Hiatus

Hi there!  It's me.....  You know.........me.  It's been a while but, come on. 

Awkward pause.

You know, ME!  Mama bear, in love with her cubs & Papa bear. Designer of itty bitty dresses, salt air addict, writer, lives for morning coffee, dreamer of coastal living.  Ring any bells?  Yeah, you got it.  That's me!

 Phew.  You had me worried for  a second.

I wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten about this blog.  Far from it actually.  I just need to prioritize and take a step back from this.  Not sure for how long. 

What will I be doing, you ask?  Well, I will be sewing like mad,  getting ready for craft fair / holiday season.  I am sewing pinafores, peasant dresses, making necklaces for Mamas and little ones.  (Or Aunties, Grandmas, Sisters.....I don't discriminate.)  I am thinking of doing some inspirational quote plaques too.   I will be giving my Etsy shop, My Sweet Marmalade more love.

After that,  I plan to focus on some writing projects that have been burning a hole in head for a while now.  You haven't read the last of my works.  There are some exciting projects I want to work on next year!

I also have the little tribe that keeps me hoppin'.  Boy, do they ever these days!

So basically, just sticking to the "plan" and following my bliss.

Thanks for reading and supporting me thus far.

Don't ever hesitated to email me at mysweetmarmalade@yahoo.com.  Check out what I am pinning on Pinterest, or follow me on twitter @SewWriteOnMama.  Oh, and don't forget good ole FaceBook.

I will miss this place,  but it is time for me to go......................

"There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars. "  - Jack Keroac

xoxo

Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet,
Mama Nic

Don't Mess with Mama Bear!

The love I feel for my kids is something fierce.  With three kids, this fierceness has grown exponentially. 

My tattoo was originally inspired by Susan Seddon Boulet's work of art called "Bear Women with Dream Child." 

I loved the idea of a bear holding a human child and knew I had to adapt this image into something that was unique for me.  The "don't mess with me, Mama Bear" lovingly carrying  this human baby spoke to my heart.  I love the illumination of that picture, but I knew this was only the seed of an idea that would slowly over a year of thought, grow into a personal expression......my tattoo.

There is a Greek goddess Artemis who is a huntress.  Her name means bear.  I wanted this reminder of power with me throughout my journey in life.  I love the messages from the Wizard of Oz, (which is one of my fav all time movies!) which conveys that you have always had the power!

I realize that some of these pictures are not the greatest, but they were taken by Marmalade!  She loves to be my assistant.   One day I will have some professional pictures taken to give justice to this art.

Imagery of a bear has many important meanings for me.  For one, the image of a bear helps to awaken our potential.  The image of a bear is a reminder not to let your creative energies lie dormant. 
 

This Mama Bear is searching for what feeds her soul and when found......will chow down!

 Bears also symbolize family unity, safety and protection of children.  The mythological feminine symbol also represents the circle of life, death, and rebirth.  She also  reminds us to go within when it is time.  The Mama Bear guides and protects us on our journey.  Some tribes, I have read  believe that this symbol has the special power of healing.
 

Throughout my entire life I have always had reoccurring nightmares about bears.  You may find this odd that I would finally chose to have a bear on my skin, but I believe in concurring your fears, embracing the experience,  and using it as a lesson for self improvement.  Bears have for some reason been sent to me as a message in my dreams.  After all these years..........I finally understand why.

***If you are interested in reading more about the power of the bear click here.  If you interested in the meaning of bears in your dreams, click here.

The moon in my tattoo represents my beloved husband.   Just as the moon is always there, he is always there for our family and he shines for us,  and guides us when we need him most......in the darkest of times.    See the heart in the moon?  Yup.  That is him.

If you would like to follow my Mama Bear board on Pinterest, click here.

I hope the power of the bear is with you all today and everyday.   Don't forget YOU have always had the power.

Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet, 
Mama Nic (aka Mama Bear)

A Little Love and Inspriation!

Just a quick post to start your day.

Three little golden nuggets to ponder. (you know I like things in threes!)

Be inspired.

Be bold.

Be love.

Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet,
Mama Nic

Fortysix Minutes

"46 Minutes"

We are on vacation,

yet no one told her little teeth to take a break.

Her glossy pink gums being tortured by shiny pearls,

of course made this strawberry haired sweetie,  a crab.

"We are going on a walk!" I declared.

I scoop her up and head out the door.

Walk.  Breathe in.  Slow down.

Easy, breezes flow to a place we long to go.

Sun rays filter through pines,

bathing my unshowered skin.

Salt and sand in my hair.

Don't care.

Crickets, rustling leaves,

CAW, CAW, CAW!

Flip flop flip flop.

Roll, roll, roll.

Tires on pavement spitting sand and pebbles as we stroll.

Polka dotted blanket, 

worn thin from the love of three babes,  placed gently in her chariot,

protecting my little pearl,

comforting this cherub as she is lulled off to slumber,

dreaming of sand-castles,

chasing seagulls,

and my cares away.

My blood runs slower.

The weight is lighter.

All is well in the world,

if only for  a moment.

The house reappears as we round the corner.

I hold this memory in the palm of my hand

like a seashell that is a glorious treasure.

All mine.

Every bit of it.

Mine.

Inspired by a morning with Chica in Cape Cod.  September, 2013 

Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet,
Mama Nic

Welcome to the Shore!

Being at the seashore last week sparked a few poetic feelings.  What a glorious week we had in Cape Cod.  Here is one of the poems that I would like to share.

" Welcome to the Shore"

 

 Welcome to the shore!

Nautical flags fly high, 

welcoming us back like old friends.

The windows go down to let the salty air spill in

intoxicating us with it's magical spell.

For week it is ours, our town by the sea.

Ice cream, lobsters, and gluttony.

Sun kissed skin,

Lapping waves,

and walks by the dunes.

Little hands holding nets,

and our hearts

stronger than the moon's

union to the tide.

Life by the sea.

This is where our family is meant to be.
 

 

Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet

Mama Nic

Everyday Blessings

Every day is a new chance for a magical moment, a smile, laughter, love, silliness, and adventure. 

These are the moments that heal whatever ails me, makes it all worth it, and fill up my cup.

Here are 21 random memories from the past couple of weeks that I am grateful to have had.

Be mindful of your everyday blessings.  

Joy and smiles are contagious, so infect as many people as you can today. This is my challenge for you all.

Breathe in the gratitude. Let go of the negative.  Find joy and peace.  

When you have too many thoughts in your head, too much to do.....keep it simple.  Breathe.  Let it go.  Look around at all the beauty and blessing you have right in front of you. 

Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet,

Mama Nic