Free Stuff, a New Book, and a Note!

Free Stuff?. . . .Yes!
I'm cleaning out and simplifying--again. . . .What to do with it?
I could (and did) donate to Goodwill and other thrift stores. . . .But, I thought how I love freebies and packages in the mail, so I decided to offer my blogging friends a few. . . .The only catch is you have to pay shipping and handling through PayPal. . .

I'll post the goodies at Our Old Country Store sometime this week. . . .and will be adding to the first batch along the way. . . .Watch for the first offerings. . . .Be sure to check back often. 
 

 And now. . . .I just have to tell you. . . .I'm so excited about Cindy Grisham's new book:

 A Savory History of Arkansas Delta Food: Potlikker, Coon Suppers & Chocolate Gravy

Don't you love that title?

Our farm, the cooks in our family, and a few family recipes are in it! 

So surprised and honored to be a part of all the other contributors! 

 Cindy visited with us last year, interviewing me about the food we ate while growing up.

I never dreamed she'd use that interview to feature our farm. . . .

Five pages +. . . .and a photo of the farm!

 Cindy interviewed and featured a number of farms and cooks from this part of the Delta. 

She also includes a detailed history of the area.

Says Amazon.com

 "Up and down the Arkansas Delta, food tells a story. Whether the time Bill Clinton nearly died on the way to a coon dinner or the connections made over biscuits and gravy or the more common chicken and dumpling feuds, the area is no stranger to history. One of America's last frontiers, it was settled in the late nineteenth century by a rough-and-tumble collection of timber men, sharecroppers and entrepreneurs from all over the world who embraced the traditional foodways and added their own twists. Today, the Arkansas Delta is the nation's largest producer of rice and adds other crops like catfish and sweet potatoes. Join author Cindy Grisham for this delicious look into Delta cuisine."

If you're interested in a copy, you'll find it at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and bookstores across the country. . . .Lots of good reading about the Delta foodways and it's people!

Just one more note. . . .I've been "down" with an inner ear problem. . . .So dizzy. . . .The floor keeps moving! . . .My tummy's not having fun either. . . .This has been a problem for several weeks. . . .which is the reason I haven't posted as much nor answered comments. . . .I so hope you understand. . . .I'll be seeing the doctor again this week. . . .Keep your fingers crossed for me that he'll find a medication that works. . . .I'm sooooooo ready to get back to normal. . . .and my blogging friends. . . .By next week, I should be standing straight again. . . .I hope. . . .

Thanks for your concern. . . .It's just a tiny bump in the road. . . .

Stocking the Potting Shed with Enamelware

Hi Everyone! Sure hope your week is going well. . . .

I've been on the road this week off and on. . . .Was I ever thrilled to see the Queen Anne's Lace blooming alongside the highways! . . .One of my absolute favorite wild flowers to dry. . . .They look so pretty in crocks. . . .Well, they look wonderful in anything!

I'd already promised myself that I'd cut and dry a few bunches this year. . . .missed out on it last year. . . .I came home excited--but knowing that I'd have to squeeze cleaning up the potting shed in between errands and making ready for a Christmas In June show this weekend. . . .The potting shed is the best place for drying the delicate beauties. . . .I've developed a technique over the years. . . .needed the table, as well as places to hang them.

I ventured out to the shed one morning at 5:30--that's a.m., ladies. . . .I'd hardly peeked inside all Spring. . . .I knew what faced me. . . .It was full of yard and garden items stored over the winter. . . .Along with the clutter was a half inch of dirt on everything. . . .We've had at least 3 or 4 dust storms lately, so bad that I couldn't see across the road. . . .You can imagine how much had accumulated in the sheds. . . .

First, I let out a huge sigh. . . .then I gathered up my strength and dug in. . . .

While I was at it, I did a thorough discard. . . .things I no longer cared about. . . .as well as just pure-d-old-junk. . . .You know it had to be REAL junk if I tossed it. . . .

What treasures I discovered, too! . . .Like the rusted door knobs, once used here at the farm. . . .Large glass jars for storing--anything. . . .Even found a bird's nest. . . .There's no telling how long it's been there. . . .We stopped the birds from nesting inside the shed a couple of years ago. . . .It was tucked in a broken crock on the shelf, way up high. . . .

 I also discovered I had a LOT more enamelware than I thought. . . .mostly pieces that were rusty, crusty and well used. . . .I'd picked them up over the years for potting flowers. . . .Once I had these white beauties washed and dried, they were pretty enough to display and utilize for storage. . . .for hiding all those little necessary items for gardening that just cause clutter.

I did add several pieces without holes or rust. . . .We have tons of it in our store museum. . . .Enamelware is a mainstay of a farmhouse. . . .I was fairly shocked lately at how the prices are going up. . . .Several ladies at the 100 mile yard sale told me it had been the hot-est item they'd sold. . . .A couple of years ago, I could pick them up for as little as $1. . . .sometimes 25c. . . .Not these days. . . .Good thing I bought as many as I saw then. . . I also had a good supply from my Mom and Aunts. . . .

They'll be such fun in the potting shed this summer. . . .I thought I'd use the coffee pot like a small watering can. . . .John found the red drawer in some else's trash. . . .I grabbed it up before he could hide it!

The gallon jars are ready to be filled. . . .the vintage tools? Rusty and crusty, too. . . .but totally useable.

Do you recognize the little chair below. . . .Bought it at the 100 mile yard sale. . . .Looks so much better painted white. . . .Just a touch of whimsy. . . .

Buried under all the clutter were three red wagons. . . .One regular size, one medium size, and this doll size. . . .They'd been buried for years. . . .The two larger ones headed for the store museum. . . .I kept the smallest. . . .another bit of whimsy. . . .I like things that make me smile. . . .little red wagons do just that. . . .

No potting shed is complete without a water dipper. . . .and lots and lots of baskets. . . .They are another item I've bought in the past that are becoming scarce. . . .
You might want to stock up on a few for your farmhouse before the prices sky rocket. . . .

A painted sign found under the barn tied everything together. . . .

The end result. . . .two mornings of discard. . . .move out. . . .hose down. . . .scrub. . . .move in. . . .I was so filthy, all you could see were the whites of my eyes. . . .Was it worth it?

Oh, YES! 

Now, what was the reason I started all this?. . . .Oh, yeah. . . .the Queen Anne's Lace!

Well, that will have to wait til next week. . . .I'll share my technique for drying with you later. . . .It's fairly simple and very old fashioned. . . .but it works! . . .I learned it from my Grandmother. . . .

Time now to get busy packing up for the Christmas in June show. . . .

Have a wonderful weekend, Everyone!

. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .

A Summer Farmhouse Bedroom Reveal

Wheeeee. . . .What a week!
Now it's Friday. . . .Where did the week go?
 It's about time I get this Farmhouse Bedroom posted!

It's not Plain & Simple as I envisioned. . . .No, it's Farmhouse Chic!
One of the reasons it took me so long to finished was because I couldn't find the elements I needed for a Plain & Simple bedroom. . . .I searched high and low. . . .in closets, attics, storage. . . .I gave up. . . .finally. . . .One day I'll find them and will be able to show the bedroom in a different style.

I was inspired by my blogging friend Jill at Homespun and Handmade who makes the softest, most gorgeous quilts out of vintage sheets. . . .I also found a blog called Naughty Shorts, where vintage sheets are used to make wonderfully lovely dresses. . . .Both so inspiring. . . .Enough so that on the 100 mile yard sale last weekend, I picked up quite a few sheets and pillowcases at very little expense. . . .My plan was to stitch up a couple of dresses for interpreting the 1930s here at the farm. . . .Washed, starched, and ironed, a few stood out. . . .Paired with the vintage Chenille spread, they're perfect choices for a Summer Farmhouse Bedroom. . . .

In years past, I haven't used a dust ruffle. . . .I like the open, airy look. . . .When I decided to add one, frilly and fancy wasn't an option for me. . . .I chose a sheer fabric, laid it across the box springs, and tied the ends at the posts. . . .

 So EASY. . . .

To soften the wall, I hung white, thrifted drapes from the pegged board. . . .Added a hand painted window above the bed. . . .And ironstone pitchers. . . .A Sunday hat. 

This wall is a short one. . . . The bed is placed there because I love waking up and being able to see the barns, buildings, and flower gardens out two windows. . . .One day I'll show you the view. . . .
 

Fresh roses from the garden. . . .A vintage jewelry box. . . .A 25c platter from the 100 mile yard sale. . . .Aunt Mamie's hanky. . . .All sitting on top of a stool--also a yard sale purchase. . . .

A favorite quilt hangs on the ladder close-by for chilly nights. . . .

Mom's "Little Kitty" rests at the end of the bed. . . .

I gave this sweetie to Mom one Christmas. . . .So lifelike that it fooled a lot of people. . . .We had many laughs about it. . . .I remember one time a guest asked if the kitty was okay? . . . .He hadn't seen it move for the whole two hours he'd been talking. . . .Mom and I both burst out in laughter. . . .

I've fooled several people on the blog, too. . . .Now you know my secret. . . .

Between the farmhouse closet doors hangs a collection of vintage prints and needlework. . . .

 The "Ladies" show off their new clothes from the yard sale. . . .

Reflecting in the painted vanity. . . .
(More photos of this beautiful piece at A Bedroom Vanity Change.)

Even though I thought I wanted a Plain & Simple style, Farmhouse Chic is good. . . .
I think I told you once that the way I know it's time for a change was when I walk into a room and don't smile or notice it. . . .

I'm smiling. . . .

. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . . 

I'm sharing this post with: * Feathered Nest Friday * Be Inspired Fridays * Simple & Sweet Fridays * Budget Decorating Party * Knick of Time Tuesday * Tweak It Tuesday

Favorite Weekend Finds

Singer Electric Sewing Machine. . . .$8

We couldn't have asked for a better weekend for exploring the Missouri 100 Mile Yard Sale. . . .The sun was shining bright. . . .There was a gentle breeze all day long. . . .A jacket was in order for our early morning stops. . . .But, by noon those jackets were tucked away in the truck.

Mop Bucket $7. . . .Metal Fish Baskets 75c. . . .Metal Milk Crate $3

We pulled out of our driveway early Friday morning around 5:30 a. m. and headed for Kennett. . . . only 30 miles away. . . .We live within 8 or 9 miles of the Missouri Bootheel as the crow flies, so it's just a short drive. . . .Both John and I were in high spirits. . . .anticipating the day. . . .We had a strategy--to hit all the interesting sales along Highway 25 and a few favorites on Friday and to return on Saturday for the sales we missed in the small towns. . . .We didn't have to go far before our first stop. . . .where I spotted the vintage Singer sewing machine. . . .I figured it would cost me at least $50 and maybe more. . . . I decided if it was too much, I'd pass. . . .I do already have 18 machines!

Country Chair $5 (I bought 3)

 There were a couple of men selling tools and "guy stuff". . . .The Singer was among the saws and screwdrivers. . . .No tag on it. . . .I didn't act too interested and let John take the lead looking at all that guy stuff. . . .Finally, very casually, I asked, "How much do you want for the Singer?". . . .$10. . . .I almost swallowed my tongue!

"I'll give you 8"
"OK"

John picked it up and into the truck it went!. . . .Then he returned to do his shopping. . . .At the same place, I bought numerous pieces of Ironstone. . . .and some blue and white. . . .25c-$2.00 each. . . .

10:00--We'd only traveled 20 miles of the yard sale. . . .By noon, we'd traveled about 10 more miles to Bernie. . .only by passing up several potentially great sales. . . .But, we were tired and hungry and knew there was a little park in Bernie where we could eat our picnic lunch. . . .We back tracked later.

Bernie was filled with yard sales off the road. . . .We stuck to our plan, though, and headed farther north. . . .to Dexter. . . .Bloomfield. . . .and above. . . .
 
Over the two days, we never made it the whole 100 miles. . . .We decided next year, we'd start at the northern point and come back down. . . .

Primitive Cabinet $32.50

So many friendly people we met and shared our stories with. . . .That's part of the fun. . . .and, so many bargains. . . .I stayed with my plan, though. . . .Only purchased items for the store museum, the garden, and the house. . . .

I was pretty proud of myself being able to resist temptation. . . .

Found no Hoosier. . . .I was fairly disappointed about that. . . .But, I did find some primitive pieces. . . .The blue cabinet above will go at the entry to the keeping room. . . .Have to clean it up first. . . .Spider webs and dust. . . .but, isn't it wonderful!

I included this cute feed sack fabric with "duckies' in my favorites for a reason. . . .My Mom once made me a shorts set with the same sack. . . .What a trip down Memory Lane that was. . . .John said I had this huge smile on my face from then on. . . .

Both days, we came home with a truck full. . . .worn out but happy. . . .John actually bought more than I, if you go by money spent. . . .Tools, supplies, hunting gear. . . .This was the first year that we saw lots and lots of men selling. . . .Made us question if times are really bad. . . .

English Ironstone pitcher $1

 I'll have to get the stain out of some of the Ironstone pieces. . . .A little hydrogen peroxide and water will do the trick. . . .

English Ironstone platters 25c-$1. . . .Small pitchers 75c and $2

If you'd like to see more of our finds, hop on over to Our Old Country Store. . . .There's wooden crates. . . .Metal and enamelware. . . .A bike for the garden. . . .and lots more. . . .I didn't photograph all the finds, though. . . .Just too many. . . .You'll be seeing them later anyway, as I add them to our home and gardens.

See more at Our Old Country Store

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Summer has begun! Our weather will be warm and sunny all week, so we're working outside. . . .There's the gardens to weed, the garden house to clean and set up for the summer, out buildings to down size, rockers to move to the porch, plants to pot. . . .It's endless. . . .But, I'm sure we'll "enjoy" it together. . . .We've been so blessed with our historic district and the people who have contributed to it. . . .Hopefully, if we get all done, we'll begin tours again in the Fall. . . .

Will be back with a bedroom post sometime this week!

Til then. . . .