Souvenirs:
dream

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!

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,

click on the above image to go see what I'm dreaming for our Farm Christmas...

it's my newest board: real Christmas

a bit of primitive and a lot of farmhouse!

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,

preserving the last of the herbs... photo taken by daughteri would like to say

i have a lot

there is so much

both spiritually and materially that i am changing... doing... being

my days have been consumed with this life/vocation/existence
but still i change

my mind starts to wander and think... of me...

never... ever... is this a good idea

it's like i put this self made cross (which is quite heavy) upon myself and absolutely refuse to have help in carrying it

that's not a cross from Him, but of my own design...

my father has been in the hospital now for 21 days... his cross is real... and he is letting others help him carry it... he doesn't have the strength to carry it himself...

this all has happened not only for my father, but for all involved in his life...

isn't it always the case... where you are more than willing to help others carry their cross, but when you start to feel the weight, you bear it yourself, because you think you can do it

i don't know about others, but, i can't do it alone

so so much i am working on... trying to listen and be obedient... giving in to the circumstances of life

so much on my mind that i can't even journal it all... my journal has been neglected bedside for weeks

the trivial things of worry and concern are nothing compared to what my mother has been going through seeing her husband... my dad... go through such a trying time...

this all has happened not only for my father, but for all involved in his life...

those socks still need mending, the meals done, the last of the herbs harvested, math lessons completed, prayers of thanks to be earnestly said

the worry and the mind wander and the thoughts can 'hang out' for awhile in my mind, but ultimately it is not necessary or needed...

the best way to put my thoughts coherently is by none other than C.S. Lewis... “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

(I will be discussing this all through this week...)

peace + blessings,

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

for all i care...

peace + blessings,

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

CREATE
just for you

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!!!

peace + blessings,

Here's the line up for this October 7th and 8th Barn Sale/Event! Ada Lilly Aprons Carter's Cottage Counting Your Blessings
Gypsy Brocante * Jeanne Oliver Designs * Jennifer Rizzo * Lucid Dream Team Maggie Jane's Vintage nadafarm
RoomsRoomsRooms Simple but Different Tattered Tiques
and musical guest Friday, October 7th 5-8pm by: Greg Wheaton
— in case you live around Chicago, Greg's next performance is Oct. 6th at Hard Rock Cafe -
both Friday and Saturday are also ART on the farm classes with *Jeanne, *Jen, and *Jill as the instructors THIS IS THE LAST DAY to sign up for the fun+fantastic giveaway, so go here!! (2 seats to all art classes+a free night's stay at the hotel+yummy goodies from me:)
Jason and I didn't want to forget to tell you more about a few special additions:
~ the prairie lounge ~ (where you can warm up to not only Greg's music but a homemade cup of soup and enjoy a sweet treat & coffee)
three hours passed me like the swiftness of a cloud's shadow when I did this... peace + blessings,

a wonderful thing occurs at the end of the growing season

picking and washing and preserving... it all comes together to savor the summer

a mass of cherry tomatoes are turning into red rubies for stews in the winter and sauce for the pasta
it's about 6:02 am and the stove is about to be fired up already

i spent the day yesterday glued to the computer... well, most of the day, reserving spaces for the upcoming sale in october... just about 40 people where/are invited, but it works as a first come/first serve basis for dealer spaces... one dealer cracked me up saying it was like purchasing Justin Beiber concert tickets... meaning, it was done in less than 3 hours for all practical purposes... an exhausting 3 hours of coordinating all the emails and phone calls... but we are happy to say that this sale is going to be so fantastic — with returning people and new people! Unfortunately, our barn is not big enough for all who were invited, if it was, we would have been able to fill that too! and I so wish we could!! and a few of my very favorite dealers are not able to make it due to family and life...
here's a sneak peek into my head right now: there is talk of a fashion show, live music both days, new windows and tables and chairs to gaze out into the prairie while eating your cupcakes and other baked goods while sipping your complimentary wine... yes, maybe wine instead of champagne... you just never know!

i will contemplate all of this while i am stuffing little red tomatoes and romas into my mason jars this morning

while thinking and dreaming of doing this someday with all of us here

I have something so sweet to share with you today!!
My good friend Koralee, from Bluebird Notes is here on my blog!
Even though she has just moved and is pulled in other directions professionally, she wanted to help contribute to some time off for me... isn't she so sweet?!
enjoy!

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What Really Matters?
Last week we moved into a new home on a lovely street filled with beautiful homes.
We were all excited to meet our new neighbours... I had dreams of meeting a new "best friend".

Someone I could take walks with... borrow a cup of sugar from... drop in to have tea with... a sort of kindred spirit that lived next door!
How wonderful would that be!
My daughter's best friend made this comment when she first came to view our new home... "I just know one of your new neighbours will be dropping off a meal for you... it is just that kind of neighbourhood"

Now that made me excited... I was sure my new "best friend" would be ringing my doorbell with a "welcome to the neighbourhood casserole" in hand.

I went about my business of unpacking my boxes and waiting for that casserole to come.
Hmmmmmmm... it was over a week and still no casserole... no best friend.
I was feeling sorry for myself until my daughter brought in a box of cherries that needed to be dealt with.
These cherries gave me an idea... instead of we waiting for someone to knock on my door why don't I go knock on my neighbour's doors with a sweet treat. After dipping oodles of these cherries in chocolate and covering them with pistachios off I went.
What a great response I got... everyone was so happy to meet us. Those cherries where just want was need to celebrate our new neighbours.
"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into happiness that you are able to give" ~Eleanor Roosevelt~
So what really matters?
Kindness
Don't wait for others to show you kindness..you be the light!
Kindness can and does change the world!
{just a note... I have not found a "bosom buddy" in the neighbourhood yet but I have lots of neighbours that love us} Thank you sweet Anne Marie for letting my grace your beautiful blog today.
You have always been "the light" to me and so many others.

welcomed with hydrangeas cut from the garden in a vintage blue vase
set upon a garage sale find nightstand that sits next to a lamp from my grandmother (an old marble one!)

nestled in the nook for whomever happens to stop by, eat a meal, and stay up late talking on the deck with wine, laughter, debates, opinions, and the summer breeze...
they get to nestle into vintage sheets hung outdoors on the line, and if blessed by a cool breeze, a small collection of quilts neatly folded nearby to grab and snuggle under

a dream of mine is to open up the corn crib (restored of course) to have guests stay here and just 'be' on the farm with all it's sights, doings, peace and inspiration wouldn't that be grand?
i think so
like seeing a bee swarm just steps away from the hives (that means another hive is born!!) speaking of bees... we are soon to "spin out" the 2nd batch of 'pure prairie honey' (which in case you didn't see, was in the latest issue of Romantic Prairie Magazine — with Fifi O'Neill) she is so very sweet... as sweet as our honey I think...
a good day and night to all
xo+blessings,

as a child we can more freely be ourself...

we have imagination...

dreams...

what one might think of as a chicken, another might see as the most glorious bird

being proud to call that bird even a friend

you can look at the world through someone else's eyes... or see the glorious world you already live in
it is up to you be yourself

don't be a chicken

be a beautiful brown eyed rare breed, that gives the best to others
this may be the only way you know how to be and that's okay
be yourself...
no one can change you
except you

xo+blessings,

Today I woke up with a such motivation! that I thought I'd share it...

I'll do it!!

whatever that is for you, I hope you go out this weekend and do it! let your dreams carry you... follow your dreams... don't push them along... let it happen naturally...
xo+farm blessings,

After the event/sale is over... yes, I'm tired, no doubt about that, but during this down time it gives me a chance to think, be calm, and dream
during this whole process, I was surrounded by amazingly talented women that came from New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado, and local towns in Illinois... I am truly inspired!!
What was inspiring??
Their focus
organization
and passion for what they do
their confidence in that fact
I dabble in just about everything from covering candles in burlap and sewing linen dresses to hand embroidering tea towels and setting up this whole event
I can already see my focus changing... defining... and it is all because of those men and women that took the time to come to our farm and be a part here's just a few of the pictures that I took... (if you came to the event and are posting pictures, let me know... I'd love to see them!! and I'll post your link on my sidebar) 

checkout counter... with a linen dress/jacket combo I made and one of Jill Harris' bags that rock my world 



again... 'the rock my world' bag that sold before I could get it, and an original art piece by Jeanne Oliver


a barn wood bench with a metal base that Jason made for the event, and items from both Jennifer Rizzo and Polly Hood


My daughter's and I new line "The Sweet Life"... it was a success for her!! I'm so happy for my sweet daughter!!!!


'the peasant dress' from Jeanne Oliver and hand made crochet tops from Jill Harris — just gorgeously made things
I'm hoping to see more pictures from a few friends that came... I didn't get to take many photographs...
Midwest Living Magazine came out to the event, wrote a story on it, took some fantastic pictures of both the sale and the Art on the Farm with Jeanne Oliver that was taking place in the horse barn... they were so nice and Jason & I are honored they came to our farm...

I took some video with our new video camera during the event... but am having difficulty getting it uploaded — as soon as that is smoothed out I can't wait to share it with you who weren't able to come...
I was asked by a SUPER sweetie named Lauren (hi girl!) what my favorite part of this whole process of the event/barn sale was...

truly it was the togetherness that is felt in the barn

it is the common interests and desires all of us have

how we are all connected

(insert kumbyah here)

so I asked myself when everyone was asleep after braving (and photographing) tornado clouds while sipping red wine and eating a chocolate... okay... so maybe 3 chocolates...
"what can I do to help others be inspired??"

continue my journey in life with my heart

my passion

my faith

so many of you came up to me and said "thank you for doing this"... and honestly... I don't know how to respond to that...

'thank you' would be obvious — and I did say that — but this is just my life, my way of thinking and doing... and you all have no idea how very very special it is for all of us at the event that you came and met us and was a part of this togetherness...

we really are here to help support one another

to encourage

to grow in happiness and holiness

not to be favored, but accepted for who we are, and striving to always be better people

okay, so I got caught up in theology of "Anne's mind on the farm" and all, but it is from my heart that I tell you

it was a wonderful experience having you come here
either in person, or via blog

with much love and blessings,

my dream house

and the most beautiful goose

xo + simple blessings,

When I saw this above picture, I knew choosing the Friday night event as the Boho-Ball would be just what I needed...
not to party like a rock star
but to express creativity... explore ideas... create texture and depth... to combine organic elements with history...

why?

because I like rules... traditions... being conventional
but in my daily life of taking care of the children and the farm

but inside me, is still that little girl who vividly remembers imaging living in the woods behind my house while eating wild mushrooms and weaving flowers in my hair

when I was a child, I disliked rules and conventions, but somehow was able to live life like a wild playful child... but now... as a wife and mother, I have a quite peace
I still get inspired by many colors, and like combining different styles, rugged materials and sweet but delicate colors that evoke a cheerful mood

When I sat inside that hollowed out tree between my home and where my grandparent's lived (it was a short walk through the woods) the ambiance was always fun, relaxing and warm... splendid

I decorated that hollowed out tree with anything I had or found

now??
I decorate our barn

I know that the barn's styling isn't exactly what I have in my head... just like that tree was never exactly what I wanted it to look like
but it's an expression of a part of me... just like the Boho-Ball will be... with working with whatever I have or find

it is what's inside that counts...
and it's okay to dream

there will be lots of surprises that night, but one thing is for certain... I WILL be weaving flowers in my hair (even though I know I won't be as beautiful as her:) 

via bohemian bride there's only one life... and I am living mine... but always remembering my dreams...
who's with me!?!!

I know Fifi is... she just sent me this picture...

Boho-Ball: May 20th from 5pm-8pm
xo+farm blessings,

My parents recently took a trip to Italy...
they "forgot" to bring me
but they did take lots of pictures, which aren't digital, so I can't share them, but let's just say my Mom's photography skills are rather close to a professional..and some of what she has shown me were almost hard to believe! Visiting Tuscany... Venice... having a coffee on the balcony overlooking Venice
like I said... they "forgot" to bring me... and the children... and even my husband

the above picture is not my Mom's painting, however, she paints rather well and I don't know the source of that painting above, but it did spark the idea behind the sale's theme


source unknown
the rich colors of Italy's flowers and buildings are so amazing! who said you can't mix orange and blue?? nature sure didn't say you can't... and Italy screams it at you in such an iconic way

As soon as Mom and Dad returned and showed me their 1,465 photos on a warm summer day on the deck, the inspiration ignited like those colors I have always admired in rich Italian oil paintings (as you know, I collect colorful oil paintings)
Being that I have a historically traveling family heritage, there sure isn't an ounce of Italian in me, but I'm sure my gypsy aunts and uncles stopped by the roadside grotto and had a cuppa on their travels

when Jenn and I were shopping at a local vintage clothing shop right after the October sale, I saw the coolest boho-dress (which I really hope fits me still) and I said I was going to buy it for the May ball, and our two heads combined to come up with the Boho-Ball!
It's all about creativity... color... inspiration...
and not caring what the styles are but being yourself... HAVING FUN!!
That's what this May event is all about... HAVING FUN... and enjoying buying local... shopping... eating... while enjoying the fresh air
kind of what I suppose my Mom and Dad experienced when they shopped the Italian markets without me

Half of the space that my husband Jason and I have designated the sale area of the barn, is what we like to call the "Market" 

a dream market... photo by Finn Lyngensen
in the market you will find these AWESOME dealers... and just like the gypsies they are, they are traveling from all over!!
~ Traci and Mark (from Morris, IL and Geneva, IL)
~ Denise and Janice (from Geneva, IL)
~ Jeanine Burkhardt... CHippY ShaBbY!! (from Wisconsin)
~ Laura... Verbena Tested Treasures (from Florida)
These dealers will be selling their wares in the "Market" area of the barn and will be separate from the other space designated as "the Shop" (but that's for another post... soon!)

ever since last October, I have been planning this "Market"... with flowers, herbs, & baked goods made by me... and we'll be serving lunch as well for a nominal fee...
and no, I won't be selling my cured hams from the barn rafters... not this year at least...

market in san lorenzo
if the weather is nice, there will be blankets available for you to borrow and take out to the prairie for a picnic... anywhere you want in the prairie... to soak up the sunshine... time with friends and enjoy your afternoon out at the farm... (sir Charles the rooster won't mind a bit if you share your crackers with him and his gal)...

My Mom is out here today and she has the best ideas... and we are going out to the "Market" and "the Shop" so she can help me feel left out she went to Italy with my Dad and "forgot" to bring me

and to help decorate

Hope you can make it to the "Market" to see the amazing finds they are bringing!! Jason and I won't buy all of the awesomeness
we'll save some for you:)
enjoy the day!
xo+farm blessings,

LUST
One could say I lust after having a nicely decorated home
One could say that I lust for good food
One could say that I lust at having every inch of my grass flowers and meadows, with a pond in the prairie and a pergola, and a little dock just perfect for a bit of fishing (because the pond is stocked)

and they would be right
this is something that holds me back sometimes to actually being "happy"
Happy to me is not an emotion but a state of mind
and when I think of all the possibilities here on our little farm... well... there's only one thing I can say it is:
LUST
How to overcome this vice? this weight upon my shoulders?? (I put it there... no one forced it upon me)
Enjoying what I DO have... which is so much...
and I don't mean I don't appreciate all of it, or thank God for it, but sometimes, these thoughts and dreams in my head of what "could be" cloud the reality I am in
so here's how I am going to battle this
by shutting my eyes

Now I have my eyes shut and I can see with my heart

yes, there will be a giveaway, from myself and Jo Packham but I think it's vital for others to know a bit about who she is

Jo is the amazing woman behind some beautiful publications such as Where Women Cook magazine.
Together, Jo and I (and my very talented friend & photographer Traci Thorson) have now completed a few projects...
Working with Jo, I couldn't help but be encouraged by her enthusiasm and entrepreneur spirit... it really got me wondering more about her
Finding more about her has only increased my opinion of her strength and versatility and confident creativity this woman possess... very wonderful traits to aspire to have.
To tell you all how prfoundly amazed I am that she has chosen me to work with her on a few projects, is quite frankly not only an understatement, but has given me the confidence to keep doing what I am doing: just being me

so here's a little Q & A... with Jo Packham...
1) You have helped so many women attain their dreams. What prompted you to start doing that? It is something that I have always done — for as long as I can remember. I believe that when we help each other we are all so much stronger. And I don't believe in competition because there is more than enough for everyone and we need to inspire and be inspired by each other.

2) Out of all the women you have met along this journey of your life, whom would you like to thank the most? My mother. She was wiser than her education and taught me to have confidence in myself and how to find the answers that I needed.

3) What kind of art/creativity do you like to do in your spare time? I make jewelry and paint walls with tiny brushes in lots of different colors.

4) What is the hardest thing you have ever had to do? Lay-off an employee due to circumstances that were beyond our control

5) Due to your business and life experience, what advice do you have for someone who is stuck and wants to break into being published? Do your homework and don't give up. Try a different angle. Wait a month and try again.

6) You are a wife, mother, friend and business woman... some of us know you professionally, but tell us about what you like to do on a day off... if I am not with my grandchildren or my children I really do like to work. It is what I do even when I don't get paid.

7) What projects are you currently working on? Anything you can reveal to us??Magazine #3 and new licensing agreements under WWCook.

8) What is your favorite kind of cupcake? red velvet

9) What is your favorite color? green — bright chanteuse green


10) If you could pin down your style, what would you name it? bohemian — eclectic

Thank you Jo... for everything... it is always such a pleasure working with you.
it was an honor having my name on the cover of the latest issue and being inside your beautiful quarterly magazine (which is really like a mini cookbook!)

click on cover to peek inside...

*stay tuned for the giveaway*