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Thanksgiving in the Mountains

Posted by Carolyn on December 1, 2015 2 Comments
Thanksgiving in the Mountains

First of all, please excuse how quiet andthenthey has been.  I had grand plans to write a few blogs while we were away for Thanksgiving, but I dropped my phone in the toilet right when we got to our house.  It spent the whole weekend in a big bowl of rice, and thankfully has made an almost full recovery.

Anyway, we had a wonderful weekend up at Sunriver for Thanksgiving with my Dad and Step-Mom and her brother and family.  We went up to the mountains on Wednesday, and drove on packed snow from before Willamette Pass all the way to Sunriver.  I’ve never seen that much snow, for so long.  Luckily, we got to do the drive during the day, so it was sunny and clear.

We got to the house in time to play in the snow a little bit before dark.  Alma loved it and would have stayed outside longer, despite her cold, wet fingers and legs.  The promise of the big bathtub was the only thing that could lure her inside.

andthenthey sunriver 01The next morning, Thanksgiving, we went to visit our great friends, the Gosses, in their new home in Bend.  It was another snowy, beautiful drive.  It was fun to finally get to see their house, and to get to see them!

The rest of Thanksgiving was spent playing in the snow, cooking dinner, and eating.  I made the turkey this year, and everyone added something to the table.  It was wonderful.

andthenthey sunriver 02 andthenthey sunriver 03 andthenthey sunriver 04On Friday we braved the below freezing temperatures and went to the High Desert Museum.  I love this place so much.  It holds so many memories of my childhood.  The otters (who weren’t on display), the indoor scenes of the West, the old settler’s cabin and sawmill.  It’s all there, all the same, and all incredible.  I loved sharing it with the girls.  Plus, it was amazingly beautiful in the snow.

Alma took this photo of me and Jesse.

andthenthey sunriver 05 andthenthey sunriver 06 andthenthey sunriver 07 andthenthey sunriver 08We went back to the house to watch the Civil War and learn how to knit. Harriet has such a sweet relationship with my dad.  He’s certainly one of her favorite people.  I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.

andthenthey sunriver 09 andthenthey sunriver 10Then, we tried to go to the tree lighting.  It was just too cold, and we left before Santa got there and the lights were turned on.  It was still fun, and Alma got to talk to Rudolph and Frosty.  Here’s my favorite exchange:

Alma:  Rudolph, I saw your friends being mean to you!
Rudolph: *nod*
Alma:  Do they let you play with them now?
Rudolph: *nod*

It was sweet to see her so concerned for Rudolph.  She has a sweet heart in her, that’s for sure.

andthenthey sunriver 11

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Posted in: ate., gave thanks., nature | Tagged: autumn, children, holidays, Oregon, Parenting, snow, sunriver, thanksgiving

A Day In The Life – November 11, 2015

Posted by Carolyn on November 12, 2015 Leave a Comment
A Day In The Life - November 11, 2015

8:47 – I want to remember our mornings when we have nowhere to be.  We eat breakfast in the sunroom, run to Starbucks (despite their horribly offensive red holiday cups this year… I kid), the girls watch Sofia the First or Daniel Tiger while I sew.  We are usually so busy that it’s nice to have a special treat of eating in front of the TV.IMG_031710:02 – I want to remember this time with Harriet.  I totally hate this age when she has so much to say, but she doesn’t have the words to say it.  This moment, she had something terrible to tell me about this ball, but I just couldn’t figure out what she was saying.  Then she spent my entire shower yelling at me to help her find her backpack (that ended up being on the floor in the hallway…).  She is whiny and screechy.  I’m not sure why I want to remember all of this, but I get the feeling it will be funny to look back at it all.  Right? IMG_0330 10:48 – I want to remember how difficult the girls are in the car these days.  They always want what the other one has.  You can tell by how firmly Alma is holding Hodor and Bear.  Obviously, Harriet was whining and screeching about wanting just those things.  Driving is frustrating these days, but maybe in the future, I’ll miss it.  Maybe they won’t need me or want anything to do with me or their cute little toys.  Maybe…?IMG_0336 10:57 – I want to remember their wonder (and their happiness at being out of the car).  Right here Alma said, “I don’t want to smell the flowers because of allergies.”  The she smelled the flowers.  She doesn’t have allergies, by the way.IMG_033811:03 – I want to remember all the beauty of Autumn.  Snowberries are a favorite, and it was fun to be able to share them with the girls.  We also call most wild berries ‘bird berries’ because I want the girls to know not to eat them – they are only good for birds.  So far, this has worked to keep them from eating random poison berries. IMG_0339 11:05 – I want to remember how Alma asked literally every person on the sidewalk from our car, past a dorm, to the museum the same question: “Do you go to college?”  Everyone chuckled and answered that yes, they were going to college.  It was sweet, and I loved it because it’s helping to plant the seed that college is something that she should do.IMG_0344 11:17 – I want to remember these sweet friends.  I love that our kids won’t remember a time that these kids weren’t in their lives.  Since it was a holiday, a lot of my friends (and their kids) had the day off of work and school, so we made plans to meet at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History.  I’d never taken the kids there, so it was especially fun.  Not to mention the cool backpacks that each kid got to wear.  And the fact that Harriet’s was almost bigger than she is.IMG_035012:03 – I want to remember how these kids were curious, engaged, interested, and awesome.   The museum is set up so well, and our kids did a great job exploring.IMG_037212:05 – I want to remember how this girl tries (and succeeds) to keep up with the big kids.  She’s difficult these days, but watching her learn and grow is a joy, truly. IMG_0378 12:30 – I want to remember how big these kids seem to me.  I know I will look back at this day and think that they look so tiny, but right now I want to remember how big they seem.IMG_038012:32 – I want to remember these friendships.   IMG_038412:48 – I want to remember how we got lunch at one of the dorms, and ate outside.  I’d like to forget how crazy it was trying to wrangle two girls (plus the others), pick out food for us, order it, pay for it, and not lose either kid.  But I want to remember how, as we were leaving the food court, Jane said, “And as they leave, they throw condoms to the audience.”  I’m sure watching all of us with our kids was enough to inspire abstinence in at least a few of the college students. IMG_0387 1:07 – I want to remember how Harriet pouts.  It’s adorable and sad and pathetic.  This was a particularly lovely pout.  It was actually nice because I knew where she was as I got Alma into her carseat.  After this, she didn’t want to get in the car, so I called her bluff and said “Bye!” and got in my seat – she jumped right up with a big smile and got into her carseat with no problem.  One point for me!IMG_0393 3:49 – I want to remember how Alma likes to take my camera and take photos.  This one worked out because it’s nice to have photos of me in these posts, since I’m the one usually taking the photos.  I also want to remember how busy I’ve been getting some Christmas things ready.IMG_0417 4:41 – I want to remember how, whenever Rory comes over, it becomes a dress-up party.  They change and play and run and dance.IMG_04494:45 – I want to remember how Harriet says Sofia: Yii-a.  I want to remember how Harriet says unicorn: Coa.  I want to remember how Harriet says Alma: Malma.   IMG_0457 4:53 – I want to remember Poppy’s sweet red curls and how much Alma loves her.  She’s funny and happy.  Having friends over is Alma’s favorite thing, and to be honest, we all love it, too. IMG_0460 4:57 – I want to remember these three.  Right now they’re the big kids (Poppy will catch up soon) and they are the best.  I want to remember the way Harriet still sucks on her fingers and rubs her eyelashes.  I want to remember Alma’s dramatic flair (look at those pinkies!). IMG_0471I want to remember how I forgot to take any more photos because we were just having a good time with our friends, getting pizza, eating pizza, talking about god and God, and Heaven and heaven.  Sometimes it’s better to just put the camera down and live and remember.

Other Days In The Life:
May 12, 2015
September 9, 2015

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Posted in: a little moment, day in the life, learned., nature, one little word, parented. | Tagged: day in the life, family, gratitude, Oregon, Parenting

October Camping… err, “camping”

Posted by Carolyn on October 21, 2015 Leave a Comment
October Camping...  err, "camping"

Last Christmas, Alma’s gift from my mom and step-dad was a camping trip with her cousin Liam and their dads.  They decided to go to Silver Fall State Park.  Of course, it turned out to be the first rainy weekend in months.  They went anyway, and decided to play the camping part by ear.

andthenthey camping 1When they got to the park, it was sunny and warm.  They hiked around the waterfalls, in the woods, and had lots of fun.  They had a picnic lunch in the lodge and hiked some more.  andthenthey camping 2 andthenthey camping 3Alma and Liam are just a few months apart in age, so it was fun for them to get to spend so much time together.  andthenthey camping 4One of the stories they came home with was from the caves.  Alma said to Liam, “Will you protect me?” and Liam replied, “I AM SCARED.”  andthenthey camping 5 andthenthey camping 6 Alma has been looking forward to her camping trip for months.  She would tell me, “I’m going camping with Grams and Grandpa.  You are not coming.  Harriet is not coming.  Daddy is coming.”  She was very clear about this.  There was no way I was going to sneak into the car.andthenthey camping 7 Of course, the rain showed up.  They embraced the water and got soaked.  At this point, it didn’t matter if the rain was falling, or the creek was splashing.  It was warm enough that it was still fun.andthenthey camping 8 andthenthey camping 9It was so wet, though, that everyone decided to head home.  They realized they would have just spent the whole night in their tents as a fire would have been impossible and everything would be too wet to sit on.  I don’t think Alma was too disappointed.  They got to do all the fun things of camping without sleeping on the wet ground. andthenthey camping 9aI can’t wait for this to be an annual tradition.  Maybe next year Grams and Grandpa will take Alma and Liam without their parents… maybe they’ll take Harriet, too!

The photos in this post were all taken by Jesse.  He did a great job, didn’t he?

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Posted in: gave thanks., gratitude, learned., nature, parented., story telling, travel | Tagged: adventure, alma, camping, kids, nature, Oregon, Parenting, photography, travel

My Favorite Autumn Songs

Posted by Carolyn on October 7, 2015 2 Comments

Music is important.  It is the food of love, the breath of life, everything.

When I sit down to write, I do one of two things:  Turn on Pandora and listen to the Nickel Creek/ Sara Bareilles station, or open YouTube and go to Megan’s version of “Manhattan.”  The second option is sort of difficult, because I have to pay attention to go back to the YouTube tab and go back to the beginning before Megan says, “Hi everyone!  Thank you so much for tuning in and watching that…” but I can make it work.

I have already written about this song, but it has certainly turned into my Autumn Theme Song 2015.  It’s just so beautiful.  Here it is again:

Thinking about how this song has become a theme song made me think back to Autumns past.

Last year I was all about Peter Mulvey and Vlad.  This video always gets me.  I first listened to it in my car, last October.  I clearly remember driving around Eugene, looking at the beautiful changing leaves.  I felt the beauty of our Earth very clearly in that moment.   The way that Vlad explains our culture so simply makes my heart ache.  Autumn is such a good time to hear this message of mortality, and connections, and love.

Please watch:

A few years ago, I was taking a class from Kal about being bulletproof and creative.  It was the same time I was teaching art in a middle school.  This song came into my life and the power of the music and lyrics (from a poem by James Baldwin) moved me.

I don’t know, sister,
what I’m saying,
nor do no man,
if he don’t be praying.
I know that love’s the only answer
and the tight-rope lover
the only dancer.

When the lover come off the rope today,
the net which holds him is how we pray,
and not to God’s unknown,
but to each other–:
the falling mortal is our brother!

If I ever have a song stuck in my head, I use this song to get it out.  I just sing it to myself until it’s in my head.  It’s just such a beautiful piece.

Here you go:

The last song I’ll share here is one of my all time favorite Autumn songs.  It just feels like Autumn.  The mandolin, the imagery, Laura’s rich voice.  It doesn’t feel like Autumn has really arrived until I’ve listened to Laura Kemp sing “Hannah Branch.”

“This is the time the apples lie rotten on the ground, this is the time the supper sees the sun start goin’ down.”

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Posted in: gave thanks., story telling | Tagged: art, autumn, create, music, Oregon

Playgroup Pumpkins

Posted by Carolyn on October 5, 2015 6 Comments

Our Fourth Annual Pumpkin Patch Playgroup.  I could write a lot about this, but I’d basically just say the same thing I’ve said before (here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and here).  I won’t put you, the reader, through that again.  I’ll just say that I love raising my kids with these people.

Before I post the photos from this year, let’s take a little trip down memory lane, shall we?

2012:  So many Ergos, so few people.  This was one of our first organized outings.  We have grown in families and children.  Most kids weren’t walking yet.  Leia and I were almost pregnant, but this was it!  Seven kids in this photo!

andthenthey pumpkin 2012 2013:  Quite a bit bigger.  A few pregnant moms, two new babies, eleven kids.  andthenthey pumpkin 20132014:  Even more!  More families, more babies, more pregnant moms!  Just more! Fifteen kids (I think!) andthenthey pumpkin 20142015:  Wow!  So many kids!  So many people!  No pregnant women (as far as I know!) Nineteen kids! andthenthey pumpkin playgroup2Today was one for the books.  We were planning on going to our usual, traditional farm.  Someone (Jane I think) checked their website and saw that they didn’t open until noon.  We were all on Facebook discussing what to do.  My family was already in the car, ready to go, so I suggested a change of venue (after changes of time and other ideas had been thrown out there).  Everyone agreed and spread the word.  It might not sound impressive, but it was quite amazing to watch 10 moms discuss and agree and mobilize all within about three minutes.  I told you this playgroup was special.  I love these people.

andthenthey pumpkin playgroup1 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup3 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup6 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup5 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup4 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup7 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup8 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup9 andthenthey pumpkin playgroup9a andthenthey pumpkin playgroup9bHayride, pumpkin picking, corn mazing, fun, fun, fun.  It was an oddly beautiful day.  I love these sunny, crisp days, but I have to admit, I’m getting anxious for the rain to come (and stay for a while).  Call me crazy!

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Posted in: a little moment, gave thanks., gratitude, holidays, parented., playgroup, story telling, STRONG | Tagged: autumn, children, gratitude, kids, Oregon, Parenting, photography, playgroup, pumpkin patch

Seen In Eugene

Posted by Carolyn on October 2, 2015 Leave a Comment

andthenthey seen in eugene1Tonight I went to an art show where two of my photographs are displayed.

andthenthey seen in eugene2 I think it’s pretty cool.  I submitted a few photos with #seenineugene to be considered for a month long exhibit.  Two of my photos were chosen to be displayed, as well as to be in a photo book.  The proceeds of the sale of prints and books go to a local art nonprofit.  andthenthey seen in eugene3 We went do to the new Barn Light were they have the photos displayed with our friends.  The kids ran around and played. andthenthey seen in eugene4I especially like the photos they chose because both my daughters are involved.  There’s the photo of Harriet and Elsa playing in Elsa’s playhouse: andthenthey seen in eugene5And one of Alma sitting at Humble Bagel.  When Alma saw this photo hanging on the wall, she was pretty excited.  She recognized herself right away.  andthenthey seen in eugene6I know this doesn’t make me a successful professional photographer, but it sure makes me feel like one.  I never thought that I would have my photographs on display, with a real exhibit opening night.

If you want to see my photos, along with 98 other great photos, head down to the Barn Light East, grab a cup of coffee, check them out, and maybe even buy a print or one of the photo books.  You can even say you know one of the artists!

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Posted in: created., photography | Tagged: art, children, Daughters, kids, Oregon, Parenting, photography, seen in eugene

Apple Picking, Autumn 2015

Posted by Carolyn on September 15, 2015 Leave a Comment

One of our play group’s annual traditions is to go apple picking in September.  We go to my favorite orchards and spend the morning picking apples, playing with the farm stuff, tasting cider, feeding the goats, and welcoming Autumn.

Untitled1As is evidenced by this gif, this year was fun. Thanks Hannah (from The Lighthearted Life of HMV) for being so lighthearted and fun!

andthenthey apple pickingwalkersThis year was also warmer than it should have been if you ask me. Last year was sort of drizzly and that was much more Autumnal.  I love this event because it assures us that Autumn is, in fact, coming.  Even when it’s 80 degrees and the day before was over 90, the apples on the trees are a promise of cooler weather, and darker skies.  And nothing beats biting into a crisp, juicy apple picked directly off a tree in a century old orchard.  I can pretend that there’s a crisp breeze blowing down the rows of trees, if only for a moment.

andthenthey apple picking runningMy camera was doing strange things, and it turns out that the only photos that were in focus (or mostly in focus, anyway) were of Alma, Harriet, Rory, and Poppy.  I swear that there were lots of other people there!  In fact, I think it was one of the best turn outs we’ve had at a playgroup lately – nine out of the ten families!  As I’ve said many times before, I love our little tribe of families in this group, and all our traditions.  Next month is our 4th Annual Pumpkin Patch trip, a perennial favorite!

andthenthey apple picking groupandthenthey apple picking ro andthenthey apple picking a and p andthenthey apple picking hay maze andthenthey apple picking cratesThis last photo cracks me up.  “Ummm… mom, why are you putting us in boxes?”

Forgive me, children, Autumn is coming.  I can make no excuses for my silly ideas.  You will just have to get used to it.

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Posted in: ate., gave thanks., meal planning, parented., playgroup | Tagged: apple picking, autumn, children, kids, Oregon, Parenting, photography, playgroup, tradition

New Summer Dresses for the Girls

Posted by Carolyn on September 1, 2015 Leave a Comment

This is funny! I thought one of the things on my Summer 2015 To Do List was to make new summer dresses for the girls.  I just checked that list and my 35 Things to do Before I turn 35 list, and it’s not on either!  Oh well!

So…. Guess what!  I made new summer dresses for the girls for no reason other than the fact that I love doing it, and they are adorable.

AndThenThey Sundresses1

And it was a reason to buy this fabric I have been coveting for months and years and decades.  I absolutely love Sarah Jane Studios and we have a couple of her prints in the girls’ rooms.  I also used some of her fabric in Alma’s quilt.

This is a ‘pattern’ that I made up last summer for Alma’s lion dress.  It’s a really fun, simple dress to make.  I’ve even helped a couple friends make them for their daughters this summer.  I’m toying with a few ideas about how I could get this pattern out to a broader audience.  Maybe a workshop for local sewists, or trying to figure out how to get a pdf pattern put together for download.

AndThenThey Sundresses2Anyhow, I used two different lines of fabric for the dresses.  I made Harriet’s using fabric in the same design of a print in her bedroom.  The kids on parade are so sweet, and Harriet loves, loves, loves balloons.

AndThenThey Sundresses5We spent the afternoon at the University of Oregon art museum, and I took advantage of the backdrops and lighting to get some photos of the girls in their dresses.

AndThenThey Sundresses4 This was post-naptime, so Harriet’s dress is a little wrinkled.  But that’s life when you’re always on a parade, right?AndThenThey Sundresses3 AndThenThey Sundresses6The museum has an amazing program where the kids can pick up backpacks full of activities for the kids.  They are mostly above our kids’ heads, but it’s fun to go through them and see what we can talk about.

AndThenThey Sundresses9aEach backpack has colored pencils and paper, so aspiring artists can copy the art, or draw what they see.  It’s sweet to see what other museum goers have drawn in the past.  They also each have magnifying glasses which are always a hit.

AndThenThey Sundresses9The backpacks have themes to them.  Alma picked one up and the Asian art they have at the museum.  She found some little figurines and coins in a bottle.

AndThenThey Sundresses8We love going to the museum anyway, but the backpacks make our visits even more fun.  I hope they keep these backpacks so we can watch how our kids grow and change during our museum visits!

AndThenThey Sundresses7

 

 

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Posted in: a little moment, art, created., learned., photography, sewing, sewing for my daughters | Tagged: art, art museum, creating, jordan schnitzer, new dresses, Oregon, Parenting, sewing, sewing for my daughters, summer, summertime

Country Fair – Check that off the Summer to do list!

Posted by Carolyn on July 12, 2015 2 Comments

b20150712_114342 I put this on my summer bucket list because I know – from past summers – that if we don’t plan for this, it passes us by.   When Fair weekend comes, it’s easy to just say it’s too hot or too expensive or too dirty or too something.  I knew that if it was on our to do list, we’d make it to the Country Fair.  This was also on my 35 Things To Do Before I Turn 35 list. b20150712_114750 We went with our friends the Henrys and it was a lot of fun!  The kids were a great age for just wandering, exploring, and eating our way through the Fair. b20150712_115059 This rainbow thing was a favorite for the kids.  While we were playing here, it started raining.  I should take a moment to mention how lucky we got with the weather.  It was mild, cloudy, warm, and a little rainy.  Perfect.b20150712_121208 Alma’s not looking, but I had to post this to prove that I was there, too.b20150712_122515I love how all the kids were accidentally color coordinated.  It made it easy to locate them as they wandered down the paths. b20150712_122939This fairy world was another favorite for all the kids.  I so totally want to make something like this!  It was amazing. b20150712_124320Our kids did a super job walking most of the time, but they also enjoyed a wide variety of methods of being carried. b20150712_130555There was a quick moment when we lost Finley and Cedar.  Obviously, they were dancing with giant wolves.  Duh. b20150712_133333The aftermath.  Cute, hot, tired, dirty babies.  So glad we went to the Country Fair this year.  It’s an experience that I am happy to share with family friends. b20150712_144759I’ve been updating our summer to do list.  You can check out the updates here!

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Posted in: parented. | Tagged: bucket list, country fair, Oregon, summer to do

Doing, Trying, Beginning. Peter Hollens Told Me To.

Posted by Carolyn on June 15, 2015 2 Comments

Today, Peter Hollens addressed the University of Oregon graduates as the keynote speaker at their commencement ceremony.  First of all, how cool is that!?, second of all, he had some amazing things to say.

Just begin.  Try.  If you don’t try, you will automatically fail.  And what’s worse, you will learn nothing.  Most people think something to death.  Yes, it’s good to dream it, but then do it… I encourage you to experiment and follow your most passionate instincts.  Screw that; I demand it.  You aren’t here on Earth to just go through the motions.  If you love doing something, go after it.  And go after it with every part of your being.

– Peter Hollens

 June 15, 2015

Peter Hollens UO Commencement
Photo from Peter’s Instagram Account (click photo for link)

What sparks joy in my life?  What are my most passionate instincts?  Where will my dreams lead me?

I love sewing.  Creating something out of nothing is exhilarating.  Using something I’ve made is exhilarating.  Seeing my daughters wear the dresses I’ve made them is exhilarating.

I love writing.  I love sitting down, putting music on, and writing.  Organizing my thoughts into words and sentences and paragraphs is exhilarating.  Sharing those words on this blog is exhilarating.  Knowing that people read them is exhilarating.

When I think about the whole end goal of having a super successful brand, it’s paralyzing.  So I stop.  I get caught up in having a schedule for my blog posts.  I get caught up in trying to make things to put on CaroMade.  I don’t feel the passion anymore, so I stop.

This is the problem for me.  Where do I find the bridge that connects my desire to create, to actually committing to sitting down and creating?  I’ve tried planners, I’ve tried setting aside time.  I read about how everyone else does it – wake up early, stay up late, use this planner, use that app.  “You don’t have to be the best, you just have to work the hardest,” was (and I might not have gotten it exactly right) another thing that Peter said today.

Comparing myself to everyone else won’t help.  Looking at other people’s success might inspire, but it won’t help.  The only thing that could help would be trying.  Learning. Beginning.  Doing.

So, instead of constantly writing about it (or reading about others), and feeling bad when I don’t get to the blog for a few days, I’m going to just go do it.  I’ll check in here when I can, but I’m going to take the pressure out of the situation, making more room for the passion.  And I’ll go after it with every part of my being, like Peter demands.

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Posted in: CaroMade, created., learned., writing | Tagged: creating, doing, dreams, Oregon, peter hollens
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If God said, ‘Rumi pay homage to everything that has helped you enter my arms,’ there would not be one experience of my life, not one thought, not one feeling, nor any act, I would not bow to. -Rumi

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