Introducing...

I am very excited to be adding a new component to indigo 26.  I am an avid journaler and note taker.  I can typically tell you the date of the next full moon or what produce is best to eat that time of year.  So I'm taking it to the next level by documenting the information here rather than just in my journals especially considering this is, in a sense, my on-line journal.  Some of the information is just for fun, and some of it will be useful.  On the sidebar will be the icon you see above.  Clicking on it will navigate you to the following page.

At the beginning of each season I will introduce the page and tell you what you can expect in that season.  The by the season page will include information on gardening, which can apply to all types of gardens, even patio container gardens.  Also, I will post about foods that are in season and provide links to great recipes.  There will be tips and tidbits on how to live a 4(for) green acres life.  The psychologist in me has also added the fire*side reflection question that will help you dig deeper to bring awareness full circle.   

The intention to is to be more aware of what is happening in the present.  Our physical bodies are better at being presently aware than our minds are.  By intentionally connecting the body and mind we create a healthy balance.  I started taking these notes years ago after I lived in a tent for a summer.  I was living a dream, but I was so focused on where I needed to go and what did or didn't happen last week, last month, last year that I forgot to enjoy the moment.  Now looking back I realize how much I missed out on because my focus was set somewhere other than the present.  

Feel free to leave your comments below, especially if you would like to answer the reflection question here.  I would love to hear from you. 

Handmade Christmas Swag

It's been quiet around here, I know.  Between wrapping presents under the rules of the challenge, and shopping for gifts, I took a mini break to spend some time with my mom. She flew in with her friend for a week.  We had so much fun.  I love the month of December.  Everything around town is festive.  Before her arrival I was cruising pinterest and caught the inspiration to make to my own swag to hang on the mantle to share in the cheer. 

Without buying anything I rounded up two cracker boxes from the pantry and set to the studio to cut them up.  I cut out 15 identical cards from the boxes, rounded the edges, and punched two holes in each one.  Using my letter and tree stamps, I inked out in green the words "Merry Christmas" with a tree in the middle. 

After stringing them with red bakers twine, I hung it from the mantle.  You'd never know it was made out of crackers boxes, unless of course you turn them over.  It is an easy way to decorate using something I had on hand. 

Merry Christmas, Ya'll. 

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Are you taking the challenge and need some ideas?  Check out the tutorials part 1 and part 2. 

Oh Christmas Tree

I don't normally decorate for Christmas.  We typically travel and with no kids it just seems like it's more trouble than it's worth sometimes.  The theme of my life this year seems to be change although my word of the year is balance.  I decided to get a tree after all.  Somehow that has to relate to balance, right? Taking more time to enjoy family, or even the moment we are in?

We loaded up in the "new" Chevy and headed to Wintergreen Farm, a local farm. 

I really wanted a local tree that we could cut down ourselves.  They grow Virginia Pine, Elderica, Leyland Cypress and Carolina Sapphire.  The Sapphire trees were beautiful.  Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate.  It had been raining and there was too much standing water to lug a saw out to the field and drag a tree back in.  That is also the reason my photos didn't turn out too well. 

We settled for a pre-cut fir.  A variety you can get anywhere, but I'd rather give my business to the little guy.  After a cup of hot, apple cider we loaded up and went home.

It was soaking wet by the time we got it home, but we went for it and put it up with a bunch of towels below it to catch the water.  Ollie didn't quite know what to think of this tree coming in the house.  She had this look on her face most of the day. 

After we finished decorating I felt like I had nested.  I am sinking into this home unlike any other.  Like a cottonwood tree, my roots are growing fast, and I'm loving every minute of it.

How did you decorate this year? Did you get a tree?

December Challenge Tutorials Part 2

Are you taking the 4(for) green acres challenge?  

As promised, I am sharing with you really creative ideas to help with this month's challenge.  I believe that by supporting other bloggers, crafters, artists, and photographers you support the community, which is important to everyone's success.  Therefore when I was putting together December's challenge of creative gift wrap I knew I would need to seek the help of others. 

This is the second group of tutorials.  Here is the first group.  Thank you to Casey, Charissa, and Melony for sharing your talent.

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1|     Casey from etsy shop Paper & Twine       
             Hand Painted Fabric Wrap

Get the tutorial on her blog here

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2|     Charissa from The Gifted Blog

             Hand Stamped Paper

Get the tutorial and many other fantastic ideas here

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3|     Melony from Mel Designs    

             Repurposed Magazine Gift Bags

Get the tutorial from favcrafts.com here 

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Need to grab a project badge?  Jump over here.

December Challenge Tutorials Part 1