Souvenirs:
fun

The colder weather and Christmas approaching doesn't 'freak me out'... does it you?
Instead of running around buying gifts, try buying from your favorite bloggers' shops that they have online...

seriously

you can buy anything from organic handmade soaps, to jewelry, to nostalgic items, to even macroons and books!

I'm not plugging my own shop... I just know why I do it, and hope that others do too...
"to support local businesses... " trust me... it's not about the money (that under $10 item I sold for the month of November, well, I'm not relying on that to feed these guys... it's just fun)


(a few years ago... i don't know about you, but I hate looking at the kids when they are so young... time goes so fast...)
I went out this past weekend with my sister-in-law and seriously couldn't even believe how much stuff in the stores were "made in china"
that really puts people in our free country out of business you know...
help support each other... by doing so, you are not only supporting small businesses, but also cutting back on the pollution that is involved with all that transporting from goods overseas to here...
not that I don't like the goods from other countries... just be conscious of what you are doing this holiday-
or better yet... do what we do, and not give but one gift per child and spend the weekend with them snowboarding and making memories...
it's just a good thing to look at the 'big picture' when it comes to this holiday season: don't get caught up in spending your money
but DO get caught up in the belief of the WHY we are celebrating
think about it: would you rather give your child a plastic toy with harmful chemicals on it to suck on and break a week (or sooner) after they get it from you?
or would you rather give your child your time together? making homemade hot cocoa and wrapping gifts for families that are in need?? let them know the word "charity" not "selfish" or "spoiled"

it starts at home, and to us here at the farm... its simply with nature...

Working within a small space, our master bedroom is just that: small (or cozy depending on how I feel that day)
Here's my question (which I don't ask for very often): "Is it okay to put a sleigh bed in front of the window?"
this is what my bedroom looks like now...

We enjoy our views of the barns and prairie through our master bedroom window on one side, and on the other side is a view of the ancient oak tree — another great view -

so we have tucked our bed in a sort of alcove... which is okay, but I'm up for some change, and moving furniture is #1 on my list to do, unless I think of some other way to decorate that "alcove"
it is where I do a lot of reading and writing... so it needs to be soothing... serene... relaxing (input other relaxing words here)

I know I'm probably nuts to do this project now (with the holidays here and all) but the funny thing is, this is the time I go out shopping at retail stores the most!! I RARELY go shopping... so why not use some birthday money and do it right?
right
i thought so

My inspiration is coming from two LOVELY ladies that I adore here on the net, and am very happy to call them my friends as well...
Lulu (from Dusty Lu)
and
Jo (from Secret Garden Cottage)

I'll be posting some Q&A with both Lulu and Jo in the upcoming week, so stay tuned for the progress!!
xo+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,

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,

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,

Out of the generosity of their hearts... for the love of creating... the passion for teaching... and because you all deserve a little time away...
Jeanne, Jen and Jill are giving away a package worth $500!!!

This is in conjuction with the October 7th and 8th Barn Sale/Event (45 min. West of Geneva, IL)

Can you believe it???

To make it a little more special, Jason and I are giving the winner VIP parking up by all the fun + some homemade goodness... we're putting extra care into your winnings!
(a little hint: it'll be so sweet...)

The winner will receive 2 SPOTS FOR EACH OF THE 2 DAYS OF ART classes... AND You will also get a FREE HOTEL ROOM courtesy of the three of them at the 4 star hotel: Holiday Inn Express! To enter the giveaway all you have to do is:
1. Blog about the Art on the Farm classes at the NaDa Farm Sale and the Girls Weekend Giveaway. Once you have blogged about it come here to my blog and let us know.
or
2. Talk about the art classes and giveaway on Twitter for a second entry! Once you have talked about it let us know here on my blog.
or
3. Talk about the art classes and giveaway on Facebook for a third entry. Once you have talked about it on Facebook come back and let us know here on my blog. or
4. Pin it to Pinterest! Once you have pinned it, come back and let us know here on my blog.

All entries to be entered here (on Anne Marie's blog) only make sure you leave a comment for each entry you do
DRAWING WILL END THIS FRIDAY! (Sept 23rd... at midnight)

Classes are filling up quickly as the NaDa Farm Sale date is getting closer.

If you want to sign up for the art of business, vintage journal or vintage mixed media class you can email Jeanne at Jeanneoli@hotmail.com to register.

If you want to sign up for Jennifer Rizzo's Reflections of the Prairie class you can email her at thecraftyhome@comcast.net.

To sign up for Jill Harris' Salvaged Treasures class you go can directly HERE to sign up.

***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY!

Can't wait to see who wins!! peace+blessings,

I received an email this morning that got me thinking about my Bohemia roots...


the rich colors of Hungarian needlework at a market... picture source unknown as 'family legend' has it: some of my ancestors were so poor that they had dirt floors and when someone would come to visit, a design was drawn into the freshly combed dirt floor with a special type of broom

My family isn't a big family on that Hungarian/Transylvania/Bohemia side, but I do know that some of them were in fact gypsies...


my Hungarian grandfather with his team of work horses he plowed the fields with


my Grandfather today... he just turned 94 on Easter Sunday... and still in the garden Bohemia style to me is a free expression of the wild and rugged countryside of Europe cuddled with gentle touches from exotic travelers that passed through that region 

my Hungarian grandmother with flowers in her hair... both are more absolute FAVORITE pictures of them (of course, the family doesn't have any pictures of the gypsies... I wish!)
I chose Bohemian Italy — which could be hard to figure out — for the event, because to me, both Italy and Bohemia are so rich with culture and surprise and texture and intrigue... and I do like a challenge...
Blending Italy and Bohemian style has been so much fun!! Muted colors with blasts of color here and there
I am so excited for the event, and to see all of you again who came before and meet new people too... and in the true gypsy style, ALL bloggers are welcome to come to the new BLOGGER TENT!!


image via tumblr (please forgive me for not knowing the source... if you know, let me know)... I love this image! It will be a special place just for all you bloggers... to meet... mingle... have some champagne...
and have a great time meeting new BLOGGERS
If you are coming, let me know and I'll add you to my sidebar of 'who's coming'
for those of you not coming, I so wish you could...
and as you can just imagine, but life is pretty much consumed with my sweet baby Daniel and this upcoming event...
Have a great day!!
xo+blessings,

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"

When you think of celebrating the birth of your own child, preperations are sometimes extensive...
invitations sent out...
fun and games planned...
and of course, the cake
SO I ASKED MYSELF THIS:
"what if I was to prepare a birthday party for Jesus... God's only son"
first off the pressure would be insurmountable... but knowing only He is perfect sure helps me... I had this whole photo shoot set out in my mind to have a white cake in the barn... with the animals around... and sort of "re-create" the manger idea
but then I awoke this morning to this:

It was as if God Himself whispered His sweetness on the farm
a dense fog surrounded our property, and beyond the woods you couldn't see...
beyond the prairie was mystery
beyond anything any one of us could ever do
I quickly baked the cake, but had an idea to put it in the winter-storybook-like woods
with silver... crystals... white... and the cake
for Him
How did I set about doing this? I thought for a moment... and came up with this:
Jesus is filled with awe and wonder (like the woods that surrounded this)...
He is masculine and bold (like the heavy metal table and strong branches)
He is sweet (like the cake)
and pure (as the snow that inspired this photo shoot)

Happy Birthday Sweet Jesus
and
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!!!
xo+Christmas Blessings,

I'm sure you are familiar with Jennifer at the Painted Cottage...
but she posted this today and I love! this picture!! how creative and fun (not to mention the rest of her house looks gorgeous)

She's got great style and always has unique DIY ideas... thanks for the inspiration Jennifer!!

I'm even going to post again today — a little later — our Christmas card we sent out...
xo+Christmas Blessings,

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 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 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,

Thank you to those who have liked my little burlap stockings and misc. items in the shop recently... it's been fun wrapping them all and sending them off... most of them gift for others... I hope you, who have bought them, were pleased with the packaging...

My little Etsy shop will be closed tomorrow until after the New Year there are a few burlap stocking for sale, in case you were interested...

xo+blessings,

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 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,

the more and more time I spend on this farm, the more I realize how we become who we are by simply just working with what we have, and listening to our surroundings... opening our eyes

that is the great thing about life
it is constantly changing... with new ideas... and right now, with advent season upon me and the farm, a new perspective on quite a few things have entered into my life here
and yes, even in my farm kitchen...

this cabinet was in my craft room... it's a small nook off the living room which I use to sew and create in
but when Fifi was here, she made a comment that this white hutch, was out of place... that it didn't fit into the rest of the house except for the kitchen (where we have white cabinets)

I didn't get upset... not in the slightest!... but it got me thinking on that ever since she brought it to my attention
I just thought it looked good where it was... but who am I? certainly no decorator!!
so this past week, I moved that hutch into the kitchen, where the chippy paint/jelly cupboard was... 


make sure you stop and smell the roses wherever you are... these are still from my birthday! 
within the hutch, I tucked a few treasures...

a few ornaments here and there...

it brightened up this space even more... in all areas of the kitchen

sometimes friends and family make fun of me moving furniture around like this, but call me silly, but doing so, changes the physical and mental atmosphere here... decorating therapy so to speak possibly
*************** i know my little "Christmas Cowboy" is in this photo... he had a birthday this past week... and he looooves being a cowboy (i love it too)

have a wonderful weekend!
xo+blessings,

the feeling of Christmas has started early here...

it started as soon as that wonderful smell of gingerbread was baking in my oven

what is it about these little guys that makes me chuckle? they are funny to me... little gingerbread people

i adapted an old recipe i had and am super happy with the way they came out... fluffy/thick/delicious!

i will be selling them all bagged up and ready for you at Christmas in the Alley this weekend in Sycamore

If you haven't been to Sherrie's store, A Ruffled Nest, it is completely all decked out for Christmas... as I have been over there helping her get things ready... all I can say is it is SO fun in there and having other dealers participate next door amongst the twinkly lights and live sounds of Christmas... going in and out of the old brick buildings while meandering through all the Christmas decorations... well... it's going to be so much fun I cannot wait!

My daughter has made the most delicious homemade hot cocoa mixes she has nestled inside vintage mugs that will be there for sale at Christmas in the Alley...

each mug with 2 generous helpings of cocoa for those chilly evenings (with mini marshmallows and a candy cane:) are $10 each

she has also made some snow globes from vintage mason jars! (I'll be sharing that tomorrow)

Jason has also been working on some terrific handmade/ hand carved gifts...

there are knives, baby spoons, honey dippers, serving spoons, buttons, lunch boards, cutting boards, rolling pins... We are so very excited to share these with you!!

more information on all of Jason's hand carved items and the other items, will be all up this week...

everyone is feeling creative... and getting back to crocheting and knitting in the early mornings before we start school...

there is always a hearty breakfast... and to see the kids work together like this every morning warms my heart more than any cup of coffee...

on a personal note, a new fitness regime has started... and it's due to how baby Daniel isn't snuggling up to his Mama to nurse any longer... it's always such a sad time for me... I already miss him warm in my arms... his independence is surfacing... as is his personality!! He has this laugh that is hilarious... like a sneaky laugh "hah hah"... if I can catch him, I'll record it, because it cracks me up...

he'll sit there in my bedroom and hide from me... I'll say "where's Daniel... I don't see him anywhere??" and I hear in the closet a slight "hah hah"...

I don't know what is going to be more time consuming for me this week;
preparing for Advent
or baking for Christmas in the Alley

I have been changing up the decorating around here too... it's been a lot of fun putting up new curtains... moving furniture... totally changing up my bedroom too...

sharing all of it in good time...

hope you all had wonderful Thanksgiving weekend... we all needed that break around here!!!!

xo+ a bit of Christmas blessings,

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,

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,

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 Mass ive 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 M ass
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...

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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,

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,