A 20 minute walk every day

It's official. The girls and I are taking (at least) a 20 minute walk everyday -- as long as it is over 20 degrees. This brilliant idea was from Gracie's allergist. She's had ongoing tummy issues and he hoped that maybe this would help, and even if it doesn't it is still genius! I love walks...you get a chance to talk, no distractions. You get fresh air and well, you get to stretch your legs a bit. Gracie and I were walking to school back in the fall, but then it got cold, days get shorter, and well, things get busy.

But, I've decided if we're too busy for a 20 minute walk then something's gotta change. I think it is a great life's rule, don't you? I mean, really, you should never be so busy you can't take a 20 minute walk with your kids.

I've been back to Jazzercise since the new year and I love it. It makes me a better mom -- I get a great start to my day (hello, 5:40 AM!) and I am more calm, patient and peaceful all day long. So I am not looking for this walk to be my excercize, which is key. The only expectation is to move, just a little, and maybe I'll take my camera...just to capture the moment. Don't you think?

I am sort of inspired by this really simple idea, aren't you? Won't you take a walk with your kids today?

Flower art

A friend asked me recently to consider creating a piece for a charity auction coming up for a great agency she's involved with volunteering for. I told her I'd mull it over -- what would I create, and how could I best represent what I do at this type of event?

I starting playing this weekend, and my process evolved through some sketches and well, taking out every fabric I own and throwing it around the family room, and voila! I came up with flowers on canvas. Now, I do not think these will be the final pieces for the auction but I am liking the direction. It seems to have a fun, whimsical feel while allowing for tons of variety in color, texture and feel.

I am wondering, how do these feel? Are they kitschy, fun, different enough to look like my art, but feel thoughtful and finished enough to work in an art setting?

Chevron burlap wreath with fabric flowers

So this was going to be for my entry way...I just love it, and I didn't think I ccould part with it. But, more often than not I am just so curious about this Etsy process that I have to see if something will sell -- or just have interest. I think I should probably just be a market researcher? I am fascinated with colors and trends and what interests people enough to make them feel like they really want something, ya know? Of course, it is either that or I am just completely overthinking the entire thing. And anyone who knows me knows it could very well be the latter. 

And you know what? If someone snatches up this one, I'll just make another! Right!? I can't stop making flowers anyway, and I have an entire basketfull already! If you are interested in seeing it in the shop, you can see it here. Thanks!

G free for G & me

I knew there was a reason I named my site, blog and business Raspberry Prairie. I mean, besides it is fun, I love the color raspberry and we live in Kansas. And today it is clear. It is a new year and I know what I need to do. My youngest, Gracie (or Grace the Ace as she's known in this house), has struggled with tummy issues for a couple of years now. Yes, she's going on 5 which means close to half of her little life. We shuttled her from doctor to doctor and given her medicine after medicine, all to no one specific diagnosis or clear cut treatment. A mama has her hunches, but in the meantime we are going to take a different route. 

We know she's super sensitive to food -- from her severe tree nut allergy to little things like OJ, we are always careful. And now we know that gluten is really hard on her -- even though Celiac tests are negative. So we've done better but now it is time to just go for it! G free for G!

And  guess what? I've been having some weird allergy-related symtoms lately, too. And yes, recent testing came up that I am very sensitive to wheat, gluten, barley & rye. Yikes. So, I'm jumping on the bandwagon with her. And the rest of our family will get to be included, too.

It is my hope I can get myself re-interested in nutrition and cooking. In graocery shopping and meal planning. Many of the things I've grown to dislike over the years of being a busy, working mom, food allergies, and other distractions. My goal is to keep it simple, so maybe you'll come along with me?

Oh and as for the name. Here we are -- in the wheat state. Ironic, isn't it. So, now I've created a prairie made of raspberries, not wheat. One where we can enjoy fresh juicy, red, delicious raspberries instead of wheat. And it will free us, and it will make us better. I know it will! 

The world needs people who have come alive.

Yesterday the girls and I went to the library. I picked up several books, and last night dove right into one, called Fool's Gold, by Susan Wooldridge. The intro chapter starts with this quote from Harold Thurman Whitman:

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs, and then go do it. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

This is HUGE for me...huge! For years now I've been looking to figure out how to best make my talents fit into a prescribed position in society. Right? I mean, everything in life from career fairs on campus to top jobs lists in Forbes, promotes the idea that you need to figure out what the world needs you to do, right? And not only that, but you should pick that one thing and stick with it. And get better and better at it and deep dive on your specialty for the rest of your life. Right? I mean, those are the people our society values. The experts. The people who have xx degrees + xx years of experience = experts.

But, to love doing something, to come alive doing it and putting your heart into is really the life's work that interests me. So to remind me of this every single day, I created a printable with this quote, that you can have here.