Today I would like to introduce you to one of my lovely May sponsors Jennifer of Two Little Dragons.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was a professional Ballet dancer for 16 years and retired shortly after my first son was born. Motherhood changed me in a way I wasn't quite expecting and found myself wanting to be there for my children rather than out performing for others. I am now a home schooling, work at home Mom to two crazy little boys. I love to create, doesn't matter whether it is a new recipe at dinner, a bark boat for the boys, or a new little creation for the store, I need to have an outlet. I knit, sew, cook, and write. I also am very active and need to move so I run, hike, ski, snowshoe, pretty much if it gets me moving and is outdoors I will try it!
When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging in August of 2011. I had resisted for so long because it was trendy to blog and I didn't want people to think I was doing it just to follow the crowd. However, I realized that it was a way for me to document this journey I am on. A way to capture moments of an otherwise ordinary day. I also wanted a way to look back at what we have done, how we have grown, what I have learned. I have always loved writing. I have things writen all over, in cookbooks, phone books, old magazines. I figuered it was time to gather it together and keep it in one place. Also, I find lots of inspiration and support from bloggers, and I thought that maybe something I shared would help someone else.
Your Etsy store, Two Little Dragons, is full of beautiful felted creations, what inspires these creations?
I take inspiration from the stories I tell my children. I love to watch and see how they connect with a story, how it is different between the two boys and how it is different as they get older, the things they relate to and the things they identify with. My children love to watch a story come to life. Using puppets and dolls makes it more magical somehow and I love to see that in their faces. A perfect example was this winter when I made a King Winter doll to tell stories with and to use as display on our Nature table. I put him out before I went to bed and when the boys woke up in the morning, their faces when they saw him, made all the nights working on him worth it. To spark that joy and imagination in children is why I do this.
What living person do you admire the most?
Wow, tough question. I will have to get back to you on this.
Do you have a favourite spot in your home?
Yes. We have an old rocking chair that sits by our big windows in the living room. I sit there and knit. My Grandmother used to have the same chair and she too, would sit and knit in it. My Mother was visiting recently and said it reminded her of her Mom to watch me sitting there. I never got to meet my Grandmother but somehow I feel connected to her there in that chair.
What are you currently reading?
You mean besides “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile”? I am currently reading “The Write Start” by Jennifer Hallissy as well as a few books to get ready for next year's homeschooling.
What are you currently creating?
I am working on a few Forest figures. We spend a lot of time in the forest and I am currently inspried to create some of the little creatures that live in those tiny spaces that are tucked in behind the trees and rocks.
What is at the top of your dream list?
I want to buy an old farm house on a bit of land and fix it all up. Really make it ours. I want a few sheep, a cow and a few chickens.
What is your favourite way to relax and take care of yourself?
I am not so good at taking care of myself sometimes, but I find I am so much better mentally when I can go for walk outside by myself. Even if it is just a short little trip around the neighborhood, something about being able to take a deep breath and let it all go makes me feel so much better.
You have a free day, no plans, what do you do with it?
What is this free day you speak of??? Just kidding, but in all seriousness, I would spend it with my family just hanging out, maybe go out for a hike or a bike ride or something. I need very little time to myself, and being able to be with them, without errnads or commitments would be bliss.
Would you like to share your favourite quote?
I have many, but currently I like John Lennon's
“I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?”
The one thing every week you look forward to is...
Our weekly nature walk with good friends. To watch children in nature and to be truly comfortable in it is magical. To know that my children have a place on this Earth that they know, really know and connect with is something I am so grateful for.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share a little bit about yourself with us. It was wonderful getting to know you a little better Jennifer.You can connect with Jennifer a few ways:
Her blog Dark Blue Dragon
Her Etsy Shop
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Jennifer is generously offering Mothering with Mindfulness readers
a 10% discount on all orders from Two Little Dragons
with the code MINDFULNESS until June 1, 2012.
what a cute shop!
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