Hello there.

My, it has been awhile since we visited here.  Just about a month!  A huge month of packing up our home in Providence, setting up and settling into our new home in Connecticut and slowly venturing out to explore and play and savor the holiday goodness around us.

There are a few boxes left to unpack, but we are definitely moved in and feeling very much at home here.  And lately, I've been hearing this space calling me back.  Gently. 

Late last night, I was lying on a blanket on the lawn with my husband, stars and meteors were all around us.  It was a night for wishes and gratitude and endless possibilities.  And you were there with me.  All of the amazing women I have connected with this year were part of my personal celebration.  I began 2012 with the intention to connect...and it happened!  Here on the web, and in person at workshops and coffee shops in Rhode Island.  It was an amazing year.

In the coming year, my intention is to be grounded.  Grounded in the moment.  Grounded by wise intuition.  Grounded in nature.  I can't wait to explore this concept with you through writing and photographs and book discussions and parenting workshops and whatever else we can dream up! 

Thank you for being here.

Sending good tidings from my (new) home to yours this season!

xo,

Allison

A Day of Thanks



Freedom from Want by Norman Rockwell

I was driving to New York this past weekend to celebrate my grandmother's 84th birthday.  As I relaxed into the driver's seat, and settled into the luxury of the solo trip, I turned on the radio and found "Talking Turkey" an interview with New York Times Food Editor, Sam Sifton. 

There's a lot of talk on the airwaves about Thanksgiving these days- how to prepare the turkey, etiquette for handling family dramas, and (ugh) which stores are opening on Thursday night.

I found this conversation between two men who clearly love Thanksgiving to be a welcome breath of fresh air.   If you have some time (or if you need some last minute food advice) I hope you'll give it a listen.

But if you can't get to it, allow me to share a few of my favorite points:

• In 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared a National Day of Thanks in the middle of the Civil War.  Think for a moment about the significance of that!  Despite all of the differences dividing the nation, the President believed that all Americans could still reserve one day to give thanks for "the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies."
• Sam Sifton also talked about how unusual it is for most people to prepare a meal for ten or more people.  Often, Thanksgiving is the only time that it is done.  He talked about how intimidating that can be, but encouraged listeners to focus on simple things, done well.  A traditional roasted turkey.  Perfectly mashed potatoes.  Just the wholesome, real food of the season.
• Then, the program explored the tradition of saying grace before the meal.  I love how Sam Sifton described this.  Regardless of your religion, or who you want to thank, he said that every host should look around the table, into the eyes of the guests, and express gratitude.  Gratitude to those gathered there, gratitude to the farmers who made the meal possible or gratitude to God for the gifts of health and hope and love....whatever feels right, just take a minute to say it on this day.

It was a lovely reminder of what is truly important in our lives right now.  I am so very excited to share the day with my family, to express my devotion through lovingly prepared foods and before the day is done, to tell them all how grateful I am to have their companionship on my journey through this life.

Wishing you and your family the simplest of pleasures this Thanksgiving!

xo

Allison

Gathering

Something truly amazing happens when a small group of women gather, carrying their stories and their joys and their troubles along with their notebooks and pens and water bottles.  My fourth Simplicity Parenting group convened yesterday morning at Meadowbrook Waldorf School, and I was once again blown away by the openness, the honesty and the tenderness that each of the participants brought to their very first gathering. 

I am in love with the idea that women are here to do the healing work of our communities.  As I get older, I truly see that we carry innate wisdom, the answers to so many questions, passed down from ions ago.   Whether you call it a "gut feeling" or "intuition" or call it part of our DNA, we understand healing.  Just as we know when one of our children is sick, we know when a loved one isn't happy, or family life feels "off," or a choice just isn't "right." 

Unfortunately, in our very hectic world, there is barely any space made for this sort of everyday healing.  When we're pulled in so many directions, it is hard to pay attention to those feelings, those little alarm bells warning that something needs nurturing.  Sometimes the thought of taking action on one of those feelings is overwhelming (I just can't deal with this now!) and we choose to ignore it. 

Sitting in the company of five amazing women yesterday, all of whom lead very full and busy lives, I recognized the tremendous commitment to healing that each woman has made, simply by carving out the time to gather.  Each week, we will spend two short hours together.  In that time, I will create a safe, supportive space for them to tune out the static of the busy world, and tune into their own feelings about family life.  Listening, sharing, learning, reflecting, they will each be gathering the tools they need to do their own healing work.  I'm so excited about our journey together, and deeply honored to witness that mysterious thing that happens when women gather and change is born. 

Simple Summer::Little Reminders

The other morning I had to run a quick errand with my daughters in tow.  No sooner had we backed out of the driveway, then I could hear the distinct *thud* of shoes coming off and hitting the floor.  I found myself feeling irritated, as I started to think about what an inconvenience this barefootedness was, for now we would need to take the extra time to put two pairs of socks and shoes back on before we could run into the hardware store. 

Up in the driver's seat, I was still feeling sorry for myself as we passed through part of the Brown University campus.  Crossing the street in front of me, I saw a mom and her college-bound daughter.  They were carrying a little map, clearly familiarizing themselves with the girl's new home.  I imagined how they'd unpacked her belongings and set up her dorm room, and now they were out for a walk.  It wouldn't be long before mom would have to say "Good-bye."

In that moment, it occurred to me that if I had asked that mom about her thoughts on barefeet in the backseat, she surely would have laughed.  And she would've gladly chosen to trade places for a day, if only to have the chance to hold that little foot in her hand one more time and lovingly place the sock back on.

I was humbled.  And filled with gratitude for where I am right. now.  Yes, it is hard sometimes.  Yes, our pace is slow.  But I am grateful.

When we reached the store, I kissed each of my children, pulled the little straps across their feet, and gently fastened their buckles.

Reflections: I'm So Glad I'm Here

Despite the non-winter weather (or perhaps because of it) my house has seen a lot of runny noses and yucky coughs this season. After my own turn with this winter cold, I found myself alone in my house for an entire Sunday. My sweet husband’s only instructions were, “Rest.” I did plenty of that. And gradually, as my energy returned, I felt compelled to clean the house and help those germs move on their way.

I cleaned the house in absolute quiet, at a snail’s pace, and the experience was nothing less than amazing. (I’m not kidding!) As I washed doorframes and polished balusters, I noticed every groove and tiny detail. I wondered about who had constructed this solid old Cape, and I thought about a family living here at an earlier time, washing these same floors. I thought about my own family, and the imaginary worlds my children create under the table or behind the closet door.  As the afternoon light shone through my windows, I saw beauty that often goes unnoticed, and I felt such appreciation for our little place in this world.

While I may not have the luxury of cleaning in solitude again, I do want to try to carry this mindfulness with me each time I place broom to wood or rag to windowsill. Housekeeping as meditation, I suppose.

And I found the perfect inspiration during my friend Erin Goodman’s 10-Day Family Recharge earlier this month. Erin created ten beautiful days of ideas and encouragement for families looking to reconnect with each other and with what matters most in their family life.

Day One: Erin asked us to pause throughout the day to notice the beauty that is now. One of the participants, Annie, took out her video camera and captured a day in her life. But really, it could be a day in my life, or your life, I’m sure. Set to Elizabeth Mitchell’s “I’m So Glad I’m Here” Annie’s video reminds us that the beauty is indeed right now.

Housekeeping as meditation.

Enjoy!

Parenting Simply: Love & Gratitude

In the busy-ness of life, we often move, move, move forward without noticing the time or the space or the feelings that we’re moving through.  But what happens when we stand still?  When we relax for a moment, and breathe, and notice what is happening around us while we stand still?  Everything changes. 

Read more over at Kidoinfo today!

DEC 20: What are you grateful for?

For the first time, my family has been marking the days of Advent with a calendar of little activities. We’ve been making gifts and baking cookies and drinking cocoa. But today- by far- turned out to be my most favorite day of Advent.

Today, my little note in the calendar asked, “What are you grateful for?”

I sat down at the breakfast table with a four year old and a two year old and a sheet of paper (not quite sure what they would say!) 

Here's what they came up with:

I am humbled.  And full of love.

And on that note, I’ll be unplugging for the next week. I don’t want to miss a minute of the love and magic in the air!

So, I send warm wishes for a happy holiday- from my family to yours.

*** AND DON'T FORGET ***

Simplicity Parenting starts January 4th at Bellani Maternity!

There are still spots available.

Join with a friend before Christmas and save $50!

Thanks-Giving

I am officially in the holiday spirit! A little early, I confess, but I just can’t help it. There are too many wonderful things happening lately, and I am in the mood to celebrate, and to say THANK YOU to some amazing women with whom I am blessed to be working…

I’m thrilled to announce that I will be offering Simplicity Parenting Workshops at Bellani Maternity this winter! Thank you, Kelly LaChance Guertin, for welcoming me and helping me connect with local moms (and dads) who want to slow down and make more time for the simple joys of childhood.

** And if you’re local, be sure to check out Bellani Maternity’s huge "Friday Before Black Friday" Sale today! Doors open at 9:30.**

I also want to say thank you to Anisa Raoof for making a little space for me over at Kidoinfo.com. I’m excited to add my voice to the wonderful conversations about family that are happening there.

Thank you to my dear friend-and coach- Hannah Marcotti for inspiring me and supporting me in so many life adventures. It has been a pleasure collaborating on Simple Mama and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

** If you have not yet had the pleasure of knowing Hannah, I invite you to let some joy into your life! The Holiday Joy Up begins November 26 and it is going to be MAGICAL!**

And I want to say thanks to you for joining me here on this little blog, reading my words and sending your love. I am so very grateful to have you here with me for the journey.  xo

Birthday Girl

On Saturday my little Sophia will turn two.  It hardly seems possible, yet when I look at her I see a baby no more.  A child is emerging- full of curiosity, determination, humor and tenderness, and lately we’ve been enjoying just the right amount of spunk and sass mixed in! 

As we’ve traveled twice around the sun together, I have eased deeper into motherhood, and my confidence has grown tremendously. Cheered on by Sophia’s abundant smiles and overall gentleness, I find myself often thinking “I must be doing something right!”

And surely I have been doing something right, to have drawn so many blessings into my life.

So, I will start her birthday with a gratitude—

I am grateful for my family,

and the knowledge that each new day brings more time to love and be loved.

I am grateful for those who have come before me, as I travel along this meandering path.

I thank you for choosing me for this journey.

And then we will celebrate sweet Sophia’s first two years, and welcome the little girl she is yet to become!

With Gratitude

The Group Leader Training in Great Barrington was an amazing experience. I am filled with gratitude for the Simplicity Parenting Team who has diligently and lovingly compiled a beautiful, thoughtful and comprehensive training program. I am in awe of my co-learners, and so grateful for their focus and honesty and good humor throughout our three days together. I look forward to hearing about the remarkable groups they will surely form in their communities!

And I am so grateful to my support system at home- my sweet husband who encouraged me to follow this dream, his parents who were so willing to help care for our children while I was away, and a group of very special moms in my life who have been inspiring and challenging me for the past year. Brought together by Hannah, our conversations center around the ways we nourish our bodies, but our talks always expand to shine new light on many of the issues we face as women. With the help of these remarkable women, I have built tremendous confidence, learned the value of self-care, and developed a greater sense of my purpose. I am excited to step onto a new path, to begin supporting Rhode Island families who want to slow down and find joyful moments, and as I take these first steps, I am deeply held by the love and support of those around me.