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...
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
definitely one of my favorite meals during this hot summer sliced avocado, Havarti cheese, a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly chopped basil on whole wheat bread served with fresh cucumber slices if you have multi-grain bread or a sourdough, this dish is even better this meal I will sorely miss in just a very short time
all this time shuffling around the house preparing for school and the activities that follow the ending of the summer such as filling up the cellar with the preserved goodness from the garden, makes these quick and satisfying meals essential but truth be told... I cannot wait to simmer a pot of soup and slow roast a chicken (besides, I am losing my touch around the kitchen without all the daily cooking! it's been raw foods or grilled meals... I think my family is ready for it too) many of the women I know are purging the unused and unloved items within their homes' cracks and crevices... dusting off things that they don't use and donating them to charities such as I am there are so many things I do not use, or really like, that we have taken in from friends or purchased ourselves, and I think this time of year is so exciting because there are so many wonderful sales out there my advice: buy what you really like see what's out there help support those local businesses original art at the art shows... that antique dresser from a local shop... whatever your tastes are, here are my picks for this weekend: ************************************************************* Room 363 (one of the most talented display artists I know owns this shop)
if you live around Chicago, then you are familiar with Naperville a new shop, called Room363 is opening the doors this weekend for the very first time *************** and if traveling (or living) West, A Ruffled Nest in Sycamore is open this weekend too (I would definitely recommend trying to get here at 5pm Friday... she sells out quickly) I will be there before 5:) I have my eye on a neat old dresser
******************************** In DeKalb: a ribbon cutting ceremony at Carter's Cottage (Christie carries Annie Sloan Chalk Paint... and even has a new classroom for this very purpose... I have used that paint and love it!!!) looks like this avocado/Havarti meal will be my 'go to' sustenance for a quick meal before heading off to shop ************************************************** peace + blessings,
as the family grows and day flows, I can't help but wonder what is to come
upon the horizon beyond the clouds what's the plan for dinner
looking down at these big brown eyes...
summer is so easy going care free with a quick meal from the garden the kind that makes you feel good am I going to run tomorrow morning? how about those weeds along the path? I have to order the meat birds... moments are strung together like those beans I cannot seem to reach on the trellis
life is so hot sometimes it's like I'm stamping my feet crazily upon this burning fire of opportunity... smoldering it out... I don't want to see it's blaze, feel it's heat
there isn't a day that passes that I don't notice how interconnected we are to this landscape
sheltering
shading
feeding
sharing beauty
providing song
that's why I feel it's so providential that creating the October Event around the ebb and flow of the prairie life... living with the prairie, living with the seasons
enjoying the diverse landscape that is ever moving, changing
~in a world full of confusion, remember that you are worthy, connected, and lovely~
not puffed up or theatrical na.da.farm... our home... our place on this earth...
(if you would like to take a drive out to our farm, October 7th & 8th we would love to see you and share some time here with you for a Prairie Holiday barn sale/event)
i am sure most of you can relate to striving for that 'hold on' moment... that moment when you can sink into a pillow with a good book, or take that cup of iced tea and stir the honey slowly and watch it blend and think of nothing but where to sit and enjoy the shade on a sunny day
it's a wonder
this time... this last bit of time before summer's heat is all but gone, and that sun tea is no longer... those lazy days outdoors watching the children play... this time is so short...
it's a wonder
it is as though i am feeling just now settled into summer, when it's being taken away by the cooler nights and less hot days...
there are so many times when i can correlate myself to my surroundings... the lightness in my step when spring comes... the sauntering flip flops during summer... the shuffle of leaves in autumn and the crunch during winter... but i do have to admit, that lately, i am being drawn into a connection i cannot explain with our oldest son...
it's a wonder
his piano compilations make me stop in my tracks and almost drink the sound into my soul... the heartache of childhood leaving while the maturity of his heart growing
it's a wonder at all that anything gets done during the summer...
so much to organize and plan for school, the upcoming sale as well
the importance of being with my family supersedes anything right now... our bond is growing daily the more time we spend together, and I thank the Lord for allowing me to teach them at home... so very blessed to not have to shuffle them off every morning after packing their lunches... a lot of our peace comes from a schedule and routine of sorts... even if the routine for the day is them sleepy eyed coming down the stairs to greet me for the first time of the day with a hug and groggy "good morning"... I love those times and savor every hug... it never gets old
it's a wonder... these kids... this place... this life...
like my cup of coffee losing it's steaming hotness, the summer is fading, and though I cannot go fill my cup back up with more summer time, I can take what I have learned this summer and and a bit more just to keep me going
sinking deeply into the summer's cool foggy evening
noticing that life is very much like a summer's eve... that the stars would not be so brilliant if set against a bright sun... that contrast is needed for our eyes to see the beauty that is oftentimes hidden from our sight
to think of going through life at a steadfast pace with no ups and downs, no hardships or delights would be so dull and uninteresting... to think of the birds all brown with the same song...
diversity is supposed to be seen within nature in order for their uniqueness to distinguish 'it' against 'the others' — such as each of us... such as life...
within the tasks of our daily lives — the laundry and cooking, the weeding the prayers, there is a beauty in the contemplation of those tasks... that we cannot shirk our duties but embrace the work all the while to meditate upon the beauty, stained beets' hands and all
the diamond on my finger is a rock, such as my faith the encircles my life every waking moment in undying devotion to my husband and the bond we share like no other, that lasts through many moons and under many starry skies, sunny days and stormy ones there was once a time when I had a severe stomach ache and cramping that lasted for many days... many days... and I did think the child within me was coming to the end of his life, for it most certainly felt like the end of mine... and after I recovered, someone near to my heart that can only talk severely candidly with me said "at least you have a stomach"... and as absurd as it may sound, he was right, and he always ceases not to complain, even amongst pain which makes him not be able to walk... never... not a single word of complain... a most courageous man those pains are long gone and almost forgotten — especially when I am able to hold his chubby 1 year old hands as he falls asleep upon my shoulder... how often times we cannot see past the pain and sorrow how many moments in life that are as dull as a gravel drive leading to nowhere but we must get it through our heads that the pain is passing by us like a fog... that will soon loose it's dampness and disappear... and as long as we equip ourselves with the right spiritual preparation and fuel, that gravel road will eventually lead us somewhere we are supposed to be... and if you feel as though you are running out of fuel, stop... take a deep breathe... and listen to your heart and soul... and if nothing comes back to you, then stay where you are and call for help for now, I am putting my hands up and allowing Someone else to drive, while I put my head out the window and feel the cool breeze as I gaze up to the never ending sparkling stars in the sky
= the garden beckons my hair grows longer and I put it in braids the cucumbers wind around the beans sun bursts through the fence and my boots squeak daughter rides bareback amongst the prairie grasses with little sister holding on tight baby coos on the sun dappled blanket beneath the giant pine
a morning kiss to a little one and my coffee mug is filled a basket full of scones to take out to Jason sways over the crook of my arm the garden beckons my hat that was hung on the hook inside this old farmhouse now rests on my head more fabric and cupcakes thoughts and prayers
I will be taking a short break here, but will be checking e-mails. Enjoy your life amongst the heat of the summer and hold onto yourself from the depth of your souls by journeying your life by sacrificing for others and constantly giving to them while thanking Him...
= fans working overtime to cool down our brows = kids in and out of swimsuits more than the ice cubes in the freezer making their way to the glass of suntea = trips back and forth to the potager get better every time = no "in the kitchen" meals, just fresh from the garden and grill = little hands coming inside with green tomatoes to slice up and add to salad
summer means no worries... no schedule...
this summer is a busy place full of memories...
spending the late afternoon on our farm with 4 Seminarians = go kart rides = swinging from the tree swings = chasing after chickens = walking the prairie = ping pong games = TONS of laughter = lots of hungry appetites!! ~menu~ — Blue cheese filled burgers (served with a homemade roasted red-pepper sauce + sauteed mushrooms w/onions) -grilled zucchini (drizzled with olive oil and rosemary+thyme) -grilled sliced potatoes w/red onions and cheese drizzled with olive oil (wrapped tightly in recycled foil) -and my (almost) famous chocolate cake
These amazingly joyful group of men filled our hearts and souls with more joy in the Lord, but also made us ache with laughter...
a good friend and a kindrid spirit, she blends the simplicity of life with God's love and spills that beauty into everything she does... whether it's in her home or through a summer fete that graced her guests on her front lawn in collaboration with Kara and her beautiful idea, I am also doing a dinner — albeit a bit later — but looking forward to sharing that with you all soon my dinner was supposed to happen on our anniversary (the same day of Kara's) but because I was unexpectedly a 'fishing widdow' that has been moved to another time... (her most lovely home was recently featured on Stacey's site here) — and yes, I swooned over her blue velvet chair! xo+fete blessings,
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,
herbs are starting to be hung to dry in the kitchen... and being that I don't have a summer kitchen outdoors (someday I hope!) it sort of feels like it with that ladder up there and the fresh herbs drying when you are drying herbs, they shouldn't receive any sunshine — hang in smaller bunches from hemp twine in a dark place — I like this spot because I can snip here and there when needed in recipes, but soon the herbs will be harvested and dried in much bigger quantities for storage for over winter this is the time I start thinking of food storage... canning... freezing...
I receive quite a few emails in regards to 'how I do things' with the grocery shopping/etc... and I'm working on that to show you who are interested but it takes time I've been calculating things, making notes, writing this and writing that
August 15th is the big reveal of the October Barn Sale/Event theme as well!! I can't wait to let you all know about it! back to the potager I go...
trying to marry the two ideas was getting so complicated... when, as life, it shouldn't be
I stuck to that good ol' advice "buy what you love"
the pink satin throw is vintage... bought at one of my most favorite stores: Cracker Jax, in DeKalb, IL. I was the recipient to a most generous gift certificate from a very good friend, so with that gift, I bought the satin throw and the bark cloth
The barkcloth is a vintage piece — and when I purchased it, it was a wide valance. With a quick cut of the scissors, I sewed up the side I cut, and because it was lined, all I had to do is slip my king size pillows in it and walla: 2 pillow covers for our king size bed!
I am not sure yet what to do over the bed... I have oil paintings... an old sign... a shelf... and old window... I just don't know yet... time will tell! The blue French desk and love seat was purchased at another great little shop with tremendously inexpensive prices on furniture: Sweet Blessings in Rochelle, IL. I am not one to divulge pricing... but let me just tell you that both pieces together were under $150 the desk's flip down front was already off, but I propped it up in back, and added a collection of icons that Jason's sister has given to us over the years...
the couch is (I'm guessing) from the 1920's and in very good shape — with vintage blue chenille fabric and heavy springs... the small little round table was just given to me by my mom and dad... it was my grandmother's... just perfect to hold an ironstone platter with two cordial glasses and a bottle of locally made brandy:)
the mirror was bartered years ago for work Jason did at someone's house, and the dresser was bought just before Daniel was born — and had been in the girl's room up until a few days ago... the vintage satin bright blue little organizer was previously used in "it's day" for holding stockings, but now holds my jewelry I love to see and use daily...
english tin from goodwill — hair pick from Cracker Jax
yellow and full of happy memories, the vintage travel case sitting atop my dresser was purchased on that recent road trip to Indiana to a fantastic! shop: Hot House Market... Carrie is one of my favorite display artists, and she had this idea of using the travel case as a jewelry box... as do i... and now it holds my summer jewelry as well as my most treasured vintage scarves I grab to throw on my head during the summer (small bowtie necklace also from Hot House Market)... earrings on far left, the ones with the little bees in middle and far right are from Tracy... i love her jewelry!! — and her:)
Here's some games that suit a wide range of kids for a fun summer day...
THE SUITCASE GAME... — we used baskets — variety of grandpa's clothes (hat, tie, t-shirt, button shirt, socks, boots) — divide kids in two teams — half of the team on each end of the "playing field" — kids have to dress into everything (don't have to button or tie the tie) and then run to the other side where their team mates are waiting... they undress... put it back into the basket... their team mate dresses... runs to the other side... etc etc... the firs team to finish first wins!!
the suitcase winners:)
THE EGG AND SPOON RACE... — it's supposed to be an egg on the spoon, but we thought otherwise:) — divide children in half, put ping pong ball or golf ball onto small spoon... they have to run to the other side of the playing field, around the obstacle, back to the their team-mates (relay style)... first team to finish wins!!
THE CLASSIC THREE BUCKET GAME — We used 3 pots, and 3 stuffed animals... they were timed by my son's stop watch... — you have to first throw it into the small pot, then the middle one, then the larger one — have one of the kids stand by the pots to throw it back to the player — the fastest player to get all three is the winner!!
There were no prizes given, just shouts of laughter and having fun!
thousands of years man has cooked on the open flame thinking of that is surely humbling isn't it? we have so many modern conveniences that sometimes we wrap ourselves up and then get caught up in that wrapping and don't remember how things "used to be" for our fellow brethren before the late 18th century if you count wood burning ovens, then you're still not that far away think about that for a minute wood fired cooking was the predominate source of cooking up until about 160 years ago that's it... 160 years is all my grandfather is 95, so it was just 65 years before him (roughly speaking of course)
this is not the type of cooking for everyone, and I understand that, but doing it once and awhile is an extremely eye opening 'event'
and I mean event! The children and Jason all heard of me reading to them aloud some passages of books like psalms or something about wood fired cooking... recipes that were found in this awesome 1970's camping/cookbook... and some much needed modern day inspiration for using foods in healthy ways. Our oldest son is always willing to please my culinary challenges, so he went out there with me to 'start the fire' at about 5pm...
We eat late in the summer to avoid cooking in the heat, and this area is shaded by the mature pine trees on the north side of the kitchen garden... After a tree fell from a storm we have used the thick pieces of the trunk for our seats -
by 5:45 the fire was ready
a tripod with a grill is all I have used thus far just make sure you set it up before you start the fire, or it will make your job alot harder:) also a point of note... wearing long skirts without a thicker apron on front to hold it down is not a smart idea... thus I would highly recommend if wearing a skirt, wear your thicker denim one, not the light airy one that could quite possibly get very very close to setting your skirt on fire... though this would help flame the fire, burns are nothing to joke about! the wood was started with using pine needles and some twigs once it got going, we added some smaller logs he had split and some left whole another point of note... he did all the splitting with an axe he looked about 24 when splitting that wood it wasn't hard because the wood was very dry and the axe sharp this was another way for children to be a part of the cooking even back before stoves
cooking with your children doesn't always mean they are slicing the produce, but it goes back farther than that with the gardening, the preparation, the setting of the table, the hand picked posies from the gardens... all this week I will be featuring open fire cooking and different techniques all by trial and error... xo+fired up blessings,
trying to avoid bananas is hard for this mother of six... it's so easy to keep a few on hand in the cooler in the car for a quick snack for baby Daniel or the other kids (or me)... but it is not a local fruit
if I was to eat local fruits that are available at my farmer's market it would be mostly berries in the late spring — summer and then apples, peaches, and the possible plum
not complaining, but pretty much just whining that I wouldn't be able to eat bananas again if I go with that idea of only eating seasonal and local with no waste
with all that being said, I did recently have a few bananas on hand, and some ripe strawberries
for this food styling, I brought it into one of my favorite pieces of furniture that rests off of our living room... it's an old cabinet, and Jason replaced the back boards with a wide tongue and groove... a recently favorite place for me to take photographs of my last food styling job for Jo Packham's new book which I had the honor and priviledge to work on (more on that later)
even makes a great dessert if served with ice cream or freshly whipped cream
in blueberry season, add whole blueberries as a substitute for strawberries
