The Princess and I

Another awesome find in my archives. We loved testing the Patterns for Pirates Summer Kimono!

I made the Creative Princess' out of a light sweater knit.

And mine from a fabric my aunt brought me back from Indonesia. It is so light and lovely...

The pattern is easy to sew up and does not take very long. It's a relaxed fit and is super cozy. My mother loved it so much, she tried to get away with mine!

Enjoy!
Heather

Choosing my Path

This week's work challenge was 8 adults ages 18 to well, me! living together in one gorgeous, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Paris Ontario. After working with the Youth Coordinator team last week, I had some idea of what to expect. But not really.

This would be our opportunity to really create our own community. To expose our roots and lift each other up. Working with The GO! Project isn't just about running programs, it's about holding each other up and helping each other shine. Being awesome together.

I loved being in Paris with the team. It is such an overwhelmingly gorgeous town. Filled with century homes, near the Grand River packed with history and community.  Heading out on this gorgeous path laid out in front of us...

With hurdles to climb...

Paths to choose...

And so much to look forward to.

 A summer that each of us was called to, in our own way. A summer of discernment for all of us as we continue our journeys.

Each week, I struggle. I struggle to leave home then I struggle to leave my new home, my GO family.
Each week, new ties are made and bonds become stronger.

So excited.
So overwhelmed.
So blessed.

Much love from Paris (Ontario),
Heather

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me...

I am on the most incredible journey...this week, while visiting Paris, we visited Clovercroft Farm. What an amazing place! They have bees, chickens and grow a full compliment of vegetables. I was in awe as we toured the farm, we held chicks and learned about chicken behaviour. Did you know that chickens are highly social? They followed us around as we walked around their pen!

And the eggs...sigh the eggs. They are so beautiful in their complex simplicity.

I feel so full after such an amazing week but I am also exhausted. It is time to go home for the weekend to rest and to replenish my spirit. 

 So maybe...just today, the sun can go down so I can be still and know my God.

Here I am in Paris Ontario.
So empty.
So full.
So blessed.

Much love,
Heather

Rogue One - Opening Weekend

Way...way back we had a fabulous pre-party before we headed out to see Rogue One opening weekend! I know...it's crazy late but these photos were ready and loaded up so I thought I would share anyway!

I made a new photo booth backdrop, some fun props and we made memories! Some of our friends came in costumes...

And I finished our costumes...sadly late for Halloween but they are done!

Just in case you need a refresher....here we are!!!

(l-r) Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Mini Chewbacca, Han Solo and Rey.

All set for Halloween or Episode VIII or even a Comicon. We are definitely ready!

Enjoy!
Heather

Casting Shadows

One of my favourite things in Niagara is The Handmade Market. I love all the makers and the things they make. I love the smells, the fresh air. The buzz of chatter, the music...it overwhelms my senses. All of them.

I was thinking about how I am looking forward to getting there when I became overwhelmed with memories. I was at the market in September, the day after I said good-bye to my Kait. It was also the day I was released from a contract. A contract that was hurting me.

So overwhelmed.

I was recently told a story about a boy. He was asked how he was doing and this is what he said:

Want to know how I feel? I feel like someone asked me if I wanted a glass of water. I said no but they put a glass in front of me and started pouring anyway. They kept pouring until the glass overflowed and they just kept on pouring.

I didn't ask for another chance, for the contract to be extended. I asked to leave. I just wanted, no needed to leave. I said no but someone else decided they knew what was best for me. Until the day after I said good-bye to my Kait...that is the day I was finally released. That is the day. The day pain, exhaustion and hurt overwhelmed me. The day I finally fell down.

It took me months to get back up. Months to let go. Months to move on...ready to go back to the market. To see all the makers, to smell all the smells, to hear the buzz and to watch the shadows step back as I step forward.

Here I am.
So overwhelmed.
So loved.
So blessed.

Much love from The HandMade Market,
Heather

Living Intentionally

A number of months ago, I accepted a temporary role with The GO! Project as a Youth Coordinator. This means that I will have the opportunity to run a youth mission trip in St. John's Nfld and Halifax NS this summer. It also means that I will be working away from my home and family for a total of 14 weeks, 3 weeks of training and then 11 weeks half a country away.

I know what some of you are thinking...

Some of you are thinking...what ARE you thinking??? And others, I am so grateful for your encouragement. Thank you for giving me space to take this journey. So grateful.

How do you prepare for time away from your family? I started cooking. Filling our freezer with meals, baked goods and simplifying cooking for my family. Then I sewed. I finished projects I started over the last year, I made myself a few pieces of clothing for to pack...I nested.

Then, I started spending time with people, doing things with them. I baked almost 100 muffins and shared them with my family, my mother and my friends.

I started to choose my priorities and it was incredible. I stopped rushing, stressing and worrying about the things that I needed to get done.

So focused.
So intentional.
So blessed.

Much love,
Heather