A Mindful Life / Kathryn Petro Harper

On Caring For an Ill Child

Kathryn — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:25:52 +0000

From my friend Karen:

Surrender to what must; let everything else rest.

Round Two

Kathryn — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:16:48 +0000

Poor Claire. She has pneumonia again. This time, besides the antibiotic, we have been prescribed an Albuterol breathing treatment to give via mask every four hours until the follow-up visit on Thursday morning.

Here’s hoping it’s not asthma she is developing…

Husband is sick too with a cold. Where’s the vitamin C?? I should bathe in it.

Last Day To Bid

Kathryn — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:48:30 +0000

Today is the last day for the To Haiti With Love auction. While I’m pleased that my items have had some bids, I’d like to point out some other products for auction in case hand-knits aren’t your wish.

There is a wide array of books — inspirational books, children’s books, poetry — offered.

Are you looking for a grown-up indulgence, such as a ski weekend in Telluride, handcrafted soaps, a creativity coaching session? Look here.

How about some artwork to hang on the wall in a beloved toddler or baby’s room, or a handmade wood toy, or lovingly crafted clothing? You can find some here.

There is a wide selection of gorgeous fine art photography to bid on.

Perhaps you’re looking for a new journal to write in.

These are just a few items available. Check out the site! All proceeds go to assist St. Joseph’s Family of Homes.

Bidding is easy! Just leave a bid in the comment section for the item you want. More details are here.

Toe-Tapping Music

Kathryn — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:01:00 +0000

On this rainy Saturday, with a feverish, coughing child, I stumbled across this peppy little video. For more of Kristin Andreassen’s music, lookie here! I learned about Kristen from a blog that’s new to me — One Person. Everyday — which, of course, I found via Patti Digh, of the blog called 37 Days.

If the embedded video doesn’t work, click here to see it.

To Haiti With Love

Kathryn — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:01:58 +0000

To Haiti with Love is an online auction of art, photography, papercrafts, clothing, and creative goods. All proceeds will go direct to the St. Joseph’s Family of homes for children in Haiti. There are some gorgeous works and delectable items offered.

The auction opens at 8 AM EST on Monday, February 1, 2010.

The auction closes at midnight EST on Monday, February 8, 2010. There is still time!

Instructions on how to bid are here.

I’ve offered three items for bidding — a felted bowl with chocolates, a cashmere/wool scarflet called a Fidget, and fingerless gloves made of wool and silk.

Make a bid, change lives!

(And I’d love to see someone enjoy my creations!)

Peace Trickling

Kathryn — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:25:38 +0000

I took this at Villa Montalvo on Sunday, where we went for a hike. I would love to put down a blanket and lie down right there, next to the edge of the pool.

My Little Chef

Kathryn — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:33:02 +0000

Claire has grown so very much. She always wants to help me in the kitchen. I’m working on finding ways to get the cooking done and encouraging her participation.

What’s the Verdict?

Kathryn — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:08:45 +0000

I introduced the dyed rice to Claire. Was it a hit? Let’s see.

Dyed Rice

Kathryn — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:48:47 +0000

While Claire napped, I started a new endeavor. Last week we dyed pasta for making projects, and she helped. But the rice was going to be much messier, so I waited until she napped. I wanted to make her a surprise (which I will give her Friday morning).

I did some research and found helpful instructions. You can go to The Forester Clan for instructions.

I used food dye and rubbing alcohol, and here are some notations:

I started using watercolor from my set, but the rice hardly absorbed the color. I used scarlet red, but the rice turned out pink (which is fine, but I realized then I should use food color and alcohol). It took longer to dry, too.
At first I used only two teaspoons of alcohol in the zip-lock bag, with 20 drops of color and two cups of rice. This produced a batch of lighter colored rice with variations — some grains light and others dark.
By using more alcohol — about two or three tablespoons — the rice took the color more thoroughly.
I dried the riced in the oven on baking sheets at low heat, around 180-200F.
I made some colors according to food coloring box, and in all I ended up with 14 colors: white (no dye), pink, red, watermelon red, raspberry, light orange, dark orange, light yellow, dark yellow, green, jungle green, teal, blue, indigo.
I put it all in a bin of low height to make easy scooping. I kept the colors separate so Claire can have the fun of blending it all.

And here are the results.

What We Do on Stormy, Rainy Days

Kathryn — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:56:58 +0000

We play with our hands and experiment with color: play-doh and dying noodles (for use in later crafts).