na-da farm life...with anne marie

pressure....

2012-02-24T12:28:00.004-06:00

When I was proposed to by Jason (that's a whole other story) and we went looking for rings, I didn't want any diamond.....I just wanted that union....that bond.....and a simple turquoise vintage ring was what I thought I would get

His mother owns an antiques store in Geneva, IL (it is rated the #1 antiques store in the Fox Valley area) - it really is quite a nice store! (I even do the window displays) - and Karen - Jason's mom - has a beautiful selection of turquoise........nothing was quite what I was thinking.......and while shopping with her and Jason, she said "Oh Anne Marie...just look at a diamond....just for fun...."

so I did

through a special eyeglass (forgot the name)........

I was blown away at this rock......so amazingly beautiful........from the 1920's and in perfect condition......set in white gold - almost like silver.........

She went on to explain to me how diamonds of this beauty are so rare and.....well....she said a lot and I'm sorry to say that I don't remember everything she said......my heart was swelling inside thinking of why this ring was in the store......why someone brought it in and sold it......or was it found.......was it someones grandmother's and they needed the money...........a family heirloom........was it a ring that was given back to a man who loved that woman and was rejected by her love and she thrust the ring back at him never to speak to him again.......

the inscription says 1920 and has the couple's initials....

of course, I envisioned her with her cloche hate and smart skirt suit on and him dapper with a fedora and trench coat and pinstripe suit........they were out to dinner and he proposed - she threw her arms around him and.........well, you get the idea...............this ring was more to me than a diamond - it is like making a new life to this rock......giving it that sparkle that was lost sitting there in the store.......

we are so much like a diamond..........we start out in life so raw and rugged.......and with the constant pressures to do good to ourselves and others we are crushed on all sides.........sometimes so stressed we just want to hide away with a lemon meringue pie and a pot of coffee (hypothetically speaking of course ;)

let those pressures crush us - it will make us spectacular in the eyes of others and God..........

to me, there is nothing in this life more important than being beautiful in the eyes of God

but immediately, we show our beauty to others by our acts towards them.......

when things don't go smoothly, on whatever project you are working on, know that is just part of this life process of crushing you further and further until that pressure makes you beautiful in the eyes of God, to others, and yourself.........

it's all part of this process............just have patience.......we all go through pressure.......

many of you have emailed me about diamonds since I posted this....and I wanted to share with you more on how a diamond is made....you can go here.

peaceful Lenten blessings,

btw: you can find an amazingly clear diamond for a fraction of the cost in antique stores!!

serious fluff...

2012-02-22T08:53:00.000-06:00

our lives are filled with so much

some are sweet and some are savory

when we meet other people for the first time, and there is that "connection" you pretty much know you are going to be friends

soon along this new friendship, there comes a choice:

to talk of frivolity or discuss the deep

If you have been reading my journal here for any length of time, you might have noticed I am not one to talk much on "the fluffy outside"

any way you look at it, life is so full of flavor....texture....variety....sweetness....goodness....even evil

instead of me complaining of all the evil....all the hardships....all that goes on in life, I choose to look at it with both a little fluff and a little sweet - but always from scratch

with things thrown together and presented to you in the way I see it

during Lent (starts today) I am not giving up pie or chocolate, but instead giving more

more to you

like a taste of my life....though virtual....it is real on my end

and though I cannot satisfy everyone, I do hope these 40 days to be full of deeper thinking with the occasional taste of "fluff"

peaceful lenten blessings,

barnwood kitchen shelving...

2012-02-20T06:03:00.001-06:00

After Jason was well enough after back surgery, and the February issue of Country Living Magazine came in the mail we decided to put up some shelves made from reclaimed barn wood in the kitchen for our every day dishes -

as you can see, I only have a few plates left...they are getting used and abused since we switched to hand washing our dishes...and I would love to find some ironstone ones now....

(though I would really like to become a potter and make them myself...)

they are so much more functional than what was there - and a cinch to put away! (and display)

we left the barnwood on the sides all beautifully raw and rustic...

I like keeping some of the items on there corralled - especially my silver pieces - I use those everyday (those forks I just got at my local antiques store...and baby Daniel thinks they are pretty great!)

Jason made this cutting board...by hand....I believe it is black walnut

we sealed the 'counter top' area with our bees' beeswax - it is made from Douglas Fir (like our flooring)

thank you CLiving for such a great feature....you can see where my inspiration came from here

peace + blessings,

freedom...

2012-02-16T16:22:00.003-06:00

a choice

a blessing

a star-spangled flag....

lately when I think of freedom my arms want to burst from the sides of my apron as I look out my kitchen window to almost claim that moment's right upon me for freedom

even in the most oppressed nations, you can still feel the freedom inside you, but your arms are tied behind your backs to proclaim it...the country's leaders forbid such independence

when I used to work behind a desk, in a cubicle (that job only lasted a short time...my sense of self was being squashed between those stuffy desks and intensely stressful vibes surging through my veins to complete 'the job') I could not wait until that noon lunch time hit - to the second, I would grab my car keys and b-line to my tiny little car.....hit the sunroof open, pretty much peel out of the parking lot and head to a local forest preserve............
I would sit in the sun, even in dead of winter....
it was freedom from everything

freedom for me is that direct connection between the land and myself

that is why so many people are claiming this word "farm" into everything they are doing....from style inside their homes...to their blog titles....their names.......

The word 'farm' and 'freedom' harmonize.......

people don't go into the city to feel freedom (well, at least no one I know).......but the country.......

the farm

the wide open spaces...............

like my arms out wide exclaiming my freedom............the sky that we gaze at and the wide horizons I dream of and that inspire me so much.........

you don't have to be living on the farm to throw your arms up and proclaim your freedom.......

you don't have to be a mom of six children to let others know how much you value life............

you don't have to wear the flag and carry a gun......

freedom comes from within.......

you can see freedom grow by planting a garden........being able to plant those seeds you saved, and nourished and weeded and harvested and preserved.......watching that little seed flourish.........

that seed is planted in us

that seed is planted from our forefathers who loved God first and that is exactly why they came to this great country.......to plant freedom here..........to plant freedom to reseed itself and flourish..........

to throw their arms out and breathe in that sense of awe and wonder

let go of all the complications and burst your arms into the air wherever you are and proclaim your freedom

peace + blessings,

recipe...baked rice pudding

2012-02-13T16:58:00.002-06:00

the chickens are laying so nicely......and one of my favorite/healthy desserts here on the farm is baked rice pudding.....

serves 8
here's what you do:

preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
combine 6 eggs + 3 cups milk = whisk together nicely
measure 2/3 cup sugar + 2 teaspoons of vanilla = add to egg mixture, beat together until well combined (but not foamy)
stir into egg mixture 2 cups of cooked rice (leftover plain rice works great too)

optional: add 1 cup of raisins and cinnamon if desired

pour into 3 quart casserole dish or individual custard cups
bake for 30-45 minutes for custard cups or 45-50 minutes for casserole dish (stir after 30 minutes) (if using custard cups put them in a 13x9 casserole dish with 1/2" of boiling water before baking - boiling water so you don't crack your dish in the oven)

it is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean serve warm or chilled (I like them fresh)
if you used individual custard cups, you may loosen edges with a spatula or knife, and slip them out inverted onto a plate

peace + farmhouse kitchen blessings,

just so you know, I (try to remember) to pray before I bake anything :)

a little (online) gardening helper

2012-02-13T15:48:00.000-06:00

"next year I vow to have even a better garden"

at least, that is what I say every year......and this might help.....so cool
http://sproutrobot.com/instructions/start_indoors/bell%20peppers

though I like my books (and lots of them) it's pretty neat how they have it all figured out for you already

you can find out a lot of information on there without the cost of joining.....(I didn't join...but am thinking of it)

hope that helps you all who email me about how I start my kitchen garden!!

it's time to start those pepper plants indoors!!!! woohoo......
xo,

really hard...

2012-02-13T07:35:00.002-06:00

Daniel and I are working "really hard" at something to share with you...I'm hoping it turns out...

peace + blessings,

addicted...

2012-02-12T10:13:00.000-06:00

an everyday occurrence bedside...

writing

dreaming

planning

praying

during one of those times I was reading about angels....true angels....not some flowy gowned pixie dust spreading angel......but the truth of angels....

how we are so very different from them

they are in a constant state with God - seeing Him at all times - being with Him at all times

I don't know about you, but I don't always feel the presence of God

there are dry times.....then there are fruitful times........times where it's like I was sitting in the dark reading a book, and someone came and turned on the light so I could see

that night reading of angels, that light got turned on

a connection of understanding that will never ever leave me

that feeling is addicting.......I yearn for that feeling of connection.......addicted I am

our selves....are spirits....are from God......the Lord granted us this time on Earth.......and the bodies which we have, are "holding" that spirit of ours

I will never look at my children the same way again....after realizing this, my responsibility for guiding them the way I am is even more profound......showing them what to do with these bodies......

guiding others.....helping another.....planting food for others.....helping those amazing animals we have

it's truly incredible when you think of that......that our bodies are holding our spirits and we have this awesome gift of using our bodies....the angels do not share this......they are spirits in themselves.....no bodies

if they were to materialize, I am sure they would be sword in hand and ever so powerful.....they are there to protect and guide us....not spread pixie dust.......

we have been chosen to be on this Earth.....we have been chosen to use these bodies

when our bodies are separated from our spirit upon our death.....our spirit will not be contained any longer -

now that is amazing......truly truly amazing......

we have a choice on what to do with these bodies......these hands.......

peace + blessings,

unseasonable...

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

any way you look at it, I could say "it's unseasonable"

however I put it, however you take it, the weather has been quite unseasonable

bulbs peeking their heads up, children playing outdoors without snowpants and heavy snowgear

the snowshoes are still in the basement

the hot cocoa stays on the shelf

where is our winter? where is the bitter cold even my almanac had said would be??

taking each day as it comes

blessing the good Lord for allowing the children to play outdoors without getting frost bite

being able to leave on a whim out of the drive without having to shovel this first:

and this:

our driveway this time last year

even though the toughest of us still enjoys the snowstorms.....

"it is unseasonable"

and it's allright by me

hope you are all enjoying this day!!

peace + blessings,

getting back into the kitchen...

2012-02-06T21:15:00.003-06:00

how will we ever be able to attend to the spiritual enhancement of ourselves when there is so much to do of this world?? There are meals, laundry, work, kids...

to be organized within these tasks we can then find time to devote in prayer and /or meditation

meal planning...
a huge responsibility in our lives, no matter how many children you have at home - and besides breathing, meal planning is the most often misused area of organization (hence fast food chains)

It may take some time, but trust me when I tell you it is worth it

So, we are going to start today....what do you have planned for supper? you should know...if you do not know, then let's find out...let's plan

On the net, there are so many wonderful places to find recipes, but let's start in your recipe box...you know, those good, great or delicious recipes tucked away in that cute box you have in the pantry from Grandma or Mom, or a good friend, or a neighbor down the road.....and don't forget those cookbooks and magazines

Where Women Cook is a magazine you can find online or in the bookstore...and is really more like a cookbook than a magazine...very well put together. This past Spring, 2011, right after Daniel was born, I had the privilege to cook and style and write for Where Women Cook...

I also had the honor to work together again with my very good friend and amazing food photographer, Traci Thorson.

it was a 'Family Pizza Night'....

Gathering together for meals is certainly nothing new...and pizza is such a fun and easy way to bring the whole family together with ingredients fresh from the market, your pantry, or a quick trip to the store if it's winter...

You can find 'Family Pizza Night' on the farm in the March issue.........I grabbed this from the website...

To see more about Where Women Cook, and the issue my family and I are in, you can visit their website here: WWCook

So let's get a pen....print out these below documents I put together to share with you, and make some great family meals....get organized........and have some more time! imagine that!! more time to devote to your spirit

here's an easy to follow Menu Planner.....(and later this week I will put up a grocery list)...let's start this Sunday....you have the whole week to think of all those great recipes you want to share with your family...

Here's a quick recipe:
Chicken and Peaches with Sweet Potatoes...
Take one package of hormone free + organic chicken thighs.....put them in your crock pot with a can of (home-preserved preferably) peaches with the juice........slice 3 sweet potatoes and put them on top.......then slice 1 small onion and put that on top of the sweet potatoes.......let simmer 7 hours and it's time to ring that dinner bell

peace + blessings,

2012-02-03T07:41:00.001-06:00

I have been wondering lately what to do with that front room...sunroom....new baby room....

I'm thinking "studio"......

{via}

keeping a hold of the dreams I had when younger........and achieving the goals that I have now as an adult and the result of the constant determination to achieve those goals....and the many many surprises that have entered my life.....especially within the past 10 years of living here on the farm.....

I embrace the everyday with the before the kids wake up with the enthusiasm of a warm cup of coffee and a walk outdoors....and even the thought of a new day excites me! What can I do today that will make me a better person........what can I do today that will help someone else........what can I do today to glorify Him.........

it's all so amazingly exciting living a life free from all constraints of the world........being free to live the life He wants me to live

sure I would love a red flashing light surrounded by gigantic arrows to point me in the direction without doubt...but that isn't reality.....I'm trying to do my best the only way I know how......and that is different from you, or my sisters, or my kids, or my husband, or my very close friends....

Basically, I am looking forward to having a place to sew and draw.......write and create with my oldest daughter.........and son, and other son, and other daughter, and another son, and another little boy....wherever 'mama' is - they are

and I don't mean that in a bad way...I can't imagine me sitting in a craft room all my by myself without Daniel's little pitter patter crawl over to me to pick him up...or the sounds of my middle son playing his harmonica in the family room........and even though there are times (and believe me there are) when one does something to the other and I need to step in and give them some guidance.....

I. would. not. want it. any other way.

I have one life to live

peace + blessings,

MISS YOU...

2012-02-01T21:27:00.002-06:00

from scratch...

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-06:00

how often we run to the store to get pre-packaged items

back just 70 years ago, you didn't do that

you didn't even have that option, except eating at a restaurant

things were from scratch.........fresh.........and that was 'the every day', not just because your girlfriends are coming over and you want to serve them some homemade muffins with coffee....

how very lazy we have become as a society

yes

I said lazy

there is nothing wrong with using a food processor, or Bosch mixer, but there is something wrong with pre-packaged food from the store.......

think of this:

when you are walking through the grocery store, stay to the perimeter of the store - that is where all the fresh vegetables, meats, dairy, bakery, etc, is...

if you need to, head into the dry goods area for flour/beans/rice.....but try not to get that oozy goozy stuff that they are selling from tubes that you squeeze into your mouth because you are too lazy to put it into a glass jar and use a utensil

does this sound harsh? saying that we are lazy??

I'm right along side you with the big fat "L" on my head

I don't grow my wheat, then grind it to make flour, then bake bread with it every day...

I do know of woman who actually do this......and my apron strings are off to you.....and someday, I would love to do that....in between raising my sheep in pasture to spin my wool, to knit my sweaters while I wait for my goat's milk to simmer to the right temperature for my goats milk soap, as I pull out my bread from the oven, after I just finished graduating my son from homeschooled high school, and taught my daughter how to Irish dance stronger and steeped my tea from the chamomile plants I grow in the garden....

"L"

we aren't all able to do those things.....quite frankly.....I don't know anyone who does all of that in one day

we pick and choose what we want.....like a great oatmeal muffin recipe.......

whip up the egg whites, add them gently into the mixture already in the bowl

then you sit back and watch it puff in the oven and give the whole house a breathe of homemade goodness

and if that's all this woman can accomplish in one day, then go ahead, slap that "L" on my forehead, I deserve it, but before you look at me and judge me and think that everything smells delicious like these muffins, know this: a lot of hard work goes into my kids first, not my appearance...not my house...not my farm...

my kids

there is way too much "look what I did" out here in cyberland, and quite frankly, it's making me nauseated

I have so much I'd like to share with you, that I am working on, or that I have worked on, but truthfully, it is all a bunch of vanity.....telling you what I've done or doing or going to do

(I will, in time, share when and what I want)

reading the written word, especially on the computer screen, you can read someone's words and take it the wrong way - I do hope you all understand that I do not ever want you to feel like I'm rubbing it in

I can't stand that

I share what I do here, because it is my space - my journal

and I love all of you who come to visit, and I enjoy getting to know some of you even more through emails - and your comments -

There was a friend of mine very recently who told me that all she can get done is a load of laundry, and here I am doing this and that and the other - I know she is not bitter about it, but if she only knew how special she is by doing what she does.....

I am a very organized person - and can get a lot accomplished in the day because of two very important reasons: 1) I do not watch TV, we don't have one and 2) I plan meals

with six children and a husband to feed, these meals and baked goods I do are planned at least a week in advance - minus the sporadic baked goods my daughter or son like to do (or me :)

negativity, doubt, and vanity all lead to one thing: depression

stop thinking of yourself and do something for someone else - break the cycle of "me"

create something good today by not talking bad about anyone

look at everyone you come in contact with today (everyone) and know that God loves them just as much as you...you aren't the cat's meow.....you are one of very very many in this world

what can you do today? for someone else??

go bake something from scratch for your kids, neighbor, friend, priest, aunt, mom, husband...

they'll love it

peace + blessings,

missing...

2012-01-27T21:49:00.000-06:00

what is it in your life that is missing?

love?

laughter?

peace?

how is it that you will be able to find those things?

You cannot give...what you do not have.

If you do not have love in your life, love yourself first.

If you do not have laughter in your life, laugh at yourself first.

If you do not have peace in your life, pray and meditate within yourself first.

This all sounds a bit self-centered.......don't let it be centered on you...this is to better those around you...so you can change the world

how do you love yourself? Take care of your body as well as your mind.....exercise....read a book.

how do you find laughter? Stop (for the love of God) talking about other people in gossip - humble yourself

how do you find peace? Take time each day - seriously - and pray...be with the Lord...it doesn't matter if it's 50 Hail Mary's or one 'thank you Lord'.....find at least 15 minutes to do this...you do have 15 minutes for God

no pictures today......no distractions......focus on what is missing and fill it

peace + blessings,

my dream...

2012-01-23T14:06:00.003-06:00

When you stop worrying about other people's thoughts of how you are living, a deeper appreciation for the gifts you are given starts to emerge......

Take for example the degree I studied in college: Environmental Science

At that time, there were only two universities that offered a degree in that area of study...that was just over 10 years ago even...University of Montana, and a minor only at Southern Illinois University.

Being that I was absolutely in love with my best friend, I still pursued that degree....
Contrary to what SIU even wanted, I pursued that dream...
I actually had to talk the Administration Office at SIU into letting me study for Environmental Science as a major...with projection charts and an essay! My focus was not on engineering, but the social science behind the human relationship and their perceptions of the environment and how I could change the world!!!
Currently, almost every University provides a degree in Environmental Science...it's one of the fastest growing areas of education.

My "plan" was to become a guide for Sierra Club in the mountains - sharing my passion for nature while inspiring others to embrace their passions...their dreams...no matter what other people are telling you.

Dreams are essential to a happy life........

I'm not telling you to go and forget your obligations...believe me when I tell you that my first priority is my vocation as wife...then mother.

but that doesn't make me stop dreaming

who doesn't like that exhilarating feeling of a new idea!! or reading something and saying almost out loud "yes!! I want to do that!!!"

being a dreamer doesn't mean you have your head in the clouds with your rose colored glasses on...

No one can escape the hardships of life........no one

but why do you see some people succeed? and you don't??
why is it that you work so hard and then your efforts don't get noticed???

First of all know this......
every single thing you do effects others

If you have to lock yourself in your room with that bar of sea-salted chocolate and warm cup of milk at night so you can read your new Joel Salatin book to escape the stress of the day...you are effecting others

When you pick your elderly neighbors apples and share your making of homemade jelly and delicious pie...you are effecting others

As you sit here are read this and wonder what you can do to help others while pursuing your dreams...you are effecting others

Here's a start:

Get a piece of paper (or print out what I have below)
Write down one dream you have always wanted to do
Look at what you wrote
Study what you wrote
Say what you wrote out loud
Start telling other people your dream
Stop any negativity that comes into your thoughts in doubt pursuing that dream

Every action you perform is working toward that dream.

The people who achieve their dreams do not talk negatively or sarcastic, and ruin everyone else's lives in the process...think of what your priorities are, make sure you are fulfilling those...but do not forget your dream.

I may not be an Environmental Scientist like I thought or am a Sierra Club guide in the mountains, but my dream of changing the world is happening....with every word....every thought....every action I do.

here's something for you to print out and use in your pursuit of your dream:

Instead of guiding others in the mountains, I guide at least six others daily to acheive their dreams too

and as far as my husband?? ..he still has dreams...big dreams actually

but together, we are helping persue one another's dreams

peace + blessings,

Black and White Sunday...

2012-01-21T21:11:00.000-06:00

our lives (as adults) are much too preoccupied with ourselves to stop and enjoy a cup of imagination

dreams...

like awakening from a hibernation, let's arise from this loathsome slumber!!

it is not too late to dream...no matter what age...what circumstance...what dream it is

as long as you are trying to achieve a better you when you reach your dream

when you are on your path to a dream that will better who you are, NOTHING can stop you

nothing

unexpected like...

2012-01-19T13:30:00.000-06:00

do you remember this table? fond memories with the globes on it before in the living room...but it has temporarily found a home in the kitchen...

so fun moving stuff around!

an unexpected "like"

peace + blessings,

a start...

2012-01-18T14:44:00.000-06:00

I'm not here to say "this room is fabulous" or "look at this!" or anything like that........actually, it is more like:

our home

thrift store finds.......beloved pictures of my grandparents by their working horses when they were young....birds an old friend gave me......peacock feathers.......and canvas tarps on my couches

I could write a whole series of posts on how to stop copying other people's decorating and embrace what you have......

the round table currently has a number of library books strewn on it's round top...

pillows are missing on the couches......ideas of black and white feather pictures and more Native American art is in the works.....our office is filled with that sort of thing......

truthfully...Jason has quite the eye for style (he wouldn't admit this of course) but I like his rugged influence on our home...I like to call it "rugged classic style"...or how about "na-da farm style"

horse drawing by our oldest daughter...pictures of my grandparents when in their youth...bird from my old friend Cathy...camera collection of Jason's and a bowl full of found arrowheads and old pottery we find

it's a simplistic version of the museum room...

a photograph I took while visiting here a few years ago
- i love black and white -

but there it is...our living room.......also known currently as "soooo cozy" via our kids who take turns on the new 'daybed' (really just the twin bed that was in the sunroom that got moved out without the frame)

what's that you say? an empty front room now?? oh yes.....empty except for the sounds of the piano and an old hutch.......needless to say, plans for in there are sure to come.....but first, I think I'll bake some pie :)

expanding...

2012-01-16T13:26:00.000-06:00

I'm so thrilled to tell you that I am expanding on this conceptual journey of 'beauty'

putting together a room, with all it's rearranging of furniture and the play of light on a certain chair, or the way the bookcase it now highlighted by your side lamp all invokes a story of how you visual your space

yes, I am rearranging again

this room is awesome with the archway....and I keep trying to incorporate that space into the living room space (as you see, it's the living room again :) however, the coziness keeps telling me to embrace that beauty of coziness!!

it's high time that the blue floral couch from 1940 gets moved out...it just doesn't fit my decor anymore

and the hutch......it has housed crafts, silver, everyday dishes, bowls, and now is in the living room waiting....

poor thing

baby Daniel is thoroughly confused and delighted to have a plethora of crawling space

(notice the 'moving men' under the couch)

my current (material) desires are to achieve an earthy easy elegance into this farmhouse with softness

here's some of my inspiration:

I've always been a great 'lover' of things black and white, and would love to add some more of that into the house...

designtoinspire.net

this photo has it (almost) all of what I'm thinking:

natural wood, black, white, texture, a bit of industrial, clean + simple

(what it is lacking is more color)

skema

this entry has the red I really like, the antique piece, the natural wood around doorway, the pops of color...

and though paisley might be "out" I still think this looks great

Canadian house to home

as soon as I saw this, I instantly wanted to put up some more of my oil paintings....good thing I didn't put them out to sell them at the barn sale!

country living

the open shelving idea is really striking a chord with me,

there's talk of using remaining wood from the sunroom remodel (douglas fir) for the shelves

countryliving

beautifullife

~have a great rest of the day~

peace + blessings,

beauty

2012-01-14T11:11:00.000-06:00

to take something you created and call it a thing of beauty...

is it an object you created?

or a thing of beauty?

does it have the essence of your soul?

or is it disposable?

we surround ourselves with objects which can be thrown away or discarded...I often create things of beauty and then either eat them up or discard them

this year of 2012 is the year for all of us to embrace beauty in the true essence

always remembering the traditions of art and the connection with our human person to the divine

**beauty**

something I will be contemplating on more this year than ever before

a quiet challenge I...

2012-01-12T11:13:00.000-06:00

utter not a word of negativity today

that includes yourself

if you catch yourself even thinking something negative I want you to think of one simple image

a heart

from now until Saint Valentine's Day - increase this love within yourself

(yes, let's call this a challenge)

to love yourself more

I've been caught in the midst of mothering these six children of ours, and truly, have not taken much time out for myself.....I have this problem see, of thinking I am not worth the time, that there is something ultimately more important to do.....and I'm not "a shopper".....or go to the gym......or something outside the home

I truly am home about 90% of the time.......by choice.........

I'm embracing my vocation as wife first, mother second - they both equally have their time upon me

but I don't want to end any day for which negativity has swallowed it up.......I refuse!!

I want to increase the love within myself for myself, in order for me to give it more freely to others

so I am challenging myself, and you can join me...

you don't have to tell a single soul......actually........I would highly recommend not telling anyone....not even your husband/boyfriend/spouse.........this is a secret challenge that will totally change the way you think of who you are and those around you....creating a tidal wive ( A TIDAL WAVE ) of love

no more negativity.......try it onto every aspect of your existence:

instead of: "I can't believe 'so and so' did that with her living room! so hokey" try: say nothing at all

instead of: "why can't I go to New York for Vogue Knitting but so and so can" try: I am going to the store to buy myself a really great knitting book and save up for next year's Vogue Knitting

instead of: "she really has to do something about those age spots on her face" try: she is such a wonderful soul

instead of: "she's always so happy...it's quite ridiculous" try: what an example to become!

instead of: "can you believe that way that person dressed in church?" try: focus on Our Lord - He is what matters

quietly be submissive to the negativity and you will overcome with such joy! fill yourself with this love!!!

xo+blessings,

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

always searching for more

we climb and reach

looking to a new horizon

under rocks

through the cracks..........if only just for a little peak

why is this?? why do we knock ourselves out like that??

is it making us better? or is it just a waste of time and energy?? why are we like this???

what it boils down to is that hard work is in our essence of life

and along with this hard work is also structure...organization

think about it in terms of 'creation'.............our Creator made heaven and the earth, reflected upon it, saw it was good, and moved on........then He made light, reflected upon it, saw it was good, and moved on...

and so on...

so yes, God is the first example to us of the "how" to do this thing we are living: this life

what projects are you working on? installing new book cases? starting a new online business? writing a novel? making dinner? sewing pillows?

whatever the task may be remember three things: (the perfect number to me)

1) it is a gift that has been given to you

2) make the plans + stop to reflect + give thanks for this gift and your talents

3) move on

don't dwell on whatever it is you are doing..........follow the three steps above and you are sure to succeed

keep it simple........

if God can relate how He created the world, heaven, the universe, the light, the animals, the plants, the flowers, the seas, the air, and the human person with a soul that reproduces and grows from a tiny little embrio into what you look into the mirror at in a few simple words, I think we can too....

(it's okay to stand outdoors in the park with your jaw dropped to the forest's floor in awe and wonder)

take it from someone who over-thinks practically every breathing moment of her existence (ehem)

keep it simple
(trust me)

peaceful blessings,

"spoon quest"

2012-01-06T10:50:00.000-06:00

Jason is now on what he has deemed as a "spoon quest"

a bit comical, but not so far off the way it has been around here lately

and now he is ultimately seeking even more unique designs with a finer detailing in the carving

you see, I had given him a new knife as his present from me for Christmas, from this craftsman, and so now, on a daily basis, I have had to sweep his carving's shavings from the wooden floorboards...

so now this "spoon quest" has taken shape within his workshop out in the barn - heated now with a wood burning furnace so graciously given to us from another 'farm friend' (thank you John)

his quest is a sweet smell of cherry and pine - an earthy manly smell that is quite delightful

but more astounding is his craftsmanship.....they are so beautiful

(here are a few)

the easy scoop

the spreader II

saute and serve

and one of my favorites:

the crooked scoop

-thank you to all who have purchased his spoons...the first listings all sold within days, going to a chef, one to a mother to feed her large family, and so many others traveling all across the continent-

so truly, the spoons themselves are on a quest!

the "spoon quest" man and our children are hiking today in the woods as I make tea and do a bit of writing, knitting, and maybe even bake this

peaceful blessings,

really the end

2012-01-05T12:42:00.001-06:00

the Christmas season is truly ending tomorrow evening...

until then, I am relishing in
{the warmth of the unseasonably warm sun
{my husband home and making coffee and letting me sleep in (well, just sleep)
{knitting needles Jason gave me with thoughts of sweaters, socks and scarves
{a plan to make 'the three wise men cake' tomorrow
{new reading by our seven year old and her writing to great grandmother
{watching 'miss potter' and loving everything about that story
{plans for the future garden (bigger...bigger....)
{the sounds of Jason carving spoons
{shouts from the children they are heading outdoors to run with Bella (the dog)
{holding my Daniel...these days are the closest I will be to him in this life
{sleep (did I mention that already? - worth noting again)
{the scratch of newly sharpened pencils for which I am doodling lately
{flipping through new cookbooks from the library and a gift from Jason

peaceful new year blessings,

shining...

2011-12-31T13:19:00.000-06:00

seeking

finding

trying

learning

gathering

an abundance to reflect on this past year of many feathers, cupcakes, spoons, and a new soul

sometimes being so far from home yet not leaving anywhere

learning

trying

finding

seeking a new life within me through untangling the brambles i have caught myself in

i cannot go back

i must follow the star

seeking my soul

finding what He wants from me

trying desperately to always please Him

learning my failings and the strength that comes from this knowledge

gathering memories and losing the moments in time to once again clear the way to seek the star

finding the laughter...

(never too far to look)

my star

not of fame or fortune or greed or something of this world

my star

peace + new year blessings,

{1} sisters
{2} together as a family is all we want
{3} reflecting, admiring
{4} hair by oldest daughter - that is so fun!
{5} cinnamon rolls - enought to feed the county
{6} Christmas morning table at the farm
{7} brothers
{8} "rabbit man" (a.k.a. our comedian son)
{9} little "lumberdanny"

inspiring

2011-12-28T19:21:00.000-06:00

Greg came here and graced the farm with his sounds

this new song he wrote is now quickly becoming another favorite...

2011-12-21T12:54:00.000-06:00

there wasn't a lot of sparkle here at the farmhouse this past December

the serious nature of life overshadowed that sparkle

i accept this

i accept the serious nature

i accept

to truly love God, i must accept it.........

whererver you may be at this very moment reading this........know that you are a gift in itself

there is no need for the material

there is no need

no need to be sad..........nor worry.........nor fear.........but accept

open your heart this moment to His will

seeing the poetry in life

feeling the sense of the acceptance

breathing in His love

exhaling it to others..........

(photographas taken of my dear little girl and her spirit is what inspires me upon this day)

storybook cake...

2011-12-20T22:03:00.001-06:00

I don't normally repost, but I miss my very dear niece and her family....and this cake I made, entirely from scratch just for her last birthday here before they moved, is something I wanted to share with all of you, and her (again)....

hope you enjoy......(the music I added and snowfall goes with the 'storybook cake')

She has lived through the bitter winter before, but this year, the temperatures were much colder, after a heavy snowfall, ice showered the countryside........it was one of the most unpleasant winters she could remember.........and even though it was Christmas, there was no sign or even a whisper of His blessed name.........

she was determined to tend to those who needed her most, for they had no one....no wood for their stoves....no food for their bellies........and she knew, if she didn't help them......that no one else would........

Of course, leaving your home, to visit others, was forbidden in this gloomy and bemired land....

The evil ruler did not want anyone in his path to one day overpower all of humanity, even the smallest of children, and thus, sent a decree throughout the land "keep to yourself, and help no one, you must do what I say, or death"....Balmala rules cruelly over the land...without mercy....without regard to others.....the most selfish person to have lived thus far....and Balmala especially has no mercy upon those who call themselves "believers"........

putting all fear aside, and bundled in her woolen cape, Elisabeth did what she was taught by her dear Grammy......she sometimes can still hear Grammy's words on such a cold, still day such as this; "do His will, no matter what the obstacles, and always give glory to the Father, and the Son, and to the...." "what was that?" Elisabeth was startled by a scraping sort of noise, and then the earth below her shook......

sometimes, after such a thing would happen, Elisabeth would feel, as though someone much bigger than her was watching her every move........not always an uncomfortable feeling, but rather, like a warm whisper within the trees.........

and felt eyes were upon her back....but she wasted no time.......she had one last stop.....or as she thought.

Elisabeth was almost there......to a home no one has ever lived in.........

and legend says, that the only way out, is through the basement.........for if one traveled around back, they would surely peril from the cliffs below...........but knowing this, and with strength from all the faithfully departed surrounding her heart, Elisabeth was guided forward, to hopefully.......finally......find what she has been searching for, for the last 17 years..........

*end of story.....thank you for reading*

this is the way the cake looked all lit up with her birthday candles....

2011-12-20T09:09:00.000-06:00

that picture is from a very talented and creative and SUPER sweet friend of mine:

Julia

please pop over to see her wonderful ideas for wrapping

and I am so going to do this

(and she herself has a great blog)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

can you believe it's only a few days away???

how very exciting!!!!!!!!!!

xo,

Christmas dinner...simply

2011-12-19T10:18:00.001-06:00

one of our favorite dinners this time of year is what I shared in our e-book

inside the e-book you will find originnal na-da farm recipes for:

a slow cooked apple jelly ham + homemade cranberry sauce + yeast rolls + from the garden squash

some of the things I like about this meal are that

{{ it is simple

{{ slow cooked

{{ all from scratch

{{ in season

I made the ebook step by step in order for you to take your laptop or iphone onto your kitchen counter (or look to your desktop) so that everything is perfectly simple

easy

and delicious

I am actually "in charge of the ham" this Christmas for the big family get together at Jason's family...

and there is a reason for that

they too love that recipe

Whatever you are cooking for the holidays, think about doing something slow cooked that will feed a crowd....ham is one of our favorites, because after an early supper, you can put the ham in the fridge and eat some delicious ham and cranberry sandwiches for a late snack!

you can order your copy of our ebook: simply Christmas...with na-da farm

HERE

it also makes a great virtual stocking stuffer!! especially for $2.99

Have a wonderful first day of your week!

and another 'have fun' planning your Christmas dinner!!!

peace + blessings,

B&W Sunday and thought 4...

2011-12-18T08:38:00.001-06:00

thought 4...dedicated thinking....

we are all thinking all the time

pouring our coffee we are thinking........putting on our shoes we are thinking....

combing our hair........cooking breakfast........

spending the afternoon when visiting with our sweet Mom and Dad.......

when you tucked your child to bed tonight.....you were thinking......

we are constantly thinking...

what are you thinking about??

thinking is creative....you think about something and your actions will follow

these actions are directly a result of the thoughts we are thinking

what we think = who we are

believe + think you will do good

you will do good

spend the rest of this week of Advent dedicated to creative thinking

dedicated

spend each day this week in a bit of silence within yourself

keep it simple

think good

and you will do good

and even more...

2011-12-17T09:20:00.002-06:00

decorating that is...or I should really say: rearranging

lace is so amazing to me.....hand done lace that is, not mass-produced items

I love the thought of a woman sitting and creating her signature piece..and this is one of my favorites

I don't care if lace is in or out: it's in here at na-da farm

can you believe we got snow?? this picture is so much better looking now with snow!!!!

so if you remember my post a few days ago, you remember the bird cages hanging? well, that's exactly what I did!! with a very unique piece of art by Dore, from Burlap Luxe

she has some amazing pieces of art - and I especially like the stages she has created

puppets, marionettes, finger plays, paper plays....I love it all

thank you again Dore

I don't care if things don't match

this is a bowl from my late grandmother and a shepherdess picture of a girl that reminds me of my young daughter...surround yourself with things you like!! forget about trying to fit in....

pears = organic & safe decorating :)

absolutely now the best place in the house - we were all here in this room last night decorating the tree, eating a treat or two and enjoying chai tea (the kids' favorite)

Christie Carter, from Carter's Cottage, generously gave me a hostess gift of some Annie Sloan paint, in a creamy white, and I am so tempted to paint this cabinet....

Christie has a very generous giveaway going on right now with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and accessories!!

go here to enter!

giveaway ends December 31st!!!

and from "some" of us here on the farm......

have a jollyFULL day!

sale ends this next week in the shop!!

order this weekend for you to get your package by Christmas!!!!

thank you again to all of you who love Jason's spoons...they have gone to a chef, a mother of six, and gift wrapped for people all over the country...

btw...we just added a few more yesterday!!

here's the link to the shop: http://ndafarmlife.org/

peace + blessings,

more Christmas decorating...

2011-12-16T20:16:00.000-06:00

let me show you around!!!!

one of my biggest material treasures...a French postal bag...love the texture! I have it hanging on an old apple ladder - I thought the postal idea would fit right into the 'scene' of giving!

decorations via my ebook: simply Christmas!

I am really liking this new corner of my world.....

(thank you so much Kalah and Dave...you truly have no idea how much the tree means to us)

peace and blessings!

more tomorrow :)

it hit

2011-12-16T13:57:00.001-06:00

that excited, happy, joyous, (more overjoyed really), filled with blessings, love, thankfulness...the whole nine yards (where did that saying come from - does anyone know?)

it hit

call it the sunshine streaming through our farmhouse windows

or the love and support from friends and strangers from people viewing the ebook, but regardless,

it hit

I just ran to the kitchen to start some potpourri on the stove (I know that sounds corny, but if you haven't ever made homemade potpourri with orange skins/cloves/cinnamon - do it and then judge me)

we are decorating more of the tree tonight - songs + cookies (which I haven't baked yet!) + more music and I'm sure a bit of chaos with lifting chubby four year old fingers up to the top of the tree to hang ornaments and a stray baby crawling on the floor to reach his stuffed candy canes.......

this small farmhouse is tight sometimes, but I wouldn't have any other way

treasure this moment wherever you are, and if you haven't told someone you treasure them

do it

do it now.......a priest once told me that if I think about my grandparent's then call them - that moment don't wait

I just took pictures of the new downstairs living room (well, rearranged...) and will be back after some cookies are in the oven

can I hear a 'hallelujah'??

we might not all be of the same religion, but one thing binds most of us all together at this time........and I don't know about you, but let's wipe that grumpy face off - even if you don't have a single dime to spend on Christmas gifts, you STILL have things to cherish.....and life is one of them

so go on out there the rest of the day and

SMILE

LAUGH!

BE MERRY!! AND BRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!

Christ is shining through you! SHOW IT!

with so much love and peace,

the weekend before sale!

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

We know how hard it is to get to the store...or want to go to the store

let alone find something unique...hand crafted....USA made....

so starting now, Jason and I have decided to host a big sale in the shop!!!

here's a peek at what you'll find on sale...as well as other items we still have available

If you would like your items shipped and arrived before Christmas...you have to order by Monday.....

**click on images to see them in the shop**

journals

the sacred prairie collection...

the cutest little vintage candy canes

(limited quantity left!!)

the sweet life...

spoons

(hand carved from start to finish)

the ebook: simply Christmas...with na-da farm is able to be emailed to anywhere!! so make sure when you purchase the ebook, you ignore the shop's policy of only orders in USA....Fra in Italy has enjoyed it as much as my friend Julia in USA....

it is only $2.99......and makes a great virtual stocking stuffer!!!

available by clicking the cover here...

and again......and huge thank you to all of you emailing me and telling me you like the book....thank you so much!!! we are SO glad! and it was so much fun doing....that I am in the works on another.....

on a decorating note....(fun fun)
I totally redid the house today, no money spent - just lots of muscles!! am up late in so much excitement that Christmas is coming so soon....I can hardly wait! the kids and I have some really fun things to share with you.......

(and I'm sure I'll pop back in here to journal some more thoughts....no doubt about that)

peace + blessings,

fantastical...

2011-12-13T22:59:00.000-06:00

photo courtesy of Un Coeur en Provence (click on to visit Laeriss's great blog)

this above photograph stopped me in my tracks

it is so completely opposite from what I decorate like, yet I really like it

so free like....expressionistic.....

flea market treasures

I have seen some amazing homes this Christmas here on the web...I'm so impressed with what you all do!!

and that above picture is certainly not Christmas decor, however, it has given me some ideas I hope to implement tomorrow and share with you by the weekend

(besides...this farmhouse needs a bit of rearranging and color I say)

hope you are enjoying your moment in life,

snowball...

2011-12-12T17:47:00.003-06:00

over the weekend, we opened up our shop na-da farm life and
we have been busy ever since filling orders!!

sometimes life sweeps into your life like a tidel wave - or since it's so cold, like a giant snowball

without warning

I was on the phone with a very supportive friend today, and for the first time, I unloaded on her

she didn't know what hit her I think
like a giant snowball that builds momentum I talked and talked

needless to say, I had phone remorse

do you ever get off the phone with someone and say "oh good gravy that was not what I should have said"

well, that happened to me today
amongst the simmering soup I was preparing and sending out our new e-book, the snowball hit me

making sure the soup was okay, and the baby was happy with his older sister, I came over here to convey to you thought 4...
(all Advent I have been sharing thoughts)

thought 4...

charity in a small world

I heard this from a young woman at church on Sunday

it is the sort of thing that keeps in your mind throughout the day

wanting for this snowball to melt, it took a moment to make me remember that I need not worry about what happens

that charity means startring at home - giving time to take notice and comment on your four year old dressed up with his red cape on and holding a wooden sword that his older brother made by hand for his fourth birthday from Papa's wood carving set. Knowing that instead of going hungry we have a 1/4 of a steer coming to the farm

and that even though the car broke down on the way to town with everyone in the car, what a blessing to have met that the couple who helped us get back home, since we were "all pioneer" and didn't bring our cell phones, and ironically enuogh, the woman has a brother in the same town that Jason and I used to live in and said brother and Jason knew eachother from being on the fire department in that small town.

small world

that everything you do comes back around to you

this is a worldwide belief - whatever you may call it, "doing unto others as they would do unto you" is pretty solid teaching - regardless of faith

keeping it simple, the snowball has melted from the fire of love I have for life, and the wonderful support you all have shown us in our new shop.........

Jen's party (go HERE to see some amazing homes decorating!!) is just what I needed to be a part of....
if you scroll down to the previous posts here on my blog, you can see how we are decorating...

simply

it's a minimal approach to the season....care into what is being put out....clean/simple/natural/farmstyle

boquet was a gift from sponsor - Maple Valley Off-grid Farm

it's not much, but here's a little something for all of you, that should go really well with the recipes in the e-book

I made it myself with a bunch of snowflakes I got from the graphics fairy...thanks graphics fairy!!
(click on image to get a bigger picture + right click + copy + save)

that little four year old is cute as a button right now with his new sword, and was very tempted to want to cut his cake with it!! maybe his Papa will hand carve a serving piece for cake soon eh?

and yes, those are mini marshmallows on top...

it's a quick and easy way to decorate a little four year old's birthday cake!!

all the love and support for our new products in the shop has been amazing

thank you so much!! we appreciate that more than you know

our new e-book is only $2.99

click on image to go take a peek at what's it is all about:

there is so much we are adding into the shop everyday -

especially these spoons that my husband Jason has been creating from hand

100% hand carved!! I love them!!

there are also some sweet life products in the shop

(hand embroidered sweet towels and aprons)

sorry but we are not shipping internationally at this time

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

peace + blessings,

the shop is open!! and the ebook is ready!

2011-12-09T20:53:00.007-06:00

we are SO thrilled to present this to you!!!

our very first e-book
here's a little of what's inside....

it's all about slowing down this holiday season and enjoying simple traditions

the price is only $2.99

so you can send it to friends, a mom, a sister or even your boss ;)

you can purchase it at the shop

it's now open!

peace + blessings,

stop number 9...an e-book from the farm and hand carved spoons from Jason's hands

2011-12-08T05:12:00.001-06:00

Hi! I hope this Christmas house walk finds you all well!!

come on in to our little farm house on the prairie.....

more than half my day is spent in this little corner of the world.....the kitchen

my kitchen = my expression = my love for my family = and oh such good and tasty dishes......

we ALL get involved in the kitchen! it's my favorite room of the house

these little candy canes are being bagged up for sale in the shop today! check back later!!!

collecting those little tins, I have made a lot of little treats for the kids

cakes and tiny pies

one of the things I really have enjoyed, is collecting small things like that - after all...I AM surrounded by six little sets of feet scampering about the farmhouse all day :)

totally not complaining

thos candy canes are vintage wire ones and the coolest quick decorating thus far this year

this may not look like a Christmas kitchen.......but simmering on the stove is some raw milk I'm heating up for baby Daniel, with my cup of tea steaping in the background, and the chalkboard proclaiming I need to slow down and enjoy these last few days of Advent

nature inspires this family of mine......this farmhouse..........this soul

yes, that is the mini-conservatory Jason made for me to use in the potager.....it's sitting next to and apple ladder.....which is all resting peacefully on top of a table Jason also made using reclaimed barn wood

we've "freaked" out a few people with letting our Percheron horse Jordan roam the property free and eat the cool grass.......and this picture simbolizes so much to me

freedom

instead of taking all the pine trimmings and making thick swags, I am leaving them raw

extending their life from outdoors right into our home

unpolluted

a bunch of lavender grens as well as pine branches surround Mary

especially since it's the feast day of the Immaculate Conception!

Dear blessed Mother....so gentle and kind....may I always give my all to others through sacrifice

Mary...help me to be closer to your Son

the girl's room.....

all vintagey turquoise + red and simply so fun & cute!

this house most certainly is never 'totally tidy'......especially when you give your daughter the freedom to create in her 'vintage horse room'

back downstairs, in our once dining room (now turned living room)

pinecones, dried oranges and an eskewed lamp ;)...things are not perfect here

Daniel even got some new stuffed toys I hand stitched this holiday season.......I couldn't resist letting him have them before Christmas day! he also loves playing with my yarn balls like a little kitty

he sure does love his sister....what a blessing a big family is!!

that's the end of the house tour for me.......

in case you missed stop #8, it is my very good personal friend, who literally lives just 30 minutes from the farm: Traci Thorson....she's our official photographer for the farm events and certain other publications....

as well as stop #10: blondienc who has a great blog!

---------------------------------

I'm so excited to present to you the very special project all of us here on the farm have been working on together....especially Jason and I

We've compiled some simple and traditional holiday recipes and easy to make gifts in this
E-BOOK

AVAILABLE THIS FRIDAY!

December 9th!!

it is an online e-book!!! We are so very excited to share this with you!

(more on the book tomorrow)

We also have something else to share!!

the winter 2011 collection of hand carved spoons from NA.DA.FARM

Jason has been hand carving spoons

they are so beautiful and special

each spoon is one of a kind

made from his own two hands

truly beautiful

100% made by hand from reclaimed timber from the farm and other local wood

organic in nature.....organically finish

each piece is sealed with organic olive oil....the safest sealant for wood used in the kitchen

We are opening up shop once again for some very wonderful hand crafted items

from both Jason and myself........tomorrow!!!

From all of us here at the farm......

peace + blessings,

thought 3 and stop number 9...

2011-12-07T10:01:00.000-06:00

thought 3: Challenge
Challenging myself to face the truth...that tomorrow will come more quickly than I would like...

that no matter what others might say or I myself choose to think, I need to follow my dreams...my passions...

to challenge myself to be myself! imagine that...to actually just pursue what my heart leads me to do

this is a very....very...tough thing for me to do

within this little four-square farmhouse are 8 people - six of whom I am totally and completely responsible for

the oldest is only 14, and I tell you what, he needs just as much care as our son who is turning 4 today!

to challenge myself to not feel guilty I am working on something (for all of you)....because it is really what my passion lies.......within our farmhouse.......within our family........embracing God and His nature

I sit up straighter

my thoughts are positive

my heart is overwhelmed with excitement, joy, and love.........

simple thoughts = simple joy

my thoughts today center on choosing the simplistic joy of Christmas.....and going forth with a project I've been working really hard on.....and so has my husband......

tomorrow we'll be sharing what Jason and I have been working on

I hope you all are able to come back tomorrow so that all of us here at the farm can share with you something very special....

tomorrow we will sharing images of the inside of our simplistic farmhouse

here's a sneak peek:

see you

TOMORROW!

thought 2...

2011-12-05T09:11:00.002-06:00

getting caught up

like the mess of lights I found up in the attic

I stood up there in disbelief - "oh man" I said as I looked at all the wonderful decorations

thoughts of taking all three totes downstairs and putting it all out for decorations....after all...I am on a Christmas house walk!....

but as I stood there with the children to find their little trees to put in their rooms, to decorate all their own, I stopped........took a deep breath.......and left it all up there

This year, just like every other year, it's so easy to get caught up in the hub-bub of what this country of ours (God bless the USA) has made it into.......commercial.........."santa"..........lights/action.......competition

to us, a lot of the commercialism is rather like "noise"..........polluting this holiday with things other than what this season is truly meaning should be evaluated....

this does not mean not celebrating the season with decorating!! like I would do that! good gravy no....what I am saying is that taking that deep breath up in the attic wasn't as hard as I thought - and there are certain things I will bring down this year for decorating.........but a lot of it comes from the seasonal changes outdoors here on the prairie.........the grasses are still tall...........there are pine cones fallen from the trees........and taking those natural elements and leaving them how God made them in their natural beauty, instead of glittering them this year..........gathering cranberries and stringing them for our tree...........

instead of.....

the lights are staying boxed up = candles instead

buying new ornaments = using pine cones from our trees

hanging silvery tinsel = pheasant feathers

running to the store for that last minute gift = purchasing handmade items

getting caught up = slowing down and embracing nature

I hope you get inspired to take walks with your kids and gather what you have out your back door....look around your house and re-purpose items that you wouldn't normally use..........

Today is the FIRST DAY for Jennifer Rizzo's House Walk!! there is a lot of inspiration today over there!!
Today I will again be working on a very special project...very special to all of us here at the farm........

cheer!

2011-12-02T09:08:00.000-06:00

Holiday times brings out so much cheer!! Being that I am still up in the night with my little one does put a damper on the "cheer" factor some mornings, but today, I woke up, and all but the 14 yr. old (boy - still asleep) were outdoors playing in the fresh fallen snow.......and this instantly cheered me up!

I love the seasons changing....and I have so many crafts/ideas going on inside our farmhouse that I can't wait to share with you!!!

Speaking of sharing: Jennifer Rizzo, designer/artist, contacted me to see if I wanted to share the inside of our farmhouse for Christmas decorating

gulp

a lot to do I must say......but I'm so excited to be in this line up..........

starts Monday!! but I'm stop 9 (thank goodness)

do you need to feel more cheer right now?? then take a look at Jeanne's new look book at her blog - oh my goodness it is so amazing........completely so well put together and creative - her photography is so dang good

I'm off to school the kids + have some coffee + and create!! (all three together ;)

peace + blessings,

a start...with soul

2011-11-30T06:54:00.000-06:00

Throughout Advent, I will be sharing some deep thinking and soul searching........keeping in mind that Advent is really a "little lent" - a time for me to get ready to celebrate........to better understand myself and the direction I am consciously choosing to go...

thought 1: soul

Within all of us are souls...spirits....
which have encompassed our bodies since the moment our parents joined in an act of love.....

Our bodies are from the Earth.....out of one of the most organic substances, for which all things grow:

the soil.........

We think, feel and will with our souls - our bodies are just the animation of this

our souls are not composite

if there is a life after death, then surely the cause of our animation has an existence all it's own

even the most common uses of ourselves with our imaginations and memory abstract us from our bodily existence

this fact alone suggests an existence of something else......but enclosed with it, yet free from it - independently

this means that the centre to all our interests and desires are in our spiritual side of our nature........that our salvation from this world (or loss of it) is the biggest issue of our pure existence

when we let go of our current responsibilities/pressures/etc that surround this holiday season, we can then better let our spirit......our soul.......guide our hands/feet/minds/heart

it is not complicated............rather it is clear...........letting our soul work through us

peaceful advent blessings,

bare walls and an eagerness...

2011-11-28T08:51:00.000-06:00

this weekend I took down the bird pictures and crucifix, and moved some furniture around as well -

(please click on images to be taken to their sources)

and thoughts are turning towards Christmas........but first, before anything, there is Advent

As eager as I am to spend another winter here, there are some changes going on with my decorating

(surprise surprise)

some key elements I am focusing on:

- Christ

- simple

- organic/natural

- comfortable

and for the girls' room! color + vintage + farmhouse

peaceful advent blessings,

2011-11-23T12:44:00.001-06:00

~Thanksgiving blessings to all of you~

see you soon

a walk...

2011-11-22T12:31:00.001-06:00

walking through our lives, it is rather different to understand the "why" of our daily struggles and pursuits and seeing what comes and what goes...

if we stand long enough during this walk, we can see how much our influence on others truly is

waiting for my husband to be out of surgery, I could have waited with my crochet hook and yarn quietly in the corner.........but rather chose to engage in a conversation with an elderly woman....we both had two things in common......crochet and our husbands in surgery

we with our lives ahead of us......theirs with much more wisdom and knowledge and experience....and gratitude

keeping my hands busy in the waiting area, I made a hat and made a friend

her telling me of a yarn shop nearby that I didn't even know was there....
peace + thankful blessings,

(pants on Daniel were made by me as well.....)

simple gratitude letter...

2011-11-21T09:16:00.001-06:00

When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs? ~G.K. Chesterton

what G.K.Chesterton told me through this quote was that gratitude is simple and comes from the most basic needs of this life...how I need to remind myself of this fact daily....

that the most basic needs are what we need to thank God for

even legs

or in my kitchen....peppers

As I am stringing up the last of the peppers that we covered under our makeshift frost protector, I can't help but look at all the colors and variety now hanging down like jewels from our kitchen windows...

out the window it certainly looks like winter with branches bare, but as the trees loose their leaves and fall to the ground to blanket and help protect the flower beds below with their natural mulch: gratitude is there

gratitude is there in the morning with cutting boards waiting at the ready

gratitude is there with a clean kitchen and my tea kettle whistling

as Chesterton again had said: "Gratitude is the mother of all the virtues."

from gratitude...it all starts.....all other things flow......and all this week will be a self-enhancing inward journey for myself to find more and more gratitude amongst my life here on the farm.......

in order to say 'thank you' properly, we have to first slow down and figure out how we would like to thank our Creator.....for our life....

let's start with a thank you letter.....

there is too much going on in my head at most times, but if I slow down and take out some writing paper (nothing fancy), I can begin to open up my mind to take in all that is going on....start the process of gratitude

today I will be starting that letter to Him

advent is right around the corner and I want to be fully prepared for the feast!! a lot to plan, yes, but if I break it up into small bits (starting with a thank you letter), more grace...more joy will follow

peace + blessings,

catching a glimpse...

2011-11-15T08:38:00.000-06:00

I recently read an article about homeschooling that I thought was pertinent...The writer said that she would love to remove her kids from public school due to the quality of education....and she went on to say 'but I don't want to end up in a denim jumper'....laughter was not what followed after I read that, but a true sense of understanding...(and I personally don't think there is anything wrong with a denim jumper...they hide many bodily flaws and are very modest)...

Contrary to the "stereotype" this lady was trying to get a point across that the face of homeschooling is changing...more and more parents are removing their children from the public schools to educate at home for many reasons...

We are very happy with the educational material we use with our children, however, I plan on taking even more time for more fun....more creative fun

I love me a schedule, and I'm not changing that, but I also love spontaneity...

When our son comes up to me during lunch break while I'm crocheting and wants to learn how to do the treble crochet, I do it

When my youngest daughter starts singing, I set my guitar down to listen to her open up her lungs and heart to song

When my oldest daughter has questions on life/friends/horses, I set down my own crochet and listen carefully and we talk

my new little favorite corner of the world

when you are going with the groove of homeschooling, that means you embrace the day and thus will embrace your children...their dreams...

embrace the day

peace + blessings,

educate yourself...

2011-11-13T14:09:00.000-06:00

...the key to independence + understanding + charity + knowledge +(and so much more)

don't rely on others to do the work for you...think for you...speak for you...

get out and do the work yourself

get out there and speak for yourself

don't take away from others what they worked so hard to do for themselves...

but give to humanity...by saving humanity

keep yourself educated

keep yourself prepared

keep yourself at peace with God first....and your life will turn around

whatever you do today will effect your soul...your connection with God....your connection with people both near and far

understand this

understand that any ill will you give to others will most certainly come back to you

if not now...it definitely will come back to you later

life is not about money or worldly things....but don't turn a blind eye and be afraid of sticking up for your beliefs....just make sure that your beliefs are truly for the better good of man

educate yourself

peace + blessings,

a wonderful gift...

2011-11-10T08:16:00.000-06:00

my daughter had the priviledge to attend Jeanne's art class here on the farm this past October

she loved it

LOVED it!!

and SSSHHHH....because her birthday present is taking Jeane's wonderful E-Course

I know she will be thrilled

thank you Jeanne for helping her be creative...it means so much

peace + blessings,

a time to be quiet...a time to play

2011-11-09T17:06:00.000-06:00

how often we catch ourselves within the daily work routine...

five weeks have gone by like a blur

{{ our unexpected guests traveling from Colorado to Maine just left today

{{ booties were crocheted + cloth diapers + and there is talk from the three year old he wants crocheted pants (how hilarious is that!)

{{ pizza night and movie night and a card game that lasts 4 hours

whatever we might be doing...there is always time to slow it down....

the kids move move move...and thus, so do I and Jason...but the more you slow down...the more you realize how much more you can live without from the world...and how the hand made items your friends made for you, or that diaper your baby is wearing that you sewed together is so worth those few hours of being in the quiet...

embrace the time that God has given to you

I see it all too often

if you work or stay at home with the kids, there is always time to cuddle...laugh...be with your family

step away from the television, take this time....and do what you know you should....be with them...

be goofy once and awhile...it does the soul good...and God knows we need to be goofy sometimes!!

p.s. that's me being goofy...(i know...i have to work on it)

peace + blessings,

something for sale and something sweet...

2011-11-07T08:25:00.002-06:00

Hand Crocheted Organic Cotton Neck Cowl with vintage buttons...

$20

I only have made 3 so far with this yellow USA grown, organic cotton, but I am working on soft white ones with some really cool vintage buttons as well, and will be listing those later this week....

A bit of time went into these, but baby Daniel seems to really enjoy the comfy flannel and soft cotton

(now to only make about 2 dozen more and we're good)

we've named them: "na.da.farm bunz"

in the garden we pulled out a few sweet potatoes...

"Anne Marie's pointers":

- make sure you do not feed your children candy before harvest

- if you treat harvest like a game, getting the 'biggest one yet!!' is more fun than anything!!

just beware of the sweet potato snatcher!

here's to a beautiful week....

peace + blessings,

being void...and that's okay

2011-11-04T00:34:00.001-05:00

the pressure is there to constantly "be in the moment"
{ to experience everything
{ to taste it
{ to feel it
{ smell it
{ hear it
{ to see....and touch it...

the wipers noisily squeaked right left...right left....the car eerily quiet though all but Jason was with me....no music - just the hum of the wheels upon the highway and the now annoyingly squeaking noise of the wipers...

the wipers were turned on before the funeral...when the air was thick with dew and mist from the heat of the ground mingled with the complete chill in the air that seemed to creep through the marrow of my bones to reach the part of my soul that has been void

parking almost 3 blocks from the entrance to the old brick cathedral for Mass....a Requiem Mass....a Mass for a woman....a Mass in honor of a woman....a Mass to connect heaven and earth....a place to connect me to God....to fill that void

a valid word but an invalid feeling

nothing black to mourn her loss than the boots that I have been trying to replace for the past two months and the circles under my eyes

a crying child in the arms of a familiar face of a mother I knew before stops me as I gaze into the standing room of the

Massive amount of people in the cathedral...thoughts of reassurance not this many people even know me crash through my head as I try to listen to her tell me "there is a few pews...in the very front"

sending my 14 year old son to the front with instructions to look back at me with a slight nod to tell me to venture up to the front with five of his siblings....I can only think of praying to the good Lord to keep the baby quiet and my three old well behaved as I notice the pew open is right behind the pall bearers...a knot settles into my throat as I see Eileen covered in a black clothe hand embroidered by nuns and two foot candles lit and reaching towards the sky...not hearing any noises except that crying child from the familiar face in the back of the church now sounding like a mile away

I know Mark is sitting on the left hand side...Mary's side of the church for us, but from God's perspective to the right....the right side of the church where sorrow lays still

Gregorian chant fills the space and enters up with the incense to encompass that moment....that void starts to fill with more sights and sounds of the Mass...of knowing God is here....truly present....just like Eileen....present under the veil while she sees Him....her veil has lifted...her void is gone....all of her senses are useless....i realize so are mine and everyone else...how alike we all are...

we search out our lives trying to find completeness.......to "feel" complete.....when in order to do so we must empty ourselves to be united with eachother...

regardless of where I was Tuesday, you were somewhere else

wherever I was in 1983, you were somewhere else

you are somewhere else, and I am here

here truly present wanting to join with others...the mass

becoming the Mass

flocking together and not caring for things of this world... knowing we will be provided for

and that's more than okay

rest in peace knowing you are not alone

rest in peace seeing...hearing...tasting the Mass

being on the right side

chanting like everyone else

it's okay

no need to worry

peace + blessings to all...especially to Eileen's friends and family,
our deepest sorrow...

to help fight the battle of cancer, please visit here

better than nothing...

2011-11-03T14:32:00.002-05:00

pear jelly

apple jelly

at least we'll have something to slather on bread + biscuits + pancakes!

the last bit of canning for the year (unless I can find some local cranberries)...and I'm even thinking of canning turkey soup.....if anyone has done this...I'd love to hear from you :)

peace + blessings,

kale chips...

2011-11-01T16:57:00.000-05:00

so good

so easy

- take a huge bunch of kale

+ wash it thoroughly

+ remove thick middle 'stems'

+ toss in bowl with olive oil and a bit of sea salt

+ bake in a 300*F oven for a little over 30 minutes (but watch it so it doesn't brown too much)

yum!

I have tried it now on popcorn.....very tasty.........

peace + blessings,

spirit...souls...boys...

2011-10-31T09:51:00.000-05:00

living within the seasons doesn't require anyone to celebrate a made up holiday

surely you aren't surprised that we don't "celebrate" Halloween

yes......the pressure is there from family......friends......loved ones to include the children in activities that are in essence.....fun

however

we'd rather gather together to celebrate all the people who gave their life for Someone....Something....more important than a bag full of candy....the day after is much more spiritually enhancing

it seems today's "holiday" has overshadowed the essence of this time of harvest + saints + souls

even though racing around a neighborhood and getting all six of your children in and out of the car to run up to beg for candy from strangers while inundating them with sights and sounds of the demonic may sound like fun to some....it doesn't to us...

however

dressing up and enjoying the seasons does...as does raising our children to always think of what He wants from us....what we can do for Him....to be strong...to be faithful

raising four boys, we do so in the spirit of this idea, being open to their ideas and activities they want to do on the farm with their friends

it is not uncommon to see at any given day an "army man" ducking down into his man-made foxhole (seriously...the oldest two boys dug a 3' deep x 12' foxhole in the back prairie)

recently the two oldest boys had a few friends over (as did our oldest daughter last year at this time) to play

be free

be boys

a surprise meal of "mush" and a slice of bread for the soldiers

(the mush was browned sausage with a homemade white sauce)

the meal was served from a cast iron pot and an old ladle that was used to plop it onto the tin plates

it was hilarious......

when I came out of the house and rang the bell....they all came running as I yelled "chow time!!"

an order of "line up!" was issued as a plate and metal spoon was thrust into their chests

the dish was plopped on and one kid just stood there...so I said "move along soldier!!" he looked at our son and said "what is this?" I responded "slop!...now move along...."

the grin on my face told him I was not feeding him something rotten :)

that boy's brother then said... "I don't care what it is...I'm starving"

our kids....our boys are starving for their imaginations to be fed....they need the necessary food to help them grow in strength upon temptations......there is no denying that the world can influence your thinking and try to coerce you to do things you don't really want to do ("but everyone else is doing it")

grow together as a family.....starts by praying together as a family.......and listening to their hopes and dreams

whether you choose to celebrate this day or not: stay safe in both spirit and self

peace + blessings,

how to preserve herbs (many pictures included)...

2011-10-27T09:05:00.000-05:00

After you have harvested your herbs

-dry them in a very dark place -

hang them or put them in a paper bag - top open - until brittle

grab your most cheerful child at that moment...

crumple crumple crumple

(just sit back with your fresh cup of tea and take your cheerful child's photograph....encouraging them along the way with tales of adventure)

we have so much sage that we use large plastic bags to preserve them

the more delicate (and not as abundant here on the farm) herbs get to reside over winter in beautiful blue mason jars....respectively........

To confess:

autumn is my absolute favorite in the garden.....we are organically growing our vegetables, so at this time of year I can gloriously pull off a slug here and there on the pepper plants and throw them to the chickens

since we have had a frost already, there aren't any other bugs (hallelujah)

but it's now time for cleanup and more garlic to plant

I'm hoping to find some time today to sew a pair of booties for Daniel and even

my own cloth diapers (from an old sweater :)

peace + blessings,

the shady grove...

2011-10-25T12:35:00.000-05:00

slowly we learn

quickly we grow

being totally open to learn determines how rapid our growth will be

the morning light casts shadows upon the once tiny arms and tiny little toes

stumbling upon the day, you use your self will and strength within to get to safety

growing

learning

do not whither within this morning light dear Daniel

my baby....

the newness of your birth has faded as quickly as the prairie grasses

i will find a shady grove to keep the shadows...

bird silhouettes...

2011-10-24T07:51:00.000-05:00

I took down an old rabbit hutch I had on top of this cabinet, and started putting out all the nests we have collected here made from the horses hair and even our dog's long fur....mostly wrens' nests...with some of our favorite feathers....it needed something........some color....creativity....

inspiration via Country Living magazine........

we unearthed this plate while digging up the first perennial bed here.........

and this plate is from my late grandmother....

instead of painting on the pumpkin like CLiving did, we chose to paint on the glass to create a 3-D art effect

(when I say "we" I really mean my oldest daughter....she did a great job!)

a small collection of old glass bottles hold feathers and nests.......

my youngest daughter painted this hurricane.....it's a bird with a top hat.....and I think it is super creative and super cute!

the old silk top hat I traded with Polly at the 2010 October sale....

the best thing about this craft is that the glow of the candle illuminates the bird silhouettes and it is painted on with acrylic paint......so it washes right off with warm water......

go HERE for the bird silhouettes

- we cut out the birds we liked, taped them onto the glass, used a small brush to paint the outline around the bird, and then filled it in with the black paint

- just use a regular old black acrylic paint

The black birds are migrating right now, and their stop over at the farm has been noisy, but welcome.

peace + blessings,

the other part of the room switch...

2011-10-21T09:13:00.000-05:00

when I recently switched the dining and living rooms, the 'new' dining room had been sorely forgotten with creating a space to reflect the season/farm/us

friends of ours were having a garage sale....a nearby farm.....and this little $35 table was just what this room needed

she even gave the kids and me free pumpkins...thanks Mary!

{{ a bit of country

{{ nests and gathered feathers from years on the farm

(here's a funny tidbit of a story involving the non-coincidence of our "campers": our friends John and Mary came by about a week ago to drop off the flyer of their garage sale they were having because Jason forgot to tell me the details - and that very day, the male "camper" that is here found out that he needed to get a new crankshaft.....their engine is literally out of their truck....the whole thing......and John is a mechanist....he has a barn dedicated to this purpose.....he fixes up vintage cars for a living.......a shop to make any car lover drool....so their engine is now residing on another farm while they live in our barn in their camper - where it is warm and he can clean his tools and parts of the engine.....basically.....if John and Mary hadn't come over to give me that flyer, we might have totally forgot that he would be able to re-work the engine for the campers and order the necessary parts....isn't that just so amazing??)

truth be told....it's been a rough few weeks......(nothing to do with our new camper friends here)

gone are the warm sunny mornings with busy hands in the garden......I am running on this lonely habit of preparing......preparing meals and more food in the potager....putting up swags and hay couches

having the 'campers' here from Colorado for the past few weeks, with her being a spry 26 year old, I understand even more these miles and years that have separated me from my youth......oh good gravy......like I'm old or something? no, i know that i am not old.......but i can't help but feel my bones more.......the shape of my hands - the wrinkles on my face - the heart hurting from a recent blow of betrayal.......all of these things have shaped the last two weeks since the sale and by gosh did i need to decorate and make things fresh

here's two of my pumpkins now...

changing up my surroundings makes me forget second guessing myself + my strength + my loves

family......friends..........feathers........finds from the farm
(that's a lot of 'f''s)

here's to a fabulous fall weekend.....and enjoying that hot cup of coffee in the chilly mornings
and another big thank you to all of you who have given me your sentiments about the farms through emails, letters in the mail and sharing your photographs......we had such a great time with you all here!!

peace + blessings,

minimalism...

2011-10-18T06:24:00.000-05:00

in this life...there is no room for minimalism

what we thought we could do...we can do even more

giving yourself completely in this existence creates this awareness in the world's reality

how often do you really take the time to listen to your spouse/lover/friend (or all three ;)

do you think just because you are "together" you can just give what you have given and keep on that way

the truth about love is that is takes a balance between the extremism of being a doormat to your mate and beckonining to their every will, and the other side of that extreme of complete narcissism

there are no two ways about it...a fine balance

sometimes it might take the other person to dive head first into the problem or situation and come up and explain how much he/she has learned from that mistake

other times it could be that you both get blind sided and have to deal with a situation together

are only giving minimal love to someone?

it's a rude awakening to realize that you are...or might be....

ask yourself this:

"what is the most I can do"

love does not destroy freedom...it makes you realize how fragile you are...how to look with childlike fascination upon the newness of life bonded with another human being....

where is the minimalism in that?

within this life there is no room for minimalism

within this life is the fullness of faith

of devotion

of love

peace and blessings,

vintage tea...

2011-10-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

never before have I given a whole area to a dealer "in the shop" at the event........

but this time I did

to Jennifer Rizzo........this has been her third sale here.....and her most successful!! She had the space with the vintage tea cups hanging from branches.......that created this whimsical perspective on vintage tea.......

her new line is a reflection of vintage iron stone.....patinae silver trays......funky coffee mugs......

she had this throw for sale that was a crocheted afghan with hand crocheted flowers bunched and adorned everywhere (sold right away)

actually, most of what she had for sale sold.....she had THE COOLEST funky orange tufted couch (with sold right away)......like an antrho catalog it was.......she had hats, fingerless gloves, these super cute tea towels with pom pom fringe and hand embellished prints of birds........

let's just say she's a busy girl trying to re-stock her shop right now.....

she has some new items listed and will be doing so all week and I for one, cannot wait to get my hands on a hat and some jewelry......

if you know Jen, you know her funky vintage side and creative soul and how they come together on this new line...oh! she has a giveaway...I almost forgot!! Go here to enter....

thank you to you all who have taken the time out to email me about your experiences here on the farm at the sale...I have had such a good time this week reading them...it means so much to me!!!

peace + blessings,

no matter...

2011-10-15T11:43:00.000-05:00

you are on your way through life

i didn't know you

i don't know the day or life you have had
we are seperated by many miles and a few years

while i was wearing leg warmers you were swaddled in your mother's arms

would it matter if i knew your name + background + the shoe size you wear?

i didn't know you
you might be a passerby...your on your way while i am on mine

the nest you have woven amongst the golden hues and gray skies will never be forgotten

i stitched it for them, and they hung it in their window....so sweet....

if you were here this past weekend, you would have noticed a turquoise truck + camper on the old barn foundation

on Thursday of last week, my oldest son and I were headed to our neighbor's farm to get some straw to lay down in the prairie lounge....we passed this turquoise truck...hood open.....one with his head in the engine, the other behind the wheel.....I stopped to see if help was needed....no was the answer I received......

again, we passed them, now with our truck filled with the straw

I thought to myself how they looked familiar without knowing them.....how I needed to get home and get to work....how if they really needed my help they would have said so right??

Jason left for work when I came home....but called me 45 minutes later telling me he was towing a couple to the farm who were stranded........not surprised, I put on my shoes to greet them onto the farm

She recognized me

We started talking..........and talking...........and talking.........not knowing how our paths are so very similar in life...........deep within our souls, our experiences......

If you saw a naturally beautiful soul behind the bakery counter at the sale this past weekend, it was her....
moving to their new home

passing by the farm but never leaving my heart

we are close enough in this world to see with our hearts and not our minds, or pre-conceived ideas

it's quite simple to realize that in this world help is always there for me...I am the one who needs to accept it

acceptance is love

no matter what - trust - love -

no matter what the age difference or demographics are
no matter if we both love baking and biking
no matter if we love the nature that surrounds us
no matter if both of the men in our lives are carpenters

there is much more in common with each and every person if you just stop to notice it....

age, tattoos, color of skin....it really doesn't matter when it comes to the human experience does it.....

I feel so very blessed beyond measure that I met them....and that God had our paths cross....they have been for more than one reason....they were there for me and I hope I have been there for her....for them both....

peace + blessings,

share your photographs...

2011-10-11T08:35:00.000-05:00

there are lots of pictures

but just from other people :)

so many of you came and took photographs...and I would so love to see them....If you have photographs to share of this past weekend, and would like to share, leave a comment here with the link to your post if you would like, and I'll be right over.....

(all the above photos are from ART on the farm)

dreamcatcher...

2011-10-09T08:33:00.000-05:00

I walked down to the barn this morning - coffee in hand - like I have for the past two months...

the same calmness was there...it's as though it was a dream....as though Friday and Saturday's sale was being lived out in my mind not in my reality

I tried not to have expectations - keeping myself blended into the event like an extension of the prairie - I walked about both days....meeting new people...seeing old friends...embracing family members and my sweet little baby...

looking in the barn just now - the branches are still up - the hay couches are gathered in the prairie lounge, the winter prairie room still sparkles with the crystal chandelier and bare white branches....

I am not here to say that "i'm glad it's all over"...or "i can finally get back to my life"...

like the dreamcatcher, I wove my life like a web, catching and blanketing everything that touched this weekend....giving me sustenance within, then letting go of the unwanted elements that were tangled up

dreams are not all good...in fact, most of my dreams are so strange i try not to even bother figuring them out

there were most certainly things that happened this weekend that weren't all 'heart warming', but each and every moment this weekend (and in my life lately) was accepted

trying to accept each moment in my life has opened my heart to beat even stronger within the connection with other people....and doing what i love....being on our little farm, baking, cooking, decorating, supporting others...all of this creates a very deep awareness of the complete cycle and connection between the earth and God

i like to think of me being caught in His web...His dreamcatcher...for He will take from me to give to Him...

picture taken Saturday morning, the second day of the sale/event

YEAH!!

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the calm and stillness in the morning I seem to be clinging to like the dew on the praririe....

this weekend's weather looks like it'll be amazing......

enjoy!

we are all doing well here on the farm ;)

na-da farm life...with anne marie

pressure....

serious fluff...

barnwood kitchen shelving...

freedom...

recipe...baked rice pudding

a little (online) gardening helper

really hard...

addicted...

unseasonable...

getting back into the kitchen...

MISS YOU...

from scratch...

missing...

my dream...

Black and White Sunday...

unexpected like...

a start...

expanding...

beauty

a quiet challenge I...

"spoon quest"

really the end

shining...

inspiring

storybook cake...

Christmas dinner...simply

B&W Sunday and thought 4...

and even more...

more Christmas decorating...

it hit

the weekend before sale!

fantastical...

snowball...

the shop is open!! and the ebook is ready!

stop number 9...an e-book from the farm and hand carved spoons from Jason's hands

thought 3 and stop number 9...

thought 2...

cheer!

a start...with soul

bare walls and an eagerness...

a walk...

simple gratitude letter...

catching a glimpse...

educate yourself...

a wonderful gift...

a time to be quiet...a time to play

something for sale and something sweet...

being void...and that's okay

better than nothing...

kale chips...

spirit...souls...boys...

how to preserve herbs (*many* pictures included)...

the shady grove...

bird silhouettes...

the other part of the room switch...

minimalism...

vintage tea...

no matter...

share your photographs...

dreamcatcher...

YEAH!!

how to preserve herbs (many pictures included)...