Winter is on it's way....seasonal depression.

My favorite trees are losing their leaves. You know what that means? Winter is on it's way people. At the end of every gorgeous summer in Alaska, I have a mini pity party for myself. Its a season of great beauty here, yellows and reds and sage greens and greys of many colors. The weather is cool and refreshing and the skies are usually quite clear. But alas, it signifies the coming cold and the seemingly endless winter. Don't get me wrong, winter is amazing and we Alaskans have fun times in the winter. It's the time of sledding, skiing, snow-machining, and more. It's also a return to the darkness. The darkness is a treat in the beginning. Unless you live in the far north you may not know what it is like to spend an entire summer without stars, and sunsets. The summer sun is amazing, the amount of things you can accomplish in the summer months is astounding. But this leaves you feeling a little tire, and worn out. Maybe that is why the end of summer depression hits me so hard. To much to do, to little time all summer! Run, run, run,go, go, go! Autumn hits and I crash. Looking forward to the end of my pity party and the return of the snow.

Felted Wool Mittens

These mittens are most wonderful mittens I've ever used in my life. I think every Alaskan or cold weather loving person ought to have a pair. I bought 5 pairs of them a couple of winters ago at a craft bazaar and have been an addict ever since. If you like to craft it's pretty easy to make a pair yourself. I've made them for all of my family and some friends too! Just head to the thrift store or your closet and find yourself an old 100% wool sweater. Wash and dry on hot to felt the wool and visit this site for several different options on patterns to follow. Super easy, and super warm. You can modify the patterns to fit your children and husband too! If you don't want to make your own I can make you a pair for just $20. Just let me know you want a pair!

A Dream is Born

Picture this, a 7 year girl, long blond hair, wide blue eyes sitting in the corner of a lamp lit living room, half curious, half bored and full of wonder. Everyone around her is quiet and their attention is not on her, which is quite unusual for her. Instead the focus of everyone in the room is on a hugely pregnant woman on the hide-a-bed, this woman is the little girls favorite Aunt. You see, this is a day the girl has eagerly awaited, months of laying next to her loving Aunt and watched her belly grow, talking to the belly and feeling the baby move. Eventually the boredom the girl feels turns to excitement as several women (strangers to the girl) gather around her Auntie, there is moaning and a new life emerges into the room. Everyone is excited, especially the girl. The year 1981, the girl is me and the birth the inspiration for a lifelong dream of mine to "catch" babies.

(Maggie and cousin Christopher)


I didn't really understand who the women were, I don't recall the actual moment of birth. What I do remember is my Auntie working really hard, the excitement to see my baby cousin and my Uncle in the tub with my cousin, Christopher, after the fact. My memory is a beautiful one, one I suppose if you are a parent or Auntie and are considering having children present at your birth, should definitely inspire you to do so. I was born at home myself in 1975 with the assistance of a naturopathic doctor. So I understood that birth does happen at home, in fact I thought it odd that people had such weird reactions to me telling them I was born at home. For some reason though, I thought that only Dr.'s could accompany the birthing woman. I had forgotten about the midwives gathered around my Auntie. All I really knew was I wanted to become a "baby catcher". Throughout my childhood I also had other dreams, fire-woman, archeologist, nurse, banker, teacher and mom. I have already achieved the mom and teacher roles.

13 years after witnessing my cousins birth and pregnant with my first child I planned my own home-birth. While looking for a naturopathic dr. I discovered a whole new option, a midwife! I knew upon meeting my first midwives Suzie and Marge at Seattle Home Maternity Services that I was in the right place with the perfect people. At that time, I really began to feel the desire or call to midwifery. When I was pregnant with my second child, my midwives, Paula and Charlotte encouraged me to follow that calling. I had no idea that it would be another almost 15 years, 3 states and 3 sons before I would have the opportunity to do so.

(Midwife Paula and my 2nd born)


I finally knew it was time,this summer when God spoke to me through a couple of different prophetic words I was given and spoke directly to my heart. I then asked several people to pray for me to be able to finance the tuition and for wisdom. God has already provided through family and friends enough to begin my course and purchase my first set of textbooks. I signed up for the Via Vita Midwifery Foundation's course about 2 weeks ago and have already received my books. I am really enjoying the history of midwifery and plan to blog about what I am learning. I'm so excited to share what I learn with the rest of the world via my blog. Continued prayers for finances and also for the Lord to provide me with a midwife to apprentice and function as my preceptor. Also for my priorities. I am so excited to be doing this, but I want to make sure the studying balances out with the other things I need to do as well. I tend to get tunnel vision.