Dear Vermont, Today I Forgive You For Winter. . . Even March

I spent a half hour yesterday afternoon in the garden with my family taking photos and had this moment of realization. This is why I live here. It's not the six months of winter with another month of absolute yuck on either end. It's not because I love driving forty-five minutes to a decent grocery store, or thirty-five minutes to daycare. It is true that Vermont is not always the easiest place to live. But in brilliant summer moments like this one it is a very easy place to love.

The Sweetness of Summer in Vermont

There were definitely a few desperate moments this winter when I was pretty sure there was still going to be snow on the ground in June. But summer has finally come to the shire. The flowers and lush greenery are amazing, and the stark landscape of winter seems lightyears away. These are pictures from around the yard yesterday afternoon, just after a rain. These days are so luscious, and so few and fleeting that sometimes they have a sweet sadness to them. It is something we didn't realize during our first summer in Vermont after Brooklyn. We traveled, and we were busy, and it all slipped by before we realized it. Now we stay put, and travel in February like sensible Vermonters.

  You may already be sick of Peonies, but ours just came into full bloom yesterday, so I am still in love.

This is actually deadly nightshade. . . TH was a little worried to hear it was growing in the garden. . . don't know why. . .

For the Mamas

Collette Necklaces

I know that I am finding it hard to believe that it is the end of April, especially here in the Northeast, where it still feels more like March, and our first little daffodils just bloomed yesterday. So I am betting that there is a good chance that you didn't realize that Mother's Day is only 12 days away. Eep! Don't let this chilly weather make you forget the mama in your life! 

But don't stress, because when it comes to mamas we've got you covered: you can use the coupon code MOMINJEWELRY at rebeccahaas.com for 20% off from now right through midnight on May 10th. Because we love mamas, and we don't want you to get in trouble with yours. . . ;)

Teardrop and Sonnet Bracelets 

Homestyle Hostel

This winter these two two cuties opened Homestyle Hostel in Ludlow, VT, which is a ski town just down the road from me. They have been booked and bustling since they opened, and are doing a great job welcoming skiers and local families alike to come in and enjoy the delicious food, coffees and cocktails, as well as the cozy atmosphere and the room full of board games. I had a great time this morning shooting some mood pictures to flesh out their website, and rewarded myself handsomely with a mouth watering brunch and their signature bloody mary that is so home made that even the tomato juice is made from scratch in house. Yum. Here are some of my favorites from today's shoot.

Resolution

TH and I just got back inside from a walk in the snow.  The ability to take time for these kinds of quality of life moments is supposed to be one of the major perks of being self-employed.  And on average, I'd say I've been doing this kind of thing pretty much never. So since this is the season for resolutions, doing this kind of thing more will be mine.

River Luna Art

My new prints from River Luna, in the great hanging frame TH bought me at the Pear Tree.  I am so pleased.

Quiet House

These little rug rats are both off on their first full days at school today, and the house is very quiet.  This is the first time since Ellery was born that I am staring down the barrel of a full child free day, and I am feeling a little crippled by the openness of it.  Looks like I should have made a plan for myself yesterday.  Maybe a shower is a good place to start.  Then a to do list.

So I guess the baby-moon is over.  It's been a little challenging pushing back the wall of work that is waiting for me in my studio, so now I guess I can start chipping away at it.  It is a little daunting. Thanks so much to all of my lovely and patient customers for allowing me this time and space with my boys, but now it appears to be time to get back to it in earnest.

But wow is it quiet, and I'm missing these little faces. . .