Whoa -- where the heck did I go? Well, the end of October is always crazy around here with Maddie's birthday and Halloween falling a week apart. Then there were a few other family activities. (The triple brother-in-law birthday dinner in the city -- a fun new tradition! and the pumpkin carving contest -- which comes with my mom's delicious chilli. We are fat & happy.) On top of that I spent quite a few hours on this big local charity event (delivering flyers to pre-schools, setting up & working many hours at the event). I wore myself out. Oh, and Maddie got sick too -- just a cold, but with all the activities it lingered. I'm fighting it now.
And I also had a deadline! I just sent off my article and pattern for the next issue of Yarn Forward Magazine. So, I have been knitting and spinning (the article is about plying on a spinning wheel). But time for crafting has otherwise been short. That should all change for the balance of the year.
So what of the Easy Bake Oven picture? Well, I have to tell you about out "baking" afternoon. Maddie received the oven for her birthday and was very excited to try it out. I was less than thrilled, but somehow made time to help her with her cake. I went into it feeling rushed and exhausted and somewhat jaded -- big corporate toy company -- blah, blah, blah. . . but what I got out of the experience was something altogether unexpected.
As Maddie started to mix up the mixes she was cautious and unsure of herself. I encouraged her and as she continued, she blossomed! Soon she was exlaiming that she was "doing it!" and that she wanted to be a "baking teacher" when she grew up. Just seeing the confidence that making this crazy little cake stirred up in her almost made me cry. It took so little effort on my part and made her so happy. And then, when it was all done (like an hour later -- oy!) she cut the cake and we each ate a piece and I told her how delicious it was and her smile said it all.
So I guess that we got more than we bargained for when we got an Easy Bake Oven -- and this is just part of the reason why I've decided that it's time to simplify my life. I'm trying to figure out what it is that really makes me happy. This weekend Maddie and I spent some time together reading, something which I haven't had the time or energy for lately. It was lovely. And the three of us played board games -- something we all enjoy. I'm recovering and getting back some energy -- hopefully some of my creative energy too -- wish me luck!
. You know how I am. Maybe if I order it now, it will get here by the time I finish 
