hump day nuggets: little bits of the season in photos and words about the last week
A few weeks ago I sat to write my weekly column and, despite my best digging efforts, I fell flat. So, I turned to my facebook page.
Of course, people delivered with funny and inspiring stuff. The distraction was just what I needed, I finished a piece in time and left with a few ideas for future stories. My favorite suggestion came from Bobbie who wrote this:
My accordion foray has me thinking on how actually thrilling it is to learn something totally new, something totally mine. Now that we live in the age of Google and YouTube, I’m actually toying with idea of teaching myself calculus (was convinced in school that math was beyond me…). A lot of it has to do with turning 40 last year, but I’m also reminded daily by my sons and by my students how magical are our minds and bodies, what a miracle it is to be able to learn and feel your brain still getting better, sharper. You’ve written movingly about your life and your passions. I’d love to read something by you about what thing, totally new and totally yours, you’d love to learn.
What thing, totally new and totally mine, do I want to learn? I love this. It is an assignment.Β I miss assignments. This is the first time in my life I don’t have a teacher or a boss to tell me what to do. Sometimes it’s so nice to be told what to do.
I haven’t written an essay but I have been thinking a lot about it. In fact I was hard on myself with what I came up with, wondering if my ideas were awesome enough and totally mine enough. I mean, Bobbie is learning calculus and the accordion. Can I be that cool? Then, in a hiccup of self-awareness, I realized I can have many totally-mine things even if they involve others! And I am cool. I want to learn to:
- Hunt for elk and deer with my Uncle Skip this fall.
- Sew my own bathing suit.
- Make cheese.
- Incorporate five sun salutations into my daily routine.
I think I’ll start with those four, even though my brain is swimming with others…of course I’ll document my attempts right here. They aren’t so much resolutions as aspirations. No time frame, no rules. Just four bullet points to dream about this cold, snotty, vitamin D-depleted January when I haven’t been thinking too much about me.
nuggets.
:: It felt a bit like spring last week when the temps soared into the low 40s. People were galavanting about Missoula without hats and going for shirtless jogs.

:: We felt light and sprightly without all our puffy, fleecy layers.

:: And then the sky tossed a clean blanket of snow and squeaky temperature drop.
:: Many have asked how we get outside when it is so cold/what my kids wear etc. So, here’s our schtick! My girls and I get outside every day even if the weather limits it to a quick jaunt to see the chickens. For us, fresh air and feet on the earth make all the difference in our outlook, especially when it is cold and gray and dark at 5pm.
My daughters layer. We really like Patagonia long underwear (call the outlet and get ’em cheap) and wool socks. Scarves are vital as are their Patagonia puffball buntings that go on quickly and easily envelope over mittened hands (again, try the outlet or google it). These buntings are the best and my kids are totally warm no matter the temp. When it is super cold, Ruby stays on me. Lastly, I always take the stroller or sled with blankets and I rarely get more than a mile from home, so we could book it back if need be.
:: And I already get to (partially) cross off one of my Totally Mine Bullets! I made cheese. “Thirty-Minute Mozzarella” (which I have renamed “Just Over An Hour With Two Children Mozzarella”) and it was seriously so easy and fun! It makes me want to exclaim!
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Cost for one pound of fresh, organic mozz made with local milk: about $4.50 |
:: Oh my girl and her dog. They’ve got a special thing.
:: New to the shop: heart throb hoodie.
:: Sweet potato enjoys practicing The Walk. And, Margot enjoys encouraging her. I like watching my girls walk together.
:: When I am in front of Ruby she laughs so hard she shakes and then just falls forward, her feet pinned in place. Amazing, that she wholly trusts me to catch her. Amazing, I always catch her.
:: Mama, Hugo and Atticus and Jason and dad are boys. And Caroline, Ruby, me and you are girls. But I think we are all kind of boys and girls together. Are we?

:: I am so thankful I get to witness the world with Margot. It’s very colorful.

:: And always worth a detour.
:: We went for a riverfront walk and our kids fell asleep on our backs. Rather than attempt the back-to-carseat shuffle, Andy and I decided to roll with it and have a spontaneous date. We ate lunch while walking around downtown, looked at art, held hands.
Other than 20-30 pounds on our backs, it was like a regular ol’ date.
:: Alice likes the new rug in the living room. She tells me every afternoon when she kicks up dust in the sunlight.
:: Margot’s current favorite: Mama, flip me up so way high. HIGHER.
:: Goodness the number of times we drop everything and dance to a song throughout our days. One of my favorite parts is Alice, an island in the middle of it all. She yawns, licks her toes, sighs.
Margot’s bird pinafore by b. handmade designs.
So, there’s our January week in review. How about an assignment? What do you want to learn that is totally new and totally yours, something that makes you “feel your brain still getting better, sharper?” Due by my birthday, Tuesday, February 8. You get an A if you try and I’ll pick someone to win something handmade by me.*
Happy hump day out there.
*Sorry to be vague. I just thought of this right now…I promise it will be cool.
153 Comments
I want to learn to look in the mirror and love myself, instead of being critical of the way I look these days. And I want to learn to ROCK lipstick and a great headband, not worrying about what others think….
I want to learn how to sew so I can make adorable things for my baby girl. I also want to lose 60 pounds!
I totally ALWAYS wonder how you get your girls out in this weather. Thanks for clearing that up ;0) Now if only I had some place to walk to around here. Oh yea, and wasn’t 6 months pregnant…that might make it easier.
Something that is totally new and totally me? That’s a toughie.
I think I would like to learn how to sew and knit. Something that my ancestors (long long ago) could do, but hasn’t been attempted in quite a few generations now. I don’t know if that counts as totally new/ me, but it’s something I’d really like to learn. If for no other reason than to be able to do something with all the stained baby clothes I refuse to throw out.
Also, I’d love to grow my own food..I just need a patch of dirt first =0\ ( damn tiny apartment).
Love these nuggets. So good. So so good!
I’m going to learn avalanche safety. Myself. I’m not going to call my guy friends who ski gnarly stuff and beg them to take me and teach me. I’m going to find a course, pay for it myself, and learn myself, dang it. I’m going to read the books, put in my time, and gain experience. The long, slow, real way!
xoxo
Melina
Plant onions and garlic in my new yard!!
I want to learn to play the saxophone! I also want to learn how to make bread and make jewelery. Oh there is so much I want to learn!!
I want to compost, and grow sweet potatoes. Sounds so small, but I’m crazy-intimidated. I do the animal kingdom very well, but the plant kingdom and I just haven’t been as well acquainted as I’d like. And I would love to play the trumpet. Stupid 7th-grade band leader thought it was for boys only. Harumph!
Re: Margot’s observation, if you don’t know it already, have a listen to Dar Williams’ song “When I Was a Boy.” So poignant, so true.
Our 13-month(from whose father I could surely reclaim favorite-parent status if I could grow sweet potatoes and make cheese) is just like Ruby. He wants to walk (well, run) all.the.time.
I want to learn how to make bloomer panties with ruffles. I sew and do boutique clothing, but I cannot make a bloomer to save my life! :o/
The girls are just so precious!
And I am stunned we are having colder weather than you right now here in southeast Texas. We are having a “snow storm” starting tomorrow into Friday. Crazy I tell ya! Just CRAZY! :o)
I want to learn to drive without fear again. …To be able to feel that freedom I felt when I was 17. I have taught myself several new things in 2010. Including; bass guitar, sewing, crochet and knitting. -(all while the kids were fast asleep) but I still have yet to teach myself to be brave again. To be able to be the type of mom who can bring my son to his preschool field trips.
…Here I am. Trying to find courage…
Any way, Margot and Ruby have the most beautiful life I have ever seen. I have been reading your blog for about 4 months now and I can’t get enough. Your life is wonderful. Keep on inspiring!
I am coming our of lurkdom to post!! I stumbled upon your blog from Kelle’s and have enjoyed reading along. I love your affinity for gardening, running, cooking, art and so on. (as I love all of the same things!!)
Something new– eek! Its hard- I feel like so often I devote 2% of my energies to 10 different hobbies and projects. But I have a few things I want to learn:
–a winterish sport. such as snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Interestingly there is a ‘night snowshoeing event’ here in a few weeks I was considering for a date night!
–like another poster- I want to learn composting this year. I have built up a few awesome raised beds for vegetables but have to buy my compost each year. I haven’t a clue where to start!!
I think I would like to steal one of yours actually. Does that mean it isn’t totaly mine? I have wanted to make cheese in the past but never thought it could be done. NOw I want to try that cheese you made. It looks so very good. I am also working on some new plans for some throw pillows that I hope to make. I want to try a few new things there.
Thanks for this post. I love learning new things and expanding the things I know how to do.
Make cheese and thanks to your link – I am going to do it!
I would also love to learn how to sew. But it seems my children keep me sew busy all the time that when they go to sleep at night, I want to as well.
love the nuggets
Tricia
I want to learn to knit. Not totaly new and totally mine and yet it is. I am not very crafty and can barely sew a button on but I want to knit scarves to warm the necks of my loved ones.
love love love Margots observations. She is so wise. 4 is my favorite age!
I really wanna learn how to knit. I tried to learn while pregnant with my second daughter, and I just couldn’t get it right and it made me go mental and it still does today. I tried and tried and tried, really hard, for many hours… and I just couldn’t get it. It was overwhelmingly frustraing and discouraging, add in some pregnancy hormones and it was quite a mess all around.
I’m not the type of person who doesn’t “get” things… usually I try, fail, try again, and succeed. The fact that a ball of yarn and a couple needles nearly caused me to have a nervous breakdown irritates me to no end and it would be extremely satisfying for me if I learned how to knit.
One more thing… I’d feel like hot shit if I learned to drive stick.
I want to be a runner…I want to photograph…I want to sew. Those are my top three for now. And I am giving a 10K a go in April…I am taking several photography classes starting yesterday…and I have set up my sewing machine! My 2011 is full of new ideas and I will conquer!
cheese too! a friend handed down “home cheese making” to me & i’m so ready.
where are the patagonia puffy suits on sale? i want to get my kids out side more (5 1/2 & 2 yr old twins) but it’s so cold…hints appreciated.
My goal this year is to learn to scuba dive before the end of the year. We live in a beautiful water-based area and there is so much wonderful stuff to see under the water. I, however, can’t swim very well and tend to panic if I feel like I can’t breathe (whether or not I can breathe just fine.)
So in the next couple of weeks, I will be taking private grown-up swim lessons in prep for scuba lessons.
besides losing some baby weight before my next baby, the top 2 on the list are: learning to sew on my new machine (am motivated by the lack of cute little boy clothes for anyone without deep pockets) and bringing back my garden this spring. my son was born at the end of March and I went back to work in the beginning of June so poor little plot would have suffered terrible neglect. looking to further these goals are what led me to your cool blog in the first place so it’s all about completing the circle baby! now if it would only stop snowing in new england i might have a chance…
A new adventure for me is arriving on Friday – my very first “big girl camera,” a new DSLR Canon T1i. π I’ve always wanted to learn to take pictures full of feeling and meaning, and now, I’m finally ready to open up my life to an expensive, but hopefully fulfilling, hobby.
Your beautiful pictures have served as such inspiration for me to tackle this hobby – thank you!
I want to learn how to make a quilt. i have no sewing skills what so ever and don’t even know how to thread the sewing machine, but every time i see a quilt I think how cool it would be to be able to express myself with beautiful colors and patterns.
ps. you must take pics of your art for the exhibit. I can’t wait to see what you are making with lint balls π
I just bought a mandolin! And I have my first lesson this Friday!! I also want to learn how to marble paper (or silk? maybe after I figure out paper). I want to make my girl a soft doll…. I learned to knit about 3 years ago, and now I want to make one of those beautiful colorwork sweaters… Gosh, no wonder my husband says “What’s the new hobby this month?” I love it all!!! : )
I want to be a better knitter. I’ve always loved to knit, but this year I want to take it to another level. To try out techniques and patterns I’ve been avoiding because I thought they would be too hard or time consuming or that I think I might lack the patience for. Oh…and to make really good bread. Been thinking a lot about this very subject a lot lately.
Thanks for the inspiring post! Margaret
I want to learn how to knit and sew fabulous things for my family and especially for my baby girl! This may seem simple to some but I have never been the “crafty” type so I am enjoying developing this new side of me. π
I’d like to learn, in no particular order:
– how to build a fence for my backyard
– how to read, write, and speak Arabic
– how to play the violin
I want to learn to photograph.
I want to learn to sew.
I want to learn to catch babies (be a midwife).
There, it is written down-much better now:)
This comment has been removed by the author.
I want to learn to be more adventurous and try new things! Life is too short to sit back and let it pass you by, and sometimes that is what I do:( I also want to try and be as ‘green’ as I possibly can. I want my children to learn to respect the earth so they can enjoy it, as well as their children and so on.
I am so thankful to have stumbled upon your blog! I found you thru enjoying the small things and I have to say that you two ladies ROCK!
There are so many things that I’d like to learn to do. To list a few…
~Preserve jam/jelly
~Sew and crochet for myself
~Complete a 1/2 marathon
~Learn to play the guitar
Not totally new, but totally mine: I want to take piano lessons again. I played as a kid/teen and I was good. I miss that, being really good at something. I want to have weekly assignments again and something that I HAVE to practice, have to accomplish.
I want to learn how to make my little boy (15 months) laugh every day. It cracks me up that he finds it so hilarious when my index finger comes to life.
I also want to learn to take better photographs, which I will do by taking a class at the local community college.
When I was 27 (and thought I was getting old…argh) I wanted to learn to ride a motorbike, and was coaxed over my fear by a 50 year old woman who had done exactly that the year before, and was loving it. So I bought a (little! tiny!) motorbike and learned how to ride it in ever braver laps around the block (all in the alleys – no cars!) and it was the best thing.
Now, at 36, I keep seeing that little poster at the credit union: fiddle lessons. I am not musical at all, and totally want to learn to play the fiddle. And one of these days, after the kids are in bed, I will call that number.
OH CHEESE! That’s on my list too, specifically mozzarella!
Other than that, banjo. I don’t know how to read music, or tune anything, and I feel like I’m not a very musical person, but I’d like to be.. and I sure do enjoy some good banjo. Especially when it’s coming from Mumford & Sons, it’s magic π
first comment but wanted to “speak my aspirations outloud”…
1. Learn how to use my DSLR
2. Learn how to cook (i’m terrible at it and it’s my sweet girls who are now suffering
3. Learn how to focus on me… Fit in yoga, running, my picture booking hobby, or just how to find enough time in the day to shower and blow out my hair without feeling guilty for taking the time away from my girls.
Any hints on the last one???? The fact that you take your girls out everyday, in the snow and by yourself is so something I can’t seem to figure out!
Hey Digs, this is my first comment but I have been reading for a while now. I like the idea of aspirations instead of resolutions, and here are some of mine for the next couple of years:
+join a CSA and learn how to cook in-season fruits and vegetables instead of just what is in the super market
+learn to speak Tamil (South Indian language) so if I have kids I can help teach them my husband’s native language
+scramble around on rocks more often
I think I will sit down and try to make an actual list of these. Thanks for the push!
Oh man, there are so many things I want to learn. Right now I want to learn how to use the brand new serger I have that has never been taken out of the box. Or maybe I want to learn how to manage my time better so that between working full-time and growing a two-year year old and a fetus in my tummy I’ll have time to try out said serger. Love your blog!
Where are those buntings on sale? I am dying to get one for my little one for next winter.
I want to learn to be myself AND a mom…I feel like the past 2 years have been all about them and I’m afraid that if I rekindle some of my own passions I’ll be a worse mom for it. This year I vow to focus a little more on me and what I need and be ok with that knowing it will make me a better mom in the end.
Becky
Sew something that doesn’t look like a dog’s breakfast (as my grammie would say…). Fortheloveofpete it’s gotta happen one of these days…
I want to learn how to play the violin because every time I hear one, it gives me goosebumps, makes my heart race and often nearly brings me to tears. It’s on my bucket list and even if it takes me until I’m 70, I’m going to learn damn it.
I want to learn how to not eat chocolate chips and drink beer at night…But really, I don’t want to learn how not to. I like it. I’d much rather learn how to be a positive community leader. Speaking in front of people makes me quivery but I have to get through it and not just be good but be awesome!
Have Sewing Machine, will sew! Hubster suprised me with one for Christmas, I’ve always wanted one. I bought a book that shows you how to make some awesome things with ‘fat quarters’ and some fat quarters! Now I just have to buy some thread!! I have a creative side that hasn’t truely been tapped into for decades and I am so excited to see what it can do!
Nici,
I really enjoyed this post. I want to thank you for your FAQ section too, I always pronounced your name Nee-cee. My partner always told me I sounded like an as*, and she was certain that it was more like Nicky….thanks for clarifying!
I feel a little larky saying this on your blog, but I would really like to learn how to sew. I took home ec in 7th grade and failed (I still blame it on the flimsy material I was working with at the time)…Anyho, I have been inspired a number of times by your creations and it just looks so fun and relaxing and, well, so satisfying.
God I love these comments. I have to go back and finish soaking them all up.
Well, I’m always in the mood for learning more. Last year, I learned how to digital scrapbook/photobook, started a blog, and sewed like a madwoman.
So for this year, I will (note that I’m substituting “I will” instead of “I want to” because it pushes the dream into action).
1) Work on portrait photography with my first real camera.
2) Rip out part of my perennial garden and be a virgin veggie gardener (gulp!). In line: Potatoes, lettuce, carrots, beets, peas & toms.
3) Attempt to crochet. I know how to knit, but the other seems so foreign and intimidating.
4) Take 5 minutes every day for cleansing breaths/meditation.
5) Continue to master the art of cake design and beating fondant into submission.
Dig, you’re so good to us, making us think after every post.
-Jennifer from Annapolis
I want to learn how to sing. And not just in the shower. I mean really sing. I want my voice to soar and praise and comfort.
Being a 3rd year university student at the moment, your challenge is a bit daunting. Most of the time in the evenings I try to pull myself away from the sheer exhaustion of learning and just kind of mellow out. However, thinking beyond the regular ol’ textbooks that sit in an intimidating stack on my dresser, I will tell ya what I want to learn, hoping it’s not too embarassing.
I want to learn to tell time. I’m a child of the digital age, a 90’s baby, and I’ve fallen into the trap of digital watches for as long as I can remember. Plus I’m always super impressed at how people can glance at their minute-second-hour hand watches and just…know. They must surely have better sharper brains than me. Also I have this nice watch that I never wear because I always think everyone + their dog just happens to be watching me when I glance at it (and keep glancing..for 5, 6, 7, 8 seconds…GOT IT) and judging me.
I’ll be that quick watch-glancer. I feel more grown up already.
Margotisms are my favourite. I think we’re all boys and girls together, too. π
(Also I can’t think of the “THIS IS MY LIFE” one without cracking up. seriously, just can’t.)
I want to craft beautiful jewelry and headpieces for my girls. I want to always be working on something fun with my children and to become serious about writing our family’s journey to Sarah. These are what I want to do, what’s tearing at my heart, and what I believe a new chapter is weaving.
A few things I want to learn this year, that I know get my synapses firing (because they are previous interests that need to be rekindled): Anatomy and physiology. All I can say is that when I took a & p in college I was in love and wanted more, but being an education major never had any more. The human body and how it functions amazes me. I don’t tire of learning about it. Yep, nice and nerdy. I’m going to see the Body Worlds exhibit at the museum of science and industry in April too, and I know that’ll fuel the fire even more. Next, I want to learn more with regards to my profession (I was a teacher before I had my girls) … I was telling my husband the other day that I’ve been out of the classroom a few years now and it’s starting to feel like it. I want to feel like I’m still in the loop…need to resubscribe to ed mags and be more active in ed forums etc.
Last, I want to learn how to style my hair like the stylists at the salon do. I mean, really, is it that hard?! For me apparently it is. I leave the salon feeling pretty sassy and then somehow manage to get it back to looking how it did when I walked in there within a few days. I don’t know, going to be working on that one a lot.
Sorry for the freakin novel here haha. Happy early birthday to you, my sister and good friend’s birthdays are both on the 8th as well. When I toast with them this coming Sat I’ll toast to you too π
I really enjoyed this post (as always).
Your girls are so much fun and Alice…She goes straight to my heart. Seeing her pics makes me miss my dog (which passed back in July) so much…..And reminds me that I don’t want my girl growing up w/o a dog.
I want to learn to shoot in manual mode.
I want to get over the fear and be able to do a headstand w/o the wall.
This made me giddy with excitement! I want to learn photography, to knit and to play the piano…I want to wait until my daughter is old enough to take lessons and take them with her.
I want to cycle across the country and I’ve already taken the first step by committing to a trip for this upcoming summer. It is the biggest commitment that I’ve ever made as I’ve only ever ridden my bike a few miles around campus and this is my last summer before getting a real job and officially being “a grown-up”. I’m so excited, yet so very intimated by the whole trip. I sure hope that it is going to be one of the best summers of my life.
I bet I checked for HDN 15 times before I left at 1pm….just home~ a quick read and feast on your photos…new desktop background, BTW,…can you guess which one!?
I will think about my assignment & comment more tomorrow to you and my girls.
I love you xoxo, Mom
ps….I made a swimsuit in 1976, bikini…it was pretty good!
I want to learn how to take good care of myself again. To truly take care – to nourish myself with food that make me feel well, to nourish my soul with life that makes me feel goodness and joy, to move my body regularly and feel the life in myself. There’s such a focus on weight and body and numbers and constant bombardment always around us and I feel, literally, that I’ve spent the past 10 years of my life so obsessed with all of this that it’s done the complete opposite of all that is good. So I’ve started a journey, one tiny tiny step at a time, to just take care of myself. For me and for my family – I want to eek every drop out of this beautiful life with them and I haven’t been doing that nearly enough.
Learn to crochet, can peaches from my tree, a new language, use a rotatiller on my own…
But the hardest, and the thing I need most, is to learn how to say no so that I can have the time to do the things I listed above!
I’m learning guitar and studying yoga. Those are 2 things just my own. Other people may study them, but both are something I’ve longed for for a while. Im also studying to become a yoga instructor. π and I agree. I wish somebody would give me assignments every now and again.
Oh there are soo many things! I am currently working on making my first quilt (a baby quilt for my friend expecting in May) and crocheting my first baby blanket. But I also want to:
– Learn how to use my new external flash
– Learn how to use photoshop
– Learn how to create my own wordpress theme
– Grown a vegetable garden
To name a few!!
love the post! I want to learn how to go to sleep before 10 and wake up with a smile.
I want to learn to knit sweaters! I’ve been knitting for YEARS, but only afgans and such. I want to knit a wonderful, beautiful sweater! I want to take a knitting class; have a real knitting teacher! I want to learn to do it right!
Pottery Classes. I have always wanted to be a potter.
Let me start this out by saying I am a Banana Republic wearing, IT consultant, runner whose only dance moves include those with a vodka soda in hand but I want to learn how to pole dance! I took a pole dance class with a friend last weekend at one of those girls only fitness places and it was one of the most challenging things I have attempted in a long time. You need amazing upper body strength to do it well and sweat like crazy while practicing your βmovesβ. Also, what other sport can you participate in wearing high heels? It would totally be something for myself as I am not looking at a career change right now!
I’m not sure if your readers typically read later comments but I wanted Jesse to know she’s not alone in her desire to drive without fear. I’m trying to work up the courage to drive on the freeway after sudden panic attacks took freeway driving from me over three years back. I’m ready to regain that freedom, too.
As for your assignment. I want to play an instrument. I never learned and have always been able to unjustify lessons as an adult. But oh, how I want to learn. Who says a grown woman shouldn’t learn piano! Thanks fir the reminder to listen to our inner selves and bask in something just for us.
Ahhhhh! You all are amazing with your learning selves! I thought I’d check in *real quick* before bed and am smiling a great big smile at your sincerity and fearlessness. Driving, photography, anatomy and physiology, knitting, pole dancing…AWESOME. All of it. Thanks for playing along.
Only a post this awesome could produce such awesome comments. I’ll have to return for more reading.
*I want pack goats. I’ve only ever had dogs (and, once, rabbits) and know NOTHING about livestock, but I want to learn about pack goats, get them, raise them, and have them take my family into the backcountry we love.
*I want to write a novel. I know I can, but I need to learn about the whole plot bit and then, just do it.
*I want a village. Not just step into one, but help create it. This requires some serious exercising of my social muscles which have long since grown limp and weak after too many years in a remote Wyoming cabin : )
Yep. Those are the big three. There are others…like swing dancing with my hubs and playing the mandolin for real, but for now, these three will do.
Also, I am a hunter. If you ever want a female perspective on the taking of life, let me know. But maybe that’s not fair. As Margot said, we are all boys and girls together, right?
I want to:
-learn how to make my own donuts
-learn astronomy
-learn how to drive a school bus
Just for fun, just for me.
-Idaho Amy
I will be a runner by the end of summer. Quite possibly the end of spring. As it is right now I don’t think I could run a block. I want to feel strong. I want to feel alive again. I want to feed like I have achieved something. I want to feel good about myself again. I want to feel proud. Something as simple as mastering my own body , I think, will help in that journey.
Great blog post, yet again!
i want to learn how to sing…
like really good
and sing in a coffee shop
and maybe even play the guitar at the same time.
i have an extremely young, high pitched voice that can only be heard by dolphins when i get excited
wish me luck : )
My top two things I want to learn just for me are:
* Photoshop – have always wanted to learn photo-editing & post production techniques… just found a weekend class in April. Can’t wait!
* How to fit exercise into my daily life. This has always been a big challenge for me. Am so very skilled at finding an excuse, any excuse, as to why I can’t do it…. (classes, job, now it’s kids…) It is time to figure this one out… to learn how to make it a priority.
I would love to learn how to be a personal trainer. I would not use it tp actually become one but I would love to learn everything they learn.
I come from Iceland (currently living in Tokyo, Japan) and they have a year long intensive course back home and it’s been my dream for quite some time to be able to do it.
Maybe when I move back home, I will indulge myself but at the moment, I’m happy running in the streets of Tokyo and discovering new things every day.
I too have a list of a couple items. I like to learn how to:
-apply Feng Shui around my house
– create a “greens” garden, we already had a successful flower and vegetable garden, so now it’s time to add greens – beets, kale, swiss chard
– make the writing space in my blog wider, and/or get rid of the left side bar
Happy Early Bday Girl! Mine is 10 days after yours…..! Woo hoo! I want to learn the art of making natural non toxic candles and body products. I dislike that there are toxins in everything. So by making my own I will know what is in them. I also would love to finish learning how to read tongues. ( currently taking an indepth class and tongues…yes tongue reading is fun)……hhhhmmmm and lastly would love to constantly work out four times a week…just me! And I love love love the new heartthrob hoodie in your store you are fabulously talented!xoxoxooxox
I just signed up for an open hearth cooking class. Sounds like a lot of fun to me, cooking the old fashioned way. Can’t wait…
There’s SOO many things that I want to learn. But, I think cooking is right on top of the list. My husband is the best cook I know, so he does all the cooking- but with longer hours at work, I know soon I’ll have to start learning how to cook. I’m excited for the challenge! Been scouring cookbooks and recipes on websites!
Oh gosh . . . there is so much I want to learn and do!
– learn to use my camera to it’s full potential
– fit yoga into my daily rountine
– be a better gardener
– be a good boss (just promoted to Manager!!)
I think thats a good start for now!
I am new to your blog, finding it from Flower Patch Farmgirl. I am so happy to have found it. Your daughters are so sweet.I would love to learn how to make the cheese that you are perfecting. I also have a private family blog, however I would love to learn how to do a blog that would be interesting for all to read.. Any suggesttions?? I would also love to recycle clothing. Looking forward to follow your blog. Thank you
I want to make cheese, and I will, as we live on a farm and cheese will be our business.
I want to help our sheep lamb, and I will, as their milk will give us the cheese.
I want to raise chickens, and I will, since their eggs will feed our family.
But those are all things for us, the farm, our livelihood. Something just for me, I want to be a midwife. Four more years of school, time away from the farm, hard work and leaving a birthday party or getting up in the middle of the night to attend a birth but those things still haven’t swayed me. That will be something new to me and I just might do it.
First, I absolutely love your blog. Your photos show just how much you LOVE your kids, your dog, your hubby, and your life!
I wrote and deleted and wrote and deleted things that I wanted to learn but each one I realized wasn’t THAT important to me… But I did come up one that sticks out in my mind
I really want to learn to overcome my fear of flying. I’m a journalist. I love to travel. But I hate to fly. I’ve always wanted to cover something for a story somewhere overseas or even in another state. I love talking to people and finding out little things about their life that makes them unique. But I really can’t get over this fear. I want to learn how. I want to truly overcome it so I can enjoy traveling and see new things and experience different cultures!
xoxox
Ok, so the one thing that I want to learn this year is how to use my sewing machine. Like really use it, all of it’s features. It’s not really a unique thing to know how to do, but that is my number one thing I want to learn this year. I also want to learn Spanish, really learn / understand Illustrator, and maybe learn to speak whatever language my 1 year old is speaking. So far everything sounds like “ba”
,,,i want to learn about and appreciate more my local growers and farmers, it’s important for me to be mindful of the places the food that i consume comes from and the process that it takes to arrive to the market and my table,,,
,,,we’re in the process of learning how to “craft” our own beers,,,(smile)
“Mama, Hugo and Atticus and Jason and dad are boys. And Caroline, Ruby, me and you are girls. But I think we are all kind of boys and girls together. Are we?
,,,margot bea’s comment fills me with HOPE,,,
,,,always grateful for my “nuggets”; today they made me think, filled me with hope and made me smile,,,thank you
When did you change the comment function? I tried to post last night but couldn’t remember my account log ins, so I created a new one this morning.
1) Remember passwords
2) Learn to knit a hat. I tried when I was in high school and my grandma laughed and said, “I’ve never seen anyone try to anchor the needles between their knees like that!”
3) Finish learning how to modify patterns for my body. I have a half altered skirt from 2003.
I want to learn how to sew w/ out using the seam ripper a hundred times and how to make a homemade pie crust…a really good pie crust, I’ve made one before and it was okay but I want to make one that is wonderful!
First I have to tell you your kids are so beautiful.. I love Margot’s teeth..Is that crazy?? She has really nice teeth!
I would love to learn how to enjoy the outdoors more this year in the winter-time.. Hearing how you all go out at least once a day makes me want to not be afraid of the cold and to embrace it!! Nature is beautiful all year round!
Maybe not that exciting or a “totally mine” thingee, but a start..
Have a great week! :)** Karen
This is awesome….love seeing everyone’s responses. See, your post has had me thinking since last night about what else I’m going to learn this year. Thanks for that. You’re so right that sometimes it’s nice to have someone telling you what you have to study or do. It keeps you more on task. Something else I’m learning fo sho this year is how to properly install a backsplash in my kitchen, and pavers out back to extend our patio. I started researching it all last year but never got to doing it. I’m the diy project person and my husband is my assistant π
Love your blog! In 2011 I want to:
1.) Learn to play the piano
2.) Learn to knit (I crochet, but would like to see if my hands can keep up with TWO needles)
3.) Learn to sew…my MIL is going to instruct me.
There, it’s written – now I have to do it.
Kathi
I want to learn sign language. And, I want to learn to decorate cakes…not just schlopping the icing on, but really making pretty cakes! And, I want to start growing some of our own food. We just bought a house last spring with a great yard, but I was too big and pregnant last summer to bother–this year is my year!
First off to my sweet daughter/granddaughtersβ¦.
Nici Rae ~ YOU are amazing!, if I donβt say so myselfβ¦.I am continually in awe of your cleverness & devotion to in all that you do & love! So proud to call you mineβ¦β¦β¦β¦.
Margot Bea ~ I know you are going to be a power someday, you already are! You are hilarious, witty, smart, compassionate, feisty, kindhearted, stylish, strong-willed, thoughtful AND beautifulβ¦β¦I Love You a Bushel & a Peck!
Ruby Jane ~ I love watching you βunfoldββ¦β¦with the love and guidance of your mama, poppa and big sister, (dog, cats & chickens!), how can you fail? Next time I see you, you will be running! You Are My Sunshine!
THE ASSIGNMENT:
β’Ride a Lama
β’Make soap
β’Learn how to edit photos online WITH ease & WITHOUT swearing!
I have many moreβ¦this is a start!
I love you all!
xoxo, Mom/Gram
I was gifted a sewing machine for Christmas. I want to learn to sew and make alterations and make unique things from thrift store finds.
I am in the thick of learning to play hockey … I feel my brain getting sharper with all the things to keep track of during the game; it keeps my heart pumping and my muscles sore; and it forces me to step out of my introverted box and meet new people.
Being a mom to a feisty, social and loving 1-year old, I’m learning to be more patient with and present in with the world.
And, after reading these nuggets, I want to learn to make cheese!
I love your writing! Thank you so much for the inspiration and beauty you present!
After a loooooong slump, I’ve taken up playing the guitar again and recently signed up for an organic gardening class. I am also planning on starting up doing african dance, which I gave up 3 years ago when I got ill. I’d also like to do yoga again. Everything in my life seemed to stop for awhile. Chronic illness is so taxing. None of it is “totally me” until you put it all together. The most “me” thing is the beautiful, handcrafted didgeridoo that is being made especially for me right now. I have no idea when it will be done, or arrive, but that is unique, to be sure!
Thanks for walking the beauty way. Opening up your life the way you do is a lovely thing!
1) I already sew quilts but I want to learn to sew clothes!
2) Learn some better and more manageable organizational skills.
3) Learn to make our house more beautiful and homey with little to no cost. π
How to edit a video with my iMovie software.
Wow, Ruby is standing up! Is she walking? How’d I miss this?
Are you going to publish the mozz recipe?
I want to learn to preserve/can/”put-up” produce this summer π
I must say you’ve been an inspiration.
It would be great if I could actually grow the veggies & fruit, but we live in the woods with all matter of wild life to eat all the yummies before we can. (some day we will build a fully fenced, enclosed space to grow things)
I am starting a rhubarb patch this spring because hopefully the deer won’t eat it π
Two things. I’ve been a blog reader for too long. I have wanted to start a blog but never have because I thought I wasn’t a good writer. But I want that supportive space to put my thoughts out there and record my smiles. So I started one this past month. http://www.lovemymrmason.blogspot.com Also, I want to learn to ENJOY exercising. I’m not hung up on whether its running or the gym or whatnot. It can be whatever. (Okay, I’d love to learn to love to run, but that seems more daunting) I am jealous of those people who just get out there and enjoy using their bodies as they were meant to be used so much that when they don’t get in their run or their workout their grumpy. Yes, that’s right. I’d like to become addicted to exercise endorphins.
I totally want to learn how to be one of those coupon ladies!! I’m amazed at the deals people get! It seems so easyβ¦ but still confuses the hell out of me… I’m going to learn, my budget is begging me!
Seeing your girls together makes my heart smile!!!! It reminds me of all the sweet times I can remember with my sister who is only 15 months older than me. There is nothing like having that sisterly bond!
I want to learn aboug lighting and editing with my Canon 50d that I’m loving but know I have so much more to learn. I would also love to learn to make a cool header on my blog the size of yours. My picture is obnoxiously big and I have no clue how to make it smaller. Oh, and we are planting a real vegetable garden this summer, not just tomatoes!
I would love to learn how to sew clothes for my 4 month old son or sew curtains for the windows and I really want to learn how to bee keep for a day this summer. I also love organic skincare and would love to make my own soaps, etc π That cheese looks delicious (being from WI, I love cheese!) π
This is off topic, but the jeans you are wearing in those dancing photos are awesome. As I recall, you discovered that bootcut jeans are “out” a few weeks ago…are those new? Can you share the brand? This mama needs some new jeans. I may or may not be a bit lackluster in the denim department these days. π
I absolutely LOVE Margots face in the last picture of Ruby falling into you. sweetness!!
I’ve always wanted to learn how to play and instrument. I’d pick the piano. π
xo
Kris
I want to write and learn photography. I feel the pull so much my heart gets heavy and almost beats out of my chest, and my breath gets faster, like I’m nervous, but I’m not. The idea of being so creative, of writing things only I can think of, and taking photos of things only I can see, makes me so excited I get jittery and hyperventilate.
I want to learn how to sew my own clothes and clothes for my girl. My sweet mama got me a sewing machine a few years ago but I have yet to use it. π
I also want to learn how to bake a great pie this year…have only perfected the eating of great pies so far…
I loved this post!
Margot inspires me… I love “I think we’re all kind of boys and girls together, are we?” man, she is growing into a cool kid.
The neat thing about blogging itself is that projects are posed and thrown out into this wonderful blog world.
My blog:
http://lcr-outsidevoice.blogspot.com/
that I started 2 weeks ago was my project to myself.
I want to be brave about expressing ideas and thoughtful things to share with my blogging community.
Thanks for sharing your neat experiences, I love reading about them.
Stopping lurking to comment. I found you through Kelle’s blog, and I get all excited when you’ve posted something new. I love reading along! And your Ruby and my Jude are fairly close in age, so I love that too.
I said I wanted to learn to knit and I did! Just took a class at my local yarn shop and now working on a second project. Next on the list: grinding my own wheat to bake all our bread.
Stopping lurking to comment. I found you through Kelle’s blog, and I get all excited when you’ve posted something new. I love reading along! And your Ruby and my Jude are fairly close in age, so I love that too.
I said I wanted to learn to knit and I did! Just took a class at my local yarn shop and now working on a second project. Next on the list: grinding my own wheat to bake all our bread.
I decided that in 2011 I was going to make 1000 paper cranes. There is no paticular reason, it just sounded like fun. I found a tutorial on you tube and have been addicted ever since. My life, my schedule, my family, are all very busy and over scheduled. Folding the paper cranes turns off the noise in my head and allows me to take a breath.
I really want to learn how to grow a garden-the right way. I tried last year and failed miserably. This year will be better-I am sure of it!
Love all the color in your life! Thanks for sharing π
What a great assignement! Love seeing all the great ways your readers are stetching their brains. As for me I’m honing my sewing skills. Been there done that with the bathing suit and not going there again thank you very much! But I am working on my first bonafied quilt – made one before but it was a sew-with-the-peddal-down-all-the-way-and-who-cares-if-the-seams-line-up quilt. This one I’m actually sewing with quilting paper and pressing seams. Oh it’s such a happy quilt and such a challenge to stay within the lines! (http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/pdfs/Sunshine_Quilt.pdf)
I’m also working on my photo editing skills and trying to stretch my creative muscles to edit more artistically. I feel confident experimenting with composition and the actual photo taking but am so akward at the making it into art part.
But, I have been working on both those things for a while and this post got me thinking that maybe I should add something new to the list (because I am a lover of lists and the satisfaction of checking things of the list is grand!). It was surprisingly hard to think of something that wasn’t something I’d do anyways, something that I wouldn’t do were it not for this post and then the email came and I think I may just take the leap: our local yoga studio is offering a yoga teacher training class that would not entail hours and hours on end away from my family and can be done in little fits and spurts. So, I’ve decided that this is my push to take the leap and work on a yoga teaching certificate. There – it’s been spoken to the universe and is now officially on my list. I feel surprisingly nervous and excited having just written that – Thank you Dig!
How’s this for karma – my word verifcation is “digones”!!
I want so bad to learn to sew on my sewing machine that i HAD to have…5 years ago. I would also love to learn the art of photography and the dark room. If I learn now maybe by the time my 4 children grow up I could keep myself busy with a hobby.
I want to learn to sew. In the worst possible way.
And while I’m confessing things, a slice of that cheese would be nice.
so many things to choose from??! I would also like to make cheese…but I’d also like to learn to play an instrument. My daughter just learned to play the recorder at homeschool co-op. Maybe she can teach me?
I’d love to win something!
I want to try…
growing my own sprouts
making a giant, bed-sized quilt
and start using the skills I have in online media and design to help out other crafty, independent business types…
I would like to try to find what I want to do! I feel like all of my energy….desires….thoughts…creativeness goes to my four children and husband (and happily so). But when this question was posed, it almost was alarming to me that I can’t think of something I want to do for ME. I would love to really work on photography but of what? My kids! So you have raised an interesting question that I think I will be pondering for some time….
Accepting that my thoughts are a choice that impact my well-being, I want to learn to ALWAYS turn my thoughts to the positive aspect in everything. My rebel knee reminds me how lucky I am to live in a place where I can hike from my back door, an activity necessary to strengthen those compensatory muscles and remain pain-free. My cold reminds me how lucky I am that when I say I’m sick, I don’t mean chronically. And I want to learn to stay in the moment. This is perhaps the biggest one of all. RIGHT NOW I am safe, healthy, living a life of MY OWN choosing, surrounded by my loved ones. But what the heck, let’s throw in canning vegetables, playing the violin and prioritizing having FUN with my kids as much as a clean house. Was there a limit??? This is so much fun…
Mozzarella, yes. And feta, for my next cheese-making attempts. That’s it.
Smooches to you!
Rachel
I want to learn to KNIT!
I want to learn to sing…properly. I have always sung (we have a cassette tape of me singing “It’s A Miracle” at the age of 5 and it makes me cry to listen to it) but never taken lessons. I want someone to coach my voice into doing things that I don’t think it can do today.
As a student of life, I love assignments like this.
I want to run a 5K. Was going to train after the holidays and complete one on Easter, before my son turned two. Plans changed when I broke the talus bone in right foot December 14. As I sit here now I am inspired to set this as a goal again for myself. It will not be for Easter and the process may take longer as I learn need to learn how to “walk again” first, but I will achieve it nonetheless.
Today my son turns 21 months old. In three months he will be 2 years old. I will not have run a 5K at that point, but I will have accomplished other things that I never thought I would by this same point.
After stalking the local bee chapter and spending the past summer, fall and now winter reading all I can about…..beekeeping…..I am going to strive forward. My honey is crafting a top bar hive as we speak to place my (hopefully) small colony. I am terrified! Ooooo and so so excited.
Oh I have a TON I want to learn and do! That’s what my blog is dedicated to. Next on my agenda would probably be learning to make jewelry of some sort. I’m a big fan of the customized resin/bezel set stuff, so that’s what I’m shooting for. Hoping to turn it into a hobby and then into a business so that I don’t have to be a working momma. We shall see! π
PS – LOVE LOVE LOVE the heart hoody!
And….for all those lusting after cheesemaking. email me and I would be happy to share all kinds of advice and excitement and encouragement (it is super easy, really)as I have been making some amazing cheve, st. maure, feta, fromage blanc, farmhouse, brie and of course, mozzarella!
I would love to finally learn how to knit so I can make warm snugglies for my babes during the cold Colorado winters. It really intimidates me, but I REALLY want to learn.
I am learning the Sanskrit names of the yoga asanas while I’m studying to become a yoga instructor. Yikes! I’m forty-one this year and my baby is nineteen. He’ll be studying art and I’ll be studying yoga.
Thanks for being inspirational.
I totally love the excitment on your face in the second photo in the series of you and Ruby!! So much happiness.
I want to do a great number of things… sew, knit, crochet, ride a tandem bike, run a marathon, learn to cook without a recipe, drive a tractor.
Small steps – look out you tube videos on how to crochet! Here I come!
I must tell you, as soon as I finish reading, I scroll down through all comments until I find your Mama’s. I love seeing how one awesome force begat the other. She seems like a really neat lady. I love Moms.
I guess if I could take that one big risk, I’d stop salaried work and stay home with my kids. But because I can’t, I spend most waking minutes smooching and squishing my kids. So until I have a bit more time, I guess I will work hard to find that magical balance – the one that concentrates on hugs, but maybe too a yoga class for Mama. We are getting there!
Awesome! the father(boyfriend) of my son(ironStummach) and you share the same birthday. he will be turning one year closer to being thirty ;))
And I want to perfect my skills at baking my favorite flavor cupcake; black forest cupcake. my boyfriend seems to think they resembles a bunch of rocks and on the other hand, my son and I seem to like it very much! lol
Happy Early Birthday!!!
JUST caught up on all the comments…I learned so much from your blog pals & what want they aspire to do:…sew, knit,create music, dance, sing, play hockey, overcome fear of flying, do/learn yoga, career change, learn sign language, go to sleep before 10 and wake up with a smile, raise chickens, drive without fear, make cheese, take good care of myself again…to truly take care, crochet, learn sign language, be a potter, run by the end of summer, appreciate local growers/farmers, cook, write a novel, make my own donuts, take pictures, can/preserve, garden, Feng Shui, write/blog AND make paper cranes!…..the pendulum does swing & grow…. I LOVE this post Burb!
ps…and ride a lama!
Hi there Nici,
I have just started reading your blog recently and I love it and your insights. Thank you!
I also love that you want to know about your readers… and on that point, I suppose that, being a Mum, I do tend to dream about things I would like to do that are only about me.
I have a few items on my list!
1. Learn to sew. I am about to go and buy a fairly basic but good sewing machine. My sister-in-law and I are going to learn together while our kids play (eek!).
2. Learn sign language. My totally divine niece has Down syndrome and she is learning sign language. I would like to learn to so that we can extend our relationship and love for each other.
3. Go to stroke correction classes once a week at my local indoor pool. I *love* swimming and it is my down time, mental health strategy, me-time, thinking time as well as fitness strategy! But I need help with my swimming style!
And that’s it so far… there is always more lurking in my brain, but they are the things that pop to the forefront whenever I think about what I need in my life right now.
I hope you have a lovely birthday on the 8th.
Cheers
Melissa
I love Bobbie’s assignment – and her words. WOW! Calculus…
Funny, maybe we ARE all “kind of boys and girls together”…Deep thoughts courtesy of a 4 year old… Love it.
And, ironically, I have been thinking a lot about this lately – the “you don’t use it, you lose it”-ness of our brains…and pushing myself to USE it in new ways…
Currently, my thing that is “totally new and totally mine” – teaching myself photography…and I am in love with the way I see the world differently through the lens…and I think my brain may just be capable of this…and I love the way I feel about myself for taking the plunge!
Yes! I’ve been wanting to make cheese for since I first read “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” a few years back, so this is a great challenge. I’ll start with that, but have also been wanting to learn how to can and I always chicken out at the last minute. There’s a class coming up in April, this is my motivation to sign up!
I just started reading your blog and the timing couldn’t be better. I’ve been snowed in in upstate NY with my 1 month old (first child) and think that getting outside every day needs to be one of my aspirations. The other, which I got a head start on yesterday, is to celebrate each little (and big) Japanese holiday so my hubby gets a taste of home and our baby learns about his culture. Even if I have to make all the accoutrements by hand and learn to make all kinds of random Japanese dishes, it’s totally worth it for the two of them! Here’s what I did yesterday:
http://mymissmaya.blogspot.com/2011/02/setsubun-dividing-seasons.html
I actually started my learning project a few days ago. I’m trying to teach myself how to make jewelry…Made some earrings, failed on one necklace, but think I kinda made a cute one last night. And I’m so far doing it on my own, but i’m thinking that maybe a book on beading might help…My inspiration..celebrating my 30th birthday this week, I’m also attempting a tunic, but I already knew how to sew, I just don’t do it very often..LOL
Great post and so very colorful!
Your cheese looks amazing!!
I would love to learn more photography tips, more editing tips and more ways to capture the beauty in my littles!!
I might also learn to make that cheese too π Looks devine!!
I want (and need!) to learn how to can food. All those canning recipes you’ve posted, I’ve been saving them! I also want to get milking goats so we can have fresh milk anytime! That means I need to learn how to care for them, how to keep them fenced in and how to milk them! =)
I love this assignment! I want to learn how to garden! My daughter is having lots of fun helping me pick out what we should grow!
Great post–have enjoyed seeing what others are up to!
Jesse, I didn’t really drive until I was 29 due to fear/lack of confidence. You can do it!
I am learning Italian in preparation for a trip to Italy in June. I am taking my 17-year-niece there for a HS graduation present! (You get to do cool niece stuff when you don’t have kids of your own!)
I am also part of a workgroup to lobby effectively around social services issues for a local AIDS service organization. That will be a STEEP learning curve!
Where do I start! Like Happiness Is, I’m putting mine in the affirmative: I am learning to be a runner (my goal is the marathon – scary!), I am learning to use Illustrator, I am relearning how to take pictures with a digital slr, I am learning to argue more productively with my husband, and I am learning to be more flexible, a better friend (and hopefully friended), genuine, tolerant person. In the future, I want to learn how to skate and ski… I’ve lived in Montana nearly all my life and still can’t skate, and have never in my life gone skiing. I also want to learn woodworking, tiling, and basic construction skills.
Will you start a group for the Lifelong Learners among us like you did for the virgin harvesters?
I want to learn to quilt!
I want to get better at math! I’ve always been an artsyfartsy type of gal, which I love, and it’s suited me well. I love painting, drawing, sewing, writing.. you name it! But I’ve also always had a massive interest in astronomy, physics, biology, science… unfortunately, despite enormous effort, I flunked grade 11 math. Hard. Miserably hard. And I closed the door on ever having the joy of finally “getting” a new mathematical concept or problem ever again. That in turn, closed the door on many potential interest and career paths. I regret not sticking with maths and sciences more! The interest is still there, and my brain is still keen. Could I do better at this sort of learning at 28 than I did at 15? I feel like the answer is a resounding YES! C’mon, algebra! Geometry! And all the rest of that sort of crap that I totally forget at this point – bring it on, I want to refresh my brain and LEARN YA!!! (As much as I can. Until I pull my hair out. Hey, I never said I wanted to be an astrophysicist. π )
I applaud the cheese-making. It is, in my world, like a bowl of felted gnomes…ha ha. Girl, you make that cheese. Ooo yeah.
Love the old hat we got Margot that pops up in posts. Love Alice’s “What the hell are you doing?” look when you’re whipping Margot in the air.
And hmmmm…the assignment. I want to learn:
To play the guitar, to sew–like really sew, to master the world of html, to drive a stick, to fold a fitted sheet.
Funny you should ask. I decided about 15 minutes ago that I want to learn to box. I don’t really want to hit anyone else (and I certainly don’t want to get hit myself) but the idea of breaking a sweat punching bags and mitts really appealing. This coming from a woman who is a lifelong pacifist. Not to mention a lifelong couch potato whose previous forays into exercise have been pretty limited to yoga (primarily because I was encouraged to lie down for 10 minutes at the end of class). Now, to find a boxing gym friendly to out of shape women who don’t want to hit people…a
I want to learn to not be afraid of canning (first step of procuring a canner that I feel confident in, taken).
I want to teach myself to catch those nasty thoughts before they can escape so I can rehabilitate them into thoughts of gratitude and love- it’s all choice!
and most importantly,
I want to learn to parent with love and grace and awe and wonder. I want to bear children and raise them to see the good in the world around them, and learn to feed love and make that good flourish.
First of all, great post. Your photos add so much.
Second, can I quickly complain how your full posts don’t show up in my feed reader anymore? They used to.
Third, have you read Mighty Girl’s Life List? Like your assignment thing, only things you want to do before you die…
Anyway, always a good read and your mozzarella looked REALLY, really good!
Nici, we are moving to Berkeley and there is already a beautiful garden started in the backyard (we will have a yard! yay!) so I would like to learn how to raise food for my family!!
Also to make yogurt and paint.
I have been playing with acrylics on canvas but would like to know more about what I’m doing–like brush technique, etc. It’s been super-satisfying to slosh paint around but I want to know how also to scrape it off and add on . . .
Your girls are so gorgeous and so are you! Happy *almost* birthday to you (and my sweet Avi)! xo
Diggin’ this post.
in no specific order, want to learn to
*sew…specifically purses/bags. (Receiced a machine for christmas but can’t start trying until I graduate from nursing school.)
*crochet
*play guitar
*play piano
*sign language
*speak spanish
*garden (flowers and food)
*composte
*run (realize that this isn’t so much “learning” as much as just doing …but I long to be able to say, “I’m a runner.”)
*change a tire
*make my own facewash tailored to my skin
*whip up something in the kitchen without much thought
these are just a few. enjoyed this post. i’m printing my list out so i can begin.
thanks for the motivation!
I want to…
-learn to make authentic Italian food
-(re-learn) how to enjoy life, laugh and have a good time like I did when I was younger. Not care so much about what others think.
-Dance. Every. Day. π
One of my resolutions was to find that little bit of me that got hidden away after marriage, children, extra pounds, commitments and responsibilities. I know it’s in there, it just needs a little coaxing to come out into the sunlight. π
this is an AWESOME comment stream! I’ve enjoyed it as much as the awesome post it follows.
My list:
1. make yogurt. I will do this tomorrow.
2. Learn Clair de Lune on piano if my kids will ever let me quit playing “The spinning song” and “In the mood” long enough to learn…it’s truly been 14 years since I’ve learned a new song. yikes.
3. Build cold frames this month out of the windows we just replaced.
cheers – missy
http://www.allireallyneed.ca
i’d like to learn french, and how to knit something more involved than a scarf…and how to be a mama! i’m expecting my first in june π
Totally new and totally mine – WORDS – I have even signed up for a class, and will make words MINE – it is a calligraphy class and I canΒ΄t wait!
Smiles to you and happy Sunday
CB
I want to play the piano again! I learned as a child and never really appreciated it, and now that I’m older I wish I had held on the it. We just purchased a keyboard with hopes of my husband and I relearning the skill, as well as our daughters!
1. Play piano
2. Take an Art History class
3. Learn Spanish
4. Make pottery
Your photos have inspired me to take pictures of our life. I love seeing the life in your family!
Ooh!! I like the cheese and might have to give it a try. Anything to be done to avoid the scalding palms?
“what thing, totally new and totally yours, you’d love to learn”
good question. There are a million things on my list but none of them seem to be totally mine: crochet, knit, bake really good bread…the beauty of the creative process is that things these things can befome yours.
I’d love to run another marathon or forty but am not sure that I am willing to dedicate the training time just now. I also toy with the idea of residency and board certification in either dentistry or feline medicine.
Probably what I ought to do is just focus!
I wish I could get my little sister to fall asleep on my back like that! It would make afternoon errands much easier.
And something new?
Definitely want to learn Italian and make my own chocolate from scratch. The European girls wouldn’t stand a chance. π
Your faithful male viewer,
Kade
I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the violin. I played flute, sax, clarinet in HS, but stringed instruments were not part of my repertoire. I’m sure it’d sound like cats mating at the beginning, but I definitely think it’d be fun!
Love the heart-throb hoodie. π
Amy
I would love to learn how to edit photos more and learn to create a web site. I would also learn to sing but seeing as tho I have a terrible (and not joking TERRIBLE voice) I think that one will come last!!
hey, you share a birthday with my sister! let’s hear it for the the amethyst wearing aquarius women…
Me? Learn to surf. I moved to HI 5 years ago. After much beach shaming finally got up on a board. Then got pregnant, had sweet baby (repeat). Just moved to Santa Cruz. If I don’t rock the board soon I’m going to be a social pariah. Plus I’ll get to hang in the kelp with the too cool for school otters. If that won’t make my mama brain better or sharper then I’m outta luck.
Also navigating the daunting process of buying a first home. I am going to need to start some serious garden therapy to deal with the mental stress of spending that kind of money. I yearn to master the art of urban homesteading, right down to a couple of friendly chickens.
Happy Birthday!
I want to learn to sew.
We made soap from animal fat recently (big huge accomplishment for us).
I did a double-take when I saw the mozz photo…it looks like our soap! Awesome!
xoxox
Happy Birthday!
Thank you for sharing that song. It made me tear up a bit. What an amazing cover.