LAVENDER NEST

Monday, March 31, 2014

Fresh and New


Fresh and new. That's what comes to mind when I think about flipping the calendar tomorrow. Oh hello, April, you wonderful month you. My letters of the month ended when I had nothing nice to say to February and March, but April, I have high hopes for you. 


The calendar is filling up with all that is fresh and new. Weddings, birthdays, new art classes to be taught, a TV interview for Third Thursday Art Nights [insert giggle], etc. The seedlings planted a couple of weeks ago are looking hearty and healthy. And more importantly, the energy is flowing and positive as I sit here in the warm spring afternoon sun. 

Let the plotting and planning be plentiful friends because you are worth it. It's going to be a good month. 


Friday, March 28, 2014

Friday's Quote


'You have what it takes to create something good in your life...today.' Brave Girls Club

Monday, March 24, 2014

Third Thursday Art Night - April

Affirmation cards in April is the theme for the next Third Thursday Art Night at the Farm Table. When I think of affirmations, it reminds me of this quote by Laozi.


'Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.' 


Affirmations my friends, are the positive side of this quote. Creating an affirmation is a magical way to create the life you desire. And in April's class, we'll make the magic that much more special by creating affirmation art cards that reflect our intentions. Intentions that can be left in places where when we see them, we truly see them and feel their power.  


Class will begin with a quiet meditation and time to reflect on what it is you need to affirm as well as some writing prompts to help those that may be feeling stuck.


In addition to the writing prompts, piles of pretty and artistic paper, fun pens, markers, paints, stamps and more will be ready and waiting for you, along with a warm cup of tea.


Class Details: 
When: Thursday, April 17th; 6:30pm - 9pm 
Where: The Farm Table at Ryan Place
Cost: $25 [This includes supplies for as many affirmations as you would like to create] 
RSVP: by emailing me at nicole@lavendernest.com 



Friday, March 21, 2014

Friday's Quote


'No winter lasts forever; 
no spring skips its turn.'
- Hal Borland 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Rediscovering my Nest


 
Over the past few years, I can't even tell you how many times I've re-worked my studio space to make it work for the projects at hand. With each rework, things get moved and I tend to forget where they are, which of course baffles me as this doesn't happen in any other area of the house [Any psych majors out there? You can have a field day with that one].


With a recent shuffling of supplies --merging art supplies with more and more product supplies, I found my 'Lavender Nest' tucked away. Part of me thought it may have been tossed as it had gotten too old to keep. 


Rediscovering my nest, is as symbolic as you can imagine it being, as well as nostalgic. An idea for it sat on an idea board for years before I brought it to life and once it was created, it became a powerful force for me to open up my creative doors. 


It may be a bit aged, but it's well-worn edges are perfect as is. And they are staying right where they are [no more purging I tell myself]. 


Sunday, March 16, 2014

Making Room


Oh it's that time of year. Spring cleaning. It's too early to weed the garden so instead the house gets weeded out of this and that. There's nothing like a good old purge. It all started with a stack of magazines that need going through and somehow that lead to the pantry and then other parts of the kitchen. 


And well before I knew it, much of the house was 'under construction.'  The cleaning out and rearranging happened just in time though. As the indoor green house went up this weekend.


With it came trays and trays of soil for flowers, herbs and veggies. It was quite the assembly line in the kitchen with dirt everywhere, but now they're tucked away, nice and warm, ready to grow. Lupine, calendula, kale, lettuce, cucumbers, beans, basil, thyme, sage, parsley, stevia and mint are just some of the seedlings that were planted. 


And in the midst of moving furniture, purging and planting this one slept through it all. He now keeps the seedlings company, curled up in the sun. 


Friday, March 14, 2014

Friday's Quote


A little whimsy and magic for this cold, Northeast Friday. 

'Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning' - Peter Pan 

Monday, March 10, 2014

Spring Ahead Self Care

The afternoon sunlight warms the room, drawing me in like a cat to the rays it casts on the quilt. The quilt made thirty years ago by my great-grandmother. It's edges worn from many childhood afternoon naps, but still in tact.


Oh if this quilt could talk, the stories it would tell from the kitchen it was created in, to the hands that stitched it, to the little girl it kept warm and to the studio it now sits in. Watching. Bringing warmth. Love and care.  


It's during these afternoons in the studio when I should be creating, cleaning up a mess, writing, that I instead find myself sitting with it, listening , trying to hear whispers of wisdom. After all, ancient stories sing from all creations. Instead I speak to it. Telling it stories. Today is the story of self care. 

Self care during the end of a quiet, reflective season meeting a season of rebirth and renewal that comes with an abundance of energy. As beautiful as spring is, the early days can be abrupt and an anxiety inducing transition.  


Today, self care comes in the form of flannel pajama bottoms, a well worn cashmere sweater, an extra cup of savory tea, cuddles with a furry friend - his paws resting on my lap, a much needed book, a gentle walk, organizing packets of seeds and soup simmering on the stove. 

Self care is giving yourself what you need the most, what soothes the soul, the mind, the heart and gives it the strength and quiet courage to lean into the day and grow from a place of love. 

Friday, March 7, 2014

Friday's Quote



'An Awakening Woman is a spiritual rebellion
engaged in a glowing and embodied,
nothing held back, love affair
with a great mystery.

She moves in the world with
fierce compassion, grace and freedom,
and is passionate about truth, rest and real love...
Earth is home and so is infinity.' 

Chameli Ardagh

Monday, March 3, 2014

Flowers and Light

In stopping to ask myself, "what do you need?" I've discovered right now, in this moment in the last of the lingering winter days it's comfort in the form of light, flowers and all things green. That's what I need. A simple, simple act of self care. 







Saturday, March 1, 2014

Pesto in March


When I think of pesto, I think of fresh basil and summer weather. Although we may be a few solid months away from that and a productive growing season, I was inspired by a healthy looking bunch of spinach and kale today. I'm ushering in spring and all things green [hence the pesto] regardless of the frigid temperatures.

Kale, Spinach and Basil Pesto Recipe

Ingredients: 
2.5 cups of a mix of baby kale and spinach
1/4 cup basil
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic (or more to taste)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Sprinkle of sea salt and pepper (or more to taste)

Combine all ingredients in the food processor and pulse until mixed. Taste and get ready to make another batch. Yields approx. 8oz.