it is simply Christmas and Jason, I and the children want to thank you all so very much for helping support our endeavors throughout the years
last year, we put together an e-book entitled simply Christmas... with Farm
and it is still available... it's only $2.99
able to view right there on your computer... online only that is...
we'll be leaving this up for some time, and if you are wanting to relax and see into our home, gather some simple recipes that are delicious and easy as well as some nature inspired gifts and decorations, we'd love to share last years e-book with you
my Farm Kitchen is now open! come by for a visit anytime you'd like a "homemade from the heart" recipe
this week I'm featuring the Spritz cookie... a classic cookie here at the farm
Have a great weekend! And oh, by the way... if you have a loved one in the hospital... nursing home... care facility... go visit them love them they need it!! so badly!
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...
farm... we work it, enjoy it, live it, learn from it, and be it our farm is just for us... the eight of us here every day, but share it with so many others
food... from all the work we put into the farm, we are then able to put it on our table... through the food we create daily for each other & the local farms around us, and also for those who come to our table to experience a taste of farm food... farm food
fashion... we love to sew, have a devotion to slowing things down and using the needle and thread in our hands at times, appreciate the history behind the traditions of this practice, and are practical with what we put on, and how we put it together... all of us...
all three of these elements... farm... food... fashion
a new article in the pages of Where Women Cook Magazine
all photographed by my very good friend Traci Thorson
it's nothing fancy, or hard to create, be, cook or wear
it's farm, food & fashion written by me, Anne Marie
the debut article is 'The Slow Rhythm of Oatmeal & Cozy Knits"...
I'm honored to work with Jo Packham on this project, and be included in her magazine for the current issue that just debuted this month, and for the year of 2013
you will be able to have some farm, food & fashion each issue
There was a "want" of a double hung wreath in this corner of the dining room, but then my mother gave me this antique crystal lamp that was my grandmother's... made in Romania... so I took a lampshade frame that was in the barn, and wove some blue juniper branches on both the top and the bottom... part of a small collection of religious prayer books and a few of Jason's cameras came to the table top along with a great little gold tray found at Christmas in the Alley
Jason had time between working in his workshop to hang my new chandelier in the dining room it's so beautiful not even lit...
life... it's a most super fantastic and amazing place to be even though temporary... life is so amazing it has it's ups and downs, but last time i checked (which i must admit, is daily) it is a blessing just to be alive with these six children around us enjoying the nature around us enjoying their souls united together it's our family... a most super fantastic amazing children don't get me wrong... there are plenty of days that are not so fantastic... and you know what: it's because of me they are the ones learning and growing every day but so am i as unworthy as i am, they are all under my care... every day... and that job is taken most seriously by me sometimes too serious all it takes is that hike along the bluffs with them all, where i always feel the most comfortable (walking in the woods), to understand life is super fantastic and amazing they are counting down the days until Christmas the focus within me is to make these last days of Advent super fantastic and amazing with much love and blessings,
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,
For the May 2010 Sale at the farm here, I sold bundles of 'raw books'... old books that my daughter and I removed the binding from (this was hard to do to books I must say) What was left, was these beautiful old binders, and being that they were red, they inspired me to use them for the "Farm Menu" for our recent dinner party (see here)
Everything was made from scratch... the food and the decorations the best advice I can give anyone attempting a dinner party "from scratch" is to plan, organize, and make ahead some of the food!
Here's what you'll need: ~ old book covers (front, back, and binding still in tack) ~ a glue stick ~ old sheet music ~ and some bits of old lace and feathers (if desired) ~ some hemp twine for the tie ~ an awl and hammer ~ and of course, the printed image for your cover First off, take the awl and hammer and make holes in your (now) menu covers
This is the image I used courtesy of The Graphics Fairy (feel free to use any of these print outs for your own use)
for the cover, I just added text and sized it to a 5"x7" to fit my book cover
then took it into my little computer arts program and just erased the deer to get this:
then flipped it, added text and came up with this: (this is the finished inside of the Menu)
With that same scroll design, I flipped it once again, and added text to the inside top:
Paste the papers (cut to fit for the inside so as not to be in front of the hole)
to cover the rather ugly inside of the binding, I adhered old lace with glue and on the outside of the Menu, a sprig of rosemary and a small pheasant feather (which was also used in the buffet decorations) tied with another piece of vintage black lace
I cut some small strips of old sheet music (a whole page of music also took the place of a "placemat" on the table) under and above the front of the Menu with the glue stick
Of course, now looking at them, I probably wouldn't have used the black lace, but rather the vintage ticking, but the great thing about these, is that you can reuse them time and time again!!
Here's to enjoying your holiday season! ~Have a fantastic weekend~ xo+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,
Throughout Advent, I will be sharing some deep thinking and soul searching... keeping in mind that Advent is really a "little lent" — a time for me to get ready to celebrate... to better understand myself and the direction I am consciously choosing to go...
thought 1: soul
Within all of us are souls... spirits... which have encompassed our bodies since the moment our parents joined in an act of love...
Our bodies are from the Earth... out of one of the most organic substances, for which all things grow: the soil...
We think, feel and will with our souls — our bodies are just the animation of this our souls are not composite if there is a life after death, then surely the cause of our animation has an existence all it's own even the most common uses of ourselves with our imaginations and memory abstract us from our bodily existence this fact alone suggests an existence of something else... but enclosed with it, yet free from it — independently
this means that the centre to all our interests and desires are in our spiritual side of our nature... that our salvation from this world (or loss of it) is the biggest issue of our pure existence when we let go of our current responsibilities/pressures/etc that surround this holiday season, we can then better let our spirit... our soul... guide our hands/feet/minds/heart
it is not complicated... rather it is clear... letting our soul work through us
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!
{ beneath these crisp skies and wet from the mornng dew boots { hiddin under the dirt in my fingernails from the removal of frost bitten cucumber plants { a simple phone call to my 92 years of age grandmother to still get advice on baking { prayers for the healing of this country to slow down { waking at 3 am to warm a cup of milk to ease my tensions while oddly listening to geese flying over head
instinctively animals understand the ebb and flow of the world... we have seen first hand how the birds of the air don't worry, but yet, just do... do what they are supposed to do...
no worries
there is no need to worry
the Bible (the original version that is) says not to fear/not to worry over 365 times
I will take one for each day please... and in that give thanks...
mornings can be rough... this I know all too well... but catch yourself and remind yourself not to worry... not to fear
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,
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"
what kind of conversations are you guys having with your spouses about this past Christmas? is it every any wonder why we keep trying to make this life more simple? more in tune with the natural progression of the year?
this time of year, the new year, we seem to want to make new resolutions/etc... and doing so during the Christmas season... as might be a good idea, it is quite possible that instead of making resolutions on this day, a deeper sense of the reality of who you are and where you are should be determined
meaning
what if instead of putting that pressure upon ourselves, just because others are doing so, we accepted who we are, how we look, and where we live with honor, respect, love and thanksgiving
don't get me wrong... I am the first one to set a goal, do it, and then go on to the next one (especially when it comes to cleaning... like my forgotten pantry which took over four hours the other day)
how about the peace of self
not only will this give you the confidence to go out into the world and be who you want to be, but the pressure is off
i tend to like pressure a bit... sometimes i need it to help me along
but there are times, when all i need to do is step back, and see the situation and just accept it... honor the people involved in it... respect myself... love whatever and whomever is involved... and give thanks for the joy it is bringing me
i don't know about you all, but i'm ready to work at this more and more each... to create an environment that is peaceful and joyful for those near and dear to me
but it will take work
maybe a few tools too... and a lot of patience, fortitude and faith
Hello!! I hope you all had a very blessed day with your family and friends
A special thank you for everyone who takes the time to stop here and say hello, leave comments, and read... thank you
We were unexpectedly blessed with having our Christmas here at the farm... alone... so peaceful and quiet
it was wonderful
here's an inside look all around the house... and a bit outdoors too
the mudroom...
the kitchen...
the three oldest when they were little in front of our old barn as "the nativity" scene... a treasure for us
can you tell I love the shelves Jason made for that wall?
my little snowman that our 11 yr. old son hand carved and made for me... i love him so so much! he even made the little mittens out of felt! the tree...
the living room...
I set up a little wine bar on the bookshelves in the living room
we added shutters in the bathroom, and i hung a jar my younger sister made with some lavender and spruce
upstairs in the kids rooms...
the boys' tree and decorations (they love to do it themselves)
and the girls' room... much different than the boys:)
and in the master...
a very special birthday gift from some good friends:)
my dresser was temporarily a wrapping station
made in Germany... these little angels lull me to sleep with their beauty
a view out the master... the first snow...
little Daniel's blue woolen coat hanging in his room
going back indoors, we are baking and feasting and loving this wonderful life...
Hope you are all celebrating all 12 days of Christmas...
as a mother, I know what it is like to prepare for a baby
the ultimate joy increases as that feeling of knowing the birth will happen at any moment
it is hard work and uncomfortable at first, adjusting yourself with physical surroundings
taking care of your body with nutrition to the best of your ability
preparing yourself spiritually, mentally, and physically the entire nine months... and when that joyous day comes, when the time finally arrives for you to hold your baby, the pain all goes away
the sorrow is replaced with joy and peace
a deep thanksgiving for that life and that strength God gave you to get through it
such is life and this very day...
Jesus's Mother Mary is quite honestly not honored enough... to think what She had to go through for those nine months... well let's say, it is more than any one single woman has gone through... She completely gave herself to God in order to have Him work through Her...
meditating on this simple fact that Mary, is the Mother of God, still to this day, is important for all of us
to imitate Her grace (she is full of grace)
to imitate Her charity (while heavily expecting she stayed to administer to her cousin Elizabeth)
to imitate Her in love ( she loved all of us so very much in order to help... to aid... in our salvation... if is wasn't for her, none of us who believe in Christ would believe and be saved by Her Son)
when you know a woman who is just about to give birth to a baby, what do you do? some of you may pray for that woman in order for God to give her more strength, a healthy baby, no complications so to speak...
when you know a woman who just gave birth to a baby, what do you do then? hopefully you pray still for the baby and the mother...
my point is... it's not just the baby you pray for
if Mary didn't have the baby, there would be no Scripture, no Bible, no Church
the blood of Mary runs through the veins of Our Lord and Saviour... it was, and never will be separated
how can you separate the light from the sun? you cannot
how can you separate the Mother from the Son then?
let us honor then the Place of the King, and think upon the quiet awaiting of The Baby...
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 don't normally repost, but I miss my very dear niece and her family... and this cake I made, entirely from scratch just for her last birthday here before they moved, is something I wanted to share with all of you, and her (again)...
hope you enjoy... (the music I added and snowfall goes with the 'storybook cake')
She has lived through the bitter winter before, but this year, the temperatures were much colder, after a heavy snowfall, ice showered the countryside... it was one of the most unpleasant winters she could remember... and even though it was Christmas, there was no sign or even a whisper of His blessed name...
she was determined to tend to those who needed her most, for they had no one... no wood for their stoves... no food for their bellies... and she knew, if she didn't help them... that no one else would...
Of course, leaving your home, to visit others, was forbidden in this gloomy and bemired land...
The evil ruler did not want anyone in his path to one day overpower all of humanity, even the smallest of children, and thus, sent a decree throughout the land "keep to yourself, and help no one, you must do what I say, or death"... Balmala rules cruelly over the land... without mercy... without regard to others... the most selfish person to have lived thus far... and Balmala especially has no mercy upon those who call themselves "believers"...
putting all fear aside, and bundled in her woolen cape, Elisabeth did what she was taught by her dear Grammy... she sometimes can still hear Grammy's words on such a cold, still day such as this; "do His will, no matter what the obstacles, and always give glory to the Father, and the Son, and to the... " "what was that?" Elisabeth was startled by a scraping sort of noise, and then the earth below her shook...
sometimes, after such a thing would happen, Elisabeth would feel, as though someone much bigger than her was watching her every move... not always an uncomfortable feeling, but rather, like a warm whisper within the trees...
and felt eyes were upon her back... but she wasted no time... she had one last stop... or as she thought.
Elisabeth was almost there... to a home no one has ever lived in...
and legend says, that the only way out, is through the basement... for if one traveled around back, they would surely peril from the cliffs below... but knowing this, and with strength from all the faithfully departed surrounding her heart, Elisabeth was guided forward, to hopefully... finally... find what she has been searching for, for the last 17 years...
*end of story... thank you for reading *
this is the way the cake looked all lit up with her birthday candles...
