FROM HOMESCHOOL TO PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL - AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE HAS COME TO AN END

In 2012, Aiyana and I began our journey into homeschooling. It was an incredible 8 years. She enjoyed the freedom it gave her to truly be herself and I loved that I was able to spend a lot of quality time with her while she grew intellectually and physically into the beautiful human being she is today. 

In 2021 she enrolled in high school, 9th grade, and was quick to adapt to the public school system.  Her teachers would rave about her at conference time; she's so respectful, always engaged, loves to learn... 

I was relieved and happy. 

As the years went on, she bonded with new friends, found her bestie, joined the tech crew and built theater sets, started dating, got a job, and now she graduated. 

I am so proud of my little girl for always being the duck man, because so few people in this world have the courage to do so. 

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CLEAN HANDS, KIND HEART: SOAP FOR WILDLIFE

Are you a fan of artisanal soaps and a wildlife enthusiast? If so, these soap bars are just for you! I'm currently on a mission to raise funds for Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release (WRR). If you're keen on contributing to a cause that aids wildlife, consider purchasing one or both of our unique soaps. Every penny from the sales goes directly to WRR, assisting in rescue operations, rehabilitation efforts, and educational programs.

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ANOTHER YEAR AT THE FRIENDS PLANT SALE

Yesterday's Friends Plant Sale was a delightful experience, as usual. The weather was perfect for browsing the wide selections of herbs, flowers, and veggies, and we had a lot of fun choosing our garden lineup for the year. It seemed like the busiest season yet, but the event was incredibly well-organized, making the flow smooth and enjoyable. While the temptation to buy every plant was strong, I managed to stick to the essentials. Gotta save that money!! Now, I'm eagerly anticipating watching everything flourish and grow. I'm already thinking about eating those sweet peppers. 😊

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DISCOVERING THE BEAUTY OF SPRINGTIME

Wild Strawberries

There's just something magical about this time of year! Spring and Fall in Minnesota are my absolute favorites, and I'm currently riding that springtime high. Give me the crisp air and pumpkin spice of Fall, with those stunning colorful newly fallen leaves, any day. But springtime? It's like the world is hitting the reset button. Everything is bursting back to life, baby animals are popping up all over the place, and the birds are putting on a concert every morning. I love it! I practically bounce out the door like a kid, eager to spot the first signs of new life. Today, I even found an empty rabbit next - those little guys must have just hopped out because I didn't spot it yesterday. Can you believe mama rabbit chose to nest right next to the driveway? Risky move!! Now I'm plotting all sorts of botanical adventures with the emerging plants - dyes, baked goods, tinctures, you name it. This season is just brimming with beauty and possibility. All we need now is a little sunshine and warmth, and we'll be in paradise! What do you think, is springtime one of your favorite seasons too?

Rhubarb

Sumac

Gooseberry

Ramp

Wild Ginger

Chives

Yarrow

Bee Balm

Leftover fur from bunny nest

Empty bunny nest

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I'M OBSESSED! CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF NATURAL DYES

Potassium Aluminum Sulfate - Cream of Tartar - Madder Root

So, I've been playing around with natural dyes for a while now, mostly just for fun little projects like Easter eggs or small pieces of fabric. But, I'm a spinner and knitter, and it finally dawned on me that I should try dyeing my own wool yarn. I started with a small 50g skein and some madder root, and wow, I'm totally hooked! The color was absolutely stunning, and since I have a ton of wool from years of going to the Shepherd's Harvest Festival, I'm diving headfirst into this new adventure. My plan is to spend the next few months learning everything I possibly can about nature dyes, experimenting with all sorts of plants from nature. Once I've got a few go-to recipes, I want to offer classes for homeschooled kids. When my youngest was homeschooled, I was so thankful for the moms who shared their creative talents with us, and now I want to pay it forward. If you have any favorite natural dyes you love to use, please share them with me! I'm always looking for new ideas and inspiration. 

Mordanting Wool Yarn

Creating Dye Bath

Dyeing Yarn

Finished Product!

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WASH FOR WILDLIFE SOAP FUNDRAISER

I'm excited to share that I've added my handcrafted soaps to my online Square account! I'm aiming to raise $500 for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release (WRR) by selling these soaps. Right now, my essential oil soaps are on sale, and all proceeds from these sales will directly contribute to that $500 goal. In the coming weeks, look out for my fancy fragrance oil soaps with decorative tops. Every batch dedicated to WRR will proudly bear a "Wash for Wildlife" tag. So, if you're looking to pamper yourself while supporting a fantastic cause, please consider purchasing a bar. All proceeds, minus taxes and Square fees, will be donated to WRR, a Minnesota-based, all volunteer team of veterinary professionals, wildlife rehabilitators, biologists, and trained volunteers dedicated to the welfare of wildlife. They collaborate with wildlife centers and permitted rehabilitators across the state to coordinate care for wild animals in need.

** If you want a bar of soap, you're local and don't want to pay for shipping, email me.

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EXCITING NEWS FOR EARTH LOVERS!

Join us at the Northfield Earth Day event on Saturday April 26th and discover the magic of eco-friendly living. We'll be showcasing our handcrafted soaps and cozy knitted washcloths, perfect for pampering yourself or gifting to a friend. Each product is made with love and care for our planet. Don't miss out on the chance to support sustainable practices and treat yourself to something special. See you there for a day of fun, community, and earth-friendly shopping! 

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