It’s time to return from the not announced sabbatical I took in August. {she grins sheepishly…}
We have been growing and healing and changing. It’s a beautiful thing to see, watching Spirit-power transform each and every one of us. Word confirmed, life changed.
But oh, the lack of sleep. {yawn}
School started in middle August, and somehow instead of having more time, I have less. My mind’s creative space seems to grow while the time to do anything slips through my fingers like sand. We are all up at 6am. SIX ayem people!
Somehow getting up earlier made their legs grow. And their attitudes. And their hearts. I wish I could bottle this first day of school moment, us out in the driveway before the sun was even all the way awake.
The mosquitoes WERE certainly awake tho, and it was a morning for cowboy boots.
Charlie has big boy ankles in that photo.
I started a sewing class. I can’t tell you how therapeutic it is to sew, something I had no idea about before August 2010. Why? Never even turned on a sewing machine in my life.
This class is shaping up to be soul changing.
I have told you before about this year, and how this new me with new skin is still a bit uncomfy. Still ill-fitting a bit. I grow and grow and these are good things
but
I come across a new me weekly. I would like to marinate in the “me” for a while, but who is that? It seems to keep changing.
Or maybe it’s not a changing so much as an unveiling. It feels like digging deep, and just when I think I’m done digging, God says NO and more layers are unearthed. And I say “ooooh yeah, I knew that part of me was in there. wow. ok. so.”
All good things.
And this last weekend of summer feels like this awesome jumping off point where I’m a bit terrified and a lot excited. I can’t remember ever feeling this refreshed for a new season before.
But I’ve missed you all. And want to know, does the beginning of fall feel like a new season in your soul too?
What’s new with you? Are you sleeping well? Do you know how to sew? Any beginner tips to share? Are you discovering new layers of you, too?
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
New layers are constantly being unveiled… and being awake to see them is a joy… (I think… it’s too late to really be sure tonight ;))
Missed your words.
Loved meeting you briefly in NYC!
Those boys are just too darn cute…
And nope… not sleeping well… boo to that!
BUT I have sewn a few quilts, and it’s so therapeutic. The cutting, the piecing, the process. Much like finding and spreading words.
xoxo
Corinne´s last blog ..Security and Discomfort
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Arianne Reply:
September 5th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
@Corinne, I was just reading at your place today Corrine, you are unearthing new layers too. It’s so so good.
Your energy is peaceful and amazing. Hugging you and seeing your eyes was a highlight for me.
A quilt is our final project, can’t wait!!
xoxo
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Is it really the last weekend of summer? It feels like fall’s coming right now, but it just seems like too much to hope for. :-)
The new school year is brutal already. I can’t wait to hug your neck and catch up next weekend!!!
Dawn Camp´s last blog ..What I Did this Week While I Wasn’t at Photoshop World
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Arianne Reply:
September 5th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
@Dawn Camp, Dawn, it’s still so nice and warm here, I won’t be thinking fall when we hit the beach tomorrow!
I am beside myself with excitement, you are a favorite people. :)
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such a seriously cute picture. i love the personalities that shine through!
fall is definitely feeling like a new season for me! a lot of exciting changes mixed with a lot of heart sifting…finding some layers i thought were gone, but are just a bit deeper and need to be stripped farther down. while at the same time discovering all sorts of new layers that are the exciting and “me”
i don’t know how to sew well, but it’s always looked fun!
sleeping…pretty well! but i keep taking naps randomly :)
p.s. glad to see you in my reader again!
Katy´s last blog ..fierce
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Arianne Reply:
September 5th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
@Katy, Katy, that picture is EXACTLY their personalities! Ha!
Heart sifting…that imagery sounds just so warm and wonderful. Love.
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I love sewing for it’s therapeutic ways! :) Something about it….soothing? meditative? comforting? Not sure, but I know it helps me just think and process…and relax. I love the whole process of it.
Nope, not sleeping well and definitely discovering new layers of myself in this whole adoption process we are in….it’s amazing how God is unveiling those layers with me and teaching me so many things with this process…about me, the child we are adopting and the way He has been preparing me for this for so long.
And Fall? Ah…how I love Fall and the newness it does seem to be bringing about. :)
JaimeM´s last blog ..Did Ya Know!
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Arianne Reply:
September 5th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
@JaimeM, Jaime, I just found out from your blog that Sept is nat’l sewing month? Can you tell I’m a newbie?? LOL
We have an international adoption on our hearts, and I am just in the wee beginning stages of that (as in, it’s not made it’s way out of our hearts into paperwork yet, but it will come). I will pray for you, if that’s ok? I think what you are doing is a brave journey, one with priceless reward. So lovely. <3
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I do love to sew! But am having a hard time finding time with a 3 year old who still wants to be mama’s center of attention and an almost 6 months old (seriously, I just blinked!) who also needs a lot of attention. My boys got their people ways from their father as I am and have always been much more of an introvert. It’s changing me for sure!
I have sewing projects all piled up and I’m hoping my mom will come and play with the boys now that she is retired so I can at least get curtains made for our new (ish – since it was before the baby was born!) house!
And I love fall! It’s finally cooling off enough that we can go for walks outside and play rather than hide in the AC until after dinner!
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:22 am
@Krista, I hear ya, I have the same issue going on (needing time alone to do it!). Here’s what I tell myself: It’s ok to do just a little, even if it means the project takes mucho days. I tend to not even start because I think “oh I ONLY have 15 minutes”, but imagine if I used those 15 min each day? We need to make time for it, ya know? <3
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You’re here! You’re here! I’ve been wondering and thinking about you lots lately – no I’m not sleeping well, but that’s another story… :-P But there is SO MUCH new happening here – I’m booked out crazy with photo shoots! I did one free, mentioned I was doing other free shoots, and blam, there went my life!
(Which reminds me I still owe you one… maybe we can fit in dinner too!)
Hubby took up a paper route, which means he doesn’t get home until late/early(?) on Sundays – you would NOT believe our schedule. I felt like God was asking me to get ready to move – but wow. We’re BOOKIN’ it!
Weird that I miss you after meeting you once. It’s wonderful to see you. And your littlest? SO cuuuute here. #bestillmyheart
Kelly Langner Sauer´s last blog ..softly to the shore…
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:24 am
@Kelly Langner Sauer, I love that people are flocking to you for your mad skillz. About time! And yes, we need to shoot my family. Heh. ;)
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I was *just* going to email you. I was thinking it in my head last night as I was driving. I was going to specifically ask you how you are filling up your days. And I miss you.
I’m knitting again. I haven’t sewed, but I do hide away fabrics here and there for the someday. Old dresses I used to love, things that would make a great ruffle on a pillow, etc. I am also feeling like the best version of myself I’ve ever been despite it being the most confusing and frustrating and stormy time of my life. How does that even happen?
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing´s last blog ..pretty flower
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:45 am
@Adventures In Babywearing, I miss you terribly. And with that kind of fabric bug you MUST start sewing. Do you have a machine? Related: I think this class might still be taking new students…if you email them…
Also: I think you are feeling the effects of growth. :) It’s tumultuous and the surrender required will either kill you or press you forward…
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Did you know I used to sew? Yeah, I learned when I was 10. Took an after school sewing class all year long. Made clothes and scruchys [scrunchies?] and we had a fashion show at the end of the year. Sadly, I really only remember how to make the scrunchy.
Did I also mention I’m taking the same sewing class you are? I found out about it from you on Twitter! I was able to sign up at the very last second! Need to get tools for my sewing machine [I've had on for 10 year!] and I’m looking at fabrics [oh how do you choose???]. Can’t wait to start! :)
The boys are so big. So big! Love the photo!
Tara @ This Military Mama´s last blog ..Mabel’s Labels Review & Giveaway
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:47 am
@Tara @ This Military Mama, I have been thrifting fabrics and finding remnants and clearance batches online. I think it’s hysterical that you learned how to sew scrunchies!
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Oh yes, I can feel it. Fall brings new changes… new challenges … new joys. I’m ready! :-)
http://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com
Traci´s last blog ..Another Jewelry Giveaway You Wont Want To Miss!
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Arianne Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
@Traci, I like your joy. :)
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Hi you!
sewing…nope. I’m SO not crafty, but strangely enough I’ve been thinking about sewing lately. hmmmm…
And yes, there is something about this time of year that’s turning me inside out. It’s scary and exciting at the same time. It makes me think so often of the post Enter the Cave at Velveteen Mind. Just saying.
Good to hear from you. The picture is so great.
Thank you for being inspiring you.
Heather of the EO´s last blog ..the monster and the miracle
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:49 am
@Heather of the EO, I used to think I was not crafty, but then I kept being drawn to BEING CRAFTY. So I was like really self? And I was all yeah. So I tried it. AND WOW.
I love that you’d totes understand that convo…
Also: mayhaps you read Enter the Cave in a magazine recently? Hmmm ? :)
I think back to the last year of my life and just REEL. REEL I TELL YOU. God means bizness, y’all.
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Heather of the EO Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
@Arianne,
I actually first read Enter the Cave on her blog…but I DID see that it was in a VERY lovely magazine that I love because it’s so lovely love love ;)
Heather of the EO´s last blog ..the monster and the miracle
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So glad you are back! I so missed you! Wish I could have done that class that night but I was out super late (the one night I go out!) and missed the registration.
I love the new you. You know what this post reminded me of? LOL When Shrek was describing ogers (SP?) to donkey and he said they are like onions, (and donkey daid “They stiiink?” ha!) and he said they had many layers that you had to peel back. So I guess you could say you turned into an ogre/onion and are peeling back your layers? ;)
ha! okay, I’m done! Love ya Sis!
Carrington´s last blog ..The cloth diaper debate- cloth wipes or disposable wipes
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:51 am
@Carrington, they have been taking late registration, so if you really do want to join, email them! I heard even a few days ago some people got in. It’s SO LOVELY.
And I love onions. :)
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I hope there is a new season brewing cause I am still very much stuck. Less than 4 weeks from now is the date Abigail was due but instead she was born into His Arms in April. UGH. I know He is doing new things in me but I need some of the old me back to and I do not know where to find her.
I think of you often and remember you in my prayers, I have missed your writing…Maybe Mabel and Abigail are friends in heaven:)
Jen Martinson´s last blog ..Letting Go of the Pieces of Broken
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 11:01 am
@Jen Martinson, Oh sweet friend. UGH. I know. I so, so know.
I can tell you this: there IS a new season ahead for you. You are actually in the beginnings of it now. But that due date? That has to be behind you first. And it may feel like you will die when the day comes. But that’s ok. Be paralyzed, be stung, be flat on your face on the floor asking God why. And later? You will be able to get back up again. You will slowly, step by step, begin to live. And that old you? She is gone. It’s ok to mourn her too. But the thing is, the new you, that is emerging and will emerge is BETTER. She has pieces of the old you, but she is stronger. She knows how to love deeper. And she’s been through hell.
There is a moment you will reach if you haven’t already, when you realize you can either squander these trials by letting them wash you away, or you can choose to press in. I know how hard it is, I know you want to let it wash you away. I KNOW how stuck you feel. Hold on for one more day. Then tomorrow, one more day. And keep choosing to press in, keep choosing surrender.
Mabel and Abigail are the best of friends. God tells them about their mama’s, how much they are loved and what the smell of their mama’s neck is like. They are waiting. <3
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Jen Martinson Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 12:05 am
@Arianne,
Thank you so much for the encouragement…much love and hugs!
Jen Martinson´s last blog ..Letting Go of the Pieces of Broken
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I used to long for the first day of school. I loved it. I hope my boys love school, like I used to.
I wish I was sleeping well. Hubby is in the field, and that makes for long nights, single parenting, and an empty bed.
But I make the most of it, and stay up late, straightening up and folding laundry while watching movies, or treating myself to a book if I can mop the floors and load the dishwasher.
Our lives are simple right now. And I like it that way. Nothing to really stress over. Just every day, day to day things.
Frequent trips to the park before the weather turns too wet and cold. And laundry, and 3 meals a day, plus snacks and maybe a popsicle.
Sewing? I know how to use my machine, but I’m not very good at it, and I don’t do it as often as I would like. I have a list of projects that need to be started or finished. But ah, I lack something right now to get it done.
I need some more cloth wipes though. Those are easy. Maybe I’ll start with that tonight…
I need to grow, and peel away layers this fall. I need to run again- not just for health, but for soul. We need a schedule, and I should commit to playgroup more.
This is long…
Love the picture of your littles. :)
Keep growing… Keep writing. You inspire me.
xoxo
Sidnie´s last blog ..nothing to hide i mean- see here…
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 11:10 am
@Sidnie, Simple is so lovely. I adjust my schedule and my days to provide for simple. The beautiful mundane. Relish!
And I think you should sew something pretty, just because. Not a project that needs tending to, but something for you!
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Sidnie Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 11:27 am
@Arianne, Something for me? I wear stretchy headbands every day. :) Maybe I’ll add some pretty flowers to them. More crafting than sewing, but it’d be a good start. And would definitely add some light to my days.
I’ve seen tutorials for simple skirts made out of regular tshirts, where the sleeve holes end up being your pockets… Maybe that too.
Simple, again. But pretty.
Sidnie´s last blog ..nothing to hide i mean- see here…
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
@Sidnie, oh do you have a link to that tutorial? Would love to see!
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Sidnie Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 2:06 am
@Arianne, I like this one… http://www.cutecircuit.com/30secondskirt/
and maybe an adult version of this (this doesn’t have pockets, but still looks comfy)…
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/05/re-purposing-shirts-to-skirt-with-tie.html
it all makes me think 1980’s, and paired with leggings would be perfect for the rainy weather we have here in the fall. cute, comfy, and practical for chasing around 2 boys. :)
Sidnie´s last blog ..nothing to hide i mean- see here…
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Arianne Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
@Sidnie, oh those are adorable! Thanks!
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LOVE to sew. More to quilt. There is something about taking plain fabric and turning it into something else entirely either beautiful or useful or both. My youngest is finally old enough to maybe get my sewing things back out. It’s been awhile but this makes me want to visit the fabric store and find something new to make.
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
@Katie, the last project in our class is a quilt and I CANNOT WAIT. I have wanted to make my own quilt for eons.
<3
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What a beautiful post. Glad to see you back. Your writing feeds my soul, it’s a wonderful gift that you give so willingly.
The boys are just so handsome, and so big. Time flies, doesn’t it? I can hardly believe how much they’ve grown!
I have a sewing machine. I read the instruction manual once and made 4 pillowcase dresses in the same day. I was proud of myself. I never touched it again. However, I loved sewing – the mere act of creating something that someone might wear feels incredible. Audrey still loves her bumble bee dress, even if it is getting so short that I must force her to wear shorts underneath. :) http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikalehmann/4964774825/
Good luck with your class, it really seems like something you would love. Looking forward to hearing more about it!
Erika´s last blog ..inconSEQUINtial- Sequins Standout as Fall’s Hottest Trend
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
@Erika, oh that dress is so cute!! I say throw on leggings or jeans and it can last a long while still. :)
I think you should break out that machine again…I bet you have more in you!
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Today has me wondering where the summer went. This year the girls start school late, which means tomorrow we must get up before the sun rises to make sure that the girls are ready (because for whatever reason girls seem to take longer to get ready in the morning than boys because my nephews don’t take nearly as long)
I do sew and I love it. I am currently (taking a break to check stuff on the computer) sewing curtains for my living room. I want my living room to be a room that I love and hopefully these curtains will do just that.
I love fall. I love the cooler temps we have had this weekend even though it supposed to be warm again this week. I feel refreshed and cleansed with the cool breeze whips through the curtains and seems to bear my soul. There is just something about taking a brisk walk amongst the crunchy leaves, just deeply inhaling and taking in all the beauty around you.
I am so glad to meet you and randomly reach out and hug you in NYC. I have no idea if I even introduced myself but I am glad that I saw you that one time.
Enjoy your sewing class, have fun and remember it doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful!
domestic extraordinaire´s last blog ..Helping to Power A Bright Future with a Giveaway
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
@domestic extraordinaire, girl, I want to see pics of the curtains! I love finding out who else likes to sew, it feels like another heart string makes a connection. <3
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I love that photo of your boys and I love your words. Especially when you said,
“Or maybe it’s not a changing so much as an unveiling. It feels like digging deep, and just when I think I’m done digging, God says NO and more layers are unearthed. And I say “ooooh yeah, I knew that part of me was in there. wow. ok. so.”
I feel that way too at times and I also feel that’s how we are meant to be, always finding new layers to ourselves.
What a lovely post. And what a wonderful time to start a new season…
p.s. I’ve sewn a little and even took a class in college but I wish I could sew again. I just need a machine. Yeah, that would be a good place to start probably… ;-)
Elaine´s last blog ..New Orleans Part I- The Best Way to Ride
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
@Elaine, I’m hearing of people finding machines off Craig’s list or at Goodwill or garage sales or even Ebay for a steal. I am blessed to have one given to me by my sister, otherwise I’d not have one either! I think I’d still find a way to get my hands on one, it’s just SO FUN.
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You have such a beautiful voice through your writing, friend. I love the pic of your boys, they are handsome guys!!
I have a sewing machine and just today I saw it sitting out in the garage and thought that I would really love to get it out and try a few projects. I’m self taught and not great at it but I always feel so accomplished looking at a finished product.
Updates on us, the baby is growing like crazy and is already nine months old. How did this happen? We just found out last week that my husband is deploying to Afghanistan in a month so we’re preparing for that. Although, I really must say that God’s goodness is all over this deployment. Even though I am not looking forward to it, I am a testament to “peace that passes understanding” right now.
Hugs!
Heather´s last blog ..Please and Thank You
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
@Heather, oh girl, one of my besties has a husband there for a long deployment right now. I don’t “know” what y’all go through but I know it in my heart through her. I wish we could hang out and watch the kids play and OMG WHEN DID YOUR BABY GET SO OLD? I feel like I’ve lost this year and gained a million. So amazing and a little bothersome. ;)
P.S. You should totes break out the machine.
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I’ve missed you but sometimes just escaping without telling anyone or just because is needed. I should do this soon. Sometime soon. The boys look great. My son starts first grade and I’m thinking I’ll be like you, with less time! God Bless!
Sommer´s last blog ..The Smart and Green Backpack
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Arianne Reply:
September 6th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
@Sommer, the boys are in 1st and 2nd and it’s just crazy how much time I don’t have. We homeschooled last year, so this year of driving and picking up and SO MUCH HOMEWORK has made our schedules entirely different. It’s all good though, and this season is wonderful so far. :) xoxo
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So glad you’re back! Missed you.
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6 “ayem” is definitely early. We’re late-wakers around here and usually crawl out of bed at 8 or 8:30.
I’m so excited to hear more about your sewing class. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at sewing, but I’m intimidated. I don’t know a thing about it.
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