How to make a Tiny Junk Journal

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The Gift of a Simple Morning

It's really rainy, gray, and gloomy here today . . . so I decided that I need to focus on the beauty and joy of the simple things around me. Waiting for the sunshine to pop out, but that might not happen today. So, what to do on a rainy day when your're trying to keep life simple and take every opportunity to find joy in everyday circumstances?

So many of us are feeling overwhelmed with everything that is going on around us in the world. Today would be the perfect time to stop for a minute (I know, your are busy! Me, too, but I can't breathe at the minute so I need to slow down long enough to catch my breath) just take five or ten minutes to refocus on your priorities. 

Write them down. Then, in the midst of all the other things that are calling your name, make progress on just ONE of your priorities, even for a few minutes.

For me, that looks like this (in no particular order, just what pops up in my brain right now):

* Write down 5 things I want to accomplish this week.

* Number 1: Take time to focus on my writing. (Write a post on the blog that I have ignored for the past 6 months)

* Number 2: Schedule time to go to the YMCA to exercise / swim / steam room. I always feel better when I can fit this in a couple of times a week.

* Number 3: 20 - 30 minutes each day to practice piano. I did not have the opportunity to learn this as a child, so I guess better late than never!

Number 4: Read the Bible as well as at least a few minutes on the book I started last month. 15 minutes is better than not at all!

Number 5: Work on my creative projects. I have so many that it is hard to figure out where to start, but the most important part is just to START!

I remember when I had a house full of young kids . . . this actually seems impossible . . . so I feel successful if I even accomplish ONE of my goals each week. 15 - 20 minutes is a place to start.

One more thing that always helped me when I feel overwhelmed - pull out my trusty daily planner. There are so many beautiful ones available these days, but if you don't want to invest money in a pretty planner, make your own! I used to just have a three-ring binder where I wrote down daily goals, and I promise you, it helps.

Progress not perfection is the actual goal here. On this rainy day here at my house I'm working for a few minutes on Goal Number 1, as I am writing this blog post. I'm still not convinced anyone actually reads blogs these days, but that's OK, I'm still moving toward my own goals. 

So, if you are reading this (thank you!), just START. One baby step at a time, and you will feel more productive than we all feel on the days we just kind of survive that day. Take control of your day, and even in the midst of family busyness, do ONE THING just for YOU! 

Have a great day, even if it is raining where you are.  <3

Nina

The "Rebel Homemaker"

As the whole world seems to be filled with anxiety, fear, and confusion, it is no wonder we are all searching for a place of peace and tranquility. That place used to be, for many of us, our home and family. These days, however, people find themselves alone in the midst of a chaotic world, questioning if there is a better way of living.

Those of us who have experienced the simpler things in life (by choice or necessity) search for ways to return to those days of baking bread, hanging the laundry out to dry on a sunny day, planting a garden, sewing our own clothing and making outfits for our children. It is not easy these days, being a "rebel homemaker"!

The social pressures on young women, single, married, children, or no children . . . are incredibly heavy. We've been convinced by the world around us that our value lies in how "important" we are, or in our job description, or our career choices. 

All of those things are important, but for many there is a longing for a quieter, peaceful, less stressful (and maybe even "boring") lifestyle.

That is why I believe "simplicity" is trending among young women. Even the whole "Trad Wife" movement seems to be seeking to recapture some of the traditional values and lifestyle of years gone by. 

If you have been contemplating the journey to simplicity, I encourage you to join me as I revisit some of the "old fashioned" homemaking and family living skills that just might give you a bit of inspiration to begin to simplify your life.

Two years today ("There be dragons here . . . ")

 There be dragons here

"There be dragons here" 

some warned - to keep me safe

from The Darkness . . . 

"But this much light and love,"

I said,

"will surely conquer that Darkness -

   That Dragon." 

And so the innocent, the trusting,

the believers,

are often lured into 

The Darkness -

because it was beautiful, just like you were, 

in the beginning.

But there was not enough love, or longing, or hoping, or praying -

that could rescue you from The Darkness.

But we tried . . . and failed . . .

while you slowly slipped away from us,

until the day

The Darkness

finally

took you 

Two years . .. . and yet we grieve. 

I love you.  

*******************************

"Some roads you shouldn't go down. Because maps used to say, "There be dragons here." And now they don't. But that don't mean the dragons aren't there."

Finding your way home

 

Some day we all feel a bit adrift in this modern world. No doubt, other generations have experienced that as well, but the world right now seems to be  moving at such a frantic pace, that it seems rather overwhelming trying to keep up. No matter YOUR generation, this sense of being overwhelmed appears to be part of everyday life. Do you ever feel like you just want to go home?

I know that "home" is not an especially positive memory for some of us. Even so, it is a common experience of longing to "go home" where one feels safe, seen, loved, and accepted. Perhaps especially for those of us who did not experience this kind of "home" as a child. Yearning for a place that feels like "home" is a universal longing, across all generations and cultures. 

In the English language we often speak of being "homesick" or longing for the sense of safety and security. Even when we are actually, physically, "at home" (wherever that might be). I've also heard in popular culture the notion that a particular person or relationship feels like "home," wherever you might be geographically. "You are my home" is a refrain that is heard in our world, particularly in romanticized stories or movies. But it is real!

"Hiraeth" is a Welsh word that simply translated to "longing," but its meaning is often said to run a little deeper. Some describe it as a sense of loss over a connection to a place where you  no longer are - or perhaps can never return to, as you long for a more specific time in a place."

So if the notion of wanting to "go home" is such a common emotion, it might be interesting to think about what that might look like, just in case you want to find your way home. This journey will probably be rather emotional, especially for those of us who are a long way from our first "home." And even if you can actually "go back" to that particular place in person, I promise you that it will never be the same!

That old, broken down oak tree where you used to play hide-and-seek behind the dilapidated barn is actually no long there. It has long since fallen completely down into the ditch where you used to hide, and the rotting stump and a few branches are all that remain. I know, because I saw it. That weeping willow tree where you used to play with your dolls and teddy bears in the cool shade on a hot summer day . . . someone cut it down years ago because it was a nuisance. But for you it was a safe place where you could pretend to be whatever you wanted to be.

One of my favorite memories is playing inside a huge (to me it was "huge"!) stand of lilac bushes. It was cool and dark on a hot summer day, and it was so big that we could make pretend houses and rooms where our we played make-believe all day long. And when it was time to go inside for lunch or supper, we were so tired we could barely keep our eyes open. But it was so much fun!

Maybe your memories are different. If you grew up in a city, then the corner bakery or the local shops where you would go for candy or pop before running over to the neighborhood school playground with your friends. Or the third floor apartment with the noise, the clutter, the smells, the busy neighbors coming and going - whatever your memories are, they hold you like a gentle (or maybe not so gentle!) caress of longing for a time and place that will never be again.

So if you have ever felt a longing to "go home," here are a few ideas to help you on your journey to finding your way home:

* Journaling is a great way to connect with your longing for "home." Write down your memories, places and people, even pets that were part of your "home," and even add sketches or photos of that place in your heart.

* Right where you are, right now, consider how you might bring some of that sense of "home" into your surroundings today. For me, that includes creating small corners where I can include things that I remember from my first "home." Coffee cups on pegs on the kitchen wall, canisters for flour and sugar on the kitchen counter, and some of my favorite books stacked on a shelf. Little things can help you find your way home, wherever you are today.

* Even if your current living situation is less than ideal, you can make it your "home" with tiny, baby steps, even if you don't have much money. If you are living in a small apartment, or even a hotel room, you can find little things that make your surroundings feel "homey" at your local thrift store.

* A picture frame with a photo you cherish; a throw pillow in your favorite color; a blanket or even a small table cloth on a box in the corner; a cracked tea cup filled with dirt and a small plant from the yard outside - simple, inexpensive, but these seemingly insignificant things can go a long way toward giving you a sense that you are making progress on your journey as you are finding your way home.

* No matter how busy or chaotic your life feels right now, just taking these little baby steps to create your own "home" - right here and right now - will bring moments of peace, calm, and gentle reminders that "home" is wherever you are, with your cherished memories, and a recognition that "home" will always be in your heart. 

We can't go "home" to that physical, geographical location (because even if you do get there, it will all be different than you remember), so it is up to you to create "home" for yourself and your loved ones. Don't let anyone stop you! 

PS I have no idea if anyone even reads blogs anymore . . . but I decided it really doesn't matter if anyone finds my blog or reads my posts, because this is my way of finding my way home. So if you have read this far, bravo! You are my hero! Remember, your voice is a treasure, even if no one hears it, so keep speaking and telling your story. It's time.  <3

Nina

Home and Family Planner

 

Who needs a home and family planner?

If your family is as busy as most these days, I'm sure you are doing your best to keep up with everything. But that is really challenging, even on "slow" days! Trying to fit everything in to each day often feels like an overwhelming task. And it is!

If you are also trying to include self-care / health and wellness / spiritual growth / and other personal development goals, it becomes extremely challenging to keep it all sorted out. I know, because I've been working on this kind of planner for a really long time! 

So, the answer to the question is: everyone needs a home and family planner!

What's it all about?

I created this home and family planner based on my experience of years of writing out my daily, weekly, monthly plans and goals all by hand. Then in a separate notebook, I would have the weekly menu plans and grocery lists. Another notebook for budgeting and bill paying. And another for my daily Bible reading / prayer list / devotional journal. 

I did that for years! And it actually worked quite well for a long time, but lately I was thinking about designing and creating a planner that included all of the important areas of my life. That's how this particular project came into being!

Here's what's in the all-inclusive Home and Family Planner:

There are pages that you can print off and put in your own binder / notebook (or actually there will be a ready-made version in my Etsy shop if you would rather purchase one already set up and ready to go) - and the best part is that you can print as many pages as you need each week or month for the various planning projects that you need for your family.

Weekly menu planning and grocery list . . . 

You will find pages for planning your weekly menus and grocery list, as well weekly household tasks and budget planner. This home and family planner even include a page where you can write down your goals for the upcoming week, months, or year!

Budgeting and goals planning pages . . . .

There are two different budget planning pages so you can choose which one works best for your family! If you are living on a budget (and who isn't these days?), you will be able to keep your family finances and budget organized - that always helps me stay on track and keep things under budget each week.

Your spiritual journey and prayer list . . . 

For your personal growth, spiritual journey, and your goals for the future, there are pages to record all your ideas and dreams, as well as you prayer list and devotional journey. there are so many options in this home and family planner that you will find something that works just for you and your family.

Everything you need to stay focused!

Everything you need to stay focused, cut through the mental clutter, get your days organized, and stay on task, all in one planner! If you are interested in purchasing a digital download of the Home and Family Planner from my Etsy shop, please stop by and visit me at Vintage Mama's Cottage!

PS January is the perfect time to get things organized in your life . . . . I'm working on decluttering and organizing closets this week - what are you working on? Would love to hear from you!

Nina

Everything Old Becomes New Again

 

I recently discovered that the latest trend in sewing / fiber art / quilting / embroidery (among other traditional skills) is called "slow stitching." I was intrigued, so I decided to do a bit of research . . . and to my surprise, this "new trend" has actually been part of my life for over 50 years! 

A bit of history 

Back in the "olden" days, as some would call it, this technique was called simply "hand stitching," or "hand quilting." It has evolved, of course, into a very different idea than it was originally practiced.

When I was twelve years old, I wanted a new dress, but of course, there was no money for a "new" anything. I loved the second-hand store where my mom would buy a "grab bag" of leftovers for 25 or 50 cents, and it would almost be like Christmas!

She would pull out anything that was usable "as is" (or in this case, "as was") and then sort out the rest of the treasures looking for any fabric that she could use to make or "remake" for me or for herself. 

When I was still pretty little (so I've been told), she took a lady's winter coat, cut it apart, and made me a "new" coat. Perhaps that where I learned to be a frugal and creative shopper!

What happened next?

Back to the time when I was twelve years old . . . I decided that the only way I was going to have a "new" dress was to make it myself. So I did! There was a variety store (we called it a "dime store") in our little town in Michigan, and it carried a wonderful array of fabrics, patterns, threads, zippers, rick rack, lace, and ribbons. 

So, I would babysit on a Friday night, make $2.00, then go to the "dime store" and buy enough fabric, and a pattern for about $1.50 - perfect! 50 cents left over to buys buttons and thread.

Then the magic happened!

With that precious piece of fabric and 50 cent pattern, and a few embellishments, I made my first dress. It was a soft yellow plaid cotton fabric, with short sleeves and a Peter Pan collar. Don't know what that is? Check it out, you'll love it!

I wore that dress to school and I was so excited to have something "new" that was all my own. After that, I kept practicing on the old Singer sewing machine that my grandma passed down to my mom and she let me use . . . until I was making jumpers and blouses, more dresses (back then we always wore dresses to school), skirts, pajamas, shorts in the summer, tops of all kinds, and I even made my own swimming suits!

What about "slow stitching"?

As the years passed by, after a year of college, I got married and started a family. And since sewing and "refashioning" had been a major part of my life for a long time, I made many of the outfits that my children wore when they were little. I even learned how to make a man's suit when it was all the "rage" to sew with the new polyester knit fabrics.

Much of the work of sewing for my children and myself involved a significant amount of "hand stitching." Hems were always finished by hand, zippers were frequently "hand picked," and any trims or buttons (of course!) were put on by hand. 

Then, one day when my three oldest children were still pretty little, I took a class at a local "variety store" where I learned how to make a quilt, all stitching done by hand. I was fascinated and suddenly obsessed with making quilted wall hangings. 

Eventually I ventured into a larger hand stitching project - a full size quilt. All pieced and stitched by hand. Talk about "slow stitching"! It took months to complete each quilt. 

The best way to hand piece and quilt a large project (in my opinion) is using a frame where each large square is quilted individually, and then all of the squares stitched together afterwards. Makes the stitching a bit easier.

There's more to this story

There is so much more to the story and history of "slow stitching" which I will document in an upcoming blog post. For now, the most important thing is to remember that "slow stitching" is actually not something that has recently been "discovered" or "invented" but a traditional skill that women have practiced for generations.

The great thing (among many) about the modern trend of "slow stitching" is the philosophy that seems to have motivated it. It is about slowing down, taking time to engage in the process and not worry so much about the finished product. 

For now, let me encourage you, if you are interested in "slow stitching" there are hundreds of examples online, with websites, blogs, and videos to guide you to your own style of "slow stitching." 

Enjoy the process and we'll talk again soon!

Nina