hard to paint. The brick was in fine shape but the dark brick made my living room look like a cave. And being that I'm a light junkie, I needed to rescue my fireplace from the doldrums. Anyway... I'm very happy with all of my efforts and I've been saving a little something away in the pantry to reward myself. This morning I made a thick, hot, yummy Mocha. Is there anything better? Well... besides that other thing.

Note to self

2009-11-06T13:48:00.004-06:00

I've been working from this list this week and let me tell you... its not easily done. It seems simple enough, right? But ooooh daddy, this is hard stuff. I usually get hung up on number one and just skip to number two. Then I realize that I can't really wrap my head around number two and I move to number three. Number three goes pretty good and I get cocky and blow through four, five and six. I get bogged down at number seven because I've made lots of mistakes - I start to bore myself and so I move to number eight. Eight is understandably difficult for me as evidenced by this meandering post so I skip to nine and ten. I'm good at nine and especially ten and this gives me the fortitude to go back to number one.

Rêver de Paris.

2009-11-02T12:19:00.004-06:00

Dreaming of going back to Paris someday - but this time with my husband. This hypothetical trip will be a ways off, as in five or six years off. But I like to dream about things WAY in advance just to lay the groundwork, you know? Paris, Paris, Paris. I don't know much about being French, but I bet I'd be darling at it.

Services de santé

2009-11-01T09:05:00.002-06:00

Dear Boys in Washington,
Pull your heads out and lets get this party started. We need it and we're worth it and it won't kill the poor little insurance companies to back down a bit.
Sincerely,
Mama

Let us not be disconcerted.

2009-10-30T23:41:00.003-05:00

In the Kitchen

2009-10-29T08:04:00.003-05:00

I've been cooking, baking, cleaning, stocking and loving my new kitchen. It will probably wear off, but having a kitchen that works and is set up well makes me want to be in it! I know what you're thinking... you want to be in the kitchen? It's weird, right? Weird, but true.

Date Nite

2009-10-07T18:46:00.003-05:00

My husband and I have been putting aside one night each month to go on a date. We've got a great gig set up with another couple. Once a month we take their kiddo for the night and then they return the favor. So cool. The other night, we went to a great place called The Porch. Their motto is "Downhome food, Uptown cocktails." I had a dirty martini (what else) and BBQ brisket sliders. I know that this combo may not seem like a good fit, but let me tell you - it was amazing. Anyway - all this to say GO ON A DATE WITH YOUR HUSBAND. I always feel lighter in spirit, closer to my man and all around renewed by our time together. And it's not just the martinis talking.

We own it.

2009-09-25T23:44:00.003-05:00

It's ours. We did an early morning walk-through of the house and property and then headed to the title company to sign and seal the deal. For all of the cringing and hand-ringing I've been doing this week, the final signing was really smooth. Delightful, even. Our agent, our loan guy, the title company rep, the sellers and the seller's realtor were all present, enthusiastic and engaged. We handed over our money, passed out thank you notes and drove back to our apartment on cloud nine. If I didn't feel like a full fledged adult before today, I do now. I think 31 is a good age to be a grown-up. But if I'm totally honest, we couldn't have done it without our parents. So, parents, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Now get your tushies to Dallas and let's celebrate!

Tomorrow, we close.

2009-09-24T12:54:00.003-05:00

This process has been long and a bit unsettling, but tomorrow, we close on our home. Tonight, I ask the universe for a smooth transition, a speedy closing and that everyone walks away well and happy. 24 hours and counting.

Drag

2009-09-22T13:33:00.002-05:00

I feel like putting on a beautifully tailored Katherine Hepburn pant suit, going out to a late night wine bar and smoking a few clove cigarettes. I'm not usually one to crave a cigarette, but this past rainy week and the onset of autumn have put me in a strange mood.

Rêver grand.

2009-09-20T10:27:00.002-05:00

We move into our new home a week from today. I'm so excited that I haven't been sleeping at night. All I do is day dream about our life in the new house. I drive by and imagine our family eating in the front window. I scour design magazines and dream about re-tooling the rooms to suit our life. I am a big ol' dreaming fool. I can't wait to move in. T-minus one week and counting.

Welcome to the world, Gavin Christopher

2009-09-16T19:42:00.002-05:00

Can I just say that I love my work. Another beautiful baby born last week to a wonderful client and dear friend. Gavin gave us a little scare, but he was calm cool and collected when he finally arrived. How can you not love those kissable lips? Congratulations to C, J and Gavin. Its a bright new world!

fille de fonctionnement

2009-09-16T13:47:00.003-05:00

I know you've felt this way too, which is why I'm whining about it here at La Mere de Boheme. I have a lot of shit to do. I haven't been lagging per se, but I have not been... what's the word I want to use?... I have not been proactive. "Proactive" is a good way to say that. But I have a deadline and I never miss a deadline. We close on our home in a week and we move in 10 days. I'm so thrilled to be making this move and so un-thrilled to be boxing up my life before the holidays yet again.

Bingo.

2009-09-14T17:45:00.003-05:00

Okay. The waiting is over. The house is a go. All the crazy run-around contract-y stuff is in place and we are ready to close in just over a week. Phew. I'm still in a state of shock about the fact that we're even buying a home in the first place. But now, with this last bit of business in place, I can focus my energies on other things like packing boxes and picking out wall paper. Yay for us!

Really?

2009-09-09T15:36:00.000-05:00

And I thought I was lazy.

A letter in defence of my day.

2009-09-08T20:41:00.004-05:00

Dear Mills College,

Today, I wore pajamas all day. I hung out with two chubby, happy babies and when, during lunch, they fell asleep, I ate a pint of butter pecan ice cream while browsing the internet. I know when you gave me a bachelor's degree upon my graduation and charged me to go out there and change the world, this stereotypical bon-bon-eating-type day might not be what you had in mind. But I assure you that the consumption of ice cream while caring for sweet fat babies fits perfectly with the "rights and responsibilities" of holding a diploma from your esteemed institution.

Sincerely,
Sarah

Waiting.

2009-09-06T10:12:00.000-05:00

Still waiting to hear back on a few things about the house. I'm sure all is well, but silence is always a little un-nerving. We are two and a half weeks away from closing and three weeks away from moving. Tap, tap, tap. I know I've got lots to keep me busy during the next three weeks - packing, clients, the birth center - but I'm an impatient little bug when it comes to this kind of waiting. (Sigh.)

Libérer l'âme.

2009-09-03T14:34:00.000-05:00

Free soul. That's what libérer l'âme means. A free soul knows that she is the creator of her own life. I went to temple last Sunday and during the dharma talk where Brother ChiSing addresses the sangha, he said, "There are no problems, only choices." These are the words of a free soul.

Feeling Good

2009-09-01T11:39:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling really good these days about the direction in which my family is heading. As you know, we're in the process of buying our first home, which could be a daunting and stressful process. My husband and I are both back to work this month, which could also be daunting and stressful given that we're juggling a toddler and one car between us. We're also ratcheting back our spending by imposing smaller budgets on travel, food and entertainment. Again, this could be a daunting and stressful task. But somehow - I don't know why - I am not stymied by any of this. For some reason, I feel like we are at the center of who we are as a family - grounded, sustained, abundant and joyful. Please, sweet Hearth Goddess, see to it that we always feel this full of love and guidance. Because it sure feels good.

All done.

2009-08-27T23:28:00.000-05:00

My 21 month old is done. No more nursing. Weaned. I'm done as well, but this transition is a little more emotional than I anticipated. Nursing my son has been such a beautiful connection point for us and now, he's on to other things. I didn't really set out to nurse as long as we did, but it worked for us. I think its one of the reasons he's such a healthy kid. Except for a chest cold last Christmas, he's never been ill. He doesn't suffer from allergies and he is a really well adjusted little kiddo. So, thanks boobs. Good work.

Ouvrir pour les affaires.

2009-08-23T12:19:00.000-05:00

Translation? "Open for business." I've decided to open a shop on Etsy. I've been doing a lot of sewing and crafting this past year, creating gifts for friends and goodies for my family. I've had so much fun that I want to expand my repertoire. MaisonBoheme on Etsy carries bohemian, handmade style for you, your home and your wee ones. I'm starting small and will add more product each week. So check it out and stay tuned!

This is me today.

2009-08-21T13:16:00.000-05:00

La Maison Boheme in Escrow

2009-08-17T19:31:00.000-05:00

One day is finally here. Our offer was accepted and we have a deal. Inspectors are on their way, checks are being written, contracts are being signed and we are elated. I think my mother described my feelings exactly. She said that when you your realtor calls you to say, "They've accepted your offer", two feelings rush through you. On one hand you feel like you are doing something you aren't supposed to be doing - like smoking behind the garage at your parent's house. You aren't supposed to do it, but you did anyway because no one stopped you. On the other hand you feel an enormous sense of unfounded confidence. There is no reason for you to feel confident, because this is one of the most terrifying and stressful things you'll ever do. But for some odd reason, you feel like you own the town! This is how I feel.

Our home is beautiful. Our home is peaceful. Our home is genius. I am sure that the escrow process will be smooth and uneventful. I am so grateful for the opportunity to possess my own space in this world, to care for my family and create beauty. This is what having a home means to me.

House

2009-08-16T09:24:00.000-05:00

My husband and I just put an offer in on a home. We're a little freaked out by our own boldness, but also thrilled by the prospect of having our very own home. We thought we'd take advantage of Mr. Obama's 8,000 dollar tax break for first time home buyers. We'll know more in the next few days and then... escrow. Wow, life is cool. Wish us luck!

Batten Down the Hatches

2009-08-13T20:13:00.000-05:00

Our journey to New England was so lovely. I saw a lot of Vermont, a little of New Hampshire, the coast of Maine, the beauty of Boston and the hustling whirlwind that is New York City. I love traveling with my husband. I always feel a little like we're honeymooning. And while travel is wonderful, its also a little pricey. We saved and saved for the summer trip and now that the summer is gone, we're back to rationing. I don't mind it really. Budgeting and finding sneaky ways to save money always feels like a big puzzle for me and I love puzzles. I went to the dollar store yesterday and bought all the groceries I needed for a week for only 17 dollars. Then I went to Kroger for produce and meat. I bought all the generic stuff and stayed almost 25 dollars under my budget! Yipee! What are your money saving tricks?

Maine Event

2009-07-16T22:32:00.000-05:00

My wonderful mother-in-law has just turned 70 and for her birthday she has rented a cabin in Maine and invited her family to come and party! So we're off on another adventure. I'll have a chance to check out New England, a place I have never really been, and see my husband's homelands. I'm so excited for this special adventure. This is a tech-free trip, so I won't be posting while away. See you back here when I return. Until then, safe summer and cheers!

Dude Quilt

2009-06-27T22:29:00.000-05:00

A few post ago I mentioned that I liked to sew. I posted some mysterious in process photos. Well, here is the final product. I couldn't post earlier because it is a gift for my brother's 30th birthday - and not that he ever checks out my blog... but his sweet girlfriend does from time to time - and I just thought better safe than sorry. So without further adieu...

front

back

front detail

on a chair

detail back

folded

Bohemian Mama on the Loose

2009-06-27T11:32:00.001-05:00

The Dallas heat is far far behind now. Alright... so I didn't drive off into the night. Instead I hopped a flight to San Francisco to surprise my brother for his 30th birthday. It seemed more practical and feasible. Next up, my Mom and I are driving North to Oregon for a spell at her farm. After that? Up to Seattle for some cool weather and a much anticipated visit with my Mother-In-Law. I'll check back in as I find libraries and coffee shops to post from.

Bustin' Out

2009-06-25T10:09:00.000-05:00

Have you ever found yourself in an icky situation and thought, I could just drive away. I could just get in the car, load up the kids, fill up the tank and drive until we're far far away. Well, that's what I'm doing. The kid and I are bustin' out of here. And woe to anyone who tries to stop us! I'm done with the Dallas heat. This mama needs a break. Where are we headed? We'll update you on the road!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T10:32:00.000-05:00

Where would I be without him?

I like to sew.

2009-06-17T20:03:00.000-05:00

Just a little surprise something I'm working on.
I'll report back with finished photos when the time comes.

connecté

2009-06-17T16:15:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I have these unworldly moments with my son. He and I are totally entwined and there is no difference between my space and his space. We are like a single organism moving through the house and through our day. I do not exist outside of him nor he outside of me. Today was that kind of day. Its astonishing to me how much motherhood has changed my relationship to the world. The simple addition of this teeny-little-super-guy has shifted everything in the most unimaginable ways. What a ride!

Southern Belle

2009-06-16T18:21:00.000-05:00

The crazy summer heat in Texas has illuminated something for me. I totally get why men love southern women. Oh sure they're usually beautiful and tending blonde, but there is more to it than that. The heat induced slow southern drawl means that the women here are speaking slow enough for their male counterparts to keep up. Also, trying to beat the heat by standing in front of an open fridge makes your nipples hard. Plus, most women here are serving up cold sweet tea in the summer and who can resist that? Slow speaking, nipple-y, sweet tea serving sweet hearts at every turn. All I need is a dye job and I'm ready to join the summer belles.

I do not love pigeon babies.

2009-06-15T08:29:00.000-05:00

There is a pigeon couple - very much in love and determined to make a start in this world - who have, for the past three months, been making nests and laying eggs on my back porch. I awaken most mornings to the sounds of semi-consensual pigeon rape and chortles. Then they work and work and work all day on their twiggy nest until I sweep away their dreams. The crazy part is that even when there is no nest, they lay their eggs on the patio. I have walked out there no less than ten times to see a lone egg rolling around the base of my outdoor IKEA chairs. Then the male (who sits dutifully on the egg while the Mama goes out for a pedicure) and I have a little birdy showdown until he abandons his egg out of fear and confusion. That's when I sweep it off the porch and into the bushes three floors below. Somebody should have told these poor birds that while I am a kind soul, who works as a doula at a birth center, I have no problems aborting their progeny.

On Art

2009-06-14T01:04:00.000-05:00

"Woman With Guitar" by James Carroll Beckwith

I'm having a little bit of a revelation, here. Just thinking this through as I write - not always the best idea, but we'll see. I used to think (like yesterday) that the purpose of art was for public consumption and that if it isn't being publicly consumed then it isn't reaching it's full potential. Maybe I held this believe because I'm in the theater, and plays need an audience - a public. Otherwise, we're just a bunch of people sitting around in a room in funny clothes, right? (For the record, my favorite part of making theater is always rehearsal.) But maybe art is not for public consumption, but rather for private consumption. Perhaps art reaches it's full potential when it touches one person - even if that person is the artist. Not very lucrative, I realize, but hey - when was art ever lucrative? Most art never moves beyond the artist. Most art never sees other people. But this might be the point of art. This very small but revelatory (for me at least) shift in thinking might help me with my own relationship with my art. I love creating art for my audience of three - me, my husband and my son. I want Walker to make art for his own pleasure and enrichment. The great thing about kids is that they already do that. It's the grown-ups who shift the art making into an applause-filled event. I love making art. And I also enjoy sharing it. It just occurs to me that the art part and the sharing part are two different interactions. And so I wanted to share.

Asking for Help

2009-06-12T07:55:00.000-05:00

Its hard, isn't it? Asking for help. To admit that no, in fact, you are not super-duper-pooper woman? While I am certainly not alone, I am parenting Walker on my own for the next month. All in all, we're doing pretty well. I have a good system down that allows us to eat, sleep, progress and be entertained while Jack is gone. However, I have no time - NO TIME - for anything that I may require in addition. For instance, bathing. Or for instance, reading. Or for instance, coffee. You get the idea. So yesterday, I finally did it. I asked for help. Not the kind of help where I say, "I'm desperate, I have to work tonight, will you come over in a half hour and take Walker for 6 hours." I was able to vision forward to days when I might need a few hours in the clear. I was able to say, "I need to take better care of myself. Can you help me do this by taking my son for a few hours this week or next?" I know, I know, I know... planning ahead? What? I feel better already!

Paperless Post

2009-06-11T11:24:00.000-05:00

I'm a big user of Evite. I appreciate that its fast, easy, environmentally friendly and free. However, I just discovered Paperless Post - an online invitation company just like Evite, but with a little more style and sophistication. I love it. It is not entirely free. When you sign up you'll start with 25 "stamps" - just as with snail mail, one stamp gets you one invitation. beyond that you pay 5 dollars for 60 stamps. (If you were sending invitations through the mail that would be over 26 dollars in postage, plus the cost of paper.) So for mamas who are planning cook outs and play dates, Evite is still a great way to go. But if you're looking for something a little more pulled together, ie. birthdays, baby showers, dinner parties and the like, check out Paperless Post.

You're welcome!

That Way Madness Lies

2009-06-10T16:34:00.000-05:00

My goal for the day (for the rest of my life) is to stop comparing myself to others. That's it. That's my brilliant post for the day.

One of those days.

2009-06-02T18:56:00.001-05:00

L'Absurdité de Vie

2009-06-01T11:39:00.000-05:00

Life is absurd. I know, I know... duh. After learning about Dr. Tiller's murder, reading about the woman who conceived twins - each by a different man, and watching from my balcony as a tiny woman in our apartment pool attempts to mount an enormous inflatable killer whale, I'll leave you with this:

Who Does She Think She Is?

2009-05-30T10:50:00.000-05:00

Painting by Laura Knight, 1913. National Portrait Gallery, London.

The painting above is a portrait of the artist. Laura Knight is painting herself, her model and her painting. Three women - all representations. Its hard to see but she is holding a paintbrush in her right hand. The viewer doesn't realize right away that she is the painter, the creator.

Lately, I've been thinking about my art and the fact that I'm not doing it right now. In the first year of my mommy-hood I felt that I was not fulfilling my duty to create something. But now, it doesn't bother me as much. I'm feeling more at peace with this wonderful detour I've taken. I'm creating a home and children and a beautiful life and I think these things count as "art". Don't you? And I'm by no means done. As soon as this phase of mama-hood runs its course and Walker is older, I'll surely be back at my desk and back in the rehearsal hall. But its not a pressing urge that keeps me up at night. And I am learning to make what I've come to call "small art". I sew a pair of pants for Walker or write a letter to a friend or rearrange my mantle or make a beautiful meal for friends or make a quilt for a new baby or paint my bedroom walls or write in my journal. I've got a brush in my hands but its not immediately apparent. Just like Laura, above.

I saw a trailer for "Who Does She Think She Is?" - a documentary about mothers who are also artists - or maybe artists who are also mothers. I want to see it. It looks fantastic. I also read this article by Heather Cabot that references the film on The Huffington Post. You might be interested.

Super Woman - Super Grateful

2009-05-28T23:46:00.000-05:00

Okay. I'm not feeling as run down as I did (Re: my previous post). This mama is back in business - and back to her old bohemian antics. Sometimes all I need is a good nap or a cocktail - which ever is most convenient and readily available - to feel whole again. Don't worry, dear readers, I'm not a drunk - I simply understand the restorative benefits of a gin and tonic. My mother and I are always talking about a book that we will someday co-author titled, "Drinking Your Way to Better Health". Look for it. Its going to be a best seller.

I'm finding that motherhood is not a sport for those who lack endurance. Luckily, I'm an endurance kind of gal. I'm in it for the long stretch and I'm so happy that I have such a beautiful husband and son to share in the journey. Some days are harder than others, but all of my days are sweet. Again, the word that ends so many of these meandering mama-posts: Grateful. This bohemian mama has a grateful heart for the multitudinous wonderment and bounty of motherhood.

A little tired.

2009-05-27T22:13:00.000-05:00

Do you remember that scene in "Young Frankenstein" where Gene Wilder is trying to exit and Cloris Leachman keeps offering him milk, ovaltine, etc.? Gene Wilder finally declines by saying, "No Thank You! I'm a little... tired." That's me tonight. A little tired. My husband-partner- true love-friend is away on business and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by all that needs doing around here. I am a good Mama and I usually feel very confident when it comes to taking on life's little motherhood moments. But this week... the boat has not been at full throttle without her captain. Luckily, I have gin in the freezer tonight and a new day tomorrow.

Male Clutter

2009-05-20T08:06:00.000-05:00

Has anyone read the June issue of Real Simple magazine? I love Steve Almond's article entitled "In Defense of Male Clutter". Steve explains the need for what he calls Accumulated Male Junk or AMJ. Almond writes, "In the always perplexing male psyche, AMJ serves one of two purposes: Either it functions as a reminder of our joyously unkempt bachelorhoods or it represents our wholly unrealistic hopes for the future." Steve's writing is somewhat tongue and cheek, but he is also very serious about why men hang on to strange memorabilia and old electronics.

My husband's AMJ can mostly be placed in the second category. This perfectly describes what Jack once referred to as his "Box of Technology". Jack's beloved box is filled with God knows what - USB cords and adapters and little plugs and tiny batteries and all sorts of black and silver stuff. Steve Almond continues, "But what of the huge box of old electronics that lives in our garage, right between the abandoned tool kit and the stack of New Yorker magazines dating back to 1989? Can this stuff really be said to possess sentimental value? No. This constitutes the AMJ that represents our hopes for the future. You see, while women dream of say, peaceful afternoons with the perfect book, men dream of converting that tangle of defunct laptop adapters and answering machines and phone cords into a super-robot capable of taking out the garbage."

If you get a chance, pick up the June issue of Real Simple and read the article. It made me laugh and smile and better understand my husband's idiosyncratic hoarding. Jack, I get it. Well, I sort of get it. Let's just say I get it enough to let it lie.
To read more about author Steve Almond in Real Simple, click here.

Femme Mystérieuse

2009-05-16T19:16:00.000-05:00

Let's see...

Kohl eye liner, check.
Egyptian head piece, check.
Feather earrings, check.
Gauzy scarf, check.
Hoola hoop, check.
Absinthe, check.

...who's coming with me?

Mauvaise Fille

2009-05-13T23:30:00.000-05:00

I've been watching a lot of movies lately where the lead female character smokes and speaks with a low, confident voice. She also packs heat. You know... the Angelina Jolie / Natalie Portman / (insert other kick ass maven here) against the world kind of film. This is obviously SO NOT ME - I cry when I think of guns. However, this doesn't keep me from getting totally wrapped up in the idea of the gun slinging, boot wearing, slim lined, slicked hair, big lipped bad girl. I don't know much about it, but I bet I'd be darling.

Tinkle

2009-05-11T16:07:00.000-05:00

My niece, Julia, recently asked me if I Tinkled. What? "You know", she said, "Tinkle on the Internet." I was lost. She gave me a withering look and said, "You know! Tinkle... like Myface." Oh... Twitter. She meant Twitter. To be honest I didn't know what Twitter was until a few weeks ago. I'm not sure who would care about my moment to moment thoughts and actions - or if I'd want to share them anyway. A few of my DAM mamas suggested that I hop on Twitter to stay in touch... so I caved. Funny. I'm considering it a social experiment. Feel free to look me up: MaisonBoheme is my user name. I like my niece's word better. "Tinkle" seems more appropriate somehow.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T11:24:00.001-05:00

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me.
They have clung to me all my life. "
~Abraham Lincoln

This is my second mother's day. Being W's mama is like nothing I've ever felt before. I think he knows its Mother's Day. He has been particularly sweet, kissing me at every opportunity, sharing all his toys with me, inviting me to play sweet baby games. I've been a weepy mess all day long. Happy Mother's Day all.

La Famille Créative

2009-05-07T09:48:00.001-05:00

I've been reading Amanda Soule's book "The Creative Family". I love her take on what it means to live a creative life. Her book has me thinking about my son and his irrepressible creative spirit. Amanda reminds me to sit back, listen and learn. Don't worry about the mess he's making and don't try to teach or show. Walker doesn't need to "learn" creativity. It is already present. It is the core of all his thoughts and actions. All I need do is provide a safe place, raw materials and an environment of experimentation and gratitude.

Here is the book:

And in honor of living the creative life, here is Walker's first ever crayon drawing!

Nude

2009-04-25T20:59:00.000-05:00

I was watching my son scamper about the house before bedtime tonight. He was nude and very happy. My memory of childhood isn't such that I remember a time when I ran nude around the house. I wish I could remember, because it looks exhilarating. Walker's evening streak also reminded me of wading into the Pacific Ocean with my nieces. They were in town for our wedding and without bathing suits. But when you are four years old and the Pacific Ocean calls to you, what can you do? The only option is to strip down and go mermaid style. I don't ever wish that I could be a small child again, but lately I've been a little jealous of my son's ability to be "nakie" when ever the mood strikes.

This is me dreaming:

Blanc

2009-04-21T20:47:00.001-05:00

White. A white dress to be specific. My girlfriend, Karin, just got married and wore an astoundingly beautiful gown. She also happens to be a stunner herself. Why am I posting about this? Because I have never been a big fan of the wedding dress tradition. Buying an obscenely expensive dress (anything over 300 for a dress is obscene for me) and wearing it only once seems wasteful. I'm posting because I have never understood this tradition... until now. Seeing these photos of Karin in her wedding dress has softened me. The perfect white dress? Yes. What will it cost? It doesn't matter. Look at her - priceless. (God, I sound like a credit card commercial.) Karin, if you ever read this - FIRST, I hope you don't mind that I posted photos of you and SECOND, you are a dream. Dreamy to the umpteenth degree. Swoon!

Photos by Jensen Studios.

Lady Bird

2009-04-20T15:42:00.000-05:00

I just visited the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin this weekend. It is a beautiful and rustic garden filled with native Texas plants and shrubs. My husband found this stunning photo of Lady Bird and I had to share it here. Isn't she lovely in every way? The green dress, the hat, the beaming face, the Blue Bonnets and the knowledge that she is her own woman. Doesn't every woman deserve to be this full? This exuberant? This eternal?

Home Town

2009-04-16T23:09:00.000-05:00

Lately, I've been a little homesick for Paso Robles, California.
Here's a little taste of Paso's town and country.

Images found on Flikr.

Joli bébé Smith

2009-04-13T09:02:00.000-05:00

Another beautiful birth on Friday the 10th. Here is a photo of Miss Smith enjoying her first bath. I love my work.

Le Jour du Lapin.

2009-04-12T00:53:00.001-05:00

I usually don't go in for tiny fuzzy nose wrinkling cuteness... but I just couldn't resist. Happy Easter everyone. Have a beautiful Sunday!

Post Partum Voo Doo

2009-04-08T19:51:00.000-05:00

One of my dearest friends is pregnant and due at any moment. Yesterday, she and I went to a wonderful, witchy store in the Lower Greenville area called The Labyrinth. We were on the hunt for dried herbs which we'll steep for her post partum sitz baths. I made this same sitz bath for myself when recovering from a few small stitches - it worked wonders. It also helped Walker's umbilical cord to dry up and fall off quickly. Below are two photos of the incredible herb selection at The Labyrinth. And below that- some Yarrow and Shepherd's Purse - both required for the "brew". Aren't they beautiful?

By reader request, here is the recipe:
4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup sea salt
1/2 ounce comfrey
1/2 ounce Shepherd's Purse
1/2 ounce yarrow

Steep in boiling water.
Strain and pour "tea" brew into a hot sitz bath.
Then sit in it.

City Dweller

2009-04-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

Its spring. There have been sprays of Mexican primrose popping up in every corner of my neighborhood. That stuff is amazing. There are bays of pink petals pushing their way up through asphalt and sidewalk cracks everywhere. I know that the Bluebells are going to appear soon, but they are far and few inside the city. Bluebells are a drive. There aren't many naturally appearing wild flowers in downtown Dallas. Usually the public flower beds are artfully stuffed with uniform pony packs already in bloom. Then at the first sight of discoloration or wilting, they're ripped up and another breed of bloom magically appears. I think this is why the Mexican Primrose city dweller is such a welcomed site.

Parapluie

2009-03-27T08:45:00.000-05:00

There hasn't been much call for an umbrella here in Dallas until this past week. We had a few lovely days of rain. It makes me pine for my Seattle days a bit. Seattle - where an umbrella was an accessory people wore out everyday for that sudden yet certain morning or afternoon or early evening shower. When it rains in Dallas, people don't even bother looking for their buried umbrellas. They simply buy another one from the parasol kiosk Wal Mart rolls out on rainy days. I have an umbrella hanging above my mantle at home. It's a Victorian era man's umbrella gifted to Jack and I at our wedding. It reminds me that together, we'll always weather life's little downpours. The rains have passed now and I'll stash my Wal Mart pocket parasol with the camping gear and other garage items until I need it next.

C'est Moi

2009-03-25T23:28:00.000-05:00

Ever have one of those days when you look at your life and think, "Is this normal?" I've been having one of those days and I've come to the conclusion that "not normal" is A-okay with me. Have a nice day!

Alison and Eleanor

2009-03-21T19:19:00.000-05:00

I attended a beautiful birth last month. Baby Eleanor was born at home and Alison, mama extraordinaire, was incredible all through her labor and delivery. Elizabeth Boyce, of Earth Mama Photography, was Alison's photographer and she has shared some lovely photos of Eleanor's birthday with me. Thank you Alison and thank you Elizabeth. What an honor!

Ay Barcelona

2009-03-16T10:55:00.000-05:00

When is the part of my life where I live in a cluttered bohemian apartment in Barcelona? I've got to put that on the bucket list. I went to Barcelona when I was 16 and I was just sure that I'd have been back by now. I found this balcony view on my favorite design blog, Design Sponge. Isn't it divine? This photo makes me want to drink coffee with cinnamon and paint line drawings. How can I create a little Barcelona in my own home? I'm sure there are little things I can do to my apartment to invite a little Spanish flair. Any ideas?

Whining

2009-03-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

My son is a peach. He is everything I ever hoped for in a child. He is bright, engaging, sweet, social and curious. He has just hit 16 months and is beginning a new phase of toddlerhood that includes a great deal of whining. The "whine" is probably my least favorite of human tactics. I know that I have been guilty of whining in my life, but it is not a tactic I use often. But my son is whining with more frequency than ever before. I have a few standard responses, all of which are employed to discourage whining. The problem is that a 16-month-old does not get bored with old hat tactics. Whining is new to him. He also possesses incredible mental fortitude and stamina, two characteristics that I lack. How is this going to play out? Do I take it in stride and hope it passes? Do I continue to ignore his annoying whine-a-thons, while offering positive distractions? I'm hoping that he just gets annoyed with himself and decides to try something else. I was going to end this post here... but as I look back at what I've written, I realize that this could be considered whining. Once again, I'm overcome by the realization that my son is simply mirroring my behavior. God help me. I'm raising a highly creative child who whines and is prone to exaggeration, questionable financial endeavours and cross-country moves.

la paix avec Dallas

2009-03-10T19:01:00.000-05:00

Twenty months have passed since I moved to Dallas. Dallas is a great town and I already have many memories and moments that will forever connect me to this part of the world - namely the birth of my son. But it wasn't until this week that I finally felt truly at home in Dallas. "Home" in all senses of the word. Home because Jack is here. Home because my house is here. Home because I have friends here. Home because we work here. We... not just Jack anymore. Home because I'm needed here. Home because I choose to be here.

What changed? I'm not sure, but I think it has something to do with owning my place in this community. As a doula, I am assisting women and men in the creation and maintenance of their families. The act of bearing witness to birth roots you to a community no matter how much push back. I think another factor is friendship. I have been in a small, quiet kind of mourning at being so far away from my dearest friends and family. Now, I have found some wonderful people who I adore and they are only here in Dallas. I have met them through Jack, through the birth community, through my Mama's Forum (DFW Area Moms) and through the arts community.

Bohemianism is not synonymous with the Gypsy life. I can live the life I want to live where ever I am. We're here for a good while. Jack is loving his work and I am happy here. Walker may spend most of his childhood and adolescence in Dallas. I think its about time I made peace with this town. Dallas is a strange and wonderful place. I've had to dig a little - but Dallas is definitely worth getting to know. Its a sweet place to call "home".

les chapeaux de

2009-03-04T19:19:00.000-06:00

I have a few wonderful hats that I think look really fantastic with the right ensemble. Hats require a little confidence, but the reward is a wonderful jolt of bohemian flair. I have a little wool number - 1930's styling with little felt flowers on the side connected by a thin leather band. My Dad picked it up for me at a cashmere place in Elgin, Scotland. I adore this hat. I wore it out the other day in Dallas and got more than a few odd looks. I coudn't tell if the onlookers liked my look or if their slightly sour expressions were accompanied by the thought, "Who wears a hat anymore?" So my question is - Are hats out? Did I miss something? Bohemians throughout the centuries have been known for their impressive accesorizing. Hats are kind of their trade mark. Well, hats and absinthe. For the time being, I'm sticking with my sweet little chapeaux. They make life dandy!

Toujours la vie

2009-03-02T20:49:00.000-06:00

Toujours le vie means still life. The photo above was my bedside table this evening. I stretched out in bed with a glass of champagne (left over from the baby shower I hosted) to do some writing. I glanced over at my bedside table and thought, "Isn't it beautiful?" So I took a photograph to remember it by. Sometimes my bohemian life is not bohemian at all. Sometimes, I'm just a mom from Dallas with a laundry list and a grocery list and a great kid and a great guy. There isn't anything bohemian about it. Its just real life. Then sometimes (this week for instance) I'm a real bohemian. New York on the weekend, teaching at a theatre conference in San Marcos, coffee in Austin, a party on Sunday afternoon and champagne alone at 8pm on a Monday night while writing. I always try to keep in mind that every day is a whole life - a microcosm of your life. And I also try to keep in mind that one day does not make a life. There are many days and many weeks and many years. Sometimes, I do laundry and clean up toys. Sometimes I fly to Manhattan for Champagne overlooking the Bethesda fountain. Sometimes I do it all in one week.

P.S. The photo is my husband, Jack. It was a prop for "A Streetcar Named Desire" at PCPA in which he played Stanley Kowalski. He took the photo in an old military uniform and the prop technicians doctored it up to look WWII era. I love it. It is a photo of my husband in a life he never led. Everyone asks if it is Jack's grandfather.

Le portrait d'une mère

2009-02-28T17:44:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow, I'm hosting a baby shower for a dear friend of mine. Tonight, I'm prepping all sorts of yummy foods and beverages to delight my Mama-To-Be and thinking of my own pregnancy. She's under 8 weeks away from delivering. She looks glorious and triumphant every time I see her. Her husband is painting a beautiful portrait of her pregnant with an open blouse. It reminded me of the painting above by Klimt. I think about having another one sometimes, but always return to the place where I only have Walker. I'm happy with just one. However, I am a little sad that I may never feel that glorious, triumphant, pregnant-out-to-here, exhausted, undulating, dizzy, ravenous, exhilarated feeling that only comes when you're great with child. Tomorrow, I will have the supreme pleasure of hosting a party for my friend. We will shower her with gifts, love, food and support as she prepares to undergo one of the biggest, most amazing shifts a person can embark upon. Motherhood.

Bon Voyage Sans Bebe

2009-02-20T16:01:00.000-06:00

The photo above was taken in 1900 on Mulberry Street in NYC. I like to think of New York this way. Messy, claustrophobic, bustling, brimming with immigrants, crammed full of possibility and rampant bohemianism. I'm off to NY this weekend. I probably won't go to Mulberry Street, but I know I'm in for a wonderful time. My longtime sweetheart and dear friend, Lu, is taking me in for a few days. This is a big trip for me. I haven't ever spent more than 24 hours away from my son. Of course, I'll miss his little face and sweet kisses, but it will make it all the more sweet when I return. I'm ready for two days in a crazy city with dear ones who know me.

I'm in the process of packing and I'm in a state of glee over the lack of baby gear in my bag. First of all, its a much smaller bag. No wipes or pacifiers or teething tablets or crackers. Instead I've packed mascara, a scarf, impractical shoes and some Altoids.

I've included a present day photo of Mulberry Street below. Somehow, it doesn't possess the same romance as the photo above. So I'm leaving my new son and my new apartment in search of an old friend and some old New York. The road is calling... but I'll be home soon.

The Opera

2009-02-15T19:24:00.001-06:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, I decided to surprise my husband with a matinee at the Dallas Opera of Puccini's "La Boheme". We've just returned from a beautiful performance. It was everything you want from an opera: virtuoso performances, thrilling, soaring, gorgeous music and a love story with a tragic end. When Rudolpho and Mimi meet for the first time and sing "My dream is realized in you", my husband and I smiled though tears and squeezed our hands together. (Yes, Jack... I'm telling cyberspace that you cried.) How can you not be moved by this stuff? I have not been to the opera since 1995 when my father took me to the Roman Opera House to see something Russian. It was incredible and I remember thinking, I should do this again. Why I waited thirteen years to go back? Who knows. The story of "La Boheme" is based on the novel "Scenes de La Vie de Boheme" by Henri Murger . And some of you know its most recent incarnation as the Tony Award winning musical, "Rent". If you can scrounge together money for the opera (it is not inexpensive), then GO! You won't regret it.

Repose

2009-02-13T20:06:00.000-06:00

This 1907 portrait to the left is John Singer Sargent's niece. I love her casual pose and the way she sinks into the sofa, her eyes half closed and her mouth relaxed. She is resting. Rest. This is a difficult concept for me. The simple act of sitting comfortably, enjoying a moment of silence, a sip of tea, a nice breeze, a quiet lunch, a little snooze, etc. is not so simple anymore. I don't need a lot of rest. Just a quiet hour would do. I would also like to look like Mr. Sargent's niece while I'm resting. I don't think its impractical to dress in turn of the century garb just for a little cat nap. Do you?

Love will Prevail

2009-02-10T10:10:00.001-06:00

My dear friends married this year and they are featured in this BEAUTIFUL video entitled "Please Don't Divorce Us", produced by the Courage Campaign.

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

Groovy kind of Amour

2009-02-10T09:29:00.000-06:00

All good Bohemians follow astrology, either for no-nonsense celestial council or for tried and true pick-up lines. So I know that all of you Bohemian Mamas will dig this bit of info brought to you by the wheel in the sky. Are you ready for this? On Valentines Day 2009, the following astrological aspects will occur in the dawn sky: The moon will be in the 7th house and Jupiter will align with Mars. Ring a bell? "The Age of Aquarius" is my second most favorite "sing-in-the-shower" song of all time followed close behind Air Supply's brilliant and touching "Girl, You're Every Woman In the World To Me." Let's sing it together!

When the Moon is in the 7th House

And Jupiter aligns with Mars ...

Then peace will guide the planet

And love, will steer the stars

This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius ...

So... happy Valentine's Day and may supreme love and peace rule the galaxies!

Cakeballs - Part Trois

2009-02-08T20:14:00.001-06:00

Okay. As you may have already guessed (remember this and this) I'm a big fan of cake balls. I love making them and I love sharing them. Well now there is a company opening a cake ball shop here in Dallas. Of course, I immediately went to their website to place my order - www.cakeballs.com. Wow. Um... while I LOVE that they're offering beautiful, yummy, decadent, gourmet cake balls - ready to go in pretty little boxes, I'm a little dismayed by the price. I'm sure that they use the finest ingredients and that their balls are brimming with the kind of love and magic that warrant 16 dollars for a 6 pack. But if you're just wanting a beautiful, yummy, decadent NON-gourmet cake ball.... give me a ring. My cake balls are top notch. The drawback is that they come in old pieces of Tupperware, which previously contained my son's Cheerios.

Cyberlife and babies

2009-02-04T09:46:00.001-06:00

I am ready to land for a few months. I'm home after almost 6 weeks of living out of a suitcase. My husband had work in LA and I decided to spend that time in California with family. It was a GREAT visit and now that I'm home, I'm ready to stay for a while. I've also been without regular Internet, which has been harder than I thought it would be. No Internet means no blog posts. I saw a snippet in a beauty magazine the other day while standing in the checkout line at Target that asked women, "What would you rather give up for a month: Internet or sex?" 65 percent chose sex!

While I was away, I attended a beautiful birth in Salinas, California for a friend and client. She delivered a healthy baby boy on January 15. The birth was in a hospital, but we managed to avoid all of the usual medical interventions (minus a little external fetal monitoring here and there) that usually befall hospital births. The staff left us to our own devices and we were able to have a spontaneous and natural birth! I love my work!

I have launched my Doula website - here is a link: www.ineedadoula.com. Enjoy browsing!

The Boys

2008-12-10T20:39:00.000-06:00

These two guys are the best. They make every waking hour beautiful. Look at this fabulous photo of them together! A local Dallas photographer took this shot and I'm so grateful to her for catching this moment. All I have to say is "wow". We've just finished moving this week and both Walker and Jack were the coolest of cucumbers. Moving is usually a high stress situation for even the strongest of families, and the boys made it so easy. I'm so grateful they belong to me. Grateful. Grateful. Grateful!

Une nouvelle maison

2008-11-25T09:26:00.000-06:00

A new home! Some of you may have read my October post about wanting a room of my own - Virginia Woolf style. Ask and ye shall receive. We are moving into a new apartment on December first. Still in the same neighborhood, but more room and even better - less a month in rent! I am really sad that the economy is in the pooper, but I do enjoy a full tank of gas for 25 dollars and cheaper housing. I know that this is possibly the busiest time of the year for a move, but I think Jack and I can swing it. our third bedroom will serve as an office for me and a guest room for all of our sweet visitors. I am thrilled at the prospect of not only a space to meander, putter, work, craft, read, nap, think and play... but thrilled that my bedroom will return to a calm state where I can actually relax, dress, sleep and ... well you know. Can you hear my sigh of relief? It feels good.

Public Service Announcement - Regular or Super?

2008-11-17T19:50:00.000-06:00

I am a big fan of buying generic when it comes to prescription drugs, paper towels and other innocuous goods. But this week, in an attempt to save a little cash, I purchased a multi-pack of generic Walgreens tampons. BIG MISTAKE. There are so many problems with the design and efficacy of this product. First and foremost, the applicator does not work. The plastic cylinder that is supposed to slide up into the outer shaft and deposit the tampon in its proper place does not work. Second, because the sliding mechanism is disfunctional the user (that's me) has to pinch the grip at the base tightly to expel the tampon. This means that the two plastic peices pinch the skin. Oh its awful. Please do yourself a favor and lay down some cash to buy the brand name tampons. When it comes to feminine products, a girl deserves reliability, comfot and ease. And to Walgreens? All I can say is there is nothing "Super" about your tampons. Ugh.