The year that I turned 40 I invited five or six of my favorite women to head up north to my parent's cabin with me for a long weekend of self-care. I had not made a habit of refilling my own cup since motherhood began more than a decade before, and I thought a ladies-variation on Deer Camp was finally in order.

If our family could carve out time for Pete's self-care (ala hunting season), I reasoned, why not the same for me?

I envisioned a weekend of staying up late and sleeping in; cross-country skiing and hikes through the woods; glorious food and copious, gluttonous, ridiculous amounts of knitting.

And that was just what transpired. 

Just three of the friends I had invited signed on to join me that first year: my dearest friend from college, my best friend from high school, and my sister. And we couldn't have worked out a better number or a lovelier combination of souls.

As we arrived and unpacked, I realized that these three were the very same women who had gathered with me here some 15 years before – on the day that Pete and I exchanged wedding vows in a small, private ceremony in the woods just up river.

We have history, these ladies and I. They where among the first to hold my babies after they arrived earth-side. They are the mothers of babies that I, too, was lucky to hold when they were still new. They were among the community who showed up at the hospital and stood beside us when Sage was small and life was frightening and our future uncertain. They have known me longer and through more struggles and triumphs than most.

These three are among the women for whom I do my best to show up, year after year, season after season, moment after moment in the ways that they need me most. And each of them are among the friends who do the same for me.

 

That first weekend was just what I had hoped for. And every year since then the four of us have gathered in mid-winter or early spring for a weekend alongside the river. We put our lives on hold, we reconnect, we laugh, we cry, and we exhale.

We refill our own cups after a full and busy season of the things that we do.

 

This weekend was our fourth such gathering. And just as the years before, this one was meaningful, restorative, and deepened my ties yet again to these woman who have shared in some or all of the most pivotal chapters of my life.

Though our lives are so very different, there are countless common threads that weave through us all.  

I'll be the first to admit that it isn't often easy to break away or to make time for ourselves. Refilling our own cups rarely comes first.

But once a year we manage to press the pause button. We load up the car with comfort food, yarn, and skis and take a moment just for ourselves.

I am so grateful that we do.

And, indeed, I am grateful for the roles these women have played in my life. 

 

I suspect that life as a small business owner is a bit more complicated than it was back when my Grandma Katie was running the beauty parlor down on Main Street, or when my Grandma Lee was running the cab company in a different small Wisconsin town.

And truly, it's an every-changing landscape! Methods of staying in touch that worked a few years or even months ago no longer serve us. 

And so, as the Facebook and Instagram landscapes change again, (currently my primary methods of staying in touch), I wanted to give you an alternative method to stay connected since you likely won't see much of me on those platforms in the future.

And honestly, I'd hate to lose you – for so many reasons! This blog has become a special place for me to put energy out there into the world. And while blogs aren't as much of a "thing" as they once were, it still feels like a good fit for me to come here and share thoughts and reflections now and again. Indeed, when I bump into some of you out there world (like this weekend!), I know that you have picked up things here that have helped you find a more authentic part of yourself, and I'd love for that to continue. 

 So. With that in mind, here are my ideas to stay in touch with me and the blog:

1. Subscribe to my RSS feed. It's quick and easy and you'll get an email each time I share a new blog post. (This is the very best way to stay in touch!)

2. Join my "CLEAN" Facebook group, the choose "Notifications" and "All Posts". This is a better way to stay in touch that my everyday Facebook page, but either one is better than nothing. (There's even a giveaway for a wellness kit (two EO blends and a chest rub happening over there this week!)

3. On Instagram, click on my @lusa_mama profile, then click the three dots at the top-right of the screen. Choose "Turn on Post Notifications" and you should (fingers crossed!) continue to see what I share. 

And for those who are fans of all things LüSa:

1. Subscribe to our email newsletter. Once each week I send out a coupon code, and offer up freebies of limited edition products. I won't ever spam you or do something silly like sell your name. Scout's honor. 

2. Join my "I love LüSa" Facebook group, the choose "Notifications" and "All Posts". This is a better way to stay in touch that my everyday Facebook page, but either one is better than nothing. (There's a giveaway for a shampoo bar and herbal hair rinse happening there this week!)

3. On Instagram, click on my @lusa_organics profile, then click the three dots at the top-right of the screen. Choose "Turn on Post Notifications" and you should (fingers crossed!) continue to see what I share. 

 

Thanks, friends! I look forward to staying in touch. 

xo,

Rachel

 

 

(Photo by Ray+Kelly Photography)

Sometimes when a year draws to a close I am at a loss to pinpoint the one or two defining moments from the seasons before. 

Not this year.

2017 was the biggest year I can remember since we moved to the farm. So much has unfolded in the past 12 months – some of it difficult, some of it transformational, and – honestly – much of it both.

2017 was a year of endings, and also of beginnings.

In 2017 we took a break (for the moment anyway) from caring for sheep and goats. This ending was a most difficult decision but felt (and continues to feel) so right to all of us.

Just as we had hoped, it opened up space for us to travel as a family (Ireland!), something we have longed for for ages. We're already planning our 2018 trip, something we wouldn't have done without reprioritizing and making space in our lives for what matters now.

Another ending (of a more modern sort) quietly took place last winter when I deleted my personal Facebook account (best. decision. ever.). There were a variety of reasons that I took this action – if you've ever contemplated it yourself you already know the list – and the space that this created has been expansive. It has been a win for me in terms of my time, available energy, creativity, and general anxiety level. This small change allowed me to take on some exciting projects that may not have come to pass had I been distracted by the constant chatter of social media.

One of those projects very much defined the past six months for me. I can't say more except to promise to share more with you just as soon as I can in 2018! Add to that the three herbal retreats that happened this year, including our parent-child summer camp, and it was a full and rewarding year indeed. 

 (Photo by Ray+Kelly Photography)

I also quit drinking this year. Though I have always been a moderate drinker, I've been a habitual one as well. Somehow at 44 I felt like it was time to step into the next, healthier incarnation of myself. To model better choices to my kids. To be kinder to my body. To put my dollars where my priorities are.

It's been a couple of months already and as I have settled into this space, it feels like it was the next logical plateau for me to step onto in the healing journey I've been on for more than a decade.

This ending, letting go of my nightly glass or two of wine, was easier than I ever expected, and has opened so many doors to greater health and happiness. I'm thankful I found the courage to do it, and am so grateful to Pete for joining in and supporting me along the way. 

And, of course, I said a heartbreaking goodbye to my best guy Charlie this past year. I'm not sure what doors have opened on account of this painful ending, except that for the first time in my adult life I'm finding my way through each day without a dog by my side. That feels strangely okay right now, and that nurturing energy is being channeled into other beings that I love.

 (Photo by Ray+Kelly Photography)

In all, 2017 left me feeling optimistic, inspired, and excited for the future, and – yes – more than a little bit exhausted.  

 

Here's to a new chapter beginning in 2018, and the promise that only comes with turning to a fresh page in the calendar. 

 

Love,
Rachel

 

The Solstice elves have been busily making play dough for your little ones this season! (Well, it might have been Lupine…)

Regardless, these magical play doughs are just waiting to be tucked under your holiday tree! You can find all the goodness right this way, in your choice of black Solstice Night, or off-white Snowball, while they last.

Order 2 or more and enjoy $1.50 off with coupon code "WINTERPLAY"! (Order by Sunday, Dec. 10 for holiday delivery.)

UPDATED: Well those went fast! Lupine's play doughs are sold out. Thanks, everyone, for your orders. You made this kid's day!

Lupine says thank you, friends!

Rachel

 

Though our work and life seasons are still racing along at a breakneck speed, we took the weekend to pause and breathe. Here are a few snapshots from the past few days…

There were foods to make for Thanksgiving (a gluten-free persimmon tart by Lupine; raw cranberry relish from Sage, and a hippie version of my grandma's 1970's green jello from me)…

…and kid-run small businesses to attend to. (Sage is offering his fair-trade cocoa mixes again this year and Lupine her play dough at our local Waldorf school Holiday Faire.)

There were herbal remedies to make…

…and gratitude and nourishment to share with family.

Then it was back home again to catch our breath, to rest, and connect. And to simply be in our diverse happy places before hurrying off once more into the week ahead.

And how glad I am for having had this pause during our busiest month! It was nourishing, healing, and oh so needed.

Wishing each of you the same in the coming days, my friends. 

 

P.S. If anyone was interested in adding a little LüSa to their life, we have a special Cyber Monday sale in the works for today and Tuesday only. Details can be found here. It means so much to have you support this little venture of ours. So thank you.  

 

(Winter 2016 box shown. Not representative of the Winter 2017 collection!)

As a certifiable introvert, few things bring me greater contentment than not having to leave the house.

As we drove home from the city yesterday (after spending Thanksgiving with my family) we hurried past packed parking lots at shopping malls and department stores, full of people diving headlong into the Black Friday madness.

And all I could think was: thank goodness. No big box shopping for us.

Because few things require deep breathing in this mama like braving crowds and buying things.

We do our best to keep holiday buying to a minimum. Our celebrations are as simple and as handmade as possible, with the focus on family and experiences more so than stuff. That being said, we do love to share handmade treasures that we pick up from other artisans whenever we can. We do our best to choose items from from small family business, and delight in shopping online (instead of braving the big box stores). Introvert heaven. 

And that brings me to Treasure Box season!

Things have been buzzing at LüSa during this our busiest season, as we dream up and create a new holiday line and a new Winter Treasure Box collection.

Each Treasure Box contains six surprise products made just for you, created just for the season.

And each box sells out in a hurry! We do still have a few Winter Treasure Boxes left. Care to order one for yourself or a gift? The products I created this season are sure to appeal to a wide audience, so give confidently to friends and family if you wish!

They ship out soon, slated for a Winter Solstice arrival in just a few weeks.

Order a Treasure Box now and if you add a note to your order of "generous TB blog bonus" and I'll tuck a special blog-reader only bonus in your Winter collection. (While they last!)

Happy weekending, friends! I'm grateful for each of you, indeed.

Warmly,
Rachel

Ten days ago I decided to quit drinking.

I did so on a bit of a whim but for a variety of reasons, not least of which was my desire to model better choices to my kids. And it felt hard, but right. There was no need to wait for the "perfect time", just a spontaneous decision to jump in with both feet. Boom. 

I also gave up wheat in October (after a bout of eczema that would not quit) and dairy and corn this week as a final nudge toward better health.

All of these decisions came on suddenly and intuitively, and with a perfectly balanced mix of resonance and challenge. And each one is helping me rise up the next level of who I am. 

I'm sharing this today not because I know where I am going or what the next weeks will hold, but simply to say that sometimes we buck up and do the hard thing. We look in the mirror and ask, "What would it take for my life to be better?"

What that means for you and for me will surely be different, but you know what your shadows and anchors are, just as I know mine.

So we find the courage to do the hard thing. We leave a toxic relationship, we make better choices for our health, we quit the job that we always despised, we take a step toward inner peace. Whatever it is that's holding us back, we look it in the eyes and make a choice.

We get up off the couch and take the first steps toward the life we really want – whatever that may mean in our hearts. 

These changes are not magic, but they are illuminating. Self-worth, self-love, self-care – they transform us, even if it's hard. Even if we stumble to find our way.

Today? I am feeling solid, healthy, and strong. And tomorrow is only looking better. 

All because I found the courage to do something hard.

 

Each year I share this project with you in hopes that it inspires a few more families to pick up on my very favorite Thanksgiving tradition. 

It couldn't be more simple. This is one tradition that is last-minute friendly yet meaningful, and so easy to throw together.

And – like everything – it needn't be Pinterest-perfect! No glitter, no spray paint, no fancy calligraphy lettering required. Just a handful of pencils, some scrap paper, and a tree branch from the yard.

Will you join me and give it a go this year? I think you just may discover it's a favorite new holiday tradition.

I didn't intend to write another birthday post, but seeing that I have so many lovely photos to share, here are a few sweet highlights from the day.

Pumpkin, a barn cat that we haven't seen since we left for Ireland in September, returned just in time for a morning birthday snuggle! He was looking as grumpy as ever but unexpectedly fat, making us think he's taken up house with a neighbor somewhere and it getting ample food and love desipte wandering off. (He left again the next day. I guess he just wanted to wish Lupine a happy birthday.)

Then there were phone calls from family and friends, a surprise gift from a far-off pen pal, and vintage and homemade gifts from Pete, Sage, and I: flowers and a hand-carved longbow from Pete (the bow made by a friend), homemade caramels and an ingenious batch of "Hagrid's Treacle Fudge" from Sage (we're on a bit of a Harry Potter kick over here), and a vintage typewriter from me, found via scavenger hunt, since it was a bit too cumbersome to wrap.

The rest of her day was spent reading, crafting, typing letters, and baking her own pie – a lemon meringue that would have done my Grandma Katie proud.

And before we knew it it was time to light the birthday spiral, read her birthday story, and tuck into a celebratory treat.

Of course her day, like every birthday, was deeply woven with the many familiar details that form the heart of what a family tradition is.

More than gifts of singing or candles or cake, I think that this what we all look forward to most of all. Those familiar, well-worn traditions that remind us of who we are. 

And now, onward with 11! I can't slow this momentum down, so there's nothing left to do but be present and loving, and to enjoy the honor of being along for the ride.

 

P.S. Do let me know if you are interested in knowing more about our birthday traditions. I wrote about them ages ago (here and here), but could share a more up-to-speed version if you are interested!

 

 

I'm not sure how it happens, these ever accelerating trips around the sun.

But here we are, adding one more candle to the birthday spiral today. 

Eleven. 

Eleven years since you were born into our waiting arms as the sun rose, the fire crackled, and the first snow began to softly fall.

Eleven years of your spirit, your heart, and your smile lighting up our home and our hearts. Eleven years of your determination, wonder, compassion, and joy woven into our days.

How honored and grateful (and oh so lucky!) I am to be the one that you call mama. I can't imagine life without you by my side.

Happy birthday, Lula Blue. You are love, stardust, and magic come to life. 

And I love you so.

 

xxoo,

Mama