Daily Inspiration from a 4 Year Old

This is the time of year that mother's begin recieving those special handmade gifts from their kids.  I just recieved one such gift from my four-year-old daughter.  It was a marigold that her preschool teacher helped her lovingly plant in a play-doh cup.  My daughter had decorated the cup and on it were the words, "I love my mom because she makes me oatmeal for breakfast."
I can't begin to tell you how many days I make the oatmeal for her on auto-pilot. I am so busy getting everyone out the door in the morning I don't stop and think about the oatmeal. While I do want to be sure to send my kids out the door with a full belly, and since we live in Montana, something warm in them is a big plus, more often then not, it is simply a bowl of instant oatmeal I have heated in the microwave.   Before I was a stay at home mom, I was a social worker and I placed kids in foster care.  I now take for granted that my daughter starts her day with something warm in her tummy. There are so many kids out there that don't have that luxury.  I am blessed with knowing my daughter does not take her oatmeal for granted and I am thankful to her for reminding me that it truly is the simple everyday joys that we often take for granted that make life worthwhile.
Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms out there. Please feel free to share your favorite saying or everyday joy from your child with us. 

Finding Inspiration on a Plane

We are coming up on the busiest travel season of the year.  While the joy of spending time with friends and family for the holidays may be a joyous occasion, traveling to get there is not! I recently found myself on a four hour flight across the country with two small children and a sleeping husband.  My little one was also napping and my seven year old was bored out of his mind.  The homework in his backpack was just not too appealing at the time.  The Didj Games had lost their intrigue.  I dug a pen out of my purse and grabbed up an airline napkin and began to teach him the wisdom that has been passed down for generations.  Knowledge that every school-aged boy needs.  I taught him how to play Hangman.

How many of you played this as a child? Passing notes through class, playing it on the bus or while waiting
for the next activity to start? Now, I ask you - how many of you have sat down and played this with your kids?  Within minutes, my son was cackling! He lost the first game, but it didn't matter - he was hooked. It was then his turn to think up the phrase. I began guessing the letters and before too long I figured the puzzle out.  It was the phrase every mother longs to hear from her seven year old son and while he didn't say the words out loud, it made no difference.

There it was spelled out in black and white in his crooked writing.  There will be no denying it now.  Three little words that give me inspiration to get through the rest of the trip.

You Are Cool.

My challenge to you this holiday season is to play a simple game of hangman with your child, with you spouse, or even with the stranger sitting next to you on your next flight.  Strong connections can be formed when communicating the unspoken word.

To get your own Hangman inspired products, visit these fine etsy shops:

For Hangman Thank You notes, visit ScarletCatDesigns

For the Paper Games Pad set visit Confetti By Lexi

For the Personalized Game Pad visit Personalized Paperz

What's In a Name?

Hello and Welcome to my little neck of the internet. Pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee while we slip back in time to a simpler way of life. With all the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, it's easy to overlook the simple things in life that bring us joy, allow us to reflect on the past and take pleasure in the present. This is your stop to get a little dose of simplicity in your day's hectic schedule.

Allow me to share with you how this blog started and just what is in a name. Almost a year ago I opened an Etsy Shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrairieWindDesigns. It has been a wonderful experience that I continue to grow with. This blog gets its beginnings from my Etsy shop and all the wonderful finds and friends I have made there. Throughout the year I have been fortunate to be featured on many blogs and over time I plan to feature some of my favorite shops and artisans here on this blog.

No-tion -noun

1. a general understanding; vague or imperfect conception or idea of something

2. an opinion, view, or belief

3. conception or idea

4. a fanciful or foolish idea; whim

5. an ingenius article, device, or contrivance; knickknack

6. notions, small articles, as buttons, thread, ribbon and other personal items

Much of what you will find in this blog are my notions - a sprinkle of knickknacks, a dash of ideas, and a cup full of views. But what I hope you will find on this blog above all else is inspiration. I plan to include the simple, everyday things in life that inspire me.



I grew up on a farm in southwest Kansas. I love the prairie. I feel the prairie has played a big part into shaping me into the person I am today. Growing up working the ground and having the faith the seeds you plant today will be the harvest you reap tomorrow. With the prairie comes wind and the winds of change have blown my life in many directions. First separting me from those Kansas sunsets to find myself among the majestic mountains of Montana. I love Montana. Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to sharing the simple pleasures in our everyday life with you during our time together.

Please take a moment to visit these featured Etsy Shops:
For the Vintage Coffee Canister visit:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/nellielovesvintage
For the 1800s Antique Button Rings visit:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vaartsuppliescom
For the Fence Post in the Grass and other fine photography visit:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/judemcconkey