Keeping it Real

The following is a guest post by my friend Robin. It really spoke to me, so I asked if I could repost for the Living Gorges readers. Robin is a maker, a doer, a creative spirit and a gentle soul. I feel very blessed to have her as a friend. I've interspersed some of Robin's creations throughout the text. She sells her "Made in My Back Yard" creations at Bloom and online. You can read other posts by Robin and discover all the awesome MiMby classes, products and events at the Mimby website http://mymimby.com/

KEEPING IT REAL....

by Robin

Today, my first day home in ages with no sewing to do or yarn store hours to fill, I sat down to lunch with Mollie Makes, a very cool UK magazine about making stuff and people who make stuff.  My people.  As I turned to an article about lifestyle envy, you know that catch in your tummy you get when you sense that others are doing stuff so much better than you are, I put my hands up to realize that I had one earring on and that thing drifting across the floor in the breeze was a tumbleweed of dog hair.  It could be mistaken for a guinea pig.

I had been patting myself on the back.  I bought fabric Wednesday for a skirt and sewed it TODAY.  That must be some kind of record.  I had a good showing at Bloom last Friday for their Artists' Night, which makes me giggle since I don't consider myself an artist, and sold almost everything I brought.  A nice woman who came to the MiMBY Gift Sale in December emailed about carrying some of my stuff in her new shop.  I had my first Etsy sale in ages this week.  I've been moonlighting in a yarn shop that I love, and dreaming up marketing plans for knitting.  I've been having a good run.

What this happy blogger/maker isn't telling you is that the kitchen floor doesn't recall the last time it was mopped, but it might not have been in April.  Note that it's May now, and it certainly hasn't happened in May either.  This week's chocolate cake baking is the first cake that's been baked in months.  My veggie garden finally saw the turning fork this week, though I think the weather has provided an awesome excuse for my neglect.  I think everyone's sheets have been washed in the last week or two, but I'm not entirely sure.  The dog has decided that I have relinquished the role of Keeper of the House and has taken over this duty.  We won't go into how.  The sheep have noticed the unmown lawn and continually offer to help with that.  I can't remember what my desk looks like.  Ditto the project table.  Right now I'm sitting at my desk typing and thinking that I should put away the loose thumbtacks in one of those jars I keep saving and wondering again why there is a sheet hanging in the doorway.

That's okay.  I envy people who can get it all done and feed their kids wholesome and healthy food for every meal too.  I would like to think that I could work and run the household and everything would go smoothly and I wouldn't lose my temper, but that is not the reality of my world.  

I make stuff.  And messes.  I mess up stuff too.  I forget things and events and bills and occasionally my kids.  Not really.  Well, sometimes.  I hope, despite my messy approach to life, that I bring happiness to people too.  Making stuff makes me happy.  My hope is that the stuff I make makes other people happy too. Wow, my son just came home with an enormous television - the perils of a teenager driving.  Guess I better try to impose some order.

Hangar Kiddstuff Season

It's almost time for my favorite time of year - summer! Swimming, festivals, concerts, and Kiddstuff shows at the Hangar Theatre! Every summer, Hangar produces high quality, energetic, super-fun plays for children (and their adults) to enjoy. The shows are all one-act (no intermission) around an hour long, so even squirmiest preschoolers will stay riveted.

You can subscribe now to the entire season to get reserved premium seats, exchange privileges, discounts, and more! A subscription is just $34 for all five shows! To learn more, go to http://www.hangartheatre.org/subscriptions.html.

If show-by-show is more your speed, all tickets are just $9 each. Tickets can be purchased online at the Hangar Box office, or by calling 607.273.8588.

Details of the 2014 Kiddstuff season:



Music by Sam Willmott, Book and Lyrics by Marcus Stevens, June 19-21

A musical adaptation of the book by Judith Byron Schachner, YO, VIKINGS! tells the story of 10 year old Emma transforming her Viking daydreams into reality full of sea songs and outrageous helmets.



Music and Lyrics by Chris Jeffries, Book by Jon Klein, July 3-5

Based on the popular story by James and Deborah Howe, BUNNICULA is a quirky rabbit, who may or may not be a bunny vampire! It is up to the family's cat and dog to solve the hilarious mystery.



by Brendan Murray, July 17-19
One of Aesop's most famous fables depicts Tortoise and Hare, best friends but complete opposites in every way. In a story that spans all the seasons of the year, we witness the greatest race ever, all the way to its nail biting finish.


by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar, July 24-26

A world weary Aviator, crash lands in the Sahara and meets the remarkable Little Prince to learn of his magical journey from his tiny planet to our own, as he teaches us "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly."




by William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, August 7-9

Sail the swashbuckling seas in Gilbert and Sullivan's classic operetta! Performed by the Hangar's Next Generation School of Theatre, this exuberant adventure of pirates, police and major generals is sure to delight the entire family.

TICKETS GO ON SALE STARTING MAY 1!
Get yours today!

Sponsored Post

Funky Fresh for sale!

Do you fantasize about painting side tables everyday? Is your home/garage/barn/living room over run by Funky Finds you are making Funky Fresh? Do you LOVE natural chalk and clay paint? Do you desire to be a small business owner? Here's the opportunity of a lifetime!

The lovely and talented Kristina Thelen, has announced that they are selling their family run boutique business Funky Fresh: Upcycled Home. Kristina says,

"We've built a large following in the Ithaca area selling upcycled and recycled furniture, art, gifts and home items. This business is all about bringing new life to old things, growing locally and building community around skill sharing, teaching, and inspiring people to DO, MAKE and BEAUTIFY! 

David and I are a husband and wife team and are ready to move on to our next projects in life because of another opportunity that we can't pass up. The business has been built on sweat and love and has grown to be financially secure, with some fresh energy, ideas and marketing it is poised grow to the next level and create more passive income. We have over 2,600 facebook fans, a significant mailing list of dedicated customers, and over $100,000 in annual sales. 

Sale includes over $12,000 in current inventory, plus the name, following, buyer contracts, relationships, tools (wood working, painting and upholstery workshop), equipment and setup that have taken us years of hard work to build. We will train the buyer for 20 hours per week for one month, including all aspects of our work: buying, pricing, repair, upcycling, records, taxes, POS, contractors, etc. and be available for a second month for any questions, advice etc. 

Our building owner is also willing to sell which would be a great investment if you fancy being a waterfront developer sometime in the future, or you can negotiate a great, flexible deal on a lease (we're paying less per square foot than anyone in town). 

If you're interested in re-use, green living, or even just vintage and antique stuff then this is a great chance to avoid the many headaches of starting from scratch. We have invented the wheel and so now all Funky Fresh needs is someone to run with it. Whether you're a young person opting out of the corporate job market, or an empty nester looking for a fun and interesting project to take on, this could be a great fit for anyone seeking an independent and productive lifestyle, for a smaller investment than the price of most new cars! 

This is a great business and we want to see it continue and flourish. Let us know you are interested and we can work out a plan to make a smooth transition and ensure your success including seller financing for up to half of the sale price. Please, only serious buyers now folks!! We are still operating our storefront as usual so we ask to be respectful of our current customers need for our attention and service during business hours. Please email us to set up an appointment before or after hours to view the space, inventory, and discuss details. If a potential buyer is not found by Wednesday, April 23rd, we will begin liquidating our inventory, fixtures, and supplies. So please get in touch ASAP with a serious offer, don't miss out on this unique opportunity!"

For more information, contact Kristina or David at Funky Fresh,317 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca

Call: 607.216.8146
Email: info@funkyfreshithaca.com

http://funkyjunkithaca.blogspot.com/2014/04/were-out-yo.html

What will happen to Kristina and David? Fear not! Kristina will be opening a new store downtown, but more on that later.

Comfort Carnival celebrating Mama's Comfort Camp's 2nd Birthday March 23, 2-6

Mama's Comfort Camp, a vibrant support network of mothers (in Ithaca and online) is celebrating its 2nd birthday with a Comfort Carnival for the whole family:
A day of joyful music and dance dedicated to bringing delight and comfort to body, soul, and heart.

When: Sunday March 23, 2pm-6pm
Where: Ithaca Montessori School 12 Ascot Place, Ithaca, NY

Headliner: JOHN SIMON!!!!

 His voice is like a comfort pill! He will sing classic children's songs and original music, including a world premier of this special song about a mother’s love.

But wait, there’s more:

Kid-friendly chanting with Yael Saar and Dennis Winge of Damodar Das Kirtan: Chanting is one of the easiest ways to activate happy hormones, a great self-soothing tool to give kids. This chanting is not a religious activity, it is a pleasure/love/joy shortcut to comfort.

Children’s Yoga: Courtney Schroeder will teach a set of Little Buddhas Yoga: kid’s yoga through storytelling, children love her!
Family Belly Dancing: Lital Dorchin will guide us through belly dancing in the old North African tradition: family friendly, non-sexy, a great workout and awesome emotional release. This works great even for parents wearing a baby in a carrier.

Singing Crystal Bowls: Jeff and Chris Gregory of Pyramid Wellness Center will offer a short performance of their singing crystal bowls: the most heavenly sound you (probably) never heard.

And last but not least:
80′s+90′s music dance party!

Let’s impose our high school hits on our children! Come On Eileen, Where is My Mind, anything by Depeche Mode!

Please nominate beloved one-hit wonders and other favorites in the Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/647744551959519/
Yamila Fournier of WRFI Community Radio will DJ.- See more at: http://www.mamascomfortcamp.com/#sthash.94p2dyzZ.dpuf

Other good stuff:
Birthday cake and cookies from Lisa Spring and Ba-Li Cravings.
Arts and Crafts with Corinne Stern of FLOOF Collage Party!
Explore wonderful Montessori learning materials from the Ithaca Montessori School.

More surprises in the works, stay tuned.

Cost: $10 per adult, $5 children 12 and under, $20 for the whole family. Proceeds will go towards funding the programs offered by the Mama's Comfort Camp support network of moms.

PS: For those not familiar with Mama's Comfort Camp:
Mama’s Comfort Camp is a free support community online and in real life. We are hundreds of mothers from all around the world (over 500 from the Ithaca area) connecting via a private facebook group, and support is available 24/7/365. Together we normalize the challenges and celebrate the joys of the roller-coaster ride called motherhood, all in a safe space free from judgment, protected from unsolicited advice, and steeped with respect and kindness. In Ithaca we enjoy a vibrant and responsive network of local moms helping each other out. We hold free monthly support meetings, fun gatherings, and classes.
Free and open to moms of kids of ANY age: from moms of newborns to grandmothers and every stage in between.

You can ask to join the group at https://www.facebook.com/mamas.comfort.camp

Polka Tot Consignment Sale is coming to town! Win passes to the presale!

A Polka Tot Children's Consignment Sale event is coming to The Shops at Ithaca Mall April 4-6. Polka Tot is a semi-annual, 3-day gigantic sales event that looks like a consignment store on mega-steroids! The sale includes everything and anything you could ever need or want for babies through pre-teen at a fraction of retail costs.

Selling with Polka Tot provides local families a fast, easy and safe way to cash in on their unused and outgrown children's items. Consignors earn up to 70% of their sales and registration is open. Visit www.polkatotsale.com for more information.

Polka Tot is owned by Taylor Clark, a Syracuse-area mom of three children ages 1, 2, and 3. Seeing how quickly her children outgrew clothing, toys and gear and tired of paying an arm and a leg for these things, Taylor started Polka Tot just before her third baby was born.  The idea was to provide a way for families to quickly, safely and easily sell and buy gently used quality children's items. Several consignors have earned more then $1000 during a weekend event with very little effort and families can refresh their playrooms and stock their closets without breaking the bank. It's really a win-win for everyone.



Taylor and her Polka Tots

Here's the schedule:

April 4: 1-3 p.m. presale for consignors (must have a pass); 3-6 p.m. open to the public

April 5: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

April 6: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (many remaining items are 50% off)

Best of all, Polka Tot has offered me 4 passes to the presale for Ithaca Family Fun users! Like us on Facebook for a chance to win the passes (or email me if you are one of those anti-Facebook folks)

While you're at it, check out Polka Tot on Facebook as well! https://www.facebook.com/PolkaTotChildrensConsignment

Sponsored Post

Sledding!

This post has been updated from when it was first published December 29, 2012.

Well, we finally got some snow here in Ithaca, and it's time again for kids (and parents) to grab a sled and find a hill to zoom down! We are fortunate to live near an excellent hill, at the Eastern Heights park off of Snyder Hill and Skyvue Road. That park has a small hill and 2 very long slopes. The hills at Cornell Planations and near the Cornell Daycare are popular, as are hills by Belle Sherman and South Hill Elemenary Schools. Out of town, Rice Hill by Taughannock State Park is a biggie. Another popular spot is the cemetery outside of Brooktondale on Lounsbury Rd.

If you know of any great places to go sledding, please put them in the comments section or send them to ithacasahm@gmail.com. Thanks!

Cash mob and mama's night out Feb 8 in support of Bloom after recent robbery

Since last winter, Bloom has been providing Ithaca families with a fun and interactive play space and ethically sourced retail options. The store has adorable clothes and toys and offers free-play, organized play, class, birthday party and date-night options.

Sadly, Bloom was the target of a late-night robbery in early January. While  Co-owners Draya and McKenzie feel incredibly lucky that their store and merchandise were not damaged, they lost a considerable amount of cash and were responsible for fixing their shattered door, neither of which are being covered by their insurance.

 Mama's Comfort Camp leaders are organizing a cash mob and Mama's Pajama Party to help! Please come out Feb 8th and help to replenish some of their funds and help them feel that their store is loved and safe! Draya and McKenzie say they are amazed by and grateful for the outpouring of support they have received from the community.

        Feb 8

12-5 pm Cash Mob! Come out and buy some great stuff. Goodies, 2pm children's yoga and Miss Angie's Music&Motion to follow.
8:30-10 pm Mama's Comfort Camp Pajama Party come show your support and indulge in some treats, music and self-kindness. Wear comfy clothes.

More details can be found at the Facebook Event page.