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,
life... it's a most super fantastic and amazing place to be even though temporary... life is so amazing it has it's ups and downs, but last time i checked (which i must admit, is daily) it is a blessing just to be alive with these six children around us enjoying the nature around us enjoying their souls united together it's our family... a most super fantastic amazing children don't get me wrong... there are plenty of days that are not so fantastic... and you know what: it's because of me they are the ones learning and growing every day but so am i as unworthy as i am, they are all under my care... every day... and that job is taken most seriously by me sometimes too serious all it takes is that hike along the bluffs with them all, where i always feel the most comfortable (walking in the woods), to understand life is super fantastic and amazing they are counting down the days until Christmas the focus within me is to make these last days of Advent super fantastic and amazing with much love and blessings,
The Master Bedroom Design Q(uestions) & A(nswers) was a BLAST! Wouldn't being a decorating reporter be so fun? I think so So many of you wonderful readers haven't asked me "why" I am re-decorating my bedroom with Jo and Lulu as design stylists... because it's obvious why! They both have great talent... What's my decorating motto for this bedroom: "un-decorate" Today's Q&A is with Jo, from the Secret Garden Cottage. Her and I have talked back and forth, because of the blogs, for quite some time, and as soon I saw her kitchen/dining area, even though it's a kitchen, it inspired me for my bedroom... and here's why:
All of Jo's Answers are in italicized print, and all pictures in this post are from Jo's beautifully inspiring blog. Here's the Q&A with one of the nicest women, Jo:
1) When you design your rooms, do you have a focal point? something that anchors the room? If so, it is usually art or architecture
A: Yes. I definitely always try to have a focal point in each of my rooms, usually architectural pieces. I don't use much art in my home, mostly because I have a hard time finding something I like 100%.
2) How do you achieve an understated feminine approach to your style? A: Well... I try to keep in mind that this is my husband's home, too, and wouldn't want to overwhelm him with too many floral prints, ruffles, or super feminine colors. I try to add a feminine touch to my decor with some of the furniture pieces I use, such as the table I recently bought and placed in my kitchen. It has some decorative scroll work and pretty, curvy legs. I also use flowers and herbs from the garden to add a little bit of romance to my home, as well as the slipcovered furniture and accessories, such as glass cloches, white ironstone pitchers, and candles.
3) what would you classify your style as? A: I think my style is very eclectic. I love French farmhouse, Scandinavian, and American country cottage styles, and I think I have a little bit of each style in my home.
4) how do you achieve an overall cohesive look to your home? A: Sometimes I fell like I struggle with this myself. I try to give my home an overall cohesive feeling by using the same color scheme throughout my home. I generally only use different shades of white in my decor, including my wall paint. I also try to purchase furniture pieces that work well together... have similar architectural lines and so forth.
5) If you were to design my bedroom, by knowing me personally, and seeing my style on my blog, while incorporating your style techniques, how would design my bedroom? what elements would you include in your design plan? A: Keeping in mind your personal style... I think that the one thing you like about mine and Lulu's style is the use of white in our decor, so I would give you an all white bedroom. I would use an architectural piece with white, chippy paint such as a vintage door(s) or fireplace mantle for your headboard. I've also noticed that you like warm wood tones in your home, so I would incorporate warm wood pieces of furniture, such as your night stands and maybe a vintage chest or bench (if room allows) at the foot of your bed. The bed linens you have would look beautiful in the room, but I would add a bed skirt to make it a bit more femine. I also noticed that you love vintage silver, which I think would look gorgeous in the bedroom in the use of accessories. I would dress the windows with sheer linen or cotton curtain panels that puddle on the floor just slightly and use tree branches for the curtain rods. Since your room is small, you would want to keep accessories to a minimum to give it a serene, peaceful feeling.
Anything else you would like to say?? I just want to thank you again for including me in your bedroom makeover, Anne Marie. I feel so honored that you would consider my ideas alongside Lulu's to inspire a room makeover in your beautiful home. You have such an amazingly beautiful style and creative mind, so I know this room will turn out to be the beautiful haven you desire, and I can't wait to see it when it's done!
Isn't she the sweetest?? I wish she lived closer to actually help me! How much fun we'd have... After I saw THIS POST she did, and she had quite a few of the same inspiration photos that I have in my design collection, I knew I would beg her to do this for me:) Tomorrow is my friend Lulu's Q&A with me... stay tuned! Hope you are all enjoying your week thus far!! peace and blessings,
The whole concept behind my master bedroom is to "un-decorate"...
like I told Lulu over the phone ******* (which was so hilarious, because she literally took me out to a healthy breakfast, a ride across part of California all while taking care of her precious son while on the phone... I loved it Lu!) ******* that my great admiration for so many beautiful fabrics tempts me so often to buy these sumptuous fabrics, but I do NOT desire to have a bedroom that is 'decorated', but nicely put together with good design elements in mind.
Which is why I also thought of Lulu, from Dusty Lu Interiors her and her husband have their own design business, but beyond that, I have seen what Lulu does on the inside of her own home (as you will see in the pictures in this post... they are all of her home) *her answers are also in italics* 1) When you design your rooms, do you have a focal point? Yes, I look for a focal point every room, or I make one, with a large piece of furniture, architecture like a fireplace mantel, artwork, etc. and center it.
2) How do you achieve an understated feminine approach to your style? Easy, simplicity with detail.
3) what would you classify your style as? I really don't like to nail down one specific style I like, because my taste evolves all the time. One thing I know is certain I love and try to incorporate white into my designs.
4) how do you achieve an overall cohesive look to your home? I buy what I love, and when you do that it all comes together and you can never go wrong.
5) If you were to design my bedroom, by knowing me personally, and seeing my style on my blog, while incorporating your style techniques, how would design my bedroom? First, I would like to say I enjoyed our conversation very much the other day on the phone. It gave me a chance to get to know you better, you are very genuine and so nice. When I spoke to you we suggested using a silver or silver blue paint color, I recently used both colors in two homes I helped design and decorate. When I design spaces I try to make it both masculine and feminine. When designing a bedroom, I believe it is a very personal space, and you need to consider both parties. I suggested keeping your gorgeous dark walnut sleigh bed to add that masculine touch and adding pretty fabrics for a feminine touch. The paint colors can go both ways, and when you accessories you can bring in natural elements to anchor the room and that can add both a feminine and masculine feel.
6)what elements would you include in your design plan? I love the use of symmetry especially in a bedroom, it gives an overall calming affect.
Lulu and I are digging a little deeper into the design now and actually picking out paint colors and furniture placement... and this could not be more fun! If you haven't visited Lulu's online journal, then you may not know some really cool things about her! Like her constant zeal for learning — she's always taking these awesome classes that she shares with her readers (the last one being photography which was so interesting to me)... her home has been featured in magazines and on the Internet why is there a picture of Rachel here?
because Lulu has also has been Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture photographer for many projects... the great things about having a job like that, is that it keeps her at home (where she wants to be) with her son. She's expecting her second baby and I couldn't be more thrilled (and somewhat disappointed she won't be making the trip here to Illinois in May — lol) Her schedule sounds so busy, seriously, and for her to take the time to help me like this, is just so amazing to me... thank you Lulu... it really means a lot... xo+blessings,
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 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/
over the weekend, we opened up our shop 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,
my very good friend Traci Thorson, as you all know I'm sure by now, is not only an amazing photographer, but her home is so real/inspiring/cozy/and oh my good gravy that kitchen!
Jason was the carpenter back earlier this year for the kitchen remodel — it's a wonderful farmhouse kitchen!!
She is one of the most unpretentious and genuine persons I know... and her home shows these virtues
Traci's home is stop #17 on Jennifer Rizzo's Christmas House Walk... it's been a great walk... and I'm loving be on this other end this year... to see my home for lat year's walk, go here
to see Traci's wonderful home and all the others, go here or to Jennifer's blog here
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,
bare foot and pregnant wearing a babushka if a rosary is in her basket (and if she looked like she just swallowed a basketball) then that sums me up right now... always one foot forward, one grounded, and always looking back when i should be watching where i am going (are those clams in her basket? i hate clams if so... let's pretend it's Hungarian peppers okay?) your personal e-mails about my last post, on 'trust' were shocking in a good way why? because when I write here, it's from my soul -who i am - i'm not thinking of pleasing you, the reader, but just writing like a journal some of you inspire me however, and that is amazing since it's over the computer and when you, the reader, acknowledge my sentiments, and actually read what i write, and leave me comments, or send me an email about how it changed your life, or made you feel, or think, well, it truly warms my heart and my soul... deeply thank you... have a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday ~with or without turkey~ (just in case i don't "see" you here on the farm again this week)
us women are inundated with being a "self-sustaining organic only/entrepreneurial self sufficient/gourmet cooking genius/who should have their children in every activity possible/be an amazing photographer or blogger/totally fit with terrific hair/their own magnificent decorator who sews their own pillows,curtains and stencils galvanized buckets so she will have time for filling up the glass jars in the pantry lined perfectly and labeled with precision that she just about has to be perfect for this world or she feels worthless"
for real?
since when is is NOT okay to just be a mom?
do you ever hear your 13 year old daughter say: "I can't wait to be a Mom!"
well, if not, that could be because the amount of pressure that it takes to just be "totally amazing" according to what her mom might be pursuing could be the reason...
we, as mothers, should be a little less preoccupied with being perfect for this world, and instead think about being perfect for Him
that means, every single thing you do should be a decision of getting you to heaven
every. single. thing.
ask yourself before making any decision (and no, I don't mean should I wear the red sweater type of decision) "is this leading me towards being a saint?"
I think it's about time we get over ourselves
we aren't great
we aren't fantastic/amazing/magnificent
get over yourself
we are created in His image... but we sure muck it up with all the world don't we?
the only reason you are able to cook that amazing meal is because He gave you that gift — so thank Him
the only reason you are able to live in your house is because He gave you that gift — so thank Him
the only reason you are able to embrace your children is because He gave you those gifts — so thank Him
the only reason you are suffering inside, is because you are refusing to give Him thanks in good and bad, in gifts of both sacrifice and joy
which brings us back to being submissive... being humble... the word humility comes from the Latin word humilitas
humilitas is derived from the word humus... which means the earth
humility it truth... because it shows the truth about ourselves
is it hard to just be a mom? do you see other women/moms succeeding in their own business or even just succeeding in their decorating?? blogging???
not only is that jealousy, but it is surely not being humble
the depth of your faith = the depth of your humility
*oh boy*
that one made me stop in my tracks when that came to mind... how often I fall and how often I have to get back up
i am working from the ground up... from humus to heaven
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!!
Everyone is welcome! If you are bringing a stroller, you will have room to push it through, but please note that there is a gravel drive and 1/2 of the barn is gravel flooring as well.
If there is someone you are bringing that is handicap, just come to the gates, tell the 'gate keepers' and they'll let you in.
We are all setting up and getting ready... I cannot wait to show you all the talent of these amazing men and women...
2423 South Woodlawn Road, Esmond, IL. 60129 (watch for signs for Barn Sale!)
my heart is completely strong and beating within me for you all visiting this weekend
if i could show you my heart, it would be cracking my rib bones from the swelling of love for this event
i love it
i love the excitement, the stress, the organization, the emails, the phone calls...
i seriously (seriously) can say i do not care if it rains, snows, hails, or if the sun shines bright
all i care is that i make this a place for you to take time to enjoy
enjoy this gift of life that God has given you...
to hear the symphony of blessings amongst the prickly thorns
to look upon the land and see the glorious nature and feel the softness of the grass as it sways
that the time here you spend is not for you, but to glorify
glorify the One who gave it to you
a thankful embrace of the autumn splendor which our (oh so needs work) farmette has
you will never find grandeur here
don't expect a marvelously weeded bed with clean stalls and immaculately clean children
we live a real life and within that real life is a chorus of praise for what we have no matter how much work it is, or the amount of dirt that gets under our fingernails
no matter how much we try, it never (ever) is the way we dream it will be
not one thing in this life is perfect not one but it's ours... it's our home... a place we have settled down
all i care is that i make this a place for you to take time to enjoy... somewhere to come with friends or your mom...
to come say hi in the bakery where i will be with my sister, daughter, and dear friend...
to pick out something special i baked with you in mind
to get a cup of coffee and sit beneath the branches in my 'natural bakery' and listen to the live music and chat... dream... relax...
this takes a lot of work
a lot of effort on all our parts — all the dealers sitting in their creative spaces and making one of a kind creations that they love and want to share... the hours of painting and refinishing the furniture... the excitement of finding vintage flannels all around the Midwest to compliment your favorite tall boots and leggings...
work within the families coordinating time for their mom to go out with her friends
effort to save up money to enjoy some shopping to ruffle your nest
the drive out to our farm
it means more than you all know having you here and helping support those men and women who are amazing creators and artists
if coming to Avenues of an Artful Business, you will learn more about owning your own business (this class is taught by Jeanne Oliver and Jennifer Rizzo) -you have to pre-register for ANY class here on the farm, so make sure you do that today! — if coming to Jill's jewelry class, you will be given your own treasure trove and create some amazing pieces of your very own jewelry
but wait!! Jill is now having a class on Saturday too!!! 9-11 am HOW wonderful... register HERE
Let's take a look at my blog: Jill is coming from New Jersey just for you Jeanne is traveling over the mountains from Colorado just for you yes, that Jeanne Oliver of Jeanne Oliver Designs THIS IS YOUR LAST DAY TO REGISTER SWEETIE!!! don't miss out on her coming here this time... register by emailing her: JEANNE OLIVER DO YOU HAVE A DREAM? you may just find it here on the farm while taking an art class! DO YOU HAVE A VERY BEST FRIEND YOU WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH? you may just have some awesome memories made while creating here on the farm
Whatever your schedule says for this weekend... make sure that it has time aside for your creativity, whether on the farm or not... take that time...
trust me
I know all too well the pressures of life & family
but you know what?? I'm just peachy! literally
these are for us
these are for you! peach jelly!!!! I made apple jelly AND peach jelly for the sale... may I say... that is one heck of a good fruit...
even while preparing for this event that now the one and only Heather Graham might attend (thanks to this sweet and supportive soul, who has a MUST SEE SHOP just 15 minutes from the farm) and possibly CBS Chicago and a few others, every morning and tell myself: "we are going to have fun"
seriously... life is way to short to get all hung up on yourself... let it evolve like this nature that surrounds us...
and btw... if you are taking a drive out here from Chicago... it's glorious with the seasonal color right now!!! no doubt about it... nature's treasure trove is exploding! and with all these other awesome shops near the farm, it's a super fun day for everyone involved!!
I will have a little visitor center (so to speak) for all of you coming from out of town. See you soon!!!
Congratulations Amy!!! you won the ART on the Farm Giveaway!!
here's Amy's comment: {Amy} said... This sounds like the coolest thing ever, what a generous give-away. And I am in Illinois... I could actually do this. This is just what my creative soul is looking for right about now! blogged:: http://amyluckynumber13.blogspot.com/2011/09/hello-there-fall.html
-visit Amy's totally cute blog by clicking on the above picture-
(I love meeting new people!)
Here's what you'll be getting... ~ 2 seats (so bring a friend!) to all the art classes here on the farm + a ~ FREE night's stay in the 4star Holiday Inn Express just minutes from the farm!! (and you'll get some little goodies from me too) ~Greg Wheaton (palying here Friday night at 5-8pm) wanted to participate in this giveaway as well, and he is giving you one of his CD's Amy!!! This man is playing at the Hard Rock Cafe this next week in Chicago... he's no ordinary guitar player — he's extraordinary -
This was so much fun hosting this giveaway — and it was all from the generosity of Jeanne, Jill, and Jennifer there are a few seats available still in all classes (at least, last time I checked!) so please make sure you sign up today if you are thinking of coming... and OH! good news!! The hotel is allowing the special pricing of $97.75 still apply up until next Friday!
What's so amazing about these art classes, is that you are amongst nature when you are here it's so peaceful, and it allows your creative side to flourish under the direction of your teacher All three of those women teaching are amazing artists! and are so willing to open up this opportunity for you to come and create/shop/listen/eat:) If you are 'on the fence' for coming to take a class, just remember how important it is to allow God's gifts to you come through... and sometimes that might just mean learning a new technique... it might just be exactly what you need to get you going in a new artistic direction, or You could be like me, and pick up a paintbrush and draw giant feathers on the wall, to which I don't paint, don't draw, just sketch garden plans and hog houses or a simple skirt or dress on paper... but it was the most unexplainable time being in "that mode" Jill is making that weekend even MORE special! take a look:
click on image to sign up for one of Jill's classes we all have a busy life, let's take some time out of that life to enjoy it
peace + blessings,
I so wish I could give you all a giveaway like this... thanks to everyone who entered...
it is sitting in my dining room's corner... all rustic and worn now...
i have always liked pie safes, and this one for under $10 at a local store caught my eye, and though I don't have any before pictures, it is just a new piece, was maple, and nothing special it also had a thick wire on it we removed the wire and put in this old screening and took off the handle completely our daughter painted it in old white anne sloan paint, then distressed it :: she did a wonderful job: :
it was recently photographed for some food styling i have worked on with traci thorson as the photographer maria's cabinet and amazing styling was my inspiration for the shot (these are not the pictures by the way of the food styling... it was of a savory pie:)
now, for the next part of this week's renovation... what the 'hay' to do with this shelf above my sink! i love the sign that i bought from stacey back here at the may sale, but too summery for me right now what to do! suggestions would be fantastic...
after shopping for moccasins when i returned home and plans to erect a tepee in the prairie are emerging, it is no wonder to me
nothing shocking
it's like a natural progression for someone who just lived inside (basically a tepee) tent for nearly 3 weeks in the wild amongst bears
and that is not an exaggeration
funny thing about telling people about my journey across America
they want to know things like "how was it with all those kids?" "didn't you go insane?" "were you afraid of bears?" "I bet you were glad you got home"
the bear 'thing' did scare me a bit... i would be lying if i said it didn't...
when you pull up to a campsite, hike your gear into the woods to erect your tent near streams and a lake with no one else around and signs on the outhouse and entrance to that area saying "bear sightings are frequent" and it states you can't even have water or lip balm in your possession you bet the tingles up and down my spine are jittery
when you survive the first night there without being malled and you arise to see no one else in your family has been attacked, you get this inner strength from God saying "fear not" and then like an native American healer the overwhelming sense of the woods surrounding you speaking in tree and stream whispering "i come in peace"
peace was found in those woods... and if more people would take the time to listen to themselves they would realize they could learn a thing or two about nature's God's calling saying "i come in peace"
and this amazing journey it could not have been so profound if it wasn't for jason
our love grew on this journey
together
he drove and i listened to every bit of what was around me, in me, out of me and surrounded me
this trip across America was like that great paul simon vinyl record i have
if you know me, or take the time to know me, you will already know i have a passion and respect for native american history and music... and hearing one of my favorites, first aid kit, sing America is super special and deeply sentimental of jason and my time together journeying ourselves across this amazing country
all of us are looking for our america... our freedom... our peace...
Kara... a kindred soul to be sure... a friend of mine... has opened up her brick farmhouse for a unique event and if I could, I would be there in a heart beat!!!
click on image to see more about Kara's event! helping support one another is vital to life... and Kara is one of those women who inspires me with her love for God, and her amazing talents and style
Kara almost gathered her uniqueness to the farm to be a part of my sale, but with little ones, it was just too hard to leave them... and I most heartily agree how difficult that would be! so she decided to host an event on her own... and I am so very proud of her for doing so... and so wish I could be there... (make sure you click on the image to see more about her event!!)
Vendors are securing their places here at the farm... they will be lining our gravel drive to the sale barn... where more dealers will be amongst the stillness of the prairie and the sights and sounds of the farm.
For those of you attending the art classes here (limited spaces! reserve your place today!!!) the entrance fee is waived of course to come and shop:) Make sure you bring a cozy sweater to enjoy that morning cup of coffee at Jen's art under glass class — what an awesome class this is! don't miss it!! Jill Harris is packing up her amazing pieces of found objects to create with you some unique jewelry and Jeanne will be here on the farm that weekend to teach once again... she so enjoyed her time here on the farm with you gals at the class this past May, and didn't want to miss this opportunity to enjoy the autumn prairie and create with you again.
To sign up for Jen's class email her at: thecraftyhome@comcast.net To sign up for Jill's class email her at: gypsyfleamarket@gmail.com To sign up for Jeanne's class(es) email her at: jeanneoli@hotmail.com
The weather is PERFECT today... and can't wait to get out to the barn after our studies are done!!
If you have any questions about coming to the event, I would be more than happy to answer them for you. Just email me at: ndfmama@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTE!! IF YOU ARE COMING TO THE FARM AND PLAN ON STAYING OVERNIGHT... THE HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS WILL BE EXPIRING THE DISCOUNT IF YOU DO NOT RESERVE YOUR ROOM BY SEPTEMBER 23RD... so reserve your room today!!!
be back soon with pictures of the barn xo+blessings,
amongst the trees, grasses, goldenrod, compass plants, and many others, the shadows...
the upcoming October Event is so much more than ever... for it's not only in the new events barn, but with the theme 'a very prairie holiday' we are showcasing some amazing dealers... art... classes... but inviting you to come be a part of the prairie to feel it's peace to hear the sounds of a rustic nature untouched by man (well, except for us cutting down the thistles and ragweed:) and mowing trails) the hum of the bees and the big sky... such a big sky out here, that it reminds you of how insignificant you are, but how much of an impact you can have I'm so looking forward to showing you the event bit by bit this time We are already decorating the barn... and with baby Daniel now 5 months (I know... crazy), I do have more time to devote to you and your time here because when I decorate and prepare for these events, I am not necessarily thinking of me, but how you will feel With a large % of the world in an absolute mess, one thing stands constant: my love for this land and how we are living and loving in it, and how I can share that with you when you come here, I hope you: ~ leave all those worries behind~accept who you are~love being and living where you live~have faith~understand you are here for eachother~it's okay to make mistakes~create with the gifts you have been given have a beautiful weekend and even though you might not be able to (for whatever reasons) vacation, that doesn't mean you should not seize that joy I put together this for you to print out if you wish... just for a pretty reminder:
I do hope to see you on the farm for the event... it's going to be so special...
— classes are starting to fill up so make sure you register for ART on the farm HERE -since a lot of emails came my way for staying near the farm... look Tuesday next week on the events website for more information on the hotel discount-
