Sunday, December 28, 2014

SUNDAY: Kindred Spirits


What happens when two farm gals at heart from OLD TIME FARMHOUSE and THE COUNTRY FARM HOME get together for the first time face-to-face? . .Well. . . .I think a friend of mine predicted the outcome when she heard John and I were going to Kentucky and would be spending a morning with Old Time Cindy. . ."POOR JOHN!!!!". . .She knew what would happen. . .She knew Poor John wouldn't be able to get a word in edgewise. . .


And she was just about right. . .Cindy and I talked and talked. . .laughed and giggled. . .shared our hearts. . .and found that we truly are Kindred Spirits. . .We've suspected it for a while. . .ever since we 'met' while blogging and began emailing back and forth. . .How long ago was that? . . Hmmm. . .about two years I think?

I was excited for days before John and I actually arrived. . .and when the moment finally came, Cindy and I started chattering like a couple of old friends. . .as if we'd known each other for a lifetime. . .John commented more than once after we left that she and I were acting just like sisters. . .so much to say. . .so much to share. . .no hesitation to discuss even the most personal matters. . .

Good Friend. . .Sister at Heart. . .Kindred Spirit. . .
Yes, that's what I found. . .but I wasn't surprised. . .
 
Cindy is one of those rare and special persons. . .kind and caring. . .thoughtful and talented. . .genuine. . .AND. . .John wants me to throw in" a good cook, too". . .He has talked non-stop about the lunch of homemade soup, the black bean veggie burger, hummus and veggie chips (Cindy and I both follow a vegetarian diet) and a delicious cherry cobbler for John. . .I hear "Be sure to get those recipes from Cindy" a lot these days. . ."Okay Dear, once I get the internet back."
 
A Christmas Gift from Old Time Cindy. . .She made the scented red heart. . .
and there's homemade soap inside. . .I'll show the other gift sometime in the future. . .
She knows what I love. . . .
The time we spent together was too short. . .but it won't be the last. . .We're adopting each other by-the-way. . .because it's really true. . .Sisters aren't always by blood. . .Sometimes it's simply a meeting of the hearts. . .Kindred Spirits. . . .Someone you feel you've known forever. . .and hope to know better in the future.

There will be more trips. . .of that I'm sure. . .There's so much to share. . .and so little time. . .We have an awful lot of catching up to do. . .
If you haven't met Cindy at OLD TIME FARMHOUSE, you should. . .
As John noted when we drove off,
"SHE'S A KEEPER". . .


You know, there are moments in life when the heart is deeply touched. . .when a person knows that lives are woven together one with another. . .Blogging is such a wonderful place to see this happen over and over. . .Last Fall I was thrilled to meet yet another special lady who has followed The Country Farm Home and has been a source of encouragement to me. . .Rebecca lives less than an hour from here but I never would have met her had it not been for blogging. . . That's the amazing part of it. . .getting to know others. . .bonding. . .sharing. . .realizing we are not alone in our uniqueness. . .There are others who are just as unique but whose spirits speak to ours. . .

And. . .that was as far as I got writing this special post  way back on December 9. . .We had returned from Kentucky late December 8. . .By the time we unpacked the next day. . .shipped some loom orders. . .answered emails and phone calls. . .the day was pretty much gone. . .I was determined to get a post on the net the next day bright and early. . .to tell you of our adventure. . .when suddenly I had no internet. . .No storm. . .No power surge. . .just no internet. . .The rest I think you know. . .So, before the holidays were totally over, I had to share this story with you. . .It may be old news but I'm still smiling. . .
 
Thank you, Cindy, for opening your heart and home to this Farmer's Daughter.
It was a perfect day. . .

Sure wish I could visit with each one of you in person, too. . .We never know what Life will bring us, though. . .One day you may see an Arkansas car pulling into YOUR drive. . .
 
I so love surprises. . .don't you? (wink)

HEART-FELT SUNDAY HUGS to ALL

 
 

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

We Wish You A Merry Christmas


The packages are wrapped and loaded into the cart. . .
Sweet goodies are ready and waiting for our Christmas dinner. . .
The fire roars in the keeping room. . and Christmas music plays in the background.
Boo is sound asleep in his chair. . John is not far behind him. . .(grin)
I'm filled with Christmas Joy as I look on. . .
thinking what a true Farmhouse Christmas this is. . .
and feeling so Blessed. . .Who could wish for more. . .
 
Wishing You Many, Many
Farmhouse Christmas Blessings, too.
and Hoping that
All Your Wishes Come True
 
 
 
Ok. . .So I do have one more wish. . .
That I'll soon be back on the internet. . .and visiting with all my friends again. . .
Yes. . .Our net has been DOWN for weeks. . .but we hope to return after the New Year. . .
Maybe you could put a good word into Santa for us? (chuckle chuckle)
 


Sunday, December 7, 2014

SUNDAY: In the Spirit of Christmas

The Christmas decorations at Bruton Parish Church are always gorgeous. . .
and reflect such a lovely spirit of Christmas. . .


As I step inside, they take my breath away. . .No photos can do them justice. . .the aroma of evergreens and beeswax candles fill the air. . .No matter which direction I turn there is a photo opportunity. . .So come along and visit with me. . .be inspired with evergreen wreaths and roping. . .candles and poinsettias. . .impeccable restoration and beauty. . .
 

Bruton Parish Church is located in the restored area of Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. It was established in 1674 by the consolidation of two previous parishes in the Virginia Colony, and remains an active Episcopal parish.
 
History walked here. . .for Bruton Parish was the church of many of this Nation's Founding Fathers. . .George Washington, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., George Wythe, Francis Lightfoot Lee and Carter Braxton,  George Mason. . .


I've walked here many times, too (not that I'm famous lol). . .sat in the pews. . .worshiped in the services. . .spent many lunch hours in the quiet and stillness. . .and often heard voices from the past whisper in my ear. . .
 
Forgive me for the history lesson and personal experiences. . .Sometimes I can't help myself.
 
Christmas at Bruton Parish is a very special time. . .the true spirit of Christmas abides and it's celebration is displayed in part by the gorgeous decorations and attention to detail. . .See for yourself. . .I'll leave you to ooh and aah. . .








 
 






 
 


SUNDAY BLESSINGS
from the Colonies
 


Thursday, December 4, 2014

Loom Scrap and Christmas Stars

Sometimes John surprises me. . .He gets the make-do spirit and comes up with a winner. . .I think I've told you before that he's an 'in-the-box thinker'. . .I'm the dreamer of the family. . .but I think I might be rubbing off on him after all these years. . .
 
He has tons of left-over wood scrap (sticks) from his loom making. . .We've used them in the garden and to stake the location of tree seedlings. . .We've found a few other uses, but mostly the wood has been stacking up into a huge mound.
 
A week or so ago, he was saying he had way too much left-over wood, so I suggested he do something with it--thinking he should put it on the burn pile. . .Well, he wasn't thinking burn pile. . .His mind was going in another direction. . .A few days later I walked into the garage (which right now is an over-sized storage room), turned on the lights, and literally saw STARS. . .little stars. . .medium stars. . .large stars. . .
 
 
John calls them Christmas Stars. . .I say we'll use them the year round--not just at Christmas--but since he made them we'll call them Christmas Stars. . .I've seen these at craft shows and in magazines. . .The concept is nothing new. . .And these aren't glamour shots I've taken of them. . .My purpose was to show you how easy they would be for anyone to make. . .
 
Cut the strips to the desired length
Play with the arrangement
(Notice that one end is under and the other end is over)
Don't try to make them perfect
Use short wood screws to hold them together
You're done!
 
I have the larger stars turned to the back so you can see where he placed the screws. . .When flipped around the screws aren't visible--as in the smaller background star above. . .If you leave them outside for a while, they will weather to soft gray. . .or you can stain or paint them. . .add twinkle lights if you want. . .I don't know exactly how I'll decorate with them. . .guess you'll have to wait and see. . .(grin)
 
 
 I'm so proud of John. . .
He might just shape up into an 'in-the-box' person, too.
His only comment has been,
"Even an old dog can learn new tricks."
I'm not sure that's the way the saying goes, but I sure won't be the one to tell him.
I like the way he's thinking. . .
 
 
 



Tuesday, December 2, 2014

The Country Farm Home Christmases Past

I made a discovery as I began looking for a photo for the Christmas header. . .
 

vintage farmhouse décor seems so versatile and always in style. . .I rarely buy new decorations each Christmas.  I simply go to the cupboards, the attic, the barns, the garden house--anywhere I might find make-do items. . . I do keep an eye on the trends and sometimes tweak them to my style. . .I believe any time you decorate, it should make you happy. . .make you smile. . .eye candy for your heart. . .
 
Vintage Farmhouse Christmas décor is timeless. . .whether done two years ago or last week. . .It all fits. . .which is why I'm sharing links with you today to Christmases past at The Country Farm Home. . .I was finding inspiration myself as I reviewed a few old posts, so I thought you might, too. . .Let's face it. . .Few of us look at old posts. . .such a shame because every blog is filled with inspiration from past Christmases. . .With easier access, they can be a huge source to get the ole creative juices flowing. . .
 
So here's Christmases in Review. . .Hope you'll take the time to click on the links and visit a few of the most popular Christmases posts. . .Not enough time? . . .Then enjoy the photos below. . .They put me in the Christmas Spirit. . .Hope they do the same for you. . .


This was my all time favorite table setting
and a hit with our guests. . .
They couldn't believe I put a bucket and boots on the table. . .
 
 
I remember this was an impromptu idea one day while doing a little fire cooking. . .
 
 
A Christmas treat for my Honey. . .
It includes a recipe link for my original recipe for Moon Pie Bread Pudding. . .
 




I made some pretty unusual choices to decorate the cupboards. . .
but it's been my favorite. . .

 

 
 
Another table setting that was a hit. . .all white and gold, crystal and china, memories and fun. . .
 




Fresh evergreens are my favorites to decorate with. . .
very simple to fill a crock or carrier with them and add vintage kitchen tools. . .
How easy is that?



 
The theme for the entire house was natural objects, brown paper wrappings,
evergreens, red birds, lots of white and bright. . .
 

My love of geraniums inspired this post. . .


Another of my favorites because it was something I did special for us. . .
an evening by firelight, spiced bread and hot cider, candlelight, plump pillows, soft throws. . .Christmas music in the background. . .We decided to make this a  yearly tradition. . .
 
 
I can see--and I'm sure you can--that my photo taking and editing has improved over the years. . .Practice does make perfect. . .Although I haven't reached perfection, I have enjoyed the challenge and learned so much. . .I have so loved sharing this journey with all of you. . .Hope there will be many more years to come. . .
 
Thanks for strolling down memory lane with me. . .
Hope it gives you a little inspiration in making your own Christmas  a special one.
 
 
 
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