BEAUTIFUL BLUEBELLS

I love these darling little wildflowers. They come up every year along the edge of our creek bank. They just have so much personality and their color is unbelievable.

AND TIME STOOD STILL

Such a picture of tranquility, peace, and time standing still but for only a second. I can't explain how the Amish people and their lives draw my heart toward the peace and quiet that surrounds them. If I had no kids left at home, I would surely learn more of their lifestyle. Living it is one thing I know. But for them it is the most natural thing in the world, just like our lives are for us. But as I stay in my cabin, in the dark of night, with oil lamps and candles burning. The quiet that surrounds me except for maybe the sweet song of the nightingale, I feel whole, and at peace with my soul. It has really been eye opening for me. I have really gotten to know myself, and who I am and what I'm about. And I'm learning more everyday. I'm thankful for my little get-away cabin, and the primitive lifestyle that I have chosen to live there. My mind wanders to things that really matter. In the quietness, my spirit hears the music that nature plays and the song that fills my soul is one of depth, lyrics that speak of family, love, Jesus Christ, and all things that matter. In the quietness I can hear the song well, it's not stifled by phones, tv, alarms, the things that steal away time and peace of mind. Thank you Lord, for the song that sings to my soul.

A RIDE IN THE COUNTRY

Wouldn't it be nice to be riding along.

CORNBREAD AND APPLE COBBLER

Cornbread and Apple cobbler cooking on the side!

BEEF STEW Mmmmm

The beef stew was really good!

SUPPERTIME

Suppertime at the cabin last weekend. We had a wonderful time!

Visiting The Amish

We had a wonderful day. We had to go by and drop off a frame that we had of theirs that we had used to move our outhouse. We enjoyed our visit very much. They had asked us about the shooting in Virginia, and we talked about the Amish school shooting also. Some of the Amish community had relatives there. We talked a long time and I got some yummy Maple Syrup. This weekend I'll have to go to pick up my milk. It was hot the other day and we weren't coming straight home so we thought we'd wait till next weekend to get our milk. I talked with them about how their ice house is built, we are planning to build one over at our cabin. I hope you enjoy the pictures. I have a few more I may post tomorrow. Have a great week everyone and thanks so much for visiting!

following the trail

End of the day....

Good For You

A Hard Days Work

OUTHOUSE

Here is a picturesque view, lol, of the outhouse. It's hidden among the redbud trees, Can you see it?

CHANDELIER

This is a wonderful little find for $1.50. It lights the whole cabin. You can see it in the other photo below.

PUNCHED TIN LANTERN

This is one of my favorites lanterns/oil lamps I have that I use in the cabin. Just wanted to show a close up.

BACK DOOR

The back door, not much to say about it. Ummm, it's the door to use when you go to the outhouse. I like my punched tin lanter. I take it to the potty with me when it's dark out.

KITCHEN

Here's my quaint little kitchen. Please excuse the table, I've got to do a little work on it, and add a runner or tablecloth. The chairs are ok, I'm not in love with them. But I have some older ones with woven seats that I'll be using, their hanging in my sisters garage right now. The chandelier is not the one I wanted but I found this one for 1.50, about 100$ less than the cast iron one I liked, lol. I absolutely love it, simply because it gives so much light at night. It actually lights the whole cabin, makes a really big difference. Note the candles in it almost burnt down. A dead giveaway that I stayed up late the night before, haha. No curtains as of yet, I've still got to pick out the fabric. I think they will make a big difference, don't you?

Grandma's rocker

My grandma's old windsor rocker, and my writing desk. The top folds down. You can't see the drawer handles. They are really pretty. I found this at an antique shop last summer and bought it especially to go in my cabin. On top the desk is a reproduction set of the McGruffey readers. I think they're really neat. On the wall is a picture my dad got when he was a child selling redclover salve.

MOVING IN

I've finally been moving into our get-away cabin. It's taking some time to get everything where I want it. Still working on the little details, the ones that make ALL the difference. Still need to hang pictures, only a few. And a peg board behind the door for shawls and hats and scarves and such. Sorry this picture is blurry. With only candle light and oil lamps I guess thats why it done that. It's a bit challenging taking photos for some reason. Unless it's just the person behind the camera, duh..... In this photo you can see my grandma's windsor rocker, my antique writing desk, and the old brass bed. But I'm not sure yet if I like the bed or not. If you see anything out of place forgive me, I'm still working. Such as the dishtowel behind the rocker, laying on the floor.

RUSTY FENCE

Driving down a dirt road I look over at the edge of the ditch line and see a clump of wildflowers. The little things not knowing that they are in a lowly place, a ditchline of all places. They stand there, proudly displaying their bright lavendar attire. Never to share the stage with a famous rosebush, or even a hanging basket of petunias. It doesn't complain, it stands there proudly, amongst the crushed beer cans and faded McDonald's paper cup. It's backdrop an old rusty fence, not a two story capecod style home as the rosebush has. But still, it doesn't complain, it just continues to blossom. Bringing beauty wherever it can. Lord, wherever You place us, help us to blossom. And help us to do so without complaint

CASTING STONES

I woke up this morning, grumpy, snarling, grimacing. I snapped at the kids as I sent them out the door to catch the bus. I seen as they walked out, the frustrated look upon their faces. They climbed onto their bus, one of them stubbing their toe causing them to fall up the steps of the bus instead of climbing up the steps of the bus. The bus driver chuckled and made a comment, but my son didn't think it funny and snapped back at him, sassing him, which he never does. My daughter made it to her locker at school, in a hurry she couldn't get the combination correct. She thumped it good with her books. Later that night, the bus driver was at home sitting down for supper. His grandaughter was slow in answering the call to come eat. This act reminded the bus driver of the sassy student he had that morning. The bus driver reacted a little too harsh toward his grandaughter when retrieving her for supper. The bus drivers wife, surprised by the sudden "hateful turn" of her husband snapped at him for being so hateful. Which in turn caused an arguement between the two. My son and daughter both had a bad day, and so did everyone they came in contact with. The next day I vowed to make up for the day before. I awoke the children, in the background I had praise and worship music playing softly. We laughed and joked. Finally the bus arrived. We waved and blew kisses in secret so no one knew what we were doing, saving embarassement of course. Hoppin on the bus they greeted the driver with an energetic "Goodmorning!" In turn the bus driver wished them both a goodmorning. With smiles and waves, everyone they met caught their contagious good spirit. The bus driver was in the bank in a long line, when he finally got his turn. The cashier frowning because of the "rush rush" attitude of everyone, coldly asked, "What can I do for you?" Smiling the driver said, "Isn't it a beautiful day out?" Then proceeded with his business. The cashier looked at him, with the smile radiating from his face and she couldn't help but smile herself. It brightened her day soooo much she greeted every customer with a smile and a, "Isn't it a gorgeous day out today, how may I help you?", the rest of that day. Casting a stone in a body of water makes a ripple effect that carries on farther than we can possibly see. And so does our attitude, the good the bad and the ugly too. Let's cast our stones in the water, but let our stones be those of encouragement, love, understanding and friendship. Our world needs a good friend.

Treasure Box

About five years ago I went to my Papa's house to clean for him. I'd clean awhile and visit awhile. He loved getting everything dusted and vacuumed. He loved a clean house. My grandma kept it spic n span when I was younger. I began dusting again. I gently picked the little wooden box up that I had admired sooo many times before. From the time I was 6 or so up until this very day. When I was younger, I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. I loved to hold it and open the hinged lid. I can still see Grandma smiling as I'd look into it. When I would pick it up, she would remind me to be gentle with it, but always allowed me to look it over real well. Everytime I looked at it always felt like the very first time I'd ever seen it. There were specific things that grandma had that she wanted to pass on to her loved ones. She had always planned to write the name of the recipient on the back of each item, but never got to where she could do that. I never asked Grandma for this wooden box, but I always loved it. It was indeed to become a priceless treasure box.

~~Amen

I turned the wooden box over, and gasped. There on the bottom in my grandma's handwriting was my name. I don't know when she wrote my name on the bottom of this box but she had been gone about 13 years when I found it. I showed it to Papa and he smiled. Of course he made me take it home with me. It sits on my dresser where I can see it several times a day, everyday. I often turn it over just to read where my grandma wrote my name, and to admire her oh so familiar handwriting. It always takes me back to when I was a child, admiring the box. I can still hear grandma softly telling me to be gentle with it. But she always let me hold it and admire it. It was a treasure box to me, holding treasures not yet found. It's my treasure box still today, because it holds such special memories. And brimming over with love, with my name lovingly placed on the bottom. So many times I've looked at this treasure box, and wished with all my heart I could say, "Ohhhh grandma, thank you, thank you. Thank you soooo much!" Today I'll say a prayer, "Dear Lord, tell my little grandma, thank you, and tell her I love her." ~~Amen

My Thinking Blogger Award

My friend RoseMary gifted me with this special award. I was so shocked. I'm not good at placing links so I'm going to give their blog addresses. I first want you to check out RoseMary's. It's become my home away from home. I don't think a day goes by I don't visit her. www.lifeinacordwoodcabin.blogspot.com

This is like a pay it forward. I am to choose 5 more people who's blog's make me think. This is hard, because there are so many I love to visit each day. But then again easy because again, there's so many I love.

1st is Sue at www.countrypleasures.blogspot.com Sue is special, she was my first swap partner at the farmgirl connection. I love visiting and seeing her part of the world. She has been a great inspiration to me, awaking some creativity that I thought was long gone. Thanks Sue, knowing you is such a pleasure and an honor.

2nd is my friend at www.beachyscapecodcupboard.blogspot.com She is soooo creative and her place is like taking a breath of fresh air, and I come away smiling. What a true treat to be blogging friends with this dear lady!

3rd is another good friend at www.day4plus.blogspot.com She is my kind of farmgirl. She stays busy taking care of her animals and her blog just shouts "springtime" which is so welcoming. Especially with our cold weather. Thanks for sharing your place with me.

4th is Nancy Jo at www.nancy-jo.blogspot.com She always has so much neat goodies to share! My goodness if I could learn to power shop like you Nancy. You always find the sweetest things. I love my visits to your part of the world.

5th is Claudia at www.teenytinycabin.blogspot.com I can always expect to find something special she's made. She's a marvelous crafter. Her blog feeds my spirit and I thank you for all you share with me Claudia. Thank you.

Thanks to all of you. You have made my life a lot more special. I pray Gods blessing upon you all. Thanks from the bottom of my heart!

HEART TO HEART

I had so much fun visiting everyone today, what a wonderful time it was. I met some new people and made some new friends and got to visit some old ones too. I hope you all had as much fun as I did. It's funny how we can form such a bond with others so far away and some on the other side of the world. I love to meet others with my same interests and those who have other interests too. I hope you come back and visit again very soon. I know I can't wait to see everyone again and see what your up to in your part of the world. It's been so cold here today, even flurries at times. Visiting all the homey blogs and potluck dinners sure warmed me up, and made me smile too. I hope you enjoy the poem By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, I know I did.

THE ARROW AND THE SONG

I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For, so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.

I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For who has sight so keen and strong,
That it can follow the flight of song?

Long, long afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend.

~~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Open Fire Supper

Welcome to a primitive style supper! Cooked over an open fire. Cheesy potatoes and Elk pot roast. I just cut the taters up and cut up some onion, sprinkle some bacon over it and season salt. Cook till done then add the cheese. The roast, just add whatever veggies you want and cook away. Some lousy directions huh? They really just speak for themselves though. I enjoy cooking like this and it's really easier than one would think. I've made pineapple upside down cake and other great desserts dutchoven cooking. So glad you all stopped by. We'll be having some singing and poetry reading later on on the porch bout sundown. Come back again!!!

WHERE'D THEY GO?

These bright little blooms was so sweet the other day. I enjoyed them very much. But the cold won't last long, right? I'm looking forward to getting all my flowers in the ground. We have to have two truckloads of mulch brought in. Last year we needed some but thought we'd put it off till this year. Some hanging baskets with bright blooms and my containers full of color, I can't wait! And of course the weather, I'm hoping will start drying up. I can't get moved into the cabin till it does. I'm getting very impatient. This project started last August and I've been plenty patient already, but I don't think it will be much longer till I'm sitting on the front porch of my cabin watching the sun set and listening to the nightingale sing me into a soft sleep. I plan on having lots of herbs in containers around the porch and a small vegetable garden in the back. I'm hoping to set out two or three small apple trees. I don't know how much we'll get accomplished this year, but it will all happen in time. Well, everyone stay tuned here on the farm!!! I'll be having more GIVE-A-WAYS!!! anytime. You'll have to check back.

Warm by the fire

Gather round and warm yourself. What a change in the weather we're having! I just went out and covered my rose bush up and my lilac bush. The lilac bush has blooms popping out already. I hope everything will make it through the night. Lows of 28 tonight expected. My goodness, where did all that Spring weather go???? I was just getting all geared up too. That's the way it goes I guess. I am going to curl up on the couch and knit some on the lace I am making. Sorry this is such a boring day, and boring post. I wish I was feeling creative today but I'm not.

AND THE WINNER IS....

Sue!!!!! Congratulations!! Sue is the winner of the snowman tealight lamp, and some other goodies. I will get it in the mail this week, and I hope you enjoy it! I chuckled when I drew Sue's name out because she was my first swap partner on the farmgirl connection! I'll be having more drawings and giveaway's so stay tuned!

MISSING: Amish doll

She was last seen on a country road inside a homey and primitive family farmhouse. She has distinguishing handmade stitching and she appears to be stuffed. At last sighting she was naked, and appeared to be very troubled. Awaiting her new outfit took longer than she had expected apparently. If seen please post to this blog.
IN THE BEGINNING: My mother handstitched this lovely doll from an old Amish pattern. She sat in moms rocker for sometime when Mom gave her to me. One of us was going to HAVE to dress this poor thing. So, I took her home, and sat her in MY rocker. There she sat, and sat, and, she sat some more. In the meantime, as I would go to visit the Amish to see how my cabin was coming along that they were building for me and my dear husband, I had one of the Amish women make me a set of Amish dolls. The ones she made are a bit bigger than this doll. Well, Mom asked me sometime later to just bring the doll back and she would make her some clothes. So, that's what I did. I then, again, sometime later, asked the Amish lady to make her some clothes, so I could give them to mom for the doll. Well, she did, and..... I did. Take them to mom that is. Mom said, "I don't have that doll. I gave her to you!" "Yes mom, but you asked me to bring her back, and I did." "No you didn't Mikki". Then dad chimes in, "No you didn't honey, I've not seen that doll in forever." Hmmmmmmm. Uhohhhh

Amazing Grace

FOUND: I once was lost, but now I'm found.......

I received a phone call. It was my dear daddy. He said, "Guess what your mommy found?" I said, "What?" He had my curiosity peaked. "A doll." He said. We both began to laugh. I asked where at, and mom said the only place she hadn't looked. Dad told her he was going to call me and rat her out, and she threatened to drive by and sling her up under my porch. lol Of course, mom thought her long gone. She thought I accidently tossed her out with the trash on Christmas day. I began to second guess myself and had actually looked my house over. But nope, she was lost for sure. So, here she is. Happily dressed, donning a new bonnet and dress and apron and a new name Amazing Grace. She once was lost but thank goodness she's been found. Not making light of the name at all, she will forever remind me of God's Amazing Grace!!!

Thanks to Sue soooo much for this sweet handmade card and the beautiful Bible Marker she made. Thank you very much. It really means a lot and brightened my day so much. Have a great day! Everyone be sure to scroll down and enter for the drawing tomorrow. There's other goodies plus the photo of the snowman lamp that will be going to the winner!