(photo by Ben – Local Wheat Cranberry Pecan Bread from Thanksgiving – yum)

I am excited to continue with the Ten Steps posts, really I am.  I even started on a post for steps four and five, but I stopped because I wasn’t feeling as inspired as it warrants.  Plus, it’s good to take a breather, and let those first three sink in a bit I think – they’re big ones!  We’ve had a long, tough month here.  Sometimes everything seems to need extra time and attention all at once, and no matter how we try, everything feels like it’s getting neglected – family life, the bakery, the farm, the animals, the grain CSA, our preparations for winter (how, exactly, are we going to get gallons and gallons of water out to the back paddock each day?).  So.  We are trying to do our best, and trying, also to take time each day to slow down and be present with each other.  Trying to remember this Yoga Sutra, which is on our refrigerator door (where hopefully I’m reminded of it often), “When harassed by doubt, cultivate the opposite mental attitude.”

Meaning: the grains will all get cleaned and distributed, as fast as we can.  Meaning: Just because Ella is cranky today, don’t panic, it will pass (especially if I don’t panic).  Meaning: we will make as many breads and pastries at the bakery as we can do well, and our customers will be glad for our skill and care.

A few things that have been making me smile these past days:

Some barley, freshly hulled (some compensation for those hours spent in the freezing cold Granary)

(photo by Ben)

This painting of Ella’s. She did it before bed one night, and the next morning, when she spotted it at breakfast, she leapt out of her chair, saying, “Mama!  Let me tell you about my painting.  It’s a baguette.” (said slowly and with great emphasis and pride).

New yarn for Christmas gifts for some of the wee ones in my life – Ella helped me choose the colors.  I love the berry-colored one so much, I may have to make something for myself with it.

On Thanksgiving Day, Ella found these cookie cutters in the kitchen and said, “Look!  They’re bakers!  Patty cake patty cake baker man . . .”  So we used some of the pie crust trimmings to make her some “bakers.”

And I’m getting excited for St. Nick’s Day, and Advent, and the whole holiday season, which I’m excited about making a season this year.  I’ve got some plans, inspired by Heather and Grace and Amanda.  Beware, these posts may induce holiday crafting.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you!