Errata

I've been remiss in letting you know about the 2012 fairy garden contest hosted by Donni of The Magic Onions. Among the prizes offered is a little orange Alkelda Dolls fairy. The contest runs until August 1, so you've got time to plant, decorate, set your fairy traps and gather cunning little objects. Speaking of gardens, I wrote a blog post for the Natural Kids Team as part of the Toys on a Walk series: Springtime Wanderer in Seattle

I've closed up shop for a week, and am heading to Orcas Island (located in the San Juan Islands of Washington State). I plan to visit the farmer's market stand of Bossy's Feltworks. This cascading sheep mobile is on my cousin-in-law's wishlist for her future baby... though let us be clear, pretty mobiles are really made to delight weary new parents.

In other news, I've signed up to run my first 10k this August. My plan is to work up to a new personal record and then increase my speed to run the Beat the Bridge 8k next May, in which I will need to run the first 2 miles in under 20 minutes before the University Bridge goes up. The FAQ says, "Getting caught at the bridge is actually a fun experience! There is a band playing music and a fun party atmosphere. The bridge is raised for 5 minutes, then let down so all runners may continue."

I'm not fast, but I have relatively good endurance at this point, so the 8k will be more of a challenge than the 10k despite the smaller distance. Clydesdale Jogger likes to remind me that for years I stated emphatically, "I Do.Not. Run." I never thought I would run, but I got to the point where I wanted to go faster. I'll be working on running with my daughter this summer. She is frustrated with being the slowest runner in class, and I'm going to give her the help, encouragement, and proper shoes I wish I'd had when I was younger.

Last but not least, Lone Star Ma sends out her call for submissions for issue #11 of Lone Star Ma: The Magazine of Progressive Texas Parenting And Children's Issues.