tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70816049210943854402012-02-17T12:47:42.722-08:00M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.comBlogger3541100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-45907683873108516832012-02-16T05:48:00.000-08:002012-02-17T12:42:04.219-08:00

 I love slippers, don't you? I love them so much (especially in wintertime) that, the other day, I wrote a limerick about mine: My slippers are wool and they're red.When I sleep they sit next to my bed.It really is neat, How they warm up my feet,In the morning while I eat jam and bread. And so I have a challenge for you, and mind you, it's a rather silly one.  If you are inclined, please email me

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-29710567371093947462012-02-14T04:28:00.000-08:002012-02-14T04:28:00.070-08:00

 Happy Valentines Day!  Wishing you a day of delight...  And donuts! Or, if you prefer... cupcakes... or tiny chocolate hearts... Anything sweet... Hugs and kisses are always the best! xoxMB

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-41513670759464477912012-02-06T03:26:00.000-08:002012-02-06T08:54:28.939-08:00

A quick reminder about the give-away for this beautiful red & white bowl with a tiny white bird hiding in the bottom -- a perfect Valentines gift for a favorite child (or yourself!) Details to enter the give-away can be found here on my blog post from February 1st... Additionally, through the month of February, Valerie of Purple Petunia will offer a 10% discount in her etsy shop if you use the

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-47570427618032175322012-02-01T03:22:00.002-08:002012-02-09T07:06:54.256-08:00

Dearest all, In December I stumbled onto the most wonderful etsy shop and simply had to share it with you.  The shop is called Purple Petunia where Valerie Frandsen Goates sells the most exquisite ceramic bowls and figures, wee fairies and wooden gnomes.  While everything in her shop is delightful, it is her "surprise bowls" which have captured my heart.  Imagine handing your child a tiny bowl

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-6599709880601466782012-01-27T06:16:00.000-08:002012-01-27T06:16:00.634-08:00

Here's a music video of the song "Sunny Day," from Elizabeth Mitchell's 2010 album of the same name...  Happy Sunny Day to you!

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-37602720359129792142012-01-22T08:13:00.000-08:002012-01-22T08:18:08.570-08:00

My wee Bloom is completely obsessed with balloons.  When he wakes up in the morning, often his first word to me is 'bobble,' which can either mean 'balloon' or 'bottle' and I'm not sure which he means to convey... likely both. My brother gave my wee fellow a DVD of The Red Balloon as a gift.  It's such a delightful film, and I think the rest of us around here enjoy watching it nearly as much as

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-91509155571274346932012-01-16T11:16:00.000-08:002012-01-22T08:18:57.980-08:00

I've been keeping my eye on this little doorway nestled among the roots of a great pine tree in our back garden.  The little doorway is located very near where we "discovered" the pinecone gnomes, however this doorway is much too small for those particular gnomes.  During the colder months of the year, the doorway is nice and neat... a welcoming entryway into someones wintertime home, however

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-75940051944809582522012-01-09T01:27:00.000-08:002012-01-09T01:27:00.325-08:00

 Happy New Year to you!  For the new year, I wanted to create something fresh, bright and pretty for my home.  I'm sort of cheating here because I posted a link to this tutorial back in early November. I had to share this project with you when I discovered it because it was so wonderful, but I hadn't yet actually made the mobile.  I finally got around to it and here it is.  It's hanging in the

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-56782845551970692322012-01-02T07:52:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:53:24.644-08:00

We shared our New Years Eve with dear friends who drove in from out of town to celebrate with us.  Children ran around and laughed, adults chatted, we set off lots of little fire crackers at the sensible hour of 9 p.m. and then everyone curled up under the warm covers of their beds for a peaceful sleep.  We all woke up refreshed and ate lots of thick-sliced cinnamon-toast.  There were many

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-49563625814184000152012-01-01T01:49:00.000-08:002012-01-01T01:49:00.496-08:00

Do you remember when I posted in October about planting bulbs?  Here they are, sprouting bright and green...   Wishing you a beautiful new year full of life, growth, beauty, and, as always, poetry --  These song lyrics below by Woody Guthrie seem to me the perfect words to describe the joy of new growth and life... GRASSY GRASS GRASSby Woody Guthrie Grass grass grass,tree tree tree,leafy leaf

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-40760408502619469212011-12-27T07:25:00.000-08:002011-12-27T07:43:02.306-08:00

Tonight is the last night of Hanukkah so thought I'd share a few images from our celebration. These photos are from the second night when we lit 2 candles plus the shamash.  I've received a number of emails with questions regarding lighting the candles.  The basics are as follows: We start on the first night lighting 2 candles -- The first candle stands for the first night of Hanukkah and the

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-25475901715389112202011-12-25T05:48:00.000-08:002011-12-25T06:34:16.035-08:00

I love this recipe for molasses cookies -- it's quick to mix up a batch and the dough is not sticky so it's easy to handle. Plus the cookies look wonderful decorated with gumdrops! Molasses Cookies Whisk together: 3 cups of all-purpose (unbleached white) flour, 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 3/4 tsp. baking soda and 1/4 tsp. salt. Mix with the dry ingredients until well combined: 6 Tblsp. unsalted

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-35927597238784763002011-12-24T03:09:00.000-08:002011-12-24T03:09:00.092-08:00

Just a quick reminder about my little angel give-away!  I will be giving away these two tiny angels... There will be 2 winners, one angel for each.  If you would like a chance to win one of these angels, please leave a comment over at the post on December 19th (and when you leave a comment, make sure I have a way to contact you if your name is drawn.)  I will choose a name via random number

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-82568837233880733012011-12-23T05:05:00.000-08:002011-12-23T11:59:48.201-08:00

For the past five years the Winter Fairies have been visiting our house on Winter Solstice.  We decorate the house... We leave treats...  This year we left the last winter rose of the season and my little Mr. left a note: Dear fairies, May I please have a stuft fox, a white string, and a wooden bead about this size [see drawing in photo] oh, and look out for the cat  hope you like the cookies and

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-33303690647804951222011-12-22T05:35:00.000-08:002011-12-28T23:42:26.854-08:00

Last week I was (again) strolling through the foyer of my local library, past the little 2nd-hand book shop which is an endless treasure trove.  A volume of recipes and entertaining tips by the inimitable Martha Stewart caught my eye and I quickly paged through the book. There were several appealing recipes, but the moment my eyes landed on instructions using *gumdrops* to create tiny people,

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-40582239784424772302011-12-20T22:09:00.000-08:002011-12-24T06:39:19.097-08:00

In my house, this is, sadly, not the year for a hand-made holiday.  Why is this?  Exciting news brewing, and all will be revealed very soon...  Meanwhile, I have been doing my best to pull together meaningful gifts for the holidays.  In my mind, the best substitution for hand-made is always a book or two, but not just any book will do.  For children, especially, isn't it wonderful to give

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-46036718881402316702011-12-19T17:45:00.000-08:002011-12-26T06:30:46.313-08:00

Dearest all -- Here is a quick wrap-up for the Little Angel Swap I recently hosted. First of all, a sincere thank you to each and every participant for all the joy and creativity you brought with you to this swap.  It's been delightful for me to read your emails, see your photos and to know that your little emissaries of peace, love and joy have been flitting 'round the globe to grace homes and

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-6627378987811751092011-12-16T03:26:00.000-08:002011-12-16T06:04:40.075-08:00

I had a little dreidel,I made it out of clay,And when it's dry and ready,Oh, dreidel, I shall play! In our house, tops are are some of the most-played-with toys...This top makes chugging noises as the tiny train goes round & round the track (and even the tiny gate goes up and down...) It's one of the prizes in our collection! Here are some tiny tops we made ourselves. When Hanukkah rolls around,

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-27824055343337239282011-12-14T06:08:00.000-08:002011-12-20T23:05:16.074-08:00

It's not easy to be a family which does *not* celebrate Christmas.  When we are out in public during the latter days of December (i.e. after Christmas) it often occurs that kind, well-intentioned strangers will ask my older son what he got for Christmas.  You should see the looks of incredulity, perplexity and slight horror on their faces when he answers with a funny grin, "I got nothing for

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-78708172511000554452011-12-11T20:15:00.000-08:002011-12-16T06:14:50.923-08:00

I was walking through the garden with my wee Bloom this morning and heard a small rustling of leaves.  Our attention was drawn down to the roots of a great pine tree.    Nestled among the roots, pine needles and fallen leaves were these two little fellows, doing their best disguise themselves among the pinecones. The two little gnomes squeaked in terror when they realized they'd been spotted, but

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-24420382204634862832011-12-09T01:52:00.000-08:002011-12-10T06:56:50.667-08:00

Just a little reminder about my give-away for The Seven-Year-Old Wonder-Book by Isabel Wyatt.  The opportunity to participate in this little give-away will close Sunday, December 11th! Cheers!

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-56132875581262909002011-12-07T01:49:00.000-08:002011-12-09T07:01:23.983-08:00

After making a fat little bat with flapping wings for Halloween, I thought to myself, "Why not an angel with flapping wings?" Off I went, pencil in hand, to make a sketch... And sketch, I did! Then, I got out my watercolors and painted a bit. I cut out my figures, punched a few holes...  And attached the wings to my angel figure with mini-brads. Note:  If you try this project yourself, you will

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-15186615281269675102011-12-05T02:55:00.000-08:002011-12-11T09:53:38.456-08:00

Have you ever heard of The Seven-Year-Old Wonder-Book by Isabel Wyatt?  It's about a little girl named Sylvia, but mostly this book is full of charming fairy stories.  Anyhow, I've just discovered that I have 2 copies tucked into my shelf, so I am giving away this edition from 1975.  It's not the newer edition published by Floris, so it *does not* have a colorful cover or pretty drawings;  the

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-43273530600099665772011-12-03T00:01:00.000-08:002011-12-03T00:01:00.294-08:00

I would like to tell you about a special project I learned about last week.  Karima Kammel of Castle in the Air is publishing a new book called Pirate and Hoopoe -- Karima's late father wrote the text and Karima herself has created the beautifully detailed illustrations.  She describes this joint creation as "...a grand illustrated hardcover book in the style of classic adventure novels such as

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-12186460564383296582011-12-02T06:58:00.000-08:002011-12-02T10:53:42.086-08:00

There's nothing like watching a toddler do what toddlers do best.  Oh, so busy... busy, busy, busy...

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-7063592689101363152011-12-01T00:15:00.000-08:002011-12-02T04:56:57.612-08:00

Please join me today over at Rhythm of the Home where the Winter 2011 Edition has been launched. I am honored, once again, that the editors have chosen to include a piece I wrote. For this Winter Edition, I created an article on making a Hardware Store Hannukiah for the celebration of Hanukkah!  In the dark of winter, we prepare to kindle new light!

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-8007549312146673952011-11-28T13:00:00.000-08:002011-11-28T22:27:05.618-08:00

      Until recently, I never considered buying a frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  I hadn't even known such a thing existed.  I first read about Smucker's popular frozen peanut butter sandwich -- the Uncrustable -- in a New York Times Magazine article by (or course) Michael Pollan.  He wrote, "People think nothing of buying frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for their children's

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-14721554127383957362011-11-26T05:26:00.000-08:002011-12-02T22:36:05.376-08:00

As a young child, there was a always a copy of this book lying around the house.  I think it was given as a wedding gift to my parents, and, from the time I was old enough to sit and turn the pages, it was one of my favorite books. The photos were first displayed as a group in 1955 as an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.  The exhibit included photos by Robert Doisneau, Ruth

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-1952548986968446002011-11-24T05:08:00.000-08:002011-11-24T05:08:00.452-08:00

 No longer forward nor behindI look in hope or fear;But, grateful, take the good I find,The best of now and here.(John Greenleaf Whittier)

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-31291560087088573202011-11-23T11:25:00.000-08:002011-11-23T13:03:13.522-08:00

Browsing around on-line at ideas for Thanksgiving crafts, I was inspired to throw together a few last-minute  holiday decorations with my little Mr... With all the November turkey-themed-madness here in the U.S.,  I believe this may be the first time I've ever created a pine-cone turkey... Well, perhaps back in kindergarten, but I really cannot remember!  Lacking the usual pom-poms and

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-47027719706407313432011-11-22T04:54:00.000-08:002011-11-22T04:54:00.471-08:00

Don't forget to visit my Moomin-love post and leave a comment for a chance to win the book I'm giving away.  The give-away will close tomorrow, November 23rd!

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-88460936668595022152011-11-19T23:20:00.000-08:002011-11-19T23:20:00.087-08:00

Did you know that by going to catalogchoice.org you can stop junk mail and catalogs?  So far they've had 20 million people sign up for junk mail suppressions which has saved more than 105 million gallons of water, prevented 714 million pounds of solid waste, avoided 219 million pounds of greenhouse gas and saved more than 700, 000 trees.  Especially at this time of year, when unwanted holiday

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-73509107192812491322011-11-17T01:39:00.000-08:002011-11-23T21:22:22.731-08:00

A few weeks ago, I was scurrying through the foyer of my local library. As I went past the little 2nd-hand bookstore (located in the aforementioned foyer), my eye was caught by this book.  I quickly scooped it up, handed over my $2 and marched triumphantly out the library doors bearing my prize.  A beautiful Moomin picture-book? For $2!  (Moomins?  Do you not know about Moomins?  If you do not

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-50865770263215594092011-11-16T11:20:00.000-08:002011-11-20T16:49:39.495-08:00

Last week, our friends from Sebastopol showed up on our doorstep and they brought with them about 20 pounds of apples.  What's a girl to do with 20 pounds of apples?  Give some away, of course, and then it's time to cook up an apple crumble. The recipe I use is a basic one: Preheat oven to 375 F.  Peel, core and cut into 1-inch chunks 3-6 pounds of apples.  Place the cut apples into a 9 x 12 or

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-25490399953300036822011-11-15T20:27:00.000-08:002011-11-15T20:27:01.982-08:00

Beautiful...

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-91472256947582078402011-11-15T01:53:00.000-08:002011-11-15T01:53:00.533-08:00

 Do you remember the fairy-garden we made as part of the fairy-garden competition over at Magic Onions this past summer...  Well, since we last invited you for a visit, our garden has acquired two new inhabitants: a tiny bluebird and a wee turtle who loves to swim in the little dish.  We've also swapped out the paper flags for tiny "bead" lanterns (those paper flags were a bit worse for the wear

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-77472139553156324912011-11-14T01:45:00.000-08:002011-11-14T01:45:00.339-08:00

The other afternoon wee Bloom and I were out in the garden.  I looked up and this is what I saw... a very quiet, very patient kitty.  Why is he so quietly, patiently sitting up in that tree? It seems our cedar tree is the first stop for these tiny darlings, on their way to fill their hungry little bellies... And, while we're on the topic of wildlife in the garden, I musn't take my eyes off this

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-21165790173737502612011-11-13T13:19:00.000-08:002011-11-13T13:19:39.436-08:00

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-73919533186617692812011-11-10T23:21:00.000-08:002011-12-08T22:27:50.332-08:00

 Love this! You can find the template here...

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-35792799372147430972011-11-08T01:13:00.000-08:002011-11-08T12:07:41.981-08:00

 (photo -- Paul Schraub) It's not every day that there is news worth smiling about, however, the other morning I unfolded our copy of the San Francisco Chronicle and was greeted by this photo!  Photos of whales swimming and splashing about, feeding, caring for their young and generally doing what whales are supposed to be doing always make me glow. Currently Humpback Whales are on their yearly

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-56118543563286763522011-11-05T11:46:00.000-07:002011-11-05T11:46:33.823-07:00

 Gnomish give-away upon Gnomish give-away!  Do have a hop over to the blog Chocolate Eyes where you can find a give-away for a copy of Sieglinde De Francesca's book A Donsey of Gnomes.  And not only that... included is also the give-away winner's choice of one of Sieglinde's Kit N Tales. And please don't forget about the give-away I posted earlier this week for a Wild Fairy Cap Autumn gnome!  To

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-11850319910114210772011-11-02T05:23:00.000-07:002011-11-07T20:05:15.477-08:00

When I first saw these "chore-gnomes" over at Melissa's blog Wild Faerie Caps and in her etsy shop I thought to myself, "brilliant!"  Are you as tired of reminding your little one(s) to do their chores as I am? Is that responsibility chart not quite working? Wouldn't a crew of funny little gnomes be a jolly reminder of what needs to be done?! Their hats are made from hand dyed 100% wool felt

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-81757697242831977562011-10-31T13:00:00.000-07:002011-10-31T13:00:01.286-07:00

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-46040115904303690172011-10-28T09:49:00.000-07:002011-10-28T09:49:48.709-07:00

These boots were handed down to us by friends when my Little Mr. B. was just a baby.  Little Mr. wore them for ages until he finally grew out of them and we had to get new ones.   Three years ago, when we gave up trying to expand our family through adoption, I did a massive purge and gave away nearly every baby item I could find in our closets and garage... clothing, books, toys, stroller, etc...

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-77097141712855934052011-10-26T05:00:00.000-07:002011-10-26T05:00:12.938-07:00

As part of the current exhibit Monsters in the Bookshelf at the Thacher Gallery (located on the campus of USF in San Francisco) there has been a contest to create a poster of original artwork featuring a monster (or monsters) and a book.  The idea was to simultaneously promote creativity and reading.  Above you can see my entry for the contest (the results will be announced October 30th...) My

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-61517717756234509452011-10-24T05:45:00.000-07:002011-11-01T21:01:21.647-07:00

The other morning I was on my front porch, busy planting flower-bulbs in small terracotta pots. With bats, ghosties, witches and pumpkins all around, it's not easy to think forward and get in the mood for winter-celebration gifting... But think ahead, I did, and so I set to planting.  I've always thought of planting flower-bulbs in autumn as a small act of faith -- faith that these small brown

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-79567442968621322002011-10-22T01:00:00.000-07:002011-10-22T06:03:31.828-07:00

At the start of September Shannon of the blog Rhythm & Rhyme launched a Lucky Pincushion Swap. Just for fun, I thought I'd show you what I created for my swap-partners... And here's the view from above.  I'm afraid they're not very practical pincushions -- with all the flowers and whatnot, there's not much room for pins -- but they were a lot of fun to design and create! In return, from one of my

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-29032177633418414682011-10-20T05:21:00.000-07:002011-10-20T05:21:00.077-07:00

 A few weeks ago I spotted this project here on the Family Fun website.  Just give the string a pull and...  Up go the little wings! If you go to the Family Fun website, please note, I made a few changes to their pattern. They made their bat from craft foam while I used cardboard; and their bat is hanging upside down while mine hangs right-side-up (I know bats sleep upside down, but I don't

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-59564892865760437042011-10-18T13:24:00.000-07:002011-10-24T22:37:42.355-07:00

A few weeks ago I bought a copy of this book by Julie Collings.  Imagine my surprise when I opened the package and there was not one, but *two* books inside... Why did Julie send me two books?  So that I could give one away here on my blog!!! Among the patterns for all the pretty things in this book are instructions for creating these delightful angel peg-dolls... To win a copy of this book, all

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-82892935433505290242011-10-16T18:10:00.000-07:002011-10-16T18:14:16.569-07:00

When the calendar turns to October, I love pulling out Halloween decorations and making new ones.  One of my favorite crafts this year has been making lanterns out of glass jars, so...  Out came the kite paper, some black origami paper and a few jars. I started by painting a thin layer of Mod-Podge on each jar, then covered the jars with a base-layer of kite-paper. To apply silhouettes, I painted

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-87591133772564013632011-10-13T00:01:00.000-07:002011-10-23T12:05:26.104-07:00

Every Blade of Grass has its angel that bends over itand whispers, "Grow, grow."   -- The Talmud Just for fun... a few more ideas and inspirations for the little angel swap...  I got an idea for creating this lavender angel sachet from a tutorial on Anna Branford's blog here. The bright wings and smiles on these angels make me happy -- they were created by Joanie of the blog Nini Makes. And

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-26496913117154068382011-10-11T00:48:00.000-07:002011-10-23T12:04:06.473-07:00

A la puerta del cielo vendan zapatos, Para los angelitos que andan descalzos. Duermete nino, Duermete nino, Duermete nino, arru, arru.(-- Mexico, traditional)  As the year draws to a close and the days grow darker, the souls of many yearn for light and turn towards matters of the spirit.  Many traditions embrace angels as embodiments of this light and spirit... So, it seems to me that, as

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-86769473027729149222011-10-09T05:07:00.000-07:002011-10-10T11:20:01.286-07:00

Trick or Treat! P.S. In case you missed it... I am giving away a little ghostie!  If you'd like to have a chance to win this wee spook, please hop back to my post on October 7th and leave a comment.

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-17721470428597295122011-10-07T05:22:00.000-07:002011-10-13T23:05:43.570-07:00

Three little ghostesses, Sitting on postesses, Eating buttered toastesses, Greasing up their fistesses, Up to their wristesses. (-- Anonymous) Inspired by this little rhyme I have painted and stitched up these three little ghostesses.    Would you like one of these funny little spooks to come haunting at your house?  Just leave a comment below and I will choose a winner via random

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-39818653430363426792011-10-06T15:06:00.000-07:002011-10-06T15:06:00.235-07:00

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-11949968944900946272011-10-05T05:51:00.000-07:002011-10-05T05:51:00.100-07:00

"It's time to sleep, it's time to sleep," the fishes croon in waters deep. The songbirds sing in trees above, "It's time to sleep, my love, my love..." -- Eric Metaxas Last September I wrote a post about The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman and have been meaning to write a post about this book, too.  Not much to say about it, really, except that it's so very lovely...

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-37366766466160521622011-10-04T16:23:00.000-07:002011-10-04T16:23:00.091-07:00

This October I will readA book so fine, it's pedigreed.Maurice Sendak's famous creed:Reading oncereading twicereading chicken soupwith rice. I have lost count of how many times I've already read this to my wee Bloom today, and I expect to read it a few dozen times more before the day is done.  He stands by the rocking chair and pats the seat, indicating that I should sit down.  He chants, "

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-32503339363739811922011-10-03T17:19:00.000-07:002011-10-06T21:02:13.128-07:00

Today I made this cake.  It's a plum cake. I spotted the recipe here over at Orangette and I won't bother retyping the recipe because Molly does such a good job of explaining it over at her blog...   I made the cake because this week we're celebrating my good, sweet husband.  A year ago I wrote this post and followed it up with this post.  We're celebrating the fact that he is good & healthy &

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-57785119153890487142011-10-02T04:57:00.000-07:002011-10-02T04:57:00.609-07:00

Come away, O human child!To the waters and the wildWith a faery, hand in hand, For the world's more full of weeping than you can understand. (W.B. Yeats, The Stolen Child) I think of my wild wisp of a brown boy who seems half faery himself... I think of his 20 freckles (seven on the back of his neck, four on his nose, three on his forehead, two on each cheek, one on his right shoulder, another

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-67873344867434984502011-09-30T12:53:00.000-07:002011-09-30T12:53:00.063-07:00

 For my birdie-loving-babe I stitched this little bird...

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-44615108860567386472011-09-29T17:27:00.000-07:002011-09-29T19:57:12.967-07:00

 Today we celebrated Rosh Hashannah -- the Jewish New Year.  Our favorite ritual associated with this holiday is called "Tashlich," which means "casting off" in Hebrew. Tashlich is thought to have originated during the Middle Ages inspired by a verse attributed to the prophet Micah: God will take us back in love; God will cover up our iniquites, You [God] will hurl all our sins Into the depths of

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-85136349357403729202011-09-27T11:50:00.000-07:002011-10-02T23:04:41.276-07:00

My parents have the most amazing fig tree in their garden.  A couple of years ago while I was visiting them in Los Angeles for the weekend, I harvested over 12 pounds of ripe figs from that one tree. I gave away nine pounds of figs to joyful friends, and from the remaining three pounds I made jam.  Not just any old kind of jam... I made fig jam with cognac from this recipe. I'm not a great

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-4680289670022821342011-09-26T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-26T12:44:26.670-07:00

What do you get when you pull a ball of grey worsted, some Rowan Kid-Silk Haze and a fluff of white angora from the bottom of your stash ?  Fuzzy bunnies! If you would like one of these cuties (Flopsy, Mopsy & Cotton-Tail, I call them) to join you for a bit of carrot-cake & tea, then just hippity-hoppity on over to This Cosy Life to say 'hi' to Julie and toss your name into the proverbial hat

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-79718488371307422022011-09-24T08:41:00.000-07:002011-09-24T14:00:29.997-07:00

 My wee Bloom has been walking for about eight weeks.  Because my parents are visiting this weekend, we decided to make the purchase of my wee Bloom's first pair of shoes a family event!  First he tried on some sandals...  And then this pair of handsome shoes which were better designed and easier to slip on his plump little feet!  Wee Bloom did a little dance as if to say, "I like these shoes!"

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-87980953394086313762011-09-23T06:21:00.000-07:002011-09-23T10:46:30.004-07:00

Yesterday we had the most wonderful adventure.  After school we scurried over to USF to see an exhibit called Monsters in the Bookshelves.  This exhibit displays work by eight illustrators who have banded together under the name Studio 5.  You can read more about each of the illustrators on the Studio 5 website here or, if you happen to be in San Francisco between now and December 16th you can

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-83446391423492883262011-09-20T12:05:00.000-07:002011-09-20T20:38:24.756-07:00

A couple of months ago I was happily browsing around blog-land, reading a few blogs suggested by friends.  While visiting one of these blogs, I clicked "About Me." Included in the authors blurb was the statement, "I think [breast feeding] is the most amazing thing you can do for your children!!!"  I have been on friendly terms with this blog-author and she is delightful in every way.  I am fully

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-58942494711855521072011-09-19T09:04:00.000-07:002011-09-19T09:04:00.310-07:00

You've heard of the author/illustrator Elisa Kleven, right?  Well, if you haven't, today is your lucky day!  Your picture book reading repertoire will be all the better for having heard of her.  Pick up any book by Elisa Kleven and you can't go wrong -- our particular favorites are The Puddle Pail, Hooray, a Pinata, The Lion and the Little Red Bird.  Oh, and Sun Bread. It's been 3 weeks since the

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-13932079893715480102011-09-18T21:28:00.000-07:002011-09-18T21:28:11.936-07:00

Do you remember these books from your childhood?  Thanks to Chris over at Mamaroots I have been sent to my distant past and re-introduced to these long-forgotten, dusty ghosty-tales (perfect for a ghosty-tale... long-forgotten and dusty, don't you think?)   In celebration of Gus (and the upcoming Halloween season) Chris has made some darling wooden Gus-figures and she is giving one away.  Quick,

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-40921161474127447592011-09-16T06:39:00.000-07:002011-09-16T06:39:00.234-07:00

HandHandFingersThumb One thumbOne thumbDrumming on a drum. One handTwo handsDrumming on a drum. Dum dittyDum dittyDum dum dum. The words in this book are so very addictive. Our wee Bloom requests it by patting a rhythm on his round little tummy,  reciting, "DA-da-da..." and I hate to tell you how many times I read it to him every day. I'm not tired of it (yet),  but it does stick in my head and

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-80236917598676415432011-09-13T11:40:00.000-07:002011-09-18T22:50:04.249-07:00

Back in May a mysterious parcel arrived on my doorstep.  I opened it up... Lo & behold!  The fattest, reddest, most photogenic pincushion a girl could ever imagine! Since that lovely day in May, this pincushion has been well used, well loved & oft photographed... Now you, too, can join in on some pincushion fun...  Shannon of Rhythm & Rhyme is hosting a pincushion swap -- it's not too late to

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-7373065913030102592011-09-11T03:46:00.000-07:002011-09-11T03:46:00.196-07:00

Once upon a time, there was an eight-year-old boy who lived in a house near the wild, grey Pacific Ocean.  One day he was given a tiny package wrapped in bright red paper. Inside the little package was a magic golden acorn.  Before he went to bed at night, the eight-year-old boy held the golden acorn in his hand and then gently placed it on the windowsill beside his bed. That night he

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-52732978971111409702011-09-07T06:09:00.000-07:002011-09-07T10:32:58.013-07:00

When I find a few minutes of free time in my day, I inevitably have to make a choice: shall I read? Catch up on email? Type out a blog post? Stitch up a gift for a friend? Or knit?  The last knitting project I completed was this and since then, knitting has fallen to the bottom of my list. I very much miss the peaceful rhythm of knitting (and I miss binding off beautiful projects...) Lately, I've

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-42619529623144149722011-09-06T12:23:00.000-07:002011-09-06T20:44:12.283-07:00

From the moment he wakes up in the morning, my littlest bird-lover is chirping "bur-dee!"  He points to the fluttering paper birds hanging from our mobiles, and when I take him to watch the chickadees, titmice, goldfinches and pine siskins at the feeder outside the bedroom window, he chirps even louder... which, unfortunately, frightens away the birds. And his favorite song at the moment? 

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-54097247946296325682011-09-05T04:55:00.000-07:002011-09-05T04:55:00.762-07:00

 Look what arrived in the mail last week from my dear friend Melissa over at Wild Faerie Caps!  Thank you, Melissa...  I love my new hat!

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-24076100039755275402011-09-01T02:18:00.000-07:002011-09-01T09:17:20.186-07:00

The editors of Rhythm of the Home have once again honored me by choosing to publish a piece I created for their Autumn 2011 edition.  So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and join me over at Rhythm of the Home...    I hope you enjoy reading this little article as much as I enjoyed writing it!

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-33329784065671101492011-08-31T16:01:00.000-07:002011-09-18T22:42:18.338-07:00

It's 3:45...  Apparently, it's time for some piracy!

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-40218473500882660962011-08-29T14:18:00.000-07:002011-08-29T14:18:02.358-07:00

What did I do yesterday?  I spent the day creating a paper theater at a class taught by the the marvelous Ulla Milbrath at Castle in the Air. My paper theater was created from a plain, square box swathed in blue metallic crepe paper, and the children riding the dove were cut from a book called Featherlight by Gabriele Eichenauer... (Cutting up a book? Oh, horror, but Ulla insisted...)  You

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-52797155730417768792011-08-26T07:34:00.000-07:002011-08-26T07:34:00.389-07:00

A few weeks ago we were at the library.  Little Mr. B. was busy sniffing around for something good to read and I sat watching him with our wee Bloom on my lap.   To pass the time, I picked up a copy of Knuffle Bunny Free and started thumbing through it.  Little Mr. noticed and asked me to read it to him.  We loved the first two Knuffle Bunny books and we were finding this one equally delightful

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-66149551632030068132011-08-24T21:52:00.000-07:002011-08-25T23:17:49.400-07:00

Despite the fact that today was little Mr. B's first day of school (and he was exhausted), we ventured out to Golden Gate Park to spend time with cousins who were visiting all the way from Boston (Oh, the joy of meeting my cousin's nearly 3-year-old daughter for the first time!)  First stop, the carousel...  Where our wee Bloom had his first ever ride...  Round and round we went, ensconced in

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-77333446387617128292011-08-23T22:32:00.000-07:002011-08-24T20:29:21.789-07:00

This morning, from our windows, we could see the fog peeking over the coastal hills. Despite the fog, we decided to head out to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve for a bit of tide-pool exploration.  After all, tomorrow is the first day of school... My friend Caroline suggested it would be nice for the children (and the mamas) to have a "last hurrah" of summer vacation.  I agreed heartily and so, off

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-56849644023276834702011-08-22T03:28:00.000-07:002011-08-22T03:28:00.892-07:00

 On July 26th, Linda of Natural Suburbia announced her Sending Love Heart Swap. I was excited to be matched with a swap partner in Italy and, because my heart had such a great distance to fly, I added a bird to this heart-felt ornament to carry it across the distant miles...  A white dove of peace to bear my good wishes across the ocean... And a little extra love, hidden on the back of the

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-9162849930891222192011-08-19T08:35:00.000-07:002011-08-19T08:35:00.190-07:00

Symmetry from Everynone on Vimeo.

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-74567300812810243802011-08-18T06:30:00.000-07:002011-08-18T08:48:23.801-07:00

About 5 weeks ago I wrote this post about my mother and was touched by the kind and supportive comments I received in response.  The initial shock of my mother's diagnosis has worn off and I'm happy to report that my mother is tolerating the chemotherapy well. Despite the fact that she has lost all her hair, life seems to be continuing as usual. Things seem so normal, in fact, that I have to

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-89230493645529191572011-08-16T00:51:00.000-07:002011-08-16T13:25:21.400-07:00

I've made this for dinner four times over the last three weeks.  If you give it a try, let me know whether you like it as much as we do. SAUCE 1/4 cup Teriyaki Sauce 1/4 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup water 1 tsp. sesame oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1-2 spoonfuls of honey  (according to your taste) 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. red chili flakes leaves from 10 sprigs cilantro, chopped (optional -- a dash of

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-13868654806764826592011-08-12T11:30:00.000-07:002011-08-12T11:53:23.671-07:00

Hello dearest one & all! I've missed visiting with you this past week...  My hectic summer has finally caught up with me and so, between daily swim lessons for Little Mr. B. and various summer-time adventures (all of which has wreaked havoc on Wee Blooms nap schedule) I cannot think straight, let alone sit down at the computer to tend this happy little blog space. Wee Bloom is sleeping at the

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-78541605161550564522011-08-06T22:37:00.000-07:002011-08-06T22:42:40.624-07:00

The other day I was browsing through a craft store and spotted a little dove-shaped craft punch (in case you go looking for one, it's produced as part of the Martha Stewart Craft line.)  I decided to splurge because I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it...  I broke out the Mod-Podge and went rummaging around under the kitchen sink for some empty jam jars...  Then I painted the sides of the

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-76094207641604797972011-08-02T05:18:00.000-07:002011-08-02T05:18:00.109-07:00

 Yesterday we had a lovely afternoon spent with friends at our favorite park...  Boys climbed trees...  While mamas sat in the shade...  And watched the baby eat moss covered twigs, bits of grass, daisies, dandelions, pebbles and rocks. Then we went on the swings...

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-15135818336026384572011-08-01T05:41:00.000-07:002011-08-01T09:50:16.725-07:00

How is your Monday going so far?  Going well, I hope!  Or are you having a "Meltdown Monday?"  Either way, your Monday is, perhaps, about to get a little better.  Just skippity-hippity-hop over to visit Julie at her blog This Cosy Life for a Meltdown Monday Giveaway! This week, Julie's Monday giveaway is a wee-pixie-gnome named Heliotrope (yes, a very large name for a very small pixie.)  I

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-71840094395440020042011-07-29T23:39:00.000-07:002011-07-29T23:51:33.091-07:00

Over at The Magic Onions there is a Fairy Garden Competition going on.  I am not the competitive type, but I was inspired.  I called little Mr. B. to come have a look and together we decided to step up to the plate and create a little fairy garden of our own! Little Mr. chose a tiny dish for a fairy pool, some smooth grey stones for decoration, and green-glowing gems to serve as foot-path

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-91655420522184546582011-07-27T11:30:00.000-07:002012-01-02T21:50:18.732-08:00

 If you go down in the woods today you're sure of a big surprise.If you go down in the woods today you'd better go in disguise;For ev'ry bear that ever there was will gather there for certain, becauseToday's the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic.-- Jimmy Kennedy  After all the fun we've been having with the mouse puppet I made last week, I thought I'd tackle another puppet/book related

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-41011845954544896852011-07-23T21:30:00.000-07:002011-07-23T21:40:26.545-07:00

Down in the valley, the valley so low,Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.Hear the wind blow, dear, hear the wind blow,Hang your head over, hear the wind blow. Roses love sunshine, violets love dew,Angels in heaven know I love you...Know I love you dear, know I love you,Angels in heaven know I love you. Write me a letter containing three lines,Answer my question: Will you be mine?Will you

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-40250636257561534332011-07-17T23:47:00.000-07:002011-07-17T23:47:46.020-07:00

 I came across information about this e-course today.   It was created by Regina Lord of Creative Kismet and looks so wonderful that I wanted to help spread the word! the Art of Giving e-course from Regina Lord on Vimeo. This little animation created by Regina is a sheer delight!

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-58316049263128128902011-07-15T19:50:00.000-07:002011-07-15T19:58:41.226-07:00

 Helpful?  Not really... But a constant source of amusement for this doting mama... Here we have the little culprit trying to escape the scene of the crime...  Did he steal my socks?  No, but every day he steals my heart...

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-85859100913002701952011-07-13T22:59:00.000-07:002011-07-15T20:01:17.508-07:00

 When my Little Mr. was small, our readings of Goodnight Moon were accompanied by a little brown mouse finger-puppet.  This little mouse helped us find the tiny mouse hidden in the illustrations, cheered our success at finding the little mouse, gave kisses to the little mouse and also gave enthusiastic kisses to Little Mr. The comments everyone left on my post from Monday about the books of

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-4222106667307886082011-07-11T08:46:00.000-07:002011-07-14T10:22:30.573-07:00

There was a little fur familywarm as toastsmaller than mostin little fur coatsand they lived in a warmwooden tree.(from Little Fur Family by Margaret Wise Brown) Most mornings when we get up, my husband greets us with a cheerful, "Good morning my Little Fur Family!" and at night we tuck into bed with a jolly, "Good night my Little Fur Family!"  Mr. Bloom is, of course, referencing the book

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-31588641909191029422011-07-09T21:22:00.000-07:002011-07-09T21:48:55.059-07:00

  Blue Lake greenbeans... our first harvest!

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-85813949309569003882011-07-06T05:18:00.000-07:002011-07-06T05:18:00.075-07:00

On Friday, May 27th, I called my mother just to say "hello."  Her birthday had been the day before and so we'd spoken then, but it's a usual habit for us to talk almost every day.  She sounded down and when I wanted to know why, she asked if I was in a quiet place where we could talk.  I was driving on an errand and had her on speaker-phone so I immediately pulled the car over.  She told me

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-81118135602871208232011-07-05T04:47:00.000-07:002011-07-05T04:47:00.200-07:00

Yesterday while everyone here in the United States celebrated the birth of our nation, we also celebrated the birth of our wee Bloom.  That's right, he's a 4th of July baby...  Our very own little Yankee Doodle Dandy! There were balloons... And much "balloon-related" silliness.  There was cake... There were candles... And we glowed in the presence of 20 favorite friends who have blessed us with

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-14234694438521152302011-07-04T00:35:00.000-07:002011-07-04T00:41:22.601-07:00

In heaven shone a golden star.An angel led you from afar.From heaven high unto the earth,And bought you to your place of birth. Oh, welcome, welcome lovely day,With sunshine bright and flowers gay.With painted birds that sing their song,And make you kind and good and strong.  We waited many years for you.  From the moment we set eyes on you and you were laid in our arms, we knew we were complete

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7081604921094385440.post-47718852431738287642011-07-02T08:41:00.000-07:002011-07-03T00:07:13.851-07:00

We received many lovely baby gifts. My favorites are always the ones which have been handmade, however another of my favorites (and most unique) was this book. The inside cover is inscribed by hand: A very Happy Birthday to Thomas from Your little friend Freddie Greene, Jr. 1927. The book begins: This is the story about the Little Brown Bear who lived in a hole in a hollow tree. All winter

M. Bloomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13982592446597646598noreply@blogger.com2